Yesterday, I experienced seeing my book, Journey to Riverbend, on the shelf of a bookstore for the first time. There it was, the cover that’s been my computer wallpaper for almost a year, the cover that captured the heroine so well. When I first saw the cover, my reaction was “That’s a romance cover. I didn’t write a romance.” I soon learned that, indeed, I did. I may not have intended to but the story would not be the same without the romantic tension between the two leads.
Anyway, there I was in a bookstore and there was my book between Debbie Macomber and DiAnn Mills. Surrounding it were books by other writers I had read and studied as I worked on my craft. I was in the company of great authors, company that, at one time, seemed so far from the realm of possibility.
It was like seeing your baby for the first time. There it was, in the world. How will it impact the reader? What will the reader experience? Hope? Entertainment? Will it touch the reader’s heart? What is its future?
From the day I started the book, I had committed it to our Father’s hands. I prayed for Him to guide my fingers across the keys, to open my ears to receive critique and instruction, to improve the book so it represented what He wanted.
Now, it’s launched. Even more than ever, it’s in His hands. I pray it find the readers He wants. I pray it touches them the way He wants. I pray it brings Him glory and honor.
Such an exciting thing! Congrats, Henry!
Thank you, Anne.
It was very special for me.
Congratulations, Henry! What great neighbors you have! I am planning on being at the Hurst book signing,
I am wonderfully blessed.
When I saw the cover I thought the same as you Hank, it looks like a romance novel. Having now read it the cover means nothing as this book has everything: great characters in meaningful relationships, the dust and heat of the old west, action, morality and yes romance. A beautifully realized novel and an extremely enjoyable reading experience. It transports you to the 1870’s west. Well done!!!
Thank you, Dick. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story of Michael and Rachel. It lets me know I’m on the right (write?) track.
Blessings on you.
What an exciting experience? How did the cover come about?
You blended the romance, adventure and redemption into a novel I couldn’t put down.
You signed a copy for me at Christian Writers Guild Conference in Feb. I know you were in a hurry and wrote Mark 19:29. Can you tell me what you intended?
Hi, Joyce.
The scripture should be Matt 19:29. It’s one I’ve stood on since we left our family to Rhode Island to move to Texas.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story.
A graphic artist at Tyndale House designed the cover. At first I wasn’t sure about it, but now, I think it’s a great cover. The artist captured Rachel perfectly, not only physically but spiritually as well with her looking up, not at the man, but at God.