Monday, June 29, 2009

It's a new day, a new week and new opportunities sit and wait for the taking.
I choose to reach out and grab what sits before me.

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Land of Anxiousville and Anxiety

Don't you just hate that place between deciding what you want and obtaining it? You know... the land of Anxiousville and Anxiety? It's horrible and I don't particularly like it. Who does? Despite how I feel about it, I find myself there quite often.

We're not supposed to be anxious for anything, but how does someone achieve that? No matter what my intentions are... I find myself dog peddling in a deep pool of it.

Where does it come from? Is it from a lack of trust or faith? I don't think so, because I truly believe I have ample supply of both, yet still walk in this state. Perhaps having trust and faith isn't enough? Being able to use them properly may be the key?

I have a lot of things I want while I journey through this small span of time I have on this earth. I've already obtained of lot of those things already. It isn't the obtaining that makes up this life - it's the journey it takes getting there. So, today I'm going to try and not allow anxiety and the overwhelming feeling of being anxious mar today's journey - because that's my life we're talking about.

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

Friday, June 12, 2009

The Blood of Cain - Update

Well, I finally signed a publishing contract for the Blood of Cain.
It is scheduled for release in October 2009! (So, make sure you buy a copy - need the royalties!)

I'm getting excited. I've still got a lot of work to do between now and then, but look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.

First thing... I want to give a shout out to all those who've helped support and inspire me and my writing. May each of you receive a double portion of blessing for your support and inspiration.

First, my Father, my Friend and my Savior, Jesus. Without You, all would be meaningless. I'm only the scribe to the gift You've given me. I love You with my whole being.

Though he hasn't actually even read any of my novels, I thank my husband, Rick. Without his support and encouragement, I may have given up on my dreams a long time ago.

Next, my children, Meagan, Johnathan and Kelly, and my in-laws, Virginia and Paul. You fill my heart with all the emotions (love, anger, fear, pride, trust, hope, frustration, etc.) I need to identify in my writing. To my Pastors Dan & Carla Patrick, who are the parents I never had but always dreamed about. Dreams do really come true, maybe not always in the package we imagined, but in hindsight... still the same dream. This is the family I dreamed about as a little child.

Now, to the rest of you. My editor, Steven Henderson, who I may or may not like in the coming months.... depending on how much mutilation is involved. I appreciate honesty, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. My publisher, Lois Bennett and the family at Fireside Publishing for believing in me and my work enough to want to publish me. My friends and family at DLCC, you know who you are (or maybe you don't...LOL!). To all my friends and foes at Critique Circle, who've helped shape my writing with all your opinions, hats off to you. And, to those who helped inspire the characters that sprang to life on the pages of this manuscript - Jensen Ackles, Steven Strait, Paul Bettany and Allison Mack.

Thank you all... and as the opening to this blog says... 'hang on... it's going to be a bumpy ride!'

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray