Once Upon A Time: Discovering Our Ever After Story

Debbie Macomber is one of the most recognizable names in the book world. She's sold millions, upon millions, of books to legions of fans who excitedly devour them. How does she write them? How does she craft the stories the world over can't get enough of? Once Upon A Time... gives you a behind the scenes look at what goes into her bestselling books. How she forms the plot. How she's come up with some of her character names. But there's more to this book than just how she's made her name.

Not only does she find story ideas everywhere, but Debbie is certain your own life is a story waiting- and worthy- to be told, as well. She shows you how to view your childhood, challenges, and joys as part of your life story. Debbie also gives you numerous suggestions to tell your story. Each chapter includes a writing prompt where she gives you a subject to write, and build, on.

Also included in this book is how her Faith in God has played out in her life. Each chapter begins with a verse she wants to share with you. Her love of God is weaved as heavily in this book as it is in her life. She shares with you how His love has gotten her through the worst moments in her life- such as the death of her beloved son- and opened doors she never dreamed of- like the success her writing would come to be.

I identified with so much of the content within these pages. She stalks about silencing the critic voices that try to deter you from your dream or goal. Having spent more of my life writing- in some form or fashion- than not, this was something I truly related to. More than once, I felt God used this book to get my attention. It seemed she was talking directly to me. This book has given me the nudge I needed to get back to the project I put on the back burner several years ago. 

Any and all Debbie fans will enjoy this look into the life of their beloved author  She welcomes you in with open arms, and you don't want to the visit to end. Once Upon A Time... will have a place on my bookshelf and will be read many times. I hope she inspires you as she did me.

Winning Balance

Winning Balance

By: Shawn Johnson

 

The world met Shawn Johnson, a little powerhouse of a girl, on the gymnastics stage. She vaulted her way onto the scene and quickly skyrocketed past every one's expectations. By the time she was 16, she was competing in the Olympics and thriving under more stress and pressure than most of us will ever experience. However, her gymnastics career wasn't without it's disappointments. Not all her dreams came true, and she had to learn some of life's hardest lessons with the world watching.

 

I've been a fan of Shawn since seeing her doing gymnastics on TV. I was watching her and amazed at all she could do. Obviously, I only knew a small fraction of her life. But, that small fraction held wisdom I could learn from. As I read her book, I couldn't believe how such a young girl had such a mature head on her shoulders. I truly wish more of today's athletes thought the way she did.

 

Her first coach informed her Mother that Shawn had no talent. Thankfully, her Mother didn't listen. Shawn later moved to a new gym that opened in her home town and history began. Through the help of a strong family base and loving people around her, Shawn took the world by storm. Beijing was the place where her Olympic dreams would come true, though not in the way she originally thought. I was constantly amazed at how Shawn was able to find the positive amongst every negative she faced. Instead of letting a disappointment stop her in her tracks, she chose to focus on the good. A key example of this is when she's at the Olympics, ready to do her floor routine in the hopes of scoring her dream: a gold medal in the Women's All-Around. However, as she's waiting for her turn she quickly learns her fellow teammate (and friend) got a higher score than her and there was no way she would be able to get the gold. Right there, on the floor with cameras rolling, she realizes her dream is gone. However, she is able to turn that thinking around. Amazing!

 

The book doesn't just focus on her gymnastics career. You travel with her to Los Angeles as she does Dancing With The Stars. She takes you through the whole experience- including the stalker incident that almost stopped everything in it's tracks. Again, in minutes she's able to turn the tables on a negative situation and focus on the positive. In the end, Shawn wins the show!

 

Shawn Johnson is an inspiration to the world- especially athletes. Through Faith, family, and a firm grounding she is able to live her life with dignity and respect. Anyone can learn from her lessons and experience.