#WednesdayWordswithFriends Welcomes... Me Again!

Good Morning,

I pray your Valentine's Day was blessed and happy and that your Mardi Gras celebrations are safe and fun-filled! Did you know the King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870 and the colors (Purple for Justice, Green for Faith and Gold for Power) were chosen to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany? I thought that bit of trivia would interest you, especially since Mardi Gras is right around the corner.

Earlier this month I mentioned that I was cleaning and decluttering my room and creating space for a new bed and desk. Since that's all done now, I thought I'd share the results with you. You may (or may not) know I've been living in a tiny home (actually a 12x30 shed that was fashioned into a small efficiency house) since 2018. When I first moved in, the place was furnished with a double bed, and a huge dresser which I asked the landlord to remove so my desk would fit in its place. I also had 2 book cases all in an 8x12 bedroom. Talk about crowded, but I made it work. Here's a quick video of the house (forgive the darkness photography is not my strong point LOL!) ...

Well in the past few weeks, I've gotten a new (single) bed onto which my Honey built a bookcase headboard. I bought a smaller desk and rearranged the room and it looks and feels a whole lot bigger! It's funny how such a simple change can make a huge difference in the energy of a room and give renewed life to the entire place including its inhabitants. Take a look....

Here's a short video...

I appreciate all the feedback on Circles of Fate cover last month. I put the entire issue on the back burner for now because no matter how many times I looked at them or who said what, none really spoke to me on an intuitive level. I'll look at them again and let y'all know what/when I decide on changing that cover. 

Not much else happening in my personal life. As for the writing.... Love is a Rose audiobook is out and I have FREE codes for anyone who'd like to listen and review the book. 

Email me or leave a comment with your request and I'll send one right over to you. Don't forget, I still have codes for Lori's Redemption, Tempered Truth and Keri's Christmas Wish too! 

I'm still doing writing sprints and now have over 14K words on Women of the 9th Circle, and I've got my edits back on Kyleigh's story. I discovered a new publishing company, Magnolia Blossom and like what I've seen of their current releases so I may submit this book to them. Either way, I'll keep you informed as things move along with that book.

I’ve got a new short romantic story up on my website for newsletter subscribers so if you haven’t done so already, subscribe today!

That's about it for now, friends. Hope you enjoyed catching up as much as I did and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Welcomes ME....

Good Morning!

It's the time for me to share my heart with you this month. If only I had a powerful and meaningful message. Those will come. God is working in me every day. The holiday season is right around the corner and I encourage you to think of all God has done for you. The Bible talks about God having a "book of remembrance" - We should have one too! 

A gratitude journal or if you're not a writer or feel you don't have time to write down your blessings and miracles, then have an attitude of gratitude. A mind to remember all the good and a voice to speak those things out loud. Even in the privacy of your home or car but especially in public.

Never be ashamed of the blessings God has bestowed on your or to give Him honor for them!

I have a new FREE story up for my newsletter subscribers this month, so if you haven't subscribed, do so now using the signup feature in the sidebar or on my FB Author Page.

Great news!

Lori's Redemption is now available in Audio! I have some codes for a FREE audio book to anyone willing to post a review. Respond to this post OR email me (pam@pamelathibodeaux.com) and I'll get that over to you ASAHP.

Tempered Truth has been recorded and approved and is awaiting release through ACX. I'll keep you posted on that. AND, Keri's Christmas Wish is in production after which, Love is a Rose devotional will be next. Circles of Fate and The Visionary are scheduled for 2022.

That's about it on the writing front. I haven't written in a while, been busy with updating platforms and getting books at Ingram Spark and other things, but once completed, I should be able to write more steadily. I know, I know....you can't find time to write, you have to make it. It's a matter of priority and I need to practice what I preach LOL! 

I will....I will. But until then, I pray for your patience and hope you'll drop by the blog each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends A Message from Me....

Good Morning Friends and Welcome!

