October is a long month, but it sure feels short this year! The weather has been amazing. It’s been so warm and sunny, I haven’t even thought about wearing a winter coat. We’ve had trick-or-treaters come to the door in snowsuits before, so I hope the weather lasts a couple more weeks.
With the holidays coming, I decided to cram a lot of writing-related tasks into this month. Since cramming meant something else had to give, I temporarily paused my beloved block schedule. *waahh!!* This means no notebook hour at the coffee shop or park. No time each day to work on my “heart” projects. A lot of days with extra word count goals. I’m also doing my best to stay on top of my other commitments.
Do I sound cranky? I hope not. I don’t mind mixing up my schedule once in a while to get big results. As long as I go back to my favorite work routine by November 1, I’ll be happy.
Even with the surplus work, I’ve found lots of things to love this month! Here they are in no particular order.
Oh my word, I could snack on these all day, which is very dangerous, but for real, I love bread and bagels and sea salt and chippy-type foods. Mmm! It’s great because the calories fit into snack range. Do they have much nutritional value? Don’t be silly! But I don’t care–I love them!
I found this Christian living book inspiring from page one to the end. Nicki has an engaging, self-deprecating style I fell in love with. Full of biblical truths about commitment and using the book of Ruth for inspiration, this book hit all the right notes for me.
4. Taking fall pictures.
My husband bought me a good camera for Mother’s Day this year. I spent time in the spring learning about the features (I’m a point and shoot girl with my phone!), but weeks went by with it sitting in the closet. Last weekend the weather invited me out, and I had a lovely time snapping pictures. Here are some of the better ones.
Cute little Downy WoodpeckerA Great Egret patiently waiting…
5. Aladdin
We rented this remake of the 1992 Disney cartoon and loved it! I’m a big fan of the original, too.
What are you loving this month?
Leave a comment with your recommendations, and have a terrific week!
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WESTERN CHRISTMAS WISHES is in stores now! Grab your copy of this 2-in-1 Christmas novella bundle!
For more info, my Pinterest board, links and a free sample chapter, click on Western Christmas Wishes!
Guess what? My new Christmas novella released yesterday! It’s part of a 2-in-1 Christmas novella bundle with Brenda Minton! I am beyond excited for this opportunity. Here is the cover and back cover blurb.
Two tales of holiday homecoming.
Spend the holidays with family in
these two Western novellas!
Home is where the heart is in His Christmas Family when Laurel Adams comes home and discovers a foster kid and a seriously charming horse trainer living on her grandmother’s ranch. And in A Merry Wyoming Christmas, single mom Leann Bowden is starting over when she and her daughter are rescued from a snowstorm. Might the dashing cowboy be the Christmas gift they’re dreaming of?
WESTERN CHRISTMAS WISHES is in stores wherever Love Inspired novels are sold, and you can order it online (paperback or ebook) via most book retailers. Links and information can be found by clicking on WESTERN CHRISTMAS WISHES!
About my story, A Merry Wyoming Christmas:
Leann Bowden is a single mom of an adorable two-year-old girl named Sunni. She’s ready to start over in the small town of Sunrise Bend, Wyoming, by managing her friend’s women’s boutique. But on the way into town her car slides off the road, and thankfully, a hunky cowboy is around to rescue her!
Wildlife researcher, Michael Carr, misses his family as well as helping his dad on the family ranch. He’s been avoiding Sunrise Bend for years, and is only in town for a Christmas visit. Ever since his brother betrayed him, Michael finds it too painful to stick around home for long. But Leann and her little girl need a helping hand, and he’s all too happy to give it to them. Except when lending a hand might lead to losing his heart…
For a free sample chapter of Western Christmas Wishes, the Pinterest board inspiring my story, and more, click HERE!
Three hours. I spent three hours writing 1066 words (but who’s counting?) on Monday last week. After I quit for the day, I was so frustrated I went off my health plan and snacked on my emergency M&Ms.
I’d barely gotten into my new story, and it already felt impossible.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love writing a new book. It’s exciting to form the story I’ve been mulling in my head. I get to know the characters. They surprise me every time! And the setting begins to breathe. Each scene builds on the next, and it gets easier each time I sit to write.
But…the first pages. First 50 pages? (100? The entire thing…? Haha!) They are HARD for me!
Here are some reasons why:
My first draft is where I research the setting details. While I know the main stuff–the town, the season, the exact spot where the particular scene takes place–I don’t always know the terrain or what the characters would see. Details matters to me, so when I’m unsure about something, I turn to the internet.
I don’t know the characters all that well when I begin the book. The things they say, the emotions they’re feeling, and little things like what they’re wearing all come to me as I type. Sometimes I have to stare in space and contemplate it all before I can move forward.
Chapter 1, especially, puts pressure on me. I have a LOT of things to get across in these pages, and I try to find a way to make them all come together organically. I rarely succeed on the first try. And often I have a nagging feeling until it’s smoothed out.
