Author Archives: galeongirl

New Beginnings

After one month and one year of living with my family in Nevis, MN, I moved back to the Alexandria area! Alexandria, MN, is home for so many reasons. It’s where I got my first job out of college when I was twenty years old. It’s where I stopped feeling so shy and made good friends at church, at CRU Bible study, and at young adult gatherings. It’s where I had the experience of living and working through Covid in the healthcare field–which was an adventure in itself. It’s where I got to live with two of my best friends and some of the best roommates a girl could ask for–Auddy and Islande, who originally came from Haiti. They cooked delicious, Haitan food; and what’s better, they shared it with me! Alexandria is where I first fell in love and over the years learned some very hard lessons and hopefully new wisdom about dating relationships. Now here I am, I’m back. I’m living in Glenwood, MN, just fifteen miles south of Alexandria.

I truly enjoyed my time living with family in Nevis. During that year, God gifted me with time to improve my health, to grow emotionally and spiritually through some tough decisions, and to develop deeper friendships with my five younger siblings and parents. I learned so much during my time in Nevis. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. To all my friends and family there, I love and miss you!

I do believe God has given me new opportunities to learn and grow here in Glenwood. God opened the door for employment at Glacial Ridge Hospital. I am now working as a full-time physical therapist assistant again, and I am asking questions and learning new things daily. I’m so thankful I have a wonderful, highly-intelligent team of coworkers to learn from!

The second door God opened for me in Glenwood was affordable housing. Apartments are tough to find these days, and they are usually not cheap. Somehow, I got my name first on the list for a beautiful, affordable two bedroom unit within walking distance of Lake Minnewaska. The apartment is pet friendly, so I’ve been able to adopt my first ever pet as an adult woman: a soft, cuddly kitty named Daisy. 🥰

I am also connecting with fellow believers in Jesus who haven’t been afraid to share their faith with me–and I’m grateful for that! Finding a church home and a young adult Christian community here are my two big prayers right now. I have a wonderful church family at Alexandria’s Grace Baptist Church, but I am prayerful about joining a church right in Glenwood to make friends in my local community.

There are so many big, new blessings in my life right now. I truly want to live in thankfulness to God everyday! In my life (as in all our lives), I have had seasons of plenty with heaps of blessing, and seasons of loss where many things were taken away. I am grateful for a season of new beginnings, and I am honored that God has entrusted me with many new responsibilities.

A Bible verse that spoke to me as I was praying about all these big decisions and new changes is 1 Chronicles 16:11: “Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.” In whatever challenges you and I are facing, I pray we can look to God’s awesome strength today and trust Him.

Fall Festival

Autumn has definitely arrived! When I look outside, I see stark blue skies and blazing leaves on the trees. I always know it’s fall when I wander in the woods and the air smells crisp and cool, and I see fallen leaves dotting the paths between the trees.

During this new season, my prayer for myself and those around me is this: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13. In this time when I am seeking work and acclimating to the Nevis, MN, community, I am reminded that I need to trust in the Lord each new day.

To kick off fall this year, I sold my novels at the Bemidji Fall Festival on Saturday, September 16th. There were roughly sixty vendors at the festival selling beautiful homemade items such as fall décor, baked goodies, and hand-painted teapots. I set up a stand alongside my friends Hannah Schoenfelder and Madisen Frasier. Hannah sold delectable cookies and bars by the dozens, and Madisen, another Minnesota author, sold out of all her books except one.

It was a joy for me to introduce to the public my newest release, Forbidden Love, which officially came out the day of the festival. I sold twenty novels total on Saturday, and more importantly, I built friendships and connections with so many wonderful people. I am excited for the next festival!

Book Signing in Alexandria!

Saturday, April 1st, 2023, is a special day, and not just because it is April Fool’s Day. On April 1st, Cherry Street Books in Alexandria, Minnesota, has agreed to host a book signing for me!

I will be at the bookstore from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with several copies of my debut novel Reckless Love available for purchase. Please bring a friend and enjoy browsing downtown Alexandria’s beautiful bookstore!

March 7th, 2023

Next Tuesday, March 7, 2023, is a special day for two reasons: One, it is the official publication date for Reckless Love. This title will be available not only in eBook form, but also in print! This is a day I have long been praying and waiting for. I can’t wait to share my novel, the words from my heart, with all of you!

Secondly, on March 7th, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel with a missionary team to the country of Honduras! Twelve of us from several different churches are volunteering at an orphanage/school in Talanga, Honduras. We will be gone for ten days and will have the opportunity to share Jesus’ love with precious children.

It amazes me that the Lord has arranged for two such monumentous events to occur on the same exact day! I’m excited for this adventure. Please pray for God’s blessing on my novel’s publication and for safe travels for our missionary team.

