A Story About the Story

On October 15, my alarm woke me up at 6:00am. I spent some time reading my Bible and talking to God, then rolled out of bed to get ready for the day. I worked from 8:00am until 5:00pm, met a friend for dinner, recorded a video, and watched the newest episode of This is Us.

All of that is pretty standard for a Tuesday. Except for one more thing: My second book released into the world.

October 15 will forever be a milestone day. Not just because it’s the day I became multi-published, but because it’s a day I wasn’t sure would come.

See, All of This released in July of 2015. Before that happened, I’d already outlined a sequel for it. But then grad school happened and a lot of other life things happened and there were many days I just wanted to quit. Not because I didn’t believe in the story or because I didn’t love the characters, but because it was just so difficult.

I wanted to tell a story that was even stronger than the first one. Readers had expectations of what they hoped would happen in a sequel. You all knew my writing style from the first book. I wanted to write something that exceeded all of those expectations. For me, that was even more pressure than launching a first book into the world. Plus, there are a thousand details that take place behind the scenes in publishing. Most of which we as readers never even hear about.
But the story stayed in my heart. The characters kept talking, insisting they had things to say. And God kept reminding me that He wasn’t done with my writing.

Over several months, I assembled a team: an editor, a designer, early readers. I worked through all those other behind-the-scenes things like ISBNs and LCCNs and copyright. And I prayed.

On July 4^th, my designer sent the book cover to me. This was exactly four years from when a designer sent my first book cover to me. Crazy timing.

On September 21, I returned to my hometown to sign books at a festival. While at my local bookstore, the owner and I discussed a book release party. Then we looked at the calendar…annd scheduled a party for 3 weeks later. The cool thing about it was that the party would happen four days before the book actually released. That meant that people who came to the party could take home a copy early.

The only thing was, at that point, the book hadn’t gone to print yet. We were still working through some technical details. So when I got home from the event, I quickly finished up details and ordered a proof copy. You guys, I did a lot of praying that the proof copy would turn out okay and that all the books would arrive on time because maybe it’s just me, but I’m thinking a book release party without any books would be a flop.

The books arrived, and we celebrated with a release party on October 12…Exactly 4 years and 2 days since the last book release party (Because of the whole moving-two-states-away and starting grad school thing, my last book release party happened a couple months after the book actually came out. 0/10 do not recommend doing all those things at once).

Y’all, the party was a blast. We had apple cider and little book cookies and giveaways and a signing. I got to see people whom I hadn’t seen in years—including two professors from college who walked me through the creation of the first book.

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but oh, so fun.

Then I returned back to North Carolina and the book officially released that Tuesday.

As I’m drafting this post, I’m sitting on a plane heading west for a cousin’s wedding. It’s another full circle moment for me, because Sadie’s story began with a girl getting off a plane in a new place.

There’s a verse I held onto during the editing stage of Just One Thing, when I felt like it could all fall apart at any minute:

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” -Proverbs 16:9

I held that verse as a reminder that, yeah, I have so many expectations and plans for my life, but it’s God who makes each step of my life happen. He’s the One who decides if and when I release a book.

Sometimes it happens right after you graduate college in a crazy series of events. And sometimes it happens after you sense God telling you to take a break for a bit. Either way, it’s all in His hands.

And now, over a month after Just One Thing released, I can’t help but smile. I get to share this story with you, and that’s just the best ever.

Anna

P.S. I haven’t been very active on the blog lately, but I’m over on Instagram and Facebook all the time. I love mini-blogging on those platforms and keeping you all up to date. If we’re not friends over there, find me and say hi! :)

Book party photos courtesy of Ruth Anne Crews.

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COVER REVEAL: Just One Thing

It’s finally here! The cover for Just One Thing! 

Can I admit something to you? This book almost didn’t exist. For starters, I didn’t originally plan on writing a sequel to All of This…but then, before AoT was even published, my dear friend Em and I took a trip to Seattle. I outlined Just One Thing on the flight home.

That was five years ago.

All of This released in July 2015. In August 2015, I moved away from home to go to graduate school in North Carolina. Turns out, a master’s degree kinda eats up your free time, so I paused the new book.

In May 2018, I graduated with my MA, began a full-time job, and dusted the cobwebs off of the story. I tweaked the plot, strengthened the characters, and poured stuff I’d learned during grad school into the manuscript.

I also made sure it could stand alone as its own story. So although it’s technically a sequel, you don’t have to know All of This in order to step into Sadie’s world through Just One Thing.

