Guest Blogger Author Joya Fields

My journey to create this story and characters.

LOVE DELIVERED features a heroine and hero who, at first, appear very dissimilar. Bianca is a big-city girl who is not only following her own dreams, but following the dreams her mother never achieved before her untimely death.

Pete, the hero, has tight ties to the small town where he grew up, and never wants to leave the charming town.

 My journey to create LOVE DELIVERED began with this conflict. I needed a reason why these two people could not possibly stay together as a couple. When Bianca returns to the small town to fix up and sell her deceased grandmother’s house, she fully intends to return to New York. But she gradually grows attached to the town. Pete, her mailman, has a lot to do with this.

Many people in the small town where I grew up still live there today. Sometimes, they buy a new house, and often they purchase the family home from their parents. When I needed to create a small town that offered many reasons for Bianca to stay, it was easy. I modeled the town after the one I grew up in.

One particular scene portrays July 4^th celebrations in the small town. Growing up, I thought all towns went crazy for this holiday. Turns out, our town was pretty unique in the way it celebrates. For one thing, one week before July 4^th, residents stake out a spot along the parade route by lining up roped-together lawn chairs and tarps. A week before the parade!

July 4^th starts out with a bicycle decorating contest and games for kids at the local high school. Then, a two-hour long parade complete with our local NFL marching band, floats, politicians, and baton twirlers entertain the crowds. Most people retreat to their homes for a few hours, don themselves in glow sticks and bug spray, and then head to the local high school for a spectacular fireworks display.

I hope I captured the essence of this celebration, and the way the town embraces this day as not only a commemoration of America’s birthday, but of neighbors and the town itself. Basing this story on a real town and the people who live there made it easy to create characters who blended in and were charmed with the town.

Purchase LOVE DELIVERED at these locations.

The Wild Rose Press: 

Amazon

Holiday Madness

With the holidays upon us it is easy to become frustrated and less merry.  As a child we see gifts, glitter, promises, and the glory of everything.  As adults we see credit card bills, traffic, lines, and hear the nagging of the kids wanting stuff.  Isn't it funny how our perception changes when we get older.

I've struggled this year to find the meaning of the season.  I want that magical feeling back again.  You know that giddy anticipation you had as a child.  I'm sorry that it ever left me.

I realize some of that anticipation left when I took on the holidays as a chore and didn't plan to have a good time.  I did start shopping early, but not consistent.  Therefore, my husband and I are hurrying to finish.  Some of my gifts don't have any thought put into them.  That bums me out.  Christmas cards haven't been sent in two years because I'm overwhelmed.

SO even before Christmas arrives this year I am changing the way I do things for next year.  I have opened an account at the credit union just for money to be saved for my boys.  I have 5!  And this isn't just for Christmas presents.  No, I don't think they need a whole lotta junk every year, but this is for the whole year.  School fees, sports fees, birthdays, etc.  This way when it comes time for these events, and Christmas next year, I don't feel so pinched.  As of 2012, the contracts I make with new authors will be worked out so that I do not edit between Thanksgiving and the New Year.  That will ease the strain on many of us.  I still have time to capture special times with my kids before they head back to school.  We're due some snow... I think Momma needs to get out there and build a snow man!  I'm itching to see the zoo lights!  Or decorated house lights... so I think a thermos of hot chocolate in our jammies one night is in order as we drive through town.  A Christmas book would be nice to sit and read.  Hmmm...maybe even pop some popcorn and make a chain for the tree, now they'll get a kick out of that!

It's the holiday spirit that is suppose to rein during this season.  Enjoyment of family and friends is important.  I'm absolutely willing to change my way of thinking this year, with what is left of it, and forge a new path in 2012.  Who knows.  Next year I might be writing a post that says, "Where did the year go?  I'm a mess."  Or maybe, I'll find that holiday spirit and carry it all year long.  And this time next year I'll have some merriment to share with you about how I actually made a plan and stuck to it!  As it is, I think there is a lot of giving to be done in the next year, and it doesn't have to cost a cent!  Giving back to the world is important and to our brothers and sisters with whom we share it with.  I'm going a little greener this next year.  I'm going a little leaner this next year.  I'm working harder on the happy and kicking to the curb the sad.  I'm decluttering this year, my home and my mind.  I'm going to spread joy all year long.

I would love to hear how you spread joy, embrace the holidays, and how you celebrate with your family.  Please leave a comment and share with me!

