I must warn you this post is going to be oddly vague and, for that I apologize, but there is no way around it.
I am in the middle of a very stressful situation with one of my children. It’s messy and heartbreaking and stressful. For a few days I accepted there was nothing I could do but that brought me no peace. I couldn’t sleep at night. I was on the verge of tears all the time. Accepting this meant a worse outcome for this child. After praying and studying what my options were I sent a letter advocating on her behalf — pleading that others would see the situation how I did. I labored over each word. I wrestled with them, edited them, and reread them. I poured a little of my soul into each sentence.
The day that my first copy of my book arrived in my mailbox was also the day that I heard feedback on that letter. And though nothing is resolved yet the feedback was complimentary of my writing and hopeful that maybe there was a way to address the situation differently than we’d thought before. Let me tell you that hearing that small bit of optimism in regards to my heartfelt advocating was more precious than holding that book (and holding that book was thrilling).
Words are powerful. Words are a gift. It is my hope and “quest” to have all my words matter, both the entertaining ones and the ones that have a higher purpose.
***I was on the phone with my Mom when my author copy arrived. I was sorting through the mail while I told her about the kids and what they were up to and then there it was. I squealed then with her still on the phone ran outside and showed the kids. They all left their very important four square match to come and see it. Since then one son has read it and one took it for show and tell. Their enthusiasm means the world to me!!
Children and writing….you are a busy lady! I pray God continues to reveal his path on your journey and that healing will come for your son.
Just finished The Hope of Azure Springs; I’ve been thinking about what words, feelings, descriptions, sentences will get remotely close to expressing what an amazing, unique, extraordinary story this is. I’m stunned this is a debut novel; its exceptional. This is a significant work for many reasons. Em’s voice, experience, feelings, her life and then her appreciation value. I’m stopping, I feel incapable of formulating how beautifully this story is written. Oh and the whole topic of what who qualifies as beautiful. That’s a gem all its own I could elaborate at length about with great interest beginning with where how did you develop that profound description?
Is there a sequel planned?
This is a definite Christmas birthday any event kind-of-gift; it just needs to be given to every woman. It’s that powerful.
Thank you for writing this book,
Deborah Garcia Breckinridge
This means so much to me. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
You asked me about the beauty message. I had no idea this book would be published. I wrote it with my daughter in mind, hoping one day she would read it. I feel that this world bombards us telling us we have to look a certain way and only a certain way is worthwhile. I wanted to put something out there that countered it. Something that demonstrated not just inner beauty but also our ability to change the way we see people. In my mind Caleb sees Em’s inner beauty but he’s also changed himself enough that he truly sees her outward shell as beautiful too.
Anyway, I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. My second book is not a sequel. It’s stand alone but a portion of the book takes place in Azure Springs. I’d love to write more Azure Springs books if the opportunity presents itself!