I once heard that if you can stop writing, you should.  It's a subjective business filled with rejection.  I think I was born to write.  I couldn't stop if I wanted to.  So, I'm a member of that odd group we call writers.  I wrote my first story when I was five or six years old..."On a dark stormy night" sort of thing.  After 20-plus years of on-again, off-again writing, I can line my walls with rejection letters.  I look back at some of my first attempts at publication and cringe.  My biggest mistake was believing that a great story was enough.  Oh, it's important.  But equally as important - HONING THE CRAFT.  Like with a musician, you must practice constantly.  Like anyone pursuing a trade, you have to study and work on your skill.  My best advice to writers starting out - read all the books you can about writing.  Terms like 'POV' (point of view), three-dimensional characters, proper use of dialect/dialogue, show-don't tell, meant little to me in the beginning.  "I have a great story, and the rest will follow."  I was so naive.  And READ, especially books in the genre you are pursuing.  And WRITE, even if only a few sentences each day.  

Having said all that, I've had two reviews come in.  Book #1 in the 3-book series, Plain Perfect, was recently submitted to dozens of media outlets for review.  So far, I only have two to share.  We're in the very early stages.  But I wanted to share them with you.  The first one is from a fabulous award-winning, best-selling author - Kim Vogel Sawyer.  The second one is from Gayle Coble, owner of the store that will be hosting my first book signing in my hometown.  It is amazing to me the steps that are involved to get a book on the shelves - revisions, rewrites, multiple proofings, cover design, marketing, etc...  I have a great publisher who hand-held me through my 'first book fears'.  I received a box of advance reader copies of my book last week.  These are the copies, not in final format, being sent to review sources.  There are no words to describe seeing your first book in print.  I'm tearing up as I write this.  And when your story touches those who are reading it, there is no better feeling in the world.

My beloved Patrick is not much of a reader (oh, the irony!)...but when he told me yesterday that my books bring out overwhelming feelings for him when he reads them, it reaffirms that I am doing what I was meant to do.  So, without further ado, here are my first two reviews:

What makes life perfect? For many, the pursuit of a "perfect life" can lead to disappointment. At the very heart of humans, the perfect life is one of peace and contentment. Beth Wiseman pens a tale of a woman's search for peace. The pursuit takes Lillian to an unlikely location--her mother's Amish birthplace. But the lifestyle of these Plain, honest people turns Lillian's heart upside-down. For a sweet journey toward faith, enjoy reading Plain Perfect.
                                    Kim Vogel Sawyer,
                                              Award-winning, Best-selling Author  

Author, Beth Wiseman’s, first novel, “Plain Perfect”, takes the reader through emotional turmoil, broken relationships and loss. It is a touchingly poignant story of one woman’s passage to tranquility. Lillian has a spirited strength of character that takes her from Texas to a new home with her Amish grandparents. In this world Lillian learns by faith to forgive and forget; thus, finding inner happiness. Yes, it is a simpler life, but one that is full of human drama. Peace, contentment and love are waiting to be discovered. You will laugh… Jonas is lovable, witty. You will reflect… Irma Rose is genuinely thought provoking. You will love… David is wise beyond his years. You will speculate… Samuel is after all a man. You will discover… As Lillian accepts God’s will. You will cry…so grab the tissues.

                                   Gayle Coble, owner of Calico Hens