Today, in July 2019, we’re weeks away from the release of Just One Thing. In fact, as I write this, the manuscript is with my designer, getting the pretty chapter headings and everything all in place. It’s almost here.

But for now, I’d like to show you the cover, designed by the amazing Roseanna White. I’ll also share the synopsis.

Please feel free to share about the book – that will help out a lot!

Thank you for reading, friends!

P.S. The most popular question I’ve gotten from readers since All of This released is: “Does Sadie stay in Pecan Creek or go back to Seattle?”

This’ll answer that question ;)

And now, allow me to introduce you to Just One Thing…

Sadie Franklin wants to move on, but first she must return to everything she wants to forget. 

Senior year in Seattle is the perfect chance for a former party girl to start over, right? All she has to do is build a relationship with her detached father, make decent grades, and avoid her ex-friends. Oh, and convince everyone she really has changed. Easy peasy.

The first chance she gets, she wants to hop on the next flight back to Pecan Creek, Georgia. Although the tea there is sweet enough to give her cavities, at least the people love her and believe she has a purpose bigger than her painful past. 

Sadie meets a new friend looking for her own fresh start, who shows Sadie the value of true friendship and reminds her there’s always more to a person’s story than what’s on display.

But figuring out the next step is messy, and it’s hard to change a reputation. An after-school job, constant arguments with her dad, and an undefined relationship with the wonderfully annoying Georgia guy who won her heart only add to the crazy.

When tragedy collides with Sadie’s carefully re-built life, she learns that trusting in a God she can’t see is more difficult than she ever imagined. 

Is starting over worth the cost?

What’s Your Cover Copy?

I’m writing the back cover copy for my newest book. Basically, that’s the little description you find on a book when you flip it over. It’s like a mini synopsis of the story, but it doesn’t give away all of the details…it gives readers just enough information to make them want them to read the whole thing.

It’s tricky because you have a little bit of space to work with. You have to decide which plot points and characters need to be mentioned, and which ones need to stay hidden. You have to show the voice/personality of the story, while also keeping it polished.

Here’s the back cover copy of All of This: 

Sadie Franklin is all about independence, but when one of her popular parties gets too crazy, her usually uninvolved dad sends her across the country to spend the summer with relatives.

Living in small-town Pecan Creek, Georgia, is culture shock for a girl from Seattle, and it doesn’t help that Sadie’s aunt and uncle are total church people. Sunday school? No, thanks.

Add a houseful of little cousins, an accidental friendship with the preacher’s daughter of all people, and the attention of a guy who might actually understand her murky past, and it’s enough to cue an identity crisis.

When life-altering news rocks Sadie’s world and reveals messy family secrets, she’s forced to face the God she’s avoided since her mom’s death eight years ago. Sadie is surrounded by people who say God loves her and has great plans for her life, but if God is really good, why does He let Sadie’s life unravel? Could there really be a purpose in all of this?

See how Sadie is the only character who’s actually named? There are several other people in the book, but it’s her show. Also, see how some things are mentioned but not completely explained? Like, who is the “guy who might actually understand her murky past?” If you’ve read the book, you’ll know. But if you dive into it for the first time, that’s something you figure out as you go.

The back cover copy also shows the theme of the book. Look at that question at the end of the last paragraph: “Could there really be a purpose in all of this?”

And finally, the back cover copy lets you know the character’s journey isn’t going to be easy. There will be conflict in the pages – with uncontrollable circumstances, with other people, and within the main character herself.

So that’s what I’m working on with this next book. No, it’s not getting shopped around for publication yet, but making the back cover copy is part of the process. Sadie will be the focus again, but I have to decide what parts of the story to share with people. I have to ask myself: What other characters do I mention? Which plot points do I include? How do I incorporate the theme?

To sum it up, the back cover copy is a quick glance at a much deeper story.

Fun fact: This post isn’t actually about writing. As I was thinking through the back cover copy for my project, it made me wonder: how would I honestly sum up my own life? If I were to write a back cover copy for The Life of Anna Schaeffer (still working on a title for my pretend memoir), what would I include? Who would I include? Which details of my life story would I mention? What gets to the heart of who I really am?

Naturally, I’d put my faith on there. But if I were being honest about the conflict in my life, how would that look on the copy? Would it say I don’t always pray like I should? Would it say I love Jesus, but sometimes I struggle to step out of my comfort zone?

What about my relationships with others? Would it say I’m a loyal friend, a daughter who honors her parents, a good sister?

