Saturday, August 07, 2010

WHERE YA BEEN?

I'm still alive! I could tell you that I was on a Caribbean cruise or at 5 star resorts in the Colorado Mountains, or teaching at a writer’s conference, but the truth is I’ve been holed up (not ‘hold’as in cowboy slang), in my office during the hot, humid, Atlanta weather with soaring temps hovering in the 100’s. Not very romantic, even for a romance writer.

I did meet my deadline in July for
Deeply Devoted, book one in my next series. Woo Hoo! I know my agent read it in one sitting and said she loved it. Now I want to hear the same from my editor, which should be any day now. I worked really hard on it. I hope they keep the title.

Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve been playing around the last month with my blog. I hope you like the new look. The dogwood is one of my favorite flowers and oh so Southern like me. There’s a legend about the dogwood that it was the tree the cross that they crucified Christ on was made from. I’ve blogged about it before. I’m also working on a website with help, of course, and hope to have it up and running in the near future.

I’ve read a bunch of books the last few months in between writing and still have a humongous stack that keeps growing. I’ll comment about my thoughts later on about those.

I’ve been brainstorming with my writing bud, Kelly, regularly and somehow we balance each other’s insanity! Only other writers can understand what I mean. I’m planning on interviewing her as soon as her deadline has been met.

I bought a new camera…much like what I already had, but still haven’t taken the time to read the manual. My other one just up and died. But I needed something easy for my blogging, and taking quick shots, though I’d like to have a camera like my daughter has. Then I’d be forced to learn how to use the settings. By the way, Sheri has a real talent for taking excellent and unusual pictures. A mom can brag!

The Women’s Ministry at my church, Johnson Ferry, has chosen my first book,
No Place for a Lady, for their Chick-Lit book club for January! I am so thrilled about that! A Love of Her Own ranks #16 for the Kindle in Christian Romance on Amazon and #25 under bestseller books presently. In overall Christian Fiction, it ranks #23 on Kindle and #40 in books. Of course, that number changes regularly, but I’ve been holding a top spot, so I’m pleased as punch!

I’ve been researching for second book in the new series, the last couple of days, trying to get my thoughts together about the plot, etc. I want to get underway with that book next week.

We had our Sanctuary Choir at church fall kickoff again, and I like things to get back to our normal schedule. Guess I like continuity. We have a refurbished and enlarged choir loft but it’s still too small. But that’s always a good thing.

This summer also had its rough times because that’s just part of the life experience. Some were very trying days for me. One in July was the loss of our son-in-law’s father, a Viet Nam war hero, a dear friend to us as well. My niece is battling breast cancer, and my sister who has MS is hopeful about a new drug that she hopes to be able start soon. But like the butterflies flying around outside my office window, I know that God cares about every tear, every heartache, every struggle, and every joy that we experience. It’s part of His plan but don’t ask me to explain it. Only He knows.

I’d love to hear from you—what things have been happening in your life? It’s always uplifting to bear each other’s burdens because it takes your mind off your own troubles. I’ll draw a name on Aug. 22nd for a free autographed copy of my new book when you post a comment.

Hope I haven’t rambled on too much, but after all…I am a writer.

Until next time,

Maggie

5 comments:

Unknown said...

it sounds like your family is having your own health issues - I have spent the last 2 years in and out of the hospital diabetic issues and kidney failure -- I finally went on dialysis it has been a blessing - I lost 50 pounds of fluids - I feel so much better - I have several of my Aunts who have had breast cancer I know what your niece is going thru - I also have a cousin with MS - she was diagnosed over 20 years ago - she has her bad days but, for the most part she is still going strong there is hope for your sister and niece - I shall pray for your family -- by the way I love your books - I shall be ordering your third book and look forward to your new series -- Valerie

Anonymous said...

I finally got your first book & am reading it. You cannot imagine the pride I feel just knowing how the dream you had has been realized. I feel like my life has been so disjointed - ups & downs - happiness along w/tears. Not sure what plan God has for me but so far I am still around - still kicking - cancer free for 10 years now. My family gives me so much happiness!!! Hope our paths cross again some day. Your family is beautiful & you are a lucky lady! Love, Marlene

Maggie Brendan said...

Val, I'm sorry for what you're going through. Sounds like you've got it under control now and I pray that your health continues to improve.

Marlene, It's so good to hear from you! I know you've had some reall challenges but God is so faithful to walk us through them. He's in control and I pray that he blesses your days ahead. Maggie

Christy said...

Went to Orlando in June. Wrestled an alligator! Or as I would say in my Alabama accent "rasled a gator" ;-) We also went to Magic Kingdom and had a great time.

Loved your Heart of the West series! Looking forward to your next book. See ya on Facebook!

Christy

apple blossom said...

We just got back from family vacation. We went to Black Hill, SD area. Saw MT Rushmore. and other sites in the area. I fell the last day of our trip and now my back isn't doing too well.
Thanks for the chance to win a book.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com