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Finding Strength

Author Update

It’s been a busy month. My cover designer provided a cover for Heartstrings, which I didn’t care for at all, but it influenced a title change: Finding Strength. While there are young men in this story, it’s not primarily a romance. It’s a glimpse into the life of Emeline as she struggles during the Panic of 1893. As you know, I started off with the title Big Decisions, which she makes, but I think this new title better describes the heart of the book.

Here are the images of the covers through time. The first three are A Journey’s covers, while the second three are for Finding Strength.

Next Step: Editing

I finished the story at around 70,000 words. My 75,000 word goal was an estimate, but now that I’m going through the book from page one to self-edit, I’m deleting and adding words. Here’s my progress pie chart as of today.

Beta Readers ~ Who would like to read before the editor?

I’m looking for feedback about the story and would like to know answers to questions like:

  • Did the story keep your interest? If not, where did it lag?

  • Did you care about the characters?

  • Did the faith parts flow naturally, or did it come off preachy?

  • Were you satisfied with the ending, or would you have ended it differently? How?

  • Is this the end of the series?

If you would like to read it and provide feedback by the end of October, please email me and I’ll send over the draft after my self-edit. (a few days.)

Thank you, in advance!


Chickadee Cheer September Giveaway

Congratulations to K. You’ve won a $15 discount on any books in my shop. (Check your email for the code.) Enjoy!


Amazon Updates

The second edition of A Journey is now up and running on Amazon. If you’ve read Emeline - A Journey, you know the story. Please take a moment to leave a short, sincere review on this book’s page, as reviews don’t transfer. It’s also available in e-book format. (Still working on updating the audiobook cover.)

Finding Strength is also available for PRE-ORDER as an e-book, and soon, as a paperback. Anticipated release: March 1, 2024.

(But, remember, I stock books in my shop for less, and can do pre-orders, too.)


Mid-Continent Public Library: Local Author Fair

Hurrah! I was selected for this event with my young adult novel, A Journey! I’d love to see you, so if you’re in the area, please drop by. It will take place at the Woodneath Branch in Liberty, Missouri on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Learn more HERE.


Photo by Ryan Arnst on Unsplash

Enjoy September, the apple-picking month.