Showing posts with label Wings to Fly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wings to Fly. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Monday, November 20, 2017
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Posts About Me 7
This is the seventh in a series of posts about me. I hope these help
you decide my books are worth the read. I also hope they help save time
for those who have no interest in my books. I know there's nothing more
disappointing than expecting one kind of book and discovering what I'm
reading isn't something I'm interested in reading. Not all books in a
single genre are the same. Authors in the same genre are as different as
football players on the same team and cupcake bakers. A lot of similarities but no two are alike.
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series. I saved this series of stories for last, except for the Holiday series. TSLS is the most difficult to talk about, for me. It's the most personal of all the series. I took major turning points in my life and wrote stories with the truths I know now but didn't know then.
The inspiration for the Silver Lockets came from the story, The Refiner's Fire, shared through emails and on FB. One of my dear friends was a part of the women's Bible study group and shared the story with me. I chose the symbolism of the silver heart locket and the photos inside. Carol Fiorillo chose beautiful lockets for each cover. I held off on my descriptions for the lockets until I saw the cover mock-up. I did have specific ideas for some of them, but mostly Carol chose what she thought fit from the information given to her on the Cover Art sheet.
Some of the events in each of the stories are true.
In Luck In Love, I worked in Yellowstone, at Lake Hotel, in 1983. I was on the second floor, the women's floor, of the Sandpiper dorm. Sara, the heroine was chased by a moose. Yes, that happened to me. No, there was no Luck for me. He was a "What if?" I had so much to learn. I didn't know anything about PTSD yet. I gave Sara and Luck the benefit of my growth and changes. I endeavored to be careful to not use anything not common knowledge in 1983.
In Mark's Grace, I brought to life a dream I'd had years ago. I dreamed the man who wanted to impress me decorated my home for Christmas. I didn't know how to accept the gift. It terrified me at first, and then charmed me. I couldn't imagine any man doing something like that for me. Writing it into the story allowed me to live the dream. The house where Mark and Grace live actually exists in Signal Hill. If I were independently wealthy, I'd live there. The dog story is mine. Mark was inspired by cover model Jimmy Thomas. The first time I met him I asked for a hug. He gives the best hugs. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to wrap his arms around me without making me feel trapped or even uncomfortable. The moment he hugged me, I knew I'd found what I wanted for Grace. By the way, Grace wasn't supposed to have her own story and then her story wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years. Characters have their own ideas. I endeavor to stay out of the way.
In Saving Lisa, I lived in Thailand, in '84 and '85. I was present at the Fourth of July celebration at the embassy in Bangkok. I expected Lisa, but I didn't expect Eric. He surprised me, pleasantly. I'm not a photographer, but my sister is, so I picked her brain frequently. I knew of the slave trade while I was there, but only peripherally. I learned more later, after I returned home. Heartbreaking. I did land myself in a precarious position on one occasion, and to this day think that but for the Grace of God... All the royalties go to Operation Underground Railroad.
In Finding Home, I flew to England for the summer of '86. The moment I landed in London, I felt like I'd come home. The joy of writing the book was re-visiting a beloved place, and more especially the people. I learned a lot about being gracious and appreciative. I had a lot to learn. I was treated with kindness by everyone. Becki worked for the airlines, and so did I. Ian lives in the flat I would have loved to have owned. It was down the road from where I stayed. I miss the people who treated me like their American princess and claimed me as their own. I did not properly appreciate it then; I didn't think I deserved it.
In Wings to Fly, Samantha and Jordan wrapped up my whirlwind life of travel. The dog and the horse were mine. Samantha gave me an opportunity to pull together so many of the things I learned through my counselors. A fun side note is that Samantha and Jordan's favorite place to eat is P.croissant, which is my favorite eatery. P.croissant kindly gave me permission to use them in my story. They've been open since 1983. What a perfect coincidence.
In many ways, The Silver Locket Sisterhood was cathartic. I was able to release a lot of painful memories as well as clarify my faith. I can't remember ever doubting Jesus as my Savior. However, learning to trust Him has been a lifelong battle. I have to remind myself that the real lack of faith has been in myself. I was able to build my faith along with my characters. My hope in writing the series and seeking publication is others will learn they aren't alone.
