I’m happy to introduce my good friend Cindy Rooy, author of “Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears.”  I met Cindy years ago at the Blue Ridge Mts. Christian Writers Conference. We were both fairly new to the writing scene and fumbling our way around the retreat center. We developed an instant friendship and encouraged each other throughout the week. Cindy has gone through many of her own troubles and tears and still came out smiling. Through the difficulties came the inspiration for her book. In her own words,

“I wanted to know why God allowed so much pain and adversity in our lives so I studied the Bible for answers. My church asked me to do a Bible study workshop at their retreat and I wrote “Trusting God” from that personal study. An author in that class convinced me to go to the Blue Ridge Christian Writer’s Conference. A publisher at the conference asked me to turn that workshop into a six-chapter Bible study.”

I remember encouraging Cindy when she entered a contest at the conference. As winners were announced, she slunk lower and lower in her seat. Defeat written across her face, mumbling, “I don’t know why I even entered…”  Ah, but it wasn’t over yet. Cindy won first place in the devotionals category! We had to literally scoop her out of the seat and get her on her feet to accept the award : )   Fond memories, my friend!

Cindy has pursued her calling to write and God has continually opened doors for her. Major successes include the publication of her book, a speaking ministry, an inspirational columnist for the Kingsport Times-News, The Rogersville Review, and the Common Ground Herald (covering SW Virginia and NE TN). She also hosted a radio show “Faith Flash” and is a contributing author for several anthologies. If you are a struggling newbie writer – don’t give up! Cindy is a prime example of persistence and prayer – two necessary requirements for writing.

Note: Cindy’s website is www.cindyrooy.com

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden brings you into the neighborhood of a small town in Massachusetts. The main characters Libby Sawyer and Michael Dobrescu are wonderfully matched, or mis-matched as the case may be.

The story revolves around the conflict of Michael coming to town with family and taking over Libby’s father’s house while it is vacant for the summer. Fleeing the war torn lands of the Balkans and leaving Romania behind with plenty of family secrets, Michael moves into the house, believing he has legal rights to be there. Many twists and turns to this story, keeping the reader totally engaged and entertained. The sparks fly between Michael, a “great big strapping man” and Libby Sawyer, a sensitive artist with little confidence in her abilities and hiding her own secret.

Cultural differences and personality conflicts bring out many rude comments: Michael to Libby – “ You dress like a man and you act like an idiot.” Also, “Take her out to the nearest lake and throw her in to see if she floats. Except I think she might like it.””

Libby – “what I would like, is to have an exorcism to rid my house of a passel of gypsies.” Yes, it sounds like they were meant to be together : )

Love a certain rooftop scene near the end of the book. Not just a romance, the author touches on the complexity of family issues. Great story with interesting subplots delving into some serious subjects with creative characters skillfully drawn. 

When I started to read this book, I wasn’t sure where the story was going or if I wanted to continue reading.  I couldn’t grasp how two seemingly different stories would connect and bring forth a theme that made sense.  I underestimated the author’s ability.

Seitz brilliantly weaves a tale full of meaning and purpose, skillfully bringing it to a satisfactory ending. A story of prejudice, friendship, love and loss and the beauty of God’s hand making the impossible come full circle to great possibility.

The three main characters: Ally, a world traveling flight attendant carrying her own set of baggage, Vesey Washington, her neighbor and best friend while growing up in low country south and the mysterious Sunila, working in slave labor in the stone quarries of far off Nepal.

The fragility and strengths of the characters are beautifully portrayed and one is drawn into their lives, hoping for a happy ending after all the hardships they walk through.   I confess when I reached the ending where everything finally came together – I wept. At the amazing grace of God, a recurring echo throughout the story. Somehow the message gets across with barely a mention or touch of preaching. Kudos to Nicole for an amazing story.

Barnes & Noble Book Signing  March 25, 2012  

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times                                

A special thank you toAshley, Merchandising Manager from the Niskayuna store who set everything up for a successful event. Sharing a few photos of old and new friends who stopped by…

I did it again. I broke down and completed the reservation process for Blue Ridge. Each year (this will be the 6th) I keep telling myself I’ll skip a year and save the money. Then that pesky Al puts together an outstanding faculty and adds new and wonderful classes and workshops. Editors, speakers, agents and teachers, who could ask for anything more? I’m back at the keyboard searching for inexpensive flights which don’t exist. Sigh.

If you haven’t been to this conference, you don’t know what you’re missing. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains it is impossible to remain uninspired. Lovely accommodations, state of the art classrooms and a spacious conference room to hold the ever increasing crowd. Writing courses for all interests and levels and a pace so intense, you’ll have to find your own quiet time to catch your breath.

Are you attending a writers conference this year? If so, which one?

Do you have a memory to share about Blue Ridge? Or your first writers conference?

My awesome news this week is – I’m getting ready for Blue Ridge! 

Note: for more info, check out www.brmcwc.com

A thank you to the lovely ladies at Scotia United Methodist Church! I had the honor of being their speaker at a recent Woman’s Group meeting, sharing my writing journey and introducing my new story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times. An enjoyable evening discussing writing and the power of words, both written and spoken. I passed out index cards at the close of the meeting, which they willingly filled out – with names of friends going through tough times. And the commitment to share words of comfort and hope to them this week. This photo only shows a portion of the group, sorry ladies – I forgot my camera that night! We had over 20 women, a wonderful turnout.

What is your story for Awesome Alley? 

Did you have an article accepted this week?

A call back from an agent?

Maybe you finally got up the nerve to actually submit to a magazine or newspaper. Whatever good news you have, please do share it with us. First, the writing news. Then, if you want to share a goal you’ve achieved, go ahead!

AND – if I receive comments from at least 20 individuals, I will compile the names and randomly choose a winner for a free copy of the Chicken Soup Devotional book. So refer your friends to Lovely Lane! (please leave your email in comment so I may contact you if you win)