IWSG: Owning "I Am a Writer"

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writers.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.


One of my first posts in 2010 was about the moment I first told someone that I was a writer. I talked about how liberating, how exciting, and even freeing it was to finally say it out loud.

This weekend I attended the Storymakers and Indie Author Hub (SMIAH) Writer's Conference in Kansas City. I used to go all the time but missed out on the last few years. Although I went to teach two classes, I believe Heavenly Father gave me that opportunity to be reminded of how I felt back in 2010. Being with other writers and published authors is the best way to get over our insecurities. Suddenly, I wasn't the only person with voices in their head. Or the only one struggling to keep writing when everything around me tries to keep me from doing just that.

Traci Hunter Abramson was the keynote speaker. A little secret, she stood up and gave her speech barefoot. I loved her before that, but she is definitely a woman after my own heart. Forget burning bras, I say burn the shoes!

Okay, sorry I got a little sidetracked. I jotted down a few notes. It wasn't anything I didn't know or even blogged about myself, but I needed the reminder that day and she was there to do it. Here they are, no explanation. Read them and let them touch your heart where and how you need it today.

• Own these four words: I am a writer.
• When did you first decide this?
• Your journey takes off when you have a purpose other than the original dream of—I'm going to be a writer. (wanting to add something of value to the world)
• Best quote ever! “We may kill people for a living. But we're nice.”
• Why do we write? Because we have to. Enough said.
• To gain our full potential, we need to: find our identity, our confidence, our voice.
• Fight the guilt when it comes to “how many other things could I be doing if I wasn't writing?” Give ourselves the gift of time to write (also part of balance)
• Prioritize: seek the balance. Determine what sacrifices you are willing to make. Treat writing like a real job.
• Our lives aren't traditional. Everyone thinks they can write a book if they only had the time. There will never be time. You have to make the time.
• Don't compare ourselves to others. Where we are on the road/path is different.
• Be a light, change a life.

And finally, here are the words from 2010. It's time I owned them once more. Even better, it's time I owned the phrase, "I am an author." My 10th story will be published on October 16th. I'm doing what I set out to do despite the challenges. Take that insecurity!

Originally posted Jan 2, 2010"You're a writer?"
"Yes." I spoke softly and then paused. A new feeling welled up inside and I wanted to hear it again, so I spoke a little louder. "Yes, I am."
After a small chuckle, he asked, "Did that feel good?"
"Yes it did. I've always answered that question by saying 'no, but I want to be'. I think this is the first time I've ever answered yes."
"Then you better say it again."
"I am a writer!" Spoken loud enough for the rest of our group to hear me and turn to stare.

It felt how I imagined the barbaric yawp from Dead Poets Society must have felt. Such a simple declaration once more made me feel like crying for joy. In the writing world I am a nobody, unknown, but inside my heart I finally feel like a writer. If I'm never picked up by an agent or publisher, I'm still proud of what I've accomplished. I still have a long way to go in this process (all the hard part actually), but I've learned that getting published is not what makes you a writer.

A writer is someone who writes to stay sane. They have a desire to share the visions, emotions, knowledge, whatever is floating around in their head by writing it down with pen and ink or keyboard. In order to quiet the voices in their head, they must put the characters on the page and give them room to grow. When they're happy, shocked, angry or sad, they write to help themselves come to new understandings about those emotions and what they mean on our journey through life. Writers enjoy the way words flow and conjure images. When they see the shadows of the clouds drifting over the mountains as they drive down the highway they want to write about it--so they do. When they see anything beautiful, they pick up a pen and jot a few lines. They carry notebooks with them everywhere they go. A writer is all these things and much much more...and I have finally become a writer.

Insecurity Challenge:
Tell someone who doesn't know that YOU are a writer. Smile and be proud of the gift of imagination and the desire to share. Embrace your imperfections but celebrate your successes too.

Teacher's Crush is available for pre-order at a discount price of $1.99 until release day--October 16th.

Blurb:
Jennifer Carlson returns to Eureka Springs in spite of her promise to never move back. Newly graduated from college, her only goal is to help her dad and get out of town. However, the good-looking biker has her second guessing what she really wants.

High school principal, Robert Allen has never been so conflicted. He was attracted to Jen before she walked into his office for an interview. Her sass, attitude, and the pain she tries to hide behind those big blue eyes make her unforgettable.

Jen needs a job, but she also longs for someone to see the real her and want her anyway. Rob might be that guy if he can convince her she doesn't have to run away from her future.

