I can’t believe we’re nearly a third of the way through the year! Summer is coming up fast. Not too fast, I hope. I’d like some time to enjoy moderately warm temperatures before it gets so hot you are inside unless you’re in a body of water. Not that we have too much of that here in the mountains, but I like warm, sunny days much more than hot, sunny days. Here in Asheville, some trees still don’t have leaves. My peony plants look hardy, though I had to cover them a few nights ago so the buds wouldn’t die with the freezing night temperature. I think they survived. Last year I didn’t have such luck. I cannot wait for the blooms in May! But, before we rush forward into a month, let’s take a few minutes to think over the past month and share some highlights. You can do the same by linking up over at HeatherGerwing.com.
Something Loved
My family has annual passes for Biltmore Estate. I drove over to the gardens earlier this month to see the tulips while they were blooming. The gardens at the Biltmore are especially stunning in spring and summer. It was a lovely, sunny day when I went and I was not disappointed. I will go back in May when the peonies and roses begin to bloom. Hopefully, they’ll be on full display when my family arrives for their visit.
Something Gleaned
The small group I’m leading has begun reading Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado. We’re only a few chapters in, but I’ve already written down some quotes from the book that have been getting me thinking. I will share them below. I’ve enjoyed the discussion about fear we’ve had thus far and look forward to working through the rest of the book with them.
Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness.
The fear-filled cannot dream wildly.
Nothing fosters courage like a clear grasp of grace. And nothing fosters fear like an ignorance of mercy.
Max Lucado, “Fearless”
Have you read Fearless? Does it sound like something you might enjoy reading?
Something Braved
I’ve sent out copies of my middle-grade book to Beta readers. It’s always a little nerve-wracking sending my work to others, because I have no control over how it’s received. It’s a necessary step in polishing the manuscript and getting it ready for querying, but it isn’t easy. Hopefully, they will provide me with useful feedback and I can take the next step.
It also took courage asking for Beta readers. It’s a request for people to volunteer their time to read something and answer specific questions. Being new to the writing and publishing world, I don’t have a lot of connections. It’s mostly trying to build an audience from scratch.
Did you do something a little scary this month?
Something Achieved
In a similar vein of the previous topic, I finished a round of edits on my middle-grade novel. That was my goal so that I could send it to Beta readers.
I also visited a couple of new-to-me exercise classes at my gym. I tried one called Centergy, which was kind of like yoga on steroids. It was challenging, but I enjoyed it. I also went to Group Power, which is essentially a weight-lifting class. I’ve neglected strength training lately, opting for more HIIT workouts, and it was good to challenge my body.
What’s something you achieved this month?
I have never been to the Biltmore Estate, but I’d like to go someday. Thanks for your inspiration, and blessings on your book!
You should definitely visit the Biltmore. There’s so much to see and it’s a great experience.
Oh, it’s been so long since we visited Asheville…and the Biltmore. When we have gone, it is usually in the fall. I can imagine spring is beautiful! Congratulations on getting your books out for review! Wow! Just imagine when they roll off the presses!!
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m hoping to have at least one published by the end of the year.
Well done on all your writing progress this month! And thanks for the book recommendation. I haven’t read that one but I have read Max Lucado’s other book “Anxious for Nothing” which sounds similar and which I found really helpful.
Anxious for Nothing was another book I considered for our study. I’m enjoying the one we decided on.
Megan, Biltmore Estate looks lovely, I have always wanted to go there. Congratulations on braving the beta readers and edits-I know I would be totally anxiety ridden putting my work out for others to “critique”. So I imagine no coincidence you were reading Max Lucado’s book! Sounds like a good one for me too. Wishing you blessings and smooth sailing on your book project!
Donna, Thank you for the encouraging words. It’s actually a coincidence that I’m reading Fearless while sending out books to readers, but it probably won’t hurt my frame of mind!
Biltmore Estate looks beautiful. I wish tulip’s stayed out all summer. I live in Western Pennsylvania the weather has been decent here the past few days. I love summer, for me the hotter the better. Congratulations on your book. Fearless sounds like a great read, I’m going to have to add that to my to be read list. Blessings.
Tulips are a joy to look at. I’m partial to peonies, so I’m anxious for May to arrive!
The Biltmore Estate gardens are lovely! I’m so glad you are able to enjoy them in each season. Congratulations on making progress on your books!
I’ve been trying to take full advantage of my Biltmore membership. I look forward to the rose garden being in full bloom. The smells are so wonderful!
We’ve only been to Biltmore twice, which is crazy because it’s only like a 2-hour drive…I think it’s the cost that gets us. Yay for getting your book into your Beta reader’s hands. I have not read Fearless but it sounds like a great read. Have a wonderful week.
I wouldn’t go to the Biltmore so much if we didn’t have a pass. It’s only 20 minutes from us, and I still only make it every couple of months.
“Yoga on steroids” LOL! Way to rock another month!!
Thanks! I’m trying to get everything done before summer hits and my regular routine goes out the window!
Love your book cover Megan! Some day I’ll have time to read fiction. Maybe you’ll be inspired to record the audiobook?
Thanks Beth! If there is an audiobook, I won’t be the one reading it. 🙂