The View from the Top is SO worth it!

Recently my daughter and I visited my son and daughter-in-law who live on Oahu. The first "adventure" my son choose for us was a hike to the top of Diamondhead. For this out-of-shape writer, I was a little doubtful that I'd make it to the top.

During the rocky and uneven path, I kept my gaze focused on each step. My son and daughter's encouraging words kept me going. Whenever I huffed and puffed and needed to sit my son would say, "Mom, the view from the top is worth it."


The rest breaks and the encouragement gave me the motivation to press on. Before long, my gaze shifted from the uneven path at my feet to the world around. It was amazing to see how far I'd climbed and the view from each stopping point. Something I would have missed had I only focused on the climb and stepping in just the right spot.

Also knowing that a rest break was "just around the bend" helped to keep me going.


As I absorbed the striking blues of the ocean and sky, the greens of the lush mountains, and the contrast of the skyscrapers of Waikiki and Honolulu from the top of Diamondhead, the discomfort I'd experience to get up there was instantly forgotten.




Climbing to the top of that crater reminded me of the importance of giving and getting encouragement. Too often in our Christian walk, we forget to enjoy the journey by resting with our brothers and sisters. We also miss the opportunity to encourage them with reminders that the view from the top is worth it.


During the hike down, whenever I encountered someone sitting on a bench laboring to catch their breath, I couldn't resist stopping to say, "The view is worth it, keep going."



Is there someone in your life that needs encouragement today?

Genesis Contest Finalists

For those who haven't gotten the news, the Genesis writing contest sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) has been announced.

Below is a list of the finalists.

I wish you all the best in the contest and look forward to hearing the winners announced at the ACFW Conference in September at the Marriot in Dallas. For more information see www.acfw.com

Contemporary Romance (includes romantic comedy)
Jennifer Lynn Cary
Audra Harders
Catherine Hershberger
Roxanne Sherwood
Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Historical Romance
Linda Fulkerson
Audra Harders
Pam Hillman (double finalist in Historical Romance)
Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Romantic Suspense
Sally Bradley
Marci J. Burke
Dineen Miller
Dani Pettrey
Suzan Robertson

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory
Sally A. Apokedak
Valerie Comer
Rebecca Grabill
Shannon McNear
Chris Mikesell

Historical Fiction (not romance)
Yvonne Anderson
Marcia Gruver
Tina Helmuth
Carla Stewart
Erica Vetsch

Young Adult
Sally Apokedak
Leigh DeLozier
Linda Fulkerson
Charlene Glatkowski
Rachael Phillips

Contemporary Fiction
Michael Ehret
Jennifer Griffith
Kathy Harris
Myra Johnson
Angie Poole

Women's Fiction
Lynne Gentry
Ane Mulligan
Kristine Pratt
Kathleen Sprout
Ginger Vaughan

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Martha Pope Gorris
Gina Holmes (double finalist in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller)
Jane Robertson
Janet Rubin

Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit
Georgiana Daniels
Annalisa Daughety
Sabrina Fox-Butcher
Carrie Padgett
Jenness Walker and Tracy Bowen

Congratulations to all the 2007 Genesis finalists!

8 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME

Several weeks ago, my dear friend Deborah Vogts tagged me to play this blog game where I post 8 random things about myself. This proved harder than I thought!

But, here are:

Eight Random Things about Me

1. I graduated from college at 36 with a degree in Physical Therapy (with two children ages 2 and 11). Yeah, I know, I'm of the adage, better late than never. I did graduate with honors. Does that count?

2. I own a 9 year-old miniature Schnauzer named Nikki. She sits next to my desk when I write and is programmed to run to her bed when the Microsoft shut-down music plays.

3. I love the water. Being around it that is. I'm not a fan of getting my face wet. Don't go there!

4. I've just completed my fourth year of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I had planned to go through the whole seven year program, but God had other plans. We're moving to a town that doesn't have BSF classes. I can't wait to see what He has in store!!

5. I dabble in oils. Painting that is. The Bob Ross technique. Yes, ALL my trees are happy trees!

6. As a teenager, one of my summer job duties was pumping diesel for recreation and shrimp boats. Yep, you can take the gal out of the bayou, but…

7. My family and I are moving this summer to Colorado. I'm really excited about living somewhere, for the first time in my life, that has four seasons!

8. At 43, I took a motorcycle course and bought my own motorcycle, a Harley Sportster. A year later, I traded up to a 2004 Harley Road King, which I have since sold to buy my husband a Honda Civic. What's wrong with that picture?

I tagged Denise McEwen.

Winner of IN BETWEEN

The winner of Jenny B. Jones' debut novel is. . .

