Fall Have-Read List

Alas, I meant to post this yesterday since it was the First Day of Winter officially but I had a lovely deviation from my plan for the day. The deviation was to spend the afternoon with my mother and grandmother at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens. They have an incredible train display this time of year, with buildings from all over Grand Rapids built in miniature out of sticks, dried leaves and all sorts of plants. There are also trees decorated in different themes that represent many countries around the world. Both are impressive, and children are highly amused by the train track. It's a great outing, and if you get a membership, you can visit Fredrick Meijer any time you want, which means you can do to the Christmas displays, the butterflies in March, walk the trails in summer, and attend the craft shows in the fall.
I have been trying to improve my reading, and did somewhat better than last year but I'm still far behind what I should be. I used to have the time to just devour books, but without a set schedule in my life, this has been so much more difficult than it ought to me and I have been missing out on a lost of great books. I did read some really fantastic novels though!

Ilyon Chronicles #3: Samara's Peril by Jaye L. Knight

What a surprising addition to the Ilyon Chronicles! There were many twists in here I did not expect at all, and some surprising elements to the plot as well as characters. I appreciated this genuinely original approach, and applaud Knight for staying true to the world and placement of her characters. It was sweet to see relationships strengthen and grow throughout the story, and each character also emerged not just stronger individually, but also spiritually and as a team. I'll bet she had a blast writing Kaden and those dragons! You just can't go wrong with dragons! I think I will stop here for fear of telling you too much. Just go read it for yourself!

A Study in Scarlet, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
You're not gonna be too happy with me for this, but in all honesty this was not my most favorite thing to have read this year. Sorry. I really like Sherlock, but for my first Sherlock Holmes story, it was a rough start. I liked it at first, but that bit in the middle with the Mormons and the Ferriers, well, it lost my interest. It was a clever story, but changing moods and scenes so abruptly totally through me for a loop and I did not finish the book with that delightful, tingly excitement like I just read the best thing ever! I know, I am a terrible Sherlock fan for thinking this.

A Scandal in Bohemia, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
I really liked this one! It was a lot of fun, and didn't take long at all to read. If you haven't tried reading Sherlock Holmes, you should!

The Lady Janies #1: My Lady Jane, by Cynthia Hand

I was not sure how I was going to like this one. I have great admiration for the strong woman who became queen for a (debatable) length of only nine days. It was Mary, Bloody Mary, who threatened to behead her if she did not recant her Protestant faith and accept Catholicism, but the learned young woman refused. Though her ending is tragic, her life of faith is remembered. So, when I picked up this book, at first I was pretty irritated that they flippantly fictionized her life in such a way (erasing all mention of Protestant/ Catholic tension and substituting it with a strange magic that allows people to become animals). However, I also applaud creativity (as long as it is not at the expense of God's Holy Word), and as a story, I do think it was well done. The prose was intriguingly fresh and modern despite that it takes place in the 1800s, the characters well-developed and redeeming. Most of them were open to growth and learning, even if they tried not to be. The world was vivid and new, also intriguing in light of the fact that it's not set in a "new" place or time. I would still prefer a historial fiction piece on Lady Jane any day, that at least attempts to preserve a picture of her as a strong Protestant, but this was a fun, new world to explore.

I also tried something different in order to attempt multi-tasking: I listened to audio recordings of Rudyard Kipling in the hopes that I could finish another classic and some crochet Christmas Stockings at the same time. Although listening to books is still not my preferred method of digesting written words, I think I might try it again sometime. I just need to be sure not to choose long books.
I finished all three of the Mowgli stories from The Jungle Book as well as The White Seal. I wish I had read them when I was a child, because I think I would have been enchanted by them at that time.

What books stood out to you this past autumn? Have you read any of these and what were your thoughts? I'd love to know if anyone else read these same books and has an opinion on them, too!

War of Loyalties is now Available for Purchase!

I am so excited about this book and can't wait to get my hands on it. I've yet to read it, but I have read other pieces that Schuyler has written and she has a wonderful way with words. Some of us have followed and prayed for her since before the manuscript was finished, and here it is, 100 years from when if would have taken place. (How cool is that?)

Book Description: 

April, 1917. A ring of German spies threatens the coastal town of Folkestone, England. Newly-recruited agent Ben Dorroll must uncover which British citizens are traitors to their country. When his first attempt at espionage falls prey to a trap laid by German sympathizers, the security of the British Secret Service is threatened. Feeling lost in a strange country and aching for a steady place to call home, he wants to resign and go back to his American medical work. But when he learns that his family identity holds the key to capturing the spy ring, Ben has no choice but to unite with the mysterious Jaeryn Graham so that the truth can be discovered. 

