Author: deborahanndykeman

Writing has always been a love of mine. Except for school reports! I didn't cherish those moments. I began with poems in grade school, and short little stories that I illustrated. I created something for each family celebration and probably wore my family out. But I graduated to a longer 'book' by the time I was 18. Following traditional romance novel writing, I pounded out a pretty cheesy story on a Royal typewriter I had found at a garage sale. You didn't worry about your nails when using one of those! When four of our five children were still young, I wrote my first full-length book back in 1998. I followed it with three more in that series. Those are my current WIP, needing many updates and editing. I'm happy to say as of this writing, the fourth in the Love Defined series is written and waiting for edits! I can't wait to get this final book in the series into my reader's hands! Currently, I have published twelve books, creating the covers on most of them. The cover work is something I really enjoy! Stay tuned for more on that. My husband and I have been married for forty-one years, and we have five children and nine grandchildren. I've been a homeschooling mom, Sunday school teacher, AWANA director and a pastor's wife. I've worked as a CNA and an Activity Director. When I'm not busy writing...which I love, BTW, I'm working on home projects, marketing and attending events, where I love to meet you...my readers!
Just For Fun!

Swinging From the Trees

deborahanndykeman

The cover picture above was taken last night during another storm here in Kansas. No…not really! I wouldn’t be out at one in the morning snapping pictures. But, I’m fairly certain this is the way the landscape was looking.

If the storms keep up, we will officially be in a tropical rain forest before too long. Then Kansas will look like this:

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Which is really pretty and green. But with all that water, comes lots of greenery, which again, I love, but plants can bring little creatures like this:frog-649564_1920

Or this, (warning, graphic material here!):

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I’m sorry, I just don’t like snakes in any form. Even if they are a cheery green color! This pretty bird isn’t too bad:

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But he looks a little grumpy. I would be too if I was living in a swamp. When people think of Kansas, they remember tornadoes, and Dorothy wearing red sparkly shoes. I haven’t seen a lot of those shoes around here, because believe me, they’d be in my closet if they were available!

The storms the past few nights have been different than usual. They come if with a loud bang, literally. Lots of lightening follows, and then the sky opens up, dumping buckets of water. They pass us pretty quickly. A couple of times, another storm has come through. When you are waiting to take your shower between cells, this can be rather frustrating. No tornado watches or warnings that I have been aware of, just tons of water. I can enjoy that, since we have a good roof.

All this water is wonderful for the garden, and the lakes that are filling up. Until it’s not so great anymore! My husband has been wanting to purchase a kayak. Before long, he will be able to use it to get to work.

So for now, I’ll treasure the water, and try to breathe through the humidity. I have a scraper to tackle the moss build-up on the side of the house, if this keeps up. Little frogs, even blue ones, are welcome here. A pretty bird or two would be delightful. The grandchildren would love a monkey swinging through the trees. But, ‘NO SNAKES ALLOWED!” signs are posted two inches off the ground.

And soon we will return to the Kansas we know so well:

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Our Christian Walk, Parenting 101

Faith

deborahanndykeman

Bad Things

None of us are without pain or regrets. This life really hurts at times. After a couple weeks of reading some pretty heavy stories about child abuse, this is very fresh in my mind.

When I was first married, I attended SUNY Cobleskill, taking some classes in Early Childhood. I had always loved babysitting as a teenager, and I knew I wanted to be a mother as quickly as I could. (As it turned out, I found out I was pregnant with our first child just a few weeks after starting those classes. This was after a couple of years with infertility and dealing with all those issues. So my college career was cut short after that semester.) Another reason I took those classes was to work for Headstart. I did some volunteer time there, and what an eye opener that was! This is not to say that it was a bad program, only that I observed different parenting than what I had seen before, and it wasn’t always good. I am sure any school teacher could say the same.

I want to use the words, fascinate or intrigue here, but maybe shock would fit better. I am, and will continually be shocked, fascinated, intrigued, and even physically nauseous at what a person may go through in their life.

And still grow up to be a person that is whole.

God has given our bodies and our minds, our souls an incredible ability to heal. And that’s what fascinates and intrigues me. That’s what I write about. Just as a tiny tree may be walked on, the leaves torn off, and the weather tortuous to it…only to stand tall once again…so we are as people.

I personally will never understand the awful things God allows in our lives, and especially the life of a child. They arrive in this world a tiny bundle of expectation and potential, only needing protection, love and training. And to some, this is not important, and not taken seriously. Some abuse this privilege of a child…horribly. But I do know that God does not observe this lightly.

