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National Novel Writing Month || What’s My WIP(s)?

10/31/2022

3 Comments

 
Well, I am doing a terrible job of getting back into blogging but I won’t apologize, because life happens and my girly needs more attention with her teething! Two pearlies are working their way to the surface, my husband’s work schedule is a mess at the moment and we are camping out at my in-laws half the time, lol!

But today, I am here and I am posting a fun tag with Katja @ Little Blossoms for Jesus, sharing about my current WIPs! I hope you enjoy reading about them!
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The Rules

  • Thank the person who tagged you & link to their blog.
  • Link back to the creator, Katja @ Little Blossoms for Jesus, & add the tag graphic. 
  • List the rules. 
  • Answer the questions. 
  • Feel free to add snippets!
  • Tag as many or as few people as you wish & let them know they’re tagged. 
  • Add a clean copy of the questions at the end of your post for the “tagged.”

The Questions {And Answers}

1| Has your WIP a working title? If so, tell us! If not, have you any idea of what it might be?

Yes! My current WIP is The Battlefield is Silent, book 5 in The Battle for Heritage Series. It’s bittersweet working on the final book in this series…it’s exciting and heartbreaking for me, reaching this milestone.

I’m also doing work on Book 2 in the Natty’s Warrior’s Series, To Save a Marriage. And I’m going to mention here, there is no special publishing schedule for the series. Each book can be read on it’s own, so I’m not panicking trying to get them out rapid fire.

2| Have you a synopsis for your WIP? If so, give it to us! If not, can you give us a blurb on what your WIP is about?

I don’t have a proper one for either of them, but here’s what I’m working with!

The Battlefield is Silent: They don’t know it, but the war will end this year. At least, that’s what the history books try to tell us. But we all know better…the war will never be over. Final clashes of arms, betrayed trusts, nightmares, unjust taxes, murder and mental breakdowns threaten to pull the Mason family down deep into a whirlpool of despair. When the good guys lose, how can the possibly see God’s hand in it all and keep their heads above the water?

To Save a Marriage: Before there was a survivor, there was an abortion. Cammie Carter-Tate has fought for her position as director of her prestigious clinic. Unlike many clinics around her, she has a sanitary building, has a hotline to a hospital should something go wrong and has a 98% success rate. Life is good. But the few failures they’ve had and one negative review threatens to bring it all crashing down around her. What’s worse, her own nephew is a survivor. Her husband wants kids; she refuses. A rainy night reveals her darkest secrets and spirals her married life out of control. Is there anyway to bring it all to a halt and rebuild the life she has so carefully curated…without turning into the one woman she despises with all her heart?

3| Have you a working/mock cover for your WIP? If so, show us! If not, have you an idea in mind?

I don’t have covers for my books, but I definitely have some ideas! I can’t talk about them much, but I will share my base colors. The Battlefield is Silent is Gray and To Save a Marriage is Blue.

4| How did you get the idea for this story?

Nothing super special for books 5, it just follows in line with the rest of the series, lol!

But To Save a Marriage wasn’t supposed to happen. But everyone fell in love with my hurting abortion clinic director and begged for a book just about her story and hopefully a redemption arc. Y’all know I hate those, lol! But for her story, it actually worked. So, Cammie’s story in is progress!

5| How long do you think it will be? Is it longer or shorter than you thought it would be?

I have no idea! TBIS will probably be over 400 pages. There’s so much to wrap up, I honestly might have to turn it into two books.

I figure this one will be about 250 pages or so, close to the first one. Maybe 300, but I’m not sure yet.

6| Who’s your favourite character so far?

Michael and Jeremy. Hands down. But Burdy is being adorable as usual.

Cammie, even though she stands for everything I am against. She just needs to let God’s love take over… And Chris, her husband. I feel. so. bad. for him…

7| What’s your favourite memory related to this WIP?

N/A

8| Any special person(s) who helped create it?

Not TBIS, but TSAM was created with Katja, Kassie, Rebekah, Lissa, Jenna, Hannah and Angie (did I miss anyone? 0.0)

9| What’s your favourite scene so far (if you can tell about it without spoilers!)?

Sorry, no can reveal XP

10| Can you give us a snippet? 

Nope *halo*

11| Is the story still what you thought it would be or has it thrown you a couple curve-balls?