Look for Reckless Love in Stores

I am excited to announce that Reckless Love is now available online as an eBook! You can purchase my novel on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple iBooks.

The official publication date for the paperback is March 7, 2023. However, the paperback can be pre-ordered from now on up to that date.

On Saturday, April 1st, I plan to do a book signing at Cherry Street Books in Alexandria, Minnesota. I would love it if you could be there! I am so thankful for all the wonderful people who are supporting me on this writing journey. God has blessed me abundantly!

Reckless Love in Bookstores

A lot has happened these past several months. The last time I posted, I was selling my self-published books at church picnics and local events. That was June of 2021.

In July 2021, my aunt emailed me information about a Christian publisher: Xulon Press. The email intrigued me. “Are you called to write? Publish with a faith-based publisher,” the email said. Xulon advertised a free publishing guide and consultation with an author coach. I was already self-published through Lulu Press, but Xulon promised to help with editing and getting my book into stores–namely, Christian bookstores. I took a leap of faith, and I set up a consultation with a Xulon representative.

Now, fast forward nearly seven months. I’m in the process of being published by Xulon Press. Reckless Love has gone through several more rounds of editing. Specialists at Xulon have designed a beautiful front cover for my novel. I’m holding my breath and committing my book to prayer as I gather my files to send into production.

These next few months will be busy ones. I am in contact with Emily Regnier, from Cherry Street books in Alexandria, Minnesota. She is hosting a book signing for me and plans to sell my novel once it comes out of production. I’m just waiting for details about when my book will be ready. I will post book signing dates as soon as I can.

Further ideas I have for advertising are calling into PraiseLive.org, the Christian radio station based in Osakis, Minnesota, and telling the public more about my book. I hope to speak at the young adult’s group I attend at Reach Church in Alexandria and possibly give my testimony and why I’m writing. Finally, I want to do some self-marketing at the library, surrounding bookstores, and local churches.

Would you please pray with me that God will grant me wisdom and success in all these endeavors? I’m nervous about marketing, because I have a tough time talking about myself and why people should buy my book. I am a rather timid person, so this whole process sounds big and scary. Please pray that God will place my book into the hands of all those He wants to read it.

God bless your week! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Books for Sale!

I am blessed to know so many wonderful people. Last weekend, Fellowship Baptist Church in Nevis had a summer picnic. Pat Spurlin, my parents’ neighbor and friend, hosted the gathering. Pat invited me to set up a bookstand to sell my novels at the picnic. Since I write romantic Christian fiction, I decided my writing stand must have a romantic theme. I bought a lacy white tablecloth and decorated my table with flowers and old-fashioned accessories. I wore a dainty white sundress and sat among the lilacs out on the lawn. Before the meal began, Pat Spurlin and Mary Lou Barnum stood and gave positive testimonials about my novels to the group gathered. Then I was invited to speak to the crowd about why I wrote my stories. I ended up selling out that day. Those dear people purchased twenty-two of my novels!

This week I made my books available for sale at the Galeon Senior Living in Osakis, where I work as a physical therapist assistant. Beth DeWenter, our receptionist, helped me print out colorful posters of my books to hang around the facility. Angie Reinke, our administrator, came up with the idea to take my picture for the Galeon’s Facebook page. Within a few days, I’ve sold four copies of each of my books. Praise God for such kind, supportive people!

This weekend I traveled back home to Nevis, Minnesota, to pursue more avenues for book sales. Shenanigans in Nevis sells local artwork, stories, and crafts; and they agreed to set up a stand to market my novels. Anne Bedford from Pine Beach Resort in Nevis agreed to sell my novels as well. I’m especially excited to sell my books at Pine Beach, as my novel Forbidden Love is set at Pine Beach in 1947.

Today I set up a writing stand at the Dorset Art Fair. I networked with three other local authors and gained valuable writing and marketing insights. I only sold four of my novels before the wind and rain drove us indoors, but I thoroughly enjoyed the art fair and opportunity to connect with other writers.

Upcoming events I look forward to are the Nevis Muskie Days July 22-23rd, and the Taste of Dorset on Saturday, August 6th. I plan to set up my writing stand once more, and I hope to sell more books at these fun festivals. I praise God for so many opportunities to share the words from my heart!

New Developments

I love to write. I love using my words to capture emotions and tell a gripping story. I’m excited that my stories are being shared! I’ve been invited to share my writing at two community events over the next two weeks.

Event #1: This Sunday, June 12th, I’m selling my novels at Fellowship Baptist Church’s summer picnic in Nevis, Minnesota. So far, sixty people have signed up to attend the picnic, and several have expressed an interest in my novels. I’ll set up a stand for people to browse through my books while they enjoy their meal.