While I always have a strong synopsis written before I begin a story, the page by page points aren’t always obvious to me. Sometimes deciding how to start a scene is the easiest thing in the world, and other times it’s torture.
The bottom line is that the choices I make in the opening pages affect the rest of the story. One wrong turn, and I’m rewriting for hours. Who has time for that? I’d rather spend time figuring out the best course right away than have to fix it all later.
My goal is always to grab the reader from page one and to not let them go.
When was the last time a book grabbed you from page one and didn’t let go? I’m always on the hunt for book recommendations, so please share in the comments!
By the way, in one week my Christmas novella will be in stores! It’s part of a 2-in-1 bundle titled Western Christmas Wishes with Brenda Minton! More info and purchase links can be found by clicking on Western Christmas Wishes. Have a fabulous day!
It’s time to set monthly goals again! I didn’t plan on taking a summer blog break, but I’m glad I did. Both of my kids are seniors this year. One is a senior in high school and the other is a senior in college. I had my hands full getting ready for this!
With the change of seasons brought a return to my routine. I do love having a routine! I’ve changed the goal format slightly by breaking my goals into three categories: writing, health, and other. I hope you will share yours with me in the comments!
For months I’ve wanted to do a monthly roundup of the new releases in contemporary Christian romance novels. Why is it so hard to find them all in one spot?
I can’t guarantee I’ve included every release, but I’m doing
my best! You’ll find the occasional indie release on here, too. However since many
books are incorrectly tagged as Christian romance on Amazon, I’m only including
authors I can vouch for.
The latest Love Inspired novels are listed first in no particular order, and you’ll find other new releases below. If you’re interested in purchasing any of these books, the Amazon link is included. I am an affiliate member of Amazon and get a small commission with each purchase that in no way raises your price.
October 2019 Contemporary Christian Romance Novels
She could make a little girl’s wish come true. But her secret stands in the way.
Family’s all Ellery Marshall wants for Christmas. To connect with her long-lost brothers, she travels to Castle Falls and instantly falls for the innkeeper’s five-year-old granddaughter, Bea. Carter Bristow—Bea’s handsome father—has given up on love. But Bea hasn’t given up on him, and Ellery could be the answer to her holiday wish to make Daddy happy again.
A serious maedel. A carefree bachelor…And a Christmas Amish Country Courtships surprise!
Lucy Knepp has no time for heartbreaker Nick Burkholder…until a pretend courtship means she can finish her embroidery for a Christmas fund-raiser in peace. Nick’s arrangement with the too-reserved Lucy is the perfect cover while he repairs the cabin his brother damaged. But once Nick sees how vibrant Lucy really is, can he prove himself—and show their love is for all seasons?
He knew he’d have to make amends…But never expected he had a daughter at Red Dog Ranch
Five years after being declared dead, Wade Jarrett steps onto his family’s Texas ranch looking for forgiveness. Instead he finds the woman he can’t forget—and the daughter he never knew. But with a secret of his own looming, can the former bad boy convince Cassidy Danvers he’s ready for the new roles of daddy and husband?
She’ll find him a wife for Christmas…Which of these Indiana Amish Brides is next?
With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?
A mutually beneficial temporary arrangement…But can they keep it strictly professional?
Nursing student Amber Fleming couldn’t be more stunned when ex-marine Ethan Green makes an offer: he’ll babysit her twin girls if she cares for his injured grandmother. Amber knows it’s temporary. Ethan isn’t one for roots—or their hometown. But his steadfast caring has her wanting more than friendship. And with help from Amber’s mischievous twins, can they risk becoming a forever family?
A Texas pastor
has a million reasons to go…and just one to stay: her
Searching for a new start, Pastor Shaun O’Grady
can’t wait for his next foreign missionary assignment…until he begins working
with Brooke Willoughby on the church’s Christmas outreach program. Even as they
clash over program specifics, Shaun and Brooke are drawn to each other. Now
Shaun’s not sure where he belongs: overseas for his ministry, or at home by
Brooke’s side…
Jonah Sinclair gave up looking for his own happily-ever-after until he sees Summer Claremont and decides he’s ready to try again. But Summer is haunted by her past and has a lot to overcome before she can think about falling in love…they say when you fall off a horse the best fix is to get back in the saddle–but she’s learned that isn’t as easy to do as it sounds.
Can Jonah soothe her soul and mend her heart and have her longing for ever-after with him?
She’s the outgoing princess. He drives an RV around the States for a living. Is there any way they can have a successful relationship while they’re both keeping secrets?
Princess Genevieve has always been the outgoing one, but she’s finding herself eclipsed by… everyone. Her sister is finding love with a Hollywood hottie. Her mother married the second love of her life. And her older brother – the king – is about to have a child. She’s not changing, but everything around her is. So when she’s offered a chance to run away with the only man she’s ever found herself falling for, she takes it. Even if it means abdicating her responsibilities, and neglecting to mention that she’s a princess. But Levi’s keeping something from her, too. She knows he is, but has no idea what it could be. A princess on the run, far more secrets than should be legal, and a trip down the Mother Road give her a taste of freedom, but when it comes to her relationship with Levi… well, it’s (royally) complicated.
