Newsletter no 20: Collaborated Gratefulness

Dear friend,

"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." Henry Ford

This year is almost at an end.

It was a year of challenges, new experiences, and a deepening of my faith. Through it, I had discovered that I am stronger and more resilient than believed. I don’t think we appreciate that fact enough about ourselves.

Being resilient teaches us to endure with the goal in mind. To stay on course even when the ship is bounced around with raging winds against us and strong currents that threaten to pull us underneath the surface. Thank God for the anchor of hope that keeps us upright.

I've learned to look at the bigger picture than what I'm seeing right now. Once our eyes are fixed on the goal, no judgment or condemnation can touch us. Through my creativity, I have learned to be ignorant of the impossibilities and open for the changes it brings.

The year was filled with small surprises and wonders that became a beacon of hope. My pen (keyboard) diligently writing as more words are strung together. To complete stories, articles, and short stories for my blog and groups I belong to.

Through collaboration, I could add six more books to my growing list. I am extremely grateful for each of these blessings. I am humbled and deeply touched by each book that was published. Skakels van ‘n Ketting 1 & 2 are devotional books by Driekie Grobler. Kloof and ‘n Tiekie Romantiek are short stories and poems by Myra Lochner. Ink in Afrikaans is a short story bundle, and the sixth book is My Gebed vir ‘n Boer. All written in my native tongue.

My Gebed vir ‘n Boer Boek Twee can be ordered at Ns. Skrywershuis. It is a charity project for the families of murdered farmers in South Africa. A lot of work has been done to bring this to publication by Nico Schamrel. Anneline Kriel is the patron of this project. She was Ms Universe in 1974 and very active. A beautiful woman, strong and vigilant that we are all proud of.

Another wonder that happened was the reading of my short story, Verlore Gisters by Floris van Zyl on Die Waarheid online radio. It was written during a mini competition, Skryf jou Storie Facebook group.

To those on my list, if you are an Afrikaans speaking person, no matter where you live in this world, you can enter the competition here: Die Grootste Skryf Kompetisie. If you know an Afrikaans speaking person, share the link with them.

In this year I also began a new Facebook group: The KreativPreneur Club and I want to invite you to join. It is a holistic platform created for creatives to encourage and support one another.

I trust that 2022 was a good year for you and that your faith and hope have grown.

I want to bless you with part one of my book, Love at War, which you can download here:

Author’s Lead Magnet and the Introduction to Release Your Creativity.

Part of The KreativPreneur brand is to begin a new business and create new products. I have partnered with my daughter Odette and am excited about the new venture.

This was birthed when I was looking for a wedding gift for dear friends. I wanted it to be something exclusive and created the couple's journal. The rest was about making it workable, the step my daughter fulfills perfectly.

A great thank you to her for always supporting me in all I do.  

The Couples Journal, complete with flash cards for the newlyweds.

Each book is individually made and available in Afrikaans or English.

There are 52 x Flashcards in a separate box made from MDF wood.

The one in the picture is an A4 Landscape journal with 300 Pages, but it can be altered to fewer pages to accommodate your requirements or resized to an A5 book.

It is printed on personalised paper for an added touch with enough space to add pictures of the couple’s journey.

Email me at lynelleclark@gmail.com if you are interested in such a gift for a couple or for yourself.  

Do visit my store and sign up for my newsletter to keep up to date.

 

Entering a New Season

 

"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance." — Yoko Ono

Change is never easy but it is necessary.

For us to enjoy the newness of this season, we have to make things easier. When we simplify, we create room to grow and we can receive new things the Father has in store for us. If we hold on to the old things, the new things have no place to fit.

The Bible says you cannot put new wine in an old wineskin, so you must make room to receive.

It is a careful balance; and if you do it correctly; it can take you into the new.

Last month, I joined the Kingdom Writers Conference where I was confronted with a good deal of new information and a fresh anointing that confirmed the cleansing change. I really had to rethink my strategy and rethink my Why and How. That, after I have set up a business plan to begin a platform for like-minded creatives.

I was in for a big surprise and had to really come to grips with this in order to accept and change or be stuck and become stagnant.

For starters, my website’s platform has changed, and the name has changed. This wasn’t an overnight change but a gradual change from WordPress to Blogger that had its own challenges. I will share all the new links in the next session.