Well, hurricane season just keeps on giving. Misery that is. Although Tropical Storm Nicholas made landfall in SW TX, it's been steadily raining here since Monday night. Hopefully it'll clear up today though before we all float away.

There's not a whole lot going on in my life right now. My newsletter goes out tomorrow and I'm sharing a link to my website with slideshows and recaps of my trip to Alaska. Although I shared some here a couple of weeks ago, you'll find a lot more info on the website so, if you're not subscribed to the newsletter, do so now so you can check it out! 

I shared these memes to social media a few weeks back hoping to encourage readers that I am writing (although I haven't written much on that particular story since).

Kyleigh's Cowboy is almost finished. First draft of it anyway. I only need to flesh out the last chapter and then, hopefully I can get it to an editor and up before the end of the year. I also have a couple more ideas floating around in my brain (not to mention a dozen or more sitting in files waiting to be developed). My goal for 2021 was to retire from insurance, wrap up projects that really have nothing or little to do with my writing and be organized and focused to WRITE more in 2022. Please pray that I can do all that.

Another item on my To Do lists was to get all of my books in audio. Well, I'm happy to say Lori's Redemption is in production with ACX. Which means it's been narrated and approved by me so once it goes through ACX production the audio book will be live! I had to find a new narrator because the lovely Terri England, who narrated the entire Tempered series & My Heart Weeps retired from narrating! Never fear though, Lia Frederick is wonderful too. I'm truly impressed at what she's done with Lori's Redemption and have contracted Tempered Truth & Keri's Christmas Wish - both of which should be done and out before Christmas. I'll keep you posted on that.

Guess that's about all for now friends. Thank you for stopping by. Be sure and check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God Bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends ~ A note from Yours Truly....

Good Morning Friends!

If you read my introduction to the Saturday Spotlight post on July 10th OR received my newsletter, you know that my beloved Silver Spur Guest Ranch is closed until a new owner is found. I went to Bandera and the Spur on July 9th for a "Farewell Silver Spur" party on the 10th. Bittersweet visit but good in that I was able to visit with friends I hadn't seen in years. Here is a pic of most of the people I worked with on the Spur. A few couldn't make it but we felt their spirits all around us.

I'm not sure what's going to happen to the Spur once a new owner is in charge. I can only hope and pray it once more becomes a place of healing and hope as it was for me when I worked there between 2010 and 2014. 

Friday I leave for Sterlington, LA for the Dixie Majors World Series baseball tournament and next month I'm going to Alaska but never fear, Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight will go on!

I have some good news to share with you....

I've contracted a narrator and Tempered Truth & Lori's Redemption will both be available in audio later this year. I'll keep you informed on that as production begins and moves along.

I know you're seeing a lot of "Christmas in July" specials, movies, sales, etc. I understand the marketing concept behind these things but sometimes I feel like the heroine in Keri's Christmas Wish.... Bah Humbug! Heck, as it is, Christmas decorations are up alongside Halloween costumes! Just can't get away from the hype and personally, I feel the more hype, the less we focus on the real reason for the season.

Speaking of Jesus, have you seen The Chosen?

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful portrayal of Jesus! I'm loving this series so much I've watched seasons 1 & 2 twice AND bought the novel based on season one! Click on the pic to find out more about this wonderful series portraying the life of Jesus and His disciples.

Well friends, not much else to share with you today. I THANK YOU for dropping by and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings in your life.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Do Reviews Help or Hurt?

Hi There!

Late posting today...had to bring my dad home from the hospital and take my daughter to the airport.

Last month I shared with you some wonderful reviews on Circles of Fate. In today's post you'll see a whole other side of reviews....

Recently, I received notification of a “review site” and as most authors, contacted the owner with great enthusiasm and hope of yet another opinion of my books.

After chatting a little I decided to send her my books, 7 full length novels, which ended up getting separated from the address label while en-route to her. Result: Lost in the mail.