Anyone who pre-orders and emails me a screenshot will be entered to win a free audiobook of one of the first two books in this series. These are stand-alone but have crossover characters.
Email: charity.bradford@gmail.com

HAND OF ATUA excerpt for release week

My husband started reading my book on Sunday. He doesn't really like to read so I'm glad he's giving it a try. It makes for nail-biting anxiety though. He's asking tons of really good questions that I'm refusing to answer because it will be a good opportunity to see if they're answered in the actual story. *fingers crossed*

One of the questions he asked is about Atua and the whole talking to him thread that runs through the book. He wondered if this is science fiction or religious. Well, it's kind of both. It can be both. Right? I didn't plan it that way, but well, it sort of turned out that way in the end.

It all started in chapter two when Am puts Eleena on an escape shuttle with her Uncle. She's going because Am promised to help her father travel to the other side of the planet to retrieve her mother and then somehow get them to where Eleena is going. Eventually. Things don't go as planned.

Here's the excerpt.

"No problem. Be safe." Am shrugged and turned to me. "Eleena, don't worry about anything. Evander will let me know where to bring your parents so you can be together."

The other man, Evander, stepped forward. "Am, we've intercepted communications from Rawiri. Your father sent an envoy ahead to collect you before the fleet arrives. It could be here any moment. You need to leave now."

"I'm not leaving Talrano." Am shook his head. "We'll take my ship to get his wife. We can do it by the end of the day, tomorrow at the latest."

"Am, don't be stupid. Your father wants you back. If you don't leave he’ll get what he wants. Send someone else for Talrano." Evander stood his ground.

Uncle pointed at the people surrounding us. "They know who your father is, and it won't take long for them to turn on you. If you go back, you won't make it off the planet. "

Am turned away. I waited and silently prayed he wouldn't break his word. He said he'd get my parents.

"What about Eleena? I promised her." Am's voice cracked. He coughed and stepped farther away from us.

"Eleena," Beck looked me in the eye. "One day this man will save planets from Hatana Anaru's wrath, but if he tries to reach your parents he will die here. Who will save those other people if that happens?"

A tear slid down Uncle's cheek. He knew Mima and Popi would be left behind. I looked at Am. Who was he that he could do this? I'd always looked at him as just another one of Popi's students, but the others acted like he was something more.

Now, his eyes pleaded with me as if everything were up to me. My parents or so many others? Who were they and how would he save them? I didn't know. I only cared about my family.

Atua, what do I do? I want him to get my parents, not save strangers. My eyes scanned the crowds of people. They were scared but grew angrier with each moment. They pushed closer and the soldiers now fought back. I didn't like them, not any of them. 

A voice, softer than a whisper, touched my heart. But I love them. Let me save as many as I can. I will need him to do that. 

The voice filled my entire body with warmth. With Atua's love for me. For my parents. For Am and everyone on Manawa. It was so full, I thought it might be for everyone in the universe.

Tears flowed down my cheeks, an extension of what filled me so completely. I wanted my parents, but I didn't want Am to die.

Atua, keep my parents safe. I silently pled.

The reply was immediate. They are in my hands.

"It's okay." I launched myself at Am, hugging him tightly. "Peace on your path, Am, and may Atua be with you."

"Eleena?" He squeezed back, and when he spoke his voice sounded rough, like it struggled to pass his lips. "Atua willing, one day we'll find the light leading all of us home." 

The sadness didn't go away, and the voice didn't speak again, but I felt peace. Mima would be proud of me for listening to Atua. 

I let Am go. His eyes looked sad, and I wanted to tell him Atua would protect my parents, but my voice had frozen in my chest. Instead, I waved as Uncle Beck led me up the ramp into the ship.

Pre-order Kindle at a reduced price until February 3rd

Download Free Review Copy from Booksprout

The Hand of Atua Book Release Week!

This Saturday THE HAND OF ATUA will be available for Kindle and print on Amazon. This is a Young Adult space opera that I've been working on and off on for years now. I'm super excited to have it out where people can read it.

I didn't plan a blog tour or any of that stuff. However, if you want to join in a little fun this is what you can find:

• Facebook release party event on Saturday, February 2nd. Drop in for guest authors, games, giveaways, and book discussions. Go RSVP to be entered in the first prize drawing!
• Download the first 10 chapter preview to read before the party to discuss at Prolific Works as part of a group giveaway--no strings attached!
• Download a free copy of the full e-book ARC over at Booksprout review request.
• OR simply pre-order on Amazon it at the reduced price of $2.99. Full price will be $5.99 after the weekend.

How about something visual to clue you in on what was in my head while writing this story, or inspiration photos I found when procrastinating?