But it comes down to simplicity and clarity. For myself and to my followers.

As a creative being, I have many outlets and each needs its own spotlight.

1. As a writer, a website is essential for sales and marketing. After all, we like to talk about books.
2. As a freelancer, I need a place to advertise my services.
3. As a reviewer and blogger, I like to talk about the books I have read.
4. A platform for like-minded people also needs a space.
5. And as a coach, I need a space to talk about the things/problems we face.

Quite a momentous task, but once everything is in place, it just needs to be maintained.

When I began I was overwhelmed and deflated, but now that the end is insight I feel lighter and more energised with the recent developments.

So, no matter how much we argue or kick against the changes in the long run, it is beneficial.

A river can only flow easily when it receives fresh water. And fresh water only comes from a source that is without debris and flow with ease.

May this season be a refreshing joy for you.

I bless you.

​You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintry light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen." — Ernest Hemingway

Beta Readers Wanted: Source of Joy by Lynelle Clark

 

 

Source of Joy is the first book in the Connection series.

The document is available in Google Docs. Just email me for the link at lynelleclark@gmail.com.

I try to add a chapter a day so any feedback will be appreciated.

So far it is a 90k draft.

Genre: multi-generational family saga, Christian fiction, romance, mystery, and adventure.

 Questions to consider throughout the storyline:

1. How realistic do you find the characters?

2. Is there any part within the story that's unclear?

3. Since I know little about America or ranch life in general, your input in any of these topics will be taken into consideration. I try to do as much research as possible, but it's possible to still miss something. This will help to make the story more believable.

4. Are the characters realistic and relatable?

5. Does the storyline have a good flow or are there areas that needs to be rewritten?

Chapter 1 - 3 

 

Synopsis:

Source of Joy is a story of love and loss that brings a few generations together in a mutual bond of understanding and faith. Following the path of less resistance, be faithful to one’s dreams and God’s word might be harder than they thought.

One woman’s quest to be reunited with her son has a snowball effect on all she encounters. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Simone Stevenson walks a road of unfulfilled dreams while she remains in the shadows of a foolish man. As soon as her son follows his dreams, she withdraws in a shell of propriety and becomes a puppet with a lonely existence.

When she tastes the freedom at the Calloway Ranch, she realised she cannot return to her old manner of life. Back in South Africa, danger meets her as John Stevenson's secrets threaten to surface. She learns to cope with this growing tension and spend much time against the mountains of Camps Bay for guidance. That her son is happy helps to ease the pain of separation and she waits patiently for her next move.  

Bending the rules to keep his secret, John Stevenson will stop at nothing. Even commit murder if that will keep his secret safe. Living a double life, he soon realises that he has choices to make.

Against his father’s wishes, James Stevenson ends up on a Montana Ranch where the owner and his son teach him about ranch life, horses, and the freedom to follow your dream. Only during her brief visit does he realise the price she pays to visit him, and it leaves him with more questions.

Tripp Calloway leads a quiet existence in the Montana valley nestled between mountains and rivers where peace reigns. He heads the ranch with a strict hand and brook no excuses while he allows his son the space to grow. It is only when he meets Simone Stevenson that he realises he wants more in life. He, too, is challenged with lies that threaten to derail him and has to set his longing for a family aside. But a promise from God helps him to remain faithful to his dream and take this momentary delay as part of his process.

Celeste Stevenson knows about Simone, but Simone doesn’t know about Celeste. With her family at risk, she stop at nothing to keep her secret from being discovered.

All the characters involved in the plot trust God for a breakthrough in their lives. Will they listen or will life take its course and ran wild through them? How will the decisions they make now affect their futures later? Will Simone’s dream be fulfilled, or will she remain married to a foolish man?

Tracy Marshall is the daughter of Ben Marshall, a neighbouring ranch owner, with a crush on James. When Tripp offers her a position at the Conway Ranch, it gives her time to get better acquainted with the South African. But the two lovers might not overcome the brother's interference.

Travis Calloway has trust issues since his mother left him at a very young age. Simone helps him to get over this distrust and introduce him to a woman who works in the local diner. After an enormous loss, he asks God for help and has to trust His guidance as he continues to find his way.