What would be the theme of my story? The thread woven throughout the pages of my journey?

It’s a lot to think through, I know. But I think it’s good for us to evaluate our life like that – to take an honest look at what others see when they interact with us.

I pray the back cover copy of my life story points to Jesus. I pray it reads that no, I don’t have it all together, but Jesus holds me together. My hope is that others see grace as that theme woven throughout my story. And I pray that snapshot of my life and His grace makes others want to learn more about the theme.

What about you? What would be in the back cover copy of your life?

Where He Walked

This past winter, I had the life-changing opportunity to visit Israel. Just days after Christmas, I sat in a cave in the shepherds’ field outside of Bethlehem and sang “O Come All Ye Faithful.” I went on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and I stood in the empty tomb.

I’ve always said if I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to the Holy Land. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ll never be the same after that trip.

I was asked to write an article about it for Southeastern Magazine, the publication produced by my alma mater (I’m still getting used to saying that!). It was an honor to pen these words, but it was also overwhelming to try to express just what it felt like to walk where Jesus walked. I’m so thankful for all of it.

Here’s a link to the article:

Click here to read “Where He Walked” – it begins on page 29. 

 

Open Hands

Three years ago, I published All of This, a young adult novel. Before the book even came out – pretty much the day after I finished revising the story – I wrote a sequel. That was three years ago.

For three years, I’ve known what happens after that final sentence in All of This. For three years, I’ve had the answers to the biggest questions readers are left wondering about.

Three years ago, I began writing a story that challenged me more as a writer than any other manuscript I’d written. I delved deeper into the mind of my main character and wrote some storylines that freaked me out a little because I wondered if I’d be able to pull them off.

I’ve loved that new project for three years, and I had plans to have it in the hands of readers long before now.

But then I felt God nudging me to grad school, and I moved away from home for the first time.

I stepped onto campus as a full-time Masters student and quickly learned that’s a whole other level than earning a bachelor’s degree. I found a local church, began to serve there, and joined a small group. I picked up a couple part time jobs. I grew friendships. I wrote guests posts for my school’s women’s blog, I spoke about writing in a few classes, I traveled, and I did everyday life stuff like cooking and cleaning and learning to keep plants alive (still working on that last one).

But I never forgot about that writing project.

For a while, I tried to work on it here and there. After all, the story was told – it just needed some work to make it look like an actual book. But homework kept me up late into the night and classes got me up early each morning.

I was so frustrated. When I’m not writing, I don’t fully feel like myself. I really thought I was supposed to tell that story, and I prayed about it. But I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t make it happen.

Then a little while ago, I realized something: Maybe God was asking me to trust Him with my dreams. Maybe He wanted my full attention on studying ministry during my time in seminary. Maybe He wanted to grow me in other areas, allow me to live new experiences, teach me my identity isn’t found in my author title.

When I realized that, I did something difficult: I stepped away.

I still thought about the story I loved so much. Still jotted some notes down here and there. But I didn’t consistently spend time with the manuscript. And while that bothered me a lot, it also felt like relief.

See, I had to learn to live with open hands. I had to put the story – and my heart for writing – in my outstretched palms and hold it out to God. I had to say, “Even if I never get to share this story with readers. Even if my life takes me in a different direction. You know my heart and you designed me with this passion on purpose. So  I trust you.”

Even if…I trust You.

And that’s how I’m slowly learning to live. Not just with storytelling, but with all things.

I like to feel a sense of control. A lot. But there’s freedom in knowing it’s not up to you to hold it all together. And if your faith is in Christ, you have solid hope that He knows what He’s doing and He has His glory and your ultimate good in mind.

I had to learn to be okay with answering people’s questions with, “I honestly don’t know when the story will be finished. I’m focusing on school right now.”

Which felt weird to say because I wrote two manuscripts while I was a full-time college student – one of which became All of This. Letting go of the story also went against the writing advice we hear all the time: “Just keep writing. Write something every day. If if matters to you, you’ll make time for it.”

All of that can be really great advice. But when you’ve given your life to living God’s plan for you, the best advice is to trust. To give your dreams and plans and projects to Him and trust Him to use them however He wants.

Now that I’ve said all of that…I’ve graduated. I have my diploma in my apartment. I’m not spending my evenings with my nose in a commentary. I’m going to bed at a reasonable time (who even am I??).

And I’m writing again.

I’ve dusted off that sequel, and I’m diving into it as often as I can. I’ve learned some things over the past few years that I’m able to pour into the story to make it stronger. I have a renewed sense of purpose for it, more energy to rearrange scenes and fill in plot holes, and even more of a desire to get the story into the hands of readers.

I don’t know what’s next for this project. I don’t have any ideas about when it’ll be completely done or how it’ll be published or when you’ll read it.

But honestly? That doesn’t scare me as much now. Because I’ve recently been reminded of why I do what I do in the first place: To point to King Jesus in all things.

It’s all by His grace and for His glory.

Question: Have you ever set something aside for a season, even though you loved it? What did you learn from the experience?

The first printed copy of my latest manuscript – ready for some serious editing!

Happy 1st Birthday All of This!

On July 25, 2015, All of This was released to the world. I had some things I needed to get organized before I announced the release, but it popped up on all of the retail sites on the 25th (surprise!). Then, on July 31, my littlest sister and I made a video announcing the release.

Leading up to the debut, I posted quotes and story snippets…but I first mentioned the story back on June 13, 2013. Three years ago.

It’s been a journey, friends. Three years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. And today? I’ve learned so much about writing and publishing and marketing, but I still have pretty much no idea what I’m doing. It’s an adventure that is challenging, wonderful, and wonderfully challenging. There have been days when I just wanted to quit, and days where I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything other than writing stories my whole life.

Every time I sign a copy of All of This, I include Romans 8:28, which says:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV, emphasis added)

Purpose. That’s the theme of all of this…and the theme of All of This.

Nothing is wasted. A thread of grace runs through our lives. God ties all of our loose ends together. He weaves the beautiful and the sorrowful, the easy and the difficult, into something that shows the world who He is. He is the author of life and breath and faith and love. I write to tell His story – the true story of a God who loves us so much He died to reunite us with Himself.

So here’s a quick look back at the journey All of This has taken…from the blog post in which I first told you all I was writing a novel, to now as I glance over at my bookshelf and see a copy of All of This – tangible proof that God’s dreams for our lives are worth it all.

Click on the links below to follow the journey! 

• The time I told everyone I was writing a book (June 11, 2013)
• When I finished writing the first draft (August 22, 2013)
• My first Q&A about my writing (July 31, 2014)
• My story won a contest and I told the world its title: All of This (January 20, 2015)
• When I finished editing All of This and shared the first quote (June 15, 2015)
• Quote: “More to Reach For” (June 22, 2015)
• Quote: “Why Would I”(June 29, 2015)
• I see the cover of the book for the first time and share a quote (July 6, 2015)
• I work on approving the layout of the book and share a quote (July 13, 2015)
• More publishing updates and a quote (July 20, 2015)
• Q&A video where I share the summary of the book for the first time (July 24, 2015)
• The Cover Reveal! (July 27, 2015)
• Video announcing the book’s release! (July 31, 2015)
• People start receiving their copies in the mail and I share a quote (August 3, 2015)
• Book playlist and a quote (August 10, 2015)
• Business cards come in (so official!) and I share a quote (August 17, 2015)
• Quote: “Sadie” (August 24, 2015)
• Recap video of my first mini book tour (October 19, 2015)
• Book signing at Barnes & Noble! (June 10, 2016)

Image Gallery:

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Happy 1st birthday, All of This. And thank you to you, dear readers, for following my life story and my Sadie’s journey. Let’s all stay tuned for whatever comes next :)

For His glory,
Anna

New to All of This and want to learn more about the story, as well as how to get a copy? Click here!

All of This–Update and Quote!

So…I have news! The edits for All of This are FINISHED. That means there’s no more rewording, rewriting, revising, or re-whatevers. It’s all done. The next step doesn’t involve me as an author, as the book is with the design team. They’re currently making it look like an actual book.

This author is currently experiencing a case of the crazies because:

1) She’s now an actual author.

2) People are super close to reading her words.

3) There’s no turning back.

4) There’s a possibility I stress-drink coffee. Caffeine is wild stuff, y’all.

While all of this is happening to All of This,  I’m thinking through ways to market the story because the book people tell me this is necessary.

AND! I’m making little teaser quotes to share leading up to the book release. It’s fun because I’m pulling everything from serious quotes to random quotes to what-was-I-thinking-when-I-wrote-that quotes.

That’s what I’m doing, but what can you do? Word of mouth travels far (I grew up in Small-town, Southern USA, so I know this full well), so talking about the book release and sharing quotes on your social media accounts and in real life will help this book gain some traction. Also sharing my blog posts will help get it all out there because I’ll have links and bonus content on the blog.

