I haven’t posted a blog in a long time because I have been working on the second book of the Pursued by Evil, Called by Godseries. Several of the readers of BOOK PURSUEDare asking, “When! When will book two come out? We need to know . . .” 

The second book centers on the issue of identity. What does it mean to have an identity? Who are we as we journey through this world? Everyone travels a different path through life. How do our perceptions of our identity change as we confront the many and unique challenges of this world? With whom and what do we identify? Can one act the part of a new identity without embracing that identity? Can one be born again?

George and Jane Mercy face many changes in the second book in the series? How have they coped with the changes they have already faced? What new challenges will they face? Will they face these challenges together or apart?

I have had to rewrite major sections of the book, and am getting closer to finishing. I still have some issues and will need to give it another complete proofing before I send the manuscript to my publisher. After they receive the document, it will receive more proofing and take several months to produce the printed book.

As a side note, I realize the title Book Pursued has caused no end of problems for those trying to find it on Amazon. I discovered too late that the word “book” was a category on Amazon, so when you type in Book Pursued you get a category of all their books with “Pursued” in the title. The best way to find the book is to search for “Book Pursued by Woody Dahlberg” or simply search for “Woody Dahlberg.”

I do need more book sales. If you know of anyone who loves thrillers with life messages written in the story, let them know about BOOK PURSUED. So far I have only five likes on Amazon, but they are all five stars.

When I drive down a busy street, I often notice the people in the cars I am passing and think, What are their stories? Or when driving down a neighborhood street, I ask myself, Continue reading →

After the Write to Publish Conference in 2014, I was about to board an airplane from Chicago to the Twin Cities when I noticed a young woman struggling to get in line. She had a baby in a sling across her breast, a diaper bag, two large carry-ons, and an energetic two-year-old boy. I helped carry her bags onto the plane. 

When we landed, I also helped her off and turned to leave. Looking back, I saw the boy running down the airport concourse. His frustrated mother was kneeling with her bags and the infant. As I ran to catch the boy, I heard someone say, “Whose child is that?” When I caught up to him, I took his hand and said, “Let’s find your mommy.” He laughed as we walked back. 

I asked his mother where they were headed. The gate for their next flight was in the direction I was going, so I walked with them, carrying the bags and holding the boy’s hand. The waiting area was almost full, but I helped them find two open seats. After I walked away, I turned around and saw the boy running after me. Smiling, I took his hand and led him back. I smiled at him and said, “Stay with your mother.” While leaving, I turned and waved. He laughed as he waved back.

I prayed, “Lord, help them on their journey.” And that is why I write—to help us on our journeys through the valleys and over the hills.

 

 

 

I stare at the mountain I must traverse,
The mountain of hope and purpose.
To reach the top to view the expanse,
will be a climb of challenge—not chance.

While the valley tests our faith, we also face the challenge of climbing to the top of the mountain.

Continue reading →