I have recently finished Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey, by Jo-Anne Berthelsen. This book was an unusual read for me as I tend to prefer fiction, but I found myself thinking about a lot of things  in my own life as I read this book. Please take a moment to read the short interview I have conducted with Jo-Anne below. I hope you will get a copy of Soul Friend, and that in reading it, you will make some discoveries about yourself, just as I did.

Soul Friend is an honest and intimate portrayal of the author’s own journey with her wise, spiritual mentor and the warm, life-giving relationship that developed between them during their fifteen years of meeting together. This story is written in the hope that it will inspire many not only to seek out such a spiritual friendship for themselves but also to provide such a friendship for another.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves communicating through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of five published novels – Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura,Jenna andHeléna’s Legacy, with a sixth, The Inheritance, due for release in 2013. Her first non-fiction work Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey was released in October 2012. Jo-Anne loves music, reading, mentoring younger women, and sharing with community groups about writing. She is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and three grandchildren.

My ‘Resolution’ Series is currently ‘Product of the Week’ at UCB Direct. If you haven’t heard the promos on the Vision Radio Network yet, check one of them out below.

I love that this one features an interview from a reader.

You can get all three books in my series at UCB for only $39.95 Delivered.

Thank you UCB for supporting this Aussie Author.

Click here to hear the Promo:

UCB Direct. Resolution Series. Let’s Talk about Books.

Click here for the UCB Direct Link:

http://www.ucbdirect.com.au/items/miscellaneous/11721PCK-detail.htm

Desperately seeking handyman on Norfolk Island. Must have a grinder and is able to prepare the surface of a stone, (already in place), and fix our plaque to the stone. Happy to pay any cost of the job. If you know of anyone PLEASE HELP. email: rose.dee@bigpond.com 

My little sister, Kim died on the 7^th of December 1999. After seeing her lifeless, it became so clear to me that our bodies are nothing but shells. The essence, the person, the spirit, of my sister had gone; so when my father applied to have a plaque established at the place where she fell at Puppy’s Point, Norfolk Island, I can honestly say that I didn’t understand why.

For me Kim was exactly where her grave head stated – ‘safe in the arms of Jesus’. I didn’t understand why a monument, however small, was important. She was no longer at the place where she fell, so why mark that spot?

I have never found comfort in visiting grave sites. I prefer to recall the memories of loved ones who have passed in other ways. But even though I didn’t understand my father’s motivation, I still supported him in his desire to see the monument established – for no other reason than because it fulfilled something within him.

Unfortunately my father was never able to establish this monument to my sister. Each one of his requests was denied by the Norfolk Island governing body, and he also passed away last year.

Then, about six months ago on a visit to Townsville, my son, Tully and I came across the World War Two memorials on the Strand. My son was enthralled. He had me read aloud to him the details of the Battle of the Coral Sea, and he walked wall after wall of names to find his great Uncles who had served. His interest piqued again and again with each new section we discovered.

His reaction was testimony to me that memorials are important. They are put in place for the living, not the dead. They are established so we can remember; share the stories of our past; and leave legacies of knowledge for future generations. A memorial is an unspoken communication, a loving gift to the one who has passed, and a loving reminder of the life we all have.

I have submitted a renewed request to the Norfolk Island Government that our family be allowed to place a small plaque at the spot where Kim fell. I am asking you to please help me in this request by leaving a small comment of support to this post.

Monuments are important – a vital part of the history of an area, and stories that need to be told.

Firstly there is the concept, then the script writing, finding a location, organizing equipment, models, editor … and the list goes on and on. When I look back on my efforts now, there is no doubt that it was a huge undertaking.

So, here I am launching my latest trailer. This is for my new release, and the final book in my Resolution series – A New Resolution.

These photos were taken in and around the beautiful tourist destination of Airlie Beach, North Queensland.

A very special thank you to the Coral Sea Resort for allowing me to shoot on their premises, and to Whitsunday Rent a Yacht for giving me free reign on one of their magnificent boats, (what a way to experience the islands and Great Barrier Reef!)

Also a very big thank you to Tenille Smith and Ben Chapman who portrayed my characters, Anika and Nate. You guys did a terrific job.

And not to forget my son, Tully. Who was so smitten with Tenille that holding her hand kept him happy and still for the camera – at least, long enough to get the shots I needed.

A New Resolution is available now from all good bookstores. See links on the side of this page.

Check out this incredible ways to see the Whitsundays – http://www.rentayacht.com.au/home/

Love this place – Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach: http://www.coralsearesort.com/

I can’t believe that two completely different winning moments can span a period of days.

The first win (and a big surprise for me), was that ‘Back to Resolution’ won the Bookseller’s Choice award at this year’s Caleb Awards on Saturday night (13^th October). 

This award blew me away! I was without words, (and that in itself is a real achievement, let me tell you). To win in this category is nothing short of the very best accolade my work could receive. You see, it was never my ‘dream’ to be an author. My dream was to do the one ‘thing’ God had placed me here to do, and not to have my life pass me by without serving Him in His work. This dream is what led me to write. I do not believe I am very ‘literary’, but I strive to portray real characters in real life dilemmas, and to produce stories that people love to read. So the idea that my stories have resonated with the public is a great joy to me. It is also encouraging as I continue with my writing. Thank you Omega Writers, all the readers who voted, as well as every bookstore that features my work. 

The other ‘winning’ moment was the draw for our accommodation voucher at Hinchinbrook Marine Cove Resort on Vision Radio Network.

I always know when God is the orchestrator of something because it goes according to His plan and not to ours. Such was this promotion, and what a wonderful joy it was! With over eighty callers to Vision’s Sing Song competition, listeners were given a chance to wobble their vocal chords and have some fun singing the songs we all love. Even Tully and I had a go at our own rendition of a children’s song. Thank you Karen, Matt, and everyone at Vision. 

On Monday we drew the winner – Ella from Esk in Queensland. Congratulations, Ella, and a very special thank you to all who entered. It was great fun. 

http://www.vision.org.au/the-journey/song-star-draw-congratulations-ella-from-esk-youre-off-to-hinchinbrook-marine-cove

http://hinchinbrookmarinecove.com.au/