Category: Writing

A Quick Thought, Writing

From Shabby to Chic

deborahanndykeman

I had made a goal to post every Tuesday. As you can see, that did not happen this past week. Home renovation projects have kept me very busy. They are going well, but very slow. But at least they are moving along.

There is something about the holiday season that gets me motivated to set the house in order. Maybe it’s the cooler weather, maybe the fact that I like the house to look nice for the decorating. At any rate, it’s that push I need to get it done. Kitchen renovation - 11-04-2017 (2)

This is a picture from early November. The wall cabinets had finally been moved thanks to one of our son-in-laws. Thank you, David! Those cabinets were original to the house, and very heavy. So far, they have held a lot of dishes and are still hanging! New paint color in kitchen - 11-16-2017

This is after painting the color on the walls yesterday. The white parts are where more cabinets are to go and the back splash. I put  20 hinges on the cabinet doors on Tuesday. That made for 100 screws, by hand. I don’t use power tools if I can help it. They really rattle my arms and joints. That is usually where the sons-in-law and our son come in. I rely on them for a lot!

I know I drive my family crazy with the home projects. I really like doing them from the standpoint of taking something old and shabby and making it beautiful again. I just don’t have the desire to live in a home project anymore. I guess I’m at the age where I want it done, and I can just use the kitchen for what it was meant for. I’ll post more pictures when the kitchen is finished…hopefully that won’t be too long!

This week also produced more progress made on my next release…When Love Grows! That is always exciting. My editor is now in the last stages of formatting and making everything look really pretty. Here is a sneak preview…

When Love Grows Cover - 6.2 x 9.5 measurements

If you enjoyed When Hope Blooms, you will love the continuation of Sybil’s story. She could be compared to my kitchen project. Taking something rather shabby on the inside, and making it beautiful. You may purchase When Hope Blooms right here: https://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Ann-Dykeman/e/B01B2BYPK6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1510855121&sr=1-2-ent 

If you are a Prime member, you can have the book by Monday. Books make wonderful Christmas presents as well. Be watching for When Love Grows on Amazon, very soon!

If you enjoy Women’s Christian Fiction, these stories are for you. I’ve had a lot of great feedback from them so far, and that’s wonderful to hear. People have loved the Rubyville series and getting to know the Barton women. Happy readers are very important to me! So make you, or someone you know very happy this holiday season by purchasing a Deborah Ann Dykeman book! I think you’ll be glad you did. Have a great Thursday!

social media, Writing

Shifting Down

deborahanndykeman

This is a post I’ve debated about writing for several months now. For the month of October, I tried some different things, just to see what that would result in. Some of you gave me feedback. A few people really liked the Monday One Liners and the Friday Trivia. A couple people said they would just rather read a post. To be honest, I’m rather lost in this blogging world. I just don’t know what works...for me.

I’ve blogged regularly for over two and a half years now. For those of you that blog, you know it is a time investment. Some bloggers seem to be able to take the world, (literally) by storm and within a few months they are off and running with thousands of hits and followers. That has not been the case for me, and I’m not really feeling that I’ve found my corner in the blogging world…or if I’m even supposed to.

As a writer, I love to write. I have written most of my life in some form or another. I will continue. But right now, I feel as though I should concentrate more on my novel writing, and those stories I need to tell. And I need time to do that.

So, I will be doing some reconstruction with my social media. My goal is to have more of a website, maybe a section that I blog in once a week, or once a month. I might offer a newsletter every three months or so for those that are interested in my books, and new releases. I have four books written several years ago that are badly in need of edits and covers. So, I want to make those a priority. I also have a little bird whispering to me about a fifth book in the Rubyville series. I also need to concentrate more on events, and speaking engagements.

The most difficult part of this decision is not having the daily contact with those of you that have become a part of my life on here. I so appreciate you! For sharing your lives with others, for the encouragement you have given me, for all the interesting stuff I’ve learned from all parts of the world.

This is not good-bye, but a pulling back and regrouping. I will still be here, and I will still share my life with all of you, just at a slower pace. You can still find me on Amazon right here: https://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Ann-Dykeman/e/B01B2BYPK6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1509656300&sr=1-2-ent and my author’s page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborahanndykeman/?fref=ts

I check Goodreads daily as well. It’s a great place to encourage others, as well as authors. If you’ve read a book of mine, or another author, please leave a review there and follow them. You don’t need to purchase their book to do those two things. Every little bit of encouragement helps an author get their stories out there. It’s not only about purchasing their books, which is wonderful of course…but about getting that author’s name known around the world.