Both books are throwing curve-balls faster than I can dodge them. As you can see, they don’t know this is baseball and are aiming their throws at my head and heart XD

12| Is there a Bible verse, poem, hymn, picture, or quote that helped shape this story?

Not really, for either of them yet. But I know they are coming, because I always get verses and quotes and songs…

Well, this isn’t a hymn, but The Southern Girl’s Reply and Your Mission both influence TBIS.

13| When and where have you done most of the writing so far?

In bed or on the couch XD

14| Where do you get inspiration for this story?

Watching movies about the Wars Between the States, Pinterest and picture books on the war.

Pinterest, Instagram and rereading To Save a Life.

15| Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a plotser (I HATE the term plantser.) I have to have an idea of where the story is going, but if I get too detailed I lose motivation.

16| Do you have a little ritual before you start writing?

Not really, but I’m trying to make one. I do try to get something to drink and something to listen to. Also, a sleeping baby is preferable, lol!

17| Are you thinking of publishing this story?

Absolutely! I think people would riot if I didn’t XD

18| What things have you learned while writing this story?

1865 is depressing and pro-choice people still need to know God’s love.

The Clean Copy

  1. Has your WIP a working title? If so, tell us! If not, have you any idea of what it might be?
  2. Have you a synopsis for your WIP? If so, give it to us! If not, can you give us a blurb on what your WIP is about?
  3. Have you a working/mock cover for your WIP? If so, show us! If not, have you an idea in mind?
  4. How did you get the idea for this story?
  5. How long do you think it will be? Is it longer or shorter than you thought it would be?
  6. Who’s your favourite character so far?
  7. What’s your favourite memory related to this WIP?
  8. Any special person(s) who helped create it?
  9. What’s your favourite scene so far (if you can tell about it without spoilers!)?
  10. Can you give us a snippet? 
  11. Is the story still what you thought it would be or has it thrown you a couple curveballs?
  12. Is there a Bible verse, poem, hymn, picture, or quote that helped shape this story?
  13. When and where have you done most of the writing so far?
  14. Where do you get inspiration for this story?
  15. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
  16. Do you have a little ritual before you start writing?
  17. Are you thinking of publishing this story?
  18. What things have you learned while writing this story?
So, what are you working on today? Are you doing NANOWRIMO? (I’m doing an alternate, The King’s Daughters Writing Camp and The Glory Writers {Disclaimer: neither are KJV only} which I am enjoying very much!) Share about your WIP in the comments below, or write your own post! Be sure and come back here and leave the link to your post in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out Katja’s post!
 
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…”—Anne Shirley
Ryana Lynn+Dixie Cross
Jude 22
3 Comments

Five Fall Favorites || Five Books that Make Me Me

10/3/2022

4 Comments

 
Hello and happy October, Y’all! I am so excited to be participating in FFF again this year (sorry this post is tardy, life happens…)! This year, Kate from One Upon an Ordinary is hosting the event, so before you click out of this post, be sure and visit her for a list of all the bookish posts you need to hit up today!
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I love books. Books are a huge part of my life and have taught me so much. So, I am excited to introduce you to myself through the books I love! Let’s dive in!
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Stop the Rain

I love the military. If you know me for any length of time, then you know I am passionate about our country and everyone who serves Her. I’m an Army girl to the core, and I have a passion for helping people understand them and bridging the gap between military and civilians. I dream of a day when we are like those in WWII, when it was everyone’s war, not just the soldiers. I am also passionate about getting the word out about PTSD and helping others understand it’s not a Hollywood shock factor; it is too many people’s reality.

If I could give you one book that covers all the bases and will open your eyes to the world of military members, it is Stop the Rain by Kassie Angle. If you have never read it, what are you waiting for?

Goodreads Link
Amazon Link

Iron Scouts of the Confederacy

Another thing about me that lots of people know is that I am passionate about my Southern Heritage and the War Between the States. The South was right and I will never back down from that. It is a hill I will die on. We are not a nation of racist, white-supremacists. We are a nation of high moral standards, loyalty to the Constitution, old-fashioned values and honor. If that bothers you, this may not be the blog for you, cause I talk about it a lot and that’s not changing any time soon. That being said, I totally understand not everyone will agree with me and that’s okay! I love answering questions and I can totally agree to disagree, so if you can extend the same grace, welcome!

I love Iron Scouts because it’s a true story that reads like a novel, highlighting the glories, struggles and heartaches that befell our Southern soldiers. Nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of, just honest, down-to-earth, hilarious and heart-wrenching stories of two brothers who loved their country.

