https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-12-12 https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/feb-newsletter-8l5tg-zc336-lh2fe-2d582-hl9fd-2h6tb-98ddd-7tfx5-nxpez-h7phe monthly 0.5 2024-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - November Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/3e1e812a-dea8-4cb2-918a-188f2de48325/Screenshot+2024-11-26+114351.png Blog - November Newsletter - Make it stand out Whether it be some gigantic and new task, like writing a book, or finding the right property for your real estate clients, I thought you might need this reminder like I did. See Philippians 4:13 for the complete idea! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/74c83e48-b897-4fec-a69d-62870d34c121/810LCOcJV1L._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Book Reviews I have just finished Lisa Wingate’s “The Prayer Box”. It took a little bit to adjust to this author’s unique, creative writing style and voice, but about a third of the way into it, I was hooked and reading late in bed by my “Itty Bitty Booklight”. I finished the last half of the book in one day when I should have been working, but I let it all go when couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh, cry, find courage for a challenging time in my own life and inspired some great ideas about the kind of life and legacy I want to live and leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/e0bf6292-b027-4f4e-80ec-41cde9a08d41/Screenshot+2024-11-26+114308.png Blog - November Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/35d8a0e7-25a8-4768-b9ec-fa743cdaab59/IMG_0493.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Pillow Progress! I am in the Developmental Edit Stage, which involves putting your author M.O. completely away and getting your reader M.O. out for the entire manuscript. This will help bring to light all the things that need to be fixed. It’s amazing what details get confused in your brain between the writing of page 1 and page 350. I got this edit kicked off at the writer’s retreat of my Georgia Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1732639853855-XGWQDV41CZMGEB1O0GOV/Ryan+%26+Linda+new+home.jpg Blog - November Newsletter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1732639892276-07WAFRPFMVU2Z70PHHE0/Ginger+new+home+w_+realtor%21.jpg Blog - November Newsletter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1732640101885-GN1OPS7WB4692MEG9GYI/IMG_0254.jpg Blog - November Newsletter https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/only-if-god-says-so-jkwe2-2g383-j9xyd-7ryed-plft3-kj45y monthly 0.5 2024-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - The Power of Words - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b60944a9-8f79-4442-a8aa-962e2e92a018/image-asset.jpg Blog - The Power of Words Words, strung together, form sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and novels or non-fiction books. Verbally, they form thoughts, opinions, plans, ideas, and communication with each other, without which we would have just about zero relationship. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/feb-newsletter-8l5tg-zc336-lh2fe-2d582-hl9fd-2h6tb-98ddd-7tfx5-nxpez monthly 0.5 2024-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/bbb99398-9255-4ba7-8f0b-2a26e23c1951/71lt2i82WML._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - June Newsletter - Book Reviews One thing I have been making time for is one of my favorite things – reading historical fiction that takes me away to another time and place and experience it through the eyes of others. Here’s one I’m proud of, as the author serves with me on the on the board of American Christian Fiction Writers, Georgia Chapter: Abounding Hope, by Cindy Kay Stewart. This novel is set in Poland in 1939 when the Nazis are threatening and the world is on the brink of war. American teacher Irena Simmons is a teacher dedicated to serving her children in Poland and refuses to leave. American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell arrives to change her mind and protect her through heart-wrenching real events from this dark time in our world’s history that are so important to learn and never forget. Their faith shines and is inspiring, and just maybe there’s some romance to light the way as well. The sequel is being written now and I can’t wait to continue this story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - June Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/d0361016-c70b-417f-baae-03d9993979ed/To%2C+Too%2C+Two+Sign+Humor.jpg Blog - June Newsletter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/a37fbde3-1eb7-4531-9f26-c8d1edf7c4e0/Ryan+and+Linda+Wedding+Family+Photo.jpg Blog - June Newsletter This is one of the things I’ve been doing lately, in case you’ve missed me lately! A gorgeous wedding and celebration April 20th, in California for my oldest son Ryan and his lovely bride Linda makes them officially hitched, and Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Amburgy! Color this mom happy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/ca1979ab-cade-4378-a9b2-a948b6ef5049/pillow.jpg Blog - June Newsletter - Pillow Progress! Since my third rewrite of my manuscript is complete, the next step is editing. Lots of it with a Developmental Edit then a Line Edit. I’m thrilled