In the aftermath of the Irish Rebellion, Jaeryn Graham's British colleagues look warily on his Irish background. Always up for a challenge, he thinks his new mission in the Secret Service should be an opportunity to prove his prowess. But after encountering death and alienating two agents, he finds the road to victory isn't as easy as he thought. Unless he can win the loyalties of his newest assistant, Ben Dorroll, his secret ambitions and his perfect success record will be destroyed.

Does that sounds like something that interests you? Follow the link below for a chance to win your copy of the first of the Folkestone Fellowship novels, War of Loyalties by Schuyler McConkey. 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9759b4114/?

 War of Loyalties is officially available for purchase on Amazon now, and when you're finished reading, a review is always appreciated, dear readers! You can also review it on Goodreads. If you like a novel, the best way to show your appreciation for that author is by reviewing and sharing on social media. 

About Schuyler

Schuyler McConkey is a writing teacher, book reviewer, and ministry leader living half of her life in happy fellowship with her family and spending the other half in angst-filled fictional worlds. She is passionate about classic, Dickensian stories and characters who encounter deep struggles touched by grace. Irish music, British movies, and chai lattes provide the fuel for her dreams.

So Let the Christmas Music Be Set Free

So unofficially, I've been listening to Christmas music since Reformation Day (at least) but I can speak freely about such things after Thanksgiving and I'm going to.

I love Christmas and I love Christmas music! I love that everyone is singing praises to Jesus everywhere, even if they do not mean to, and I love the festive sounds all around. It feels especially nostalgic when it is snowing those big fluffly flakes on dark, cold evenings. 

As soon as Christmas music is permissible (or before), I can be found on a Sunday afternoon between services curled up with tea, listening to Christmas playlists while crocheting. Here are some of my favorite artists and songs to listen to at this time of year. I am a fiend for collecting seasonal music, so I would love to hear yours! Please do share!

*Suggestion for listening: Right click on links to Open a New Tab so that this window remains open. Turn up your speakers, and enjoy!

1. Who doesn't love Pentatonix? Their vocals are amazing, and they blend so well together! Here's a chilling version of Mary Did You Know? which happens to be one of my mother's favorite's of theirs, too.

2 .Okay, so I'm suggest something drastic. I am not a Disney-music person and I don't go for musicals, but I love Vivaldi and I think this mash-up by the Piano Guys is brilliant, regardless. Let it Go / Vivaldi's Winter. 

3. I Heard the Bells by Casting Crowns is just beautiful. Need I say more?

4. Lindsey Stirling has some lovely, creative pieces that I really like, and this is one of them. Her unique style is like none other. Here is her version of  Carol of the Bells. 

5. Keith & Krystin Getty have a tenderly sung piece called How Suddenly a Baby Cries/ Narnian Reel, with a melody that warms the heart. I like a lot of their music, but this one is special and it's nice to hear something different besides the other traditional pieces. Also, it includes a Narnian Reel. Narnia always makes me feel Christmasy.

6. Trans-Siberian Orchestra has a number of entertaining, excitement-building pieces. I had a difficult time choosing just one to post here and settled on A Mad Russian's Christmas. (But Wizards in Winter is of honorable mention.)

7. Ah, but this one I highly recommend you watch instead of just listen to. For the record, I normally find this song very annoying but this version is worth the laugh. 12 Days of Christmas

8. I am absolutely besotted with Position Music's Christmas melodies. Really. I had the most difficult time just choosing one, and settled on We Three Kings only because it wasn't already on this list. Go listen to all of them, I beseech thee.

9. What is a Christmas playlist without some Manheim Steamroller? Have a listen to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. It was told to me by my mother that she listened to Manheim Steamroller when she was pregnant with me, and whenever I hear this song I am filled with all sorts of memories from my childhood. I am instantly transported in time whenever I hear it.

10. Finally, my very favorite: Thomas Bergersen's Christmas Medley. It is incredible. I highly recommend that you listen to it with good speakers, turned up. Bergersen has unmatched talent composing modern symphonic music that makes you feel like everything is epic. Try listening to any piece of his while sweeping the kitchen and doing the dishes. I dare you. It feels like an impossible mission to conquer. In this case, it makes Christmas feel as triumphant as it should be.

I hope your December is filled with blessings, love and joy as only Christ can fill you up with.
And now, flood me with Christmas music in the comments below! 

