Texas Strong

Well, it looks like Harvey is FINALLY leaving Texas. I cannot believe all the destruction it has left behind since first making landfall. As I watch the news reports of all the flooding, I cannot help but cry at all the loss. Last night, Harvey hit our little corner of Texas with full force. My husband and I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning watching the rescues of those facing the water flooding into their homes.

I cannot begin to say how proud I am of the first responders from the Federal level all the way down to the city level, as well as private individuals. Watching the military helicopters pulling stranded people up to safety, and the police officers going around their communities in dump trucks picking up people and taking them to safety has made my heart burst with pride. Then watching the average citizens who have come with their boats and ski-doos and spent long, hard hours of going up and down the flooded streets, getting people and pets to safety has restored my faith in my fellow Americans.

We are still in a flash flood warning until 4:30 am, Thursday morning, but after that, we are supposed to have several days of sunshine. Once Harvey is officially gone, the work of cleaning up and rebuilding begins. I know Texans will be up to the task because Texans don't know how to give up.

Thank you all for your prayers and God Bless Texas.

Prayers for Texas

Many of you may not know but I'm a proud Texan. I may not have been born in Texas, but I will be here until it's my time to leave this life.  I love this state and its people with their independent spirit and strong faith in God.  Texans are a unique breed.  It's true that everything is bigger in Texas.  However, what I believe that means is it's because Texans always do things in a big way.

Now to the reason for this post.  The news media has shown the world the devastation Texans are facing with the arrival of Harvey.  Thousands upon thousands of Texans have lost everything with no promise of this storm letting up for several more days.  The rain just keeps coming, hour after hour.  Some areas are still suffering the strong winds along with the endless rain.

For those of you who have never faced a hurricane, I can tell you the destructive power is something you can never imagine in your worst nightmares.  The wind sounds like a freight train barreling down on you with the rain coming at you like bullets.  Then you have to worry about the tornadoes that appear suddenly out of the clouds, adding to the destruction.  I have experienced fires, floods, tornadoes, and even earthquakes, but NOTHING matches the terror a hurricane brings.  The power of a hurricane shows us just how small we truly are in the scheme of things.

As of this morning, we are feeling the effects of the outer bands of Harvey as it makes its slow move eastward.  The reports of how it will more than likely continue until Thursday are unbelievable.  I cannot imagine the about of destruction it can do in that time.  I worry for those in its direct path.  I worry for our daughter who is a police officer in one of the communities having a problem with flooding at this time.  Being a first responder, she cannot evacuate.  She has to stay to help keep her community safe.  While I'm proud of her, as a mother, I'm also worried for her safety.

As I write this post, the rain continues to fall.  We are blessed because our home is dry, and we still have electricity, phone service, and Internet service.  I'm praying that we live to the north enough that we don't get a direct hit should Harvey decide to swerve back out into the gulf and gather more strength.

I know Texans will survive this brutal attack from Harvey.  I know Texans will pull together and rebuild.  Heck, Texans are a tough and resilient breed.  So, as I close this post I ask for your prayers and well wishes for Texas.  Harvey may have kicked us in the teeth, but he hasn't knocked us down.

Laughing and Learning

Bestselling Indie Author Mike Pettit returns to Deadly Reads Radio for an evening of informative and lively conversation. Lisa and I are always thrilled when Mike drops by for a visit on Deadly Reads Radio.

He's a wealth of information about the Indie Publishing World with his tips on branding and marketing.  We have learned so much from him and I'm sure you will too.  An added bonus is Mike is a fun interview.  I'm just thankful he is patient with Lisa and me because if there is something that can be screwed up you can bet we'll do it.

Mike is also a Bestselling Author of over 30 exciting action-packed crime novels, as well as books in the western genre and true life stories.

Lot's of fun on Deadly Reads Radio

We had a great time chatting with Vince Guaglione about his books and writing career.  Vince has written a wonderful series of books on the grieving process after losing a loved one and how to he learned to overcome the pain.  I was a little weepy during the show because of my recent loss.  However, in spite of my occasional tears, we had a great time.

Why Do I Write?

Why do I write, you ask?  I've often asked myself that very same question.  The other day when I was scrolling down my Facebook newsfeed, I came across a post by a fellow author.  She had announced that she was no longer going to write because she felt as though her career was going nowhere.  I cannot begin to tell you how sad that made me feel,  However, I must confess, I've felt that same sense of utter failure before myself.

Writing is one of the most difficult things I've ever done.  You spend long hours sitting at your computer, creating what you hope will be the next great masterpiece. You then spend endless hours of rewriting, editing and rewriting some more before you feel it's ready for the REAL editor.  Of course, while the Editor has your manuscript, the story haunts your mind with questions of the plot twists you should have added or deleted before handing it over to someone else.  No, writing is not for the weak of heart.

I know that each Author has their own stories of mistakes they've made.  We just need to realize that anything stupid we may have done will not be the death-nail for our writing careers unless we allow it.  When I had my meltdown over a huge mistake I made early in my writing career, my husband gave me to best advice.  He said to go on the reviews of a few famous authors and read their 1-star reviews.  He said if they can survive their mistakes, then so can I.  You know something, he was right.

I now live by the motto... My writing career is going to have highs and lows.  I will learn from the lows and enjoy the highs.  So, whenever I feel like the publishing world has kicked me in the teeth, just brush it off and soldier on! 

I now write for my MY enjoyment, and should others discover my books and enjoy them as well then that's just the icing on the cake.  If the day ever comes where my books are read by millions I'll enjoy the ride.  However, if my books are only read by a few I'll still enjoy the ride.  You see writing is my personal enjoyment.  I love developing characters that come to life on the pages.  I also love to invoke a wide range of emotions on the pages of my books.  I guess you can say that writing is my drug of choice.

So, back to where I started this post.  Several people commented on the Author's Facebook post, trying to convince her not to give up.  I, for one, wish she just takes a little time off to recoup and try to remember what she LOVES about writing.  If her only goal was to be picked up by a publishing company and become a famous author then maybe her decision was the correct one.  However, if she started writing for the LOVE of writing then her decision should be easy.  Just write and not worry about anything else.

If you want to know more of what I do, I invite you to go to my website.

Things that go bump in the Night

I had a GREAT time today with 'The Horrorcist' from London, England on his podcast. He let me share some of the supernatural and downright scary experiences I've had in my life . Once he gets the podcast ready, I'll be sure to share the link for the show. On a side note, he has the cutest British accent and is an absolute joy. For those of you who know me, yes, I was my normal silly self.

He has even agreed to join us on the Deadly Reads Radio Podcast for our Halloween show. I want to line up my social media friends to call the show that night and share their scariest true stories of the things that go bump in the night. If you have a bone-chilling story, let me know and we'll get you set up to join us on the show. I'll let you know the date and time of the show at later time.

Go to The Demonic Podcast website and check it out

If you'd like to share your scary story, contact me at lindabarton@deadlyreads.com