I was a loner author for a long time. Trust me, it wasn’t by choice.
As a teenager author-to-be, I lived in a tiny valley with hardly any one else my age, let alone fellow authors. I’d watch movies about authors with critique groups, or who wrote together, or the Inklings and wonder what happened to those experiences. Why wasn’t I having them?
After schooling, and becoming a serious writer and editor, my husband and I ended up moving back to that valley and I faced the same situation. This time, though, I turned to prayer. I asked God for some sort of writing support group or fellow authors with which to commune.
He introduced me to Angie Brashear. She was actually my first editing client when I launched my freelance editing business (I’m not sure she knows that! Surprise, Angie!)
Ours started as a professional relationship that jumped quite suddenly into friendship. In just one short year, we’ve shared similar publishing experiences — being offered contracts and figuring out the strange world of marketing — we’ve joined a fantastic critique group, we’ve shared tears and prayers, and we’ve squealed over each other’s covers. She is one of my greatest encouragers and, though we’ve yet to meet in person (September! September! September!) I consider her my closest author friend.
That is why I’m so thrilled to announce the release of her debut fantasy novel, Of the Persecuted. (If I could scream it from the top of Mt. Everest with a magnified voice, I would!) Even from the start — prior to the many months of editing — I considered her a strong writer with a great ability to tell stories.
Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.
.
Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker. Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?
Angie has a passionate vision to follow God’s calling as a storyteller and He is blessing it through the roof. Her book will always be one of the first I can recommend to anyone who loves fantasy. Here’s a small blurb and you can read a sample on Amazon.
I am thankful so much for the answer to prayer Angie has been in my life. It’s been a joy to watch where God has taken her and is taking her as an author. Pick up her book and see what a story looks like when it’s written under God’s guidance. It’s just more proof that God calls us to live and be inspired by the epic.
You can find Angie online at her website, Facebook, and Twitter! And don’t forget to check out her e-book or paperback on Amazon (on sale now!) or add it to your to-read list on Goodreads!
Do you have a writer’s group you’re a part of or a good author friend — in person or through cyberspace?
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Dear Nadine,
What a lovely surprise to wake up to your post this morning! And, honestly, I’m at a loss for words. You’ve reciprocated my feelings of friendship toward you with words that literally brought me to tears. Please know your words have provided me encouragement in the past, have lifted me in the Holy Spirit today, and will continue to sustain me as a writer in the future when I’m challenged in ways I never imagined. You, too, are my closet writing friend and I praise God for allowing us to cross paths.
In Christ,
Angie
Thank you, Angie.
God is faithful and good! There are many ways I could respond to your comment, but each would just end up with me repeating all the same things I posted about. 🙂
I praise God for you.
Closest friend, not closet friend. LOL!
LOL, I didn’t even notice! I suppose that’s why I’m not a copyeditor. 😉
It is a marvelous thing to find such a close friendship and partnership.
Indeed it is. And it will forever be a testament of God’s faithfulness.
Thank you, John. Such friendship truly is a blessing.
Why yes, I do happen to be part of a writing group with some really phenomenal people… 🙂
Haha, your group is lucky to have you Clint! 😉
Agreed, Nadine! Clint’s group is very lucky to have him. Go Inspiriters!
Nadine, thank you again for the lovely surprise. Your friendship is truly a blessing.
It was my joy and delight, Angie. 🙂
In May I was able to meet my closest writing friend and mentor in person as well! Such a blessing! After a five year cyber relationship (I reviewed her book, she asked if I was a writer after reading the renew… and within two years she was kindly editing a draft of my first novel which will be published this year!).
She went from being a writing contact, to a mentor who poured much of her time and talent into me, to becoming a friend over the course of time. She lives in Washington state and I live in Texas so meeting up wasn’t much of an option until she came to Oklahoma recently. I took a little car trip and got to meet this wonderful friend in person at last.
Blessings on your friendship and I know September will be such a rewarding time together!
Thank you for sharing your story. The Lord never ceases to amaze me with the ways in which He connects His people.
I’m also a Texan (well, I’m married to a Texan and reside in Texas, but I’m actually from Maine). [big smile]
What a wonderful story, Heather! We have such a faithful God. I truly get giddy when I hear/read about author friendships. Now that I am part of an author community, I see how crucial it is and wish I could impart it upon every author I meets. [grin]
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