Book Tour Recap and Writing Journey Update

This time last year, Caroline George and I were meeting at coffee shops to plan our book tour. This time last year, my stomach was turning just at the idea of public speaking.  Honestly? I had no idea how it would turn out. I imagined I would get up there and the worst would happen: I would hyperventilate. Or stutter. Or throw up. Or forget what I was saying. Or people would be unable to hear me because my voice is so quiet. (Although that one probably did happen a few times.)  So why did I do this? Why did I force myself to go through with this introvert's worst nightmare? For years, God has birthed this desire in me. I had a desire--not just a desire, but an urge. To meet teenagers face-to-face. To encourage them to pursue their dreams. To make the most of their youth. And to teach them about the writing and publishing process.  I had to do it. I can't just ignore it when God tugs my heart, telling me to step out in faith.  Which brings me to another reason: I wanted to see what would happen when I did take a leap of faith, out of my comfort zone, and relied on God to provide strength in my weakness. Because in doing this, I had no choice but to stay on my knees in prayer. To rely 100% on Him. I knew I couldn't face this fear through my own ability; rather, it would literally have to be drawn completely from God.   And you know what? He didn't fail me.  Because as my first speaking gig (which didn't include Caroline) approached in September, peace rose within me. I can't explain it, but I just had this knowing that everything would turn out fine. God was in every detail, and He had already gone before me to prepare the way. 

That first solo speaking gig couldn't have gone any better, either. (No, I didn't hyperventilate, lose focus, stutter or stumble over my words, or any of those crazy scenarios.)  {Click here to read the story of that event.}  Now, any time I have to speak in front of a group, I get a rush of adrenaline. The anxiety has completely diminished.  One Scripture that I clung to throughout this book tour comes from Jeremiah 1:7-9 (NCV):

 “Then I said, ‘But Lord God, I don’t know how to speak I am only a boy.’

But the Lord said to me, ‘Don’t say, ‘I am only a boy.’ You must go everywhere I send you, and you must say everything I tell you to say. Don’t be afraid of anyone, because I am with you to protect you,’ says the Lord.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth. He said to me, ‘See, I am putting my words in your mouth. Today I have put you in charge of nations and kingdoms. You will pull up and tear down, destroy and overthrow, build up and plant.”

Here's a quick recap of the Moon and Arrow Book Tour:

The first stop that I visited solo.
September 2014 || Summerville, SC.
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

Second stop that I visited solo.
8th grade English class at the school I graduated from.
September 2014 || Anderson, SC. 
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

Third stop that I visited solo.
(These events were scheduled before Caroline came along, lol!)Fresh Taste Event
October 2014 || Anderson, SC. 
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

Finally, Caroline decided to join me. Haha! Book signing at Village Coffee (which was strangely similar to Brewer's Coffee in Purple Moon). 
October 2014 || Forest City, NC. 
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

Caroline and I visited two homeschool groups in one day.   November 2014 || Fort Mill, SC. 
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

Caroline was unable to make this event.
My fourth stop solo at a homeschool group.   December 2014 || Easley, SC. 
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

Caroline and I taught a 3-hour workshop on creative writing and the art of storytelling.
Tons of fun! February 2015 || Anderson, SC. {Click here for the first pic on Instagram.}
{And click here for the second.}

We had the biggest turnout at this event! Speaking to teens (and adults!) at my local library.
We also read a snippet from both of our books. =)  May 2015 || Anderson, SC. {Click here for the pic on Instagram.}
{And here for the video on Instagram.}

Our final stop! Carolina Moon Coffee Shop.
The same place that I had a book-signing at last summer as well.
   (Don't you just love how it combines both of our names?)June 2015 || Lake Lure, NC. {Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

What's next for Caroline and me?  

{Click here for the pic on Instagram.}

We're both stepping into new phases of our writing journey. New seasons of our lives.  Caroline will be attending Belmont University this fall in Nashville. She's also going to her first writing conference in NYC the end of this month! Please pray that she will meet with the right agents and have favor. I have no doubt that God has incredible things in store for her writing career. I also can't wait until the world gets to read the sci-fi book she's going to be pitching! (It's incredible, you guys.) Caroline also started a blog recently. I'm sure she'd appreciate it if you checked it out. And me? I'm moving out of the house for the first time as well -- in only three weeks! My friend and I will be renting a house in Georgia, and I'm going to work with Favoron Productions and help them gear towards filming their first production.

Also, my cousin and I are currently working on a non-fiction devotional project for teens, one that I am really excited about. Especially since we've been discussing it for over 4 years now. 

