Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart to step out of your comfort zone and do something new?
I’ve had a few moments like this in my life, and while some were small, others were life changing.
I’m Mandi Blake, and I’m a new blogger here at Inspy Romance. Being asked to be a part of this wonderful group of authors who share their love of Christian romance is no small thing to me.
In the last few months, I’ve felt the need for a platform. I’m only thirty years old, but I’m sitting at the kids table when it comes to computers and the internet. I don’t even update my own website, so starting my own blog wasn’t something I knew how to do.
And then one day, I was asked to join the Inspy Romance blogging team, and I just smiled. The Lord knew about that stirring in my heart, and he provided the perfect opportunity.
This isn’t the first time I’ve witnessed the Lord’s perfect timing. I’ve been an avid reader most of my life. I devoured books. My first two jobs were in bookstores, and they had to kick me out at closing time. I often showed up on my off days. I couldn’t get enough.
As much as I loved reading, it never occurred to me that I might enjoy writing my own stories. I graduated with a bachelor degree in English where I happily submitted an in depth undergrad thesis. I still didn’t feel the need to write fiction. I was happy reading. Why would I write something new when others had done that for me?
Then I married my husband, and I immediately wanted to start a family. Being a mother had always ranked higher than a successful career in my life goals, and I was eager to make my dream a reality.
But God’s plans weren’t the same as mine, and I was made to wait. That’s when I learned to trust His timing.
When my daughter was born, she didn’t sleep through the night for the first thirteen months, and I started reading during those sleepless nights. On average, I read a book a night.
Then, I started writing down ideas. They didn’t have much structure or meaning, but I started to believe I could write a story of my own. About six months later, I had the first draft of a book I’d written on my phone in the midnight hours. It wasn’t very good, and it didn’t have a purpose. It just sat there, reminding me of those nightly snuggles with my daughter.
Then one day I was sitting in church, and I had a life-changing idea. That stagnant story was supposed to be Christian fiction. The book was bland and lifeless, but it needed the Lord’s words. After that, I asked God to guide my words and make the book what He intended it to be.
That was almost two years ago. Since then, I’ve published ten Christian romance books filled with characters who lean on God’s word, and my life hasn’t been the same since.
I had to learn to trust His timing, then I learned to ask for His guidance, and now I say a prayer of thanks that I’m allowed to do what I love and share His word in the books I write.
He has opened every door for me, and each book I’ve written has been to share the amazing things He has done for me. I started writing the Unfailing Love series, and those books will forever hold a special place in my heart. The characters are not immune to struggles because being a Christian doesn’t mean life will be easy. Many of them are also looking for a place to call home, and they’ll find it in Christ.
When the Unfailing Love series was finished with six books, I started the Blackwater Ranch series. I wanted to feature a similar small-town setting as the Unfailing Love series, but I also felt called to highlight my own upbringing. I grew up on a cattle farm in rural Alabama, and farming has been a way of life for my family since before I was born.
Last year, Tara Grace Ericson invited me to join a multi-author series she was planning, and the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series was born. My book, Rescued by the Hero, is the first book in the Christian Christmas series, and a new story will release in this series every other week until the middle of December 2020. We’ve worked hard to bring you a unique series filled with loveable characters in a sweet Christmas town nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
I’m overjoyed to be joining the Inspy Romance blog. I will always celebrate Christian books, and what better place to share my love than right here?
Writing has never been a solitary task for me. I love talking about books and the messages that can be found within them, so I would be thrilled if you would connect with me on the social platform you love most.
Are you a reader who likes to write too? Poetry, journaling, short stories, or even novels? Share your love of reading or writing in the comments.
Dianne says
What an inspiring blog Mandi, thank you! Looking forward to more from you.
I have been a reader since forever. Mum and grandma started reading to me in the womb and it continued until I was able to read by myself and I still love it.
No desire to be a writer, that definitely appears to be your forte :)
Mandi Blake says
My parents read to me a lot when I was younger. My love of books started early. I’m glad your love of stories has continued. There are so many books left to be read!
Mary Preston says
I’ve never wanted to write, but I certainly love to read.
Mandi Blake says
I love knowing there are still so many books out there that I haven’t read yet!
Lori R says
I love to read and sometimes I write poetry because the words just pop into my head and I have to write them down.
Mandi Blake says
I haven’t ever been good at writing poetry, but I love reading it.
Merrillee Whren says
Welcome, Mandi. I am glad you have joined us.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you, Merrillee! I’m so happy to be here.
Marilene says
Hi Mandi, what should I say? Welcome or something like that? (LOL) I’m also a fervent reader. Writing is one of my biggest hobbies. Writing your own stories is awesome! Success with writing new blog posts (lol)
Mandi Blake says
Thank you, Marilene! We have a lot in common.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Welcome to the blog, Mandi! I’m adding Rescued by the Hero to my TBR list.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you, Kimberly! I’m so happy to be here, and I hope you enjoy the story.
Valerie Comer says
Welcome to Inspy Romance, Mandi! It’s good to have you here and get a glimpse of your path.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you, Valerie!
Trudy says
So glad to now “follow” you on here, Mandi! Actually, I guess you followed me here, since I’ve been following this blog for a few years now! You already know I love your books!!! Looking forward to your posts!!