to have made progress, even when it takes longer than you think it should. First Step: take a break as an author and let your mind rest from the writing. I did this, maybe a little TOO long with all I’ve had going on. DONE! Second Step: Put your reader “hat” on, step away from all writing and editing resources, and read it. Take notes on anything that your inner reader notices that needs fixing, big and little. DONE! Third Step: make all those edits. Goal – to be finished with all nine pages of corrections by end of June. Hold me accountable! Work in Progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/a888b866-957c-4765-a200-07fc5099d662/Thesaurus+Cartoon.jpg Blog - June Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/only-if-god-says-so-jkwe2-2g383-j9xyd-7ryed-plft3 monthly 0.5 2024-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - What can Zorro Teach Us? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/faf25477-a7d7-4929-9ebf-dd664ae82760/51pNKqjtVaL._AC_UY1000_.jpg Blog - What can Zorro Teach Us? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/524543e3-2790-4f34-8bad-264c88b51ea0/zorro.jpg Blog - What can Zorro Teach Us? You may be wondering why I have Zorro and his famous “Z” in this blog, his signature symbol he left behind after riding in to save the day. I’ve never watched the movie or series based on the original 1919 fictional novel, but I learned a little about him in High School. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/feb-newsletter-8l5tg-zc336-lh2fe-2d582-hl9fd-2h6tb-98ddd-7tfx5 monthly 0.5 2024-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/938083b3-32d9-4494-af35-8e15bdc16c47/Edit+coffee+cup.jpg Blog - March Newsletter Like my new favorite coffee cup? Is that true for any of you, or just ME?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - March Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/f3998ef7-9989-4677-994b-dac40a44ba4b/31y5Ch5Yb1L._SY445_SX342_.jpg Blog - March Newsletter - Non-Fiction Feature A scientific study of something positive coming out of psychology, humor included! This is an empowering read that teaches that happiness does not follow success, as too many folks running nonstop on the treadmill believe. Get happy, and success and many other good things will follow. Don’t worry, be happy; there are seven proven methods taught to reset and train our brains for joy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/ca1979ab-cade-4378-a9b2-a948b6ef5049/pillow.jpg Blog - March Newsletter - Pillow Progress! I am in a book club studying “Intuitive Editing,” a very timely and helpful read for this next stage of book writing. My first step in editing is to experience my manuscript as a reader. I’ve taken a break from It for a few weeks and will read it fresh this week from beginning to end, taking notes on developmental issues to fix next. In other words, it’s the “Clean-up on Aisle 9” stage! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/6ea2e13f-4ab9-4b9f-9fd5-6988cf18eed2/Cartoon+Yoda.jpg Blog - March Newsletter - Yoda is editing Dr. Suess’ Sam I am and loves it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b7501e49-4f53-4bce-8d07-b4d1accf1ddb/IMG_2540.jpg Blog - March Newsletter - Supportive Spouse Shout-Out …Again! Remember my shoutout to Tony last newsletter? Well, he gets another big one this month. He painstakingly and professionally renovated my office, made me a new desk, refinished my 25-year-old office furniture, added new hardware, new shelves, and painted the walls and ceiling. He made my office a JOYFUL place to work and edit! I am blessed! https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/only-if-god-says-so-jkwe2-2g383-j9xyd-7ryed monthly 0.5 2024-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - All about editing, from a novice - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/9b3dbde7-ade5-4112-9ede-1258fca8e8cf/Screenshot+2024-02-28+164044.png Blog - All about editing, from a novice My first impression of the work of the choice few who edited my first manuscript was that they shredded it to pieces with a red ink sword, not unlike Fido here in this cartoon. My confidence was the second shredded casualty, and I don’t like admitting that I lost five years in that stuck place when they wer just doing their job. My inner poet calls it the paralysis of analysis and an affair with despair. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/feb-newsletter-8l5tg-zc336-lh2fe-2d582-hl9fd-2h6tb monthly 0.5 2024-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/4e395842-ae41-40e1-bf2e-d3dca46292ba/Tony+%26+Marilyn+MOTB.jpg Blog - February Newsletter - Supportive Spouse Shout-Out Neither Tony nor I knew what I was getting myself into when I agreed to take on writing a book. Still, after ten years of rolling in the learning curve and overcoming fears, I want to say how much I adore him and appreciate how he has backed me up all the way on my newbie author journey. This photo was taken in Washington DC at the Museum of the Bible’s Anniversary Gala, celebrating the World’s all-time best-selling Book of Books. If you haven’t been there, make plans for it! You’ll be amazed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/a1abe023-54fa-407a-a799-87ee6f240e1c/UpdatedBranding2-02.png Blog - February Newsletter If you’re in need of design help and interested in seeing her work, contact her by email at jenna.amburgy@gmail.com and she will send you her portfolio! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/a8b178be-90ca-4aa9-aa69-58fb902ca26a/luca-upper-Z-4kOr93RCI-unsplash.jpg Blog - February Newsletter - Pillow Progress! My third rewrite of my manuscript is FINISHED! I ran 45 days over my goal, but I am rejoicing nonetheless. Let me qualify that statement before you cheer too loud and imagine me meeting with publishers next week. We have Mount Manuscript, writing the whole story, and I’m at the top after climbing it three times. You can’t know what you don’t know, and I have learned so much! Then we have Mount Edit, with several crests of different edit types, which I will climb in 2024, and set my goal when I get in the groove. Last, there is Mount Publish, the highest one of all with agents and editors and proposals, oh my. But I’ll join Scarlett in Gone With The Wind and think about that tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/28f43a76-36f0-4e3e-8658-01b9008e7059/Branded+Banner.jpg Blog - February Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - February Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/ed88efc6-533d-43f5-8c52-0c03f37fc23e/Jenna+%26+Marilyn.jpg Blog - February Newsletter - Another Shout-Out Speaking of Shout-Outs, I want to introduce you to the one who makes my new marketing endeavors as an author and associate broker look so good! I could not do this without her. This is my daughter, Jenna Norman, and this photo was taken at our mother-daughter getaway to Universal Studios, celebrating the 30th and 60th birthdays we had in 2023! She does freelance graphic design on a retainer and is taking on new clients. No one would ever call me an unbiased reference, but I wholeheartedly recommend her abilities, character, and work ethic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/8d129a41-2d0f-47f3-bc8d-ba83fe1a5e11/Sadie%2527s%2BSweet%2BSunset.jpg Blog - February Newsletter This is our beloved yellow lab, Sadie Grace. She has been with us since our daughter, Jenna, needed puppy antics and velvety ears to comfort her broken heart. This gorgeous photo was taken on their hike together on the Appalachian Trail. Sadie was recently diagnosed with advanced kidney disease, and we are heartbroken to lose our furry baby at the young age of seven. We are choosing to be thankful for all the love she gave to our entire family and our joy as we loved her back. She will always be remembered as an enthusiastic, kinda bulldozing lover of all people. We won’t forget her walks to her happy place, her toy tugs-of-war, her warm brown eyes, and her amazing tricks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/58410563-75f3-4a9a-a380-77acc32eefcf/8111fDU6h2L._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - February Newsletter - Non-Fiction Feature A dear friend told me how much she loved this book on prayer by John Eldridge, so I bought it the same day. I almost finished it before Tony took it from me to read on a trip because I talked too much about how it inspired me! I’m sharing it with you, as it is the reason I got finished with this manuscript. It's just hard, y’all, and I was in a stuck writing place again, not wanting to talk about it, as I read in this book how John prays to consecrate many things, including his writing time because everything conspires against it. I did this, and that day, I not only took off on a writing roll but also got inspired with an exciting idea for Pillow’s sequel (which better take me SO much less time!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/8c05cf8d-13ee-417d-8429-cebf3f4f3027/59425dd7ad83dd275aea15f939fe6a1f.jpg Blog - February Newsletter https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/only-if-god-says-so-jkwe2 monthly 0.5 2024-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - Writing: It’s for everyone! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/ec51c570-4710-475d-a6b8-fa03e4625d16/sixteen-miles-out-3ZvHsFiZyME-unsplash.jpg Blog - Writing: It’s for everyone! Words pour out fast and easy for me, and always have, kind of like that “double R” letter in the Spanish alphabet that makes some, not all, of our tongues roll fast and easy. It was even identified early by teachers as a gift, yet I have found writing WELL to be a lifelong, slow process which I will never find the end, such as eliminating unnecessary words and nonessential details. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/october-newsletter-8l5tg-zc336-lh2fe monthly 0.5 2024-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/26fc5760-bf03-4968-b126-3789b74f85f5/Newsletter+11-23+Ryan+and+me.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Family Reunion! Let’s start with this first photo the handsome man standing next to me, my oldest son Ryan. We celebrated his upcoming marriage to beautiful Linda with a couple’s shower on 9/30. The next day we celebrated my 60th birthday with so many of my favorite family and friends in our backyard. I am so blessed, and I feel energized to accomplish some big, new goals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/8137b715-313f-4325-bc22-883d15f3bfcc/Newsletter+11-23+My+Birthday+Party.png Blog - November Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b11c7701-2177-4d30-a36c-09ee24ae767c/Screenshot+2023-11-10+153505.png Blog - November Newsletter - Pillow Progress! The best thing that happened since my last update was a serious reconciliation of the remaining days I have in 2023 to meet my writing goal of finishing this 3rd rewrite manuscript. I took the remaining chapter plans and assigned them to my calendar. Specifically, I have 9 chapters left, and 6 of them have 3 separate characters, or sections, telling their part of the story. So here’s my countdown number of sections now remaining: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b6a727f2-d632-4c47-8040-8ca7fa7c1740/body1-02.