How does one summarize a decision that has been whispering for a while and only recently found its full voice?

The gist is this: The Lord has asked me to put writing on the back burner for a season.

There are many factors involved, the main one being I’m the mama of two young children–one of whom will be entering the world of kindergarten in August. That’s six months away.

Pardon me while I hyperventilate.

I’ve heard so many people tell me these years are precious, to invest in my children now because once school starts, I’m releasing them to the big, wide world. (Thank you, Erin MacPherson.)

But the truth is I haven’t always done this as fully as I should. Too many times I’ve allowed my heart and emotions to become divided between my family and the pursuit of publication. All of this to the detriment of what’s most important.

Let’s back up to give some context. (Be forewarned I’m going to have a rare preacherlike moment, but I feel led to share it, so there ya go.)

Six months ago began a journey of spiritual restlessness for me. It’s like something clicked inside and I realized I didn’t want to keep paying lip service to my faith. I wanted to live it out in a deep and authentic way. And this wasn’t just a nice little nudge from God….It was an all-consuming urgency, propelling me to crave more of Him and to seek His true will for my life (as opposed to what I thought His will should be).

And let me be honest. This restlessness scared me like crazy, because past history has shown that whenever God draws me to Him like this, something big (and not always what I view as good) is coming.

As I searched and prayed about where this restlessness was taking me, I started to hone in on a sobering truth. If someone would ask me what my top priorities were in life, I would say: God first, family second, and writing and other interests next. But the way I was spending my time–not to mention my mental and emotional energy–was in the exact opposite order.

Something was wrong with this picture.

Somewhere along the way I had allowed my writing to inch its way to the top of my focus, taking away precious time from my family and my Savior (who incidentally gave me the gift of writing in the first place). Sure, I had surrendered things along the way, but as this restlessness grew, I knew God was asking something bigger of me.

He was asking me to sacrifice.

How many of you remember the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Bible? Remember how Abraham carted Isaac up the mountain, strapped him to an altar, and prepared to sacrifice him to the Lord? This was his chosen son! The one through whom God had promised to number his descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky.

And yet God had a test for Abraham. It was like He said, “I know I’ve given you this miracle son, but exactly how much does he mean to you?”

In the end, we know that God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place. But before that point, Abraham proved his faith by obeying God, even to the point of risking the loss of something extremely valuable.

Now I’m not trying to get all spiritual-giant on you and make it sound like I’m sacrificing something that equals Abraham’s father-of-the-nations sacrifice. But God did use that story to remind me that no matter what He asks of me in this particular season, He loves me and will provide.

And the truth is, while a step like this would have freaked me out a year ago, I have absolute peace that it’s the right decision.

So what does this look like on a practical level? Well, the most obvious thing is that I won’t be blogging for a while. At this point, I know I need to step back until the fall and I’ll reevaluate after that.

I do plan to keep my writing juices flowing whenever God gives me windows of time, and story ideas are still bursting in my mind and begging to be told. So I’ll seek His guidance each day and use whatever time He gives me.

And while I’m not able to visit your blogs, I don’t want you to become strangers. I’ll still pop into Facebook now and then, so please keep in touch with me there or through email.

Please know that I cherish all of you and can’t wait to see God’s purpose lived out in each of our lives as we serve Him!

God bless you,
Sarah

I’m thrilled to welcome Michelle Ule as my guest today! Michelle is an agency-mate of mine who also happens to be Books & Such’s office assistant. I’m in awe of how she wears dozens of hats without even a stumble. Her new book just released this month, and I must say the setting of Coronado Island sounds wonderful (especially since I’m enduring frigid temps where I live). For more details on her book and how you can win a copy, keep reading.

Navy wife Michelle Ule is a graduate of UCLA and the author of three novellas and a novel. She lives in northern California with her family where she works at a literary agency, teaches Bible study, plays in a woodwind ensemble, and writes.

Michelle is a long-time lay counselor in both crisis pregnancies and budget counseling. She loves to travel and is an accomplished genealogist. You can learn more about her at www.michelleule.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Welcome, Michelle! On to the questions we go…

Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?

