The Birth of My Book!

When I was eight, I wrote this:

And: "When i grow up, I am going to be a writter" (Continue reading at your own risk...)

When I was sixteen, I wrote this:

"Many people long for the day when the copies of their first book arrive in the mail, including myself. I will finally have in my hands the book that I’ve worked on for so long! ... Anticipating the day that I will receive that package in the mail is what keeps me writing." (Continue reading "The Birth of Your Book") 

And the other day, I received this:

These past few months, there has been much anticipation created--beta readers reading the proof copy, seeing the official book cover, seeing my book on Amazon and Goodreads, etc. Doing these things has made this dream more of a reality, and I can see how the anticipation of having a baby could be similar, especially while you prepare wait for the day that your baby will arrive. Mine is finally here. And I cannot wait to share it with all of ya'll in two months.

Dreams really do come true. =) 

Trapped in the Chains of Self-Harm

One never desires to be trapped in the chains of self-harm; it always starts small, just like any other addiction. A girl may pick up a blade one day to distract herself from the pain inside that was caused by a bully. Realizing that it was a pretty good way of “numbing” the inward hurt, she picks up the blade a second time. Eventually it becomes an uncontrollable habit. This girl has no idea how these chains have tied her down; all she knows is that it now feels impossible to break free. 

Self-mutilation is becoming more wide-spread in our culture today. It has even been referred to as “the new anorexia.” It’s a fight against oneself, and it can even become life-threatening. (Continue reading)

"Purple Moon" Blog Tour

As you may know, my upcoming debut YA Christian fiction novel, Purple Moon, is set to release this September by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I'm currently trying to compile a list of people who are interested in hosting a stop on their blog for my virtual book tour, which is scheduled to be held September - October. 

If you'd like more information on the book, you may visit its Goodreads  page where you can read reviews, or the Amazon page. I currently need about ten more people to fill in the slots, so please email me at christiswrite (at) blogspot (dot) com if you're interested! =)

Currently...

Currently Reading...

• Delirium by Lauren Oliver... loving it so far!

• Rise by Stefne Miller

Currently Listening To...

• My country music station on Pandora
• Air1 Christian radio station

Currently Working On...

• Editing my second book
• Writing freelance articles
• Purple Moon beta reader corrections
• Preparing for the Purple Moon release and blog tour (email me if you're interested!)

Currently Sipping On...

• Homemade iced coffees and iced coffee from Starbucks
• Homemade fruit smoothies
• As of right now I am drinking a mocha from Liquid Highway

Currently Taking Pictures Of...

• At Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference with my mom this past May =)

• With my sister last month (yes, we're practically wearing the same outfit. Completely unintended.)

• Late night Starbucks trip with my cousin and our friend =)

• With my cousins last week at Cracker Barrel celebrating our grandma's birthday

Currently Looking Forward To...

• The release of Purple Moon in September! (Isn't the cover gorgeous?!)
• Going to the beach next week with my family =)

Summer Makeover: The Spiritual Diet

For many teens, summer is the perfect opportunity to become someone completely different. The three months between your previous grade at school and the following one seems to hold a promise for a brand new start. In fact, many books and movies are centered around the idea of a teenager’s transition during the summer.

Unfortunately, almost always this "growth" has to do with appearance. For example—if someone feels like a social outcast at school because of the fact that she’s overweight, she may decide to spend the summer losing pounds in order to become the kind of girl who will turn heads next fall. No, it’s not wrong to want to get in shape, or even dye your hair a new color (with your parent’s permission, of course). But what’s your motive behind these goals? (Continue reading at Whole Magazine)