Celebrating Friendship and Writing Blessings

Last year, I received this birthday card from my special friend and writing buddy, Linda Phillips:

Friends as Blessings

Writers know that the road to publication is long. Along the way we connect with fellow writers who encourage us to persevere as we draft, revise, and seek publication. Linda’s stedfast encouragement, prayers, and wisdom are one of the blessings I’ve received for over 25 years.

Another tremendous friend and fellow writer is Kathleen Burkinshaw who not only gave me the idea for using newspaper headlines as chapter headings, she also presented me with this cup at my launch. It comes with me to all of my events!

Readers as Blessings

One of the things Linda told me was that it will be readers’ words about Half-Truths that will thrill me the most. She was right! I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it feels when I lead discussions at book clubs and hear participants relate to the themes of the book. Or, when people like my new Facebook friend, Laura Roettiger, writes and says she enjoyed my book and will recommend it to others. Or, to hear someone say that the characters and settings were real to them. Many readers want to know what happens to Kate and Lillian next. That question makes me smile; I realize how they have become involved in the story.

My first book club event–complete with Blue Willow china–at Lee Ann Soowall’s home.

Both Charlotteans and those who haven’t lived in Charlotte, have commented that they appreciate the research that went into the book. Many said the headlines (which took so much time!), and the pictures at the back of the book lend to the authenticity of the story.

At one book club, a woman read a passage out loud that occurs toward the end of the book. Kate asks her mentor, editor Horace Carter, some tough questions about exposing her family’s half-truths.

“You’re exposing the KKK’s lies, manipulation, and evil. Is it my responsibility to uncover the lies in my own family?”

Carter responds:

“Before God, we all have the responsibility to speak the truth. But the Bible says we are to speak the truth in love. I take that to mean we must consider our motivation. What is your purpose in telling others what you found out? What will you gain, what might you—or your family—lose?”

The reader thought this part was the crux of the book and wondered if it reflected my own thoughts and experiences.

What do you think?

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Here are some of my readers–both young and old– who are my blessings from 2025!

Awards as Blessings

I was also blessed and honored to have received several awards for Half-Truths.

The North Carolina Society of Historians celebration was packed full of artists, authors, musicians, genealogists, historians, and me! Here is a short video from the event.

I was thrilled to receive the 2025 AAUW of North Carolina Young Adult Literature Award. As you can tell from this video, I wasn’t prepared to give a speech!

The Most Important Blessing of All

Finally, I want to say that one of my greatest blessings this year has been that in the good times and in the hard times (which don’t get shared on social media but are equally important), I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed me by making me one of His own over 50 years ago. To Him be glory forever and ever!

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10: 27-28

How About You?

What were your blessings in 2025? I’d love to hear your thoughts as you end one year and begin the next one?