Coffee Shop Chats: Interactive Reflection of the Week!

I love blogging, but sometimes I wish there was a way that I could connect with each of you. Personally. Perhaps over a cup of coffee. 
We could share the highlights of our week, discuss the books we've been reading, what God is doing in our lives, and even share any prayer requests we may have. 
So, I came up with the idea of Coffee Shop Chats.
Instead of my Currently posts, I'm going to post this reflection of the week (or month). You are welcome to participate as well! I want this to be a way to learn more about each of you and how I can pray for you. Maybe this will help you meet other blogger friends as well. =) 
I will post a reflection on Fridays; however, I can't guarantee that one will be posted every Friday. It could be posted once a month, or once a season. 
Whatever the case, you may post your Coffee Shop Chat whenever you'd like! Just be sure to add your link to the latest Coffee Shop Chat link-up at the end of this post. (That way, we can all interact with one another.)
Rules & Guidelines:

1. No, you don't have to be a coffee fan to participate. =) 
2. Add the link to your Coffee Shop Chat post in the latest link-up (which will be listed on the latest Coffee Shop Chat post).
3. Include the link to this post so your readers can understand the rules.
4. Before you post, make sure that you comment on at least one other blogger's post. (The point of this is to begin forming relationships and interacting with one another, as if we were in an actual coffee shop. ;) )
5. Include the below image on your post. 
6. Be nice and have fun!

How to post: 

1. Use any of the LISTS PROMPTS located at the end of this post. Feel free to add your own!
2. Everyone who participates must answer at least 2 questions listed under CONVO STARTERS posted by myself or another participant.
3. At the end of your post, include 2 - 5 questions/convo starters for your readers to answer as well!

Questions? Let me know! It sounds complicated, but it's actually pretty simple. ;)

What I did this week:

This past weekend, I visited one of my best friends and fellow YA author, Caroline George, in Nashville. I was able to tour her campus {Belmont University}, go to her favorite coffee shops, and walk around Centennial Park.


The next day was the premiere of PROVIDENCE, the film I worked on this past May! I worked on set as an actress and a production assistant. The film is a love story, portrayed without dialogue and accompanied with indie music -- similar to a music video. Watch for it in theaters February 2016!


I was also able to meet up with my other best friend, Erica! She lives in Kentucky, so we only visit each other about once a year -- sometimes less. It was very special to have both of my best friends at the premiere, especially since I rarely see either of them anymore. =)



Pictures Taken:

Here are a few pics I've taken so far this fall . . . 

View from my window at the Blue Ridge writer's retreat!

{View on Instagram}

My second novel (currently unpublished) placed in the top three in four categories at the Blue Ridge Writer's Retreat. =) 

{View on Instagram}

More pics from the conference!
{View on Instagram}

Annual Halloween tradition -- carving pumpkins at my cousins' house!
{View on Instagram}

In Nashville, enjoying an actual "coffee shop chat" with Caroline!
{View on Instgram}

Okay, so maybe Caroline and I enjoy a little too many coffee shop chats . . .
{View on Instagram}

At the Providence premiere with Erica and Caroline!
{View on Instagram}

Drinks I've enjoyed:

{View on Instagram}

Too many lattes to count!
{Okay, don't worry. I really only drink one cup of coffee a day. Sometimes two. And sometimes decaf. It's just, when I visit a new town -- especially a big city -- there's no way I can't take advantage of the many coffee shops the area has available. My small town can only have so many.}
Oh! I've really enjoyed Starbucks' salted caramel mocha this fall. It's the first year I've tried it, and honestly, I think it might have PSL beat just a tad . . . ;) 
Grateful For:

• Fall! <3 comment-3--="">
• The opportunity to work on set of Providence.
• The fact that the rewrites to my second novel are complete! Now time to start writing the sequel to Purple Moon . . . =) {Any suggestions or ideas? Email me! Seriously. What do you want the sequel to be about? Let me know!}
• The certificates I received at the writing retreat -- and the fact that I was able to attend.
• The opportunity to teach teens Creative Writing through my 3-month course, WRITE NOW. 
• A few more writing-related opportunities that I've been offered. I can't wait to share it with you guys. =) {Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter and like my Facebook page so you won't miss the announcements!}

Books I'm Reading:

• ANGELS WALKING by Karen Kingsbury
• THE GATHERING by K.E. Ganshert

Music I'm Enjoying:

• This fall, I've been listening to Lauren Daigle's debut album on repeat. I can't get enough of it!
• I'm starting to listen to Christmas music as well. =)

Scriptures I'm Enjoying:

"For I am about to do something new.     See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.     I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." ~Isaiah 43:19 {NLT}

"How joyful are those who fear the Lord—     all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.     How joyful and prosperous you will be!" ~Psalm 128:1-2 {NLT}

Looking Forward to:

• My entire family being together for Thanksgiving!
• My 22nd birthday. =)
• A book signing on December 5th. {Check out my schedule for upcoming events.}
• Going to Florida next month for a Christian conference. 
• Christmas!

Flashback Friday:

This time last year . . . 

Caroline and I filmed book/writing-related videos on YouTube. =) {Click here for the videos!}
{View on Instagram} 

We also visited homeschool groups to discuss our writing journeys
and encourage teens to pursue their dream. Love this part of my job!
{View on Instagram}

On my blog {last fall} . . . 

• 5 Reasons Why I Love Being an Author
• When the Journey Becomes Slow
• Ruth: Remaining Faithful During Hardships
• When Reality Decides to Copy my Fiction

                     LIST PROMPTS FOR YOU!

What has your week or month {or season} looked like? Post your own coffee shop post! You may include any of the below list prompts. Feel free to add your own as well!

• What I did this week
• Pictures taken
• Drinks I've enjoyed
• Music I've enjoyed
• Movies I've enjoyed
• Food I've enjoyed
• Grateful for
• 3 awesome things that happened this week
• Prayer requests
• Currently loving
• Currently working on
• Currently hoping
• Books I'm reading
• Scriptures I'm enjoying
• Quotes I'm enjoying
• Looking forward to
• Flashback Friday

CONVO STARTERS FOR YOU!

** Each participant MUST answer 2 - 5 convo starters posted by myself or another participant. Make sure to include convo starters for your readers as well!

1. If you could be a character in any book, who would you be and why?
2. Do you think it's okay to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving?
3. Name your favorite Christmas song/album, movie, and novel. =) 
4. Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? How much progress have you made?
5. What foods does your Thanksgiving meal usually consist of? 

ADD YOUR POST BELOW:

Is there a specific Blogger who you'd like to invite to join the conversation? Comment on their blog with the link to this post or your own!

Happy reflecting and chatting! =)