Insecurities—How an Author Relates to Her Character
I was raised with a strongly developed sense of who I am, what I believe, and where I’m headed, so by nature, I’m not an insecure person. That changed in one area after I started writing. First, I never planned to write, and I didn’t begin until after my 50th birthday. Now, six-and-a-half years and eight books after my debut novel released, you’d think I’d have conquered the insecurity and self-doubt where my writing is concerned, but I still struggle. Even more so after I recently discovered that my publisher nominated Blowing on Dandelions, the first book in my current historical romance series, for a Christy Award and the ECPA Award.
I often find it difficult to believe that God called me into this ministry, which is exactly what I see it as, and that I wrote all those books and have several more coming soon. At times it doesn’t seem possible that I’ve connected with so many wonderful authors and that they accept me as a peer—instead, it occasionally feels as though I’m masquerading as something I’m not. When I start a new book—or worse yet, hit the mid-way point, I’m often convinced this one will finally reveal to my editor and publisher that I’m an imposter.
I was raised with a strongly developed sense of who I am, what I believe, and where I’m headed, so by nature, I’m not an insecure person. That changed in one area after I started writing. First, I never planned to write, and I didn’t begin until after my 50th birthday. Now, six-and-a-half years and eight books after my debut novel released, you’d think I’d have conquered the insecurity and self-doubt where my writing is concerned, but I still struggle. Even more so after I recently discovered that my publisher nominated Blowing on Dandelions, the first book in my current historical romance series, for a Christy Award and the ECPA Award.
I often find it difficult to believe that God called me into this ministry, which is exactly what I see it as, and that I wrote all those books and have several more coming soon. At times it doesn’t seem possible that I’ve connected with so many wonderful authors and that they accept me as a peer—instead, it occasionally feels as though I’m masquerading as something I’m not. When I start a new book—or worse yet, hit the mid-way point, I’m often convinced this one will finally reveal to my editor and publisher that I’m an imposter.
Wishing on Buttercups, book 2 in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, releases Feb. 1, and until I got word about those nominations, I didn’t realize how much I have in common with my heroine, Beth Roberts. You see, Beth has secrets surrounding her past—a past she’s hoping no one will find out about—especially Jeffery Tucker, the handsome, mysterious boarder who lives at the same boardinghouse. If people knew her secrets, surely they’d discard her, the way she believes her parents must have done. Beth is full of insecurities, but underneath lurks a strong woman who knows what she believes in—her love of family, her desire to learn the truth, and the belief that God loves her, no matter what facts come to light concerning her past. Somehow Jeffery must help Beth to uncover that strength and accept the truth of her past, wherever her search leads.
Have you struggled with areas where you feel worthless or a sham, where you kept something tucked away that you’d prefer others don’t know, because you fear they won’t love you if they know? Have people ridiculed you for a physical deformity (as happened to Beth), and left you feeling unaccepted or unloved? Then I think you’ll relate to Beth Roberts as she journeys toward the light and freedom that truth can bring.
Each main character in this series have things they struggle with in life, whether it be a secret, a parent, or something they carry from their past. Besides the three trade paperback books, Blowing on Dandelions, Wishing on Buttercups, and in October, Dreaming on Daisies, Miralee will be publishing Forget me Not, a Kindle novella that tells Pastor Seth’s love story (we meet him in book 1), which will be available online by mid March. Debbie Lynne’s readers are getting the very first official peek at the cover here today!
If you’d like to, please feel free to share in the comment section about your struggle, or if you’ve ever felt insecure, and know that I’ll pray for your journey toward freedom, as well.
If you’d like to enter the drawing for a copy of Wishing on Buttercups, please leave a comment, and if you’d like to share your own struggle in this area, please feel free to do so. I’ll be praying for you!
Wishing
on Buttercups, historical romance
Can Love Survive When Secrets Collide?
She’d kept her secrets safely hidden—those from
her past, and those in the present. Some things, Beth Roberts knows, a lady
simply doesn’t share, even in the 1880’s West. The townspeople would never
understand. No one ever has.
Jeffery Tucker, a handsome young writer, has
kept his own secrets. He doesn’t have a right to pry into Beth’s affairs but
finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery
surrounding her.
Beth knows that one day someone will unravel the
threads of her past. And when two men from her past arrive, the truth might
just hurt . . . Beth’s future and her heart.
As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the
scenes she sees and is shocked by what—and who—her illustrations reveal. Dare
she risk her heart again?
More about Miralee:
Miralee Ferrell is a speaker,
accredited counselor, and former ACFW chapter president who has published
multiple contemporary and historical romance novels since starting to write in
2005. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and family gatherings around
their eleven-acre property in Washington State’s beautiful Columbia River
Gorge. Miralee
has had eight books release, both in women’s contemporary fiction and
historical fiction, with another 5 under contract. She’s an award-winning
author of Western fiction, and her newest novel, Wishing on Buttercups released February 1, and is the second in a
series set in Baker City, Oregon, 1880s.
Interact with
Miralee:
Website: www.miraleeferrell.com
Facebook Author
page: www.facebook.com/miraleeferrell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/miraleeferrell
Miralee
ReplyDeleteGod loves u and made you a writer........go for it Insecurities are satans way to paralyze you
Im actually struggling on how to love a very difficult person, and God is changing me
God bless u
Chris
Thank you so much, Chris! I truly appreciate the encouragement. Continue to pray and ask God to change your heart. I think that's one of the most powerful ways to pray!
DeleteHey Chris. thanks for stopping by. I'm praying for you and that situation. God Bless you for your efforts. It shows the love of Christ in you.
DeleteSounds like a really great series. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Connie! If you're interested in reading them, it's best to start with book one. If you have any kind of reading device/tablet/etc., Blowing on Dandelions is available right now on a huge sale in all eBook formats!
DeleteThanks for coming by, Connie. Good luck!
Deletethanks for the chance to read this beautiful story....I'm a follower (and email subscriber), too.
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Thank you, Karen. It always blesses me when people take the time to read and reply.
DeleteThanks for coming by, Karen. Thanks for following!
DeleteThis sounds like a good book, thank you for the chance to win it.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Wendy, thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment!
DeleteThanks for coming by, Wendy! Good Luck!
DeleteThis sounds like a great read. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI am a feedburner follower.
susanmsj at msn dot com
Hi Susan, I hope you get the chance to read book one first, in case you win this one. You'll meet all the characters and get acquainted that way. Book one, Blowing on Dandelions, is on a super sale in all eBook formats right now. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHey Susan, thanks for coming by. And thanks for being a feedburner follower.
DeleteThis book is fabulous and Miralee, you are gifted! I had a hard time putting the book down to feed my family. ;) Please keep on writing and sharing the gift God gave you!
ReplyDelete(I already own this beautiful book - so please don't enter me) :)
Susan, thank you so much for the wonderful comment! I'm thrilled you enjoyed it so much. Be sure you watch my Facebook author page or my blog for updates on the next book!
DeleteThanks for coming by, Susan. I'm so glad you enjoyed Miralee's book!
DeleteMiralee, I feel so blessed to have discovered your books. I love the way you bring healing to your characters. You touch on many areas we struggle with as humans. I also believe God has given you a gift to reach your readers through your books . I loved Blowing On Dandelions and I look forward to all your future books. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI am follow by feedburner
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Jackie, thank you so much for your sweet comments, I very much appreciate that you've found value in my books and writing. I do try to bring healing and restoration into my books, as I believe that's what God called me to do. I hope you'll have a chance to read Wishing on Buttercups!
DeleteHey Jackie, What sweet things to say about Miralee's books.I love her writing!
DeleteI loved the first book in this series, and am really looking forward to reading Wishing on Buttercups and Forget me Not. Keep up the writing Miralee, you have a gift!
ReplyDeleteI follow via e-mail.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Patty, it's so nice to see you! I'm thrilled you read and enjoyed Blowing on Dandelions & plan to read my other two. Thanks for stopping by!
Deletethanks for coming by, Patty. Good Luck!
DeleteI loved reading Blowing On Dandelions and can't wait to read Wishing On Buttercups. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteKatie J.
johnsonk133ATyahooDOTcom
Katie, I'm so glad you enjoyed Blowing on Dandelions! Thank you so much for stopping to leave a comment. I hope you get a chance to read Wishing on Buttercups.
DeleteGood Luck, Katie. Thanks for coming by. So glad you are enjoying Miralee's books!
DeleteI follow by feedburner.
ReplyDeleteKatie J.
Enjoyed reading this by Meralee. She seems like such a sweet person. Would love to meet her. I see she loves to ride horses. I used to own a horse named Chochise. He was a very pretty horse but very stubborn horse, at least for me. Course I wasn't the best handler. I could hardly make him go where I wanted him to, but my husband had no problem. But, I loved riding. And, I'm guess she must live out in the country with that much property. I love the country. I am insecure when it comes to accepting when I'm asked to teach my Sunday School lesson for when the teacher when she needs to be gone. So far I've not accepted. I feel totally incapable of doing that job. I have Blowing on Dandelions and would love to win this book. Thanks Debbie for having Miralee here and a chance to win. I follow by Feedburner. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMaxie, I do love riding and yes, we live in the country and have during most of my marriage. I love it! As for your Sunday School class, I think you should prayerfully consider doing it one time, and not allow fear to get in the way. You might surprise yourself--God might have a word only you can speak into someone's life! God bless
DeleteHey Maxie,
DeleteWe all have something in common. I love to ride, too! We own 2 pure Egyptian Arabians. Beautiful animals. I've taught Sunday School in the past. It's like everything we do the more you do it the easier it gets! You can do it, Maxie!
I didn't know that, Debbie Lynne! I've owned Arabians for 40 years, and they are truly special, wonderful animals!
DeleteThere's not one of us who isn't struggling with something in our lives. Each day brings a new challenge. Trust in God and Faith that He'll provide seems to work for us. Love to win your book. I also subscribe to FeedBurner. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, it's so nice to hear from you and I agree, we all struggle with something. God gives us the strength and ability to be overcomers if we trust Him! Thank you for stopping in and I hope you'll have a chance to pick up a copy of Wishing on Buttercups if you don't win.
DeleteSharon,
DeleteStruggles are a part of life and we grow through them. Thankfully the Lord is there to help us. Good luck in the giveaway!
Your book sounds beautiful and I can't wait to read it. Insecurities are no fun and we all seem to suffer from them from time to time but God loves, guides us, and is with us every step of the way.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Melanie, you are so right about that....being hurt or having things you struggle with is certainly no fun, but if we trust God to guide us, He'll get us through! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThat sure is the truth! We all have them at different times in our lives. Imagine those who don't have the Lord. How difficult for them to face all the trials of life.
DeleteI grew up in a family of rejection, put downs, and comparisons, so I should probably write a book on rejection :) But at 60, I've surrounded myself with a carefully chosen group of loving affirming friends and I don't have time for anybody else, except to pray for them. I'd love to win your book, but either way, you keep writing and all will be well.
ReplyDeleteMary
Mary, I've prayed with a lot of women over the years who have been raised in the same kind of atmosphere, and it's a hard thing to overcome. You've used wisdom in how you're living your life today, by carefully choosing your friends. Warm hugs and blessings!
DeleteOh Mary, that is so sad. I'm so sorry you grew up in such a harsh environment. You're a wise woman in choosing to overcome and choose your friends with care. God bless you! And good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI loved reading Miralees's book Blowing on Dandelions, so I would love to read Beth and Jeffrey's story in Wishing on Buttercups. I have always dealt with lots of physical problems so I was always told you cant do that etc. I just try and do my best for God no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI follow by feedburner also.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
Hi Merry, it's so nice you stopped by to visit! God says 'you can' when other say you can't. Believe God and listen to His voice, not those who tell you to doubt yourself. It's amazing how much we can do when we depend on the Lord!! I'm so glad you enjoyed Blowing on Dandelions, and I hope you'll be able to get a copy of Wishing on Buttercups if you don't win one here. God bless!
DeleteHey Merry. Thanks so much for coming by. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Physically disabilities are tough but they make us think out of the box and explore new and different options. God is faithful we just have to keep our eyes on Him! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI have read this book, and loved it! ( and not entering the contest ) I have enjoyed this series, and I'm looking forward to her next book!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Thank you for stopping by, Melisssa! It's a blessing to have you. I appreciate your sweet comment!
DeleteMelissa, I'm so glad you've been enjoying Miralee's books. She's a talented writer and the Christian market is fortunate to have her. Thanks so much for coming by!
DeleteDebbie Lynn, thank you so much for hosting me! I'm thrilled with the number of comments and the chance to meet some of your readers. I'll stop in again later to chat, in case anyone else stops by! God bless!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you, Miralee. I have some awesome readers that are so loyal! I love them. I've gotten to know them over the years and they are some wonderful people.
ReplyDeleteI loved Miralee's book Blowing on Dandelions. Would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteckasper49(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a follower and a subscriber
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win Miralee's book, "Blowing on Dandelions".
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Sharon Wiley! You won! sending you an email shortly.
ReplyDelete