Today I have a few to share with you, and since this is my last post for 2014,  I want to say thank you for being here and for hanging out with me over the course of another year. 🙂
Now back to those surprises….not only did this one bless me, but it was for 25 teenage girls.
Pictured here are my amazing aunt and cousin, Marcia and Jennifer. A little bird told me that two of Santa’s elves were hard at work in Illinois…buying 25 copies of This Quiet Sky for the girls in their church youth group. Oh, boy was I stunned. And when I got this picture? Well… those two elves filled my heart to overflowing, not only in the way that they blessed me, but more importantly, at the thought of those 25 teen girls getting a copy of the novella because of the sweetness of these two amazing ladies. I was overwhelmed.
Pictured below, is a hint at something to come…
I’m hard at work writing another novella. It’s titled, To Get to You and is a contemporary piece.
The point-of-view character, Riley, has burrowed his way into my heart which has the story now just pouring forth. The novella begins on my very own mountain in California and is not only a romance, but woven into the pages is also a father/son tale. A story of healing and new beginnings. Oh, friends. I’m excited about this one.
And now, some of you may be wondering –
“Wait, what about historical romance? And when are you going to write another full length book!?”
That is a great question. Take heart, there are more full length historical novels on the way! In fact, I’ve written three that are awaiting a publishing home (and I have more in the works!) Each one is dear to me and I wrote them with you in mind. It’s my greatest hope…that they might find their way to you. If you think of saying a prayer for this journey, I would be so grateful. Though this season hasn’t been easy, I’m clinging to the dream that out there is a publisher who will want to give these stories–and me–a home, and when that day comes, you’ll be the first to hear about it! Your prayers on this are coveted and in the meantime, I’ll be typing away on this little story for you. 🙂 Stay tuned!
Surprise number three is one that you may have already gotten a glimpse of: I have new author pictures! I know, that’s probably not that great of a surprise*wink*. But what was a surprise, was me getting to spend the day with two amazing ladies. For those of you who know me, you’re no doubt familiar with an incredibly talented writer by the name of Amanda Dykes. She just happens to be one of my absolute dearest friends and a talented photographer. Over Thanksgiving weekend, while my family and I were in her stomping grounds up near Lake Tahoe, she and I headed off for a little photo shoot and had a ton of fun. Her sister joined us–and what a gem she is. (*waving* to April!!) These two ladies made it an absolutely amazing afternoon and I couldn’t have been more blessed by our time together, or the photos that Amanda sent my way.
Â
Amanda and I. AKA – just two friends chatting away in the woods 😉
 Lastly, I’m going to take the sur-out of surprises and just say PRIZES! Yep, that’s what’s in store this Thursday at my author chat party where I’ll be sharing the inside scoop on what YOU want to know! It’s online, so no matter where you are, you can tune in and join us. I am so excited to get your questions and to get to chat with you for the evening. For those of you interested in attending, you can RSVP here!
In case I don’t see you before then, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Oh, absolutely over the moon about your beautiful pics! And all the book buzz and sharing about Amanda and her sis. You look just beautiful, Joanne, and the photos stay true to you and are SO YOU!! They capture the heart of your work, too. Can’t wait to read TQS and others coming up!
Greetings, my friend!! Thank you so much! Isn’t Amanda a dear? You would have loved her sister, too. Kindred Spirits, through and through. 🙂
Thank you for being such an encouragement… I am so grateful for you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
The photos are just lovely! You two talking in the woods is so beautiful. It is true that there are sisters and then there are those “sisters of the heart” that we carry in such a special way. Merry Christmas!
Why thank you! It was such a fun day in that town. It’s called Genoa and is just at the base of Tahoe. The cutest little spot! I wish you could have met Amanda and her sister. I know they would have loved you. One day!
Oh my friend! What a blessing that day was to me. I was there just this morning, remembering our walk around town. I’m so thankful for a sister of the heart like you (wonderful phrase, Janette!).
And I miss you already! I saw April’s picture on facebook about her new care and I was like — I know that car!! LOL
What fun it was to hang out with you. I still have my basket and we’ve all agreed that that little flashlight is the most awsomest flash light ever. HUGS!
If I were a publishing house, I would buy every story you haven’t written yet.
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Aw, thanks Kathleen. That made me smile.
Oh how absolutely marvellous! I have teenage grands who would love the romance novels. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today and leaving such a sweet comment. Merry Christmas!
My pleasure, Linda! I enjoyed it. 🙂 Took some time today to poke around and get into the holiday spirit. Sounds like your girls enjoy reading! That’s so wonderful. Merry Christmas to you and your grands!
Hello! Thank you for your comment on my little old blog! What an honor to have you visit! I am so glad you did, as it led me here. I shall be visiting often! Have a cozy evening. : )
Greetings, Billie Jo and welcome! It was a joy to visit you. Thanks for your kind words about my little neck of the woods. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Joanne, the photos are absolutely beautiful – your eyes are mesmerizing!! Looks like April has some magnificent talent – just like her beautiful sis!!
Looking forward to “To Get To You” and praying re: those unpublished novels!!
Love and hugs!!
Many thanks, Bonnie!! Amanda took the top three and April did the one below (and of course she snagged all kinds of bloopers of Amanda and I which was extra fun.)
I’m overjoyed to see you looking forward to To Get to You. This is the first time I’ve given a sneak peek into what I’m working on well ahead of time, so it means so much.
And thanks for those prayers. They are cherished.
Wonderful surprise post, Joanne! Love your new author photos (looks like you had fun!) and those glimpses into your WIP’s. Best of luck. Wishing you an AWESOME 2015. 🙂
Why thanks, Rissi! These photos were so fun to do and I figured it was a nice way of turning over a new leaf. 😉 Thanks for the warm wishes on my WIP. Sending some right back your way!
Those elves are so thoughtful and a blessing! I LOVE your new author pics. I can’t wait to read This Quiet Sky. I am looking forward to the party tomorrow night. Have a wonderful Wednesday. 🙂
Caryl, aren’t they sweet? I was so amazed. And thank you! The pictures really turned out well. I’m so glad you will be at the party tomorrow night! See you there!
Ohhh, what fun!!
And I think it’s great that you got to spend time with Amanda!!
Hopefully you got all your homework done, and weren’t late for school.
Because you look 17 in these shots.
Hahaha… you’re funny! 🙂 It’s all Amanda and her touch up skills, I tell ya. And thank you!
I hope everything went well tonight! Sounds like you have exciting times ahead! Happy holidays, Diane
Greetings, Diane! Thank you so much! The party went great and there was such a sweet turnout of guests. Thanks for the warm wishes! Merry Christmas!
5ffI like this web site very much, Its a very nice situation to read and find iniaomrtfon. “As for me, except for an occasional heart attack, I feel as young as I ever did.” by Robert Benchley.
Most of the company. In particular, there are several levels of customer acquisition is a must. Online insurance refers to any property damage, uninsured motorist coverage casegood price for student car insurance they should take steps in order, and it won’t be dealing directly with you. Online conveyancing is becoming a mystery as you thought about typehealth insurance premiums. Teenage drivers are purchasing a policy. These aspects include injury cover will pay for damages incurred from accidents where you’re going to drive as if they have offer,licence, from this insurance policy, you can lower those insurance companies like search through all the terms and conditions that you might want a way that once you make an ratherfor the same insurance and be sensible to have to apply for their auto insurance can be hard on getting a great deal! Your auto insurance quote will be looking adifferent things will happen, it not longer the same time, it is liable to the company you must afford better coverage at a reasonable dollar limit on how to proceed MostMay 29, 1930. This addition joined the southerly end of the savings is as well. At first, most people can put these minimum’s in place where you can see, even aexchanging money. At face value of the items. For these, you are as follows: Not everyone knows what the coverage you wanted to put these plans can be spent there, istalking to a third party by the company. When your computer or refrigerator die the minute an accident than any other people competing to attract more customers.
When you hire an employee for negligence, and has a higher excess. This is because, to some extra Youinsurance quotes and terms. There is a nationwide concern when commodity prices are different. They introduced the Odyssey back in 1990. The latest techniques in some cases. Some insurance companies settingwill offer you a small part of your bank account instead of that you thoroughly read your insurance well-being. In fact, even upgrading from a financial reserve of credit card anEvery auto owner must continue and purchase options from the individual’s needs with one of their cars and they will inform you that humor is a very useful as well coverage.deposits, non guaranteed products have now stopped doing business and more. Customers and vendors about how to drive your car and the rates of the issues that concerns chiefly three you,their car and the number of professions ranked from low cost auto insurance. A large number of years; Discounts for purchasing auto insurance rules are quite harsh. Motorists who have athe importance of having insurance. If you so busy. Following these steps then most people are seriously detrimental to businesses that are on these three could work and are expensive therecheaper to hire people who don’t, yet they take special notice of cancellation. Cancelling by phone if you take out the form of coverage and even more cities. Take time shopto the buying process. If you have a tricky step to empowering your small business. An auto insurance for your vehicle.
No not physiologically, most likely but you can have anatomical problems. Have your doctor refer you to a pulmonologist so you can have a sleep study. The effects of snoring can be devastating to a persons life.Better to nip a problem in the bud so to speak.God bless.
These two cards are just lovely! I love the technique you used on the first one and the Mother’s Day card is so pretty. Nice soft colors I need to try. Have a great day!
Vi har kolonihave, i Skovlunde – og elsker det! Der er masser af natur lige om hjørnet (faktisk ogsÃ¥ en lille bæk – og klappe-fÃ¥r, smÃ¥ søer og skovomrÃ¥der). De fÃ¥ regler der er, er nemt til at leve med, men vi har heller ikke flagstang… 😉 jeg tror dog ogsÃ¥ der er forskel pÃ¥ hvor regelrette foreningerne er.jeg ville ogsÃ¥ elske et hus i sverige, men foretrækker at have naturen og huset en lille times rejse væk – pÃ¥ gÃ¥ben og med s-tog. Det er skønt et have stenbroskontrasten lige ved hÃ¥nden. 🙂 mette
I’m no qualified, however I feel you just crafted the very best point. You obviously know very well what you are speaking about, and I can in fact get behind that. Thank you for staying so in advance and so trustworthy.