The Story Behind Beyond the Valley

The 2nd Edition of Beyond the Valley is available now! ORDER HERE What Makes the No Eye Has Seen Story Unique? Lydia’s Isolation. Imagine the only world you’ve ever known included just you and a single parent? That parent is the only other human you’ve interacted with and you’ve had no choice but to believe all their reasoning about your existence and your purpose? Lydia’s Innocence. In our present age, we are bombarded by

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A midnight epiphany — am I supposed to write time-slip novels?

I’ve been reading them from the start– probably as far back as 2009. My first attempt to draft No Eye Has Seen started with me reading several “time-slip-like” YA novels. At the time, I was writing “Momma Jane” (original title) as a YA and was taking a course in writing children’s fiction. The two books I read as examples, and which I loved so much I still have copies on

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Expendable to the World, but Never to God

About a week ago, I stood at my writing desk just before heading off to work and said this prayer… Lord Jesus, please help me to have more time and energy to write for Your glory. I just don’t understand why this calling to write can be so strong, yet I have nothing left to give you by the end of the week. I could give You so much more

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A Blend of History: A Walk Down Memory Lane in the Middle of Historical Research

I side-stepped my plans to write this weekend in order to complete a bit more historical research at The Foley and Searls historical libraries in Nevada City, California. I’m inserting 3 to 4 chapters in advance of my original start to Part 2 (I’m no “pantster” so I will be completing a detailed outline prior to a writing session). I’m overwhelmed at the many facets of daily living back in 1904.

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March Madness Minus Basketball {flashback}

This post has nothing to do with basketball. I don’t even know enough about the game to draw any parallels. Yet, madness describes my month so far. At least I would be going mad if I didn’t believe there was a purpose beyond myself in it all. As much as I find solace in the ability to plan, write lists, attempt goals, and cross each item off as I go;

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Working on Three Books at Once

I feel crazy even saying this, but I really think I need to be working on three books at once. My current work in progress is in revision stages and after reading Rachel Gardner’s Make a Living as a Writer-Part 1, my hunch is confirmed. I do not see myself as a “one hit wonder,” but as an author with several works in progress, and one with a modest, yet

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Writer’s Critique Group, Week 3

I held my breath and bit my lip as their comments came at me unexpectedly. My face warmed at their words. Were they serious? I did my best to smile humbly. This was almost worse than criticism. They not only liked my story, they loved it. And they loved my “poetic descriptions.” Each time they began to read a quote from my work, I felt ready for their comments on how

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What IS my book about?

I know I need to get really good at explaining this. Especially when I am in public, carrying or reading one of the Write Great Fiction books I am studying as I revise my manuscript. My hesitation? How much do I actually give away about the plot while explaining it? What would the back cover of my book say? Here is one of the versions I am working on. No Eye Has Seen…

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