Sisterhood of the World Bloggers

Thank you so much for the nomination Gail Pallotta!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the one who nominated you.
2. Put up the award.
3. Answer the questions you have been sent.
4. Make up ten new questions for nominees to answer.

Here are my questions and answers:

1. What was something that brought you lots of joy this year?
I would have to say my photography business, E.A. Creative Photography, has brought me a lot of joy. I have met some incredible people, gone to amazing locations, and been a part of so many memories this year...it's been a huge blessing and a BIG source of joy!

2. What is your hope for 2015?
There are a lot of things I hope for in the New Year, but one would be to grow in my writing. I look forward to the craft books I'll read, the advice from authors I'll receive, and the conference(s) I'll be able to attend! Can't wait :D

3. What is your favorite leisure time activity?
Reading. Ah...what else would you expect? No matter how many books I read, I still want to read more and, given free time, I'll usually pick up a book!

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Have you ever written a blog about that place or set a book there?
My dream vacation would be to visit Scotland and Ireland! As of right now I haven't blogged or written about that yet, but hopefully (should I get to take this trip) I'll have plenty to incorporate into a book.

5. Who has had the biggest influence on you?
I'll break this into three areas...  
Writing: Ronie Kendig. This woman is amazing! Her writing inspires me to write better and her encouragement is so helpful.  
Photography: Not a person, but a community - Pursuit 31. Being a part of this Christian group of women photographers has helped my photography, my business, and my walk with the Lord. 
Spiritually: My mentor Pam Snider. Unfortunately, she now lives in Arkansas and I'm in D.C. but over the last three years she has encouraged me, given me advice, and has always pointed me toward the Lord.

6. Have your learned something new this year about life, people, or writing?
In regards to life, one thing I've learned is that it's always changing. That's an obvious thing, of course, but I've realized it even more since moving to D.C. Life is full of surprises and excitement as well as confusion and uncertainty. The best way to face it is to cling to the Lord and walk with Him in trust. Easier said than done, right? ;)

7. Do you have a favorite genre to read? Do you write in that genre?

Yes - romantic suspense! I read it and write it. I also like Dystpian YA too and am thinking about writing in that genre as well...

8. Please share a Bible verse or insightful quote with us.
My "life verse" (if I were to pick one) is 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

9. What helps you shut out the busyness of the world when you write?
If not silence, then lovely classical music! I prefer Haydn or Vivaldi.

10. Tell us about one of your blogs or books and what you just love about it.
Recently on my blog I did my annual "Spread the Christmas Joy" blog-a-thon where authors and writers share a Christmas story or memory with my readers. I was particularly touched by author Kristy Cambron's memory and wanted to share the paragraph that really affected me:

Who would have ever thought that less actually is more? That less control means more growth. That my pride needed a knocking down before my heart could understand a building up? That the uneven paths of life that stretch our faith muscles would have such value against the things we always thought defined Christmas in our hearts. That less of ourselves, over and over again, equals so much more of Him.
- Kristy Cambron, The Best Christmas on Thinking Thoughts

I loved what she wrote and find that I need to remember this in my life as well!






My nominees are: 
Kara Peck, Kirsty Cambron, Casey Herringshaw, Alexis Goring, Jennifer Jackson

Here are the 10 questions for the nominees:
1.  Share a favorite memory from 2014.
2.  Are you doing a reading challenge for 2015? If so, what's the first book you're reading this year?
3.  What are three things you are looking forward to in 2015?
4.  If you could take a dream vacation where cost is not a problem, where would you go and why?
5.  What is one piece of advice (or realization) you received in 2014 that you'll carry with you?
6.  Share two of your favorite books from 2014 and a little bit about why you loved them.
7. Do you have a goal or resolution for 2015 you'd be willing to share?
8.  Share a verse or word that you will be carrying with you into this new year.
9.  What is one activity or place you hope to experience in 2015?
10. Share with us something you are passionate about and how God has used that in your life thus far.

Thank you to you all and Happy New Year!