Sometimes all you have to do is get out of the way and let a great moment happen. Haven’t we all been there? The birth of a grandbaby. Your kid’s graduation. A spouse’s promotion. As much as we desperately want to experience these wonderful milestones, there isn’t much we can do personally to make them come to pass. Watching our loved ones labor, push, and strive to get to goal can be harder on us as spectators than if we could get in the act and labor, push and strive with them. Being a doula can be a helpless feeling. Until that moment—that golden, magical, beautiful time when all of the hand wringing, pacing, praying and cheerleading, not to mention worrying, advising, dreaming and strategizing—finally comes to fruition. And your loved one has that baby, diploma, or title proudly in hand to show off to the wondering world.
So it is for every critique partner watching on the sidelines as your writing friend takes her very personal journey to publication. You watch the seed of ideas germinate in your buddy’s mind, take shape on paper, and undergo revisions, drafts, edits, and the struggle is real. You invest your input and hopes, but ultimately it is the labor of your friend that makes the difference. Do they have the endurance to go the distance? Will they overcome discouragement, exhaustion, and doubt and push through for the sake of their adoring readership? At times it is tempting to have too much influence, to say too much, but to do that would be a mistake. It is not your baby, after all. You run the risk of trampling the tender shoot of an emerging voice. So you step back. You hope. You lend silent strength.
And your friend not only finds her way, but she bursts
through every obstacle with laurel wreaths and victory banners and confetti. It
is a very good day when her first book takes off running. You remember when the
voices said Medieval will never sell. You remember when some rejected the idea
because they didn’t know it like you did. You smile inside because you saw the
potential, not just in the book but in the writer. And you celebrate with the
pride of a doula, because in your way, you helped bring another ray of hope and
goodness into the world.
Celebrate with me today by sharing something you prayed for
and believed for with someone you love. Let us thank the Lord together for
answered prayer.
Prepare yourself to be swept away to a land of lords and ladies fair, of
knights and castles, murder, betrayal, romance, and redemption. Author
Debbie Lynne Costello, a promising new voice to Christian fiction,
crafts a spellbinding story of a forced marriage, intrigue, and chivalry
amid the backdrop of medieval England. Riveting and yet tender, this
tale immerses the reader in authentic historical detail and passion.
The hopes and conflicts of its genuine and endearing characters turn the
pages until that final, satisfied sigh. Kathleen L. Maher, winner 2012 ACFW Genesis contest and author of Amazon top-rated novella Bachelor Buttons.
When her father died, she had promised herself no man would own her again, yet who could defy an edict of the king?
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father's estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn't enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin's wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father's estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn't enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin's wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.

Yay! Congratulations on a wonderful book, Debbie. What a meaningful journey to get here.
ReplyDeleteHey Susan! Thank you so much!!!
DeleteCongratulations on a wonderful book, Debbie! It's so fun to watch your "baby" soar!!
ReplyDeleteAWE thank you, Connie. It's been an exciting journey!
DeleteCongratulations! It was fun being a part of your book release :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! You have been awesome helping me get the word out!
DeleteCongratulations on the birth of your bouncing new baby book.
ReplyDeleteI also signed up for the $25 Amazon gift card.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Wonderful, Janet! And thank you very much!!
DeleteCongratulations, I'm glad there are more medieval books coming out! I pinned your book image and giveaway info on my giveaway Pinterest board. Here is the pin url:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/534872893220537303/
garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com
Cool! thanks for putting that on Pinterest!
DeleteLove Medieval stories!
DeleteMe too, Tina! ;o)
DeleteThanks for spreading the word, Lis.
DeleteI pinned your cover on my Giveaways board! :) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/562598178426746491/
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release!
Thanks Laura! I appreciate you putting that on your board!
DeleteThat's awesome, Laura. Thank you!
DeleteIsn't this exciting?? Thank you everyone for coming out to celebrate with us! I would love to hear testimonies of answers to longstanding prayers. Anyone have any?
ReplyDeletePosted one in a comment below.
DeleteWonderful! Terrific! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteChris Granville
:o) Thanks Christ!
DeleteI don't know if this is the right place to post the answered prayer question, but here it goes! My first son, Zachary (2nd child) was stillborn 24 years ago today. I went on to have two more daughters (oldest is a girl too). After losing him and having two more girls, I honestly thought that he would be my only son. But my daughter, Katie (oldest) prayed for a brother and guess what? God answered her prayer and blessed us with another son, Jacob, who is turning 17 this month. And then we were blessed with third son, Ian. God is good!
ReplyDeleteTina! What an awesome story!!! God turned your pain into joy 2 fold! Bless your daughter for her faithful prayers. You are so right, God is good! Oh and this is where you post the answered prayers. Thanks you so much for sharing.
DeleteThanks, Debbie! Glad I found the right spot. Glad to meet another Christian author who writes medieval. I love your graphics on this page! My husband was standing next to a "knight" in the picture that I first saw him in...I was hooked! We were pen pals and have been married for 27 years.
DeleteTina what a great story! Thanks for sharing. I love that your daughter Katie's faith was strengthened and honored too. God bless your family.
DeleteKathy, I'll be happy to share. 20 plus years ago my husband went to a job interview. it was a company he thought he'd want to work for until he retired. Well, we prayed and prayed but several months went by and nothing. He took another job, and when we'd decided that it just wasn't meant to be, hubby got a phone call offering him the job. He is still working there today! God is good!!!
ReplyDeleteAll the time! :-)
DeleteYes, He is!
DeleteGod is so good!
DeleteFYI I'm giving away a copy of my book on Heroes, Heroines, and History MARCH 7TH POST about John Wycliffe and the Lollards. If you want to stop by here is http://www.hhhistory.com/2015/03/the-precursor-to-protestant-reformation.html
ReplyDeleteI went ahead and shared on Facebook, Twitter and on a board for book promotions on Pinterest. I will look forward to reading Sword of Forgiveness for myself too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina!!!! I really appreciate it!
DeleteThank you for all the ways you've shared, Tina
DeleteWhat an exciting accomplishment. Hope you have lots of success.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sonja. That is very sweet. :o)
DeleteCongratulations Debbie! I am praying for the best for you! Shared on my Books to Check Out board at Pinterest. So excited for you! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/152489137359491593/
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Kelly! thank you so much!
DeleteThanks, Kelly. :)
DeleteI pinned to my board "Other" (https://www.pinterest.com/sqshndgrnps/other/).
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo!!! Thanks for the pin!
DeleteThanks, Kyrie. Good luck on the giveaway
DeleteCongratulations on your book! This sounds like a wonderful read.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shirley. I hope you get a chance to read it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release, Debbie Lynne! The Sword of Forgiveness looks like a fantastic read. Can't wait for your interview on Stitches Thru Time on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteAmber Schamel
I'm looking forward to it too, Amber! Thanks for coming by and saying hello!
DeleteCongrats on the book, Debbie! Sounds like a fantastic read, I added it to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Faye!! I hope you get a chance to read it!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie Lynne! Congratulations on your new book! I have heard great things about your book and cannot wait to read it!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Hey Melanie!! Thank you for coming by and celebrating with us. I'm excited you are hearing good things! I do hope you get a chance to read it. Good luck in the drawing!!!
ReplyDeleteI follow & I wish you much success with your new book :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deanna! And thank you for following my blog!
DeleteSword of Forgiveness is fantastic and I am so excited for you! I've loved sharing this news and will continue to do so!
ReplyDeleteBritney, I just can't thank you enough for helping me get the word out. You have been awesome!
DeleteCongrats on "Sword of Forgiveness", Debbie!!
ReplyDeleteSomething I prayed for and believed for - with family and friends - was a successful mastectomy and recovery from breast cancer last year. Yes - God is good!!
Shared post!!
Praise God, Bonnie! Wow what a tough year. I didn't know you then but I sure am Thankful for God's mercy and grace for you!!! You are a blessing!
DeleteI pinned the cover on my Book Giveaway board. Congratualtions, Debbie Lynne!
ReplyDeleteThank you and thank you!!!!
DeleteEverything looks wonderful! Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gracie!
DeleteCongratulations to Dee Stevens. Rafflecopter chose you as our winner of the $25 Amazon gift certificate. Contact one of us and let us know your email.
ReplyDeleteThank you to all who came out and made this a special week for Debbie Lynne. We really appreciate your support and celebrating with us.
Blessings,
Kathy
Congratulations to
ReplyDeleteDee Stevens. You won the $25 Amazon Gift card!
Heidi Madsen Robbins. You won the $10 Amazon Gift card!
Debra Hancock. You won a paperback of Sword of Forgiveness!
Tina Turpin. You won a kindle version of Sword of Forgiveness!
Thank you all for coming out and celebrating with Kathy and me!
Thanks so much, I loved this book & can't hardly wait for the next one!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU :)
Blessings,
Dee dkstevensneAToutlook (DotCoM)
"Medieval won't sell"? I've heard this before, but it seems its more popular than ever this year. I have counted something like 20 Medieval Christian novels already released or due to be in 2015 (that does include some re-publications though). Some of the big publishers seem to be really going for them- and Lion Hudson in the UK- well I just love them- two books set in the Anglo-Saxon period this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's right, "this year". But up until the past year when medievals were starting to be bought up, you couldn't sell a medieval to a Christian Publishing company. Nor could you acquire an agent with one. They kept saying they won't sell. I actually tried to get an agent with Sword of Forgiveness and was told many times, the time period is a problem. I like your voice. Write in another time period and I'd love to look at it. It was very frustrating as a writer. But that's exactly what I did. I wrote a 19th century story and got an agent. You can ask around to other Christian authors who write medieval and they'll tell you the same thing. I really attribute Melanie Dickerson and her YA medieval books to the break through of the time period. It wasn't just YA buying her books. It took several years for the industry to realize what all the authors who took polls knew, but this past year finally broke down that barrier and they started buying. And medievals sold to readers.
DeleteYes, heard something along those lines. Its opened the floodgates, so to speak- but in a Good way. The 19th century is all well and good, but the Medieval period has a lot of great stories to tell.....
DeleteI agree!! It was a turbulent time! So many hardships. And isn't that what we like to see our heroes and heroines overcome! Life was tough (not that it wasn't tough for many in the 19th century) but just to imagine the work that even the nobility had with keeping up their castles. It wasn't like today. Those people worked hard, rich and poor. I probably should have given Brithwin and Royce a few days off. LOL>
DeleteThat's true- but I also think that sometimes there is almost too much emphasis on the negatives in some movies, so that the picture becomes bleak, even depressing. Yes, life was hard, but I think its easy to get caught up in that, and lose sight of the fact there were some postitves as well- it wasn't all just violence and dying of plague........I guess they must have had some free time to invent spectacles, clocks, and write Romances and poetry......lol!
DeleteI agree. Movies do tend to do that. Maybe that's why I don't watch TV. Too many are either just short of porn, filthy language, or depressing! I guess I just got turned off by it. Speaking of plague though, Those people had to feel like the world was coming to an end when 1/3 of Europe was struck by it. It would seem to me that every person would have lost several loved ones or people they cared about.
DeleteYes, its impossible to imagine for us now. Even the King of England lost one of his daughters I believe. That's the thing though- I think because of the plague people assume that Medieval Europeans were totally ignorant of Medicine and infection- but they really were not.
DeletePersonally, I also don't hold to the rats theory either- because not all Medieval people had fleas, or were living in rat infested slums- I think the disease spread from human to human--- but that's a side issue.
I agree about a lot of TV and movies. I won't watch a lot of Medieval movies to be honest because of the political correctness, inaccuracy and the notion that gratuitious sex and violence constitutes 'realism'- as if Medieval people had nothing better to do. That's why I like Shakespeare's Medieval plays- and older shows.
That's also why I tend to gravitate towards Christian fiction, though I have recently found a couple of secular authors whose books are not filled with a lot of objectionable content.....