I’ll admit, sharing this post today feels a little strange. On the one hand, this is a weighty day for me: it’s the 6-month anniversary of my February accident. On the other hand, I’ve been glued to the news coming out of Afghanistan this past weekend, and my heart is very heavy.
So it almost feels dishonest to write a chipper promotional post for my debut novel when the rest of me is crying out, “Life is hard and the world is dark–Kyrie Eleison!” Don’t get me wrong: I am excited. But I need to acknowledge, just for a moment, the darkness and the pain just as frankly as I express my eagerness over my latest steps towards publication.
Life is hard. The world is dark. To pretend otherwise is sheer ignorance. But even as I call it like it is, I have to remind myself of this fact, too: this is still my Father’s world, and He has still filled it with a light and high beauty that no shadow can touch. That truth is one of my greatest comforts in these unstable times. I can’t bury my head in the sand, or deny myself certain joys and dreams simply because the world is broken. There are too many empowering stories to tell, too much good and worthy work to do. And I hope my story gives my readers the courage to not only face the grim realities of this world, but to embrace its joys and wonders, as well.
Now that I’ve given honest voice to those thoughts, I think I can move forward with this post and share two new developments with Operation Lionhearted:
NUMBER ONE–Last week my designer sent me three options for the novel’s front cover! As soon as I opened the file, my eyes went straight to one design in particular, and I ended up choosing that one. It’s so beautiful, guys. All the options were, but this one conveyed so much of Lindy Tremaine’s inner conflict and growth, I couldn’t help but love it. I can’t wait to share the cover reveal (and the ebook preorder!) in just a few more weeks.
NUMBER TWO–Here I finally offer the main point of this post: It’s time to sign up for the Operation Lionhearted blog tour! The tour will last from Monday, October 4, to Wednesday, October 13, the actual day of publication. I received several enthusiastic responses when I first mentioned this a couple of posts back, so if you’re interested in helping me promote my novel, please fill out the application here (or, if for some reason it doesn’t show up, just visit the link directly below this paragraph). Applications will close on September 1.
Sign up for the Operation Lionhearted blog tour!
I know A Writer’s Tale has pretty much revolved around my novel lately, but I do plan on writing some “normal” posts in September. I’ve been put on notice for jury duty next week, so I’m trying to get a bunch of writing, gardening, and baking done now in case I’m called in. But September should be quiet enough for me to devote some time and attention to new reviews and articles–at least until the blog tour starts.
Be strong and courageous this week, dear friends–and I’m looking forward to reading your applications!
Maribeth Barber Albritton 
*dancing* I just signed up! So so so beyond enthusiastic for you, friend. I’m ready to see where your story goes and how many lives it touches! Congratulations again! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like I’m gonna be running around like BB-8 today, making a LOT of very happy beeps, haha!! Thank you so much for signing up, dear friend!! It’s gonna be so much fun.
LikeLike
Yay, I’m so excited for this!! I just signed up! And I can’t wait to see the cover!🤗
I understand how you’re feeling about the world events happening around us. It’s hard to focus on writing and be joyful when so many people are suffering. But I love what you said about our writing being a way we can make a difference in this world. It may seem insignificant, but words can give hope. That’s such a great reminder that I needed!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for signing up, Kristianne! I just sent you an email replying to your question on the form 🙂
A Twitter friend recently offered me some encouragement when I was wrestling with certain aspects of a new story of mine. She told me that “One of the most powerful things we can do as storytellers is bring people peace, comfort and joy. To lift their burdens for a few hours. I think serving others is one of the most Christlike things a person can do. And delivering a story that makes someone’s life just a bit easier–I think that’s a great calling.” I needed that reminder when I was feeling so discouraged and anxious about my storytelling–but it’s just as encouraging to me now when I’m feeling so helpless over on this side of the world. We may not have the ability to directly influence world events, but we *can* provide examples of hope and courage to ourselves and those around us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry for my late reply, but I love what you said here. That’s such an encouraging reminder!
LikeLike
I tried submitting my information through the form, but I’m not sure it went through. Maybe you could check and let me know? 😉
LikeLike
Hmm, it looks like it didn’t go through. Could you try again?
LikeLike
Done! And I think it went through this time. 🙂
LikeLike
It sure did! I’ll be in touch! ❤
LikeLike
Yay! So exciting! And I loved what you said about dealing with the very dark parts of this world, yet holding onto the Lord and sharing His truth. 🙂
LikeLike
I had actually written most of this post last week, but after everything that happened over the weekend, it just didn’t feel right to leave it unacknowledged. I’m so glad the end result encouraged you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Maribeth, I am so happy for you and excited! I can’t wait to read your novel! I would love to be part of promoting your book. October is the month my Honours dissertation is due though, so I sadly have to stave off joining this time round but I am going to share on Insta all I can! ^_^ Can’t wait to see the cover too =)
P.S. I love what you shared about goodness and beauty despite the darkness. Yes, keep writing and hoping and sharing what is good, my friend!
LikeLike
Oh, Joy, your enthusiasm and excitement are so encouraging! It means a lot to me that you still want to help promote the book on Instagram, despite your own busy schedule. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And I’m so glad that little prelude encouraged you, too. I just felt like I needed to say that after such a heartbreaking weekend.
LikeLike