There’s also prayer, which has been a huge part of this process from the first time I sat down at my laptop with a tiny “what-if?” idea. Praying for this project and the people it will potentially reach will mean more to me than I can even express.

I promise to do my best to keep you all updated! Before long, I’ll be able to share the back-cover stuff (which will really introduce you to my girl and her world), behind-the-scenes info, and other things currently chilling on my to-do list.

But for now, here’s a quote for you. Know that your support is a blessing, whether you’ve followed this journey for years, or you’re just now jumping in.

– Anna

A Purpose for All of This

Some things get a lot more real when people know about them.

Like how it’s impossible for you to walk across your room to your bed in the dark. You flip the light switch and you run.

Or how you enjoy spending Friday evenings on the couch watching Disney Channel with a cup of coffee and your cat.

Or how you dust the baseboards in your room as a stress-buster.

Or how you wrote a book.

I’m only claiming that last one, for the record.

But yes. It’s been announced everywhere except on the blog, so I wanted to share it here and explain the “now what” of it all.

In November, I entered the New Look Writing Contest sponsored by Westbow Press (a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. Y’know, the big guys).

Well, last week I learned I was a finalist in the competition. I won this:

It makes my nerd writer heart so happy.

Then, on the 13th of January, exactly one month after graduation (just throwing that out there), I learn this (click on the image to expand it):

Second place, y’all.

This means a few things:

1) This is the story I’ve mentioned quite a few times on the blog. Examples:

• Here
• And here

If you follow those links, you can learn a little more about the story and why it’s been so important to me over the past couple years.

2) It’s titled…

 All of This.

The title is either:

a) Marketing genius because whenever the phrase pops up in everyday conversation, I can be like, “Hey, so speaking of all of this…”

b) Eventually going to make me question some of my decisions.

3) I’m in the beginning stages of exploring publishing with Westbow Press. This means that, before long, I may be able to share the actual story with you so you can actually read it. I’m so excited.

In the meantime, though, the details of the story are still under wraps. But as we get closer to the book becoming “real,” I’ll keep you updated.

But I  also want say thank you to all of you who support me, whether that’s through prayers, encouragement, or asking “when can I read your book?” Because all of that matters so much to me. And I don’t even know how to explain how sincerely I mean all of that. Because I truly am thankful.

I’m also thankful to the God who placed this dream in my heart. No, I’m still not sure of what’s next (life theme alert), but I’m trusting. I’m trusting that His plans are good and that He has a purpose for All of This.

Stay tuned,

Anna

In the Middle

I rarely write about my writing life when I write blog posts. Too many mentions of the word “write,” right? That’s because I know the majority of y’all aren’t writers, so it wouldn’t necessarily be all that intriguing to read about my brainstorming processes and everything. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s slightly awkward.

But it does mean a whole lot to me when people ask me how my current writing projects are going. If you hang around me on Facebook or life outside the internet, you may know I finished editing my second novel this past spring. I’ve deeply appreciated  all the times people ask me how it’s going, even if I stumble over summarizing what I’m working on.

So today I thought I’d talk about it a little bit. I found this post in my drafts folder. I wrote this back at the beginning of May, but because I didn’t have access to my files for the majority of the summer (see my my last post), it never went live. At the end of it, I’ll add some updates that’ve happened since I originally wrote the post nearly three months ago. Here we go…

***

Over the past couple months, I’ve  mentioned this novel I was working on. Because I like to be all mysterious and covert (or because I ‘m just unskilled at summarizing stuff),  I haven’t said much about it. Well, today’s the day! Even though I now have a nifty little plot summary, I don’t want to share specific story details and give away spoiler-y things.But I do have a list of a few frequently asked questions about my writing in general that I want to answer.

Note: By “frequently,” I mean at least two people have asked me each of these questions at some point over the past several months. Which may or may not qualify as “frequent,” but it makes me feel all writerly to say I have FAQs.

Q:  How did you come up with that many words?

A: Honestly, I don’t know how ideas swirl around in my brain until they link up with others ideas and find a place to land. But I do know it takes time. I like to let stories  marinate for a while. I’ll have an idea for a scene, but won’t know what to do with it. So I roll it around in my mind until another idea clicks with it, or I set it aside until an idea randomly hits. Sometimes full scenes hit me all at once and I have to quickly pull out my phone and jot them down. Or if I happen to be driving (which is where I do a lot of my plotting), I talk it out loud over and over so I can remember it until I have the chance to write it down.