Happy Holidays Everyone!  I look forward to what the New Year has to offer!
Bernadette Marie

Interview with Joya Fields

Welcome to Tuesday here on the Warrior Princess Romance Writer Blog.  Today I am thrilled to have Joya Fields with me.

     Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines and her debut novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, a romantic suspense, will release January, 2012 from The Wild Rose Press. Her first novella, LOVE DELIVERED, a contemporary romance, releases December 21, 2011.

     Over the years, Joya has taught arts and crafts, worked in public relations, owned a daycare center, helped her children raise prize-winning 4-H livestock, competed in three marathons, and even spent a year as a Baltimore Colts cheerleader. Joya loves spending time with her high school sweetheart/husband of over twenty years, two very supportive children, and a pug who follows her everywhere. 

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

My favorite thing about being a writer is that I get to learn new stuff every single day. I’ve been on police ride-alongs, traveled to burial grounds in search of ghosts, and I’m hoping to be able to sit with a disc jockey during her night-time show in the coming weeks to learn about being a radio DJ. I have to agree.  Getting to do these great things are some of my favorite reasons for writing.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

This is such a great question, because I realized early on in my writing career that I write the same theme over and over again. What I’d like my readers to grasp after reading one of my stories is that bad things happen in life. It’s a part of living. But we are strong enough to get through them, and when life gets tough, if the right person comes along, we can be happy again. That’s the message I find myself writing over and over again. No matter how bad things seem, I really believe love can get you through it and I hope my readers gain a little strength from that message.

How long have you been a writer? 

I’ve been writing professionally for eight years now. I started out writing non-fiction articles for a local parenting magazine. I still write for them occasionally, and that job taught me a lot about working with editors. Editors can make a story sooo much stronger. After a year or so, I added short story writing to my daily time at the computer, and I’ve had many short stories published. All the while, I plugged away at novel writing. LOVE DELIVERED, which releases on December 21^st, is my first short story to be published at The Wild Rose Press, and BENEATH THE SURFACE, my debut novel, releases on January 18^th.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

Well, please don’t tell my brother-in-law, because he’d be hugely embarrassed, but the hero in LOVE DELIVERED does a lot of the things my brother-in-law does in real life. He’s the type of person who quietly steps in to help people, is generous to a fault, and never expects recognition. He’s in the dedication of the book, but since he doesn’t read romance, I think my secret is safe. The small town depicted in the book, especially the July 4^th parade scene, is very similar to our July 4^th family celebration. And of course, my heroes are always modeled after my husband, whose sense of humor and caring nature shines through every good guy I write.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

One thing from my past that people usually find entertaining is that I used to be a professional cheerleader. While in college, I secretly tried out for the local NFL team’s squad. I say secretly, because I didn’t think I had a shot of making it. Imagine my surprise when I heard my number called and became a Baltimore Colts cheerleader! Unfortunately, I only got to cheer for them for one year because the team left town, but that was one fabulous and fun year.

 Joya's books are arriving soon.  Check them out!

 LOVE DELIVERED, my short story, releases on December 21, 2011 and BENEATH THE SURFACE, a romantic suspense novel, will release January 18, 2011 through The Wild Rose Press. I’m currently having a blast working on a ghost story trilogy.

For more information on Joya Fields please use the following links. 

1. Website: www.joyafields.com
2. Blog: http://joyafieldswriting.blogspot.com/
3. Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JoyaFields
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1053320407

Here's a little bit about LOVE DELIVERED

Bianca McClain has worked for years to achieve her dream job in New York City. After her grandmother passes away, she finds herself returning to the small town she grew up in to ready her house for sale. The slow, friendly pace of the town and its citizens, especially Pete the mailman, appeal to her—but there’s no way she’s giving up everything she’s accomplished in New York.

Born and raised in Centreville, MD, Pete Schaeffer loves his small town mail carrier job and can’t imagine leaving for any reason—or anyone—so he's dumbfounded by his intense attraction to Bianca, a woman with a fast-paced life in the big city.

Pete and Bianca soon find themselves lost in each other’s arms. When the summer ends, they will have big decisions to make. Will the small-town guy and big-city girl find common ground and lasting love, or will their differences drive them apart?

Purchase LOVE DELIVERED at these locations.

The Wild Rose Press: 

Amazon: 

Guest Blogger Jamie Lee Scott

Please welcome my guest blogger Jamie Lee Scot!

Outline x X

No the title doesn't mean this post is X rated. I'm here to discuss outlining. Before you cover your eyes and run screaming because of the "outline" word, let me assure you, IT'S WORSE THAN YOU THINK!

That being said, here is why:

First, we've all heard of the Save the Cat beat sheet, and there are many others out there. Not a screenwriter? This doesn't excuse you. The beat sheets are for all writers of fiction, and they do help save valuable rewriting time. Fleshing out the outline does NOT kill your creativity! It gives you a roadmap and helps you find huge holes in your plot so you don't have to go back and rewrite innumerable pages. I'll just include what I feel are the 7 absolute must haves, and you can take or leave what you want from them.

1. Ordinary, everyday life - the story starts with your main char (MC) doing normal everyday stuff.

2. Inciting Incident - what rocks the MC out of said ordinary life.

3. End of Act 1 - MC decides on course of action for incident in #2

4. Midpoint - Action takes a sudden & unexpected direction

5. Lowest of low points or End of Act 2 - No way in hell the MC is going to get out of this one.

6. Act 3 or the Ultimate Challenge - Something, anything that will reanimate the MC to continue.

7. Return to "ordinary" life - Only now the MC has changed forever.

Sounds easy, right? So here's the rub, ready?

If you want a really compelling story, you have to remember you don't just have one MC, there are many characters in your story. AND YOU SHOULD OUTLINE FOR EACH MC (secondary characters, not so much, or at all). You may not use all of the information, but you should have a progression for each of the main characters in your story. So the above outline isn't just a onetime deal for each story, it can actually be 3 or more. Yikes. Hate me now? Or were you already doing this?

Here is a little something for you to enjoy from

 Let Us Prey 

by Jamie Lee Scott

Mimi Capurro has been hired to protect New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Silke, who was recently assaulted in the bathroom at a paranormal conference. Though Mimi is hired to act as bodyguard for Lauren’s upcoming book tour, plans change when Lauren's assistant is murdered and the slaying is a replica of a scene from Lauren’s newest novel. A novel that hit bookstores the same day as the killing.

Now instead of playing bodyguard, Mimi is cracking computer code, and chasing down vampires. These vampires come alive on the streets of Santa Cruz, as part of a live-role-playing game. Mimi must find the connection between the vampires and the author to track down the killer. This would be much easier if Detective Nick Christianson wanted her investigating the case.

Nick, Mimi’s old college fling, is the lead homicide investigator. 
Though he wants her off the case, he also wants to pump her for information. Nick may have used her in the past, but this time she’ll use him to try to catch the murderer first.

Interview with Jamie Lee Scott

Today I have the honor of having Jamie Lee Scott as my guest.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Making up new worlds where I have all of the control. Probably because I feel I have so little in my own life.

What genre(s) do you write?

Mostly mystery, but I’ve been known to dabble in drama, romantic comedy, and some fantasy with my screenwriting.

 

What genres and authors would we find you?

Fiction: Mystery, Private Eye  Jamie Lee Scott

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Coming up with character names. That and I’m way too nice to my characters. I have to go back and be mean to them in the rewrite. Conflict = story after all.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I used to be a pantser. No longer. I plot like a crazy woman now, before I put a single word on paper. Outlining makes the writing so much easier, and I don’t have to reread constantly to see where I’ve been.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

Because I’m witty, intelligent and sexy. Just kidding, though I have been told I can be quite witty. I would hope they’d choose me because I can tell a good story.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I hope they can’t get my characters out of their head. Other than that, I’m not trying to send any messages, especially since I kill people in my novels.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Maybe Mimi, my main character in my Gotcha series, would have a message. That would be: Don’t live in the past, keep moving forward.

How long have you been a writer? 

I wrote my first novel when I was 9. But I had my first magazine article published when I was a junior in college, so 10 years (I’m kidding, I don’t really remember how long ago that was, or I’m just not telling).

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

My first book was a non-fiction book called Hiking Iowa. It was a one year process. My novel took closer to 5 years, only because I kept putting off the rewrite after it was written.

What other careers have you had?

