May Author Newsletter (2015)

Happy May!

Hello, blog friends! I hope everyone is having a wonderful month so far! I want to offer a special welcome to my new subscribers as well as a wave to my old friends who have been with me since the beginning. :) 


This is a bit of an anniversary for my blog, since May last year was when I started posting regular updates, reviews, and giveaways. In honor of that, I'll be hosting a giveaway every week, so stay tuned for the first one. And... Happy Blog-aversary! :D

Life Stuff:

First of all, I want to apologize for missing last week's post. I was having a serious time crunch last week between my writing class assignments and the Blurb To Book deadline, and I completely forgot on Tuesday. I had planned to post later in the week, but I came down with a nasty cold on Friday, so everything else took a backseat. Again, my apologies!


In other news, I'm sure you're wondering about the picture at the top of this post. Isn't it gorgeous?! After a year and a month, Hubbins and I finally hung our first piece of art in our apartment. (Don't you just love it?!) Hubbins bought it for me while he was deployed, but we never could find a frame that would fit. This weekend, we remedied that. Now, thanks to Target, this beauty resides above our couch.

Writing Stuff:

It's been a busy month for me on the writing front. Between a list of writing assignments and readings/discussion forums for my class each week and my Blurb To Book proposal, I've had my hands full. One thing that I've learned through this process is how important it is to manage my time. I've been making great progress in both avenues this month (100s on my assignments and meeting my deadlines for Book2Blurb), so your prayers have been working! :)

Reading Stuff:

I didn't have much spare time for reading this month, but I did complete these books: 

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And I'm currently reading:

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Prayer Request Stuff:

Here is the list from last month and I'll add new ones as they are sent in. Thank you for intervening for each other, prayer warriors! :) (If you have a request, just leave a comment or use the contact form and I will add it to the list.)


New:


My friend Dawn - possible return of breast cancer. Prayers for her as she starts treatment.


My friend Heidi - having chemo treatments for her cancer, had a bad reaction to one of the medicines. Prayers for mercy and healing.

Last month's:

Jan H. - Her father and his many health problems. He's been moved to hospice now, praying for strength and wisdom for the family.

Chris - Prayer requested for David who is very ill in Vietnam with an unknown illness. 

Kim - Chronic and unbearable pain in her sides and can't have any more tests until July. Prayers for relief for her. 

Connie S. - Prayer requested for a young couple with spiritual and financial needs. Also, for an older gentleman with melanoma and now lung cancer. 

Sharon P. - Her 42-year-old nephew, Brad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It has metastasized in his lymph nodes. Please pray that the treatment plan will work and that the insurance company will pay for most of his monthly medications. 

Debbie R. - Please pray for her daughter, who is trying to become pregnant. Also, please pray for a healthy baby if she does become pregnant.

Deanne P. -  Prayers that she and her husband can find a reasonably priced vehicle.

Sharon T. - She's trying to find a job again after being in the ministry for 15 years. Prayers that she is successful and blessed.

Charity A. - Please pray for her health.

Debra L. - Requests prayer for her husband, who needs a hip replacement.

Cherie K. - Prayers for her grandchildren who are struggling with the loss of a young cousin. 

My dad - Please pray that he can get his health under control so he can stop taking so many meds. Prayers for strength and patience for my mom as she takes care of him.

My friend, Cherie - dealing with family issues.

Maxie A. - Prayers for comfort for her and her family after the loss of her brother.

Sally D. - That her home in Arizona sells soon. Also requests prayer for her daughter and her daughter's husband to be reunited. They are separated now.

Sharon P. - Continued prayers for her daughter to become pregnant.

Deanne P. - Her husband had hernia surgery in March. 

Last Month's Winners:

"An Uncertain Choice" - Kari Trumbo*


Winner's choice of the Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall - Deanne Patterson*, Sonja Nishimoto*, and Tania Nelzy* (Dawn picked 3 winners instead of 1! Thanks, Dawn!)


"Star Witness" - Donna Parker*



All winners have a month to reply to my emails or I will draw a new winner. * = winner has claimed her prize. Books will be mailed within the month. Be sure to check back soon for this month's giveaways and reviews.