Paper Girl

Psst…there’s something I need to tell you about. Someone, actually. Her name is Cindy Wilson and days ago her book exploded on the scene. It’s called Paper Girl. It would make a fantastic Christmas gift.

Cindy was one of my first critique partners. We’re talking over ten years ago. I knew she had a gift then, and I celebrate her gift now as her debut book finds its way into the world. I cannot wait to read Paper Girl!

Here’s the blurb:

I haven’t left my house in over a year. My doctor says it’s social anxiety, but I know the only things that are safe are made of paper. My room is paper. My world is paper. Everything outside is fire. All it would take is one spark for me to burst into flames. So I stay inside. Where nothing can touch me.

Then my mom hires a tutor. Jackson. This boy I had a crush on before the world became too terrifying to live in. Jackson’s life is the complete opposite of mine, and I can tell he’s got secrets of his own. But he makes me feel things. Makes me want to try again. Makes me want to be brave. I can almost taste the outside world. But so many things could go wrong, and all it takes is one spark for everything I love to disappear…

Hooked me instantly. I’ve had the joy of cheering on lots of authors through the years, but there’s really something special about Cindy’s debut. Her loyal friendship and encouragement has enriched my life. That’s why I found this page so endearing…

It moved me to tears. Writer friends possess a unique ability to spur me on when the going gets tough. I’m grateful to Cindy, and I really think you need to buy her book.

*On a blog break until January 7th. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Which Lie is Your Precious?

This time of year we entertain all kinds of frenzied thoughts. We reflect. We spend time being grateful. But we’re likely to do something far less noteworthy as well.

We lie to ourselves.

This isn’t news. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of self-help books addressing the lies we buy into, the fears we face, and ways to conquer the beasts within. Have you ever given much thought to the superiority of the lies we tell ourselves?

Much like Gollum and his precious ring, we hold one lie above all others. And you alone are able to identify which one that is.

Worthless. Incompetent. Unable to belong. Weak. Forever alone. Tainted. Ruined. Unlovable. Not enough.

Ugly little critters with bite. But there’s one you’re constantly drawn to. One that marks you. That follows you. That teases and tempts you to believe it’s more significant and truer than all the others.

Your precious. The golden lie.

I don’t know what it is about the holidays that emboldens this lie, but it glimmers brightest this season. Maybe it’s being around family. Or wanting everything to go impossibly perfect. Or the temptation to compare with everyone else. Maybe it’s because loneliness creeps in. Longing. An overwhelming reminder that nothing on earth is as it should be. And instead of feeling hopeful, we feel dispirited.

It’s important to identify your precious. Because now is when your lie does its best to dress up, to lure, to fool you into believing it’s not actually a lie at all.

Be mindful and intolerant of this precious lie this season. Stifle it before its shine deceptively seduces. Your sanity and your spirit will thank you.