It’s funny how things sneak up on you. Like catching Gilmore Girls fever a few years ago before Netflix released Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Or panicking because you have Bath & Body Works coupons about to expire! (The horror!)
My current obsessions are similar. I didn’t see them sneak up on me, but sneak up on me they did.
My current obsessions:
1.Leon Bridges Radio on Spotify. One day I turned on this mellow station…and I keep going back to it. I can’t stop! Maybe I have a problem…
2. Elizabeth Holmes. To be fair, I’ve been reading about this woman and her company, Theranos, for two years. I finally ordered Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startupby John Carreyrou, and it was gripping.
3. Fiber One cereal. I know–this isn’t on your obsession list. It’s not on anyone’s. I get it. But, hey, it’s really hard to get the recommended amount of fiber in my diet, and Fiber One has remedied this for me!
4. Making my office as ergonomic as possible. These joints need all the help they can get. I broke down and bought a new office chair with adjustable settings for the seat height, tilt, lumbar and arm height. I also ordered an ergonomic wireless keyboard.
6. Football! My favorite time of the year! Saturdays are for college football (I’m a Michigan Wolverines fan), and Sundays are for NFL games. I’ll be the first to admit I skip Sunday football a LOT. My teams (Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns) usually let me down, so I feel no guilt napping while they play.
As you can see, pumpkin spice did NOT make the list. Why? Because apple spice edged it out this year. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some pumpkin, but I’m all about the apples right now! In fact, it’s high time I made an apple pie…
What are you currently obsessed with? I’d love to hear–leave a comment!
I didn’t intend to end my summer blogging hiatus on 9/11, but I did. Sometimes it feels like forever ago, but my memories are still as fresh as if it happened last week.
My heart is always heavy when I remember. But it’s important to honor the victims, the heroes, and everyone affected. I will never forget.
My son wasn’t quite three days old when the World Trade Center was attacked. Every year I think of the children his age who lost parents. Soon, they will all be adults. I pray God will comfort each one of them today.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort those in any trouble with the comfort which we ourselves receive from God.
I’m keeping it quiet here this summer to focus on my writing and family, but I wanted to pop in and wish you all a happy summer and, for my American friends, Happy 4th of July!
Finish writing, revising and polishing the proposal for book 2 in the Love Inspired cowboy series. CHECK. Yes, indeedy, this got done!
Promote His Wyoming Baby Blessing, releasing April 16! CHECK. Love seeing my books out in the world!
Prep for speaking engagement: I’m giving an Exquisite Planning workshop to Central Ohio Fiction Writers! CHECK. Delightful meeting other writers.
Health: Meet fiber goals, exercise 5 days/week. NO CHECK. In fact, I gained five pounds, so there’s that. 🙁
Jill’s May 2019 Goals
Final edits of Her Cowboy Till Christmas, Book 1 in Wyoming Sweethearts series.
Draft rest of manuscript of Book 2 in Wyoming Sweethearts series.
Continue plotting another book.
Health: Meet fiber and calorie goals, exercise 5 days/week.
How did you do?
I spent a few hours by the river plotting and planning yesterday. And I buckled down and committed to my health plan again. Sometimes we just need to tell ourselves we’re doing it. No excuses. I hope you have a wonderful month and get a lot done!
In Stores Now:
She’s pregnant on his doorstep…
Saddle up for this Wyoming Cowboys novel
When his childhood friend Kit McAllistor shows up, widowed and pregnant, rancher Wade Croft offers her a place to stay…but he can’t offer her his heart. As old feelings begin to surface, past tragedies force Wade to ignore them. But on the brink of losing his ranch, will he also risk losing the woman he’s beginning to love…or can he cowboy up in time?
The fourth, and final (*sob*) Wyoming Cowboys book is hitting store shelves today! I love this book. Wade and Kit burrowed right into my heart. Their story touched me, and I hope it touches you, too.
She’s pregnant on his doorstep… Saddle up for this Wyoming Cowboys novel
When his childhood friend Kit McAllistor shows up, widowed and pregnant, rancher Wade Croft offers her a place to stay…but he can’t offer her his heart. As old feelings begin to surface, past tragedies force Wade to ignore them. But on the brink of losing his ranch, will he also risk losing the woman he’s beginning to love…or can he cowboy up in time?
” Love love and love this story!! Sometimes it takes nearly losing everything to truly appreciate all that we have been given. Whether we realize it or not there are blessings all around us if we’d only take the time to stop and look…” Goodreads Review
” Jill Kemerer brings us the fourth book in her Wyoming Cowboys series and it’s a good one. There is a strong spiritual message here for her readers as well. Fear is not from God and He wants His children to walk in peace and mercy, not in fear. Watch as these characters figure this truth out from a loving heavenly Father. ” SimplySusan
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