Luke 17:2 King James Version (KJV)

2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

No, I do not understand, and someday I will ask God “Why?” But I do know that these terrible, tough times build character, and make a person stronger. I’ve lived it in my own life.

It is very difficult to be thankful in the midst of adversity. It is sometimes more than we can stand to stay in a situation when we want to run. But just as the picture above says, the bad things can, and do put us on the path to the best things in our lives. The key is faith. Faith won’t take away the problem, and it won’t make it better. But it does keep you looking ahead, and striving for more. It gives you hope.

A Day to Remember, Just For Fun!, social media, Writing

The Newest Release!

deborahanndykeman

This book has been a long time in the making compared to my Rubyville series. I had it written in three months, but the editing, cover, etc. took much longer. But today, when I arrived home from my walk, there was the box on my porch! I was so excited to open this shipment of books, and I had to share it with all of you! The book has been available on Amazon for about a week now, but these are actual, real, books I can now hold and take to events. And that’s really exciting for an author. I don’t think that will ever become common-place for me.

This past Saturday, my editor and I attended the Author Fair at the Emporia Public Library. It is always a privilege to be a part of these events, and get to meet other authors. The library staff was wonderful, and whenever water and chocolate is handed out, it’s a great day!

After the library event, we checked out Ellen Plumb’s City Bookstore at the recommendation of a couple authors. I’m so happy I did! This adorable bookstore now has all my titles available for purchase. Well, I do need to get this newest release to them! Supporting local authors is huge, and this store is doing a great job of it! Please check out their Facebook page right here: https://www.facebook.com/EllenPlumbs/  and be sure to like their page. Look for me to be announcing more events with this bookstore!

I’m doing a little happy dance, and it’s tingling right through to my fingers, so I need to get to writing on the book that follows When Hope Blooms. Have a great day!

Writing

Beat the heat with this new book!

deborahanndykeman

It has been wonderful to work with Peas In A Pod Editing&Design! I thank her for this great review, and wanted to re-blog her post.

PeasInAPodEditing&Design's avatarPeasInAPodEditingAndDesign

I’m excited to announce my most recent project is now available to you, the reader!

Once again, I was honored to be involved on the “inside work” with Deborah Ann Dykeman…this time with her newest novel.

Being editor/typesetter/a little of everything gave me the privilege of reading this story…many times! And if I enjoyed it multiple times, you definitely need to give it a try.

Like the Rubyville series, this book takes place in Kansas. Though I’m not yet her age, I feel for Elvira Sample. She’s struggling…looking for a last chance at some happiness. But she knows how easily hurt comes, so she is sure the town of Wheatacre will only be a brief escape. Until she meets some special inhabitants that assure her of her value and place in the world…and the hope that what’s been shattered can be renewed.

Remember, it’s available in print and Kindle version…

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Parenting 101, social media, Writing

Boldness to Speak

deborahanndykeman

When I sit down to read a book, especially in the summer, I want a light, happy read. I don’t know why this is more important to me in the warmer months, but it is. I desire to read stories about beaches, and warm days on the sand, children playing outside with the fireflies. The long days of summer were always a happy time for me. Hours of swim lessons, and neighborhood friends, riding bikes up and down the sidewalk. Times I thought would go on forever.

But as we all know, they do not.

As far as I can recall, I have not done a book review on here. I review almost everything I can. If I purchase something, I review it. This is important to me because I rely so heavily on reviews of a product before I make a purchase. Sometimes I watch reviews and investigate for months before I buy. I want to know what I’m getting for my money. And usually, the reviews are pretty right-on. Most of the reviews I write are on TripAdvisor and Amazon, and those two places are where I read the most reviews.

So when I read a book, I review it. If I was less-than thrilled with it, I will only give it a star rating. If it was really terrible, I will write my humble opinion, and if I enjoyed it, I will give the reasons why. Today, I read a collection of poems written by a woman that I have come to know through her blog, https://rhythminlife.net

This little book, which you may purchase or read for free if you have kindle unlimited right here: https://www.amazon.com/Audacity-Her-Making-Sense-What-ebook/dp/B07256W1Z3/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1498058670&sr=1-1&keywords=the+audacity+of+her was an emotional read. As someone that encountered abuse in my early teens, it really spoke to me. The author lets us into her soul, and that’s difficult to do. Only after much healing, physically as well as emotionally, can a person write with such pain and truth, but not bitterness. This book is a must-read for those that have dealt with abuse as children, or are trying to understand a person that has been abused.

No, this book is not a light, beach-read. But it is an excellent, easy read. Because even through the author’s pain as a child, you sense hope in what she has become today. And that makes me happy.

