Happy Double Book Birthday, Connie Arnold!

I'd like to welcome Connie Arnold to my blog today. Many of you will know Connie, just like me she's been a long time blogger. I'm excited to have her with us today.

Connie, I know you have been writing for quite some time, could you tell us when you started and a bit about your publishing journey?

My start to writing actually began as lyrics to music that I composed. I continued on with writing poetry after moving from Nebraska to North Carolina without our children and I knew no one. It was a blessing that saved me from heartache and loneliness, as well as coping with difficulties of living with lupus and fibromyalgia. When I had a large enough collection my first book was published in 2007. My next poetry book was accepted in 2008, and I began trying to write some children's poetry and stories after reading to my little grandchildren. Two children's books were accepted by a publisher that unfortunately went under, but I got my rights back, and one of them became Count 1,2,3 With Me, which has just been published by 4RV Publishing  It is my second children's book, and two more have been accepted byGuardian Angel Publishing  so watch out for more fun! After four poetry collections, my newest inspirational book is a 52-week devotional, Peaceful Moments of Love and Light, which contains short readings that are good for those with busy schedules to have a few inspirational moments each day. It is published by RPJ and Company who also beautifully designed and published my two previous poetry books.

Drum roll....Book Birthday number one: (Isn't that sweet?)

Drum roll....Book Birthday number two: (Sooooo pretty!)

  Do you have any writing rituals? (I have to have coffee and jolly ranchers to write.)

 

For me, it's banana and juice. Shortly after I get up, I go to my spot at the dining room table, pull out my writing paper and pencil, and wait for banana and juice power to flow into my brain and the inspiration to kick in!

 

I am an organizational nut...

Do you have any special methods for organizing your ideas before you write or are you more of a by the seat of your pants kind of writer?

 

I'm more of a write it down quick before you forget it type of person! Once all my thoughts are jotted down, I go back and build on them. Once I have what I want, I type it into the computer and save it. Later, I look at it again with fresher eyes and see improvements that can be made.

 

 Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to share?

 

Have confidence in yourself. I didn't for so long, and it took many people telling me how much they enjoyed what I had written to finally start believing it a little. Confidence, but not over-confident. A little doubt and nerves are good, but don't let that stop you from doing your best. When you discover a talent God has given you, use it well and remember to give thanks.

 

Sharon, I appreciate so much you being a part of my blog tour. Your readers may comment here to be entered for prize giveaways at the end of the tour. Blog schedule and prize details are on my blog  Books can be purchased on Amazon  or signed copies from my website,

Thanks so much for being here, Connie. You have such a great heart and I'm glad I could show you some support this week.  :)