Not sure we have room for this. Let me think, waitress, banquet server, medical assistant, bookkeeper, restaurant owner (still at it), athletic trainer (the reason I went to college), horse trainer (still at it), journalist, produce broker, produce sales assistant, loading dock dispatcher, citrus sales, jewelry designer (still at it). I’ll just leave it at that.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

I write fiction under the name Jamie Lee Scott, business articles and business books as Jamie Dierks, and YA as Allie Hollister. I write under the different names to keep the identities separate, as each one is so different from the others.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

Absolutely! I mean absolutely not! Best way to put it!

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

Manic. If you can handle a wild ride, jump on board.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I make glass beads.

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?

Writing is my escape from reality.

And Lola, the Doberman in the Gotcha novels, is my real dog, and she’s completely neurotic. (what does that say about me?)

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Stephen King’s On Writing is the most influential book on writing that I’ve ever read. As for authors, I look to Harlan Coben and see where he started and where he is today, and I’m in awe. The other author would be Pulitzer Prize winning Jane Smiley. She has characters that stay with me long after I’ve finished reading her books.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

My entire family is supportive. Some think there is some celebrity to it. I let them think that. My husband, who has to put up me all the time, is beyond supportive. He says he can’t wait until the day he can retire on my income. Haha  Jamie, mine says that to me daily!

Where are you from?

I’m from Salinas, CA, the setting for the Gotcha novels.  Can't wait to read them!  Especially since I've been there!

How do you come up with the titles?

The titles for the Gotcha series are a play on words/titles Let Us Prey/ let us pray, book 2 Death of a Sales Rep/Death of a Salesman, book 3 is yet untitled.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

Yes! I’m a crazed marketing guru. Writing a novel is so much more work than writing for magazines or screenwriting. With those, you write and get paid, someone else promotes. Now I have to divide my time with writing and promotion. But I love the social aspect of promoting.  Nobody told us this part of the job did they?  It's rewarding though.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

Multi-task, in more ways than one.  Me too!

When not writing, how do you relax?

Riding or caring for my horses. Nothing is more relaxing to me than watching them eat, or grooming them. Riding is relaxing in that I forget about everything else, because 100% of my concentration is in the training.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

1. I’m a hermit.
2. I’m allergic to housework.
3. I eat a garlic stuffed green olive every morning.
4. My favorite artist is Daniel Merriam (awesome fantasy painter)
5. I sometimes dictate my novels with a voice recorder.

To find out more about Jamie and her books please visit her:

www.jamieleescott.com

Twitter: @jamie_ld

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamielee.scott2

Also watch for Death of a Sales Rep (book 2 Gotcha Detective Agency mysteries) coming in December.  Jamie is also writing a TV sitcom pilot called Deep Fried – about a yuppie couple who lose their jobs and buy a fast food restaurant.

Thank you Jamie for joining me!  Please stop by again on Thursday when Jamie Lee Scott is my guest blogger!

FRIDAY FREEBIE 12-9-11 with Jennifer Willows

Today is Friday Freebies!  We welcome Jennifer Willows!  So what do you have to do?  Just leave a post (include your email or email your address to info@bernadettemarie.com) and Jennifer will contact the winner on Saturday!  Couldn't be any easier.

Bound by Accident: book one

 [Siren Allure: Erotic Interracial BDSM Romance, public exhibition, sex toys]

Makenzie has given up much to help her loved ones. She gave up on her hopes and dreams of artistic fame. Her life consists of her job, making love with herself, and painting in the wee hours of night. Until one fateful Friday ends with her car pinned to a tree. The man who helps her that evening belongs to her. She sees it in his eyes, intense and burning.
Charyn Moreland is a Master of bondage arts, yet no woman ever touches him. He stopped looking for Ms. Right after catching his ex in bed with his brother years ago. But once he encounters Makenzie at the scene of a terrible car accident, their gazes lock and he is going to have her regardless of what he has to do. She is his.
But after a single night of scorching passion, can he convince her to trust him?

Lust for Life: book two
[Siren Allure: Erotic Interracial Romance, public exhibition, light bondage, sex toys]

When Charlene “Charli” Anderson meets Deven Moreland, sparks fly between them and they hide mutual lust behind petty arguments. Neither needs money, but both are missing something.
Charlene is a beautiful woman on the outside and a frightened girl inside. She hides her true needs behind a cocky façade and her former less-than-legal profession. Her past haunts her, even as she ignores it. Deven is an adrenaline junkie by night and thriving businessman by day. His need for adventure is fueled by the desire to keep his insomnia at bay. To the world the pair appears to be different, and normal life and circumstances never meet. Like magnets, both feel the bitter burn of lust for their polar opposite. Can Charli let go of her bitter past to embrace the man in her future? Will Deven convince Charlene that they can find love from the spice of lust?
Note: This book contains drug use.
A Siren Erotic Romance

---

Guest Blogger Jennifer Willows

Title: Nothing to it, but to do it

My first book started one spring day when a friend of mine from work told me she had a published novel. My response was the stereotypical wow and smile, even as I said I would like to try that myself. That is the second most popular response when those around me find out about my new career.