Announcment- Amarylis has been submitted!

Many of you have already been aware that I have been working on a short story for the Write Michigan contest. I have been keeping it pretty quiet on social media until submission, and today was the day!

It is officially submitted! 

Synopsis: 

"In this allegorical story, Amarylis finds herself unhappily engaged to kindly Albion. In attempting to distract herself from the impending marriage, she makes a choice that will lead her to learn something she never expected." 

Images from Pixabay

I look forward to sharing this with you!

If you would like a reminder for when voting opens and the story is available to read, please Subscribe using the "Subscribe to our mailing list" box to the right of this post.

Happy Tuesday! (In which I share Brandes' new book cover and some crocheting.)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I meant to post this yesterday, but alas, the internet was having a Monday and went kaput. (If you are Dutch you know that word.) So basically everything I was in the midst of had to stop and dumb it all, I had to shop at Meijers (where I got some nice tan yarn). After that I made alfredo sauce on lasagna noodles for dinner. There was this delicious recipe posted on Facebook that my mom and I sorted of followed because we couldn't open the links to read the instructions. It still turned out amazing. So the point of this is that the internet went kaput but life still went on. 

What I meant to post yesterday was an exciting update from Nadine Brandes! I was surprised to see that she has finally shared with us her new book's cover and a little synopsis! (Click on the link for that synopsis- it sounds fantastic!)

Isn't it pretty? All that blue and gold and that mysterious mask. *Spinning and twirling* It sounds delightfully suspenseful. I cannot wait to read it and I want it on my shelf. 

I am in the middle of several projects (writing and otherwise) and dealing with life-happens stuff which I won't bore you with, so Ember is glaring at me right now but I'm praying my way through this.

One of my projects is crocheting. I have a few things that I am available to be commissioned for. If you are interested in any of these projects, please visit my Facebook page and PM me. 

Here are some of my projects that I am able to do for you. ~ Please note that this may be opened for a limited time, depending on how I can keep up with it. 

Scarves 10.00 ea

I believe this particular one may not be available (I think someone else has her eye on it), but I am posting it as an example. This particular yarn is also all used up, and I do not know where I got it from, sorry!

I use soft yarns that are comfortable on the skin and if you don't know what colors you want, just tell me what you like and I will find something. I often pick up random textured yarn and so forth when I shop, so I can look for different colors while out.

Colors I have on hand at the moment: 

*Red

*White

*Tan/beige (It is called "Heather")

I can purchase any other colors you wish and can also do stripes or add tassels. 1.00 more for a third color.  

Fun fur scarves 12.00 because fun fur is not actually as much fun to work with as it is to wear and look at. Even though it is so so soft and yummy.

(I apologize for the strange alignment, here, it was not allowing me to format this the way I wanted.)

Christmas Stockings 15.00 ea.

I have just nearly completed a complete set for my family and my mother loves them. 

I can do them with green also, I just don't have of that color on hand right now. No lettering/ monogramming offered. They are a nice big size.

Crochet Cradle-purse 12.00

These make great Christmas or birthday gifts for any little girl! They are nice for church because she can carry a small pen and mini notebook in it, too, and a great quiet-time toy. 

I can do any two colors of your choice. (See scarves for what colors I have right now.) 1.00 for a third color. Bunny/doll is currently not included. 

Blanket or pillow is 1.00 more, blanket and pillow together 2.00 more. 

Happy 500th Reformation Day

Most of you will be celebrating Halloween, but there is something else that marks that same day, a page in history turned... and sadly, forgotten by too many.
We are just five days away from the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, marked by the day Martin Luther nailed the ninety-five thesis to the church door. I am amazed at the legacy that the Lord blessed from that moment.

If you missed my second-to-last post, you can click on the link provided to follow my thought process. I have been thinking about what has shaped me as a writer and made me love words. This week, I began reflecting on what the Reformation means to me. What does it say about who I am?

I am proud to call this my heritage. I have no blood connection or relation to Martin Luther at all, nor to any of the other known Reformers, but that is not the only way someone can be a part of who you are. I may not ever know all the people in this world who I am related to, or all the people who came before me that I could be related to. That doesn't really matter so much, as they are only a part of who I am physically, and physically I will not last forever. The other part of me is the spiritual heritage that is just as ingrained in me as my DNA, and it will last forever.
It affects the way I think and the way I treat others.
It affects what I believe and what I read.
It affects who I choose to call friends.
It affects what I choose to do in my future and how I choose to react to what happens to me today and in the future.
That is far more impacting than any blood connection or DNA in my physical body. It changes what I take in, and it changes what I give out.