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/e3f6510c-1ef3-473c-aa36-9933f876af41/Newsletter+11-23+Ryan+%26+Linda.jpg Blog - November Newsletter We are delighted to welcome Lina into our family where she fits in so well and is already so well loved. We can’t wait for April 30, 2024 for their wedding day in CA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/22796de5-c6c5-4f2f-9960-15a2353d489b/Newsletter+11-23+Show+Hope.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Reader Magnet Authors are always sharing things to attract new people to share their email address and sign up for their newsletters and blogs, called reader magnets. The overarching goal is to create fans and even superfans. Here’s my Reader Magnet short story that tells how our adoption of Ginger and Maggie came about, in case you missed it last month. We were at Show Hope weekend with the girls, and got to see our dear friend David, who started the whole story that forever changed our lives with his invitation 17 years ago. Click HERE to read! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - November Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/fa477fcf-104f-41f1-9fea-edcae3c03644/5-Things-3D-JPG.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Newsworthy Nonfiction My favorite way to learn is definitely through fiction and this section is usually titled “Favorite Fiction Fanfare”. My focus this month has been on non-fiction books and learning all I need to for these new and sometimes uncomfortable things. One book I’m reading is “5 Things Successful People Do Before 8 AM” by Terri Savelle Foy. Chapter 6 ties hand in hand with the guilt trips and “should haves” in my humor section. Let’s transform these into written dreams so we aren’t like the staggering 54% of people in their 70s who regretted all the things they missed out on or wished they had done. She teaches how to imagine and dream again, like we did as children, pen in hand, and then take the steps to bring them to life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/a3a12fdb-4d15-400d-974c-f8f6aaa345f8/Newsletter%2B11-23%2BJanette%2B%2526%2BMarilyn%2Bsilly.jpg Blog - November Newsletter Please support her author journey! She is in final edits on her first romance novel, and she is also working on a children’s book. Check out her website and facebook page! A landing page will sign you up to receive her newsletters. Thanks for supporting her, too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/f6c15770-1adc-4058-8270-1f6d9dff5fa4/aaron-burden-Aa3ALtIxEGY-unsplash.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Dear Friends & Family, Happy Fall! Is it 30 degrees today, or 80 here in Metro Atlanta? It’s a great adventure getting dressed these days! There’s so much to tell you about last month as supportive friends keeping up with my author adventure! Read on and enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/cb3e2bce-0e4e-4f77-b40a-e2a8984b4863/mga69.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Writing Humor This sounds a bit too much like those guilty thoughts we have that start with “I SHOULD have….” I once a had a friend tell me in response, “Stop shoulding on yourself!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/019a2e7f-298e-43e9-95c0-9a35ba5e68b0/Newsletter%252B11-23%252BJanette%252B%252526%252BMarilyn.jpg Blog - November Newsletter - Janette and me! My co-author and kindred spirit friend was at my birthday. The second picture speaks a thousand words about the fun we have through our writing friendship. She is a gift from God so I wouldn’t give up on this Pillow project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/3ba5a0ab-2663-4c9d-bdb2-2c8234e8e8c4/Newsletter+11-23+Get+Comfortable.jpg Blog - November Newsletter I saw this sign at my Coldwell Banker office in an agent cubicle. It istruly the theme of this new decade as I dive into my 60’s to get published and launch an Associate Broker Realtor focus. My announcement and rebranding went out Monday, 11/6, see below for an excerpt! It’s an adventure to learn new skills, and I am excited and having fun. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/only-if-god-says-so monthly 0.5 2023-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/7774da24-8181-4089-b2d6-e378bd9a1a1c/sam-ZFM4p744L-w-unsplash.jpg Blog - Only If God Says So! I knew parts of Karen Black Mercer’s story. After all, she had sat in my living room in the early 2000s in our women’s group of three, and we had lifted each other up in prayer through all our challenges. We talked about our favorite ways to pray: one liked to sit in her rocking chair, one wanted to be outside strolling through nature, and one needed to https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/october-newsletter-8l5tg-zc336 monthly 0.5 2023-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/853c3cef-67f8-4b01-bf16-ef8a25425f2c/sahand-babali-E6ng4xuZlxE-unsplash.jpg Blog - October Newsletter You’re dinner,” or is it “Your dinner??” Grammer matters! Stop scaring the chickens! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/ee2adbe5-37c5-44bf-9c20-131f8924d703/AdobeStock_190570691.jpeg Blog - October Newsletter - Make it stand out I love this picture, so you get it a second time. It illustrates the magic and sparkle I’ve always found in books. So what books are on my nightstand and in my hand every chance I get because I can’t put them down? Three novels by the Keynote Speaker at ACFW, Charles Martin. His speaking encouraged me to remember that our stories' words are powerful in introducing people to the surprising power to save lives, set them free, and change the world forever - the love of Jesus. He has tackled an intense topic with his trilogy, The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, and The Record Keeper. It’s about those who traffic human beings in the worst slavery possible and the heroes who sacrifice everything to set them free. Ladies, if you ever wanted your man to read for enjoyment and inspiration, these books are it. They offer tenderness, intrigue, healing, suspense, romance, life and death scenes, self-sacrifice, heroics, action, romance, weapons and wounds of every kind, fast boats, planes, evil at the deepest level, bravery to match it, and characters who melted my heart. By the end of the last one, you’ll have an epic-clear picture of something priceless. He’s well known on the New York Times bestseller list, so next, I will read to discover some less well-known gems to share with you, maybe someone from our Georgia ACFW. I brought many books home from the ACFW bookstore - a healthy addiction, I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1696016489321-OKVBELXZ9PJGXPADYGN3/IMG_0852.jpg Blog - October Newsletter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1696016489351-SNDD37GE3I64K0XZTTY5/IMG_7015.jpg Blog - October Newsletter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1696016490189-NKDW3MU6WZL5XIFCD2G1/IMG_7054.jpg Blog - October Newsletter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/495c3510-cae9-4678-8447-45e44f9cd14c/Marilyn-Amburgy-Headshot.jpg Blog - October Newsletter I hope this newsletter finds you and yours doing well. Our empty nest has had a revolving door on it this year with so many wonderful trips, and I can’t wait to highlight a couple of them for you and offer you a gift I wrote long ago about a remarkable time in our family’s life. Read on, and enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/06bc9188-8941-434c-9038-23fe4ae267c7/IMG_0495.jpg Blog - October Newsletter - Pillow Progress I have planned out the remaining chapters of the book so I can finish my rewrite, and I’m still planning for a finish this year so I can move into editing, editing, and more editing. I am back to writing after experiencing writer’s block (It’s a real thing, in case you’ve wondered) after my work crisis ended. It took a long weekend in St. Louis to get it back at the nationwide conference for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Talk about the “energy of together”! It was incredible worship, encouragement, exhortation, instruction, fellowship, and networking with those who carry this gift of many words! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - October Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/3cd9218e-48d9-4e1e-9763-83b9bb80ea7c/AdobeStock_389949075.jpg Blog - October Newsletter - Career Change Put your seat belts on for some exciting news to me anyway. While I will always be a CFO for our real estate investments, I gave up my outside CFO work and am launching an exciting new venture as a Residential Realtor with Coldwell Banker. I tested for my license for both Salesperson and Broker 35 years ago, so it’s about time I put this asset to better use. It is good that my ACFW conference equipped me with a new way of managing my time and work schedule. It’s been inspiring to learn new things in this related career and feel the excitement of a challenge besides this decade of writing. It’s in keeping with my “life-long learner” goal as I seek to move forward with new growing opportunities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/c16727f7-1741-4ff0-8ed4-247daca9d073/IMG_1161.jpg Blog - October Newsletter - Coauthor and Dear Friend: Have I officially introduced you to Janette Johnson Melson? Here’s our picture together at the ACFW author awards banquet. We discovered each other as newbies at our first ACFW conference in 2018, and she became a fast, deep, and loyal friend who always has my back, now as my committed book partner. She is also writing her first novel and is editing her manuscript. There’s more to come about her, but in the mean time, see her website at www.jjmelson.com. We traveled together this year from Atlanta to St. Louis, and it was so sweet to have extended time with her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/22689846-4ab2-42bb-8a08-ddf646fb30d3/ekaterina-shevchenko-ZLTlHeKbh04-unsplash.jpg Blog - October Newsletter Authors are always sharing things