Wintersβ Day In
Spilling the tea since 2006. Wanna cuppa?
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author and songwriter (and aspiring mermaid) Talena Winters.
7 Things: The Busy Writerβs Edition
Obligatory blog update. Mostly about writing. But also with a motivational Facebook Live video and guest post mention, in case you missed it. ;-)
Finding Heaven Book Launch Event
I hosted the book launch for Finding Heaven on November 16 at my local library, two days after the book was released. It was a great event. Here are some photos to prove it.
Finding Heaven: A Story That Matters
Two years ago, when I began this journey, I was terrified. I was newly grieving. I didn't know why this was the story God gave me to write, but I did know that it was the one I was supposed to write. Here are some early reviews that confirmed that to me.
7 Moments: What's Been Keeping Me Busy
A photo essay of what's been filling up my blog silence.
When You Just Canβt Do It All
Lately, I've been getting that too-familiar "overwhelmed" feeling. Looking back over the first six months of this year, I am coming to a difficult conclusion: I still can't do it all. So it's time to reset some priorities.
Behind-the-Scenes of "Finding Heaven"
I think all great stories probably begin with a question that the author has to answer for themselves. Thus it was that, in 2012 while I was learning how to create a career as a writer, I also got the seed idea that eventually bloomed into Finding Heaven.
7 Things I'm Grateful For
Wow, so much has happened last week/will be happening this week that I'm going to be posting a couple times this week. For today, because it's Monday, because it's been a while, and because I'm much better at posting these moments on Instagram and Facebook than keeping my blog updated, here's a 7 Things summary of what's been going on.
Sticks and Stones, Love
What happened when my book was captured by pirates. Turns out, it's a lot more fun when it's in fiction than when it happens to your fiction...
Book, Body, and Knitting Reset
This week, I have been resetting physically and mentally, including my current writing project. Plus, a quick knitting update.
Getting Unstuck
A day at a time, the log jam is loosening and the ideas are flowing. The sun is coming back, energy is returning, and I am pulling myself blinking from the retreat of hibernation. For my own mental and emotional health, this year needs to be less about driving myself and more about reducing commitments, taking care of myself, and finding my passion again. It needs to be about healing.
Photo Friday: Become Brave
The theme of my life for the last several months has been about becoming brave. My life has become less about protecting myself, and more about how my life can bless others. Sometimes, the things I have done have cost me. But for the most part, they have helped my heart and my courage to grow. Here are some lessons I've learned on the way.
"Finding Heaven" Cover Reveal!
Announcing the cover for my new book, Finding Heaven. (In case you missed the newsletter announcement.) Plus CSA and other resources.
Working Towards a Dream
A dream you don't put efforts toward is a wish. Are you working toward your dream today?
Behind the Stories, and a Sneak Preview of Finding Heaven
Translating imaginary people into the real world can require quite a bit of research. My hope is that while I entertain, my story makes a difference. My current novel is set in San Francisco, Edmonton, and Mumbai. Here's a sneak preview...
Endings and Beginnings
As a reader, I always thought that the ending was the goal. And it is. But it never occurred to me that it was the well-written middle that actually got me there as inevitably as a cart on a roller coaster track.
If only life had someone writing me out of my "swampy middles."