From Kathy’s Heart...
New Year 2009

“For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” 2 Peter 2:19b

I am a slave to distractions. There, I said it. I can almost hear those chains rattling now—Email. Facebook. To-do lists. Mail order catalogs. Author chats. Birds outside my window. My adorable cat. The pictures on my screen saver. But I’m relatively disciplined in my response to those. It’s the unwanted and unexpected distractions that throw me off course.

The past year was replete with them—everything from the sound of roofers hammering new shingles overhead, to the tropical storms of Gustav and Ike knocking out power, to the irritating Internet connection troubles that required hours of dealing with tech support over the phone. These distractions and a dozen like them seemed to shipwreck my creativity. Sometimes I faced these troubles calmly, and other times…well, let’s just say the Lord is refining me.

Jesus Himself told us that we would have trouble in this world, but to take heart, that He has overcome the world. My prayer as I start this new year is that I will find perfect peace or at least a good attitude, even in the midst of troubles, and will stay focused on my writing, despite the distractions that will be vying for my attention.

The Latest On My Books

Phantom Hollow #3, The Grand Scheme, is selling well and reader feedback is terrific. It tickles me that so many of you admit to being caught as off guard by the surprising elements in this story, as you were in the two books that preceded it.

New Series To Debut In March

The first Sophie Trace Trilogy book, The Real Enemy, will release in March. The setting for the series is East Tennessee. Paul and I recently took a second road trip to the region and explored the small towns that lay in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains. I’ve posted some photos on the WHAT’S NEW page of my website, as well as the explanation for how I came up with the name Sophie Trace and also the fascinating legend that fuels this first book in the trilogy. Take a peek.

I just turned in the manuscript for book two, The Last Word, and will be posting more about it on my website when the cover is completed. This is a very exciting story—in fact, a very exciting series! I can hardly wait until the books start releasing. I’m now brainstorming before I get into the third book, which is tentatively titled, The Weakest Link.

How Am I Doing Physically?

A number of you have inquired about my mobility. Overall, I’m doing well. I sprained my ankle recently (that’s difficult to do when you can hardly walk to start with!) and am having to wear a brace for about three months. This past hip revision continues to hold, and I’m getting stronger each day. Realistically, though, unless the Lord chooses to intervene, I’m not going to walk without a rollater (that’s a fancy four-wheeled walker with a seat and a basket). But I see that as a blessing, considering the alternative.

Till Next Time…

In closing, I want to thank each of you for supporting my work. And a special thank you to those who have written me through the guest book page on my website and shared your enthusiasm, encouragement, and the ways the Lord is using my words to bless you. It’s truly humbling. I’m praying that God will pour out abundant blessings on each of you in the New Year.

In Him,

www.kathyherman.com