Since I trust God with my writing, reviews and sales, this should have been a red flag right?

Instead I just thought “what a mess!” and sent her the E-version of my Tempered series.

In the end, “What a mess!” was an understatement.

Harshly disappointed, the reviewer stated her opinion of certain aspects of each title without giving credence to the overall story or growth of the characters; and even went so far as to critique me as person, questioning my position of faith rather than focusing on the stories themselves.

I was stunned to read each—and not because the reviews were less-than-stellar, but because of the manner in which the reviews each focused on one incident in each book and also pointed fingers at the author (me).

If you go to Amazon and look at all the reviews in this series, you will see a couple of one - and two - star opinions, but none appear to be as directed as this woman’s—and they are mixed among many positive reviews (each book averages four-stars or better).

Further research (which I should have done beforehand!) revealed that most of the books she regards highly (4 & 5 hearts) are erotica….yeah, that, too, should have been a huge red flag. Reading is subjective, and there are many genres—and that’s great—but Christian fiction and Erotica are on opposite ends of the fiction spectrum. A reader who likes one rarely likes the other, so I should have realized my books would not be a good fit for her reading enjoyment.

I imagine by now you’re wondering what I did about this review?

When she first sent it to me (before posting on her blog) I asked her to not put this up anywhere because her comments felt like a personal attack, which I also felt, was lack of a complete, objective review.

Since she refused and insisted on posting to her blog as scheduled, my comment to her was….. “Thank you for hosting me today. I'm sorry you were so harshly offended by the series. I appreciate the time and energy you put into this lovely feature. Good luck & God's blessings.”

Takeaway for Authors:

RESEARCH before asking for a review. If the owner/reviewer really likes something totally opposite of what you write, don’t expect a good review of your book.

UNDERSTAND: Reading is subjective. Not everyone will enjoy or even like your books. Sometimes something will strike a chord in the reader and they will react harshly.

ALWAYS: Be considerate of the reader/reviewer’s feelings and thankful for their time and energy.

PRAY that somehow God uses this to teach you (the writer) or touch them (readers) in a positive way. He does, after all, work subtly and oftentimes, behind the scenes.

Takeaway for Readers/Reviewers:

Writers are human: We have feelings. If you absolutely hate the book, please don’t review it. If you do, then please find something positive to say along with your objective assessment of what you didn’t like. In any case, please remember, it is not the place of a review to hammer down judgement and wrath.

Don’t judge an entire book on one aspect. This is often what happens, but as a reader if I don’t like a book and can’t give it a 3 star or better, I won’t review it at all. In fact if I was so harshly offended by book 1 in a series, I wouldn’t even attempt to read the rest. And, I certainly wouldn’t attack the author’s faith by the actions of his or her characters.

Remember, the characters we create are not real. They may represent real feelings, real actions, real flaws; but the characters are fictional—and they are rarely representative of the author. Think of it in the same vein as acting. An actor is not the character he or she portrays. Likewise, authors are not the characters we bring to life for your enjoyment.

Something to think about!

Until next time...take care, God Bless and Remember....When the going gets tough the tough get on their knees

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

#ThursdayThoughts: Random Ramblings on Friendship

Hello Friends,

Please know I do not use that term lightly and I DO appreciate each and every one of you for your support over the years.

If you're new to reading my work and/or following me -- Welcome! I pray you're aren't disappointed in what you find here on my blog.

Now on to my thoughts about Friendship....

We talk about BFF's and all of our friends which a lot of time, include mere acquaintances. So, I wonder, do we really appreciate the true friends in our lives?

The Bible teaches us that a "true" friend sticks closer to us than a brother but I wonder, would we really stick close to our 'friends' in their toughest times?

What about when they are doing something we don't approve of?

Now if you know me at all, you understand I never write to judge or criticize but to uplift and encourage and yes, if what I write makes you think and evaluate then that's great too!