Mandi Blake says
Hey, Trudy! It’s so nice to see you here. We run in so many of the same circles.
Lila Diller says
Hi, Mandi! I love to read and write!
Mandi Blake says
Hey Lila! It’s nice to see you here.
Megan says
Welcome Mandi! I really love reading and have discovered so many new authors through other authors and through blogs and such. I look forward to getting to know you more through this blog.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you for the encouragement, Megan!
Jeanine Hawkins says
Thanks for sharing your story, Mandi! God is so faithful to bring our dreams to reality. Love your books!
Mandi Blake says
Thank you, Jeanine. I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve seen from everyone, especially you, since I started this journey.
Trixi says
Welcome Mandi! I’m a very avid reader who enjoys a vast variety of Christian books. My two favorite genres are historical & suspense but I’ve been reading more contemporary over this last year. Maybe this pandemic had me wanting to read something different? All I know, is I’ve discovered many new-to-me writers :-)
Mandi Blake says
I enjoy a wide variety of Christian books too. I’ve picked up a few rom-coms lately when I needed a laugh. So much has changed this year!
Diana says
Lord bless you and your writing. Thank you for writing and including God in it! That is a blessing for me as a reader. I love to read. I devour books quickly. I’ve never wanted to write but am very grateful for those who do. I’m looking forward to reading your books.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you so much, Diana! I am grateful to be able to do what I love and spread the word of Christ at the same time!
Tiffany Tharpe says
Mandi,
Congratulations on joining the Inspy Romance team! I am actually a new fan of yours. I am an aspiring author and a member of the Writing Gals Facebook group and discovered you there. When I learned you were a fellow Alabamian, I had to check out your work :-). I read the first 2 books in your Blackwater Ranch series the other week and cannot wait for book 3. I have your other books on my TBR list.
Your post today has inspired me to continue holding onto my writing dream. I have wanted to write for years (have started books in my head, notebooks, and computer) but have let fear stop me from fully pursuing what I feel God is calling me to do. I hope to finally conquer my fears and step out of my comfort zone as you did.
Can’t wait to read more of your books and your blog posts here.
Mandi Blake says
Hey neighbor! I hope you continue to pursue your writing. I know it has been a huge blessing for me, and I would encourage you to do it! If you ever have questions or just want to talk, please reach out to me. I’d love to help you however I can.
Tiffany Tharpe says
Mandi,
Thanks for your words of encouragement and offer for advice. I may take you up on it one day soon :-).
Alicia Haney says
Hi Mandy, it is so very nice to see you here. I love your beautiful story of how you became an author, your books sound so very good and your book covers are Beautiful. Yes, God has the perfect timing for us, He Always does, all we have to do is be patient. I have always loved to write poems. I even wrote a little story and made it into a little book for my 3 grandchildren. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. God Bless you and your family.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you so much, Alicia. Your story for your grandchildren must be happy to have the book you made for them. I think they would remember that and the sweet gift you gave them.
Lincoln says
Welcome, Mandi! What a wonderful testimony that God took those moments in the middle of what could have been seen as trying times and turned them into the realization of a new and beautiful path. I am excited to get to know you and your writing here on IR. It’s good to have a new friend in the neighborhood!
Mandi Blake says
Hey, Lincoln. I have certainly been blessed.
Sandra Davis says
Enjoyed reading your blog, Mandi. I can understand completely the long hours awake at night. Our only daughter, who also happens to be an author, was blessed with her own little daughter who also thought nighttime was a time to bond thoroughly and completely with her Momma, and then daytime was a time for Momma to play with and entertain her. She is a little bitty thing (doctors originally kept saying she was ‘failing to thrive’, but that little munchkin is thriving perfectly fine, and at two plus can outtalk and outwalk most kids her age, and is fearless. She is trained now to play with her stuffies in the crib until the clock reaches 7am before calling out. Her favorite expression is “I can do it”. How old is your little girl now and does she now sleep well? Congratulations on becoming a successful author and a good Mom. Blessings and stay safe.
Mandi Blake says
Hey, Sandra. My daughter is four years old now, and she’s a champ at sleeping! Good things come to those who wait on the Lord. My daughter spoke well early too, and I’m sure it’s safe to say your own granddaughter may have heard her mama’s stories, songs, and prayers in those midnight hours like mine did. At least I tell myself that’s why she spoke well so early.
Natalya Lakhno says
Great post! God’s timing is always best ❤️ I’m a reader, so thank you for writing!
Mandi Blake says
Thank you for the support and encouragement!
denise says
I love writing. I’ve been published four times.
Mandi Blake says
Congratulations, Denise!
Jessica B. says
Welcome! I love to read, and have for as long as I can remember, but have never had a desire to try writing (other than a thanksgiving story in fourth grade, lol).
Mandi Blake says
I’ve always been a reader too, but my urge to write came as a shock in my late twenties.
I’m sure your thanksgiving story was wonderful. I remember writing a story about a space cat named lasagna for an eighth grade assignment. It was awful and as crazy as you might imagine.
Laurie Larsen says
Hooray! What a lovely story, and welcome to InspyRomance!! It’s a wonderful place to be.
Mandi Blake says
Thank you for the warm welcome, Laurie!
Priscila Perales says
Welcome! And thank you for sharing your story :) I love CF, and I’m always thankful for authors like you!