Event #2: Yesterday, a friend told me about an art and writing festival taking place in Dorset, Minnesota, on Saturday, June 18th. Joan Grover, owner of Antiques Stop and the Dorset bookstore, invited me to set up a book stand at the festival. She told me this event is a great way for local authors to sell their work and gain public exposure. I can’t wait to meet and ask questions of the other authors.

In many ways, I’m going back to my roots by selling my books at events. When I was six years old, I set up a “story stand” at my parent’s garage sale to sell picture books I’d written. Later, when my family moved to Nevis and my dad opened an automotive shop, I set up a story stand in his office and sold stories to many of his customers. I was eight years old.

I work full-time as a physical therapist assistant, so I get plenty of time away from my computer screen. I’m thankful. I love to work with my hands and exercise my body. And I enjoy working with people. Every day I’m blessed with opportunities to listen to others’ stories and help people get stronger physically. I thank God that I get to help people and show them His love. Loving God and loving others brings me joy.

I think of every accomplishment, every material possession, every experience I could have… and then I compare these things to love and relationships. Which is more valuable? Maybe it’s just me, but if I didn’t have love, everything else would seem meaningless.

My heart mourns the love I lost this spring. A heartbreak is painful. I cry every day, whenever I remember, whenever a sad song plays on the radio. Will my heart ever heal? I don’t want to be stuck in the past. But more than that, I don’t want to stuff my emotions and lose my ability to feel.

This is quite the summer for me. Many opportunities, yet so much loss. Such hope, but so much uncertainty. I pray for God’s direction. Sometimes I wonder why God allows certain things to be taken away, and certain things to be blessed. I don’t know the answer. But I know that God is far wiser than I can imagine. I cannot put Him in a box. His ways are beyond searching out, and He alone knows the end from the beginning. I can trust Him.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33

Self Published!

This is an extraordinary summer for me. I’m excited. I’m overjoyed. I’m overwhelmed. I’m scared. I’ve been sitting on two completed novels for a full year. Yeah, it’s crazy, I know. My novels have been proof-read, edited, shared amongst close family and friends…and then tucked away in my closet. I’ve dreamt of sharing them further. I’ve wanted so badly for my words to reach people’s hearts. But I’ve been scared. What will people say about my stories? My novels reveal my heart, my soul, my inner longings and dreams. Will people think I’m crazy?

My novels don’t fit the mold most publishing companies have set. Agents and publishers of romantic fiction require specific guidelines regarding plot, characterization, and romantic development between characters. I researched story regulations, and my heart grew sad. I cannot revolutionize my stories to fit this mold. The joy and individuality of my writing would be lost. Instead, I found a proofreader. I worked closely with him to edit and analyze my manuscripts so they could be as concise and powerful as possible. I submitted to a couple agents and publishing companies… and got rejected.

So I self published my stories! I uploaded my manuscripts to Lulu.com, a user-friendly, self-publishing website. I designed basic covers for my novels and made copies available on demand for myself to buy and distribute.

Then life got busy. Really busy. In May 2021, I met someone special. I was swept off my feet. Need I say more? All my thoughts, hopes, and dreams revolved around this person. He became my life. But now, he is so far from me that his face, his voice, can only be memories. That is a story for another day.

Fast forward to May 2022. With my heart broken and my world turned inside out, I returned to my stories. Once again, I read through both my finished novels: Reckless Love and Forbidden Love. The characters drew me in. I emphasized with their motivations, struggles, and determination to love at all costs. I cried at their heartbreaks. I cheered their successes. I decided these are stories that need to be shared. I had no great interest in submitting to agents and cutting my novels to fit a standard mold. I wanted to share them as is.

My goal for the future is to work with a professional illustrator to update my cover designs. My covers right now are very simple, very basic. But the stories are finished. They beg to be shared. So, this spring, I took a leap of faith. I began sharing my stories again with friends and acquaintances. People were intrigued. I was giving my books away, but many people expressed a desire to buy my stories. I ordered dozens of my books, finding dozens more people to distribute to.

I believe God is at work in this. I learned I truly can share my faith and my heart with people through my writing. This spring, friends from my parents’ church in Nevis, MN, asked me to set up a writing stand at a church summer picnic. They want me to sell my stories to the entire church, whoever is willing to buy. I am amazed and excited. I’m brainstorming further ways to share my writing this summer.

Overall, I’m praying earnestly that God will bless the work of my hands and the words from my heart. My goals for the coming weeks and months are to make my stories available to as many people as I can. I plan to upload a link for others to purchase my novels on Lulu.com and on this website. I hope to eventually do a facelift on the covers of my novels. Also, I’m excited to kick off this blog to share my writing Journey with you. I’m new at all this, and it’s rather intimidating. But I know God is with me. He will never leave me or forsake me. I want to commit this journey to him. I pray and trust in God’s promise from Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” May we all learn lots along the way!