I guess the point of these random ramblings is this: Love and appreciate the friends in your life. Uplift them when they are down. If you can help them see the error of their ways in some situations, do so with love and peace, not judgement and criticism. 

Most of all, be the kind of friend you would like to have!

Something to think about!!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

PS: Speaking of Friends....I recently published the Tempered Series Bundle which includes all 4 of the Tempered Novels (Hearts, Dreams, Fire & Joy) as well as Lori's Redemption....all at a lower price than if you bought them individually!

You might ask how this relates to this post on friendship. This line in the book description explains it all..... Start at the beginning and follow these beloved characters throughout the years as love crosses the lines of age and strengthens the bonds of friendship.


The Tempered Series Bundle can be purchased through Smashwords for any electronic reading device! It is also at Barnes & Noble for Nook and should be showing up at Amazon soon too!

Thursday Thoughts: More on the movie Noah

Good Morning Friends!

A couple of weeks ago I shared some info on the movie Noah which is coming soon to theaters everywhere.

Here's a little more on the film....

Christian pastors, academics, media and organizational leaders are raving about Paramount Pictures' NOAH, in theaters March 28. Check out what they have to say about the epic new film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Hopkins.

Grace Hill Media has created digital cards to help spread the word about this fascinating depiction of one of the great patriarchs in the Bible! 

Here's a video featuring clips from the movie and the thoughts of faith leaders who have seen it!

Tomorrow I'll be hosted at Author Roast & Toast with my short story, Lori's Redemption (spin off of Tempered Fire) so drop by and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy!

Until later....take care & God Bless!
PamT

Thursday Thoughts: Christmas Special!

Good Morning Friends,

Well I guess the holiday spirit has got a hold of me or I've lost my mind but I've put ALL of my full length books on sale for $0.99 through Christmas!

So if you get or give a Kindle, Nook  or any other kind of E-reader, load it up!

Also, Love is a Rose print version is $2.00 off!

Remember, Lori's Redemption is a spin off of Tempered Fire so you might as well get it too. Oh, and even Simple Promotional Tools is on sale!

Until later...take care, God Bless & Merry Christmas!

PamT

Tuesday Treasures - CMSA

I'll bet some of you are thinking 'What in the world is CMSA?' - I know I would've been. But now I know what it stands for - aren't you jealous? ;-)

Seriously though, I was in the dark about CMSA until this past weekend when I took a trip to the Young County Arena in Graham, TX to watch my friend compete in a "Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association" Event.

There were costumes of a patriotic nature and even some a mite flamboyant as cowboys and cowgirls from all over including Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, and if my memory serves me correctly, even Colorado and Arkansas were too. (If I missed any states, I apologize but with over 100 shooters, it's hard to remember where everyone hailed from, but regardless everyone was friendly and fun-loving! Even AQHA was represented in this competition.

From bays to buckskins, paints and palominos, horses of every size and color were there, including a mule!

Yes, you heard me correctly, Molly the Mule was a contender.

These folks shoot from their horses at balloons set up in different patterns....

So friends, if you love competitive equine events, find the nearest CMSA event and attend. It'll surely be a memory to treasure (be sure and bring your ear plugs!).

And if you like cowboy romances, check out my Tempered series & Lori's Redemption.

Until next time...Be Blessed!
PamT

Tuesday Treasure - Cowboy Hearts

Good Morning Friends and Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Treasures!

In last week's post, I mentioned some of the treasures one can find hiking the trails out here on the Silver Spur Guest Ranch.

One of those treasures is a cowboy heart rock.

Well, wouldn't you know, we (staff and guests) were out armadillo hunting when another staff member found one of these rocks. She knew I'd been looking for one so she gave it to me.

If you're a Country Music fan, I'm sure you've heard the song, "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys" by Willie Nelson in which he warns...."cause he's always alone even with someone he loves." I often wondered what that meant, but in asking about why these rocks were called "cowboy hearts" I heard it's because cowboys have hearts as hard as stone.