A young flight attendant ends up in Billings, Montana. A world foreign to her. With nothing left to do, Mindy Botha follows a woman she has met once in her life to an unknown destination. The divine intervention connects her with a man so perfect for her she follows him blindly. Will she be able to put her dreams aside and follow God’s direction instead?

 

 

Interview with Sonia Main, Love at War. A Love Story.

 

 

Sonia is the main character in Lynelle Clark’s latest book, Love at War.

Since the world is still in lockdown, I interviewed Sonia via Skype one afternoon.

Sonia is everything I thought she will be. Well dressed and sophisticated, she gave nothing away of her experiences. Her confidence was visible in every gesture.

Her curly hair falling from the lose bun and the green eyes sparkled with wisdom and joy. One, cannot help but respect her. Strength resonated from her.

The story made many changes before it finally settled into the plotline it is. Even your name had undergone a few changes until Sonia stuck. What is your take about all the changes your character underwent?

Sonia smiled, her eyes squinting before she replied. "Lynelle underwent a painful time when she had written the first draft back in 2012. Her mindset far removed from the person she is. My character walked with her each painful step until we both found our feet. I am happy with the story and how my life turned out. In the beginning, I never thought it would." A far-off look appeared, and she looked at the cars passing by. I cannot help but wonder what is really going on in her mind.

There are many topics covered within the book but the main ones that really stand out is abuse against women. I don’t think we will ever really cover all bases of this subject. Even now, in 2020, we still need to address it.

"That is true." Her attention returns towards me. "Unless we do not talk about it, we will not. It is important to note that every time a woman talks about her ordeal the more the gravity will shine forth, and the culprit will not get away. As long as there are free will, people will use it as they see fit. Women needs to know that there are people willing to listen, who can and wants to help."

It seems this is especially important to you.

"Yes, I feel passionate about it. My time on the streets and in Africa taught me that not enough are done for women and children. They are the most vulnerable to life’s turnings. When you add war into the mix it becomes harder for them. We all need to survive. One is not more privilege than the other. All women want to feel safe, know they are cared for and have the opportunity to grow. No matter race or skin colour. We are so much more than the colour of our skin or our past. That does not define us. Our willingness to be the best sets us apart. But if a woman does not know that, she will remain in her situation without hope."

What does hope means to you?

"The Bible says, 'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' When our faith is obscured by the worries of the world, we lose hope in everything around us. Then you become an unbalanced person with no steering wheel and no direction. I was like that long before my story began in Love at War. When Lynelle changed the name of the book it changed everything in my story as well. Gone was the lost girl that had no anchor. Lynelle made it possible for me to find my legs again. She helped me to grow, I just did not always did it the way she did it, but I trusted her."

Do you think Lynelle’s experienced something similar?

"No, not exactly like me. Her story differs from mine, but she and Phillip Burger’s life stories are strikingly comparable. The reason she created Phillip’s character. He is the anchor within the story with wisdom that blows my mind at times."

What do you mean?

 "Phillip’s experiences grounded me and Curt in so many ways. Other than the Father, he became our go-to guy when life presented us with curveballs. No one can be like that if they did not underwent their own turmoil. Only when we have overcome can we give."

What does your faith mean to you, now?

"in the beginning my faith was meaningless. But God had a way of getting my attention. Once he had it, I learned to depend on him more. The six-month-plotline were an eye-opener. It cleansed me, healed me, and taught me valuable lessons I would not have learned any other way. My faith is my secret weapon and I go no where if God is not with me."

Once we find our feet and tap into the bigger part of us then we become more focused, I have learned.

"That is true. Once we tap into the Lord and who He is we cannot go wrong. We must have a childlike faith otherwise we will lose the fight.

You and Lynelle comes a long way – from 2012, I believe. That is when the first draft was written. What have you learned about her?

"Lynelle is a passionate woman that feels deeply, loves deeply and gives unconditionally. Her faith was tested severely, and she had lost everything. She was not the same person as on the day she began the first draft. She had lost her confidence and faith. Once her trust was broken, she fell back. I sensed that during all the changes Curt and I had to go through. When she struggled with her marriage it was visible in the story. When she struggled with pornography it was seen in the book, she fell hard. That too, can be seen in the story. She had to find her feet in a dark street in Pretoria, to continue with the story."

It seems Pretoria is significant for both of you.

