Saturday, I had the privilege of being in the company of five faith-filled authors from different walks of life and different walks with Adonai. These amazing folks wrote in a variety of genres. One author, Deborah Edmisten, is a dear friend I met in a local writers’ group. Three others, Betty Kulich, Michael Parker, and Dianna Caraballo, I’ve met at previous events. And Marrissa Saunders was the new girl on the block, but she fit in with this group so seamlessly, it felt as if we’d known her forever.
Kern’s Home & Garden & Christian Bookstore hosted their Spring Open House, and the above-mentioned friends and I, all local authors, participated. This is the third such event that I’ve attended at Kern’s, and I must say the word I kept hearing yesterday was “magical.”
The greenhouses were a small glimpse into what Eden must have looked like, and truly, Adonai walked among us. A sweet Spirit pervaded the day as we authors came together in love and friendship. I am blessed to have these writers in my life.
The best part was when some of the authors had the opportunity to pray with patrons. And that’s when it hit me. Every writer present brought rest and peace with them yesterday as they ministered to the individuals who approached their respective table. The unseen hand of Adonai directed each person to the correct author, who in turn reached out to customers via their writing. HaShem was glorified repeatedly, and I knew this to be true when the people who conversed with us were so open about their faith and needs.
If you weren’t able to visit with us yesterday, fear not! The books written by these wonderful writers are still available, and if you’ll bear with me and stay tuned, I promise to make it easy for you to locate their books. Until then ~
Hello, Realmers! If you missed my Tuesday post, Celebration at Realm Central, then head on over to find out what the excitement is all about. And once you do, come on out to the Kern’s Home & Garden & Christian Bookstore Spring Open House between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM to get in on the celebration.
Realm turned one this past Tuesday, April 16, 2024. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting and humbling that is all at once. The best part is that I’ll be in the presence of five faith-filled authors as I celebrate the anniversary of my first novel’s publication.
These wonderful writers will also be signing their books for purchase. The first one hundred guests to attend the Spring Open House will receive a complimentary gift bag, and drawings for a Bible, a signed Willow Tree figurine, an Inis fragrance gift bag, a hanging basket, and an herb garden round out the fun!
Support local authors, shop small business, and be rewarded generously for doing so.
Spring in Ohio has been glorious this year. The cherry trees are absolutely stunning, and the rains are washing the earth to a new level of freshness and beauty! I love this time of year with its unpredictable, broody skies and sunshine that bursts forth at any given moment. What a great season.
Then, there was the eclipse this past Sunday, which once again reminded me of Adonai’s splendor. I know His miracles are with us every day, and I am forever grateful. There are times, however, when HaShem says, “I’m glad you’re enjoying my handiwork. Now, watch this.”
So, on the author work front, I got knocked off my writing/editing course last week when the Gibson Household was required to hunt for a new vehicle. It’s always a tense time between me and the husband when a new vehicle must be sought. We both want it over quickly, and we want a reliable mode of transportation that we can afford, but while he wants the first one we view to be the one we buy, I’m often the voice of reason that comes across like a parent saying “No!”
Fortunately, we’ve learned a few things during our thirty years of marriage, namely communication, and we bridged the gap of our expectations. Then we doused our conversation with a heavy dose of prayer, and the result was the purchase of the third vehicle we found. It’s a beauty, and Will loves driving it. But not as much as I love watching him drive it. Heart happy!
Other marvelous news includes a visit from our grandbaby, the most wonderful child to walk the face of the earth. We had him on a Tuesday and Friday, and we packed every moment with great activities including tickle fights, playing Candy Land, visiting with the cats, reloading the Dunkin Donuts card, arts and crafts, visiting the park with a new friend, and, of course, a trip to Culver’s, his favorite restaurant. We’re already looking forward to his next visit.
Back to writing, I must admit that I’ve set my work aside because I am invested in beta reading and editing my primary beta reader’s first novel. It’s a great story, and although I’ve mentioned it before, I must do so again! The story is one he told his children when they were small, and the love alone with which it is infused makes me long for the day that the world can share in the tale, especially when so many readers are begging for great stories that simply entertain without promoting political or social agenda. Stay tuned for updates on that front.
Now, please don’t think that I’ve abandoned my writing altogether. Again, the above-mentioned activities are why you’ve received Quotation Station posts for a couple weeks. The second installment in the Realm universe is currently in the hands of my primary beta reader. Once again, we’ve traded works to make the most of our time and abilities. But I’d also like to mention that doing so truly is an investment . . . in people.
During the years (and I don’t recall how many exactly) that he and I have beta read/edited for each other, an amazing friendship blossomed and spilled over to include spouses, dinners and celebrations at each other’s homes, and a depth of relationship expressed by genuine caring during the highs and lows of our lives. That type of connection goes far beyond simply having someone read your WIP. Invest in people, and your writing will flourish because writing should be about more than getting your own work published.
Now for a surprise, Realmers! I’ll be attending the Kern’s Home & Garden & Christian Bookstore Spring Open House on April 20, 2024, 9 A – 4 P, where I’ll have copies of Realm for purchase. I’d love nothing more than the opportunity to personally inscribe your copy of Realm, so please, come on out to meet me. Already own Realm? Well, I’d still love to visit with you, so stop by to say hello!
Six local authors will be joining me and will also have their books available for purchase. In addition, the Kern’s greenhouses will be stocked to bursting with flowers, trees, vegetables, and herbs. All the new home décor will be on display inside the store. The first one hundred guests receive a complimentary gift bag, and there will be drawings for a Bible, a signed Willow Tree figurine, Inis fragrance gift bags, a hanging basket, and an herb garden.
This is one occasion that you don’t want to miss. Shop small business, support local authors, and be rewarded generously for doing so. I’ll see you there!
hl gibson, author 