true story

Touching the hand of God through watching birds
Janet on one of her many travels!

Please welcome my friend and sister writer, Janet Pierce!

Thanks for being with us today. First, would you tell us a bit about yourself? What area of the country do you live in, do you have a family, pets, etc.

I live in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA with my husband. Occasionally our granddog Norman comes for a visit, with or without my grandsons. I have two sons, one lives in Cranberry, north of Pittsburgh with his wife and a mini-me, my granddaughter. My other son lives in the western suburbs of Pittsburgh with his wife, my two grandsons and Norman, the wonder dog- as my husband calls him.

Are you a coffee fiend, or do you have another “addiction” you must have on your desk at all times?

 I love coffee but it is not always at my desk. I may have water or tea, especially if it’s hot out or I have to do some talking with my critique groups.

Is your education relevant to your writing, or have you branched off in something entirely different to create? How would you best describe your books?

That’s an interesting question. I have written many different types of discourse. My very first attempt was when I was about 13. I was bored at our summer cottage after reading all the books I had brought with me, so I wrote The Carson Twins Mysteries- 2 of them. My twin sister illustrated them. They tell you to write what you know- so I wrote about twin sisters, used settings I was familiar with and mysteries which I loved to read at the time.

Years later, after getting my undergrad degree in Elementary Education and French, I couldn’t get a job in education right away. So, I wrote 2 children’s books for my sons, not published but now works in progress. Then I wrote and put on murder mysteries with my company Murder Most Mysterious. But after a year or two I found I did not like putting them on, I preferred to write them. So, I stopped that. While I was doing these things, I had my two sons. They even helped with the shows on occasion. Imagine having an 8- and 10-year-old in the cast. I was also writing and editing a weekly newspaper at the time. I enjoyed it but the money wasn’t very much. I also did free-lance feature stories for the Tribune Review during that time. I met a lot of interesting people for those stories. I loved doing the historical stories of people who had family members who did unusual things. As for myself I got a chance to go on a wagon train ride and found it fascinating. I rode in a surrey, a farm wagon and a Conestoga. I was in the surrey going up alongside a highway when a tornado went through the area. The sky darkened and wind howled. The horses formed a circle and turned inward. Luckily it did not come close to us.

Then as my writing job was being phased out at the newspaper, I managed to get a part-time teaching job. I taught English as a Second Language part-time while writing and then having to go to grad school to keep my teaching certificate. I had created my own double degree as an undergrad at Slippery Rock University and I ended up doing the same thing 28 years later at the University of Pittsburgh.

Eventually the reporting job ended, and I taught full-time. When PA said ESL teachers had to get an ESL certification, I was one of the few teachers who were able to get my certification through the creation of a work portfolio. I ended up teaching classes and developing online classes for the educating entities at the time. That led to my first self-published book- Teaching English Learners-Cultural Implications, Communications, Connections, and Curriculum. I also traveled up and down western PA teaching school district personnel how to create an ESL curriculum. In the 2000s I felt my job was threatened when another woman in my school district went back to school to get her ESL doctorate. So, I applied, was accepted and within 5 years, while teaching full-time, I got my PhD in English- Composition and TESOL. I actually graduated ahead of that teacher and was the oldest and first to finish in my cohort. I published articles in newsletters, and TESOL journals as well as having a chapter in one of their books- Revitalizing a Curriculum for School-Age Learners. I continued teaching until 2018 when I retired and decided to return to my first love- writing fiction. Now I am learning  another type of discourse.  I love history and researching so I use that in my fiction writing. I also love to watch birds at my bird feeders as I read or listen to my Bible.

Tell us about your most recent publication/whichever book you’d like to talk about today? 

My most recent publication is “Observations at the Bird Feeder, published the end of February.

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available  on Amazon https://a.co/d/0uVwo08

What inspired you to write this story? What interesting thing did you learn or research to write it that you didn’t know before?
I enjoy watching the birds that come to my bird feeder as I eat my breakfast and either listen to the Bible or read it. I started writing down my observations and how their actions reminded me of my own or other peoples’ reactions to things and then thought- “What does God think or say about this?” Having the app on my phone I was able to get key words and their scriptural basis as I wrote. I learned a lot of information about birds, and I learned a lot of scriptures. I was blessed to see these actions through both my eyes and the eyes of God as He talks in scriptures.

What’s your favorite thing about the book featured here today?

I am very pleased at how the book turned out, the pictures worked well and everything fell into place once I started getting it ready for publication.

Any special memories you have in the creation of it?

First of all, I never thought of these devotions as a book. It started as just a way to practice my writing skills, learn about birds and God. In one of my critique groups, I submitted a couple of them for our session and a woman told me, “You should get these published.” I asked the others what they thought. Now some of these woman were not overtly Christian and I didn’t even know if or what they believed so when they concurred, it was an Ah Ha moment. Of course, when I submitted the work to a couple of publishers, I was told it was too niche. That did not deter me. I finally decided to self-publish it. It is going well so far and I know a little bit about marketing (did I tell you I also worked in advertising for a very short time? ) but I try to remember, this book and the sales are my and my husband’s way of outreach, to others about how God is with us in all things and ways.

What do you most like about writing? I like imagining, and creating the stories, the writing and the research to learn more. Least like? Maybe doing the marketing, although I don’t hate it, it’s just that once more I have a lot to learn.

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? Well, I’ve always had something to say and I like writing, it is one thing I’ve always done well, albeit after learning a bit of how to write in a particular genre.

Do you belong to any writing groups?

Yes, I belong to Pennwriters, and to St. David Christian Writers.

Are there any writing websites you find particularly useful?

I have a few sites. I get links for Jane Friedman, Roseanna White, Reedsy, Authors Publish, Thomas Umstadt, and Writers Helping Writers.

Is there any special music you like to listen to while writing?

No, I really like silence, so I can get into my thoughts and just write with no distractions. 

How does it inspire you? It doesn’t when I am actually writing.

On my walks and driving the car, yes, Christian music does inspire me. I have written songs and performed them as I played guitar in my younger days. I still sing, but arthritis keeps me from playing guitar.

Do you belong to a critique group? What do you find most valuable about the experience? Yes, I belong to 2 critique groups- both online. I attend one that has helped me learn a lot about writing- POV, head-hopping, deepening tension are just a few of the things I’ve learned. I also run an online group that has members who have ebbed and flowed in and out from time to time. I wouldn’t mind running another one for Christian writers. I love doing it online too.

I drive to a Panera near me to meet with 3 other women who are Pennwriters and we discuss what we are doing, sharing pitfalls and encouragements.

To encourage those still on the path, tell us a little about your path to publication. Don’t give up. Join a critique group, read and learn about writing.  You can ALWAYS learn. Pray a lot and network. This is the advice I would give to any writer.

My path has been a winding, meandering one, over many years. I’ve had to be patient and be persistent.

How many books have you published? I self-published. My first one.-

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How many books did you write before selling one? What do you think was the key to selling that first book? When I designed the ESL courses for the state of Pennsylvania, I used the book for several of the classes. So they had to order and use it. Since there were no other books like mine, it was necessary. I have sold of 1,200 books in the past 20 years.

What are you writing now? I am currently working on my historical inspirational saga– Seasons: The Trevellian Family Saga.  There are to be 4 books in it. My agent is currently shopping the first one- Helena’s Autumn to publishers.

I also have an idea for another devotional. A pictoral book of the various things you see that reflect the wonder of God’s world on walks and what he has to say about them. The working title is- Walking in Wonder.

 What’s next for you—will you be making personal appearances anywhere our readers can find you? Yes. I may be doing a book crawl in Pittsburgh mid-May (details still to be worked out); I will be presenting at the Pennwriter’s Conference in Pittsburgh May 16-18th, and St. David Christian Writers in Meadville, PA  June 17-22nd, at the Ohio Heritage Festival in Westerville Ohio August 16th, and a book signing August 24 at the Carpenter Loghouse in Boyce Park, Plum Borough, PA. I will also be at the Pennwriters Area 1 Road Trip in October 3-5.

Anything else you would like to add?

It has been an honor to talk with you and thanks for this opportunity.

