At one stage in my life, Valentines Day did not hold a scrap of significance for me. Flowers did not arrive, loving words were not spoken, and without a ‘significant other’ there was no hope for romance. The hopeless romantic in me was never satisfied, and I would breathe a sigh of relief that the day had ended.

Today I have a husband and son who shower me with attention, and it never needs to be ‘Valentines Day’ for my husband to buy me flowers, or an expensive gift to show me he loves me. I am blessed. But this morning before my husband had greeted me, or my son had woken up, I read these words:

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness”‘ (Jeremiah 31/3).

It made me realize that all those years I felt sad because I didn’t receive any flowers, didn’t hear any loving words, and didn’t have a ‘significant other’ – I actually DID. HE was the one who gave me the day; who bloomed every flower in the world; HE ordered the birds to sing;  He gave me words of love; He sent his most precious ONE – all because HE loved ME.

If you are sad today, because you feel like you are missing out on love, please know that you haven’t been missed, or forgotten. Not one little bit. The ONE who taught us what it is to love – loves YOU. And it is with an E-V-E-R-L-A-S-T-I-N-G Love.

Even though I have a three book series named ‘Resolution’, I am not traditionally a New Year’s Resolution maker. I never have been. Looking back on years past I can honestly say that I have never waited for a new year to roll around in order to change something in my life. This doesn’t mean that I have never made a resolution, just that I don’t wait for a benchmark event other than the obvious need within myself to make a change.

I like to apply the ‘let your yes be yes, and your no be no’ concept all year round. So this year I will continue to try and do what I say I will do – and if I fail (either myself or others), then I apply the forgiveness method, knowing that success lies in the ability to learn by mistakes and to move on.

I hope 2013 is your year of moving on to greater things in your life, and that love and peace will be your guide. Thank you for reading my blog, and for supporting me through my 2012 journey. Love to all. See you ‘next year’. 

Rose xo

 Over the years Emily Parker’s actions as a teenager have impacted not only her own life, but the lives of many different people.

Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community’s respected doctor.

While Emily’s faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew’s life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for her hardness of heart towards the Lord.

Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily’s faith be strong enough to forgive each other and put the past behind them?

My Thoughts: 

This is my favourite of all the Mary Hawkins novels I have read. The story instantly engaged me, and although the romance was a little predictable, it was exactly what I like. I don’t want to wonder weather a heroine and hero get together in the end, I want to know that they do and enjoy the anticipation of the story as they get there. I also loved that both characters were flawed. In some Christian novels I have read, the characters are so ‘pure’ that the story is totally unbelievable and I simply cannot relate to them. This is not the case in ‘Return to Baragula’. I found this story to be a great balance between uplifting Christian ideals and displaying the grace and forgiveness that accompanies the Christian walk. 

See: http://www.mary-hawkins.com/ for stockist information.

On a personal note: ‘Return to Baragula’ was the novel that brought Australian Christian Authors into my life. I could hardly believe that an Australian had written a Christian fiction novel. It was a wonderful discovery, and a vital step that lead to my own calling as a Fiction Writer. Thank you, Mary Hawkins. xo

       Visit Mary at: http://www.mary-hawkins.com/

In my recent interview on the ‘Aussie Hour’ with Matt and Karen on Vision Radio Network, Matt commented that Australia was experiencing a ‘revival of the arts’. I truly believe that this is the case, especially in my circles – Christian Women’s Fiction.

We have such a dynamic team of authors writing stories that resonate, not only with our fellow Aussies, but with international audiences as well. We have editors, proofreaders, and publishers that are refining our work with a professional touch, and turning each book into a story that touches hearts and provides entertainment and learning to our growing audience.

It is a joy to be a part of this community. We lift each other up, challenge each other to do our best, encourage, and give healthy, constructive criticism delivered with the love and respect we feel for each other.

We truly are (as Matt says in this interview) a ‘literary army’, (love that), and I am itching to get down to see my peers at The Word Writer’s Getaway on the Sunshine Coast this weekend. Not only am I launching the third book in my ‘Resolution’ series – ‘A New Resolution’, I am also coming together with three other Aussie Authors to launch our conjunction book – ‘The Greenfield Legacy’. This book is a testimony to the power of working together, and I love the story we have produced.

Please seek out our Aussie Authors – we have released books you will want to read:

Here are some links to get you started:

http://amanderings.wordpress.com/

http://www.justoccurred.blogspot.com.au/

http://christianwritersdownunder.blogspot.com.au/

http://laura-oconnell.com/

 Please take a moment to listen to my interview with Matt and Karen on Vision Radio Network’s ‘The Aussie Hour’.

CLICK HERE:

Aussie Hour interview with Matt and Karen.

 http://www.vision.org.au/

The final book in my Resolution series is set to be released in November. Please stop by the Book Review Sisters today and check out the cover of ‘A New Resolution’. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Personally – I LOVE it.

http://www.bookreviewsisters.com/2012/07/feature-author-rose-dee-interview.html

After a crazy busy month of writing, working, editing and lack of sleep, I left my world behind last week to take my son on his first train ride. The Sunlander – 18 hour trip from Mackay to Brisbane may have been a little ambitious in theory, but the journey turned out to be a surprising success.  

As I sat (or lay) watching our scenic Australian landscape go by, I realized that a journey I had anticipated suffering through was actually an unexpected blessing in disguise. Before boarding the train I was stressed, overwhelmed with work, limited in my resistance to everything (flu, parenting, positive thought etc), but when forced into leaving it all behind, I found peace, refreshment, and a renewal of strength.

 So my advice? – if you live life in the fast lane, next time you travel take the slow track, and give yourself time out to smell the roses. Book a train ride instead of a plane ticket, and sit back, relax, and let our beautiful country inspire and refresh you. 

A year ago I was sorting through a very dusty pile of books. In the middle of the pile, I was delighted to discover a little book I had made at primary school about stamps. It was nothing but blank pages stapled together, and there had clearly been some rough editing done with white-out, but I remembered the project well. I had been very proud of my little book, lovingly researched, written, and edited.

My little book about stamps came in handy a few weeks ago when I was asked to talk to my son’s grade 1 class about writing books. I could do little more than show the 6-7 year olds, what my novels looked like – but the little book about stamps was so well received that when I suggested the students write their own books, the project was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. I also read a children’s book (The Bedtime Band) – They loved it.

 I went back this week to see the books they had written. The range of genres was amazing; I found fiction, non-fiction, biographies, dictionaries, and information books.

I discovered that, not only did the project instil pride in their work it also inspired the children to look at books differently. Writing their own books fostered creativity, improved writing skills, and prompted the students to read more. The project was so successful that I have been invited into other classrooms.

I want to encourage other authors to get out into schools and do more of this sort of work. It is a wonderful opportunity for the children, and an amazingly gratifying way to share your skill and love of writing. 

Everyone has a place of rest – a spot to go to when you need a break from the stresses of the world. For some it’s a cosy corner of the house where they can sit and read. For others it’s a golf course, a shopping expedition, or a quiet corner in a coffee shop. But for me it’s the ocean.

I grew up on the beach, so the constant thud of pounding waves, and the film of salt spray formed the mainstay of my childhood. I awoke each morning to the yellow heat of the sun and the fresh breeze floating off the water. I went to sleep each night to the whistling wind and the high pitched cries of coastal birds. Having this seaside influence day in and day out has had a very significant effect on my psyche.

Whenever I feel the heaviness of life, I take to the beach and to the Pacific ocean of my childhood. For me it represents so many securities. And although I grew up on a beach, and live at the beach, my very first preference for a holiday destination is still an island.

With this affinity, is it any wonder that the settings for my stories are on our Australian tropical coastline!

Today I am offering you a snapshot from my holiday album. These were taken on my last trip to Daydream Island Resort and Spa – my favourite holiday destination. http://www.daydreamisland.com/

I hope these photos provide you with some escapism.

For your chance to win two nights on Daydream Island Resort and Spa, please go to: http://www.koorong.com/estore/rosedee.html

Please jump on link below and support my online launch with Koorong. 

Purchase my new release ‘Beyond Resolution’ to go into the draw to win 2 nights on Daydream Island Resort and Spa. (conditions apply) 

Things to see on the launch page; 

Trailer to ‘Beyond Resolution’. 

Interview with Caleb winner Paula Vince. 

http://www.koorong.com/estore/rosedee.html

http://www.daydreamisland.com/

New author Andrea Grigg is set to launch her first novel ‘A Simple Mistake’ this weekend. The one major thought that kept popping up throughout my reading of this book was: ‘I wish I had read this when I was younger’. This is more than a story of love gone wrong. The themes will linger long after you finish reading this book. It is my opinion that this is a very valuable read for young Christian women. Andrea was kind enough to answer some interview questions. I hope you enjoy. 

When teenage sweethearts Nick and Lainey meet again after more than a decade, so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career, Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

Despite Nick’s promise to keep in touch when he left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey never heard from him. Now that time has passed, she has moved on from what she felt. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick’s lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey’s secret?

In your debut novel ‘A Simple Mistake’, you explore many themes from teenage romance to the concept of a soul mate. What do you want readers to take away from this story?

Apart from the ‘feel good’ thing?J Seriously though, I want readers to be reminded that they can trust God with their lives because He loves them. As ‘simple’ as that.

2.    What was your inspiration for writing ‘A Simple Mistake’?

A few years ago, the teenage son of a friend was in a band which was ‘discovered’ on the internet. It started me thinking about how his life would be completely changed by this event (which it has) … and that’s all it took. Incidentally, my hero, Nick, has no resemblance to Tim whatsoever. His mother can vouch for that – she’s one of my book buddies who read my chapters as they emerged.

3.       Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia in 1983. I met my husband in a church in Sydney, and then we moved up to the Gold Coast in 1985 when I was pregnant with our first child. Two more children and many years later, we’re still here! I teach part time at a local primary school, (currently Grade 5 children), and try to write on my days off. I do get distracted though.

Apart from thinking up characters and plots, I love to read, hang out with family and friends, and listen to music. I also sing and play keys, although not as much now I’m into writing. Another thing I really enjoy doing is encouraging people in their walk with the Lord. Words are so powerful, whether they’re spoken or written.

4.       What’s next for Andrea Grigg?

More books published, I hope. I have so many ideas it’s ridiculous, enough to keep me going until I’m ninety. I’ll need to be able to ‘speak’ the words onto a bigscreen by then – my eyes are bad enough now.

I also would like be invited to speak to groups about the writing process and my journey to getting published. I’ve learned so much, and would love to pass it on to those who share a passion for writing, or are even just thinking about it.

I’ve got a few ‘life experience’ stories up my sleeve too, including my own adoption story. ( I’m one of 7 siblings; we have the same parents, we were all adopted out… I’ve got your interest now, haven’t I!)

5.       Where and when can we get a copy of ‘A Simple Mistake’?

‘A Simple Mistake’ is now available from Koorong www.koorong.com.au and Word bookstores, on Amazon, and Even Before Publishing’s website. Myown website, http://www.andreagrigg.com will be up and running very soon, and my book can be ordered from there as well.