Rhonda Blackhurst’s blog–A Novel Journey Experiencing life through words and grace is as descriptive of the content as could be made. Rhonda says it best, “A Novel Journey was born by my desire to live a life of grace, through the grace given to me daily,  by reaching out to others through words and story.  A Novel Journey.  Novel–‘new’ and ‘books.’ Fitting for my loves.  Each “new” day is a novel one.  One in which to live with abundant gratitude and grace, for there is so much to be grateful for in this life.”

While reading Rhonda’s blog I became aware that she is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is also a lover of words and has written a number of novels which are in various stages of finish. The NaNoWriMo of 2013 produced 50,000 words by Rhonda and is a rough draft for her mystery novel titled; The Last Resort. Rhonda is also a member of Northern Colorado Writers

Rhonda took some time to capture the reasons why she writes. I think you might enjoy an insight into her motivation. Here is what she said on a post recently:

I write because when I do, I:

*     Feel freedom and the ability to express myself in a way that nothing else can match.

*     Feel joy, peace, and pure contentment.  Even if I’m working on a piece that doesn’t come easy, I’m in my element in the quiet     of my office with pen in hand or fingers on the keyboard, mood music playing softly on Pandora, and my mind creating whatever it happens to be creating at that moment.

*     Get more connected with God by making my thoughts concrete on the page, where oftentimes it’s then I can see where God is working in my life, or where I’m not, showing me I need to make myself available for more of God.

*     Am able to live vicariously through my characters–where else can one live so many different lives and have so many fun, funny, loyal, and even quirky friends?

*     Have the ability to reach and connect with other people who I wouldn’t have been able to without the magic of written words.  I’m able to connect with my sponsor kids through Compassion International, making a difference in lives in another country.  How blessed am I! I’m able to connect with readers on this blog, every one of which I am so grateful for.  It’s a magical connection that other writer’s at heart can likely understand.

*     Can turn a bad day to better from being able to escape to another world, whichever I happen to create, or by simply writing my feelings on paper, making me aware of them and then being able to let them go.

*     Spent a number of years getting too busy with life, which resulted in not writing, and I’m a much happier person when I write.

*     Cannot imagine my life without words and story, whether handwritten or from the keyboard.  The vehicle which produces those words doesn’t matter, only the fact that I’m able to do it.

When you visit her blog you will also get a sense of the spiritual side of Rhonda as she is thankful for the gifts given her. She is one of those people who make you feel good through her love of life. Thank you Rhonda for helping me launch My GRL and I hope to return the favor on your novel