Devout, Funny, Ironic, Musical, Well-read, Navywife, Family-oriented

Either/Or Questions:

1) Right brained or Left brained?

I can never remember if I’m right brained or left brained, which Janet Grant tells me means I’m right brained . . .

On the other hand, I just looked up a test, took it, and it says I’m left brained. (But, is that a right brained or left brained thing to do? So many questions . . . )

http://www.intelliscript.net/test_area/questionnaire/questionnaire.cgi

2) Jump in with both feet or Enjoy the view?

Enjoy the view if I’ve worked for it. Jump in if things are chaotic.

3) Anne of Green Gables or Little House on the Prairie?

Love them both. I’ve read Little House on the Prairie more times, so I guess I’ll go with Laura. (Have read the entire series out loud to my four children five different times.)

4) Gourmet chef or Chef Boyardee?

Gourmet. I’m Italian, the Chef B should be embarassed.

5) Classical music or Jazz?

Classical music, but I like Jazz, too. (I’m a trained musician. I played the clarinet in the UCLA Marching Band. I still prefer classical music–which is what I play on the piano!)

6) E-reader or Paperback?

E-reader–it’s easier on my hands to turn the pages. But if I was at the beach, I’d take a paperback.

7) Mountain cabin or Beach resort?

I’d say mountain cabin, but I’ve spent more time at beach resorts (headed to Puerta Vallarta over New Year’s for my nephew’s wedding).

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Loved your answers, Michelle, especially the Chef Boyardee one. I also loved learning that you’ve read The Little House on the Prairie series out loud to your kids five times. What a neat way to bond and instill a love of reading in them. I’m still trying to figure out if that makes you right brained or left brained… I took the test you linked to, and I fell almost right down the middle. Maybe this is a common quandary for us writers.

Thanks so much for visiting today! It was a pleasure to have you here.

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Bridging Two Hearts

When Amy gets a job as a massage therapist at the glorious Hotel del Coronado, she is excited and terrified because it means driving across the Coronado Bridge to work every day. Josh, meanwhile, returns from a Navy SEAL assignment more than a little uncomfortable about possible claustrophobia–but he’s not afraid of anything, right? The two meet, spar and learn, together, to deal with two very different ways of handling fear.

(You can read about the book’s funny backstory and other information here, including the humorous tale of Michelle’s attempt to get information about SEALS out of the Navy.)

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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…If you’ve had a chance to take the right brained/left brained quiz, what was your result? Or do you already know where you fall on the spectrum? If you’re confused like Michelle and I are, let’s talk books….What one book have you read the most times and why?

*Giveaway Details: Michelle has offered to give away a copy of Bridging Two Hearts! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!

**The winner of last week’s Dani Pettrey giveaway is Elizabeth Dent! I’ll contact you this week with details.

Dani and her husband on their 20th anniversary

I’m so excited to welcome Dani Pettrey here today! I’m a huge fan of her books and have gotten pretty much all my friends and family hooked on them as well. If you haven’t checked them out, you should rectify that asap. Dani was a Meet-and-Greet guest here last April, so I thought it’d be fun to put a twist on her 2nd interview and do a V-Day theme. (And she offered to give away a copy of her book AND a box of Godivas, so keep reading!)

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

To connect with Dani, you can visit her at the following places: her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

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Welcome, Dani! Let’s get to the questions, shall we?

Opener Question: What seven words best describe your husband? (Had to throw in that V-Day twist. )

Strong, courageous, intelligent, handsome, hilarious, hardworking, and compassionate

Either/Or Questions:

1) How you met your hubby: Love at first sight or Grew into love?

My husband asked me to dance. It was pretty much love at first sight. We were engaged three weeks after we started dating and married less than five months later. I know it sounds crazy fast, but we just celebrated our 20th.

2) Romantic getaway: Weekend in Paris or Caribbean cruise?

Between the two, I’d say a weekend in Paris as I love Europe, but if I could pick any place for a romantic getaway I’d probably pick the south of France instead. It’s gorgeous!