But unlike the 99% of people who want to write, I started the book we’re talking about that same night. I love to read, but I haven’t completed college yet, or taken any classes to write creatively either. So with that said, I didn’t think I had snowball’s chance in Hades to publish it either.

I looked at the book for over two months, not sure what to do about it, or even if I wanted to do anything with the manuscript. My husband talked me into sending it somewhere and I did. The choice of Siren was easy, they write some of what I like to read, and had the bonus of some of the best turnaround time on inquiries.

One month later, my book was accepted, but I didn’t tell my family. Oh, my husband and friends at work knew about it, but not my parents or other close family members. The reason was my mother. She is deeply religious and I knew she wouldn’t like the subject matter one bit.

I regret the choice to keep it quiet, because once my sister knew, mom knew shortly thereafter. But dad never found out as he passed away less than a month later. I was elbow deep in edits when I found out about his death. I’m the executor of his estate and his family came with a passel full of drama.

They stole his car for heaven’s sake, not to mention his missing will and other personal effects. They even used his bank cards and wrote checks, the whole nine yards. While here I was left with funeral expenses and a rapidly closing deadline.

I’ve gotten a speeding ticket since then, two court dates and really tired fingers. Not to mention the hair-pulling stress, but I’ve made it. I work nine hour days at the day job, fifteen if you include my nightly writing spree and I’m still making it. That’s the point. Life is going to throw lots of curve balls at me, but I will make it, and use them as fodder for my grist mill. 

Read an excerpt from Jennifer Willows's book which will be here on Friday Freebies.  Check back and leave a post.  You just might win!

Five years ago, New York City

Makenzie Stafford-Johns was not having a good day. She looked at her haggard reflection along the mirrored gallery wall. Her face, while still the same, was pinched and flustered. On a good day, Makenzie was usually compared to Jill Scott, with her medium-brown skin, delicate features, wide eyes and mouth. She was built like Jill, too, on the thick side on a bad day at a size twelve. Her breasts were a full D cup, and she had just a little behind. Enough so she wasn’t entirely flat in back, although most men in her experience preferred more.

The reason she looked so haggard was bad news, although it had been awhile since she had any of the good variety either. Deciding she needed time to think, she left work at the gallery early and walked to the nearest entrance to the subway. Her mom had called her on her cell, just before her last break of the day. The news she gotten during the call made her scared, more than scared. Hell, terrified may be more appropriate. Her mom had cancer, and her insurance dropped her when she got laid off last month. The seemingly innocent conversation replayed in her head over and over again during her trip home.

“Makenzie, I need to talk to you. Do you have a minute?”

“I always have time for you, mom. What’s up?”

“I’m sick.”

“Do you need some money? I have some extra cash I can send if you need to pick up some TheraFlu or something.” She had said, even as the thought crossed her mind that it wasn’t really extra if she wanted to eat something aside from Ramen noodles this month.

Better Late than Never?

It's better to post your blog late than never, right?  Today has been one of those days where I'm just a bit behind on everything.  For the first time in my life, took my kids to school and went back home for a 2 hour nap.  What's that about?

Its about not listening to my body and taking steps to make sure everything is in line.  I haven't been exercising, and I'm a martial artist.  This is killing me.  I've been under an enormous amount of stress because of someone else.  There are deadlines all around me and I haven't taken the time to make all the pieces fit.

When our schedules and our emotions take over its hard to keep it together.  Our home lives fall apart, our work isn't adequate, and our bodies give out.  This is common knowledge.  This is personal neglect.

The reason that New Years day is so famous for new starts is because it gives us a definite date to start thinking about change.  And, well we all like to have partners in our mission to better ourselves, so there are lots of people starting something (or quitting something.) who can support us.  But why not tomorrow?  Is it too hard to say, "tomorrow I will get up and run, and only spend the needed hour on my edits and then write for an hour, non stop."  Why do we have to over process our thoughts?

I'm so guilty of this.  I will spend 2 hours to write out a new plan of attack just to decide on how I want to approach something I could have been working on for 2 hours.

Well, we're all human, right?

As the holidays close in, kids are ready to be on break, and deadlines loom, I begin to think taking naps is not the better use of my time.  So it's time for a list, because tomorrow I will be starting anew.  Its good to reinvent yourself.  Its time to listen to my body.  Its time to take back control...as early as tomorrow!

happy (healthy) reading
Bernadette Marie

Author interview with Jennifer Willows

Please welcome today Jennifer Willows.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love the idea that anything I think of is valid. In life people don’t get the chance to just say anything, no filters. When I write, anything I can conceive of is okay. It doesn’t have to be PC or fed to another person with a long handled spoon and loads of beating around the bush to get a point across.

What genre(s) do you write?

Right now I am a multicultural author, only erotica. One day I might decide to do something else, but for now this is perfect for my creative needs.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser. I love just throwing myself into the first draft letting my mind go willy nilly. It makes the start of my projects slow, since I don’t know where I am going with the story. But once I let my mind be its own infinite muse the rest becomes easy, and my books write themselves after I pass the first critical pages of my manuscript. I'm a pantser too!

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

If you like the type of novels I write then go for it. If not that’s okay too. I should be the author that you decide to take a gamble on after reading the excerpt and then find yourself delightfully surprised when you finish the rest. Hopefully, after reading one of my books most people would look for more of them. If my stories don’t do that for my readers, then I need to find another field to take my talents to. 

How long have you been a writer? 

Actually, I just started April of 2011. I had never written anything before Bound by Accident, so I definitely felt a lot of apprehension at the idea that I could actually become published, let alone that it would make a few of the Bookstrand bestseller lists in the last month. What a great accomplishment!

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

My next project is a third Moreland brothers novel, the last of the series. Once I finish that book, I have a paranormal series that I have wanted to sink my teeth into for the last couple of months. There are a few short stories in the works, several are finished, but I haven’t decided what to do with them yet. Currently, the second Moreland brothers book is on sale at Siren bookstrand and is available for download on December the 6^th.

Where can we find you?

I have Facebook and can be found under the email address jenwritesuread@gmail.com and Twitter as @windinthewillow. There is a blog page, but goodness, I am too busy fluttering from project to project and it seems I can’t find time for it. One day I can muster up the capital for a web page, but I can be found at my Author page on SirenBookstrand.com as Jennifer Willows

Thank you for sharing with us!

Guest Blogger Anne Underhill

Welcome back Anne Underhill!I  Anne is an aspiring author who is working on her first book.  We look forward to her up and coming career as a writer.  Thank you Anne for being our guest this week.  

Running, Anne Underhill

I've never been an avid runner.  I definitely would not call myself a "die-hard" runner or a "running junkie."  Forgive me if those are terms that don't apply to serious runners, as I am obviously not a serious runner, and I'm not deeply acquainted with the slang for those who are serious...Anyways, although I'm not an avid runner, I'm not a complete stranger to the activity, and have on many occasions found myself mounting the treadmill and running a fair distance. 

My feet mounted the apparatus and my hands mechanically set the treadmill to my normal resistance and incline.  I began running, and the familiar feelings and sensations began flooding back.  At some point during the run, I'm not sure how far I've gone, when my body begins to feel as if its been mauled by a piece of farm equipment, I begin questioning what in the hell possessed me to get on the bloody treadmill in the first place.  Shortly after this not-so-pleasant feeling comes the heavenly release I've been expecting and yearning for since I climbed upon the treadmill seemingly hours ago. My mind and body have reached a sort of twilight; pain is gone, fear is gone, and my mind has somehow transformed into a time machine.

My thoughts shift and my emotions surge.  My haunted past, my confusing present, and a mysterious future swirl in front of me.  What have I done with my time that's been worthwhile? Does the path I am on have purpose? The realization the choices I make directly affect the outcome of where I end up hits me like a wall.  I cannot go on a journey without a compass, I will end up where I started, going nowhere.  I must choose to take a straight path.  One that leads me forward, toward my dreams, toward meaning, and toward peace.  My feet slowed to a jog and I stopped. As I stood there I came to a realization.  I may have been running nowhere that day, but I knew I would find my way home.