Now I'm sure that saying was perpetrated by angry or perhaps lonely women whose hearts had been broken by the cowboys they love. We always hear songs and stories about women leaving their rodeo cowboys for someone more stable, so I guess there may be some truth in that theory.

But I got to thinking.....

In Ezekiel  (11:19 & 36:26), God talks about removing our "heart of stone" and giving us a new spirit and a "heart of flesh" so I wonder, could these rocks be indicative of people whose stony hearts have been removed and replaced with "a new spirit and a heart of flesh?"

If you've known me very long you know my favorite story about the rock my husband gave to me when we were courting and how he said, "My love is like this rock, it's strong and solid, it'll never change, it'll last forever, and there's not another one like it in the world" and how I've placed that rock and framed quote in a shadow box. I've even said I wouldn't have traded that rock for a million roses!

I'm not sure if my next husband will be a cowboy or, (like my deceased one) a cop, but I do know like King David, he will have a "heart of flesh" and a "heart after God's heart."

IMW, I'm going to keep this cowboy heart rock to remind me to not let anything cause my heart to harden but to keep it tempered before the Lord.

Speaking of Tempered Hearts, check out book one in my 'Tempered' series set here in Bandera, TX available on Kindle & Nook!

Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet. Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel. Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love. Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them. It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.


[ Pssstttt.....Book 4 Tempered Joy and my short story, Lori's Redemption are about a rodeo cowboys!]

Tuesday Treasure - Silver Spur Guest Ranch, Bandera, TX

Good Morning Friends!

Today's treasure is not a book or product, but a place.

If you've followed my blog you've heard about this place before but please indulge me and let me share with my new friends the awesomeness of God in leading me back to Bandera and to the Silver Spur Guest Ranch.

As a child I went with my grandparents to Bandera to visit with their long-time friend whom I called Aunt Ellen on her ranch. The photos I have are dated April 1966 which puts me a month shy of five years old but the impression of that place on my young heart stayed with me forever.

At four years old I never dreamed I'd grow up to be a writer. When I wrote my Tempered series it only made sense to set my western romances on a ranch in TX...so...with a vivid imagination and a little research I set them in Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." Years passed and I only visited Bandera once, when Tempered Hearts was first published back in 2000/2001. I donated a book to the library and had a book signing. Though a quick, turn around trip, my husband and I had a lovely time.  Later I added a short story spin-off, Lori's Redemption.

                                                                                        

Fast forward to 2010 and The Wild Rose Press's "Saddle up and Write" retreat held in Bandera, TX at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch! Lost and unsettled after my husbands death in 2009 I jumped at the chance to go to the place I remembered with such fondness. Not only did I attend the writer's retreat, by the grace of God and the kindness of the ranch owners, Kay & Garry Walsmith, I returned to live and work at the Silver Spur for the better part of that year! I've remained friends with the Walsmiths and the SSR staff and have returned periodically to visit and to work.

I've said often that Bandera touched my heart as a child and changed my life as an adult. I mean who wouldn't feel that way looking at this scenery and that gorgeous sunset!

If you're ever out in the area or are looking for a great place to bring your family for vacation, check out Bandera, TX and the Silver Spur Guest Ranch!

The entire Tempered series is available on Kindle & Nook!

Until later...Take Care, God Bless and Remember....Sometimes God brings you full circle...

PamT

If You Liked Tempered Fire, You'll LOVE Lori's Redemption!

Hi Friends,

It is with great pleasure I announce the release of my short story, Lori's Redemption!

Lori Strickland (introduced in Tempered Fire) has always been known as her father's "wild child" with no desire to change until she meets ex-bull-rider-turned-preacher Rafe Judson. Her attempts to change her wanton ways come to naught until she realizes redemption only comes with true repentance. 

Lori's Redemption is available now on Kindle, Nook and at Smashwords for only $.99 cents!

I certainly hope you enjoy this story which compliments my Tempered series.

Pam T