When I began my writing journey in 2006, I thought of me and my computer tucked away in my study tapping away at the keys, only emerging to run to the bank to cash my royalty checks. Yes, I had a lot to learn. Though writing is a solitary endeavor, many people came by my side to help and influence me along the way.
I know I can’t name everyone or even try to because someone would be left out. So, I’ll talk about three ladies I love who had a part in seeing my dreams come true.
- Fay Lamb. I met Fay when she was the coordinator of the ACFW Scribes group. That’s the online critique group for the American Christian Fiction Writers. I didn’t really have a clue to what I was doing. After being in the big group for a while, she moved me to a small group and even did editing for me at no charge. She was my first real online writer pal and I am so thankful for her past mentoring and for being my friend to this day.
- Betty Thomason Owens. I met Betty in that first critique group and we became friends. Later, we joined with Christina Rich to start a blog for writers, a way to give back to the writing community. The blog, Inspired Prompt, has grown tremendously and much of that credit is due to Betty and Christina. I had ideas but sorely lacked technical skills. They helped me to learn so much. Betty and I have ridden to many conferences together and I consider her one of my best friends and a great influence on any writing success I have.
- Eva Marie Everson. When Firefly Southern Fiction first came on the scene a few years ago, I knew I wanted to write for them and Eva Marie Everson. I was able to meet her at the Catch the Wave Conference in Atlanta and sign up for every class she taught. I came to her with a raw story and she was interested enough to give me a chance to better it. She mentored me and I learned so much about writing and editing. And on June 17th, Jessie’s Hope was released into the world.
Influence. John Maxwell said that, “Leadership is influence.” These ladies to me are strong leaders and have influenced my life for the better.
Thank you.
Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and has published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in several magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, released on June 17th, 2019.
When she isn’t babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her two blogs. She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.
Jessie’s Hope
Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.
With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie’s grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for “his Jessie,” one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.
Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–highjack Jessie’s dream wedding?
June Blog Tour Giveaway Extravaganza
June 10th-June 30th
Prizes include:
- $25 Amazon Gift Card
- $10 Starbucks Gift Card
- Print copy of Jessie’s Hope
- 2 Kindle copies of Jessie’s Hope
Giveaway details: Go to my Rafflecopter Page to enter and possibly win one of five prizes to be drawn by Rafflecopter. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on July 1st. You can only enter by visiting my June blog tour from June 10th until June 30th. My visits include:
June 13th–Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud/
June 14th–Favorite Friday Fiction/
June 15th–Inspired Prompt/
June 17th–Author Trish Perry/
June 17th–Southern Writers Magazine
June 18th–Author Liz Tolsma/
June 19th–Inspired Prompt/
June 21st–Snark & Sensibility/
June 24th–Fear Warrior/
June 24th–Author June Foster/
June 25th–Trumpet Tuesdays/
June 26th–Seriously Write/
June 27th Author Betty Thomason Owens
June 28th–Heartfelt, Homespun fiction/
June 29th–The Write Conversation/
Betty Thomason Owens 
Thanks for letting me stop by, Betty!
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I’m so happy to have you here after the release of your debut novel. I knew the day would come, and now that it’s here, I’m so excited for you! I hope it’s a long and successful run!
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I’m humbled. If I helped in any way, I know that it was the Lord who made it so. I’m celebrating with you on your debut novel. You still hold the 1st Place for my favorite short story.
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You believed in me. That meant the world. Did you read my new short story on Linda Rondeau’s blog last week? It is about an attack pig. 😀
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Like you, when I started writing a few years ago, I didn’t know a writing community existed and was so blessed to find it (including Inspired Prompt). I was also blessed to meet Betty at a Christian writers’ conference in Tennessee in March.!
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Thank you, Karen! It was wonderful to meet you.
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Isn’t it a blessing? Maybe we can meet at a conference one day also 🙂
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