I’ve just returned from a massive writing conference in Las Vegas, Nevada called 20Booksto50K. Nearly 2,000 writers converged to talk writing and marketing, but you know what the biggest topic of conversation was? YOU.
This yearly conference is for writers in all genres, but on the eve of the first day, about a dozen authors of Christian fiction met up for dinner. During the meal, I often heard words like grace and hope and redemption. We talked about how to convey those themes in our work, and how to meet the desires of readers, like you, who take the time to pick up our books and read.
It’s humbling to sit in the quiet of our offices and pour out words on a page in hopes of giving you something worthy of your time. We don’t take that for granted. One author said she wants her books to be like a large banquet table in which the reader is invited to join her. I love that and totally agree!
Here’s a photo from our first night at the conference. (Fun fact: I met Valerie Comer in person at this conference several years ago!) Those pictured here who write fiction are Susie May Warren, Robin Patchen, Katherine Karrol, Evelyn Grace, Cynthia Cooke, Katy Lee, Robin Merrill, Julie Carobini (that’s me!), and Tracy Higley.
Now that I’m back from Vegas (yay for my own bed!), I’m sifting through my notes, looking for ways to improve on the craft I love so much. It’s also Thanksgiving week here in the US, a time set aside to reflect on all of our blessings.
It’s been a tough year for me with loss and health issues, but I am also grateful for so much: family, faith, home, and yes, you!
Wherever you are in the world, tell me: What are you grateful for this year?
JULIE CAROBINI writes inspirational beach romances and cozy mysteries ... with a twist. She is the author of 20+ books across two names and is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. Her bestselling titles include Walking on Sea Glass, Runaway Tide, Windswept, The Christmas Thief, and more. Julie has received awards for writing and editing from The National League of American Pen Women and ACFW, and she is a double finalist for the ACFW Carol Award. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan--not too far from their grown up kids. Grab a free eBook here: www.juliecarobini.com/free-book
Originally from Puerto Rico, and for the last 38 in South Florida (Palm Beach).
Most grateful for my husband of 40 years.
I’ve never been to Palm Beach but my husband loved visiting Miami. Maybe one if these days… lovely comment. Congrats!
I’m grateful for my salvation and that Jesus is always with me! I also grateful that my season of grief brought me closer to God than ever before. Through Mom’s passing and all that’s happened since in the almost two years, my relationship has grown deeper than ever before. I thought it was already strong, and it was, but now it’s much stronger as I’ve had to put my faith into even more practice!!
What a testament, Trudy! Thank you so much.
So glad to hear that things are looking up for you. I am glad you had a fabulous time in Las Vegas. Yes we all really do have a lot to be thankful for. I am so thankful that we have great doctors and surgeons. My husbands health has been hit hard the last two to three months. And things are starting to look up. I am thankful that he works from home so he can do half days or no days at work, depending on how he feels. He is a year away from retiring so he can relax a little and heal up. I praise the Lord for all of this and for family and friends who have been with us this whole time.
Really is a blessing to have that flexibility! I hope your dear husband’s health continues to improve, Lori.
My family and friends.Also that my 95 year old grandpa is still alive and still doing pretty good but he needs 24 hour care but we don’t think he has too much longer but we never thought he would live over 2 years after my grandma passed away suddenly on March 24 2020 from a fall we always thought my grandpa would die first.I stay every Sunday night with my grandpa so I want to be with him until he dies cause I was very close to my grandma I would go to her house about every day and build puzzles with her. The last few years we didn’t really get together for Thanksgiving because of the pandemic so this year we went to south Dakota to see my sister and her family.
So much love in your family, Kendra! Beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for God, our father and creator. No matter what I am going through, when I go to my quiet place to do my morning devotions, He talks to me. The devotions always, ALWAYS applies to what is going on in my life. And if noting is happening, He still reminds me that He is near.
I’m also thankful, of course, for my family, friends, food, and shelter. And all of the Christian authors I have come to know this year. I’m also glad for the trials and tribulations I go through.
Thank you for the reminder, Bonnie. You are a blessing!
I am grateful for the Lord’s salvation. I am grateful to my amazing husband who has become my full time caregiver. I am grateful that the insurance company has approved me for an electric wheelchair. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I’m so glad to hear about your electric wheelchair, Debra. As I’ve helped my parents, I’ve become more aware of how difficult it can be for those w/limited mobility to navigate. Celebrating with you!
I am grateful for Botox that it keeps the head pain lower. (I honesty don’t want to go back to the 7 out of 10 constant pain). Grateful for a free load of wood in winter. Grateful for some friends who give me a ride when needed (as I don’t drive). Oh and that the huge gum tree from next door is gone as it was getting dangerous. Dropped a huge limb that landed on the neighbours porch. If not taken out it probably would have dropped on my shed or even house as there was signs of termite damage in the limbs.
I don’t want you to go back to that kind of pain either, Jenny! (I, too, deal w/chronic pain and what a relief it is when we find what works.) It sounds like you have lovely friends.
looks fun
It was. Lovely women!
I am grateful for the low income apartment I have.
What a blessing in these times, Kim!!
I am especially grateful this year for my Church family. Not only do we worship God together, but we help each other through tough times, pray for each other, reach out to the community together, love on each other, and laugh a lot! I am truly seeing what the Body of Christ is supposed to look like. My prayer is that EVERYONE would find the kind of church community I have! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Doing what a church is supposed to do, Robin! So glad you found a gem.