And so it is with Denise.

My friend Denise just wrote her first book and I was lucky enough to receive a preview copy. Denise is beautiful inside and out, and knows this craft of writing pretty well.

You see, not only is Denise a blogger, she’s also a writing professor. Does that intimidate any other writers out there? No? Just me then … carry on. :)

So what of this new book? As someone who’s both a blogger and writer aficionado, Denise’s On Becoming a Writer is chock-full of wisdom on writing in an easy-to-read-and-understand-sort-of-way.

Denise is the ultimate encourager and this book is proof. She believes “every blogger has a unique story — a unique purpose — for writing.” And her “deepest heart’s desire is to come alongside other bloggers to encourage them.”

Her simple definition of a writer is “someone who has something to say and wants to say it well.” And On Becoming a Writer is just that … an easy read for guide those of us who have something to say and want to say it well.

I highly encourage any blogger or writer to get a copy of On Becoming a Writer! It’s available on Amazon now for only $4.99. Go. Quick!

Is there an area of writing you struggle with?

IT’S TIME!!   IT’S TIME!!   IT’S TIME!!

As I mentioned the other day, writing this book has been a labor of love. A complete and utter labor of love.

Anyone who knows me, knows my story, and reads this book, will know the labor of love and gamut of emotions put into each word.

I’m amazed as I sit back and read through these pages and think, “Who wrote this?!”

Then I hear a gentle reminder, “Remember when you invited me in each time you sat at the keyboard?”

Yes … indeed. These words … this book … and the heart behind it is Divinely written. I believe that with every fiber of my being!

<— This kid, Taylor Rio, my soon-to-be eighteen year old … wise beyond her years.

A living example of forgiveness and grace. It was one my most favorite things to do, to be able to dedicate this book to her … my first babygirl.

Taylor, you inspire me more than you might ever know. Stay strong my love and live in the plans your Savior has laid out for you.

WHO’S READY
FOR SOME FUN?!?

First up — the electronic version of 31 Days of Forgiveness is FREE for the next 72 hours!! Shout it from the rooftops and tell all your friends!

Secondly — for those of you, much like myself, who desire a hold-in-your-hands-to-mark-it-up-good book, I have just the thing! A paperback copy of 31 Days of Forgiveness!! It’s $7.99 and available on Amazon. I tell ya, it’s been so much fun holding this in my hands over the last week! And if you’re not ready to splurge on the $7.99 right now, take a look below … we’re offering many chances to win a paperback copy {along with some other fun things!!}

Sooo whoooo loves a giveaway?!?

I’ve been blessed with the most incredible launch team … thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart!! Many of these ladies will be hosting a giveaway over the next few days, which means you’ll have many opportunities to win! Each blog will be gifting the following items! One winner will receive all three of these lovelies! Woot-to-the-hoot!!

Following are links to the blog posts currently available, I’ll be updating this list as the team adds their posts:

Encouraging Sweetness
Elisa Pulliam
Along The Trail
Button Bird Designs
Jean Blogs
Mercy Is New
Cindy Clean Living
Hoovers West
A Heart Consumed
Jessica Lynette
Glass Peacock
Enjoying Each Moment
Girl of Grace
Constant in Chaos
Denise J. Hughes
Teri Lynne U
Beauty Out of Dust
Melissa’s Musings

Giveaway details:

{what}
One winner will receive all three items listed above!

{how}
~ leave a comment {any ol’ comment. winners picked via random.org}
~ tweet the giveaway {but come back & leave a comment}
~ facebook the giveaway {but come back & leave a comment}
~ blog the giveaway {but come back and leave a comment}

{when}
Now through Friday, February 8 – midnight {EST}

{prizes from}
note pads – Day Spring
paperback copy of 31 Days of Forgiveness – me!
owl pillow – Button Bird Designs

ANOTHER WAY TO WIN!!

I’ll be hosting Instagram giveaways for the paperback version of 31 Days of Forgiveness throughout the day!! How will that work you ask?? I’ll post a photo of the book, and the first one to see it and comment WINS! If you’re not following me, my username is @tmstier.

GIVING BACK!!

All proceeds of 31 Days of Forgiveness will go directly to The Seed Company. Today, nearly one-third of the world’s language groups, representing 350 million people, are still waiting for God’s Word in a language they can understand clearly.

