3 Self-published Authors I Admire (And Why)

So, as the title might suggest, today I'm going to briefly talk about indie authors that I admire; either for their writing or for some other reason.

Number one on my list is Jenna Moreci. Oh good gravies, this girl. I cannot even put into words my love for Jenna. Of her books, I have only read the first chapter of Eve: The Awakening--because when I discovered her I was broke, and so far still haven't had the income to purchase unnecessary items such as books (I can't believe I just said books were unnecessary). But this isn't a financial blog post, so we'll move past that. The point is, I've read very little but I LOVED what I read. I was hooked, from page 1, and have been mourning the fact that so far I haven't been able to get my hands on the rest. So, her writing aside, the real reason I love Jenna Moreci is her YouTube channel. She is brilliant, witty, intelligent, and the source of the majority of my writing advice these days. I used to have other sources, but why would I need them when I have the Cyborg Queen?

Now, there is one thing about dear Jenna Moreci that I don't like; she uses explicit language...everywhere. All.The.Time. And that is not something my poor little ears need. So, beware when reading her books or watching her YouTube videos.

The next self-published author on my list is Mandi Lynn. Again, I mainly know her through YouTube. However, I have actually read a full novel of hers, as opposed to one chapter of Jenna's book. I enjoyed her novel, and I enjoy her YouTube channel. She is not on the insanely high pedestal that the Cyborg Queen is--how could anyone even come close--but she is on my list because she is more on my level. Someone that can serve as inspiration that I could reasonably imitate and someday (hopefully) attain. Unlike Jenna...whom I can never compare with in any way.

The last author on my list is Christopher Paolini. Granted, his books are now traditionally published, but Eragon started out self-published, so he totally counts. The reason he's on my list is simple--self-publishing can eventually lead to "making it big." He's nothing more to me than an example of what is possible--well, that and also the author of a series that I love (love is a strong word...you should go read my reviews of that series to know how I really feel, which you can find here: My Reviews).

There you have it. 3 self-published authors I admire, and why.

Bonsai Tree Update

Today I have tragic news...there has been an unforeseen death...in my ROOM!

My first bonsai tree died a rather tragic death at such a tender young age of...however many weeks old he was.

I went on a trip about a month ago and was gone for two weeks--counseling at church camp. And whilst I was away, my poor bonsai tree died (to be fair, I did put someone in charge of him...). Despite this sad event, I have planted seeds yet again and am growing bonsai tree #2. We shall see how this goes! Hopefully better than the last one.

I have completed the soaking seeds, stratifying in the fridge, and planting stages. Now I wait for the little green shoots once more. And don't go on any trips until my bonsai is fully grown.

The Heart of God

God loves you. God loves me.

Sometimes, in all of our mess, we can find this hard to believe. Maybe we're a Christian who has continued to sin in spite of our salvation and we are overcome with guilt. Maybe we aren't saved yet, and we don't think we ever can be saved because of all the horrors we have committed. We think to ourselves, "Obviously God wants to punish me for all of this sin. I deserve death and that's what He'll give me."

"'Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked?' declares the Lord God, 'rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? ...for I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,' declares the Lord God, 'therefore, repent and live.'" (Ezekiel 18: 23, 32)

Do you hear that?

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

He doesn't want you to die in your sin. His desire for you, and for me, is that we would see the error of our ways and go running to Him for forgiveness. Because He can, and will, offer that forgiveness. He'll take us in His loving arms and clean our mess. Create in us something beautiful and glorious that will show the world exactly the kind of God that He is. A loving one.

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Welp, that's my thought for the day. I realize I haven't blogged in ages. I was busy over the summer with counseling at church camps, and my niece being born--meaning I now have 2 charges to care for as a nanny. But still, those are just excuses. I fully intend to get back into this whole blogging thing. We'll see how long this lasts. Hopefully forever this time.