Casual Fridays

Congratulations to Greenduckie13 who won the drawing for a free download of K. Dawn Byrd's new book, Mistaken Identity!!  And thanks to all who entered here and on facebook!

It's been really hot here in Northern California this week. (Wasn't I just complaining about it being too cold?)  Anyway up in the 90s is no picnic, especially when one doesn't have air conditioning and is trying to sleep at night. But who's complaining?
Picture left is of the Bougainvillea in my front yard!

Despite the heat, I've managed to get nearly four chapters of Veil of Pearls done this week and am about to embark on a sea battle between the hero's merchant brig and a British Privateer. Oh, be still my heart!  I know it must seem weird to you all that I'm working on a completely different book than the one that hasn't even released yet, Surrender the Dawn, which releases in August. Well, it seems weird to me too!  However, that seems to be an author's life. I'm editing one book, marketing another and writing a third. So, how do I keep all my characters and plots straight? I have no idea! Must be the grace of God because I'm already a bit skatter-brained! Just ask my husband.

As you know Surrender the Heart went on sale for FREE this past week. It remained the #1 free book on Kindle for 4 days straight!  My author friend, Camy Tang, warned me, however that although many people would be reading my book (a good thing) many of those people would hate it and write scathing reviews, either because they truly hated it (hard to imagine. LOL)  or because of the Christian message, or perhaps just because they are mean people. Though I certainly don't always expect glowing reviews (good thing, cause I don't always get them), I had to brace myself for the onslaught of hatred spewed my way. We authors are a sensitive breed by nature, so a harsh review can be quite painful.  So much so, that I've decided not to look at any more reivews. (Please keep my hands off the keyboard!)

All this to say.. that God came through in a marvelous way and reminded me that none of my books or my writing career is about me. Newsflash!  It's not about me!!  It's about getting the message He gave me out into the world.  My purpose is not to draw attention to myself, but to God. Jesus didn't even make His ministry about Him. He always avoided the accolades and directed the crowd's attention above. Oh, that we could all follow His example! 

Consequently my entire attitude has changed. The more people who read my book, the better. They can call it trash and preachy and horrible all they want but the Word of God, the seed of His Word was placed in their minds. Oh, Lord, let it be fed at the proper time!

I pray you all have a blessed weekend!!  And REMEMBER, next week starts SURRENDER THE DAWN month! Every Friday I'll be posting something about the book and giving away a free copy. So, don't forget to drop in!