The Seed Company enables you to support local Bible translators as they make God’s message available in the language of their people.

IMPORTANT LINKS!!

31 Days of Forgiveness {through the eyes of grace}:
website
paperback
electronic version

SPREADING THE WORD!!

If you would like to be involved in generating word about 31 Days of Forgiveness — a much needed message in this world — here are some pre-worded tweets:
Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. <— click to tweet
Are we required to forgive & forget? If we don’t forget, is it really forgiveness? <— click to tweet
Forgiveness is rooted in grace — giving someone something she doesn’t deserve. <— click to tweet
Forgiveness comes in stages … and there’s nothing wrong with that. <— click to tweet
But Jesus … filled with love & forgiveness, didn’t judge her guilty. <— click to tweet

SPECIAL THANK YOUS!!

My girls – for allowing me the time to write. for giving momma grace when she’s overwhelmed. for your never-ending supply of hugs and “I love you mom.”

My friends – thank you to each of you who gave me an encouraging word!

Sandra Peoples, Next Step Editing – you not only “fix” my mistakes, you teach me to be a better writer. {was that sentence okay?} :)

Erin Ulrich, Design By Insight – designer extraordinaire and the patience of a saint. I thank you, thank you, thank you!

My Jesus – for healing my hurts. for giving me strength, when in my human capacity I couldn’t bear to go on. for sacrificing Your life as the ultimate model of forgiveness. for showing me freedom and peace available in forgiveness.

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In the afternoon, I picked the girls up from the bus and took them to run some errands and out to dinner. It was dark when we’d returned and I’d sort of forgotten about it.

Almost.

Until I parked the car and looked to the front step and there it was …

my proof copy of 31 Days of Forgiveness!!!

Elation! Excitement! Disbelief! Anticipation!
Excitement! Excitement! Excitement!
Surrealness!

Total surrealness! My words … well, in all fairness, God’s words … but still! OUR words right there in front of me between a beautifully designed {thank you Erin!} front and back cover! Surrealness, right!?!

and ohmyheart!!!

When I took the book out of the packaging, Hunter — my package hound — grabbed it and exclaimed, “Is this your book?!”

“Yes babygirl, it’s mommy’s book!”

She ran back outside where my others were taking doggies potty, and showed each of them … with awe and excitement … it brought tears to my eyes to see how important it was to them. They know the hours of heart and soul I’ve poured into it and there they were treasuring it as if they’d just found a block of gold from the deep.

When Hunter showed it to Taylor, Tay looked straight at me {an important detail when we’re talking teens} full of awe and seriousness and said, “That’s really cool mom!”

The proof has been approved, details are being finalized, and 31 Days of Forgiveness {through the eyes of grace} will be launched this Wednesday {February 6}!!

I’ve got some FUN things planned for release day, so be sure to come back Wednesday for all the nitty-gritty — dare I say awesomesauce — details!!

HINT HINT — giveaways! blog hop! FREE!

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I have a lot of thoughts rolling around and I’d like to flush them out here … writing them out, here in my space, it helps bring purpose and sense to what I’m feeling.

I read something the other day and screamed “YES! YES! That’s exactly how I feel!”

“Blogging has profoundly changed me … I am a mess. I am a contradiction. I am brave and also not.

Working those things out in writing helps me to have peace with it rather than fight it so much. Thinking about my own contradictions in my head brings anxiety. But writing through them gives me courage. Yes, I am a mess. But that doesn’t mean I have nothing to offer.

Hope profoundly motivates me.

I see the world as a half-full glass.

I risk Pollyanna by writing that way but I don’t care.” Emily Freeman, Chatting at the Sky

“I risk Pollyanna by writing that way but I don’t care.”

That’s how I feel. A lot of the time.

I’m in pain. I’m walking a nightmare. But I have hope.

I always have hope. “Hope profoundly motivates me.” And causes me to continue to share … reach out … and breathe Truth into your souls.

I shared just two days ago of my hurt. And y’all responded with love and kindness. To be honest … the purpose of that post wasn’t meant to be about me and my pain. It’s purpose was to be real, to let you know I have real hurts and pain, but I have hope. And it’s purpose was to encourage you with that hope.

There’s always hope.

