Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Currently... {September 2017}

It's been a while since I wrote a currently post! My last one was titled "Coffee Shop Chats", but I've decided to go back to "Currently" to avoid the confusion with my upcoming teen devotional (TBR September 2018). But if you'd like to join in on my currently posts, feel free! Click here for the "rules". ;)



 


What  I've been up to recently ...
These past few months have been a whirlwind, to say the least! Labor Day weekend was the first *breather* I've had since mid-July. (So please forgive me if you've sent me an email that I haven't responded to yet. I'll get caught up eventually!)



Over the spring and summer, I've had the amazing opportunity to travel to various writing conferences and meet other writers, clients, and new friends. Then, this past month I was buried in my writing cave (and went on a writing retreat to the mountains!) to plug away on my teen devotional. 



(For those of who you don't know: The teen devotional is tentatively titled "Coffee Shop Chats" and will be released with Bethany House September 2018. It includes 180 devotions and 10 coffee recipes for teens!) 



Pictures Taken ...



Here are *some* of the pictures I've taken over the past few months ...
One of my best friends and fellow YA author, Caroline George, came home from college! 

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference 2017.
Love this place and these people!

With the faculty at SoCal Christian Writers Conference!
First time meeting YA authors, Shannon Dittemore and Jill Williamson. =)




Meeting the talented YA authors, Nadine Brandes and Kara Swanson (who is now my client at Hartline)!

Making memories with new friends at SoCal Christian Writers Conference. =)

Special time with my family in FL

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference! I had the chance to lead the teen track, and I met a blogger friend of mine (and fellow YA author), Stephanie Kehr. She's the sweetest!

Visited my sister, Tara Brose, in NYC! It was my last time to visit her before she and her husband move to Bali. 

Saying bye to Caroline before she left for her final semester at Belmont University!
Instagram - @tessaemilyhall
Currently Looking Forward To ...





Currently Working On ...
  • Recently sent the manuscript for "Coffee Shop Devos"to my editor. Yay!
  • Finishing the sequel to Purple Moon. (Okay, this project has taken for-ever. But I haven't officially given it 100% of my focus -- it's been more on the back burner. However, my goal is to finish it by late October. Prayers appreciated!
  • Creating video course material for Young Writers Workshop and Serious Writers Academy


Currently Sipping On ...




  • Mexican Pumpkin Mochas! Pictured above. I created the recipe this morning. (Want to try it? Sign up for my newsletter! It'll be sent soon.) ;) 



Currently Listening To ...




  • Hillsong United's latest album
  • Switchfoot + Lifehouse. I went to their concert recently and it was perfection.
  • Audrey Assad
  • LEVV
  • Rachel Lampa
  • Young Oceans
  • Outcry
  • Jonathan & Melissa Helser
  • Bethel
  • Jimmy Needham
  • Taylor Swift's new singles ... which I'm not crazy about. (What do ya'll think?)


Currently Reading ...



  • Just finished reading "Sugar Linings" by Sierra Sandison. Five stars! Encouraging and inspiring read for those living with Type 1 Diabetes, affected by it, or wanting to learn more about it. 
  • "The Creative Call" by Janice Elsheimer
  • "Redemption" by Karen Kingsbury


Current To-Read List ...



  • There are so many books on my to read list pile; it's impossible to include all of them. But here's one that I'm most looking forward to reading. "The Writers Desk" by Rachel Hauck. I haven't read any of her books, but I've heard incredible things about them! Have you read this one? 


Currently Praying For ...
  • Those affected by the hurricane in Texas
  • Hurricane Irma and those in its path (including my oldest sister and her husband who live in FL)
  • My sister and her husband, who are currently on a mission trip in Africa and are soon moving to Bali!
Do you have any prayer needs?





What are you currently reading, working on, looking forward to, etc.? Let me know in the comments -- or share a link to your own "currently" post! =)




10 comments:

  1. Looks live you've had such an insanely busy but fun time! Ooooh, I'm excited for the sequel to "Purple Moon!" Any idea of when that would be published? I just started my second year of college, so I'm currently flooded with schoolwork... I am, however, looking forward to reading an ARC of Lydia Howe's "Where Dandelions Grow." :)

    teensliveforJesus.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi, Sofia!

      I’m hoping it will be published next year in the fall. =) That’s how it’s looking right now, anyway!

      I love the title of that book! I don’t believe I’ve heard of it.

      Speaking of, let me know if you’d like to read an ARC of the sequel—or “Coffee Shop Devos”! If you’re interested, send me an email at tessaemilyhall (at) gmail (dot) com.

      I hope you have a great semester!

      Tessa

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  2. You're such a cute girl, Tessa! I hope the sequel to Purple Moon goes well. I really want to read Purple Mooon! Hopefully my library will get it or I can get around to buying it!

    I've actually met Jimmy Needham. My family knows him personally. :)

    You really inspire me! Thank you!

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    1. Aw thank you, Lilly!

      So cool that you know Jimmy Needham! I went to a concert of his several years ago and loved it. He seemed very nice and down-to-earth, too. His music is amazing! I’m hoping he’ll come out with a new album soon, though.

      You can actually request “Purple Moon” at your library, if you’d like. =)

      Thanks so much for stopping by! <3

      Tessa

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  3. Hi Tessa!!! OOoh sounds like you have had an awesome spring / summer! That's so awesome that you get to visit your sister one last time before she moves + that's too bad that you won't be (easily) able to visit her anymore. :(
    But on the bright side, you get to sip on that AMAZING Mexican Spice Mocha. I am DYING for fall to be here... I'm Fall's biggest fan. XD

    Btw, are you discontinuing MMC? I sent in an entry a long time ago, and havn't seen a post since. I'm guessing your just really busy (and hoping that this break is only temporary) because I LOVE the MMC! Please don't stop! ;)

    Anyway, I hope you have an AMAZINg week, and I pray it hasn't been far too stressful. ;)

    With love, Allie ;)
    http://thedepthofmyfaith.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Allie,

      Thanks for commenting! Yes, I had an amazing spring/summer—but I’m looking forward to fall, too. If you’re its biggest fan, then I’m its second biggest fan! ;)

      I’ve been recently debating whether or not I should officially discontinue MMC. But I’ve missed it as well! So I will probably begin it again this fall. Stay on the lookout for it this month!

      Thanks, Allie! I hope you’re having a great week as well! <3

      Tessa

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  4. Ahh, I love this! It looks like you've had *the greatest* summer. Also I love all of our million selfies that we took. :)

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    1. Yes, summer was a whirlwind – but in the best way! I’m glad we took so many pics; it’ll make up for our lack of pics until we can get together again! =D

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  5. Hi Tessa!

    Oh, my goodness. I am so excited for the Purple Moon sequel. You will definitely have my prayers on finishing it. I would love to help you with anything if you need it.


    I'm not a big fan of Taylor Swift's new songs either. They seem much darker than her other songs.

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    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca! Send me an email if you’d like to be a beta reader – tessaemilyhall (at) gmail (dot) com.

      I agree. Taylor Swift’s songs (and the music video to “Look What You Made Me Do”) definitely remind me of a horror movie. I miss her old music! <3

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