Celebrating with Friends!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for not one, but TWO of my friends who are celebrating their first published books!

Ane signing a copy of her book for her waiting fans!

Many in Christian publishing know Ane Mulligan; her exuberant spirit, her keen sense of fun and her inability to say ‘no’ to any job, large or small. Ane came into my life five years ago when she invited me to join a small group called the Seedwriters. Since my arrival back in Georgia, we’ve talked story and structure, brainstormed more books than either of us could ever possibly write and become the dearest of friends. She’s my sounding board when I need to bounce ideas off of, and my partner in crime. Seeing her book, Chapel Springs Revival get published and the overwhelming response it’s received has blessed me clean down to my arthritic toes!

Jim meeting his fans!

I’d never met anyone with honest-to-goodness ties to the Mafia until I met Jim Hall. The lone male in our Seedwriters hen house, Jim is a gentle man with a ready smile and a heart completely sold out to Jesus. When he speaks, it’s will a conviction for those most people would steer clear of. Jim bravely shares his story of life in the Mafia--from standing trial in front of a federal judge he and others in the organization had plotted to murder to the soul changing events which led him into full time ministry and to writing his story, Connected; From Godfather to God the Father. Jim has encouraged and challenged me, both as a writer and as a person. But best of all, he’s read and posted reviews of my books on Amazon--now that’s a real friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Ane and Jim on a successful book launch!

Hearts Rekindled

"I'm Here to See My Daughter."

She never thought she'd see John Davenport again. Merrilee Daniels Davenport's former husband has returned to their small Georgia town after fighting in the Pacific. And now the soldier is bearing a letter from the little girl he didn't know he had. Merrilee wishes that she and her daughter could lean on John's able shoulders, but her new assignment as a homeland informant won't allow it.

Twelve years have only made Merrilee more beautiful in John's eyes. Back then, he was the proud fool who walked away. Now all he wants is to prove he can be the husband she deserves, and the daddy his daughter needs.

Debra Clopton is Here! Can I get an Amen :)

Yes it's me, Debra Clopton and if all goes well hopefully this time as I write this post my computer is not going to crash like it did last time! Thank goodness for backups. God is good and I was able to get all of my current book in progress off and am happily trying to finish up in the next few weeks.

Last night was the Super Bowl. I'm not a huge football fan but I do like watching the Super Bowl...maybe that's because I know that the week after the Super Bowl is over means its NASCAR time! Daytona is Sunday--Woohoo!!! If you're a fan who are you pulling for this year?

Anyway back to the Super Bowl--sorry I got distracted about thinking about 200 miles an hour car racing :)--but I also had a blast last night at the Super Bowl party that I went to. Chuck Parks (the very special guy in my life :) are the leaders of our youth group at the Cowboy Church of Leon County--Chuck is the leader (or as he says, God is the leader he's just helping out) So I just help out too and have a blast being with the teenagers. The Super Bowl party was put on by a Christian group last night unaffiliated with any particulart church and there were about 60 kids there from the 2A school. The kids had fun hanging out, playing basketball and watching football on a big screen. It was an awesome feeling to see these kids come together from all walks of life and have such a great time. I over heard one young girl say that it was the best Super Bowl party she'd ever been too. I looked around and it blessed me to see the adults who had gotten the group together and the work that they had put into. Chuck and I just came in and helped for the night but it was great to see the work that these adults had put into the night being paid off by the smiles on the kids faces. I'm on major deadline right now and my head was telling me that I needed to be home writing. But so glad I went and participated. I want to urge you to get involved with the youth of your community if you can. I can't tell you how awesome it feels to walk into a room full of teens and to be welcomed with hugs and smiles. I've awakened this morning feeling fresh and happy. And that's good for my writing--which I love and have a great passion for. Who knows you may see a Super Bowl party in my book and you'll know where the inspiration came from. I urge you to jump in and find out where God wants you to help out and serve. You will be blessed!

By the way I hope your team won, if not it was still a great, exciting game...
Until next time live, laugh and love God with all your heart...and I can't help but add this morning that if you are feeling discouraged by something in your life that you will immerse yourself in God's word to help you refocus and know that God loves you and is there for you.

Visit me at debraclopton.com, facebook, or debraclopton.blogspot.com

Blessings--Debra Clopton