South Carolina Authors

It recently occurred to me I needed to learn about authors from South Carolina.

I'm sure most people know Sue Monk Kidd, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Pat Conroy.

What about New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe? When she moved to coastal South Carolina, she included the environment in her stories. Her book, The Beach House, will soon be on Hallmark. Besides writing, Ms. Monroe is active with the Charleston Literacy Volunteers, The Leatherback Trust and serves on the Board of the South Carolina Aquarium.


Mickey Spillane also lived in South Carolina. Murrells Inlet to be exact. Known for pulp fiction, and many read his Mike Hammer crime novels.


Georgia girl, Anne River Siddons now lives part-time in South Carolina. One of her many books, Low Country, is set in my new state.

I've been blessed to attend a weekend conference hosted by Lynette Eason who is an inspirational romantic suspense author. Her Stolen Past was even made into a Lifetime Movie Network movie. Lynette is kind an encouraging as well as a talented author.

Another South Carolina author is my good friend, Misty Beller. If you like inspirational historical Westerns you need to check out Misty's books. Stop by her website to bet a free book. www.mistymbeller.com


I hope I've piqued your interest in exploring new authors. Thanks for stopping by.

(Misty Beller, Janet Ferguson and I were able to catch up in Dallas this past fall.)

Azaleas

The first azaleas I planted were in April 1994. Grandmother Lutz gave them to me as a gift when my son Scott was born. So, you might guess I didn't really plant them myself. Tim and Bill planted them for me.

Since 1994, I've always had azaleas. This weekend, we visited Brookgreen Gardens, and the azaleas and dogwood trees were beautiful.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let. Psalm 96:11-12

This week I'd like to share a little bit of South Carolina with you. Enjoy!

Psalm 89:11
The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them.

Easter Sunday

Easter is about hope. Jesus is our hope. No matter what comes our way, no matter what problems we face, no matter that we live in a fallen world, Jesus is our hope because He conquered death.

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples…'” Mark 16:5-7

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” John 11:25

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 1 Pet. 1:3-4

Whatever is happening in your life today, I hope you have a blessed Easter. Don't lose hope because Jesus intercedes for us. “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

Holy Saturday

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV

More About South Carolina from a Kentucky Native

I spent most of my life in Kentucky. I was comfortable there and familiar with the state. My favorite pie is Derby Pie. Yes, for the Kentucky Derby. This is March Madness, and in Kentucky all we discussed was basketball, brackets, the Wildcats, and more basketball this time of year. Your conversation might start out on one topic, but you'd end up discussing basketball.

But I live in South Carolina. I almost hugged a friend who mentioned her basketball bracket. And in church, I moved pews before the service to sit behind a family because the husband wore a blue UK shirt. I got to talk basketball with them.

These were things I took for granted and never thought about until they weren't a part of my life.

Here are a few facts about South Carolina. We're called the Palmetto State because of the American fort on Sullivan's Island. They made the walls out of Palmetto logs. British cannonballs bounced off the spongy logs which of course protected the Americans.

Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina.

What about the state motto? "While I breathe, I hope." How great is that? Of course Kentucky's United we stand divided we fall is pretty great, too.

I used to live in Jessamine County Kentucky. The state flower of South Carolina is Yellow Jessamine.

One more fun fact. The Latin word for Charles is Carolus. South Carolina was named to honor King Charles I of England. In 1629, he made the original land grant. In 1729, Carolina divided into two states and South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

The people of South Carolina are warm and friendly, and we are glad God called us to serve in this wonderful place.

Exciting News

Many of you have traveled with me on my writing journey. I'm excited to announce I've signed with Agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency.

When I attended ACFW conference in the fall, God opened my eyes to how much I've enjoyed cozy mysteries through the years. During my days in Dallas, I contemplated narrowing my writing focus to romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. Peace filled me as I made the decision.

In January, I discovered Dawn and queried her. A couple of weeks ago she reached out to me and we talked. It felt like a good fit, and she signed me as a client. I'm grateful and look forward to spending more time with Dawn as I work on my writing career.

Thanks for your support and encouragement as I've begun writing. I'll keep you posted on what happens next.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is a fun place to visit in Murrells Inlet, SC. Now that we live near the beach, Tim and I don't ever want to take it for granted. Huntington is the closest beach to us, and we enjoy visiting it often.





Besides three miles of beach, you can visit a national historic landmark, Atalaya. It was the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. It's referred to as the castle and has a Spanish influence.

In 2016 lightning started a fire that destroyed the Nature Center, and they are now raising money to build a new center.



The center was destroyed before we moved to SC and we never visited it. I was told it contained nature exhibits with reptiles, snakes, fish and aquariums. They also hosted educational programs. It looks to me as if the area is been cleared of the damage and mayb e they are ready to focus on rebuilding now.

If you are in this area, I hope you take time to visit Huntington Beach State Park. It's more than a beach and more than a park. It's a great place to enjoy nature and explore the many wonders God has given us. And who knows, by the time you visit, the nature center may be a reality.