Goodreads Link
Amazon Link

Manhunt

If you know me very well, you know I have a morbid obsession with the Lincoln Assassination. I will clarify, I do not believe it was right that John Wilkes Booth killed Lincoln, even though his death only saddens me because I have no reason to believe he was saved. But that’s another tale for another time. All it did was make an evil man a martyr, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy.

I have read Manhunt probably five or six times and it’s the only non-fiction that read at least once every other year. It’s that good. It’s a deep dive into the history of the assassination, the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the opening days of the decline of our nations into the ruin you see today. Meet people you had no idea were involved and learn about the part they played in on of the most tragic events in the history of our nation. (Notice: I said one of the most tragic not THE most tragic. 9/11, the Holocaust and Roe V. Wade are far more tragic.)

Goodreads Link
Amazon Link

To Save a Life

Pro-Life activism is very important to me. It should be to every Christian, jointly with sharing the Gospel. For to share the Gospel, you must have a living person to talk to. Words cannot describe how I felt when I learned Roe V. Wade had been overthrown in our land and multiple states jumped to ban the practice of murdering infants in their jurisdictions! I cried tears of joy and hugged my baby, thanking God for the men and women who made it possible. Then later that day, I celebrated the birth of my niece on this historic day. What a perfect way to celebrate!

I wrote To Save a Life to share my passion for the unborn, and out of that was born the Natty’s Warriors Series, covering multiple aspects of our movement. The book will be released in the near future, I am hoping sometime in December. We will see. Until then, please add it on Goodreads and help spread the word!

Goodreads Link

The Dawn of a Life

I am a Christian. That is the most important thing about me. I am a wife, a mother and a homemaker. God has given me this calling and I am grateful for it. I love old-fashioned things and I love a cozy ambiance and aesthetic. I’m more comfortable talking politics of the 1800’s and learning how to make bread. I love the old hymns and the slower pace. I love physical books in my hands and old movies.

The Dawn of a Life is my go to comfort read. It takes me back in time. It’s a “Lifestyle” book, not an epic plot until you’ve read the whole series. It’s a slow, comforting book about life. And that’s a worthy read in my opinion.

Goodreads Link
Amazon Link
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What are five books that make you you? Share them in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out Kate’s blog for more books, a giveaway and a free book hidden in the posts!
 
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…” Anne Shirley
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22
4 Comments

Book Lovers, Unite! // Questions about Books for Book Lovers!

7/12/2019

 
I love books. I think every author would say the same. I’m much better at buying books than at buying clothes! So today, I wanted to answer some bookish questions that a sweet friend sent my way. Thanks, Kassie!

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What is your favorite thing about reading?
Wow…that’s a tough question…I guess it would have to be learning about people, times and places that I have never met, lived in or visited. Historical fiction is my genre of choice and when I find one that is so vivid I feel like I’m part of the story, it’s not hard for me to enjoy! I love reading stories about people who lived during hard times and conquered in the end. Those are so encouraging!

Which Male Character is your Favorite?
Theodore Mallory from Three People by Isabella Alden; Corey Schreiber from O To Be Like Thee by Kassie Angle (she didn’t tell me to say that 😉); Tom Sampson from The Big Sky Country Series by Rachel McBride; and (I’m gonna cheat) Seth Mason from The Battle for Heritage Series by yours truly!

Which Female Character is your Favorite?

Yikes…that’s actually very hard…Ester Reid from Ester Reid by Isabella Alden; Dixie Mason and Lana Brewster from The Battle for Heritage Series 😉.

Who is your Favorite Villain of all Time?

Say what? Is there such a thing? Like a good bad guy? I can honestly say I don’t have one. I despise the bad guys in books and movies. But then again, I don’t like for them to be stupid and cheesy either. There’s no glory in overcoming an imbecilic.

Who is your Least Favorite character of all Time?

Basically every Nazi in any World War Two book I’ve ever read! I can’t think of specific names. OH! The bad guy from the Elsie Dinsmore series! I can’t remember his name, but he still gives me the creeps!

Which book do you think has the Strongest Plot?

Ester Reid, O To Be Like Thee, The Young Refugees Series

What gets on your nerves the most in a story (a boring character, unrealistic plot, etc.)

The bratty character, especially if you can tell we are supposed to like this character. I can’t stand them. Also, books that make adults/authority figures out to be stupid.

