Celebrating milestones is important. And I’m celebrating three this week!
#1
I recently finished editing the final galleys for my 17th book, Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel, which releases this summer (JULY 7).
Galleys are the last time an author sees her book before it goes to print, and it was both fabulous and bittersweet to let go of this one.
I realize that 17 books is by no means prolific by other author’s standards, but for a woman who (up until 2003) had never even considered writing a novel, much less thought it an attainable goal, it’s something!
I grabbed a picture of the galleys the day they arrived. And brace yourself . . .
It’s not a pithy book. I know you’re shocked. : )
Wade and Catriona’s love story is filled with real history from Carnton in Franklin, TN, as well as the tale of two Irish sisters, and I’m excited for it to finally leave my hands and heart—and, hopefully, find its way into yours.
#2
Another milestone I’m celebrating this week is friend and teacher Kristi McLelland’s release of her new Bible study JESUS & WOMEN! It released yesterday and trust me when I say that this study is going to rock your world in a great way!
Take a peek at this truly inspired video series:
Kristi is a Biblical Culturalist who teaches the Bible through a Middle Eastern lens. After all, the Bible was written by Middle Easterners. ; ) She’s so gifted at what she does, and this intimate look at how Jesus treated women in the New Testament is so revealing. As Kristi says often in her classes, “If he did it for them, he’ll do it for you and me!” Amen!
BUY Jesus & Women video series on LifeWay
BUY Jesus & Women video series on Amazon
I had the awesome privilege of going to Israel last year with Kristi (and 30+ other amazing women), and here we are at Masada. (Kristi, who’s been leading groups to Israel for over 10 years, is in the back row in the blue top with her arm lifted, and I’m just below her in the red and white check.) That was a life-changing trip!
#3
Lastly, I’m celebrating having (finally) cleaned my bookshelves again!
I have sooo many wonderful books and would love to keep them all, but simply do not have the room. So, it’s time for another LIBRARY BUILDER GIVEAWAY!
That’s right!
March’s giveaway on my website is for a dozen fabulous novels. In full disclosure, some of them may have (definitely) been read and enjoyed by someone who shall remain nameless (me). So if some of the bindings look a tad bit loved, have grace. And if you win, please share these amazing reads with your book clubs, or church library, or local women’s shelter.
You may recognize some author names that are near and dear to us here at Inspired by Life and Fiction! ; )
ENTER THE LIBRARY BUILDER GIVEAWAY
What milestone(s) have you celebrated lately? A goal reached (however big or small)? A project accomplished? Or are you busy working toward a milestone right now? Share it with us and let’s encourage each other in “the race that God has set before us!” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Hugs from rainy Nashville. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are!
Tammy
Tamera blogs every first and third Tuesday at Inspired by Life . . . and Fiction, a group blog she shares with a wonderful community of authors. If you'd like to join the conversation on this post, Tamera would love to see you there!