Many times I absolutely feel “I risk Pollyanna,” when I carry on about hope, and truth, and promises. Sometimes my Pollyanna-like thoughts stifle me. I fear you might be across the screen giving me the proverbial eye-roll. That fear stifles my words and causes me to shut down.

But then a truth comes. Hope blooms. The promises reveal themselves to me once more urging themselves to be shared.

And so … as Emily so sweetly put it, “I may risk Pollyanna but I don’t care.”

It’s my purpose. And I won’t let my pain happen in vain.

Today I’m linking up with Write It, Girl.

And written good. From real writers. Who’ve wanted to be writers for as long as they can remember. Who know what all the technical terms of the English language mean. Like a participle. Or a hanging participle.

I failed English in high school. I had an English teacher who was short, seemed at least 100 years old, and wore her hair in a beehive … with pencils in it. I didn’t like her. And she didn’t like me. And she failed me. But I totally deserved it.

I still don’t like English much. You know, proper English, and proper sentences. Most of the time I can’t think of the words I need … the really fancy ones that razzle-dazzle. I’m more of what you’d call a four-letter Scrabble queen … the five and six letter words seem to allude me. And I might be a little proud of myself for just using the word “allude.”

That’s the real me.

But I digress.

I have a passion burning inside of me to write my story. To share my story. But it absolutely intimidates the heck out of me to think that my four-letter-word writing could have a place on a bookshelf with the greats.

Not to mention … as I mentioned … it seems everything’s been said, done, told, and shared.

Overcoming, Healing, Grace, Gifts, Encouragement … it’s been said thousands of times and thousands of ways.

How is my story any different? How would my words impact in a way others haven’t already?

And then I remember … it’s my God-given story, and my God-given passion.

Sure, I may feel overwhelmed and discouraged at times, but worrying won’t get me anywhere. So instead …

I’m still and He’ll move.

I’ll pray and He’ll listen.

I’ll wait and He’ll answer.

When I made this declaration last November, I had no idea what was in store! And P.S., after reading over the comments in that post I’ve been blessed and encouraged all over again! Thank you!

31 Days of Faith has indeed been birthed. And that second thing, that writing my story thing . . . I’ve put together a book proposal for a contest with Tyndale House Publishers. They’re offering one lucky winner a publishing deal. The finalists and winner were supposed to be announced by now, but the conference and contest have been pushed back ’til later this Fall. So no news on that just yet.

Today I’d like to share with you about this writing thing . . . it’s a funny thing . . . not the actual writing, but the writing “world.” Oh my. Like any other specialized hobby, sport, craft, or interest . . . writing is a planet unto itself and I’m still trying to figure out how to land on it.

I continue to do research in understanding the best way to go about writing a book. I’m finding a critical element is having a platform, a tribe, people who will be interested in what you have to say. It seems gone are the days where books sell because they’re good. In are the days where tweeting, retweeting, facebooking, and social media sell books.

It seems to be all about who you know and who knows you.

The release of 31 Days of Faith was a bit anticlimactic for me. Please . . . please know I’m beyond blessed to have it finished and out there for others to grow from . . . but allow me a moment to speak “aloud” what’s in my heart?

It was beyond exciting to finally release the book and see it climb in ranking. But equally disappointing to see it’s ranking plummet the very next day. When the book is being promoted and talked about, the ratings seem to go up . . . but one can only be so obnoxious with self-promoting before said person causes readers and followers to do the proverbial eye roll, while muttering, “Really?”

Okay. maybe that’s me and my fear. But still.

I’m not a salesman, and in this writing world, it almost seems you need to be. Or at least have a tribe of friends who’ll pitch it out for you.

The other day, a famous well-known blogger released an e-book and I watched as it burned up a planet called Social Media.

I will fully admit to you . . . in a very non-Christian, envious way, with the whine of a four old, I could be heard saying, “Why aren’t people talking about MY book!?” Yeah. I went there.

Truth is, at times I still do.

I think it’s the whole “please notice me, please notice me . . . I wanna be part of the club too!” school-girl mentality.

I need to be mindful, prayerful and remember, I’m writing His story, His heart. I’m writing for an audience of One. As long as I’m walking in obedience with what He’ll have of me . . . the rest will come. It may not come as a best seller or top ten. But it’ll happen just the way He planned it to happen. Nothing more, nothing less.

Anyway. There ya have it. My heart unveiled . . . the good, bad, and sometimes ugly.