Luther knew the precious value or words, and with fiery dedication he pushed the church to reconsider its purpose and to teach individuals in the church how to appreciate their heritage in it instead of being indebted constantly. Christ died for us and gave us hope, but He didn't leave us with just the idea of hope, He left us with real words so that we can know not only who we are and where we came from but also where we are going. There is no physical DNA strand or blood test that can tell me what's going to happen to me in the future, but my identity in Christ does. Isn't that amazing? The greatest part about this is that I don't have to do anything except know with all my heart and soul that I am His.
I am thankful for those men who sacrificed their life and comfort to teach and share God's words so that I can have them readily available at any time and any place. I am thankful to witness the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Go make a Reformation cake! Throw some confetti! Pray a prayer of thankfulness! Comment below and tell me what you will do to celebrate this day in your Christian history. I would love to hear!

War of Loyalties Cover Reveal

So folks! Friday was the official date the Folkestone Files #1: War of Loyalties cover and release date was revealed! I am thrilled to share this with you, as Schuyler McConkey is a wonderful word-crafter, story-teller, and woman of God and I could not be more happy for her. War of Loyalties will be released on November 30, 2017 (that's just 49 days away!). Congratulations on your ink baby, Schuyler!

Here is a summary from the back of the book, and the gorgeous cover (I mean really, just look at it). I've already got my copy ordered and cannot wait to read it!

April, 1917. A ring of German spies threatens the coastal town of Folkestone, England. Newly-recruited agent Ben Dorroll must uncover which British citizens are traitors to their country. When his first attempt at espionage falls prey to a trap laid by German sympathizers, the security of the British Secret Service is threatened. Feeling lost in a strange country and aching for a steady place to call home, he wants to resign and go back to his American medical work. But when he learns that his family identity holds the key to capturing the spy ring, Ben has no choice but to unite with the mysterious Jaeryn Graham so that the truth can be discovered. 

In the aftermath of the Irish Rebellion, Jaeryn Graham's British colleagues look warily on his Irish background. Always up for a challenge, he thinks his a new mission in the Secret Service should be an opportunity to prove his prowess. But after an encounter with death and alienating two agents, he finds the road to victory isn't as easy as he thought. Unless he can win the loyalties of his newest assistant, Ben Dorroll, his secret ambitions and his perfect success record will be destroyed.

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Check out more about War of Loyalties at My Lady Bibliophile

Childhood Books That Made Me Love Reading

I have been thinking a lot lately about what shaped me as a writer. I have decided to do a few posts on this but what better way to start than at the beginning! One of my favorite activities as a child was reading, and so I thought it appropriate to reflect on what stories I loved, which stories made me want to write, and which have stuck with me all these years.

I don't remember when I decided to write. I only remember always wanting to tell stories, to create and to build. Everyone else in school was building things with their hands, solving difficult math equations, and choosing careers that made sense but I had no interest in those things. I just wanted to create worlds and weave stories. Making something from scratch was more interesting to me than following a set of instructions to make a pre-designed plan work out.

My first experience with reading was being read aloud to, before I knew how to decipher the letters and sounds myself. Those nightly routines of after-dinner devotions and before-bed stories were highly influential in how I perceived the world and live in it today. It was comforting to listen to my father's voice after my belly was full of supper and my schoolwork finished. My parents were loving and wanted us to know God as a loving Father, too. Sometimes we heard about people in the Bible but other times, if one of us had a particularly rough day, my father would choose a passage of instruction, comfort, or reassurance- what he chose would sometimes depend on the situation and what we all needed to hear. God is like that; He knows what we need and if we talk with Him daily we can see that He provides in a very specific way for us.
The day ended with other stories from picture books, not from the Bible, either spoken aloud by my mother or father and snuck into bed with me after lights-out. There were certain stories that each parent had a knack for. Sometimes mom would cuddle us. Sometimes dad would do funny voices. I often share stories that I read now, but rarely stories I have read before. In contemplating which stories have shaped me as a writer, I wanted to think a little more deeply on which stories I started out with, even if they don't seem that significant.

Trumpets in Grumpetland

This particular story had to be read by dad. Mom just couldn't do it right. There were voices for each of the characters, and multiple sound effects. The illustrations inside were wonderful, with lots of detail, and the whole world it takes place in so imaginative and detailed! The creatures looked like hippos, who rode in cat-faced helicopters and wore World War II uniforms. The story itself is quite simple and easy to follow, but told in a completely original way with those unique illustrations.