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series. I saved this series of stories for last, except for the Holiday series. TSLS is the most difficult to talk about, for me. It's the most personal of all the series. I took major turning points in my life and wrote stories with the truths I know now but didn't know then.
The inspiration for the Silver Lockets came from the story, The Refiner's Fire, shared through emails and on FB. One of my dear friends was a part of the women's Bible study group and shared the story with me. I chose the symbolism of the silver heart locket and the photos inside. Carol Fiorillo chose beautiful lockets for each cover. I held off on my descriptions for the lockets until I saw the cover mock-up. I did have specific ideas for some of them, but mostly Carol chose what she thought fit from the information given to her on the Cover Art sheet.
Some of the events in each of the stories are true.
In Luck In Love, I worked in Yellowstone, at Lake Hotel, in 1983. I was on the second floor, the women's floor, of the Sandpiper dorm. Sara, the heroine was chased by a moose. Yes, that happened to me. No, there was no Luck for me. He was a "What if?" I had so much to learn. I didn't know anything about PTSD yet. I gave Sara and Luck the benefit of my growth and changes. I endeavored to be careful to not use anything not common knowledge in 1983.
In Mark's Grace, I brought to life a dream I'd had years ago. I dreamed the man who wanted to impress me decorated my home for Christmas. I didn't know how to accept the gift. It terrified me at first, and then charmed me. I couldn't imagine any man doing something like that for me. Writing it into the story allowed me to live the dream. The house where Mark and Grace live actually exists in Signal Hill. If I were independently wealthy, I'd live there. The dog story is mine. Mark was inspired by cover model Jimmy Thomas. The first time I met him I asked for a hug. He gives the best hugs. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to wrap his arms around me without making me feel trapped or even uncomfortable. The moment he hugged me, I knew I'd found what I wanted for Grace. By the way, Grace wasn't supposed to have her own story and then her story wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years. Characters have their own ideas. I endeavor to stay out of the way.
In Saving Lisa, I lived in Thailand, in '84 and '85. I was present at the Fourth of July celebration at the embassy in Bangkok. I expected Lisa, but I didn't expect Eric. He surprised me, pleasantly. I'm not a photographer, but my sister is, so I picked her brain frequently. I knew of the slave trade while I was there, but only peripherally. I learned more later, after I returned home. Heartbreaking. I did land myself in a precarious position on one occasion, and to this day think that but for the Grace of God... All the royalties go to Operation Underground Railroad.
In Finding Home, I flew to England for the summer of '86. The moment I landed in London, I felt like I'd come home. The joy of writing the book was re-visiting a beloved place, and more especially the people. I learned a lot about being gracious and appreciative. I had a lot to learn. I was treated with kindness by everyone. Becki worked for the airlines, and so did I. Ian lives in the flat I would have loved to have owned. It was down the road from where I stayed. I miss the people who treated me like their American princess and claimed me as their own. I did not properly appreciate it then; I didn't think I deserved it.
In Wings to Fly, Samantha and Jordan wrapped up my whirlwind life of travel. The dog and the horse were mine. Samantha gave me an opportunity to pull together so many of the things I learned through my counselors. A fun side note is that Samantha and Jordan's favorite place to eat is P.croissant, which is my favorite eatery. P.croissant kindly gave me permission to use them in my story. They've been open since 1983. What a perfect coincidence.
In many ways, The Silver Locket Sisterhood was cathartic. I was able to release a lot of painful memories as well as clarify my faith. I can't remember ever doubting Jesus as my Savior. However, learning to trust Him has been a lifelong battle. I have to remind myself that the real lack of faith has been in myself. I was able to build my faith along with my characters. My hope in writing the series and seeking publication is others will learn they aren't alone.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Conversation among heroes
Luck: I see everyone's here.Leo: Even Jonathan and the Thorns.
Lance: Quite the impressive gathering.
James: A proper send off.
Todd: What's the occasion?
Jack: A Happily Ever After celebration, for which our lady is well known.
Patrick: For whom?
Benjamin: The satisfactory conclusion of a beloved series.
Richard: Peopled with worthy souls.
Henry: One of our series is drawing to a close?
Jack: The incomparable Silver Locket Sisterhood.
Tim: They've enjoyed a good run.
Dusty: Congratulations.
Matthew: I remember their debut.
Jonathan: How time has flown.
Lance: Five books spanning three continents and seventeen years.
Brent: Stories of honor, hope, and home.