Until next time…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOY0C5F8dfw

 

 

Writing

Tuesday Teaser

deborahanndykeman

For those of you who have read When Hope Blooms, you’ve met Sybil Grafton. She’s probably not the nicest person you’ll ever come across.

The sequel to When Hope Blooms is written and in the editing process. I don’t want to share the cover just yet, but here’s just a bit so you may become better acquainted with Sybil.

When Love Grows - Tuesday Teaser

Our Christian Walk, Writing

Tuesday Teaser

deborahanndykeman

We humans are a prideful lot. If our feelings are hurt, we can stew for days, simmering just like a pot on the stove. Pride can keep us from forgiving a wrong done. Sometimes, this can take us a lifetime to get over. And then it may be too late.

There is a reason we are told not to let our anger go past the setting sun. Forgiveness heals our soul, is a balm to past hurts and injustices. It takes away the bitter taste of ‘being right’. It only takes you.

Tuesday Teaser - A Place to Heal

Writing

Coming This Fall!

deborahanndykeman

I am almost finished writing the sequel to When Hope Blooms! That book was to be a stand alone…but characters spoke to me that needed to have their story told. So, being the compassionate author that I am…I listened, and I wrote.

No, this is not the cover of When Love Grows. I have to keep a few surprises up my sleeve! But the cover is finished, and I love it! This is just a little meme to share a tid-bit of the book, and to introduce you to Sandy. And no, she’s not the main character either.

When Love Grows Meme

I’ll keep you updated, so stay tuned!

social media, Writing

UPDATE: Book Review Awards – Authors in the Running So Far

deborahanndykeman

Wow! It’s an honor to be included in this list so far. Yecheilyah Ysrayl really does an excellent job with her review process, and pours her heart and soul into them. I greatly appreciate all that she does for Indie authors, and this contest is just another example of that. Thank you Yecheilyah!

Yecheilyah's avatarThe PBS Blog

OK, looks like we are going through with this thing!!

Thank you for your feedback and suggestions. Based upon which I’ve decided that yes, we are going to do this!

First thing’s first, I am getting a logo made. Something simple but nice which I’ll outsource from Fiverr. BUT, if any of you do logos for free, like, let me know. I am not trying to spend a whole bunch of money. I love you but I am not rich so, like, help a sista out.

For now, here are the authors who are currently automatically drafted into the contest due their 5-star ratings on this blog. More authors will be added to this list as I read and review their books. Remember, to be part of this contest means that you must receive a 5-star rating from me. Excellence is priority.

We are just in the preliminary stages so…

View original post 633 more words

social media, Writing

No Awards Please

deborahanndykeman

Blogger Award

I have thought about this for several months now. Wondering what I should do, not wanting to seem ungrateful. Because I am not. Each one of you is very precious to me in that you’ve taken the time to stop by here, and read my posts. I am thankful for you!

I have been nominated for several blogger awards over the past few months…and I am really speechless! I hope I have not offended those that have nominated me by not responding immediately. I have not forgotten your kind gesture. I just haven’t known how to proceed.

Blogging is something that at this time is secondary to my novel writing. I enjoy blogging, but admittedly am not very good at it, or as prolific as I probably should be. I just don’t have the time. I have reached so many of you through this blog, and I have met so many wonderful people. And I love that about blogging. I have been inspired, encouraged, and delighted by the sites I have encountered on here. This blogging has opened up another whole world for me. So I will continue to post when I can, because I will always have something to say, and I will always love to hear from you. But taking part in the awards is just more than I can fit in at this time. I think they are a lovely gesture, and I adore reading about those that have been nominated, but I just can’t reciprocate at this time.

The Versatile Blogger Award was one I received from a beautiful lady that I’ve come to know on here. Please check out her site at: https://rhythminlife.net/ She has written some beautiful poetry, and shared the challenges and blessings of her life in a very special way. Thank you, Susan!

https://mycountryepoque.com/ is where I received the One Lovely Blog Award. The colors and beauty on her site really drew me in, and I’m enjoying my journey there. Thank you!

Ellie Holmes at: https://ellieholmesauthor.wordpress.com/ was the first to nominate me for an award. It was very exciting! It’s been so long ago, that I don’t even remember the award, but I did tell her at the time how much I appreciated it. I just didn’t know what I was going to do about awards. She has a couple of books that are on my reading list, which is also something I don’t get much time to do. But I haven’t forgotten, Ellie!

So, a huge thank you to all of those that have nominated me! You are appreciated! Please keep stopping by and sharing your thoughts, and your life with me. I love to hear from you. And I will continue to read about your awards, and will share in your joy.