Diana Hughes!!

Congratulations Diana!



Check out the featured author section on my website for an interview with new author, Amy Wallace, and register for a chance to win her debut novel, Ransomed Dreams.

The link is: www.marianmerritt.com

Let me hear from you!!

Interview with Janice Thompson - New Release Gone with the Groom

Janice's latest release, Gone with the Groom, is now available.

Here's an interview with Janice.

1. What book is coming next?

There will be three more Annie Peterson mysteries after this one: PUSHING UP DAISIES, THE PERFECT MATCH, and CATERING TO DISASTER. They will all be released as part of the new mystery line at Barbour Publishing (Heartsong Presents Mysteries).

2. What book are you working on now?

I just turned in a Heartsong romance titled WHITE AS SNOW – about a young woman who can’t stand football. She lives in the Pittsburgh area, and eventually (of course!) falls in love with a professional football player. I had a lot of fun writing this one. Why, you ask? Because I’m not a football fan! Figure skating, yes! Gymnastics, of course! Football. . .are you kidding?

3. What book are you reading now?

I just read a really funny book by Ray Blackston call FLABBERGASTED. It was kind of like chick lit for guys. I ear-marked all of the pages that made me laugh out loud. By the time I got to the end, I think I’d ear-marked over forty pages! I also just read a really great non-fiction book by Lee Ezell called FINDING GOD WHEN LIFE’S NOT FAIR. In it, she talks about the death of her husband, and her bout with cancer, ten weeks later. I could relate to so much of what she was going through (refer to question below)

4. How do you deal with your other obligations (family, church, etc.) when it’s crunch time near deadlines?

This has been a tough year for me. During the writing of GONE WITH THE GROOM, I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. It was an awful time for our family. Then, the week before the book was due, my married daughter (Randi) became very ill during her 33^rd week of pregnancy and the baby (Madysen) had to be delivered early. She was only four and a half pounds, but (thank God!) is just fine now. Then, about the time the book went to the edit stage, my sister passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly. This week, as I began marketing the book, one of my best friends suddenly passed away. It seems like every time a tragedy strikes, I’m on some sort of deadline. I don’t resent that fact, (though at times it’s tough to keep going). I find the writing to be a blessing, particularly in light of the fact that I “need” the humor of light-weight stories like GONE WITH THE GROOM to bring a smile to my face. God always helps me with the obligations/deadlines part. I’m totally dependent on Him for those things. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

5. What’s your favorite worship song, and why?

If you had asked me this question one year ago, I would have answered “Amazing Love.” It’s been my favorite for years. But this year, I’m very drawn to a song called “Praise You in this Storm” (by Casting Crowns). The lyrics are so true of my life right now:

I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

(Praise You in This Storm, words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms)

Trust me when I say that it is possible for believers to go on praising, even when the storms are blowing out of control around you.

6. What do you crave (beverage or food) when you have writer’s stress?

I am addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper. And when I’m really needing a treat, I turn to Earl Grey tea (like Annie Peterson) or even Chai Latte. When all else fails, I reach for a piece of cheesecake.

7. Where did you birth the idea for this book (and the series)? When? How did it come about? Did any of the experiences in the story happen to you personally?

I have four daughters in their 20’s. Two of them got married in 2004 within four and a half months of each other. It was a stressful time, but I always knew I’d eventually be able to use the information in a story. Just about the time I thought I could rest, my third daughter got engaged. Her wedding just took place six weeks ago. Three down, one to go! As for how I decided to turn these books into mysteries (instead of traditional romances)… I asked myself the question, “What would you do if you had to pay for two weddings and didn’t have the money to do so?” Out of that, the first book (THE WEDDING CAPER) was born. After that, I got to thinking, “What would you do if the groom disappeared just before the wedding?) Out of that, GONE WITH THE GROOM was born. And so on, and so forth.

8. If your book was turned into a movie, who would play the main characters?

Wow. Never thought about that before. Who would play Annie Peterson? If she were still alive, I might pick someone funny like Madeline Kahn. If she were younger, maybe Carol Burnett? Diane Keaton might work, (though, Annie is really only turning 50, so even Diane might be a bit too old). As for the twin daughters, I think it would be fun to have someone like Jennifer Garner play dual roles. Or, hey…what about the Olsen twins? They could split the workload, and they’re about the right age. As for the husband (Warren) I wouldn’t want to go for anyone terribly famous, because I wouldn’t want him to outshine Annie. For Sheila? Someone quirky like Bette Midler or even Kathy Bates would do – in flamboyant colors, of course.