But isn’t that the miracle of our God? If I ask, He’ll take my ugly and turn it into something beautiful.

This is the one where I whisper to you that I’m finally pursuing what He whispered to me back in 2009.

Apart from the upcoming 31 Days of Faith e-book release, I’ve been working on another writing project … putting a book proposal together … for a real-hold-in-your-hands book!

Here’s the scoop … I saw a writing conference announced last year and was intrigued by it. But … given that I’m single mommying it right now, I wasn’t real sure how I’d pull off getting to San Diego for a conference. So I let it go and figured if it was meant to be, it’d come back around again.

And it did. But even better.

I first saw the conference announcement on Sarah Mae’s blog. That was when I put it aside. Only then, she announced it again but this time with a bonus! One commenter would win an hour of “coffee time” with Sarah Mae. I commented. And I won.

On my birthday no less!

Coincidence? No.
God? Yes.

So that’s that …

In the meantime, I felt a stronger and stronger pull to put an e-book together with my 31 days of faith series. And so I did. And spent the better part of January working on it. When it was finally finished and off to the designer for formatting, I was breathing a sigh of writing relief.

And then.

Something, somewhere, in the back of the ol’ noggin I vaguely remembered a contest for a publishing deal {offered through the writing conference}. And so I checked. And sure enough, the contest was still open, but I had only a week to put together an actual proposal and get it submitted.

YIKES! with a capital YIKES!

One week.

Items required in the proposal:

• a two sentence snapshot of your story {‘scuse me? two sentences!?!}
• an overview of your story and the societal need for it to be told
• a title. and subtitle
• competitive landscape {including title, author, publisher} on like subjects
• how your book will differ from those gone before you
• author background and what makes you the one to tell your story
• benefits your book will have on readers
• potential endorsers
• chapter summaries
• a full chapter

Did I mention I had exactly ONE WEEK to pull all of this together?

But I did it. With the help of an amazing and encouraging editor, I did it.

Actually, I can’t take all the credit … each time I sat at my keyboard, I asked God to join me … using my fingers as His instrument. There isn’t a single doubt in my mind that He met me just as I asked. I absolutely could not have finished on my own.

I’m not sure if I should be sharing all this … I notice other bloggers/writers suddenly announce they got a book deal! But there was no mention prior. I guess I’m the girl that announces pregnancy as soon as I see the “plus” sign! I figure if something happens, I want people to mourn with me, so why not let them in on the rejoicing part too?

And that’s where I am. Rejoice with me? Even if I don’t “win” this contest, I am forever thankful I have this proposal put together. It gave me direction, excitement, and commitment to tell my story.

Ten finalists will be announced February 15 and the winner on March 3. Oh, and did I mention the publisher sponsoring the contest?!

You may have heard of them? Tyndale House Publishers! :)

So there ya have it folks! I’ll keep you posted! And ‘member that sneak peek and promise of details? Hoping to have a set release date for you next week! And can I just tell y’all thank you? Thank you so much for the encouraging response I received via comments, emails, twitter, and facebook on the sneak peek … I was seriously blessed and encouraged! Thank you!

Stay tuned …

Checking in to let you know I’m still here!  Just busy plugging away on the 31 Days of Faith ebook.  I’m not sure why I thought it’d be as easy as copying and pasting … cuz it’s most definitely not!

Also, when I wrote the 31 Days series, I hadn’t a clue I’d be turning it into an ebook, therefore it’s not written as a “book,” it’s written as a blog and pretty much “reads” as a blog.  So that means I’m busy editing and do a bit of re-writing.  I’ve also realized I’m way too inspired by way too many songs, quotes, images, illustrations … and they’re currently proving a bit tricky to squeeze into an ebook.  You know copyright laws and all of that!  Oh! not to mention a certain 11 minute video that needs to be tamed and turned to text!

The good news in my busyness … I’m including 3 bonus chapters and a study guide!  The cover should be ready soon and I hope to unveil it next week!

My thoughts are pretty much consumed in this project right now, along with you know, life, laundry, kids, errands, schoolwork and the such!  Which means light posting on the blog for just a wee bit longer.

I promise it’ll be worth it though!

{did I use too many of these !!! in this post?}

I’m back this week for another installment of Write it, Girl.

Last week I was given permission challenged to write whatever was on my heart.  And this week, I’ve decided to take the other half of the challenge … a declaration.