3) A day with your Valentine: Walk in the park or Go to the movies?

Both sound lovely, but we really enjoy movies so I’ll go with that—followed by a romantic dinner, of course.

4) Valentine’s dinner: Surf-and-turf or Italian feast?

Hmm. Tough question. I’m going to say Italian Feast. My husband and I really enjoy Little Italy.

5) What you’ll wear: Fancy dress or Jeans and a nice sweater?

Fancy dress. I don’t dress up often so when the occasion presents itself…

6) Sweet treat: Box of chocolates or Strawberry cheesecake?

Definitely chocolate—the darker the better!

7) Valentine flowers: Roses or Calla lilies?

Calla lilies. They are my favorite!

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I agree, Dani. Calla lilies are gorgeous, aren’t they? I loved your answers, especially the one about how you met your husband. Talk about a whirlwind courtship! But when you know, you know, right? I’m still amazed you’ve been married 20 years and have teenage daughters. You need to bottle up your secret for looking young and sell it.

Thanks so much for being here today! I loved hosting you.

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Shattered

Piper McKenna couldn’t be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed. Despite the evidence, Reef swears he’s innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth, and he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, pursuing the truth in this case could mean the end of Landon’s career.

As Piper wages her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but the search for answers is becoming deadlier with each step.

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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…Whose marriage is a shining example to you, and what do you admire most about them? Or if you’re drawing a blank on that question, which would you choose: a Caribbean cruise or a weekend in Paris?

*Giveaway Details: Dani has offered to give away a copy of Shattered, as well as a box of Godiva chocolates! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!

**The winner of last week’s Amazon giveaway is Jan Bolton! I’ll contact you this week with details.

Since we’ve officially entered the month of love, what speaks most to your heart — words of understanding or sacrificial gestures — and why?

Answer this question in the comments, and you’ll be entered in the drawing for a $10 Amazon e-gift card. Drawing ends on Friday at midnight. Winner will be announced in next week’s post. Good luck!

*photo by nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’m thrilled to welcome Pam Hillman as my guest today. I first met Pam through the Seekerville blog and then met her in person at a writing conference. She is as sweet and genuine as they come, and I can’t wait for you all to get to know her here. (She has some really sweet giveaways going on right now too, so keep reading for details.)

Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel. You can connect with Pam via her website www.pamhillman.com.

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Welcome, Pam! Let’s get to the questions…

Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?

Detail-oriented perfectionist vs. frustrated procrastinator…ie. INSANE!

Either/Or Questions:

1) Dogs or Cats?

So this has to be either/or? Sarah, you drive a hard bargain! I’ll have to say cats, although I adore puppies. Both of my published novels have a litter of kittens in them. One wip has puppies.

A tomcat named Yellow plays an important role in Claiming Mariah. The account of Yellow, the half-wild tomcat and his precarious beginnings after being born in the woods, is an almost exact retelling of a cat I befriended several years ago. I had to work for that cat’s trust, just as Mariah earns the trust of both Slade and Yellow in Claiming Mariah.

The entire true-life account of Taming Yellow can be found here: http://calicotrails.blogspot.com/2012/11/taming-yellow.html

2) Fast and furious or Slow and methodical?

Very slow and methodical. I’m a numbers person. I have a degree in computer science and worked for years in an office, wearing many hats from payroll to purchasing. I currently work part-time for ACFW as treasurer. That kind of thing isn’t something you can rush through. I’ll work half the night to balance a set of books. It really is a pain to be so detail-oriented.

3) Eggs and toast or Yogurt and granola?

My taste buds say eggs and toast (can I get bacon with that?), but my analytic brain that’s been inundated with ‘cholesterol is bad for you’ says yogurt and granola. But let’s be daring today! Since I write historicals, I’ll just whip up a batch of homemade biscuits, fry up some eggs and a pound of bacon, and we’ll be in business. Okay?

4) Northern lights or Sunset at the beach?

Thinking again…. To really enjoy the Northern lights would I have to endure freezing cold temps? Just askin’…cause I don’t do cold. I get chill bumps on top of my chill bumps. The Seekers who live in deepfreezes like to tease us Southern gals about being wimps, but I Do. Not. Care.