I Love You Forever, I'll Like You For Always

This was one that mom always read. Tucked under her wings, pressed close and our bodies finally still after a busy day, she would say the lines like she had written them herself and drop kisses on our foreheads after.

A book whose title I can't remember :(
I tried to find it, and alas, it was not to be found. I remember nothing about the words in the book, because I spent so much time pouring over the illustrations. I remember sitting up late paging through it over and over, making up stories to go with each page. Each picture had detailed cross-sections of animal homes inside trees or underground, complete with kitchens, furniture, and decorations. In some of the pictures, mice had pet snails on leashes and held picnics. It was such a charming book, that I am a little sad that I couldn't find it and can see the pictures so clearly in my head.

Bread and Jam for Frances

I loved Frances. She was sort of a snot sometimes, but I was entertained by her wit and confidence. I specifically recall how she ate her lunch one bite at a time, alternating food, and how I tried to eat like that in kindergarten more than once. I liked how mom read this one, though I can't remember what, exactly, she did when she read it that I liked so much. It was just the pattern of her voice, I suppose, something about its cadence that is stuck in my head.

Dr. Seuss

Like with the Grumpets, there were certain voices and sound effects for each page, and the illustrations for Dr. Seuss stories were unique and imaginative. Our favorite one included a character who played his violin badly, and Dad would make sounds like a wretchedly played violin that would have us in fits of laughter.

Harvey's Hideout

Equally as entertaining to me as Frances was Mildred, the sassy muskrat who wouldn't share with her brother Harvey but she was so interesting because she had a secret hideout and tea parties. Besides which, in the end she and her brother made up and that was nice. Even though Harvey and Mildred were sassy little muskrats, they were not above forgiving one another to mend their brother-sister friendship.

There is one collection of stories that I can't really title and I can't really tell you where you can buy them, but it was perhaps one of the most memorable bed-time stories I was told. This collection of stories was mostly shared on cool summer nights, around a flickering campfire beneath falling stars. My father was a wonderful story-teller, his head so full of ideas that he could free them with a blink of an eye. There were numerous Ricky Raccoon adventures, and a very amusing tale on How the Cat Bird Got Its Call. Never once was a story told exactly the same, and they always became more grand than the last time- if he ever did tell them a second time. It was like magic, the way the stories were born in the dark and shaped at that very moment. I already loved words, and this was just proof that words were the least recognized but most valuable currency.
Words were shared in the morning when we woke, and whispered in prayer. They were recited midday at school and murmured after supper, then shared before bed to usher us to peaceful rests. The greatest gift Jesus gave to us was His Word, infallible and invaluable and that will always be the most precious book I have and will read.

My Summer Have-Read List

It's that time again! Hear is my Summer have-read list!

I am feeling so accomplished! I actually finished The Triune God earlier this summer which I had been working on all winter. I may have said before, it was a little dry in places but it was chocked-full of good stuff and I was determined to get through it. So even though I took my sweet time on it (I tend to do that with devotionals anyway) I did finish it at last.


I also finished Jaye L. Knight's Ilyon Chronicles: Resistance, and loved it. I loved it so much, in fact, that I purchased it from Amazon (along with Defy and A Time to Rise) using gift cards I won from just-said authors (respectively, Tricia Mingerink and Nadine Brandes). The best way to describe this one to you is by calling it Christian Fantasy. It is set in a midieval-like world where Christians of many races are beginning to be persecuted for their beliefs. It was cleverly written, Kyrin and Jace are lovable and likable, and full of imaginative locations. I highly recommend it.


I followed up Resistance by starting The King's Scrolls, which I am devouring at this time. It has some very interesting twists and surprises, which I cannot share with you. You must read it for yourself!


Connie VanHuis has beautiful insight into small things in life; I love the way she looks at the world and finds testimony to God in something as simple and sweet as farm-life with horses. I have always loved horses, they are intelligent and magnificent creatures. I could appreciate how she sees this intelligent devotion in them and likens it to our intelligent, purposeful, but sometimes faultering devotion to Christ. Her book was encouraging to me, and I felt like she was sitting in my room telling me her stories and giving me Bible verses herself that build up and give peace.