9. Which one of your characters is most like you, and why do you say that?

I’m a lot like Annie Peterson, truth be told. I find myself “in over my head” a lot, and I tend to think I can solve most any problem. She’s going through some empty nest issues, and I can certainly relate to that. Like Annie I also find myself turning to God for the real answers. I’d like to say I’m funny like Sheila, but I patterned that character after my best friend Kay, who always keeps me laughing. Kay is always coming up with funny sayings, and all-the-more, now that she knows I need material for Sheila to use.

10. What do you want your readers to know about you?

I love God with my whole heart, and no matter what troubles come my way, (no matter what mysteries I need to solve) I will never ever give up on my faith. Never. I will keep on keeping on, no matter what!

Please keep Janice in your prayers, she recently fell and severly fractured her ankle. She's undergone surgery and is currently immobilized. If you'd like to send her words of encouragement, you may do so at: booksbyjanice@aol.com

Tolerance

It's during those quiet moments with God that He speaks. This morning while studying the last chapters of Romans, the message of acceptance of all boomed loud and clear.

How often do I judge by first impressions, worship style, or appearance?

Many readers read the first paragraph of a book and immediately form an opinion, never giving the character a chance. Never reading further to experience the character's growth.

Are we doing the same to people we meet? Not bothering to take the time or put in the effort to get past that first impression. How often is that first impression wrong?

A quote by George Washington Carver helped me during my days working with patients. The real meaning in what we are as Christians, wives, mothers, writers, etc…is shown here:

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in life you will have been all of these."
George Washing Carver

As I age, I can look back and see where I've been in these different positions. The people I remember during those times were the ones who showed me tenderness, compassion, sympathy, and tolerance…

How do you want to be remembered?

Win IN BETWEEN by Jenny Jones

Debut author Jenny Jones took time from her busy schedule to answer a few interview questions.

See what her claim to fame was before she became a published author!!
www.marianmerritt.com clink on the featured author link.

If you'd like to be included in a drawing for Jenny's book, IN BETWEEN, leave a comment. Check back on May 21st when I'll post the winner.

Keep reading and Keep writing....

Umbrella of Doubt

Yeah, I know that sounds a little contradictory. Usually umbrellas are meant to protect us from things—not be the thing we need protecting from…

It’s all in perspective.

When I doubt or worry it’s like I’m opening that big fat umbrella and cowering under it—blocking any blessings heading my way. Blocking God’s creativity within me.

Interesting thing about doubt is that is grows quickly with very little nourishment.

Remember the old adage—feed a fever and starve a cold or was that starve a fever and feed a cold? I can’t ever remember.

Either way, I’ve come up with a new one: Feed a hope—starve a doubt.

Next time rough weather fills your life, leave the umbrella…

Turn your face to the sky…

And drink.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. -- Corrie Ten Boom

Touching His Cloak

I love when a Bible story is so significant that it appears in three of the four gospels. My favorite is the story of the woman who pushed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ cloak. Matthew (9:20), Mark (5:25), and Luke (8:43) all thought the story important enough to add to their gospels.

What awesome faith she had!
She didn’t call out His name. She didn’t rush to get in front of Him, nor did she feel the need to capture His attention.

She simply touched Him. Knowing, with deep-rooted faith, that would be enough to heal her.

Her simple act serves as a reminder that my faith needs to be like hers. Knowing that all I have to do is reach out to Him with absolute faith that He can accomplish anything.

Are you trusting Him with your writing? Your problems? Your family? Your future? Have you touched His cloak in faith that He will fulfill His promise to you?

Reaching for His Robe…

Unlikely Gifts

Sometimes we get gifts that take us a while to figure out that they really are gifts. As a writer, those gifts may be something as simple as an interruption in our writing time to minister to a friend in need or as heavy as a rejection from someone that God knows would not be the right fit.

Once I purchased a laptop and started writing at different locations, little gifts from God seemed to appear everywhere.

Many times, I sit on my back porch to write. It offers a great view and the perfect landscape for those little gifts. A furry bunny. A family of deer. A red fox. Numerous birds. Especially hummingbirds. Often, because I’m fond of Coffee Mate’s Crème Bruleé creamer in my coffee, I’ve had the little feathered kamikazes dangerously close. So close, I've felt the breeze of their wings on my face.

At the park, the giggles of a brother and sister playing on the swings.

At a coffee shop, the gesture of a stranger that perfectly matches the personality of my main character.

At a restaurant, the background music that sets the tone for a difficult scene.

In the den next to the fireplace on a cold, winter morning when sleep is interrupted by the voices that demand their stories be told. In the still quiet morning, the words flow. No restrictions.

Have you received a gift from God while you were writing? If so, please share.

Sometimes it’s in appreciating the little things that keep the big things from overwhelming us.

Genesis Contest Open

So you write fiction and want some awesome feedback? Then may I suggest entering the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest.

It’s a deal…

Three critiques from experienced writers - Five if you’re a finalist for thirty-five ($35.00) dollars. Who can beat that?

Polish those first twenty-five pages and get your entries in. Contest deadline is April 15, 2007.

You can enter online at http://www.acfw.com/genesis/

I hope to hear your name called in Dallas at the Annual ACFW Writer’s Conference!

On the Road Again…

Well, seems like God and ExxonMobil has us moving again! Yes, this time to Colorado.

Scott has accepted a position in the Construction department in ExxonMobil’s Piceance Creek location near Rifle, CO.

We’re very excited about the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place. I’m especially excited about living in a location that has FOUR seasons!!! It will be a first for this deep Southern gal. Of course, many of my friends tell me to give them a call after I’ve had to shovel snow for several mornings. They seem to think I’ll change my mind.

Our family will make the “big” move above the Mason-Dixon line sometime next May or June, plans are still pending.

I’ll keep y’all (can I say that up North?) posted…

ACFW Conference

Hello Everyone!

It’s been a very busy and emotional time. I recently returned (Sept 21-24) from the American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) conference in Dallas. It was an awesome four days of fellowship, learning, worship, and fun! By the time I pulled into the driveway on Sunday afternoon, I was exhausted. In a good way.

ACFW has an annual writing contest for pre-published authors. This year’s contest sported a new name: THE GENESIS.

I entered my manuscript LEGACY OF GRACE back in February of this year. One night in the spring, while ironing clothes, the phone rang. The caller, Ruth Logan Herne the Genesis coordinator for the Women’s Fiction category, informed me that LEGACY OF GRACE was one of the five finalists. When I look back at that night and my total surprise, little did I know that God had amazing things in store. I said a prayer of thanks and returned to the mundane and much despised task of ironing.

In Dallas, the Saturday night awards banquet was done in A+ style. The elegant china, candlelit-clad dining tables, white-gloved waiters, and gourmet meal set the tone for a night of gratitude far beyond my wildest dreams.

LEGACY OF GRACE WON!!!

First place in the Women’s Fiction Category AND…….OVERALL WINNER!!

I still shake my head and wonder if I dreamt the whole thing. It was an amazing night. I can’t remember what I said so I know it was God that carried me through the speech to the 400+ attendees.

I had one day to revel in the elation of the win before I received a phone call from my sister stating that my grandmother had passed away. So, two days later I’m back on the road, this time to Louisiana to say my final goodbye. Although sad for the reason, it was nice to see family members I hadn’t seen in years.

It’s been an emotional tilt-a-whirl. But God has a way of giving us what we need at just the time we need it. And His blessings don’t always lead in the direction that we think.

I don’t know what’s in store for LEGACY OF GRACE or anything else in my future, but I do know that I am content to trust in the One who does.

Praise Him.

Winner of THE RELUCTANT BURGLAR

By JILL NELSON is:

SHEILA MARKLEY!

CONGRATULATIONS, SHEILA!

Thanks to all of you who entered the contest. Next week watch for an interview with:

CAROLYN AARSEN.

Check back in a few days for my exciting story as the ACFW Genesis Winner!

I do ask for your prayers—my grandmother died yesterday. I’m traveling home to Louisiana on Wednesday for her funeral on Thursday.

From Athens to Corinth

How often do we agonize over an anticipated event only to find when the event has come and gone, we’ve wasted time imagining the worse?

That’s what Paul must have felt when he left Athens headed for Corinth. His experiences in Athens were not confidence boosting. They actually zapped his confidence. Few of the Athenians got Paul’s message. They only embraced the fact that this was another way to think. I’m sure the time alone traveling the distance between the two cities provided a lot of quiet time. Paul could have either wallowed in his low self-esteem or brought his concerns to Jesus. We see Paul’s different approach when he addresses the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 we see a Paul totally dependent on Jesus, one who is weak and trembling with fear.

If you’re a writer and the thought of the upcoming ACFW conference makes your knees shake and your palms sweat. Or if you’ve got a gut-wrenching decision you’re struggling with. Or if you’re battling a never-ending foe and are exhausted, remember Paul’s approach to Corinth. It was when he was at his weakest that God stepped in and used him to minister to the Corinthians. Here we see Paul as someone like us. Take heart, if God used a human like Paul with insecurities and self-doubt, he can use you the same way.

Pressing on.

Check out my new author interview with Jill Nelson author of Reluctant Burglar
www.marianmerritt.com

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