to attract new people to share their email address and sign up for their newsletters and blogs, called reader magnets. The overarching goal is to create fans and even superfans. I’m new at this and am offering my first gift! It’s an oldie, something I wrote in 2010. I found it saved as a PDF file, not a Word document so I couldn’t edit it, at least without one more paying subscription, and who needs that? So take it as it is and make mental corrections as I did because it’s my baby-author writing! What’s it about? You may have noticed in our Alaskan pictures that our two youngest daughters don’t quite look like the gene pool of Tony and me. I wrote a story in 2010 to tell how God took us to the other side of the world and captured our hearts for twin girls to make them a part of our forever family with some miracles involved. Click HERE to read! https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/october-newsletter-7rhap-cb3gk-w8k3s-h74yf monthly 0.5 2023-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/4dee05b8-6751-4d0f-9ed0-964c6dff10d3/AdobeStock_597956261.jpeg Blog - September Newsletter “What’s the difference between cats and a comma? Cats have claws at the end of their paws, and commas are pauses at the end of a clause.” First thought: Am I the only one who laughs at our crazy English language that could even construct a sentence like that? How does anyone learn it, including those of us whose first language is English and have mastered no second? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b42e8d83-61bc-465f-b68b-9f1611b37855/AdobeStock_265940098.jpeg Blog - September Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/06bc9188-8941-434c-9038-23fe4ae267c7/IMG_0495.jpg Blog - September Newsletter - Pillow Progress Update on writing progress: A picture is worth a thousand words. A recent work crisis in my outside CFO job has held my life hostage for about 45 days, and you can guess how many words I’ve written. My coauthor, Janette Johnson Melson, helped me give myself grace by saying, “Sometimes our writing just has to take a back seat for a while.” The crisis has calmed, and the words I am now writing on this blank whiteboard are a prayer: “Lord, HELP me get my writing going, once again. With you, nothing is impossible.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/f58c5832-f7f2-414e-88de-eeb47e8b392c/AdobeStock_269870413.jpg Blog - September Newsletter - A Short Break Have you taken the time to leave your work, go outside, sit and be, and see a thousand gifts surrounding us? Yeah, me neither. But it’s on my to-do list, lol. Let’s test our productivity with a creative break, as this cool elephant has mastered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/4feaa5ce-aff2-4a11-8ce3-54ccad1c36ad/AdobeStock_407862578.jpeg Blog - September Newsletter - The Energy of Togetherness Let me start this newsletter with a reminder of my life message - “the energy of togetherness.” Every day, we see some of the consequences of the isolation caused by COVID. Let’s battle it and come back together. As our 60’s and 70s parents used to say as they locked the door behind us, “Get outside, go find friends, and play something.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/3472266a-5ca5-4701-bac9-8913c757ad94/AdobeStock_216154642.jpg Blog - September Newsletter - Encouraging Words https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - September Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/ee2adbe5-37c5-44bf-9c20-131f8924d703/AdobeStock_190570691.jpeg Blog - September Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/maynewsletter-tlzpw-e835y monthly 0.5 2023-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b3f7255b-3143-4d7d-9811-29e8d9bdf225/AdobeStock_164446301.jpeg Blog - July Newsletter - #TWO My whole career has been telling the financial stories of business, written with logic using my left brain. Writing a fiction story is right-brain work, creative, with no neat, logical boxes. Less used right brains can grow, even when it hurts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/396e16d2-765b-4bd4-8771-6d2e436f0bc5/AdobeStock_17583976.jpg Blog - July Newsletter - #FIVE Last, to write a book, you must always take criticism. I am learning to give myself an edit lobotomy, as no emotions are needed. Just the facts, ma’am, wise as an owl. If yes, accept it. If not, thank you, and trash it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/dcd1c01a-84a6-4fc1-b63f-376ab59871b6/AdobeStock_379535211.jpeg Blog - July Newsletter I remember the day my dear friend told me her dream to have her life story written into a book, and I responded with a tape recorder, blank cassettes, and a naive “I can” attitude. If I could go back, would I stop myself? Honestly, as hard as it’s been, the answer is no. I’ve learned too much from this experience. Here are the top FIVE lessons: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/c8d22e98-f387-4d23-8c4c-a323638e1849/photo-1571391281715-092bfa58fa46.jpg Blog - July Newsletter - #THREE Negative fears and thoughts, like whiney “this is too hard” and “I can’t do this,” paralyze me, but if I change that thought, I change the outcome and start moving again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/325930b1-9daa-4d8d-838b-6530c43b372a/blog-travelers-gift.jpg Blog - July