Every artist or writer ought to have Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon on their shelf. It is short, clear, concise and extremely helpful. I read it all in probably 30 min. or less, laying on the beach with friends on a soft evening when the sun was not blaring hot and was sitting just on the horizon. It was a great feeling to just sit and finish a book all in one sitting (I haven't done that since high school) and I felt that I had taken away from it a lot of very good, insightful mental notes. I plan to buy it and put sticky notes in it and take notes and generally just love on it in the future.
*Also of note, previously in the same day I had just watched Spiderman: Homecoming and I'm telling you, if you haven't seen it by now you ought to.


Other books included Berenstein Bears which I have not read in years but my niece was pretty insistent and I couldn't say no. :)

On different note, I have not only read some great books this summer, I have also seen some really great movies (besides Spiderman).

In August I finally was able to watch The Case for Christ, which I had wanted to see several months ago and was just unable to (you know, life). I highly recommend it! It was very well-done, and really interesting. I did feel like it moved quickly. There were a lot of detailed accounts that changed Lee Strobel's mind that I wished had been explored a little more. However, it is a movie- it kind of has to be condensed in order for it to be viewable by a large audience. Most people aren't interested in long films, especially in theaters. After seeing the movie, I would like to read the book to find out more about Strobel's life in detail, and how this case of his lead him to Christ.


What great books or movies have you read or seen this summer? I would love to hear your favorite summer reads! Any recommendations for me?

September News

18 days until Breathe! I am very excited for this, because last year it was awesome. I was exhausted by the end, but so filled with information. What an experience it was! 

Something I did not share in my last post was that I started two new jobs (yes, two). How I am going to balance them out will be a challenge, but one is a temporary, seasonal job. This means... well, I don't know what it means, exactly. I will have to work writing around it (as always- that's nothing new). It is a different schedule, which will change again in October. For that reason, I would appreciate many prayers that I adjust quickly to the current fluctuating schedule and my permanent schedule when that falls into place. Change is hard for me. It tends to mess with me, and throw my creative side off-balance for a bit. I love what I am doing, but I am asking for many prayers in finding a new normal and being okay with still more change. 

Then there is FALL! Which I love. I do enjoy all seasons for different reasons (Summer is my favorite, though) but Fall also includes one other very big thing: the beginning of school and the pre-holiday season. For me, this means Sunday School begins, Christmas Program stuff needs to be finalized, and holidays planned and baked for. I'm jumping into a sea of (somewhat) organized chaos this September with my eyes Upward. 

Reading goals: To finish Samara's Peril by Jaye L. Knight. 

Writing goals: To write another chapter of the White Hawks up and have ready to send to editing friends (sorry, I am way far behind but nobody complain because it's all worth it, believe me, the trade-off is better). To also write at least a little in Ember's story, even if it is 500 words only before now and the end of the month. 

Other goals: Generally not freak out daily when I look at my calendar and trust God daily.

Happy 1st Ink Lizard Anniversary!

Today marks the one-year anniversary of my blog, the Ink Lizard! Lots has happened since that day, but there are a few writerly (yes I'm making that a word today even though spell check is angry with me) highlights of the past year that I can share with you.

1. The Ink Lizard was meant to journal my walk towards moving from writer to author. While I didn't have a clear answer when that change will happen, and still don't, there are things I do know:
     a) That while I rest in God's Word and listen to Him as I make choices in life, take chances, and work unto His glory, He will make then when apparent in His perfect timing.
     b) You never loose when you are making friends. Even if you don't know the purpose of a time in your life, God puts people around you to either challenge you, help or cause you to grow, or to support you. So make friends, and be honest with them and treat them like chocolate cake. (Don't drop 'em or smash 'em, and if you treat 'em right they will support you up with laughter and love).
     c) Write write write and never stop. You only fail when you give up.
     d) If a day seems overwhelming, pray, then consider your priorities and pursue only those things. Setting small goals is both encouraging and relieving!

2. My focus has not changed a lot since starting this blog, but what I have been writing seriously with focus has changed. When I started this blog I was pushing myself to finish a three-part series, Atremento Chronicles, beginning with White Hawks. This was the work of over a decade. But I realized it was holding me back from growing. After a lot of prayer and careful consideration I set it aside for a while to pursue other writing projects. I moved on to Lyla's story, implementing techniques I studied from books and followed from the Breathe Conference 2016. Something just never really clicked with that story, though, and I learned that it was because I was still not writing right for me. (Lyla's story is still in limbo right now.) I tried to do everything exactly right, and it was terrible. I knew I was a pantser but now I know it. I absolutely cannot write a story from an outline. I totally loose interest in it. (For those of you who don't know, there's two kinds of writers, the plotter and the pantsers, who fly by the seat of their pants. If you know me, you know this is a little odd because I really love to have everything planned out and accounted for... just for some reason I can't be controlled when I write.)
In the midst of struggling with Lyla's story, and with many other things last winter, I plunked myself down at my computer one Saturday without a plan. All I had was this strong urge to just write, and I didn't know who the characters would be or the plot. I didn't know what was going on, but somehow I discovered with Ember her own fears.
And here I am, beginning Chapter 4. This doesn't seem like much to you, but it is an accomplishment for me after the last several months, and Ember's story is only building. I have so much to tell, and I pray that you will be able to read her story in the future. I have learned to see Ember, but it was a process. Letting go of Nico and his friends was strange at first. It's slowly getting easier and I'm understanding Ember better.