Thank you, Susan for your poems. For letting us see a glimpse of what has made you the strong woman you are today. Someday, I look forward to a collection of poems on the process of healing, because I know those words are there to share.

A Quick Thought, social media

Changing the Storyline of your own Life

deborahanndykeman

I love the idea of a digital detox! Great read for those of you feeling a bit overwhelmed and needing a break.

ellieholmesauthor's avatar

Realising I was suffering from burnout I underwent a digital detox for a week. Feeling rejuvenated as a result, I took some time to step back and think about all the things that had led to my suffering from burnout in the first place.

All of the projects I am involved with are long term undertakings that will take time and effort over a number of months if not years to complete. As a perfectionist, I want to tie things up in a neat bow and then walk away. Sometimes that just isn’t possible and that’s a hard lesson to learn for a perfectionist to learn.

Long road Long road by Ozzy Delaney courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons licensed by CC BY 2.0 https://flic.kr/p/q44Tc4 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

If you are an indie author running your business you don’t have a boss telling you it is time to leave the office. You are the boss and…

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Writing

The Newest Arrival!

deborahanndykeman

No, this is not about another grandchild, although in about five months, we should be making that announcement. I’ve said it before, and I know I will again. Grandchildren are the best little people in this life! We have blessings running over in that area!

After many months, and lots of hard work from my editor and our oldest daughter, I can finally say that my newest book is available! So many of you have asked about it, and I really appreciate that! As I am writing this post, Amazon is still updating my author page, but you may purchase both the paperback and kindle editions right here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542917301/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497870196&sr=1-5&keywords=deborah+ann+dykeman

If you purchase the paperback edition, the kindle edition is yours for free!

Here’s a little sneak peak at the back cover:

Back cover, When Hope Blooms

I will also be having a giveaway for this book over at Goodreads. Check back here for more details on that. And if you love getting free stuff, please enter to win a signed copy of the fourth book in the Rubyville series, A Place in My Heart. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32662285-a-place-in-my-heart There are just ten more days to enter this giveaway. I’ve sent out nine books from the Rubyville series so far and you could be another winner. A giveaway for my first published work, To Thee I’m Wed, (and the most talked about story so far), will begin on July 1st.

Lots of exciting things happening this summer! I have several events scheduled. The best part about that is I have the privilege of meeting you, the reader! And of course, I have a second book about the little town of Wheatacre, Kansas that is speaking to me. I know, that sounds a bit crazy, but if you are a writer, you understand!

Whew! Now that I have that out of my head, maybe I can get a little sleep before I need to get up for the day! Have a beautiful day!

Psalm 118:24

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A Quick Thought, social media

Life Is Not Miserable

deborahanndykeman

Flash mobs have always intrigued me. I think they are especially wonderful when they happen in everyday, mundane places like the local shopping mall, an airport or your library. I would love to be at my local library and have a group of people break into song! When the music is from Les Miserables, even better!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu6y1NhECGU

This world is so full of all the bad and the ugly. Our everyday life can be a struggle to just get to work, pay the bills and put food on the table. Little moments when people sing or play the piano, or any musical instrument, need to be appreciated. None of us are so busy that we can’t take a moment to appreciate the talents that God has gifted to people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q22o3uXvb8c

These videos are shared from YouTube. I’ve shared them because of my appreciation for people’s creativity and musical abilities. Please be sure to check out their YouTube channels for more great music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwN2r8Lma_8

A Quick Thought

Clean Sheets to Sweat On

deborahanndykeman

I would like to think that I’m a strong, survival-type person. In my dreams, I could have traveled the prairie, seeking a new home for my family. In those visions, I’m cheery as I sit beside my rugged husband, bumping over the rocky trail, just two ruts in the tall grass. I would be ready to jump from that wagon after a long day, gathering my children for the chores ahead. Building a fire and preparing our evening meal would be the perfect way to end another fruitful day of travel as we neared our destination. Sleeping under the stars, the wind whispering over my little world would lull me to sleep.

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In my dreams!

The reality is that I’m a bit spoiled. Yes, I am a hard-worker, and I could probably survive a lot. But there would be much complaining about the situation. As I sit here and type in my 80+ degree room, the hum of the fan behind me with sweat trickling down by back, I can’t even imagine what those pioneer women went through! I feel as though I’ve been traumatized by the fact that our central air needs to be replaced!

I need to be extremely thankful for all the years that central air plugged away for us. When we moved into this house almost eleven years ago, we knew the heating and air-conditioning unit was used and reconditioned. Each change of season, I’ve prayed that it would work, and it has with the exception of two times. Both times the air-conditioner needed charging, the second time last June. And it didn’t look good then. But, several thousand to replace everything is rather overwhelming. You kind of hope it will just all go away and a storm will go through, cooling everything down.