You and everyone can reach me on my blog- https://www.janetpierceswritingcafe.com

And my author page on face book- https://www.facebook.com/JanetPierceAuthor

And on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jpierce494/

Breaking the Silence

It’s time to have a conversation about chronic pain and break the silence and shatter the stigma! Reading this book can help one navigate through chronic pain and overcome feelings of shame and guilt, and it also facilitates open communication between chronic pain sufferers and their loved ones.

Breaking the Silence:

Confronting Guilt and Shame in the Chronic Pain World

by Deb Morgan

Genre: Nonfiction Self-Help for Chronic Pain Sufferers

“Breaking The Silence Receives A 5-Star Editorial Book Review Awarded By Reader’s Favorite 2024!”

Deb Morgan, the author of the Amazon best-selling memoir “Graceful Agony: An Intimate Memoir of Living with Fibro & Chronic Fatigue,” has published a new book titled “Breaking The Silence: Confronting Guilt and Shame in the Chronic Pain World” for readers who suffer from chronic pain, and loved ones.

According to the ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,’ as of 2021, approximately 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million people) experienced chronic pain, and 6.9% (17.1 million people) experienced high-impact chronic pain. Along with the diagnosis of chronic pain, which is beyond one’s control, it can induce feelings of shame and guilt that most times come from stigma.

‘Breaking The Silence’ is an exceptional and easy-to-read guidebook that offers various tools and techniques to help those diagnosed with chronic pain or any chronic illness that involves pain as a symptom. Reading this book can help one navigate through chronic pain and overcome feelings of shame and guilt, and it also facilitates open communication between chronic pain sufferers, their families, and friends.

“The author emphasizes throughout this book that “No one should face suffering in silence.”

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Author Debra Morgan wrote her #1 Amazon best-selling memoir, released April 2023, titled “Graceful Agony: An Intimate Memoir of Living with Fibro & Chronic Fatigue.” Debra’s new book, “Breaking The Silence: Confronting Guilt and Shame in the Chronic Pain World” was released in 2024 for readers suffering from high-impact Chronic pain.

Debra is an influential writer whose books are real-life journeys through topics of Recovery from Addiction, Fibromyalgia, Mental health, and High-impact Chronic Pain. Her knowledge is from personal experiences; her goal is to help others with support and hope and to know they are not alone. All her books are available on Amazon Kindle and B&N and featured on fine literary book sites.

For Deb, it was not about being a survivor but learning to thrive again while easing the path for others facing their fibro challenges. The author was born and raised in Colorado and lived in Arizona until 2012 when she moved to Oregon. Meanwhile, missing her grown children and grandchildren, she moved back to Arizona in 2021. She has been featured as a guest on many podcasts and radio shows, sharing her recovery journey while raising awareness about addiction. She has maintained sobriety since 1993.

With her diagnosis of Fibro in 2005 and other medical conditions, she is committed to her recovery of healing while helping others do the same as a tireless advocate and a woman who has come out the other side of addictions, trauma, and much more as a “Survivor and Warrior.” Today, Deb is focused on writing and sharing her experiences with Fibro and chronic fatigue/pain; as heart-tugging as the downside can be, it is one of pure perseverance.

The author has been happily married to her soulmate and is a mother of two grown, successful children. She enjoys reading, painting, and traveling when not advocating, speaking, or writing. Her “#1 happy place” is spending much time with all the grandchildren she adores. Deb and her husband continue to reside in Chandler, Arizona.

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A beautiful story begun by one, finished by another

Welcome to my guest, Emily Johnson, who has a unique story about how this book came to be!

Can you give readers an idea of what Bird of Paradise is about?

Bird of Paradise follows the story of Arianna Heywood, who is looking forward to joining her older sister at UC Berkeley in the fall (it is the 1960s after all) and as a hopeless romantic she dreams of one day sipping Bellinis with her love in the city of her dreams.   

When a spring break trip to her family’s island home reveals that her childhood crush’s feelings have changed, she is eager to step into the world of womanhood. But you cannot always choose what happens in life. Facing immeasurable pain, she embarks on a decade-long journey of self-discovery, working to find her place in the world, torn between the pull of her Island and the possibility of what lies beyond. Guided by the wisdom of those who came before her, she must bridge the gap between her past and the story of her future, but then an unexpected encounter could change it all.

The book is a coming-of-age, family saga and romance. The genre grows and matures as Ari’s story is told.