"Pretoria has no good memories for both of us. But we had to stand up again. So, it was much like a sweet and sour time in our lives. It left its mark on us. Life continues no matter where you are. The secret is to connect with God again. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

What did you learn about yourself during this time?

She giggled, fell silent and then blush. "It is so easy to judge a person when you don’t know the full story. I think Lynelle really touched it very well by showing the effects of every character’s choices. At times we are forced to do things, even when it goes against the norm, but we achieve the result and not only survive. No sorry, not survive but walk in victory. That is the main message of the story. No matter where you are, what you face or how bad it gets, there is always hope. Love at the end is a war you first need to conquer within yourself before you can really win. It is an apt name for the book.

The book is divided into four main parts. Love in conflict, Love’s decisions, Love’s betrayal, and Love’s Victory. The four stages seemed like seasons in a person’s life. Love can be our anchor, but it can also deceive us. Only when we grow in ourselves do we understand love.

Time plays a big role as well. Love and time a unique combination that not only tells of a deadline but what can happen in a short amount of time."

At times we think we do have all the time in the world till time becomes a definite schedule.

"Everything resolves around time. From the moment we are born our life is measured in time. Right in the beginning of the book Lynelle had written, 'Measured in seconds, time's algorithm captures infinity within each movement. Worlds changes and fragments becomes relics. Fashioning a new set of rules to profit from your only choice.' I thought about those rules she referred to. It is only through a higher source that we can find a new set of rules. As a child we learn a set of rules from our parents, school and church and add our own because of experiences. But once life confronts us then we need to tap into the higher source, receive a new set of rules and begin to live. The time has a different meaning and it becomes wiser in its application."

In closing, without giving away any spoilers, what can you share with us about the book?

She started to laugh, an easy laugh of one that is at ease with her life. "Love at war is a love story with many layers. It promises adventure, tension, turmoil, pain, and some lighter moments as you move from South Sudan to Iraq to America in different stages of the story. It is a global story and any reader can relate to the story. Abuse, rape, fear, pain, divorce, and the search for more in life a universal connection that binds us all. 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is Lynelle Clark and why do I write?

I am Lynelle Clark, a multi-genre author since 2012.

As a proud South African, I love my country, its rich history, and diverse nationalities. It has a rich source of ideas which makes creativity so much easier.

I always loved books. Since school, I got lost in the many pages of the local library. Konsalik was my absolute favourite and read each of the translated books available. His gripping stories took me to worlds so different from mine that I could not get enough.

In fact, when I realized he was a German author, I learned the language to become an air hostess and see the world. That dream never realized because of the height restrictions of The South African Airways.

Life happened, and with limited options available to me, I became a stay-at-home parent. Finding peace and solace between the books where I discovered countries and their way of life fascinating. This anchored me, but the craving for more was always alive.

The desire to write was a silent wish I rarely talked about, keeping personal journals year after year until I found myself overwhelmed with life in my late forties. I never thought I was good enough and did not write, but my life’s turning cause a profound change in my thinking. It became a trigger mechanism that launched me into a new season, and I am still exploring the various sides of writing, finding my peace within the walls of books and paper.

I have self-published 4 books to date and authored short stories in my native tongue (Afrikaans) regularly. More books are waiting, characters waiting patiently to tell their stories through my pen, and I plan to publish at least two in 2020. The stories in my mind an ever-growing source of creativity which cannot wait to come out.

Books are essential to our everyday life.

For bookworms, it is important to hold a physical book in their hands instead of reading it on an electronic device. As a book reviewer, I must read the various formats available on my laptop; it is easier and quicker, but it is not the same. A book is authentic. It fits perfectly into your life; you can sit anywhere and enjoy the feel and smell of it while turning the page.

As an author, I have a diverse range of professional experience in various industries. Which gives me the backing to write multi-genre books. Through my passion, vision, dedication, and diligence, I consistently show my love for the book world. As a self-employed author, I have published my first book in August 2012, entitled A Pirate’s Wife.

In 2014, I published Bella’s Choice, a contemporary romance which looks at the alternative lifestyle and the choices that go with it. Blood Mines was a novel about South Africa's acid water problem. In early 2019, I published my very first Afrikaans book, GedagteKringe, filled with fictional stories and nonfiction pieces.

 If it’s in God’s will many more will be published. I have learned to take it as it comes and allow each opportunity to bring me closer to my purpose.