Have you found that the road you are journeying is more difficult than you ever expected? Do you have friends who have been pulled into a world they never anticipated? A child diagnosed with illness, a spouse’s job loss, a parent with dementia, a friend battling cancer?
I wrote The Restorer for you. Susan Mitchell is literally pulled into another world, on a journey much harder than she could imagine. Yet by God’s grace, she offers heroic support to those who need her help.
If you already own The Restorer, please help me spread the word. Let your friends who need an exciting and uplifting story know about this brief sale opportunity.
Thanks so much!!!! May the One strengthen you on your journey!
I’m so excited to finally be able to share the amazing cover and the pre-order link for my new novel, Hidden Current. Can you see me Snoopy dancing? And speaking of dancing …
What inspired this new series?
Years before I wrote my first novel, I worked as a dance
teacher, choreographer, and artistic director of a Christian dance company. So,
when my agent and I were discussing ideas for my next book, he said, “In all
your other novels, you’ve never drawn from your experience in dance. I’d love
to see you create a brand-new fantasy world and utilize dance in some way.”
I began mulling the idea, and within days, a character had
come to life.
In my new novel, Hidden Current, the dancers of the
Order direct their floating world with their movements but are steering it
toward destruction. One lone dancer fights to overcome opposition from rim
villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order and bring a forgotten truth
to her people.
Is this part of a series?
Yes and no. This is a stand-alone story. That means that although I’ve written more books with these characters, you don’t have to wait for the series to release, fearing an unresolved ending to book one. The story is complete of itself, with just a hint of the next adventure to follow. I’ve turned in the second book and am ¾ of the way through writing book three, and my publisher is planning rapid releases of the following books. Hooray!
This is being released in limited edition hardcover. That
means when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Is this similar to the Sword of Lyric books?
Yes and no. It’s not a “portal fantasy” – no modern-day
character visits this world. However, like my other fantasy series, the book
was inspired by spiritual themes, delves deeply into the heart of a character
that many of us can relate to, and paints a unique story world full of both
beauty and dangers. I’m so excited for its release!
How can I help?
Let your friends know, share photos and links, but most of all pray. Pray that the themes of this story will touch hearts and draw readers toward the grace and truth of God’s love.
Thanks! And feel free to leave any other questions and comments here!
Last night my hubby and I had a night out that reminded me of the beauty of creativity. We saw the musical “Beautiful” about the life and music of Carole King.
The music of my youth. Happy sigh. Yes my toes were tapping and I was singing along.
So were other audience members. Enough so that when a singer took a dramatic pause, we heard several audience members who were caught up in the music complete the phrase –bringing chuckles to us all.
Watching the depiction of creative people making art was inspiring. Young, earnest, passionate songwriting, through self-doubt and struggle, and then the richer deeper music produced out of the well of suffering–I could identify with each step.
I’ll be honest. Some things in life haven’t been so beautiful lately. Several loved ones are hurting. I’m hurting.
But the image of the piano alone on stage challenges me. What will I do with the hurt?
With God’s grace, our pain can be transformed into something of beauty. Truth and light and shared experience can lift the hearts of others.
We may not all create songs, but we each create something from our life experience. A card for a friend, a hotdish to bring comfort, a poem, a painting, a doodle in our journal. Some art is for sharing, some is simply for our own expression. But today I’m thanking God for the beauty of creativity. He gave it to us. He asks us to use it for His glory. How will we respond today?
Can you tell us about one of your creative endeavors? How does it reflect the beauty of the Creator?
It’s finally time to officially share the news about a new chapter in my writing life.
This is a photo of me with my wonderful agent, Steve Laube, who delivered this book contract in person. (Okay, he was in town for other reasons, but still, it was fun to celebrate in person.)
I signed a three-book contract with Enclave for my new fantasy series, “The Dancing Realms.”
Yes, it draws from my years as a ballet teacher, choreographer, and dancer — although in some unexpected ways.
It’s also inspired by a poignant verse in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings: “Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’ He gave it to Shaphan, who read it.”
The notion of a world losing or forgetting all about their Maker is heartbreaking, and of course sets a stage for someone to heed the call to expose the lies of the Order who are exerting harmful control over the entire world.
That’s enough of a tease for now. The first story, Hidden Current, will release in June. I’ll keep you posted on progress!
As a novelist, I know it’s important for my main character to have an interesting back story …the experiences that shaped them, the quirks, the influences. I also know it’s important not to reveal all the past history at the beginning of the story. It’s fun to get to know characters layer by layer.
Today, I’m visiting the Realm Makers Blog. The interview shares a bit of my own journey as a writer. Please drop by. And feel free to leave questions!
And if you write speculative fiction (fantasy and science fiction of various kinds, and other branches of imaginative stories) browse the Realm Makers site. It may be just the community of support that you’re looking for!
Standing at the foot of a cliff you are about to climb is daunting.
I’m an idealist. I love the challenge, and envision marvelous views from the summit. Yet when blisters throb, my legs turn to jelly, and I can’t catch my breath, I question the whole endeavor.
A hike isn’t the only place in life that presents challenges. Raising a family is daunting. Writing a novel is daunting. For many of us, even muddling through the day can be daunting.
I’m grateful that when we feel overwhelmed, God asks only for us to take the one, small, next step. Not only that, He walks beside us, guides us, speaks encouragement to our hearts.
Last weekend, my hubby and I had an early anniversary getaway “up north.” We love hiking sections of the Superior Trail. This hike beat me up. But I reached the top (and more importantly, reached the end of the trail where our car was parked). Whatever mountains you face today, trust our Savior. Strengthened by His love, take one more step forward. And take time to absorb the beauty around you. It might just take your mind off of the blisters.
Here is more art from a reader of the Sword of Lyric series. Elizabeth Wallace created this moment from The Restorer’s Son, when Kieran confronts the One.
I love the angle of this one, and I find it fascinating to see how different readers visual certain characters and scenes.
Over the years, readers of the Sword of Lyric books have created sketches, poems, banners, jewelry, or photos of themselves playing Perish (the game that Kieran and Zarek play in The Restorer’s Son.) One year, I hosted a songwriting contest. The beautiful lyrics submitted by readers of the series filled me with awe. I always feel honored when other artists springboard from these stories and create something new.
New Inspiration
Yesterday, a reader sent me her digital image of Susan riding Mara. Thank you, Kristi Simonson, for sharing this with us! She found comfort in the stories during a difficult time of life.
If you have created any fan art – a poem, drawing, song, painting, please send it to me so I can share it with other readers. One of the fans of the Sword of Lyric series has started a special Facebook group “People of the Verses” for discussing the books. If you’re interested, check it out!
Haven’t read the books yet? The paperback editions are now BACK IN PRINT! The “buy” button is activated at Amazon. They may show as “Out of Stock” but as soon as people begin ordering again, they will get back into the pipeline and on the way to you.
For my Christian brothers and sisters who follow the traditional church calendar, today is a special day with a strange name. As a child, I misheard “Maundy.” I always thought we were going to church for “Monday Thursday.”
“Maundy” comes from the word “command” or “mandate.” It reminds us to follow Jesus’ command to love one another. He demonstrated how to serve others throughout His life. On Maundy Thursday, He gave us an example by washing the disciples feet at His last supper with them before He went to the cross.
Following His Steps During Holy Week
Churches celebrate with worship, the Lord’s Supper, and some do a foot-washing ceremony. But we can also honor the day with acts of humble service and love for others. We could empty garbage even when it’s not our usual chore. We could fold laundry for another family member, or fill the car with gas, or wash the kitchen floor. Any task that coaxes us to put others above ourselves can be a reminder of how the King of Kings became a servant to save us, and how He gives us a new command to love one another.
Lord Jesus, thank you for walking the dusty roads of this world, for drawing close to us in all our human experiences, and for showing us how to serve by washing the disciples’ feet. Thank you even more for washing away our sins. Give us hearts to follow in your steps today. Amen.
Fun frightens me a bit. I guest blogged over at the Enclave Publishing Blog about this struggle I face as a writer of fantasy.
“As a product of a strong work ethic from both sides of my family, I grew up believing that all work must be completed before indulging in play. Since the work never seemed to end, a time for play rarely felt appropriate. Even when I worked hard enough to earn a little relaxation, I tried to justify this free time to be sure it wasn’t “wasted,” by focusing on activities that were educational or strengthened me for more work….”
