 Today I'm SO EXCITED to be joining in the blog tour for Tessa Emily Hall's upcoming release "Fallen Leaves." (Isn't that cover AMAZING, y'all?!?!?!) I had the immense pleasure of reading this precious story several weeks ago! I had fun learning about the behind the scenes aspects in her guest post, and have been dying to share it with you! So, without further ado....  I had high expectations for the cover of FALLEN LEAVES. Nailing the perfect book cover is important because the cover is often the first impression that book will make with readers. I tend to go into the cover design process excited, but a little apprehensive as well. Because as a traditionally published author, the final product isn’t going to be in my hands. The publisher will have the final say. And the publisher’s job is to sell the story, not necessary to adhere to the author’s vision. So I was a bit apprehensive, as always … because I knew the cover had to be perfect. FALLEN LEAVES is the second book in the series, and I absolutely loved the cover of its preceding book (PURPLE MOON). Plus, the story has an artsy feel to it. It wouldn’t be right if the book didn’t capture this! At LPC Books (my publisher), authors are asked to fill out a cover design form once they’ve contracted their book. This cover design form will then be sent to the cover designer when it comes time to design the cover. On this cover form, I was asked to answer various questions, such as, What is the tone of the novel? What is the theme? Where does the story take place? What is one mood/emotion you’d like to invoke in the reader? For that last question, I included the words longing, poignant, and intrigue. Longing because Selena (my main character) is searching for her dad and brother. She dreams of reuniting with the rest of her family. Poignant because, although Selena is grateful for this new season of her life, she is still heartbroken over the years that her family have lost. And intrigue because there’s somewhat of a mystery involved in the storyline. The cover designer didn’t read any of the scenes in my book, including the scene when Selena is in a park. Near a tree that is basked in autumn’s glory. She didn’t know that this scene is one of the most pivotal scenes in the entire book. (In fact, a snippet of it is even included in the prologue!) She wasn’t aware that the mood of this scene is serene (which is reflected in the cover model’s expression). All of this is why I was in complete awe when the designer sent me this cover. My mouth dropped, and I was probably speechless for a moment as I took in every detail of this beautiful cover. Because the designer captured it all--the artsy feel. The longing. It’s even coherent with the previous book in the series as well. My fears were put to rest because the cover completely surpassed my expectations. Now, when the time comes to design my next fiction cover, I’ll probably be apprehensive once again--yet it won’t be due to fear, but because the standards have been raised so high thanks to this cover! What do you think about the cover? Let me know in the comments! CONNECT WITH TESSA! Author Bio: Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens show them they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print publications, her debut novel was published while still in her teens. She's the founder and editor-in-chief of PursueMagazine.net, a Christian teen magazine, and enjoys mentoring other young writers. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. Tessa’s favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com. Contact Links: Author website www.tessaemilyhall.com Twitter www.twitter.com/tessaemilyhall nstagram www.instagram.com/tessaemilyhall Facebook www.facebook.com/tessaemilyhall Mailing list http://blogspot.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=977607b9c01d013131aa90636&id=9e2fabd0ed ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!  
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 This quote was really encouraging to me this morning. It reminded me of the scripture in Ephesians that says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Sometimes we wonder why God causes the brokenness upon our lives. Sometimes we ask ourselves, “what good can come of this?” The death of a family member, health issues, a discouraging diagnosis. I’m coming to realize that beauty is sometimes not the outward presentation that we often think it is, but the bright reward at the end of a darker journey.  And trusting that God will use the broken pieces to create something beautiful at the end. My favorite analogy of all time is still the one of an author crafting his story. With care, the author created the characters and placed them in the story, knowing full-well that pain would soon be set upon the main character’s path. When the time came to write the scene, it pained him deeply. This character was so dear to him. How could he cause such turmoil to come her way? But he did it anyway, because it was necessary in order to continue on with the story. He had the entire plot written out, and he knew this was a necessary step in order to reach the end. He did it anyway, because he knew her character arc needed this in order to change. In order for her to be different in the end. In the same way, the Author of our lives brings trials and suffering upon us. Because it’s necessary in order to continue on into the next chapter of our life. It’s necessary so that we might change. So that we might come out of this so much more stunning and beautiful of a masterpiece then how we started. He does it, because He loves us. Because as the Author, He alone knows the entire plot of our lives. And He alone knows that this brokenness...is just what He needs to create His masterpiece. Tessa Emily Hall writes beautiful fiction for teens and young adults. Imagine taking Karen Kingsbury and turning it into YA! It’s not just a journey of another character, but a journey that will change your life. Fallen Leaves releases in just five days! I hope you’ll consider purchasing a copy of this beautiful book! Until next time friends, let's keep letting our lights shine for Christ! <3
 “Have you ever noticed that it seems SO MANY WRITERS have health problems?” My sister observed. “Maybe you got into the wrong profession. You better change hobbies, and fast!” Well, that was almost two months ago. Just a couple of weeks before I ended up at the hospital. A lot has happened in this whirlwind of weeks. And I thought it was time I updated you all. After having almost every organ in my body scanned, plus several tests, doctors’ appointments, hospital visits, needles, and research, I was finally diagnosed with POTS. POTS stands for, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and it causes so many different symptoms. Such a wide variety, that it’s hard to be diagnosed. But I was. And we’re finally getting answers. Each day is different. Bringing with it its own set of ups and downs. It’s during times like these that you truly start to live in the moment. Allowing yourself to think about tomorrow today, as Winnie-the-Pooh says, “is too many today's.” People have been so kind. The sweet cards from fellow writers, the encouraging words from friends. All the prayers. I appreciate them all so much. And I appreciate YOU dear reader, for having patience with me as I catch up on my blogging duties. I’m back now, because in typical writerly-fashion, I need to write in order to process everything going on. I hope my ramblings in the coming days will be an encouragement to you. As I write about trusting God through the trials, having patience during the wait, and learning to say as Job did, “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.” And I’ll go ahead and say right now, that these future posts are more like letters to myself. As I write down the reminders that are so needed right now. But I hope that through them, you might find a bit of comfort during your own trials. Are you struggling with any health issues right now? Would you mind commenting below or sending me an email through the Contact Me page, so I can be praying for you? Until next week, friend, let’s keep shining our lights for Christ. Together. <3 PS. Lots of you entered to win a signed copy of COFFEE SHOP DEVOS by Tessa Emily Hall. I just wanted to update you and let you know that I'll be announcing the winner next week!! So stay tuned! |
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