Where did the inspiration for Bird of Paradise come from?

The book was co-written with my mother. She began writing Bird of Paradise over 20 years ago when she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.

After many setbacks and recurrences, she passed away in 2012 (long after they said she would) and left the book unfinished. I found a letter from her with a copy of her manuscript and a request that I finish the story for her.  So, the inspiration was her.

What was it like trying to finish your mom’s story?

When I first sat down to read Bird of Paradise, it was within weeks of her passing. I was still in that very raw place, and it was difficult. I could hear her voice through the words. Even though it’s a work of fiction, there are many events and characters that pull from her life and the lives of those around her. As I read the story, it became more of a way to continue a conversation with her and it was a source of comfort.

From a technical standpoint, finishing someone else’s work isn’t easy. Her writing style and my writing style are very different. She is poetic and descriptive, and I am more abrupt and analytical. However, I knew exactly where I wanted to take the story itself and actually wrote the ending first. Then I backtracked my way to that line where she left off and added events and conversations to her part of the book to make a cohesive story and complete each character’s story arch. Then I added layer upon layer of detail to meld our styles. She created all but one character, so that was helpful. I think she purposely left one character for me to create and that was a lot of fun.

What do you think makes a good fiction book?

You must write with passion and believe in your story and characters. It’s easy to tell when an author is writing for someone else and not themselves.

Are you planning to write another book?

Perhaps. I have an idea for one that tells the story of the parents from Bird of Paradise as their relationship is key to the book. I just haven’t been able to find the time to really delve into it.

STORY:

Seventeen-year-old Arianna Heywood is a hopeless romantic who dreams of one day sipping Bellini’s with her love in Italy and when a trip home to the Island reveals that her innocent childhood crush no longer looks at her as his kid sister, Ari is eager to step into the world of womanhood. But as is so often the case, you cannot always choose what happens in life.

Facing immeasurable pain, Ari embarks on a decade long journey of self-discovery, but an unexpected encounter in the city of her dreams may change it all again. Torn between the pull of her Island and the possibility of what lies beyond, Ari must bridge the gap between her past and the story of her future. They say some love stories are meant to last forever. Will theirs be one of them? Only Ari has the power to decide.

Excerpt From Bird of Paradise

The sun was in its descending arc over the western headland now. It was an artist’s sun, all big and orange, spreading its sepia light over the Island, transforming it from brilliant contrasts to silhouetted images against a vibrant sky. There was a light trail that extended across the lagoon and out to the open sea, a golden touch she had called it when she was very young. But first she needed to cry the tears she had been suppressing all that day. It wasn’t a moment of weakness. She just needed to leave the tears behind. And when the last one had descended her cheek and dissolved into the fabric of her linen shirt, she knew she was ready. So, she resettled herself on the sleek wooden bench that Grandfather had lovingly crafted out of a singly koa log all those years ago and into which he and Mem had carved their names, and then Mama and Papa had done the same after them. She followed the light trail as far as she could see and searched the horizon until she found what she was looking for – the ferry that was sailing away with everything she loved most in this world. She stared at it for a very long time, watching it grow smaller and smaller. Then she closed her eyes and tried to remember what her life had been like before Michael.

Links

Instagram @ejohnson2014

Twitter @elhughes01

Website: emilyjohnsonwrites.net

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZYX339Z

Bios:

Marilyn was born in Southern California but spent her formative years in the San Francisco Bay Area with her parents and older sister.  She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Sociology and received an advanced degree in Elementary Education.  After moving with her husband to Aspen, Colorado Marilyn spent the next 20 years as a public-school teacher and elementary education consultant and lecturer.  She and her family moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1996 and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with breast and advanced ovarian cancer.  She began writing The Bird of Paradise as a life gift for her daughter, Emily.  She passed away in 2012 leaving the novel unfinished – for Emily to complete.

Emily was born in Aspen, Colorado where she enjoyed skiing, dancing ballet and playing golf.  At the age of 13, she and her family moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina.  She attended UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.   She currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and son.  Emily enjoys playing golf, running, kickboxing, reading, and spending time with her family.  Finishing her mother’s work has been one of the greatest honors of her life.