3. My elbow has been 100% healed for a long time now, and I am extremely grateful for the use of my hands again and the energy to do more in the evenings. The Lord answered my prayers and healed my wrists after a time. I can weed, bake and cook, clean and give hugs and hold my favorite squishy little ones. I can write! I do not take these simple things for granted right now, doing these every-day things makes me really happy.

4. Finding time to read is still difficult. I do not have lunch breaks at all anymore, but I often divide up my mornings and manage about 20-30 minutes of reading before leaving work. It doesn't get me very far very fast into a book, but it is something so I'm not complaining. At least there are no more interruptions. :)

5. I am totally planning to go to Breathe this year and very excited to take part in it and see friends again!

6. A non-writerly thing to add: Jemma is learning a new trick- to jump through my arms in a hoop! I'm not really sure she gets it yet, though.

Happy reading, friends, and thank you for sticking with me. I appreciate prayers and would love to hear if any of you will also be at Breathe (will I see you there???).

Trying Out a New Trick with Jemma

I have nothing exciting to share at the moment in regards to writing. There are always books I can talk about (always), and there people I love to share about (who write fantastic books) and there is cats. So, I will take a break from the writing chatter to share about a hobby that I enjoy!

Jemma is a very clever cat, but she is also very playful, curious, a rather pathetic scaredy-cat, and generally just a drama princess. This cat definitely lets you know how she feels about what's going on. She loves attention so much, that I've got her trained almost like a dog. Don't laugh. Yes, cats are totally trainable. I really enjoy the challenge of pet training, I have had several animals and cats are the hardest (rats were the easiest) but they are not impossible. It just requires a different approach. Cats are just wired differently, and come at things with a hunter's perspective: if I invest in this, what am I going to get from it? You just need a lot of patience, and be willing to be flexible. Every cat has a different motivation, so you can't train every cat the same way. When something goes wrong, punishment does nothing- spanking actually makes them feel defensive and they appear to lash out in anger when it really might be fear. Cats have a strong sense of dignity and space, and feel threatened- not just angry- when challenged. The best way to deal with a naughty cat is to use a low but not loud voice, and either walk away or redirect them to something else.

 

Jemma sits, gives high fives and shakes, stands up, lays, and (sometimes- still working on this one) rolls over. I saw on Facebook a video of teaching a cat to jump through your arms interlocked in a hoop and thought this would be great fun. Last night I decided to begin teaching her this trick. 

I made a mistake by beginning with me sitting on the floor. Jemma prefers to follow hand signals I have modified from American Sign Language signs and my body language alongside my voice, so when I tried to get her to walk over my arm for the Step 1 of this trick, she laid down. 

I didn't realize what was happening so I told her "no" and she slapped her tail on the carpet and narrowed her eyes. Me, sighing, tried again, but she would not get up. I even showed her the can of whipped cream. Nada. Just squinting and tail-tapping and sighing back at me. Then I realized that she was frustrated because she thought she'd done as I asked since I sat down on the floor, too. I ended up having mom launch a hair tie over my arm twice in a row, and when she passed over my arm I used to clicker to indicate she'd done something I wanted. The pros do this all the time and call it conditioning. You first do a series of very simple steps to train the animal to associate the sound of the clicker as a positive thing. They look forward to hearing it because it means they will be rewarded. Once they know this, you can start training them to do more things! So you see your pet do something cut or fun; repeat the conditions that get them to do that thing and click when they actually do it. This is repeated until they understand that you want them to do that thing, and then you add a voice and/or hand signal to the action. They will soon learn that you are signalling that thing. Eventually, you can build step upon step using the clicker, and a treat when the steps are completed. It sounds complicated but it really isn't! 