I'll post some of my favorite excerpts throughout the week, so come back tomorrow!

Join my newsletter for the most up to date news, opportunities to beta read, get advanced reader copies, and see freebies and sales from other authors as well.

Click here or text NEW READER to 444999

You'll get a chance to download Stellar Cloud and/or My Brother's Best Friend by River Ford just for signing up. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Release Day!

I hope everyone is having a great day with friends and family. Since my family did an early Thanksgiving last weekend, I slept in, and have been relaxing today. My hubby has been busy downstairs making me a new dining room table. He's gotten quite good at it and has sold several. For instance, here is a picture of one we delivered yesterday. We loved it so much, he's making me one. However, we will only do one bench and then six chairs with our 9 x 4 foot table.

And, the day is finally here! I'm posting all the release day information in case you'd like to help share the news. My story is A Christmas Prayer by River Ford. If you share on social media, you will be entered to win one of two free e-copies of the entire anthology! See the rafflecopter below. 

Unwrapping in time for Christmas 2017.

Snuggle up with new holiday favorites for a kiss under the mistletoe. From handsome strangers to second chances, this collection will keep your heart warm and toasty this holiday season! So grab some eggnog and a blanket and curl up by the fire with a sexy new book boyfriend!

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Includes the following multi-heat level novelettes:

A Merry Matchmaker Mess by USA Today bestselling author Virginia Nelson
Veronica “Ronnie” Murray loved fixer-upper projects, and she’d never met one as challenging as her coworker, Elijah Conrad. Eli may be an absentminded and sometimes grumpy genius, but he carries a sadness in his eyes… one she knows love will cure.
Eli isn’t looking for love, but he can’t help but notice the feisty little Ronnie’s attempts to play matchmaker. She might be his best friend’s little sister, but Ronnie has something about her… something he would like to explore, if he could get her to stop throwing women at him like snowballs.
Can these two opposites find a lifelong love from their stolen Christmas kisses?

Lovers of Christmas Past by USA Today bestselling author Ashelyn Drake
Holly Michaels loves managing the children’s center in Sapphire Springs, but she longs to have children of her own. She’s haunted by her decision to leave the love of her life after he declared he didn’t want kids.
Nick Masters never got over Holly leaving him at the altar five years ago. Now, he’s volunteered to play the part of Santa at the children’s center’s Christmas celebration to get close to Holly again.
Nick is all smiles for the little ones, but will his attitude change when it comes time to hang up his red suit for the season?

A Christmas Prayer by River Ford
Newly divorced, Lindsey leaves Idaho for the first time in her life. Abandoned by her husband, she prays that taking her two year-old daughter east to live close to family will give them both the life they deserve. Unfortunately, a car accident leaves her stranded in the middle of Wyoming. Jake's felt like something's missing for a while. He's finally turned to prayer for guidance. Almost immediately, he get's to rescue a beautiful woman and her adorable daughter.
Could love be the answer to both of their prayers?

All I Want for Christmas Is My Book Boyfriend by Beth Fred
Katie spends all of her time in the OR or re-reading about the Gypsy Eliam Monaj her favorite Regency romance hero. Who needs a real boyfriend when she has a perfect book boyfriend? But when Katie ends up on a Christmas cruise--of sorts--alone with Eledon she finds the mutual attraction hard to ignore. Still a gambling loaf is no match for a conscientious doctor. Can Katie find a real happily ever after or is she destined to live in books?

A Cowboy for Christmas by Cate Grimm
Fashionista Sarah Jayne traded in her Laredos for Louboutins and planned to make it big in New York City. But, when her life in the Big Apple falls apart, she comes home to Love, Texas.
Cody Hayes is focused on getting his family’s failing ranch patched together and sold so he can return to his wanderlust career as a journalist. He has no intention of embracing his cowboy roots and making Love his permanent home. Until he finds himself distracted by a certain sassy New Yorker who's making him think Texas roots might not be so bad.
Will Love, Texas be the perfect place for two people with wanderlust to find a happily ever after?

Merry Mismatch by Lily Vega
Stick-in-the-mud Director of Finance Aaron gets under edgy party girl Zara’s skin. His budget cuts jeopardized her project, putting her video game on the company chopping block. Inviting Zara to Windy City Gaming’s holiday retreat to pitch her project seems like the perfect solution. Aaron didn’t count on his ex-girlfriend’s quest to eliminate the competition by getting Zara fired. He must convince his ex of Zara’s value to the company, while keeping his growing attraction wrapped up tighter than a Christmas present.