Theresa Lynn Hall

Finding Time?

2010-08-10T08:47:00.002-05:00

I have to admit, as a writer, mom, teacher, wife, etc. etc., I just can't find the time to do everything I want to do. It's overwhelming and it's defeating to try to do it all. One thing I do know is that I'm not the only person to ever feel this way. But in the never ending quest for more time, do we really use our time wisely? I hate to admit it, but my honest answer is no. Right now, I have a To Do list sitting on my coffee table. It's full of things I have to do this week. Today is Tuesday, and I haven't checked off one thing yet. I know I'll get around to some of it, but all of it is looking doubtful. Typing the words brings back the the anxiety of being overwhelmed. So how do we find time to do it all? And can we? I think that depends on your list. If your list is realistic, then yes. If your weekly list has Write a novel, Complete all housework, Paint the house...well, you're fooling yourself. Be true to who you are and how much you can really do. There's nothing worse than overfilling your list only to look at it and realize you can't do any of the things you set out to do. What inevitably happens is we set ourselves up for failure and worse--wasting time! I think wasting time has to be the number one thing we tend to and don't realize it until it's too late. As writers, it's a huge habit for most of us. We sit down at the computer and open up our work in progress. We stare at it. We type a few words, only to hit the backspace and take it all away. We minimize and open our web browser. An hour later, we've checked our email, Facebook, Twitter, blog, website, shopped online, visited other author's websites, blogs, Facebooks, Twitters, and after all that we just can't get started writing until we've posted, updated, tweeted, and commented to all we've just read. We go back to our work in progress and stare at the screen, only to realize we've already been on the computer for two hours and the kids have to be picked up, dinner has to be cooked, and laundry has to be done by bedtime. We're out of time and we're mad about it. If only we could find more time! Sound familiar? As I set out to write this blog, I began reading Bible verses to refresh my mind on God's plan for me, and the time he's blessed with me. He never wants us to take our time for granted. It's so fleeting that we hardly can grasp the concept of how short our lives really are. Every second is precious. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were sentenced to nearly 40 years of walking aimlessly through the desert doing nothing more than wasting time. God's plan for our lives is far different. He hasn't sentenced us to a life of killing time. He has a definitive plan for us that has every second accounted for. It's up to us to make sure we don't waste it. A familiar scripture verse is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. God, in his divine plan, knows exactly how much time we need to carry out His will for our lives. Even on the days when we feel overwhelmed, there is time for a break. Enjoy every second of every day and take heart in knowing that He will give us the time we need to accomplish all tasks, so long as we stay true to ourselves and plan accordingly each day. Now, stop reading blogs and go whittle down that To Do list. You'll have the rest of the day to finish writing the novel He wants you to write--or maybe even take a nap.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything,
       and a season for every activity under heaven:
² a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
       a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
       a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
       a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
       a time for war and a time for peace.

White Rose Publishing's Newest Release

2010-07-23T18:10:00.005-05:00

Pamela Thibodeaux

This week we welcome a new story by veteran author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux--a touching story of triumphing over fear and believing in God's gifts and promises. This one will tug at your heartstrings.

Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.

Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

Critique Partners?

2010-07-19T10:52:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out my survey on Critique Partners. I'll have the results in the next issue of Rose Petals.

White Rose Publishing's Newest Release

2010-07-16T09:39:00.000-05:00

RODEO REDEMPTION by

TERI WILSON

A Former Rodeo Queen

Josie Turner spends her days at the local dog grooming shop pampering the pooches of Angel Springs, Texas. When rodeo season rolls around again, the townfolk are excited about who their new Rodeo Queen might be. Josie, on the other hand, finds herself reminded all too often about a night she’d just as soon forget.

A Former Rodeo Cowboy

Luke Anderson lived for three things – riding, roping and rodeos. Until the day he met Josie Turner, the girl who gave his life meaning, and whose heart he was destined to break. Now, ten years later, he returns to Angel Springs to find the town hasn’t changed much, but the girl he left behind has become a stranger he hardly recognizes. What, he wonders, will she think of him, and the man he’s become?

A Rodeo Weekend

Determined to break through the wall Josie has erected around her heart, Luke must face his demons while at the same time helping Josie overcome hers. With the whole town cheering them on, can Luke mend Josie’s heart and can one rodeo weekend help them both find redemption?

Release Day Special offer! Purchase any edition of Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson--The latest release from White Rose Publishing--and receive a FREE .pdf of Teri's award-winning, "Cup of Joe." Purchases must be made on 16 July 2010 to be eligible, so hurry before time runs out. http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Rodeo-Redemption

Always Learning?

