Journey’s Edge

Book ‘Em NC

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments

Book ‘Em Dan…no, that’s 
Book ‘Em North Carolina. As in “Buy a Book and Stop a Crook!”

The purpose of The Book ‘Em Foundation and this event is to raise public awareness of the link between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. Proceeds from the Book ‘Em North Carolina book fair will go directly to increasing literacy in Robeson County, North Carolina and to reducing crime in the area.


Book ‘Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair brings together more than 75 authors, including two New York Times bestselling authors, Carla Neggers and Michael Palmer, more than 24 award-winning authors, and authors of almost every genre for all ages under one roof to sell and sign their books, participate in panel discussions and talks, network and interact with fans one-on-one. (Extracted from Book ‘Em NC)


The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 9:30 am until 4 at the Robeson Community College in Lumberton, North Carolina.


And it’s FREE! 


Is this a cool idea or what? What a great cause! 
I’ll be there discussing inspy romance. Care to share events that your area sponsors to promote literacy? 

Facing A Goliath?

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments

You remember the story of David & Goliath, right? Armed with only a slingshot and his faith, little David fought Goliath, the giant Philistine who taunted the Israelites during a battle while the Israelite warriors cowered and hid. Do you remember the outcome? Who won?
The underdog. David.

What Goliath’s are you facing today? What fears do you need to conquer?
Anybody? Not yet? OK, I’ll share my Goliath.

DEATH.

Not mine. But death of a loved one. Hubby, father, mother, sister, son, daughter-in-love, grandchild. Take your pick. Death hit our family hard this year. We’ve lost two family members already, but death may not be done knocking yet.

Everybody dies, right? It’s a fact of life. Maybe my fear stems back to watching my grandpa say goodbye to his wife of over seventy years. Or imagining waking up every morning to an empty bed, the pillow next to me vacant, untouched, cold. How could I cope if I lost my hubby? How could I go through the day knowing he wouldn’t walk through the door at night? I’d miss his jokes, his optimistic outlook on life, his larger than life personality, and dread the black hole that would engulf me. And what if a loved one dies without knowing Jesus, drifts into eternity without salvation? Could I have done more?

Just like God provided David with strength, courage, and the confidence he needed to overcome Goliath, God will grant me what I need to face my fear, to overcome my Goliath. How do I know? Because He’s done so in the past and because of His promises:

2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) ~…because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) ~ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I can trust God for my loved ones who don’t know Him, the ones I’ve poured out my heart to Him for years. Confident that in His great mercy, He’ll send an angel in their last moment to offer one more chance to say “yes” to Him and to guide them on their journey home. I can trust God to walk with me through the valley of the shadow of death, faithful to never leave my side, to guide me out of the darkness and into the light.

Now it’s your turn. Are you facing a Goliath? What fears do you need to overcome?

Staring at a Blank Screen?

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments
You type “The End” and smile,
relief mingling with renewed energy. You did it!
Now what?
What do you do when a blank computer screen stares back at you?
Where do you turn for ideas and inspiration? 
Who better than the Creator of the Universe?

Chat with God. Praise Him. Worship at His feet. 
Marvel at His handiwork: a sunrise or spectacular sunset, tree limbs that sway with a gentle breeze, funny animals. God has such an imagination and a sense of humor. Why not ask Him for a spark, just a speck of sand from His creative well? Then, leave it up to Him and open your mind to His possibilities. 

So, where can you find ideas to fill an entertaining, action-packed story? 
Scour newspapers, magazines, and books 
Soak up your favorite television shows 
Browse through news articles and local news sites 
Wade through files and notes, research online 
Consider life experiences: weddings, funerals, jobs, family issues, hobbies, etc. 

Eventually, a story event or character will take hold of your head and capture your heart. 

Are you staring at a blank screen? Where do you dig for ideas?