Wednesday, August 3, 2016

A Super Exciting Announcement #IWSG

I don’t know how I’ve managed to keep it quiet until now, but at last I can shout to the world: I have a book coming out!! It will be released on October 18th this year. So exciting!

Cling to God is a book of devotionals for every day of the year. The aim is to encourage Christians in their faith, to help them think about their beliefs and learn more about God. The devotions are short and inspirational so that people with busy lifestyles will still be able to spend time with the Lord each day. It will appeal to a wide Christian audience, to those new in their faith as well as those matured beyond milk and honey.

How awesome is the cover?! I’m thrilled by it. While I did take the photo of the flowers (they grow by the steps leading to my front door), I didn’t design the cover. That was expertly done by my publisher’s designer. I think every author is nervous about seeing the final cover for the first time, myself included, but I literally whooped out loud and ran to my husband to show him. We had cake to celebrate.

I also have a few online friends helping to celebrate today. Please help me show my gratitude by visiting their blogs: Alex J Cavanaugh, Denise Covey, Michael Di Gesu, Susan Gourley, S A Larsen, Anna Simpson, Stephen Tremp, Michelle Wallace, Diane Wolfe.

And also some more friends will be helping out in the coming days: Lexa Cain, Chrys Fey, Carol Kilgore, Joylene Nowell Butler, C Lee McKenzie, and Carol Riggs. Thank you to everyone who has shown friendship and encouragement and support over the years. You guys are awesome!

This month’s question for the IWSG is What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published? You’ll find my answer on the IWSG website along with, hopefully, a little encouragement.

Every first Wednesday of the month the members of the IWSG post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG, then please go HERE to find out more and join up.


88 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynda - congratulations on your release date; while the concept is such a good one and I'm sure will be a hit ... but that cover totally draws one in - love it - and can quite see why you whooped for joy ... cheers Hilary

Pat Garcia said...

Hi Lynda, Congratulations and I look forward to your release. Your cover looks good. I like the flower motif. The name of your book speaks to my heart, Cling to God. As a woman who lives by faith, I consider clinging to God is not an alternative but a must if we want to pilot through our journey successfully.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Big congratulations, Lynda! And definitely a book I will be reading this year. Or at least, over the next year...

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm so pleased we could make it a reality for you. The devotional really moved me.

Denise Covey said...

Congratulations Lyn! I'm sure your book will be a blessing to many. Love cover!

DEZMOND said...

congrats, congrats!

erica and christy said...

Congratulations! I, too, love the cover and the title. We do need to draw closer to God each day, to cling to him. How beautiful you are using your writing to help others more fully know God. <3 Christy

EEGiorgi said...

Congratulations on your new book!

Tamara Narayan said...

Hurrah on the book release. That is a wonderful picture for the cover.

Jemi Fraser said...

Beautiful cover! You've definitely got a terrific eye with that photo! :)

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm thrilled to be a part of your announcements for this book. I'm also excited about it and looking forward to its debut. Congratulations!

emaginette said...

Congrats, Lyn. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Michelle Wallace said...

Congratulations Lyn!
I'm so excited to be a part of the announcement!
...and I'm definitely looking forward to the daily spiritual nourishment on offer in your book.

Crystal Collier said...

Lynda, that's epic! The cover is gorgeous and what a great idea. I can't believe you stayed quiet about it either.

cleemckenzie said...

Great job, Lynda. I look forward to hosting you next week!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Congratulations, Lynda. Love the book cover and the title is simply awesome. How did you manage to keep silent about it for so long?

Juneta key said...

Congrats on new release. Beautiful cover.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Congrats to you. All those friends willing to help is a reflection of what a friend you are.

Chemist Ken said...

Congratulations! I imagine the sight of your new cover made your heart race for a while. Now be sure to relax and enjoy it all.

Stephsco said...

Very cool! I used to be hooked on devotionals but I got away from them. Looking forward to this.

Dihiwi said...

Congratulations on your published book. I can never have too many devotionals, to keep my study time fresh. I'll have to check it out! I enjoyed your entry today for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, which I just recently joined. www.dianeweidenbenner.com

Jennifer Hawes said...

Congrats on your book!! How exciting that you took the photo of the flowers:) Can't wait to purchase this devo book!

Julie Flanders said...

Congratulations!!! That cover is beautiful.

Karen Lange said...

Congratulations Lynda! Excited for you. Love the cover. :)

Gwen Gardner said...

