I don't write because I think I have something to say. I write because if I don't everything feels even worse.~Lily King (From Writers and Lovers)

When a book is published, it feels like a birth. I don't remember the years of gestation--the rewrites, the monotonous edits, the labor. What I see is the beautiful brain child with all its uniqueness. A sort of falling in love. A mother bear instinct kicks in, for no other reason than the book is mine.

Writing is primarily a refuge for me, not a burden. I started writing The Light By Which We See in 2016. The manuscript sat idle for months, until in 2017 my oldest sister passed away and I was diagnosed with cancer. The majority of the manuscript was written when I underwent chemotherapy and grieved my sister's death. I discovered that when I could get to the page and write, I was transported out of the grief and despair. Writing the book became my way of escape. The page was always there for me. A retreat and steady companion. I cannot underestimate the peace and grace of God I found when I wrote during this period in my life.

You may wonder what the book is about. Surely it is the continuation of the story that began in my first book, An Ocean Away, but it is also about the role writing has played over the years. A story of the mysteries of marriage.

I invite you to take a look at the book at the Amazon store. The Light By Which We See

Surely there is no pressure to read the book. This genre may not be your cup of tea. But if it is, I would be honored for you to read it. And if you are so inclined to leave a rating at the Amazon page. 

Art of any kind has a healing power. I implore you to keep writing, keep gardening, keep singing, keep painting, keep cooking. Don't put your camera in the closet. The act of creating is a gift from God as He is the great creator. He put the desire in our hearts to make beauty. He delights in our creativity. His beloved children that make things.