I have used this clicker technique for Jemma, a pet parakeet and a pair of rats. I hear it is very easy to do with dogs, and I have seen dolphins and otters trained at water parks using it. 

Do you have a pet that you have trained to do something fun or unique? I would love to hear about it! 

Interview with Jaye L. Knight

As a proud member of Jaye's Resistance participating in the Weekend Release Blitz, I am blessed to be able to share this author interview with Jaye L. Knight with all of you! Her stories are filled with strong and lovable characters struggling to remain firm in their faith despite the Emperor's cold rule. If you enjoyed the Blades of Acktar, you will definitely like the Chronicles of Ilyon.

 1. What books do you think have the greatest influence or impact on what you write?

I can be inspired by just about any books, but Books of the Infinite by R.J. Larson had some of the greatest influence on me. I read her series about the time I was really developing my writing style and voice, and I think I picked up things from her. Then, of course, there is The Lord of the Rings. I probably never would have started writing fantasy if not for Tolkien.

 2. What do you hope others will take away from your stories? 

That God is in control even in the midst of our greatest trials. My characters go through a lot of awful things, but there is always a purpose in the end. I believe the same thing about life. Even when we don’t understand what is happening, God can see the entire picture and how it will work together in the end.

 3. Who is your favorite character to write and why? 

I’d have to say Jace. He will always be very near and dear to my heart. Ilyon Chronicles all started with him. While I haven’t struggled to the extent that he has, his struggles resonate with me and came from some of my own struggles.

 4. Who is the most difficult character for you to write and why? 

It’s been long enough now that I know my characters well enough not to have too much trouble with them, but in the beginning, I did find Kyrin difficult to write. For a long time, I struggled to figure out exactly who she was. It took a few rewrites before I had a good grasp on her as a character.

 5. If you could make any food or drink that your characters consume, what would it be?

While I don’t have a specific dish in mind, I’d love to try some of the crete food the characters try while they’re in Arvael in this book. Either that or those delicious beef sandwiches Jorvik and his brothers make for everyone when they first arrive.

Thank you, Jaye for allowing me this opportunity!

Ilyon Chronicles #4: Exiles, by Jaye L. Knight

Here we are on Thursday already (this week went by so fast!) and the Usborne Online party is still on. It will now be open through Monday, so if you feel you missed out, have no fear! We are still here!

It is now also time to share Jaye L. Knight's newest release with you! 

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Exiles, has been released! Exiles is the fourth book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles. Read about it below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

About the Book
Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all.

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple.

One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? The first three Kindle books are on sale August 11^th - 14^th!

You can find them on Amazon.

About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.






Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Exiles, a pewter dragon necklace by treasurecast, and a sword letter opener! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

Giveaway Link:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f7330c122/?)

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Review Schedule: 

Thursday, August 10

• Book Spotlight at A Pinch of Faith

Friday, August 11

• Character Interview at Reality Reflected
• Review at Tricia Mingerink
• Book Spotlight at She Hearts Fiction
• Review and Excerpt at Literary Cafe
• Character Interview and Excerpt at A Day In The Life
• Author Interview at The World of the Writer
• Review at WritingAnyone
• Review and Character Interview at Meagan Davenport
• Review and Special Post at R535 Blog
• Review at Leah’s Bookshelf
• Author Interview and Excerpt at Liv K. Fisher
• Review, Character Interview, and Excerpt at The Elven Padawan
• Review and Author Interview at Books and Arrows
• Review and Author Interview at The Artful Author
• Review and Character Interview at Red Lettering
• Review and Author Interview at PageTurners
• Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana
• Review and Character Interview at Bookends

Saturday, August 12

• Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope
• Book Spotlight at Today, by Bryn
• Review at Honey Rock Hills
• Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words
• Excerpt at Tell Tale Book Reviews
• Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination
• Review and Author Interview at One Word At A Time
• Author Interview at Marrok Macintyre
• Review and Author Interview at Sarah, Plain & Average
• Review at A Camera and a Dreamer
• Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections
• Character Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
• Review and Author Interview at Sarah Allerding
• Author Interview and Excerpt at Dreams and Dragons
• Review and Character Interview at Resting Life
• Review and Character Interview at The Music of a Story
• Review and Character Interview at Ruffles and Grace

Sunday, August 13

• Review at Woman at the Well
• Review at Lakeside Publications
• Review at Ember's Reviews
• Review and Author Interview The Ink Lizard
• Excerpt at Lianne Taimenlore
• Book Spotlight at Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

Monday, August 14

• Review at Backing Books

Tuesday, August 15

• Review at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke