Finding My Place

When the Lord first gave me the dream for the very first story in the Shayia's Adventure series, I didn't know it was going to be written for children that struggled with reading.

It was when I began to work on the outlines that He impressed on my heart to play my part in making a difference with helping children develop a love for reading.

I knew the first book could be so much more, but the Lord had a plan and I wanted to be a part of it. It broke my heart to watch my own son struggle and I knew he was not alone.

The Shayia's Adventure series is comprised of condensed stories with short chapters. As young readers work their way through each book, it is my prayer that they will be encouraged to challenge themselves with more difficult books, but first, they must take that initial step and this series will help.

My new book (a sci-fi) will also be designed for easy reading. This book will have really short chapters, but instead of 16 like my first books, this book will have 35. Now, can you imagine the joy and sense of accomplishment a young reader that struggles will have after completing a book with that many chapters. That's exciting!

I don't know how long the Lord will have me write these types of books, but for right now, I have found my place. I'm blessed to be a part of nurturing young readers.

Have you found your place?

Blessings - Kimberli

Let the Edits Begin!

Time to edit.

The critiques are done and I've started editing the third story in the Shayia's Adventures series. To be honest with you, I'm excited about it. That might change in a few weeks.

Being a part of a ACFW critique group has been a blessing. I can't stress enough how important it is to have others take your story apart. It stings sometimes and you may not agree with all the comments, but it is worth it.

I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I welcome it.

We are praying for this book to be released in August. That will be here before I know it.

I still don't have a book title. Yikes. :)

Keep reading and writing!!

Blessings - Kimberli

Critiques!!!

Critiques are almost done!

The manuscript for my third book is going through critiques and is almost done. Two more chapters and an epilogue left.

I'm so thankful the Lord has opened up this opportunity to be a part of a wonderful critique group. They are a blessing.

When critiques are done, I will begin edits. After that...another round of critiques.

Some might consider these steps boring, but it's so exciting to see your story mature.

I pray those of you that are called to write are writing.

Press on!!

Blessings - Kimberli

Divided

So, I've spent the last several years working on a children's book series. I've become attached to the characters, watched them grow and mature. They are constantly in my thoughts. While the first draft of the third book is going through critiques, I've begun working on a new children's story.

Here's my problem...I can't stop thinking about Shayia and the gang. It's hindering me from getting to know the new characters in my current WIP!

What do I do to keep my mind focused?

What do you do when you work on more than one project? How do you divide your attention so that neither project suffers? If you have any suggestions for me, please share.

As I continue to work through this issue, I'll share with you how I'm doing in case someone else has the same problem.

We must stick together!

Blessings - Kimberli

Have you read my books?

You have?! That's awesome. :)

I would love for you to share what you thought of the stories.

I know several copies were given out over the last few months. Some were given to libraries, schools, and others gifted to young readers.

As readers transport themselves into our stories, we authors are thinking - do they like it?

Therefore, I am asking. If you have read - The Sword of Light and/or Redemption from the Shayia's Adventures series, please give me a shout. I'd love to hear from you.

If you haven't read the two books, here is your invitation to run out and get them (or order online) and start reading!

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Blessings - Kimberli

Books: (target age 9-12)
- The Sword of Light: Shayia's Adventures - Book One
- Redemption: Shayia's Adventures - Book Two

Blessed at ICRS

I had a wonderful time at ICRS even though I was only there for a couple of hours. (Getting there and back home....a different story.) :)

At ICRS, I met some sweet people. Some offered to put my books in their church library and others wanted to gift them to young family members. It's exciting to know my book is being read all over the world. I pray the Lord is glorified.

Due to the short time being there, I was not able to meet other authors. If the Lord opens up another opportunity for me to go next year, I will make sure I meet at least one or two. I did see Ms. Tosca Lee for a brief moment. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet her and Mr. Ted Dekker when they had a signing a month ago in Lincoln, NE.

If you have the opportunity to attend ICRS, please do.

I have a lot of writing and critiquing to do. :)

Happy writing and reading!!

Blessings - Kimberli

ICRS is coming soon!!

ICRS stands for International Christian Retail Show. I've had two book signings, but this is my first big event. I'm nervous. Not so much about the event. It's getting there that makes me jittery. I have to take a plane. A plane!!!

Although I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe journey for all, I'd like to ask for prayer for the event. I will be there for two hours signing books. However, I fill has if the Lord wants me to minister to others. I'm not sure who He needs me to minister to, but I want to be prepared.

So, friends, I ask that you please pray for this event and all the Lord wants to accomplish.

Thank you!

If you're going, I hope to meet you.

Let's get some writing done today!

Blessings - Kimberli