2010-07-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

I may be a teacher 9 months out of the year, but I'm always a student. Whether it's about life, kids, educating, writing, or God's word--I'm always learning. First, I'll start with the writing. NO ONE ever starts out writing a perfect novel. Let me repeat that...NO ONE ever starts out writing a perfect novel. But we all want to. Sure, there are people who sell their first novel, however, those people are few. They're as unique as Albert Einstein or Steven Hawking. The rest of us pour our blood, sweat and tears into our novels. Writing is a craft that has be learned. I wish I could tell you the perfect formula, but honestly, there isn't one. There's just what editors want and what readers will buy. If you can somehow fall within those two parameters, then you'll be published. If you're an aspiring writer, my advice is to start with the basics. Write a manuscript as if it were a research paper that you have to make an A on just to pass the class. Editors don't like or want manuscripts with misspelled words or grammatical errors. That alone is the first thing you need to work on. Buy a good grammar reference guide and use it often. Next, buy a few books on how to write a novel. Even after writing for so many years, I still go back and reread my "how to" books from time to time. It's too easy to get stuck in a rut and forget things that we learned early on. The last thing I'd like to mention is to keep your faith strong. Be vigilant and don't give up. Always be willing to learn and improve your skills. And remember that no one ever started out writing a perfect novel. The first manuscript I submitted was rejected. But the editor told me that I had a talent for storytelling, however, I needed to learn the "craft of writing". She went on to say that if I did that, she felt I would someday be published. I still have that letter and I've reread it many, many times. One word of encouragement was enough to keep me going for 11 long years. It was all I needed to hear. :)

White Rose Publishing's Newest Release

2010-07-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

Tamelia Tumlin

One day only Special Offer! Purchase A Time for Healing on 9 July 2010 and get a $5 WRP Gift Certificate FREE. Hurry before time runs out. http://bit.ly/9tE9DP

Title:		A Time for Healing - Tamelia Tumlin

Date:		Friday July 9, 2010
Time:		All Day
		As an active church member, Jaci Sinclair believes the Christian message that forgiveness is open to all…all except her, that is. Years ago, Jaci made a life-changing mistake, and now she’s sure she doesn’t deserve the one thing she wants the most—a family of her own. But when Hunter Grant walks into her life, her world is turned upside-down. Not only does he make her desire a family even more, he shines a lamp on the one thing she refuses to see. Ex-FBI hostage negotiator, Hunter Grant, has lost the one thing he treasured the most—his family. Filled with bitterness and anger towards God, Hunter vows never to let anyone close to him again. He moves to Yellow Rose, Texas, trying to forget the tragic deaths of his wife and son—deaths he should have prevented. Wanting to lose himself in the sleepy little town, he is not prepared for the powerful feelings Jaci stirs within him. As Jaci’s and Hunter’s worlds collide, neither is prepared to face the demons that haunt their pasts and hinder their future together, but for everything there is a season…even a time for healing.

Fellowship with writers

2010-06-27T14:26:00.001-05:00

If you're visiting my blog, I'd first like to say THANK YOU! I'm not savvy with the blog but I'm learning and trying to get better. ;) I love the picture posted here because it reminds me of a quiet summer, Sunday afternoon, sitting outside and talking to family. I decided to post today about Fellowship with writers. I've been lucky enough to have found a few great groups to join and have been absolutely BLESSED beyond words to have been given the opportunity to be a published author with White Rose Publishing. The writers there are amazing women. They help with promotions, reviews, encouraging words, and prayers when needed. These women are always an email away and have made my experiences as a new author wonderful. Without their friendships, I would have felt very alone. Thinking about all of this allowed me to remember what it was like when I started writing and did feel very alone in my journey. I started writing 12 years ago and have had many ups and downs during that time. I almost quit too many times to count. However, I realized that it was God calling me to do this and I had to come back to it. I often said that if I ever walked away and didn't miss it, then I wasn't meant to do it. I always missed it. Always.

I think of myself as a pretty strong person. I had the willingness to stick to it. I had the drive and the determination. I also had published friends who wouldn't let me quit. (Thank you Michelle Perry and Dianne Miley!!) But what about those who don't have that steady support. I've decided to use my blog to help those who need that support. I hope to post some gem of wisdom at least once a week to give unpublished authors a little encouragement. If I can do this for 12 years before publication, then anyone can! So if you're reading this and you're struggling with staying in the game, or throwing in the towel...come back often to receive a pat on the back and come encouraging words. Just know you're not alone and we've all been where you are.

Until next time...

God Bless!
Theresa

MY BOOK IS OUT NOW!

2010-01-17T11:01:00.001-06:00

It's been a long road to get here but I can finally say that my book is OUT! I've also put a contest up on my website. Click here to enter. You could win a $10 gift certificate to White Rose Publishing! Also, I'll be blogging on White Roses in Bloom, along with other WRP authors, so check out our blog by clicking here.

