Last week I attended my second book study group. There’s something tender about stepping into a new circle of women…learning names, listening, and finding a gentle rhythm of fellowship. I felt grateful just to be there.
Somewhere in the middle of the evening, I glanced at my phone (I’d been looking something up earlier). To my surprise, a small notification appeared:
“Congratulations, your book is live.”
For a moment I couldn’t believe it. Live? The book I carefully nurtured through drafts, edits, formatting hiccups, and many early-morning cups of coffee…was suddenly on Amazon, ready for real hands and real hearts.
I sat still, the voices of the group flowing around me. It felt almost holy…this quiet collision of community and creativity, fellowship and surprise. I will never forget that moment.
When I began this writing journey, I couldn’t have imagined how many steps it would take. There were days I inched forward like a tortoise, and nights I had to set everything down and begin again in the morning. But there was also joy…so much joy…in returning to the page, letting the story of Eleanor unfold.
And now? That joy has become something I can hold.
I don’t know who will read these pages or what they’ll find there, but my hope is that Eleanor’s story keeps gentle company with anyone navigating change, loss, or the quiet courage it takes to begin again.
I’ll always remember the night my book went live in the middle of a simple evening of fellowship. Proof that sometimes the sweetest blessings arrive softly, during ordinary moments.
With gratitude,
Marcia
My novella, The Seasons of Eleanor: Echoes of a Year, is now available!https://a.co/d/bdYx2Gc
Congratulations on publishing your novella. What an achievement. Thanks for gifting me with being on the journey with you. Hope you take time to absorb this time of joy!
Thank you so much for your kind words. It has been such a gift to have you alongside me on this journey. Your encouragement has meant the world, and I’m truly grateful for the way you’ve cheered me on through each step. I’m learning to pause and soak in the joy of this season, and your reminder helps me do just that.
Got your book from Amazon, and read it last night while winding down for the day. Really enjoyed the story, very comforting read in this crazy world we live in today…after my husband passed away, I enjoyed the gentle storytelling of Jan Karon. My friend that likes suspense thrillers, said she would be depressed reading that kind of book…every body is different aren’t we.? I mean, my sister and my daughter and I like Betty Neal, lol. I stumbled onto your blog awhile ago, and since I liked your stories I had to get the book. Keep writing, sister, the world needs more of your graceful storytelling.
Ruth, your words touched me so deeply. I’m honored that you spent time with my book and that it brought you comfort during a quiet moment of your day. I so appreciate you sharing a bit of your own story and reading preferences…yes, everyone is different, and that’s what makes storytelling so rich. Thank you for encouraging me to keep writing. Knowing that my words offered you a bit of gentle company means more than I can say.