Which book has the best cover?

The Secret Slipper by Amanda Tero. So Gorgeous!

Do you let people borrow your books? If so, are you specific about how they treat them?

I only allow people I trust to borrow my books. People I know will return them and take care of them to the best of their ability.

If a Movie could be made based on any book, which book would you choose?

The Holy War, Across Five Aprils, Iron Scouts of the Confederacy, O To Be Like Thee, The Last Full Measure (because I saw Gods and Generals and Gettysburg {edited| and I really want to know how the film version of the story ends!)…is it lame to say that I’d like to see stories I’ve made up in my head made into movies? I have a really neat WWII German Resistance story I made up that I would love to see on DVD!

Which author has inspired you most?

Isabella Alden. I consider her my mentor, though I can only dream of writing as well as she did!

What single book would you be unable to live without?

The Bible obviously 😉 But if we are talking about man written books…I really can’t think of one that ranks that high above all the others. Maybe I should make a list of the top ten books I love the most…
These were such fun questions! Why not take a minute and look over the books you own and answer the questions for yourself? Maybe do it with a friend! See how many similar (or opposite) answers you give!
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22
PS. This post was originally the Book Lovers Tag. I didn't feel like tagging anyone, but if you would like to do it, see Kassie's post for the rules!
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15 Bookish Questions // All My Bookish Answers!

2/8/2019

 
Hello! It’s so good to have you back today! I love books (as if you didn’t know that😉) and I love answering questions about books! Recently I saw a post about the 20 Questions Book Tag and I thought it looked fun! I decided to change up the questions a little (and cut down the number or this post would be way too long!) so here we go!
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  1. How many books do you like in a series? At least five. If I really like the series, give me 10!
  2. In what situation is a cliffhanger permissible at the end of a book? If I have the next book ready to read, I’m good with it. If not, don’t you dare! Lol!
  3. What kind of cover do you prefer? Paperback for my novels, preferably in a velvet/matte cover 😉 For Biographies/history books, I want a hardcover, no dust jacket please (Personal pet-peeve). And if it does have a dust jacket, I prefer for it to look exactly like the cover of the book. I’m always disappointed when I take off the dust jacket and find a not so pretty, solid cover underneath with the title only on the spine…
  4. What is your Favorite Book? The Holy War by John Bunyan. But this year, my favorite so far was O To Be Like Thee by Kassie Angle.
  5. What is your favorite genre? Historical fiction and Narrative non-fiction. When you combine a novel writing style with true history, you can’t get much better!
  6. What is your favorite cliché? The Bad Guy Speech! Some people get annoyed at the antagonist spilling out their whole evil plot for the protagonist (think Nancy Drew Series), but it’s one of my favorite parts, lol! That being said, I’d like to find a book where this happens in the middle of the book, not the end. Let the evil plot pan out and see how the good guys can fix it, or something like that. Because, the right doesn’t always prevail…at least not at first 😉 Don’t take away my happy ending though…
  7. What is your biggest book related pet-peeve? Besides dust jackets and romance, I really don’t like long chapters. Silly, maybe, but if a chapter has more than 5 pages front and back, I start to get burnt out. I don’t feel like I’m accomplishing anything when I’ve read 30 pages but only two chapters. But, if the story is fast paced or has a little break, I’ll make an exception. Another is short stories without chapter breaks, lol! I’m very chapter oriented 😉 Bonus if the chapters have titles!
  8. What is the oldest book you’ve read based on publication Date? Besides the Bible (1611), the oldest book I’ve ever read is The Holy War by John Bunyan (1682). It is my favorite book, y’all! Please, go read it, especially if you enjoyed Pilgrim’s Progress or love a good medieval themed story! If you do, you’ll like this one even better (in my unbiased opinion 😉).
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9. What book are you looking forward to reading? I Varina by Ruth Painter Randall. I’ve been looking for this book for years and finally have a copy!

10. What is your favorite book by your favorite author? Three People by Isabella Alden. This is part of the Ester Reid series (though I can’t remember how it links in) and is a beautiful example of how your birth circumstances don’t have to dictate your outcome…and has a great message against drinking!

11. What was a series you were sad to see come to an end? The Moody Series by Sarah Maxwell and The Sisters in Time Series by various authors. I really enjoyed both of these middle grade series and would not be sad to see new editions join the family!

12. What was your favorite non-fiction read? Beloved Bride by Bill Potter (see my review here!) Everyone should read this book, no matter where you are from! It’s so good!

13. Your favorite book on writing? Did God Put a Book in You by Jerry Ross. It’s really good and a great resource to keep on hand, especially for beginning writers! It’s only $10.00, so you should check this page and get you a copy!

14. Favorite Book of the Bible (Old and New Testament)? 1&2 Samuel (They go together 😉) and Luke! I love reading about David and his mighty men (a much better account than Robin Hood, which I might kinda like if it weren’t for the stealing part…). The best part is that it’s completely true! I love how God inspired the writer to not only show David’s victories and failures, but how to regain fellowship with God after sinning. And Luke…ah, I love Dr. Luke! I love his medical view of the gospels and his account the crucifixion and resurrection are by far my favorite. And then we can hope over to Acts for more of his intriguing writing style!

15. What book is taking you a long time to get through? Jefferson Davis American by William J. Cooper Jr. It’s really good, but it’s thick and has small print 😉 Hopefully, I can put a dent in it this year!
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So there you have it, my 15 bookish answers to 15 bookish questions!

And here’s one of my favorite verses from one of my favorite books of the Bible.
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
1 Samuel 17:29
King James Bible

Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello September Blog Tag!

9/14/2018

 
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I am honored to be taking part of this lovely little tag here, nominated by Miss Abby G.! Thank you so much! I've always loved reading other's tags and when I received the email that I had been tagged, it made my heart so happy! 💚
So without further ado, let’s jump in!
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Rules

-Please copy the questions below, answer them, and then write out your new questions (or you can even copy these) for the people you nominate below your answered questions.
-Please nominate at least three bloggers, but try to avoid ones that you know have already been tagged.
-Lastly, include these guidelines in your post, and use the tag picture!
Favorite Fall food? Probably my sister’s homemade Pumpkin Rolls. They are soooooo good!
Favorite thing about Fall weather? I love wearing sweaters and going on a walk, looking at all the pretty leaves! Autumn is my favorite season of all! 🍁
Do you like doughnuts (what kinds)? Oh, Yes! I’m from North Carolina, so it’s a given that Krispy Kreme is my favorite doughnut shop 😆 My favorite has got to be the Sour Cream Doughnut. It’s so rich and delicious🍩
Favorite things to do outside? I love biking 🚲, walking and swinging on our homemade swing in the woods, but what I do the most outside is walk around plotting out story ideas in my head
Favorite color of Fall leaves do you like best? Red 🍁
What are some Fall traditions you or your family participate in? Hmm…we don’t really have any traditions…we eat a lot of pumpkin recipes during the fall, also we have our FBN Share-a-thon every October, so that could be a tradition 😉
Do you like any kind of soup in autumn? What's one of your favorites? I love pretty much any soup but vegetable 😊 I’m just not big on mixing my veggies. But I love Broccoli Cheddar Soup the best! 🍲🧀
Favorite kind of candle? Oh, this is so hard! I love any kind of fall scented candles…I’m not big on cinnamon though. Oh, coffee scented ones are great too! ☕
Windy or rainy autumn? Both, but not at the same time…I guess I’d have to go with windy. 🍃
Tea or coffee? I love sweet tea, but it’s more of a summer beverage…I’ll go with Coffee☕
If you could go to one state in the U.S.A. just for the autumn scenery, where would you go? I would go to Tennessee! I love the mountains and the breathtaking autumn colors. They are stunning!⛰

I’m tagging Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His Glory
Victoria @ victoriaminks.com
Lauren @ Novels That Encourage
 
And your questions are…
What animal makes you think of fall?
What is your favorite fall drink? Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider?
Where is a place you would like to visit for the fall that you have never been to before?
What books do you like to read during the fall?
Describe the perfect Autumn sweater.
What scent screams fall to you?
What is a special goal you have set for yourself this fall?
What is one fall activity you would like to try out this year?
Do you find yourself wanting to write about Autumn during the season?
Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie?
Favorite Fall Memory?
Have fun!

Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did. And I’m gonna answer one of the questions I’m posting. The animal that makes me think of fall is also one of my favorite animals…FOXES! 🦊I liked foxes before it was popular 😉
 
Something to think about: Do you have a blog? Whether you get tagged for this tag or not, feel free to answer the questions on your blog!
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luke 10:2

Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22
*Emoji art supplied by Emoji One
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