I’m sure that I’m not the only person who has a memory bank of firsts. When talking books, I still remember the very first book that I ever read. I was four and the book was Three Billy Goats Gruff, if you were wondering.
I also remember the first contemporary Christian romance book that I ever read. You want to know what it was? I’m going to tell you anyway (ha!). It was One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg. I can hear your shocked gasps all the way over here. I can probably guess what you’re thinking.
How did I not read CCR before 2017?
Honest answer, I have no idea except that I’d been reading historical and romantic suspense up until then. You see, I didn’t find out about Christian fiction until a few years earlier and I was introduced to a historical series that I loved and it was about 20 books long. So I’ve been “catching up” for years now. It’ll never happen, but it certainly is fun to try.
Once I read One Enchanted Christmas I fell hard for CCR. You might say it was love at first sight. Which is why it’s really no surprise that the first book I ever wrote was contemporary Christian romance. And the next book, and the one after that, and, well, you get the point.
I also remember the first time I stumbled onto InspyRomance and fell in love with the blog. I thought, “That’s going on my list. One day I’ll blog for InspyRomance.” Of course, being me, I never commented on any posts. I’m a lurker at heart. Cheers to all the 100% introverts who–like me–read every post.
Now I’ve been blogging here for a year! It’s surreal and as thrilling now as it was the first time I sat down to write my very first InspyRomance post.
Like with anything that we do, with time comes familiarity and growth. I’ve learned from that first book that I wrote and I’ve grown as a writer. God has guided me along the way and helped me find my voice through written words. I give all the honor and glory to Him, because without God none of this would be possible.
There are many more firsts that I hope and pray I’ll achieve as this author journey continues, but I trust those to God and His timing.
What are some firsts that you remember?
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor's degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she's not homeschooling her kids, you'll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha's genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.
Hi Tabitha! At almost 5 over 65 years ago as a German immigrant, my first plane ride, 7 day ocean voyage, and train ride from New York City to Michigan. At 13 becoming an American citizen. At 22 being the first person in my family to graduate from a university. So many – my first teaching job, getting married, having children then grandchildren. Buying my first car, buying a home. Retirement. Life is good with many first blessings. Count your blessings- name them one by one! Thanks. Happy August.
I remember getting my first library card at about age 4. I at first told them I didn’t want my own card, and when Mom asked me why, I told her the sign said you could check out three books, and I had more than three I wanted to check out! So, the librarian told me that was only for people they didn’t know, and since they knew me, I could get my card and all of the books I had picked out. I don’t remember the first book I ever read, though. I don’t even know the first CF book I read, though it was probably a Grace Livingston Hill book I checked out at the library, which was classed as CF back in 70’s. The first ones I ever bought were in the early 80’s, when Jane Peart’s books first came out.
The first landing on the moon.
first job offer
So many first. I do remember my first book – Heidi by Joanna Spyri.
can’t remember
Those are some amazing firsts!! I loved seeing this glimpse into you life. Thank you for sharing.
I love that you were at the library at such a young age. And that librarian is a great example of why I love libraries.
Oh that’s a good one!
What was the job, if you don’t mind me asking?
That is a good book. I remember checking it out from my school library.
I remember the first time that I was able to put pressure and walk without a leg brace after 15 months. The doctor was not sure that I would ever be able to go without the brace. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I remember the first time I had shaved ice it was at Harpers Ferry and as I am rubbing my head a lady is looking at me and we both go brain freeze.
While I don’t remember it Mum use to tell people the first 2 words I strung together were shut up. hands on hips and I walked away I was under 2 and mum and dad didn’t know if they should tell me off or laugh (they tried really hard to hold it together).
I remember the first book I fell in love with and it had 3 fairy tales including the Snow Queen which I loved. I still have the book.
First chapter book was and Enid Blyton Book Mr Gilliano’s Circus
First author who replied to a letter (snail mail) was Gilbert Morris and I still have that letter.
More firsts I’ve forgotten than I can recall. My first book was an Enid Blyton one Tuppeny, Feefo and Jinx. Tuppeny was the first character I identified with, he was short and chubby and just wanted to grow flowers and have adventures but he was supposed to toe society’s line instead. So many firsts and each expanded my horizons and my confidence and maturity. Great post. Thanks.