Q: Where do you get your character names from?

A: They name themselves! I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. When I find someone to add to a story, he or she already comes with a name. Usually, the name reflects his or her personality, but sometimes I google the meaning of the name and it ends up helping me shape the character. It’s like meeting friends, really. When someone introduces herself to me for the first time, she tells me her name. I don’t pick it for her (I do have a thing for nicknames, but that’s another story).

Q: How long did it take you to write your novel?

A: The idea for the story came to me shortly after I finished writing my first novel, so I spent a couple months brainstorming and writing out little scenes to help me get to know my main character. I officially started writing it early last summer and finished it the day before school started back this past Fall. I used a couple of mini-scenes or descriptions from my brainstorming days, but it was mostly all-new material. That’s not including cutting scenes, adding scenes, and overhauling scenes,  but the original story took a few months and came in between 75,000-80,000 words. Once I have an idea for where I want a story to go, I write quickly but messily. As far as revisions, one of my creative writing professors (who is absolutely amazing) worked with me throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.

Q: Can I read it? When can I buy it in stores?

A: This is probably the most frequently asked question of all. I really, really, really wish I had an answer, but I’m still gearing up to query agents. Then, if God decides to send this story places, it could potentially be out in the world one day!

Q: How do you feel now that it’s finished?

A: I feel all kinds of awesome. It’s exhilarating to be finished with the project and to have followed the story through so many rewrites. But I’m also kind of sad. I miss these characters I’ve spent a year getting to know. They’re like imaginary friends.

Q: So what’s next?

A: All along, I said I would finish this story then move on to a new character. But shortly after finishing the last round of edits on the novel, the main character started hinting that her story wasn’t finished. There are so many questions left unanswered and so many interesting things for her to find herself in the middle of. So I’m hanging out with her again, trying to figure out what’s next. I already have the basic bones of the plot, and the stakes are even higher than in the first one.  It also requires some traveling and researching and other fun things, so I’m just enjoying the ride at the moment by building a playlist for inspiration and writing slowly.

***

So there you go! Since writing that post, I have officially sent out a round of query letters for the novel! What, exactly, does that mean? It means I eat lots of ice cream, take many deep breaths, and learn to trust the Lord even more. Good times.

Another update: I’ve taken a trip to the city in which the sequel is set, and I absorbed as many details as possible while I was there. I’ve also started drafting the sequel and cobbling together random scenes and quotes I’ve jotted down on everything from sticky notes to scraps of paper.

My approach to the story is to write it as though we’re meeting the characters and their world for the first time, even though I’ve known them for more than a year now. So yes, it’s a sequel, but I’m trying not to rely on the first novel.  My goal is that the story will stay fresh and well-paced and that it will be a complete story on top of the first, not just a continuation.

A stack of some of my old, hand-edited drafts. Good news: I’m a recycler.

To summarize all of this: I’m in the middle of chasing a dream. I’m wading through this process with open hands, knowing that it’s not up to me to make something happen, but also knowing there’s no turning back. I know God has great plans, whether or not they include this story ever getting onto shelves. Either way, I will keep writing. It’s such a big part of me, and I love writing stories that I hope share a glimpse of  how indescribable the love of Christ really is.

It’s not an easy journey, and there’s certainly not a whole lot of glamor in the process. And yet, I’m loving it. And one day, if God wills, I’ll be able to hand you a novel and say, “Here’s a part of my heart.”

Until then, I’ll keep blogging. Because I like this process a whole lot, too.

In His love,

Anna

“Snow Song”

“Snow Song”

By Anna Schaeffer

This sphere of dirt and water becomes a canvas as the Artist dips His brush and paints with wispy strokes

All that is dark and dry is gradually dusted by pure, white, microscopic bursts of life

Heaven blends with humanity in a delicate exhale, a feathery kiss on Earth’s blushing cheek

Softer than goose-down it glides, tenderly blanketing all that waits in quiet anticipation

A million miracles contained within the span of a single, sacred blink dance against the sky

Tutus of crystal twirling and sparkling and reflecting the light of an omnipotent Smile

Souls pulse in rosy cheeks and tingling fingers and little clouds of breath as we watch the world grow still and soft

As silent tears fall, a beauty emerges from the ashen expanse and fills hearts with peaceful praise

Frosted windows and icicle lashes and petals of rain give testament to all that is bright…

…all that is fresh…

…all that is calm and true

As creation joins in symphony, the Artist dips His brush…

…and begins His craft anew.

January 29, 2014