Newsletter This month I have to give a hand to Andy Andrews for his book “The Traveler’s Gift.” Andy is an avid reader of hundreds of biographies, and as he says, if there’s a biography on your life, you’ve been successful, as there is no “Loser” section at Barnes and Noble. He took these books and gleaned seven principles for success. Then he found a historical character who showcased that principle with his life. Lastly, (my favorite part) he wove it all together into a story by taking his fictional character through the lowest point of his life on a visit with each of these seven historical characters in the most pivotal scenes of their lives so that he can receive their gift for success. It was life-changing for this character and, I believe, for all who read it. I have memorized these seven principles and recite them most days to keep them fresh and work on them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/da773215-90a6-408a-a04b-5395908fec63/AdobeStock_93056346.jpeg Blog - July Newsletter - #ONE It was easy to learn new things in my 20’s, as everything was new! In my 50s, it’s hard and takes relentless courage and perseverance. Having confidence is a hard habit to break when doubts hit. But I can do hard. I can be a lifelong learner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/06bc9188-8941-434c-9038-23fe4ae267c7/IMG_0495.jpg Blog - July Newsletter Victory: I paused writing new material and dove into a critique group for my first chapter. This led me to one special critique partner gifted in editing, and I learned so much from him as I labored over Chapter 1. He helped me with that “edit lobotomy” concept. I have now put my finished chapter in the hands of my partner, and I am ready to go back to writing to the end. Struggle: I did have a month’s paralysis with one particular comment of this critique that overwhelmed me. I finally picked up the phone and called my partner, and we devised a plan. I just need to call before a month has been lost. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/99285f31-2503-4537-8c21-cd18836ef159/CZa7EQhWIAE7nBO.jpg Blog - July Newsletter - Make it stand out I Pay; therefore, I Am. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1ac09c56-908b-4ed7-a4b7-2db6851ef1b7/signature.png Blog - July Newsletter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1694796922236-TPSMLSNNL2F9N51L6YD7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - July Newsletter - Follow me on Social Media! I’ve dug in my heels long enough resisting this! Here’s my white flag of surrender. Find links to my social below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/44a26317-45f1-44ae-9982-4fe3713dee5c/AdobeStock_306547419.jpg Blog - July Newsletter - #FOUR It is easy to isolate in insecurity and fears. I don’t like to share those, but as soon as I do, with safe and resourceful friends, I’m cured, like magic. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/supplementary-family monthly 0.5 2023-09-27 https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/dy839gjtfo2k3jzq1ou3ii2xqml287 monthly 0.5 2023-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/9278bf3d-dcfb-4ba1-b4db-9a7cf6b1c2a8/AdobeStock_132904061.jpeg Blog - Grammerly - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/maynewsletter monthly 0.5 2023-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/997a986b-63eb-4f7b-8ea6-70a9507105b8/Grammatically%2BCorrect.jpg Blog - May Newsletter - Grammer Lesson! You can thank me later…you know who you are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/cd61faaf-2ba2-46c8-813c-0c1dbe696350/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg Blog - May Newsletter - Make it stand out I have found this to be so empowering in everything from my story’s content to how I present myself in marketing. Not to “should” on you, but you really should find yours! Check out my first blog for the story about how I found mine on my website or in my posts in Facebook and Instagram. It was easy and even felt magical! I discovered my life message is “The Energy of Together”. I am truly inspired by all the times I see “one another” in the Bible, and I light up when I see the energy created for the work we are called to do when we come together. It also explains that frustrating feeling of isolation and disunity when it comes my way, and helps me battle through it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1694796922236-TPSMLSNNL2F9N51L6YD7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - May Newsletter - Follow me on Social Media! I’ve dug in my heels long enough resisting this! Here’s my white flag of surrender. Find links to my social below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/4f612730-b2b0-4c89-b839-7a84e94bf5ee/8a6138f72927994b89be77bc00894e53.jpg Blog - May Newsletter - Misspelling Humor Apparently not! Your or You’re? Maybe this student was absent on homophone day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/0758259f-6af0-4aeb-92e9-ed538ceb5f5d/Marilyn-Amburgy-Headshot.jpg Blog - May Newsletter - My New Hat! Most of you know me as a CFO in the real estate world, or wife to Tony, or mom of five. But on the side, I’m a “word nerd”. I’ve been working on writing a book, and I’ve been at it for way longer than I’d care to admit. I’m just now ready to get it out there and share more about this hat of mine coming out of the closet, off the shelf, onto my head, and finally out in the open sunshine! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/42638f5c-d0c6-42d1-8976-9febe677f4e7/rooms.jpg Blog - May Newsletter - Favorite Fiction Fanfare Inspirational and historical fiction is my favorite way to learn. Let’s be entertained by a story as we are inspired and equipped for this life journey! I have two full bookcases to house my fiction collection favorites. I want to highlight a favorite for you in each newsletter, just in case you, like me, need to take a break from any binge TV that’s been going on! This time it’s Rooms by James Rubart. This author has inspired me in many ways and is one of my favorites. This novel creatively captures the inner workings of a man’s soul in a surprising, inspiring, and healing way – all within the walls of the ocean home he inherited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/6741c350-f1f0-4c97-bd6a-c4506e05c1af/Social+Posts-02.png Blog - May Newsletter - Make it stand out It’s title is PILLOW, and it’s a work of women’s historical fiction with a speculative twist (an angel named Micah!) It’s inspired by a true story of a woman, a dear friend of mine, with fascinating life adventure, struggles and a testimony of her amazing journey through them. It’s one which deserves to live on as her legacy. I’m on the third manuscript rewrite - that’s just how much I didn’t know about this new area or writing novels I’ve been learning! My new and many-times-revised goal is to have my FINAL edited manuscript complete by the end of this year. Sign up for my newsletter and you can help hold me accountable for this! I’ll let you know what page I’m on, my time split between new content and editing old, one current victory and one current struggle (I guarantee you there will always be both!) PAGE: I’m on page 265, but it’s double-spaced for proper publishing format, so think of it as 132-1/2! VICTORY: Jenna, my daughter, is helping me as a Graphic Designer with all these necessary author marketing tasks, like my website, the newsletter email you’re reading, and social media posts. STRUGGLE: Going through necessary critiques of others, and this feeling of Mount Everest to get to the top of publishing somehow without dying! (I do have a flair for the dramatic!) https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/ti4djn82db3a8t63mllj8vokqxv59f monthly 0.5 2023-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/d9858ecc-4256-4714-858d-b01712e12581/AdobeStock_385418114.jpg Blog - Emotions, Emotions, Emotions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/becoming-unstoppable monthly 0.5 2023-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/4269975c-a857-49ee-80be-2d3afb9a2c28/matteo-vistocco-Dph00R2SwFo-unsplash.jpg Blog - Becoming Unstoppable Two forces will make you unstoppable. These were intriguing words in the book Rest and War by Ben Stuart. I feel constantly stopped by fear, anxiety, conflict, anger, and others’ choices I don’t like, just for starters. I was hooked and read on. The two forces? Focus and unity. My life message is about the energy created when we come together, so unity makes sense. But that doesn’t mean I experience it like I want. And focus? On what? The book gave a historical example of these two forces in the Spartans in ancient Greece. Their focus was warfare. https://www.marilynamburgy.com/blog/theengergyoftogether-d8h4l monthly 0.5 2023-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1644258365026-8GRY1VZ4G04BL7G8QCBC/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg Blog - The Energy of Together https://www.marilynamburgy.com/pillow daily 0.75 2024-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b3be5a7b-6348-4366-b37e-1a8d660286b6/Social+Posts-02.png Pillow - PILLOW by Marilyn Amburgy https://www.marilynamburgy.com/connect daily 0.75 2023-04-21 https://www.marilynamburgy.com/about daily 0.75 2023-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/495c3510-cae9-4678-8447-45e44f9cd14c/Marilyn-Amburgy-Headshot.jpg About https://www.marilynamburgy.com/home daily 1.0 2024-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/1637439803001-5UKPP27HK83ZZAVW9PGH/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg Home - Does my logo’s bounce catch your eye? An author’s logo is just their name, done with special colors and font to capture the attention of the readers they long to attract with their life’s theme. I recently discovered my life message, the energy of togetherness, and I wanted my logo to reflect that. Take a look at the bouncy “i” and the “y” in my first name. Make those letters represent I and You when we are together. I share an idea, a dream, or even a hurt, and my heart starts bouncing with emotion. Your heart responds to that emotion and finds its own bounce in response. Together, these heart emotions meet, and then the SPARKLE happens! Healing, forgiveness, new dreams, or even just the next step on the pathway all can result. It’s called synergy, and the possibilities are as unique as each of us is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb6bb872fd338020491628a/b175e63f-df84-424e-b1a1-613ca8efe33a/Social+Posts-02.png Home - Coming Soon! My new and very first novel, Pillow, will be ready for the publishing process by December 2024.