Well, that won’t happen here in Kansas. Not this time of year. We are looking at another three months or more of 90+ degree heat, every day until mid-September. And that’s when I begin to whine. A lot!

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So, I’ve been trying to focus on what I do have, versus those pioneer women. I have an actual home, not a soddy, or covered wagon. My home has windows that I can open and close. Each night I can take a cool shower in my very nice, remodeled bathroom. I don’t have to bathe in my mixing bowl, or walk to the creek watching for critters. When I’m clean and refreshed, I have clean clothes waiting for me that I’ve washed in my lovely front-loader, and dried in the machine right next to the washing machine. When we are hungry, we can go to our fridge and open the coolness within, and stand there breathing in that cold environment. I don’t have to cook over a cast-iron stove, or campfire unless I really want to, just for the fun of it. And if I’m really miserable and hot, I have a very nice car to ride in that has wonderful cold air.

When I think of it like that, I don’t have much to complain about. I have conveniences that women didn’t have one hundred years ago. I would like to think I could have survived those pioneer days. But I don’t know if I would have. Life was hard, and there wasn’t much time for whining. You just had to survive.

And tonight when I go to bed, I’ll try to remember that I have a bed to sleep on, not blankets piled upon the rocky ground. The mattress may be harder than I like, it may be stifling in the bedroom. But, I have a bed, and clean sheets to sweat on. Life is good!

 

 

social media, Writing

Big Smile!

deborahanndykeman

Branding and marketing are huge if you have a business, want to sell items that you have made, or if you are an author. The list probably goes on for areas where you need to brand and market, but those are just three that came to my mind. Think of brand names that you know. Whether it’s the breakfast cereal you eat before you start your day, or the shoes you put on your feet. The symbols and colors that come to mind speak of that product, and you know exactly what it is. Drive down a strip of road located in a busy city, and your brain will be boggled with all the branding. You don’t even have to read the sign of a restaurant, or fully focus on it. You know what it is. The yellow arches beckon all of us if we are in a hurry for a quick, cold drink or salty order of fries. And you can see those yellow arches from blocks away, maybe even miles away on the interstate.

Branding and marketing take up a very large amount of my time when I’m not working. My author name of, Deborah Ann Dykeman is not known in my small town, much less around the state of Kansas. Forget about the rest of the world! But in order for me to be able to retire my husband before he’s using a walker, and move to the country, my name needs to be know everywhere. And that takes a long time! I want you to see and smell roses when my name is shown to you, and know that I’m an author, and hopefully know what I write about.

So, when someone contacts me and asks to read one of my books, and they will do a review on their site…wow! There is nothing better than that. Sure, at first I thought it would be a scam, but what do I have to lose at this point in my writing career? I always check out another site to see if it’s legitimate of course. It would be crazy in this world today to not do a bit of research before you jump in with both feet. When everything looks pretty good, I proceed.

And I’m so happy I did!

Pople Backyard Farm at http://poplebackyardfarm.blogspot.com contacted me a couple weeks ago, May 17th to be exact. They requested a copy of my fourth book in the Rubyville series, A Place in My Heart. I thought it strange that they requested the fourth book, but I was just so happy they requested it at all! That put a big smile on my face! They said they would do a review and have it posted within a couple of weeks. So of course I checked them out. And boy do they review products! It’s a great site, and you should really see what’s happening over there. They were true to their word. They read my book and posted a great review here, http://poplebackyardfarm.blogspot.com/p/best-reads-for-summer-2017.html for their summer reading reviews. You may have to scroll down to read my review, but I saw some books I would like to read on my way down the list!

Thank you, Pople Backyard Farm for requesting my book, for actually reading it and then writing a review! It is very much appreciated! And I love your site! I would wish you much success, but you seem to be doing really well already! 😉 But still…much success to you!

And remember to enter my giveaways over at Goodreads. This is for the third book in the Rubyville series, A Place to Heal, https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/231878-a-place-to-heal

This is the link for the fourth book, A Place in My Heart, https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/231879-a-place-in-my-heart

If you win one of the three, signed, printed books I’m giving away for each giveaway, I’ll have it in the mail to you within a day…really! And please, please, please write a review if you read my books. You can do this where they are sold online: Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart, Target and Amazon. Some of those require a purchase first, but Goodreads does not. Thank you all for your support and helping me on this writing journey! It really does put a big smile on my face! Have a great day!

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