Out on Epic Adventures

Hello friends! I am, as the title suggests, about to head out on epic adventures! I just packed up everything (all my books *sad face*) and just said "see ya later" to the trailer hauling all of my stuff to California. What now? Well,  I'm headed on one massively epic road trip!

I've been so blessed by my time here in Ohio. My church, Apex, welcomed me with open arms and I am SO thankful for the Springhill House Church for taking me in and making feel like family immediately. I will miss them all so much!

I wish I had time to tell you all of the amazing ways I've seen God work in my life here in Ohio, but for now, I'll share one of the things I've learned:

God is a trustworthy God. 

He is faithful. Always. In any circumstance, whether good or bad, He will see me (and you) through. I've had both good and bad times here in Dayton, and the same can be said for the rest of my life, but ultimately--no matter what happens--I know He will be with me.

All my stuff!

I'll try and keep you all updated here (along with my regular blog posts) but make sure to check out my Instagram stories (in the app under @createexploreread) to follow my adventrues. I promise to share silly faces and random things!

Prayers appreciated for my travels - they are rather extensive and take me through Texas!

On the Road

 Well, I'm on the road! We've hit Beaver, UT tonight and will be making our way to Denver tomorrow. I'm completely exhausted and looking forward to sleeping but I wanted to announce the winner of last weeks giveaway.

Congratulations are in order for...

Steffani Webb

Woohoo! Congrats and we'll get the book to you soon :)

In the mean time, what are some of your favorite travel locations Thinking Thoughts readers??? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Mary Annslee Urban {Writer Wednesday}

I had the distinct blessing of being the event photographer for the SCV Pregnancy Center (our local pregnancy center) fundraising banquet last night!  It was so wonderful to hear the keynote speaker Melissa Ohden and to be moved, encouraged, and inspired by her story.  Talk about amazing!  Check out a brief post I did on my photography blog [here] and be on the look out for more photos from the event soon! 

I'm also so excited to be back in the swing of things for {Writer Wednesday}! We have a wonderful interview with Mary Annslee Urban today and I can't wait for you to get to know her better :)

Here's a little bit about Mary ...

Tapestry of Trust

Mary Annslee Urban is an author of Inspirational Romance. Her goal is to write stories that stir the heart about love, honor and God's grace! Her debut book, Tapestry of Trust, White Rose Publishing, was released June 2012. Her second book with White Rose Publishing, She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, will be released Fall of 2012.

A registered nurse by profession, Mary works part-time in the behavioral health field. She also has been a freelance writer for newspapers in her area and has had articles published in magazines as well as online publications. She has served as co-president of Carolina's Christian Writers and is a member of ACFW. A North Carolina resident, Mary and her husband have five children and 3 grandchildren. When she isn't writing, she enjoys Bible Studies, cooking, traveling, long walks and anything chocolate!

How to connect with Mary...
Blog: maryurban.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.a.urban.9

Amazon: Author Page

Google+: https://plus.google.com/112306007651825730409/posts

Author Interview | Mary Annslee Urban

You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? 
...I grew up watching old-time romance movies, which I believe started my passion for sweet romance, true love and happy endings. A daydreamer at heart, I began my writing journey when the youngest of my five children started school. For several years I worked as a freelance writer for local newspapers and contributed articles to magazines and online publications.
...Raised in the foothills of Arizona, I survived temperature shock when I moved to Western Pennsylvania, before setting in North Carolina with my husband and children. Aside from writing, I work part-time as a Registered Nurse in the Behavioral Health field. I’m a member of ACFW, and currently serve as vice-president of Carolina Christian Writers. I have three published novels.  They are Tapestry of Trust, released June 2012, and She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, November 2012 and In Love’s Defense, due out this September 2013.
…When I’m not writing, I enjoy cooking, traveling to faraway places, playing with grandbabies and eating all things chocolate.

What has kept you writing?
…I had such a passion to write I couldn’t stop myself. I just loved learning and improving the craft.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written?
…Whichever book I’m working on is my favorite at the time. I get so involved in watching the characters come to life and can’t wait to see how the story evolves.

What was the hardest thing about publishing?
...Waiting! For replies from agents, publishers, editors. The easiest? Getting the call or email that the book has sold!

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...I write Inspirational Romance. Right now I am working on an historical and just finished a romantic suspense.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...The struggles my characters over come to get to the romance. With Christ at the helm.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?  Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both? 
…My stories are from my imagination, although threads of my life experiences are tangled within the characters and story.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
…Definitely to encourage people and hopefully bring them closer to God.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Don’t give up. Follow your passion and the path the Lord has set before you.

You
Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
…I recently attended the ACFW conference in Dallas. I gleaned so much from the various workshops. There’s always so much to learn.

What’s your favorite green food?  (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
…Spinach. Fresh, or cooked. I love it!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...Northern Italy. We were there once, in the mountains around Verona. It was so beautiful and serene. And my grandfather’s family was from that area, which made it even more special.

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Thank you for that wonderful interview Mary!  I would have to agree with your choice for a month-long getaway to Italy.  I've been there once for a week and cannot wait until I get the chance to go back! I also loved how you said the hardest thing about publishing was the waiting.  I think that goes for most good things in life - eh?  Well, I really appreciate you sharing with us!

By far my favorite question for this month is the last one regarding traveling.  You'll have the chance to hear three more authors thoughts on this, but until the next {Writer Wednesday} what is your answer to that question? I'd love to hear your answers below!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month where would you go?