Fitzgerald: Bravo, gentleman.
Jack: Last words?
Jordan: God holds us in the fire until He sees His reflection in us, and His timing is perfect.
Ian: God creates miracles using imperfect souls.
Eric: God's plan is always better.
Mark: God never intended us to wait for love but to love every day, as He does.
Luck: God overcomes evil, every time.
Jack: Godspeed, gentlemen.
Lance: Quite the impressive gathering.
James: A proper send off.
Todd: What's the occasion?
Jack: A Happily Ever After celebration, for which our lady is well known.
Patrick: For whom?
Benjamin: The satisfactory conclusion of a beloved series.
Richard: Peopled with worthy souls.
Henry: One of our series is drawing to a close?
Jack: The incomparable Silver Locket Sisterhood.
Tim: They've enjoyed a good run.
Dusty: Congratulations.
Matthew: I remember their debut.
Jonathan: How time has flown.
Lance: Five books spanning three continents and seventeen years.
Brent: Stories of honor, hope, and home.
Fitzgerald: Bravo, gentleman.
Jack: Last words?
Jordan: God holds us in the fire until He sees His reflection in us, and His timing is perfect.
Ian: God creates miracles using imperfect souls.
Eric: God's plan is always better.
Mark: God never intended us to wait for love but to love every day, as He does.
Luck: God overcomes evil, every time.
Jack: Godspeed, gentlemen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Coming soon, the fifth and last...
...of The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
Samantha Merritt wants a forever relationship, but painful lessons from the past interfere with her ability to trust anyone, including God. Despite her friend's reassurances 'this guy is different,' she refuses the offer of another blind date, until she meets him. Now it's too late...
Trust
Jordan Tyler trusts God to protect him but also believes in doing his part by avoiding people who guarantee extra drama. Accepting a blind date with an abuse survivor is not his idea of a leap of faith, more like a fall into stupidity, until he meets her. Choosing friendship didn't mean love would follow...
Forever
God looks on the heart and sees what mortal eyes do not. Only an All-knowing God would pair a couple who worked so hard to avoid each other. The only thing standing in their way of their own Happily Ever After is them...
Brilliant artist Carol Fiorillo created the book cover.
Wings
to Fly
Love
Love
Samantha Merritt wants a forever relationship, but painful lessons from the past interfere with her ability to trust anyone, including God. Despite her friend's reassurances 'this guy is different,' she refuses the offer of another blind date, until she meets him. Now it's too late...
Trust
Jordan Tyler trusts God to protect him but also believes in doing his part by avoiding people who guarantee extra drama. Accepting a blind date with an abuse survivor is not his idea of a leap of faith, more like a fall into stupidity, until he meets her. Choosing friendship didn't mean love would follow...
Forever
God looks on the heart and sees what mortal eyes do not. Only an All-knowing God would pair a couple who worked so hard to avoid each other. The only thing standing in their way of their own Happily Ever After is them...
Brilliant artist Carol Fiorillo created the book cover.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Final edits are in...
Tarnished Knight and Wings to Fly are in. The first will be released on January 21, 2015. The second will be released on February 21, 2015. The paperbacks will be out a month later.
I'm sad to see the end of The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
It's time to rethink my Holiday, USA series. I still want to write them, but clearly I need to create a better schedule.
I'm sad to see the end of The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
It's time to rethink my Holiday, USA series. I still want to write them, but clearly I need to create a better schedule.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Editing...
The most recent round of editing for "Tarnished Knight" is done. I
read it aloud for the first time. Yes, it's advised a manuscript be read aloud, but I'm not
comfortable. I stumble over the simple words. Having said that, I've
participated in Tolkien Reading Day on a number of occasions. I read two
passages from "Lord of the Rings." Namely, Frodo crossing the ford and
the destruction of the Ring. I don't know why I never thought to read my
own work in the same style. It was enlightening. I also trashed my
voice. It's days later, and I have to remind myself my sore throat is not because I'm sick. Taking a quiet day or two or three...
I'm also working on personal edits for "Wings to Fly." The manuscript is turned in and awaiting the publisher's editor. Since I'm always finding typos, I go ahead and go through it on my own. My sister sent me her catches. She'll see stuff I don't.
Faith's Labor is on the desktop and increasing in word count. I'm thinking about participating in NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. I'll do it on my own. Less stress.