Recovering from the holidays

2010-01-02T23:20:00.000-06:00

With the holidays over and my release date approaching, I'm trying to frantically promote my new book! I have to give thanks to my mom for passing out TONS of my business cards to all of our family and church friends. :) Hopefully, everyone will buy the book!

I'm getting ready to go back to work on Monday, so finding time to write will be hard. In a couple months we'll be at the ballpark more than we're at home. But I'm determined to find time to fit it all in.

Check back soon and be sure to visit my website to read my excerpt and watch my trailer!

Until next time, I hope you have a Blessed New Year!!

Theresa

I have a release date!

2009-12-27T15:04:00.000-06:00

I've found that it's very hard to keep up with posting on my blog, making a website, buying Christmas presents, etc. etc. etc. etc.... But in the process of getting it all starting, I'm finding it very exciting. I recently found out that I have a release date of January 15, 2010! YAY!!! I'm trying to get a new website up and running (I just didn't like my other one) and I'm going to make a point of blogging more often. I hope that my book is a success, however, I just have GOT to find the time to promote more often. I guess we all have to learn (the hard way!) and I'm in that learning process. :)

I'll post an excerpt and a blurb soon! Keep reading!

Theresa

Contracts v. report cards

2009-10-09T20:24:00.001-05:00

I got my very first contract this week. I had no idea the work that would need to go into signing a contract! There's the promotional stuff, the contract, author information, etc... Not only did I have that to work on but I had report cards due! I felt like I was torn in two directions--my "real job" and my "dream job". :) But it was a lot of fun filling it all out and finally knowing that soon I'll have a cover to put on my site and a book to promote. I've already started working on another suspense. I've decided to put off the idea I posted earlier and write something else. I do that a lot, but I think all writers have their own unique process.

Now I'm off to RELAX! I have a 3 day weekend to enjoy and I'm hoping I'll get some writing done. :)

2009-09-18T16:53:00.002-05:00

I FINALLY SOLD!!!!

I can't believe it. I finally sold something after all these years! I got the email on Wednesday, Sept. 16th. I had worked late because of a teacher's training and then had to go to Wal-mart for groceries. I was tired, hungry and exhausted. Once I had settled down with dinner (KFC) I opened my laptop and clicked on my email. I saw that the long awaited time had come. I actually opened it thinking that it was definitely a rejection. When I saw the first line I looked over at my husband and put a hand over my mouth. He asked what was wrong. I whispered, "I sold my book". Then I started to cry. It was the best feeling in the world. It was pretty close to my reaction when I found out I was pregnant the first time. haha I'd wanted it for so long that I'd finally talked myself out of ever achieving it. The worst part is that I had 2 more days of work to get through. Now that it's the weekend I can relax and think about planning another book. I'm so excited but I haven't forgotten who I owe the true glory to and that's God for leading me down this path. It feels good to know I'm doing the work He wants me to do.

Keep checking back! Hopefully I'll be able to post that 2nd sale very soon!

Still waiting...

2009-09-13T17:29:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm still waiting and I've heard nothing. But I know that when they say 90 days, they mean 90 days--or close to it. I've got a lot to keep me busy, though. School started and I've been running around like crazy. My days are full and my nights are busy so that leaves little to no time for writing at this moment. The first 6 weeks are usually like this, so it's really a good thing I've not heard back yet. I don't need the stress of a rejection--or the whirlwind of excitement that comes with a sale. I believe everything happens when it's meant to so I'm going to continue to be patient.

Still waiting

2009-07-30T10:13:00.004-05:00

It's been almost 2 weeks now since I was asked to revise my short story for White Rose Publishers. I really do not like the waiting part at all. But like everything else in this world we don't like, it builds character. I've been waiting patiently and even started working on a new story titled "The Unforgiven". New stories are sometimes hard to get into because you can't leave your old ones behind, but this story really touches my heart. If you've ever punished yourself for something that you felt was, or wasn't, your fault, then you'll relate to this book. Somtimes it's hard for us to let go of our sins and trust in the Lord for our forgiveness. But He does forgive us when we truly seek it. He erases it all and we're given the chance to start over. We are the ones who carry our burdens far too long and punish ourselves long after we've asked God to take it from us. It's then that we've taken His love for granted and not accepted. We've all done this at one point or another. In my new story my character struggles with forgiving herself of a wrong she had no control over. She punishes herself and won't allow God's mercy and love into her heart.

I hope if you're reading this blog, you've allowed God's love and mercy into your heart. If not, pray for it and leave your heart wide open for His healing. God Bless!