Congratulations on your new book, Lynda. The timing couldn't be better as we struggle with our places in this crazy world.

Jenni said...

It's a beautiful cover and how cool that it's from your own yard! Congratulations! This sounds like a beautiful devotional. I really enjoyed your post on ISWG too!

S.P. Bowers said...

Congrats! I'm so excited for you!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It really does stand out, doesn't it? I'm so thrilled!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's definitely a must, and by doing so, it makes everything so much better.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks so much, Alex. Thanks again for your continued enthusiasm and support.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm wearing a HUGE grin right now. Thank you so much for making it possible.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I really hope so. Thanks, Denise.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you, thank you!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It was a calling I never expected to hear, which, I guess, is often the case.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, EE!!!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The flowers bud for a very short time in spring.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I won't tell you how many photos I took before I got that one ;)

Gotta love digital photography!!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you so much, Carol!! Thanks for your enthusiasm and your support. It warms my heart.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks Anna. And thanks again for helping me spread the word.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you for taking part in it, Michelle. You are a treasure!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I can't believe I stayed quiet for so long about it too! It's such a relief to be able to shout it out from the rooftops at last!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm looking forward to it as well! Best wishes for your own book launch!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Rachna. I have no idea how I managed to keep silent about it for so long. I was like a little kid itching to speak up.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you so much, Juneta

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's also a reflection of the wonderful community we are a part of here.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Relax? What is this thing you speak of?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Maybe I can get you hooked again :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Welcome to the Group! I hope you find is as encouraging and satisfying as I have.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Photography is one of my many other passions.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Julie!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks you, Karen. I'm super excited too (if you haven't already guessed).

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The struggle seems to get greater as the years go on.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you so much, Jenni

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Sara!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Congrats Lynda I'm very happy for you. Inspirational works are always a lovely thing to write and uplift others.

Diane Burton said...

Congratulations, Lynda. The cover is great. If you'd like help promoting it, contact me at dmburton72@gmail.com

Pat Hatt said...

Congrats, Lynda. Awesome news indeed. The cover is great too.

Chrys Fey said...

Congratulations, Lynda!!!! This is just the book that's needed nowadays.

Unknown said...

So pleased for you, Lynda! Your reveal is loaded into my blog for auto-posting at midnight. Congratulations!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Still when I read through it, I think, wow, did I write that? It doesn't seem real. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you so much. I just might take you up on that offer when the time gets closer to the release.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I like that I get the cat's approval.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Chrys. You're a gem.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You are so awesome, Lexa. Thank you so much!!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Congratulations! I love it that you took your own cover photo, and that you're so pleased with the result. Do you need any more reviewers? I would be happy to read and review it for you.
Mary at Play off the Page

Mark said...

Fantastic, Lynda! Big congrats:) Super happy for you:)

Tara Tyler said...

what a beautiful book and message!
congrats!!

Samantha Bryant said...

Congratulations! Book birthdays are the best!

@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act

Morgan Hazelwood said...

Pretty! Congrats.

Durban Blogger said...

Hi , I joined IWSG but still learning how it all works. I am a bit disorganised. well done on your book!

Nas said...

Mega congratulations Lynda! So exciting for you!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Mary. My publishers sent out a few copies already for review. I'll ask if she feels we need more and get back to you if the answer is yes. Thanks so much for the offer.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Mark!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you, Tara, I hope it's received well on its release.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm still feeling the pangs of bookbirth... looking forward to the big release day.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Morgan

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Welcome to the IWSG, Bronwyn!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks so much, Nas :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm so excited for you, Lynda. I'm seeing Cling to God everywhere! How exciting. Congratulations!

Carol Riggs said...

Many hugs and congrats to you, Lyn! I will have my post up on the 17th. Best wishes for this devotional book!!! :o)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Joylene

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you, thank you. You're the best!

Nick Wilford said...

Big congrats! I've seen the cover around but didn't realise you took the photo. It looks lovely.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Nick. For me it's kinda special that the flowers bloom just outside my front door.

Blue Grumpster said...

Congratulations, Lynda!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Blue :)

Blue Grumpster said...

I bet you've got another one lined up, right?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hahahahaha... no. I have a loose outline for another Christian non-fic, an oh-so-close to finished YA scifi novel but there is something still not quite right with it so I'm sitting on it, and I have a whole new scifi novel (not YA) just starting.. oh and then there is a fantasy novel that needs a whole rewrite. Sigh...