The view from my writing desk.
{Click here for the pic on Instagram.} 

Since I'm turning a new page in my writing career (and in my life in general), you will notice a few changes to this blog.  First of all, I'm in the process of creating a new website. This website will also include a blog--however, that does not mean I will be abandoning Christ is Write. 
I'm also beginning a new writing mentoring/coaching service titled Write Now. More info will be available on my new website! =)  ~ ~ ~ 

Over the past six years, I have learned that the writing journey is not quick. It's not easy. But if your passion for writing is paired with an equal amount of determination to reach your dream, then it is possible.  If you're going through a "slow season" right now, maybe this will encourage you. It's a snippet from an essay I wrote when I was 13 ... Three years later, I was offered a publishing contract.

“When I was three years old I started writing stories for fun. Now, I hope to graduate with a degree in journalism, and soon become a best-selling author. I would love to write children books, but God has also given me the desire to write books that can relate to other teenagers on a Christian basis, so that is one thing I hope to do when I get older. God has laid these desires on my heart for a specific reasons, and I cannot wait to begin fulfilling God’s plan for my life!”

God can, and will, do the impossible through you. Just keep writing. Keep taking action on your dreams. And don't give up. 

{If you're a teen writer, be sure to check out my new column, Dear Young Scribes.}


Any updates on your writing journey? Anything specific that you're working on? Please share in the comments below! 

The Art of Storytelling P.1: Discover the Story of Your Heart

First of all, I want to thank everyone for having patience with me recently. I've been pretty quiet on the blogosphere: However! Good things are coming from it. I'm on a roll writing my third book, and although I have several posts that I've started but have yet to finish, I am going to get back to posting at least once a week.

{View this pic on Instagram}

(Oh, and guess what? Several people have complained that my mailing list isn't working, so I finally was able to fix it! You can now enter your email on the sidebar and have my posts sent directly to your inbox.)
In other news, I had tons of fun this past Saturday teaching a writing workshop for teens with YA author, Caroline George. We shared our publishing experiences, taught on the art of storytelling, played games, held a contest, participated in a book exchange, and signed books. (And maybe had a little too much chocolate and coffee ... if that's even possible! ;) )

{View this pic on Instagram}

We are planning to hold more creative writing workshops though, so if you live in NC, GA, or SC, send us an email here. Give us the name of your school (or homeschool group), and we will try our best to arrange a visit. =)   

{View this pic on Instagram}

But since most of you probably don't live on the southeast, I'd like to share a condensed version of what we discussed in the workshop.  
It's going to be divided into three parts. Today we will talk about what it means to master the art of storytelling, the 3 ingredients that every story needs, and how you can discover the story of your heart.

à What is the art of storytelling?

• The art of storytelling is mastered when a writer writes the story of their heart and presents it in the basic story-telling format.
• It is achieved when they write the story they are passionate about in a structure that works.
• It is a combination of both passion and structure.

Many writers believe that writing is not an art if it is written based on a structure, or a "formula". However, that is just the opposite; the art of storytelling is mastered when we can combine both the right-side and the left-side of our brain to create a story that resonates with our readers.
If your novel lacks structure, then you risk losing the attention span of your reader (as well as an agent or publisher). Sure, your writing may be beautiful; however, writing a book is not just about your ability to string pretty words together.  

photo credit: Amazement awaits us at every corner.  James Broughton via photopin (license)

The first step in writing a story that mixes both art and structure is by first discovering the story of your heart.
You can do this by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What are 3 things you're passionate about? (This can include certain topics you're interested in, hobbies, or even locations.)
2. What are 3 things you're familiar with? (This can also include topics, hobbies, locations, etc.)
3. What are 3 of your favorite books?
4. Now, take a look at your 3 favorite books. Ask yourself: What do these stories have in common? (For example: Do they include a romance? Are they comedic? Take place on a beach? About zombie?)

Once you begin with the foundation of your story first, then you will realize that writing a book isn’t that difficult, as long as it is taken step by step.

In fact, writing a book and baking cookies have a lot in common. Although there are a variety of different types of cookies, they each begin with the same three basic ingredients: Eggs, milk, and flour.

photo credit: free food via photopin (license)

Similarly, each book begins with 3 basic ingredients as well: Plot, character, and setting. So after you figure out what the story of your heart is, it's time to uncover the 3 elements that is going to turn these ideas, your passions, into a story. 

However, keep in mind that when you write a book, structure should not be ignored.

Think of it this way: When you bake cookies, you can't just throw those 3 ingredients together and hope that, somehow, cookies will magically appear.

Instead, you have to follow a certain formula in order for them to actually be edible. The same applies to our writing as well.

In the following weeks, we will discuss how to develop each of these 3 elements: Your protagonist, setting, as well as the plot.

! Challenge: In the comments, combine 3 "ingredients" from a book or movie to create a new story idea. Be sure to respond to the other comments as well!

