Notes to Aspriring Writers (ME???) Review & Giveaway

Upon the success of my 3rd grade Young Author's Award winning book, Dinosaurs in Love, I guess you could say I have been bitten by the writer's bug. I even recall having another award winner as a 6th or 7th grader when drawing from personal experience, I penned a heartfelt tale of a young girl moving away from her school, friends, and neighborhood.  With such great accolades, is it any shock that even as a child, I can remember touting to those around me that someday I would write a book?  The topic?  I always responded by sharing that I'd write a book about gifted kids because nobody understood us.  Not the least bit arrogant, huh?

Since the days of all-nighters, 64 oz. Dr. Pepper's, and college papers, my writing had been quite stagnant.  I had no real reason for the creative juices to flow.  Then, in Dec. 2008, we began our adoption journey.  I needed an efficient way to streamline updates and send them to the masses.  A blog seemed to be the route to take, but in fact what I discovered was an outlet for my emotions: pent up frustration, disappointment, hope, heartbreak, faith, elation, immense joy, and everything in between.  While chronicling the adoption timeline, I found that my written typed words also served as record for the spiritual growth I incurred along the way.  I was writing with purpose.

Upon bringing Jeremiah and Rachel home, we had a transition period where the blog remained silent.  A few months later, I was itching to write again, and thus, began a new blog, The Wellspring of Life.  The blog continues to emerge... growing and changing as new life experiences and opportunities are presented.  Will I ever write a book?  I can't really say.  Do I admit there are sheets of paper tucked away with scribbled notes only I have seen waiting for the elusive "someday"?  Yes, but I'm not ready for a big reveal now - if ever. 

Whether a book comes to fruition or remains a schoolgirl's dream of days gone by, I found an absolute gem.  I believe it to be incredibly inspiring for the aspiring!  In her e-book, Notes to Aspiring Writers, author, Brooke McGlothlin, has compiled five lessons she has learned through her sanctification on the road to publication.  Rather than write a book of how-to's or tips-and-tricks-of the trade, she examines the writer's heart.  Really, isn't that the most important aspect of writing?  I know the author's I gravitate toward, read, and re-read are those whose words are windows to their souls.  Those whose words lead me to the foot HIS THRONE!

While speaking to the writer's heart, Brooke candidly reveals her own both in times of weakness and now drawing from God's strength.  Her writing is very conversational and easy to read, yet her words are poignant and thought-provoking.  While the e-book is short, only 24 pages in length, she provides plenty to contemplate and digest.  Examples...

*It's an unfair trade. He gets my selfish dreams, I get His dreams for a better me than I could ever imagine or ever create on my own. (p.7)

*Could it be that God would call us to give up our own dreams for the sake of picking up His? (p.9)

*In HIS time, He will bring HIS dreams to you. Focus most of your time and energy on knowing Him, loving Him, and walking in intimate pursuit of relationship with Him. Then, when He does bring dreams your way (often disguised as opportunities), you'll be ready. (p.12)

*Isn't living in God's leading more about listening for the next right thing to do, and less about the end
result? (p.14)

*God cares more about changing, wooing, and loving you, than He does using you and your message. (p.17)

*We can learn much from those who have forged a path before us, but there is a spiritual element to this journey that we just can’t ignore: God is sovereign and He does what He pleases. Our life plans are less about us, and more about how He receives the greatest glory. (p.20)

Notes to Aspiring Writers is intended for an audience of women and mothers, but honestly, I believe, everyone could benefit from Brooke's message. Even if your own dreams and aspirations are far removed from ever touching a pen to a page, the lessons within will speak to your heart regarding your own personal aspiration. If you life's dream is to be an author, it is a must read.

This week on the Notes to Aspiring Writers blog, August 1st -5th, Brooke is Going Deeper. Each day she leads participants in taking a closer look at what God is teaching concerning having clean hands and a pure heart in writing or blogging endeavors. Highlights of the book's five chapters will be featured. Join in now - it's not too late. The e-book is available for purchase on Kindle or as a PDF. 

In addition, Brooke has graciously offered a FREE e-book for one of my readers! Hip, Hip, Hooray!

To enter this giveaway:
Leave a comment answering - If you were ever to write a book, what would your topic be?
**Be sure to include an email address, so I can contact the winner!

Additional entries: **Please leave a comment for each.
-Follow my blog via GFC or Networked Blogs.
-Follow me on Twitter @Wellspring_Life
-Follow Brooke on Twitter @BrookeWrites 
-Follow Notes to Aspiring Writers on Facebook
Giveaway will end at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, August 6th. Winner will be chosen at random and emailed Monday, August 8th.

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