I'm also working on personal edits for "Wings to Fly." The manuscript is turned in and awaiting the publisher's editor. Since I'm always finding typos, I go ahead and go through it on my own. My sister sent me her catches. She'll see stuff I don't.
Faith's Labor is on the desktop and increasing in word count. I'm thinking about participating in NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. I'll do it on my own. Less stress.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Wings to Fly...
...is in, by the grace of God. I pray it pleases Him.
A friend posted this on FB, and it definitely applies.
A friend posted this on FB, and it definitely applies.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Deadline frustrations...
Wings to Fly is due on 1 October. I think it's the most challenging of any of the books I've written. It was mostly written when I was offered the contract. As I completed the other four books in the series, I made significant discoveries in my life. I hope my writing reflects what I've learned.
When it came time to finally prepare Wings to Fly for publishing it no longer fit. I was stuck in some circular thinking I'd outgrown. I scrapped most of the book and started over. I a week to finish recreating the story that will finish The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
I've made so many amazing discoveries about Samantha and Jordan. Their battles are more subtle than those of the heroes and heroines of the other books. They tackle the more painful walk of the follower of Christ, the everyday difficulties that trip up a Believer.
It isn't the huge things that crush but the myriad little things building up over time.
This story starts in 1987 and ends in 2001 or 2002. Yes, I'm not sure yet. I'm in rewrites and things tend to change a lot during the process as I learn more and more about the characters and their stories.
Adding to all of it, my allergies have kicked in as the weather cools. My allergy medicine makes me a bit fuzzy in my thinking. Not helpful.
I've reached the point where all I can do is turn it all over to God and pray He sees me through. I fear disappointing Him and not fulfilling my part adequately.
May your day be blessed.
When it came time to finally prepare Wings to Fly for publishing it no longer fit. I was stuck in some circular thinking I'd outgrown. I scrapped most of the book and started over. I a week to finish recreating the story that will finish The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
I've made so many amazing discoveries about Samantha and Jordan. Their battles are more subtle than those of the heroes and heroines of the other books. They tackle the more painful walk of the follower of Christ, the everyday difficulties that trip up a Believer.
It isn't the huge things that crush but the myriad little things building up over time.
This story starts in 1987 and ends in 2001 or 2002. Yes, I'm not sure yet. I'm in rewrites and things tend to change a lot during the process as I learn more and more about the characters and their stories.
Adding to all of it, my allergies have kicked in as the weather cools. My allergy medicine makes me a bit fuzzy in my thinking. Not helpful.
I've reached the point where all I can do is turn it all over to God and pray He sees me through. I fear disappointing Him and not fulfilling my part adequately.
May your day be blessed.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
"Tarnished Knight" is in...
...and will be available in January 2015.
I didn't care for the rough draft. I finished the rewrite, pleasant surprised, over and over. Jack and Abigail sprang a number of surprises.
Other surprises included discovering errors, after I sent the manuscript in. Nothing major, so far. I'm using the handy-dandy Track Changes to make corrections. My editor may catch them, but in case it slips through...
I don't really know if anyone is interested in my process. Sharing it here is helpful for me. There's something about writing it out that helps clarify what helps and what doesn't.
Then again, my brain is currently in more of a fried state than a functioning state. A little time and patience, and I'll be back in the next story, specifically, the last book in The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
If you're interested in seeing a bit of my inspiration, this is my Pinterest board for Tarnished Knight, here's the link:
http://www.pinterest.com/lhawkes/tarnished-knight/
May you be blessed.
I didn't care for the rough draft. I finished the rewrite, pleasant surprised, over and over. Jack and Abigail sprang a number of surprises.
Other surprises included discovering errors, after I sent the manuscript in. Nothing major, so far. I'm using the handy-dandy Track Changes to make corrections. My editor may catch them, but in case it slips through...
I don't really know if anyone is interested in my process. Sharing it here is helpful for me. There's something about writing it out that helps clarify what helps and what doesn't.
Then again, my brain is currently in more of a fried state than a functioning state. A little time and patience, and I'll be back in the next story, specifically, the last book in The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
If you're interested in seeing a bit of my inspiration, this is my Pinterest board for Tarnished Knight, here's the link:
http://www.pinterest.com/lhawkes/tarnished-knight/
May you be blessed.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
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