"The Sound of Diamonds" by Rachelle Rea: Cover Reveal!

Rachelle Rea is a fabulous writer (and editor!) that I met a few years ago in the blogosphere. (She also happens to live not too far from me ... so why have we never met in "real life"?) Anyway, I am so excited because today I get to partake in the cover reveal for her debut novel, The Sound of Diamonds!

  Synopsis:

In Reformation-era England, a converted rogue wants to restore his honor—at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk Godfrey knows he has only one chance at redemption.

An independent Catholic maiden seeking refuge in the Low Countries finds herself at the center of the Iconoclastic Fury. Jaded by tragedy, Gwyneth’s only hope of getting home is to trust the man she hates, and she soon discovers her poor vision is not the only thing that has been blinding her.

But the home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, will the saint and the sinner hold to hope…or be overcome? When Dirk’s plan fails, could all be lost?

So without any further ado ... The cover for The Sound of Diamonds!

Beautiful, isn't it? Congrats, Rachelle! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. =) About Rachelle:

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.

Find Rachelle Online: 

Website :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest 

Pre-Order The Sound of Diamonds 

I'm Going on a Book Tour with YA Author, Caroline George!

If you've read the first post on my new, personal blog, you would know that I have been recently planning a book tour for this fall. However, there has been a slight change of plans since then: Rather than traveling alone this fall, I will be pairing with teen author, Caroline George! 

I am thrilled to have this opportunity. If you don't remember, I reviewed Caroline's debut YA dystopian novel, The Prime Way Program a few months ago. Since then, she has released a sequel and is now working on a stand-alone novel. 

Caroline is an extremely talented writer who, just like myself, sacrificed a normal teen experience in order to pursue the gift God has given her. {For the full story on how this book tour was arranged, click here to read the latest post on my personal blog.}

The Moon and Arrow Book Tour

Pin this!

Caroline and I will be on tour October through November along the east coast. We will visit schools, youth groups, book clubs, coffee shops, and libraries to share the story of our publishing journeys and encourage teens to pursue the desires God has given them as well. There will be Q&As, readings, book signings, giveaways, chocolate, and more. You will not want to miss this! 

If you live on the east coast and would like for us to visit your hometown, send us an email at moonandarrowbooktour (at) gmail (dot) com and in the subject line write BOOK TOUR REQUEST. 

For those who will be unable to attend, you can still get involved! Ask your English teacher, youth group leader, or book club leader if they would be interested in having us visit via video chat.   Virtual Book Tour Launch Party

Want to celebrate the launch of our book tour launch with us? Join Caroline and I at a Google Hangout on the first day of the tour! This will give you the chance to ask your questions live and chat with us via video chat (a webcam is not required). Not only that, but we will also hold giveaways and announce the winners of the contests (below).

Book Tour Contests
As a way for you to get involved in this book tour and win some prizes, Caroline and I have decided to hold two contests. One winner will be chosen per book, per contest (four winners total). 

These winners will receive: an autographed print or ecopy of our books, a poster, cup/mug, coffee, etc.! (The prizes will vary in accordance with the book.)

Feel free to enter both of the below contests for each book:

➙ Fan Art Contest

1. Show off your creativity skills! Incorporate a quote or symbol from one of our books into a hand-made item. You could also create a graphic using your favorite quote from one of our books, make a book trailer, or even act out a scene from one of our books with your friends. The possibilities are limitless!
2. When you're done, be sure to post a picture of your fan art (or URL to a YouTube video) on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest using the hashtag #moonandarrow. If you are posting to Pinterest, please pin the above picture as well. If you do not have a social media account, email your entry to us at moonandarrowbooktour (at) gmail (dot) com and in the subject write FAN ART CONTEST. 
3. Comment below to confirm that we received your entry.    

➙ Creative Photo Contest

1. Do you have a copy of one of our books? Take a picture with you holding it (ecopy or print). Be creative! The photo can be of you and the book with your pet, on the beach, at a coffee shop, etc.
2. When you're done, be sure to post your picture on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest using the hashtag #moonandarrow. If you are posting to Pinterest, please pin the above picture as well. If you do not have a social media account, email your entry to us at moonandarrowbooktour (at) gmail (dot) com and in the subject write CREATIVE PHOTO CONTEST. 
3. Comment below to confirm that we received your entry. 

The four winners will be announced during the virtual launch party of our book tour. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter (on the sidebar) so you will be alerted when the date for this "party" has been set!

One last thing: Caroline and I will be documenting our book tour through video blogs on YouTube. Subscribe here so you can follow our journey as we travel along the east coast this fall. =) And don't forget to keep checking my blog so you will not miss the announcement of the official tour dates!