Another Year of VBS Over

It's hard to believe, but another year of vacation Bible school is over. This year's theme was "My Body Is A Temple of the Holy Spirit." We talked about being fearfully and wonderfully made, taking care of our body and minds to keep our temples clean, the Bible as our guide, and being a new creation in Christ.

As an activity, we offered cooking classes for the kids. Each night they made their own supper and then created ice cream sundaes for dessert. Tacos, macaroni and cheese, omelets, and pizza were on the menu. We put together a terrarium, played games, and worked through real-life scenarios the kids might face in their daily lives. The final night, members of our congregation joined us in a fellowship supper to conclude VBS.

Now, we're on to preparing for our annual Country Christmas Bazaar and Tag Sale. Things are never dull around Living Gate Community Church.

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors

Today I'm blogging over at Christian Children's Authors about books available for children and families going back to school. Come check out my list of recommended titles at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/08/16/back-to-school-books-for-families/

Children's Authors Blog Hop

Hope you'll check out my children's book blog, where I am participating in an author's blog hop. You can find my interview at http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/childrens-authors-blog-hop/

Writing Update

It's been a while since I've provided any type of writing update, so here it goes. This year has been a productive, yet, frustrating one. I haven't spent as much time promoting my books as I would like, and I fear that's because the gloomies took hold early on.

In December 2012, A Christmas Kindness was released under my pen name, C. C. Gevry.

Book blurb: Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

I'm fond of this story. I worked on it a long time--many years before I felt it good enough to pitch to anyone. The publisher, 4RV Publishing, set me up with an excellent team of people and they worked hard to get it out to the public last year.

After participating in Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) in November 2011, I signed up for National Picture Book Writing Week (NaPiBoWriWee) in May 2012, which resulted in me writing six picture books. One of those books, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving, is under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing. I'm waiting for an illustrator to be assigned to the project.

Unofficial blurb: Can Macy save dinner when her dog steals the turkey off the table?

In November 2012, I again participated in PiBoIdMo, creating 30 new picture book ideas to work on for 2013. That's how I got involved in 12 x 12, a project to write one new picture book a month for the entire year. So far, I managed to draft 6 out of 7 required drafts--one of which, I have ready to submit to an agent, and another I want to submit to Guardian Angel Publishing.

So why would I feel glum at all? Since 2012,  I've produced more work than ever before. Problem is I can't illustrate my own work, so I must wait for my work to come to market. In addition, a project I was collaborating on became a hassle and it's left me feeling down. And the one major thing I've noticed is that even though I have produced more than ever, I'm not submitting more. That needs to change.

I'm working through the gloomies and trying to stay focused for the final part of 2013. Here's hoping I'll have some good news to share soon.

Just for Fun!

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors Today

Talking about new ways to teach familiar Bible lessons and meeting children where they are today at Christian Children's Authors. Check it out at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/08/02/new-ways-to-teach-familiar-lessons/