January has been a month that was more full than I expected. I had been hoping for a lot of cold writing days. Instead, we had almost spring-like weather and a lot of days where I was out and about with family. What a blessing. 

It was right here a moment ago. My enthusiasm for starting the new year and diving back into blogging was here, but then suddenly it was gone. Where did it go? I had such passion – so many good ideas. I didn't understand where they went...

...until I stopped to think about it.

I got online and I saw what was being shared by authors and friends that had likes and comments:

• Praising a girl’s article about all the things her parents taught her that were wrong.
• Warnings about a damaging teaching.
• A short video mocking people who don’t like to read.
• A funny video with a fake argument defending a genre.
• A list of things people shouldn’t say to someone going through a certain struggle.

All of these things have some value. None of them are wrong in of themselves. But do you notice what I do? It’s all coming from a defensive and negative point. Yet, I get it. If you share something from a positive and happy point of view, you don’t get as much of a response. This is even true with book reviews. I rarely get a comment on a book I give five stars to, but usually get a few when I post a negative review.

So why did realizing this trend discourage me to the point I wasn’t blogging? I know that not participating in some trends sometimes means fewer people see my work. Like it or not, what is trending does affect what people are looking for. I looked at what I wanted to do and was good at doing and I see there isn’t as much of a market for it even from when I started.

• I’m not good at making videos. I’ve tried.
• I feel there is far too much tearing down out there. We need to spend a lot more time encouraging and building up.
• I’m not a trend setter or even the best at what I do.

When realized what had been holding me back from blogging, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders and I had so many ideas for blog posts and fun. So there is more coming to this more. And once again, I’m reminded that I have a lot of learning to do. I’m grateful that God is such a patient teacher.

 

Did you enjoy this post? It reminded me of this one I wrote in 2017.

Amy Lynn Green has become a favorite author since her first book. Each book delves into an interesting historical perspective with a story that isn't based on romance. This book explored friendship and she hit it out of the park. I loved it because, in the end, the friendships were so realistic, not everyone is best buddies, or shares everything, but it's still so satisfying. I just adored this story. 


Here we go, the first of Politano's books on my list. Her books just reached deep into my heart and soul this year. I devoted all of her books and couldn't wait for her next book. She has an absolutely amazing writing style, strong female characters that aren't trying to be guys, and her faith elements are so, so strong. I listened to this book when I was having a rough time and it just helped point me upward to Jesus. 


What were your top reads of 2022?

 

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With the Christmas season upon us I thought I would share a few Christmas book recommendations with you. 

 The Christmas Card by Amanda Tru

I read this book this year on Kindle Unlimited. It was a sweet story of how doing things for Jesus transforms us. 

The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt by Joan Campbell 

This is one of my favorites! A young woman goes on a journey, paid for by her grandmother. It is lots of fun.

At the Christmas Lodge by Rebekah A. Morris

This sweet story with lots of nostalgic Christmas feels.

Some Christmas Camouflage by Elisabeth Grace Foley 

This is a short story is so sweet and I loved that it was about a married couple.

Comfort and Joy by Lynette Sowell

This one was about an older couple finding love at Christmas. 

Solve by Christmas by Amber Schamel

This one has a havier topic, but very powerful.

Sincerely, Jem by Kate Willis

This is a fun epistolary Christmas novella!

Sylvie of Amber Apartments by J. Grace Pennington

This is a fun story with notes of Anne of Green Gables. 

Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath

This was a fun story with A Christmas Carol feels.

Snow-Globe World by Chelsea Burden

This is an imaginative story about the Christmas world in a snowglobe.

The Swaddling Clothes by Amber Schamel

This imagines a possible story behind the swaddling clothes of Jesus.

The Incense Road  by Tracy L. Higley

This was a well-researched novella series about the story of the wisemen.