That I am in fact, a writer!

Did I just admit that aloud for all the blogosphere to hear?  When it comes to something so deep and personal, why is it so hard to proclaim your craft?  Fear.  Yeah … pretty sure it’s fear.

When I was a photographer, I could rarely make the proclamation that “I’m a photographer.”  For the longest time I described myself as a professional amateur … you know, somewhere between a beginner and the real deal.

But guess what?  I’m declaring it today.  I am a writer!

It’s with humble pride I declare, I’m honored to have the voice I’ve been given.  It may not be as eloquent as hers.  Or as funny as hers.  Or as grace-filled as hers.  And oh-how-I-love-the-way hers dance.  But … it’s mine.

He gave it to me.  And I’ll glorify Him with it.  Every. chance. I. get.

I have some news up my sleeve I’ve been waiting to share … actually, a couple of things.  And I think this post is the perfect time to spill the beans!

First, I’m putting together an ebook of my 31 Days of Faith posts … it should be ready by February and I’ll keep you posted on the progress!

Second … I’ve mentioned for a long while now that God’s stirring my heart to write my story.  And that’s just what I’m doing.  I’ve had some blips already … like lost 2 chapters I’ve written.  Poof!  Gone.  But instead of being anxious and upset over it, I feel an incredible sense of calm and peace.  At first I thought maybe it was a sign against what I thought I was being directed to do.  Instead, I think it was an attack {from the enemy} to keep me from telling my story.

I don’t have all the details yet … I don’t have a publisher, and honestly, I’m not sure I want one.  At this point, I plan to self-publish … both in print and with an ebook.

It’s scary.  The process.  Forming the words.  On a screen.  With a keyboard.  I do all my best writing in my head.  And then … sitting in front of a blank screen, the words don’t come.  And when they do, they don’t sound as eloquent, funny, grace-filled, or twirly as I’d like.

And then I remember … I’m writing to an audience of One.

“… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 {NLT}

And I will.  I will do it all for His glory.  What the enemy has intended for evil … I declare to you today … I will use it, my story, our story … for His glory.

Write.  Whatever’s on my heart.  I’ve been given permission challenged to write it.

Problem is, there’s so much on my heart, I don’t know where to begin.  First off, it hurts.  Secondly, it’s heavy.

I have a heavy, hurting heart.

Do I have permission to “go there?”

I realize I’ve been hacking-up-a-lung-hurts-to-talk sick for over a week now, and it’s also {sorry boys who might be reading} “that” time of the month … but sometimes my heavy, hurting heart gets the best of me.  And right now is one of those times.

Sure, from the outside we look like we’ve moved on … we have no choice.  We smile.  And even enjoy life.  But it doesn’t mean there aren’t deep, gaping, hurting wounds that desperately need to be healed and put back together.

For 31 days straight … I wrote about faith.  I have faith.  I believe in faith.  I wouldn’t want to walk without it.  It’s faith that keeps us going.  It’s faith that keeps us strong.  It’s faith that holds us together.

But it doesn’t mean we don’t hurt.

I walk a fine line here in my corner of the web.  I love to inspire.  But I also want to keep it real.  And today … I’m keepin’ it real.

My children hurt.  They’re not whole.  Sure, they’re making friends … I’m making friends … God is truly meeting us in this place.  We are blessed and I’m forever thankful for that.

But it doesn’t mean we don’t hurt.

Curt is constantly thanking me for “keeping the girls happy.”  I’m constantly thanking God for guarding their hearts and minds.

But it doesn’t mean we don’t hurt.

Yesterday, I got a call from my sister asking if I was okay.  You see, her sons were visiting us this past weekend and one made mention of the fact that he’s not sure how I do it.  Kinda crazy cool for an 18 year old boy to be that aware!  But yeah … he made note of the crazy I’ve got goin’ on over here and thinks I should have some help. {love you Seaner!} :)

There are so many things I want to share with you.  So many things to talk about.  But I can’t.  Not yet.  I will.  One day I will.

Throughout the intricacies of this path we’re walking, God is showing me how He’s piecing it all together … and it’s beautiful.  His show is always amazingly beautiful.  Full of grace.  Full of mercy.  Full of blessing and … well … awesomeness.

Yes.  God is most certainly full of awesomeness.