This week I have a guest on the blog, Janet  K. Brown.  Worth Forgiving is the second in her Wharton Rock Series.

Prejudice and mistrust hinders an ex-con, drug addict’s new beginning.

The state of Texas releases from prison Katie Smith. Full of optimism, she sets out to get a job, rent her own place, and make a home for her eight-year-old daughter, but Katie gave away her daughter three years ago. She could use a friend, but her past choices threaten to doom her to continued failure.

Larry Pullman graduated from seminary with high marks, but the fact that he has no wife makes finding a preaching job almost impossible. It doesn’t help that running from God as a teenager gave him a past that he can’t undo. All he needs is an ex-con, drug addict messing up his life, but then why did God lead him to her? Or did He?

Isn’t it enough that Lacey Chandler gave her sister’s daughter a home? Does that mean she has to clean up Katie’s messes forever?

Could it be that Katie is not Worth Forgiving?

Worth Forgiving, an inspirational women’s fiction, is the second in her Wharton Rock series. Her only non-fiction is Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness.

Worth Forgiving marks Brown’s fourth book. Who knew she had a penchant for teens and ghosts? She released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012.

Until Sept. 1, the book can be pre-ordered at this link: http://www.pen-l.com/WorthForgiving.html On Sept. 1, it should be on Amazon, Nook, & retail everywhere.

Janet lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles. 

Janet and her husband love to travel with their RV, work in their church, and visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren.

Janet teaches workshops on writing, weight loss, and the historical settings of her teen books. The author uses her platform of recovering compulsive overeater to weave stories of hope for addiction, compulsion, or impossible situations.

Find her at http:/ /www.janetkbrown.com, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janetkbrowntx, on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707 E-mail: Janet.hope@att.net

The Blessing of Writing

An attitude of gratitude enriches our life in so many ways. Quite often, especially near Thanksgiving Day, we count our blessings and thank God for the good things in our lives. However, the exercise is wise to do throughout the year.

After I read some posts on Peggy’s blog, I started thinking that one thing I was grateful for was writing. Ever since a junior high school teacher encouraged me, I’ve been writing something. When my girls were young, I wrote and sold a few short stories. In 2006, I retired. My goal was to write and visit grandkids.

I launched into what has become a second career. I studied and submitted until I found some bit of success in writing. Here is my list of the blessings of writing.

1. Satisfaction

I love to write. I get lost in a story of my own making. I live my adventures through the pen or the keyboard. Writing brings me peace.

2. New friends

I could never imagine the friendships forged by the love of writing and reading.

Nowadays, one of my best new friends lives in Oklahoma. I see her two to three times a year. When one of us gets down, we call and encourage each other.

A group of authors from Australia took me in and let me join their anthology. We pray for each other’s needs. We’ll probably never see each other this side of heaven.

A sweet friend that steered my career in an unimaginable way lives in Colorado. One time when I was driving near her home, she met me on the road. What a treasure that was.

Authors at conferences from all over have touched my life and breathed in wisdom.

Writing gives a wealth in friendships, and we speak the same language.

3. My new ministry

I’ve taught Sunday School. I sang in the choir. I’ve visited newcomers to church. Who could’ve known that writing could become a way of touching peoples lives for God. During a class with DiAnn Mills, I wrote my mission statement and for the first time, recognized the career as a ministry. How blessed I am to do something I love that touches people for Christ. E-mails, posts, and even a review have told me my book led them back to Christ.

4. Free or discounted books

No, I don’t have to write to win free books, but I’m more aware of bargains from authors I like. I’m also more likely to meet authors and purchase signed copies.

5. Recognition

Who would’ve realized how nice it is to be recognized for doing something you enjoy doing, like writing.

6. I can do it anywhere.

Who else but writers can work while staring at a mountain top or sitting on a beach?

So, that’s my list of blessings. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to write. If I stopped tomorrow, I would swell with enough gratitude to last a lifetime.