I am a wimp and proud of it.

So, my final answer: Northern lights if I can enjoy them in 82.5 degree weather. If not, let’s go with the nice warm sunset at the beach. Can you make that happen today, because it’s a bit nippy here in Mississippi?

5) Tennis shoes or Dress shoes?

Uh, sandals? Obviously, the slow and methodical side of me is kicking. Did I mention that I have a hard time making decisions as well? I only wear tennis shoes for walking and exercise, and heels over 2” are completely out of the question these days: I refuse to break my neck in the name of fashion.

Bottom line…Summer: slides. Winter: comfy low heeled boots paired with long broomstick skirts, and lots of layers. Every once in a blue moon I wear a pair of pumps if that makes fashionistas feel better.

6) Indoors or Outdoors?

Here we go again. It depends. Indoors until spring. Then I want to be outdoors, but as soon as the temp climbs into the mid-90s in July, I’m back indoors. Love my AC in the dog-days of summer! Enjoy being outside in the fall, then I hibernate until April or so. Is this normal, or is my wimpy side showing again?

7) Sweet tea or Fresh-squeezed lemonade?

You ask some hard questions that don’t come with a simple answer! lol Have you not ever heard the phrase, “it’s according.” But, let’s see…since I rarely have fresh-squeezed lemonade, and if I knew it was really good, I’d go with the lemonade. Hands down. Lemonade. There. I have made a firm decision on something critically important. Please deliver my lemonade to my deck chair on the warm sunny beach at sunset.

I would like to add that any discerning psychologists among us will tell you that my answers are all perfectly logical given how I answered #2. Just sayin’.

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LOL, Pam, I love it. I promise I didn’t mean to make the questions so hard. But I have to say…All this talk of sandals, beaches, and lemonade has me dreaming of a tropical vacation. It’s frigid here! If I can find a babysitter, I might come knocking with that glass of lemonade.

Thanks so much for being my guest! I loved getting to know you better.

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Claiming Mariah

In light of her father’s death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father’s farm, the only home she’s ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father’s rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Fredrick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade’s careful eye, he will unearth more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal and murder threatens more than the well-being of the ranch, endangering the lives of those who hold it dear. With days dwindling until the rest of the Donovan clan arrive to the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed alters their futures forever.

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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…If you could leave for a tropical vacation this week, where would you go and why?

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*Pam’s Giveaway Details:

To celebrate the release of Claiming Mariah, Pam is giving away two eReaders (choice of Kindle Wi-Fi, 6″ Display, or Nook Simple Touch) to two winners: One on Facebook. One through Pam’s Newsletter.

Registering both places is not required but will double your chances of winning. Also keep in mind that you will receive updates more often being connected on Facebook than through the newsletter.

Contest runs from January 1st until March 31st, 2013.

And….that’s not all! There will be prizes offered randomly throughout the tour.

This week’s giveaway: Mississippi Made Handcrafted Mango Butter and Goat’s Milk Soap Giveaway sponsored by Magnolias & Sassafras

PREVIOUS STOP ON TOUR January 21st: Blogging with Mary Connealy
NEXT STOP ON TOUR: Two For One! January 30th: Blogging with Morgan Tarpley  January 30th: Blogging with Henry McLaughlin

For a Complete List of Stops Along the Tour: http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-blog-tour-dates.html

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I’m waiting to reveal my choice in the comments so I don’t influence any decisions.

*The winner of last week’s Julie Klassen giveaway is Melissa! I’ll contact you this week with details.
**I’m a guest over at Diane Estrella’s blog today. If you have an extra minute, come on over and say hi!

***All photos from Nordstrom.com

I’m so excited to welcome Julie Klassen as my first guest of 2013. Julie and I got to know each other at our agency retreat last fall, but the truth is I fell in love with her books before then. Let’s just say the London Olympics inspired me to read all her books within a two-week time span. Yes, they were that good. To learn how you can win a copy of her latest release, keep reading.  (The cover is gorgeous, by the way!)

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for excellence in Christian Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. You can reach her through her website www.julieklassen.com.

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Welcome, Julie! I have the teapot ready, so let’s chat…

Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?

Beyond basic words like writer, wife, and mom, I would go with: creative, moody, capable, messy, born-again, giving, and graceful.

Either/Or Questions:

1) Hike in the woods or Tour a museum?

I enjoy museums that help me research my books, but otherwise, I’d take a walk in the woods any day.  There’s something soothing to my soul about being among trees, and walking on crunchy leaves or a pine-needle path.

2) Chicken noodle soup or Chili?

Chili, unless I have a sore throat (I’m a big believer in the salty, medicinal goodness of chicken noodle soup). My Mom made the best chili–spicy and comforting. Mine isn’t up to her standards, but still a favorite on a chilly day–and there are lots of those here in Minnesota.

3) High heels or Cute flats?

I usually choose comfort over fashion. I like slide-on, cushy, comfy shoes for dashes to the store or to pick up the kids. But if I’m dressing up, I need a little heel to feel elegant.

4) Full steam ahead or Life in the slow lane?

In general, I am a laid back, type B person—except when I have a deadline looming. Then–look out!

5) Martha Stewart wannabe or Let someone else decorate?

Definitely NOT Martha Stewart.  We still have the framed “cats wearing cowboy hats” print that my husband had hanging over the mantel when I married him.  Decorating, crafts, etc. are not my thing.  But I admire others who have the eye for it—and the talent.

6) English countryside or French Riviera?

Do you have to ask??? English countryside all the way. :) Granted I’ve never been to the French Riviera, but neither have I any desire to go there. I am, however, already dreaming about returning to beautiful England.

7) Snowy winter or Dog days of summer?

I would choose spring or fall, given the choice. But of the two, I’d have to go with winter. I’m not a fan of sweltering. And I don’t mind snowy days so much now that I work from home and don’t have to tackle winter driving as often.

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Fun answers, Julie. And I agree…I’d rather be cooped up inside because of snow rather than sweltering heat. We’ve had lots of beautiful snow to enjoy here lately. My hubby and kids made a family of snowmen last weekend, but they’re starting to melt. (The snowmen…not the hubby and kids. ) Without snow, who has the excuse to enjoy a cup of tea and a bowl of chili, right?

Thanks so much for being my guest today. It was an honor to have you.

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The Tutor’s Daughter

Determined to help her father when his boarding school fails, Emma Smallwood accompanies him into Cornwall to the manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Emma hears someone playing the pianoforte at night, but finds the music room empty. Then someone begins sneaking into her room, leaving behind strange mementoes. When the suspicious acts escalate into danger, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…Did you get to enjoy a white Christmas this year? What’s your favorite wintertime activity? Or more importantly, what’s your favorite wintertime snack after you come in from the cold?

*Giveaway Details: Julie has offered to give away a copy of The Tutor’s Daughter! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!

**The winner of last week’s Amazon giveaway is Michelle Lim! I’ll contact you this week with details.

I know, I know…shameful.

But today’s post is just to let you know I’m visiting with Jenny Sulpizio over at her blog. She’s such a cool cat that I had to pop in here and let you know.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

If you had to describe your year of 2012 in five words or less, what would they be?

Answer this question in the comments, and you’ll be entered in the drawing for a $10 Amazon e-gift card. Drawing ends on Friday at midnight. Winner will be announced in next week’s post.

(I’m still trying to get my feet under me after the holidays, so I’ll be doing only Monday posts for the next several weeks. Stay tuned for author interviews and giveaways. )

*photo by Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Here’s the final Holiday Meet and Greet Question! I’ve loved reading your answers these past few weeks, and of course I had to end on one of my favorite topics.

Hot chocolate or Hot apple cider?

(In case you’re new to these questions, I’d love for you to share which one you would choose and tell us why.)

~~I’ll be taking a break for the next three weeks to enjoy time with my family. I hope you all have a Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year! See you January 7th.~~

*photo by digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net