Tag Archives: peace in the midst

A New Arrival

Finally. The second novel in the UNEXPECTED GIFT series has arrived.

“FICTION THAT ENCOURAGES.”

I wrote another book in between, “Seaside Change-A Novella, 30 Day Devotional and Discussion Guide.” Then, there were several bumps in the road the last three years with my Valley Fever illness, skin cancers and our global pandemic! But it is finally “live” on Amazon!! I have copies coming soon.

The first book in the series, “Peace in the Midst” came out before our first granddaughter was born in 2018. Now, our second granddaughter is about to be born and the second one is coming out! They are my inspiration.

I told my daughter-in-love that there is one more book in the series, she declined to be part of the inspiration. LOL

I have attached an “ad” that I finally paid for on FB since I could not get around the algorithm. Oh well, hopefully it will be worth the extra cost.

These books have been in my heart for over 28+ years. Many excuses were made to “not do it.” God’s timing is perfect and He has helped me through this process. I have learned to edit, proof, use tools in which to make myself a better writer.

I have been so fortunate to have teachers and friends who could help through the undertaking of writing; as well as a wonderful program I have used for grammar, punctuation, and even passive verbs..which have rocked my world! I taught special education children for years and we must have skipped that part of writing.

I have learned to format for different types of books, create and format covers with the help of my artist husband, who continues to paint the most wonderful canvas paintings. He listens as I try to explain what I am seeing in my head. He has gotten it perfect three times now. I am bragging on him!

Now, am I bragging on myself? I guess a bit. But, I also am encouraging those of you who have something on your heart that you know you are called to do.

Now is the time.

If this 61 year old gal just published her third book in three years, God will equip you to do what He calls you to do!

The series is based on John 16:33(AMP) It has spoke volumes to me since 2018. May it encourage you today.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In this world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.”[My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy

aka…T. W. Allgaier

Christian Authors and Fear

There is so much more to writing a book than I ever thought.  This seems to be a little more the case when you are a self publisher.

1. Outline

2. Write

3. Proofread

4. Book Design

5. Edit

6. Proofread

7. Format

8. Format again

9. Create cover

10. Edit proofs

11. biography

12. author page

13. blurb

14. short description/keywords (if Amazon)

15. gather reviews

16.  marketing/promotion

I am not even sure if that is a complete list.  The hardest for me?  Easy, 15 and 16.

As a writer of Christian fiction and non-fiction I realized something the other day at a book signing.  Someone was encouraged, in fact I have learned that several have been and that is why I felt led to write.  Do I appreciate being paid for my work/cost/shipping?  Why of course…but I have had no expectations!

It is not “self promotion.”  It is not gathering reviews for your fame.  

As Casting Crowns sing in their song, “Only Jesus.”

If I believe that I am doing what I am suppose to do and that it was written to help and encourage others, then when I don’t promote it, who is that about?  Me

I know my heart is in the right place and I trust Him.

Sometimes we just have to do something that makes our flesh “uncomfortable.”  And our flesh is always revealing “feelings” and they sometimes take us away from the Truth.

So….it is Only Jesus.

~Be Encouraged Today~
Tammy

Middle Age Pause?

If you know me well, this desk does not look like mine at all.

I am a planner.  I have always believed things work better if organized.  Many factors, including teaching and being married to a man that is worse(or better)than me have contributed.

So what has happened to me?  I think of something and if I don’t write it down right at that very minute I might lose it!

I “accidentally” found a book in a drawer yesterday that I don’t remember.  There it sat with my Hebrew/Greek Study Bible in a drawer.  I pulled it out with a large question mark emblazoned on my forehead.

The title? “Second Calling” by Dale Hanson Bourke.  This was not a familiar author.  “Finding passion and purpose for the rest of your life.”  Hmmmm, what perfect timing.

“But now, as we pause in our middle years, we begin to see some boundaries.”  “You are softer, gentler, wiser, and calmer than you have ever been.  You are emerging from the whirlwind of your youth and seeing the present more clearly.  You are becoming more fully and completely who you are created to be.”  Dale then goes on with the story of Naomi, not Ruth, but Naomi.

I “quit” teaching six years ago and knew what I was called to do.  I just was not sure in which direction I would be going.  It was rather frightening, but I had to trust.  

This book is not only timely and a gift from my Father, but a similar idea is on one of those dozen of pieces of papers you see on my desk. Confirmation.

I am an encourager.  That is what I am called to do.  I am back at the radio station now for almost 4 years, and now I am more confident in my writing skills.  I will just follow.

Friends….I may just be getting started.  God is not finished with me yet.  And He is not finished with you either.

Now excuse me while this “softer, wiser” middle aged person pauses and organizes her desk!!

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy