by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor
Guest blogger, Jayme Mansfield @JaymeMansfield
My guest, Jayme Mansfield, shares her testimony with you from a writer's perspective. She tells how the Lord led her through a maze of emotions and events in her character's life from Chasing the Butterfly to bring healing to her own heart. She shares, "Ultimately, I discovered I was drawing
closer to God—slowly exposing my hiding places and stepping into His light." Jayme joins me in praying for you, our reader, that the words of her heart will resonate with you and give you strength for the journey.
Welcome Jayme!
I’m
convinced book clubs are really like fields of wild flowers. Each reader tosses
out individual seeds—reflections, insights, questions, ponderings, musings… And
then, over the course of the gathering, a beautiful and wildly colored display
takes root and grows. Each “gardener” has added a unique element to the design,
texture, scent, and flavor of the event.
So, when
I’ve been asked what I enjoy about being a published author, one of the best
and unexpected outcomes has been the opportunity to attend book clubs to share
about the writing and publishing journey.
After all,
what others bring and take away from a common piece of literature should be
considered one of the wonders of the world—a fascinating construction of
intricate details, varied backgrounds and experiences, individual passions,
disclosed fears, hopes, and dreams—coming together to create a one-of-a kind
spectacle.
Although
each discussion is distinctive—molded by those glorious readers who are
passionate about books— a common question surfaces each time: “What was your
inspiration to write the story?”
At this
point, I always hesitate, take a sip of my drink, and shift in my seat. Do I really tell them the truth? Our
eyes are locked, inquisitive heads tilt, and encouraging smiles follow. They
want to know how authors do what they do—write and publish books. Do I tell them what really happened?
Yes, I tell
them the truth. I share that I didn’t initially set out to write a story that
would be published, let alone be completed. I didn’t outline, plan, and segment
my time to meet a daily word count, or have a clear storyline in mind.
Instead, I
divulge that I concocted a character, quite haphazardly, that would soon
accompany me on a journey to meet some of my life’s most poignant challenges
and heartaches. Without intention, I was writing scenes, creating additional
characters, deepening conflicts and searching for glimmers of light to help
deaden pain and clarify confusion. Ultimately, I discovered I was drawing
closer to God—slowly exposing my hiding places and stepping into His light.
I vividly
recall two junctures in the writing process—one when I made a deal with God
that I would complete the story if He would provide the stamina and confidence
to see it through to the end (I know—not scripturally sound—but all too human),
and when I wrote the last sentence.
For me to
write a story about forgiveness in which characters had to make that difficult
heart decision, and not intentionally embrace it myself, would be pointless and
hypocritical. However, I knew I needed the Lord to take my hand and guide me
through the treacherous waters.
And, as I
broke down in tears after the final words were composed, I certainly knew He never
abandoned me in the journey. I had traveled with the best Companion possible
who tossed unneeded baggage and kept me from wandering down dangerous and
misleading paths.
After that,
unimaginable doors began to open, but that is another chapter…
So, what really inspired you to write? There may be more to that common question than what
meets the eye. Here’s to the journey!
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you. Yes I will help you.
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
~ Isaiah 41:10
A Tweetable to Encourage Others
******************************************************
Meet Jayme:
Jayme H. Mansfield is an author,
artist, and educator. She provides vivid imagery as she melds her inspiring
writing and artistic talents. Her debut novel, Chasing the Butterfly, released in October 2014 from Lighthouse
Publishing of the Carolinas. Jayme is the owner of Piggy Toes Art Studio in
Lakewood, Colorado. After a career in both the business and creative sides of
advertising, Jayme received her teaching and Master’s Degree in Elementary
Education and Creative Arts. For the past seventeen years, she has shared a
passion for literacy and the writing process with her students. She teaches art
Aspen Academy in Greenwood Village. Jayme is married to James and has three
teenage boys.
Chasing the Butterfly
2015 Historical
Fiction Book of the Year-
Christian Small Publisher
Association
2015 Inspirational
Readers Choice Award
From
a vineyard in the south of France to the sophisticated city of Paris, Ella
Moreau searches for the hope and love she lost as a young girl when her mother
abandoned the family. Ella's journey is portrayed through a heartbroken child,
a young woman's struggles during the tumultuous times surrounding World War II,
and as a reflective adult. Through a series of secret paintings, her art
becomes the substitute for lost love, the visual metaphor of her life. But when
her paintings are discovered, the intentions of those she loves are revealed.
To learn more and connect with
Jayme, please visit:
