Monday, November 4, 2013

I Hope...

Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you eat breakfast? Why do you go to work?

One word:

Faith

Image courtesy of ladyrlawyn
And I'm not talking about a religion. I'm talking about belief, but belief that is so powerful it motivates us to act. In Serenity (one of the best movies of all time), Shepherd Book urges Mal to believe in something, to believe so fully he's ready to put everything on the line, to commit to a course of action based on his conviction.

You get up in the morning because you have confidence the sun will rise and start a new day. You eat breakfast with the belief your body will receive the nourishment it needs. You go to work with the trust you will receive payment for the hours of labor invested.

You have faith. Faith is action based on a belief. It doesn't necessarily have to be a strong belief. In fact, it may be a weak one that strengthens as you act--such as a child first putting a pencil to paper. He has seen others create pictures this same way, but does he believe he can actually create one? Kids naturally possess unlimited optimism. They press forward with hope. That hope guides them to action. That action builds confidence, and in time, certainty.

Faith comes with time and practice.

I feel like the child picking up a pencil when it comes to publishing. I've seen what I'm supposed to do. I've studied other's actions, but my hand doesn't appear as steady as my exemplars. I have hope, but what I'm working on now is faith--acting without knowing for sure things will work out.

I believe they will. (Hard enough I'm going forward like a steam train.) I have confidence the reviews coming in will be good. I believe there are readers who will identify with my messages. I trust this will be the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.

That's why my book is releasing next week. That's why there will be an amazing blog tour. That's why I keep writing.

What is it you're trying to build faith in right now? 

256 comments:

  1. This is so true, Crystal! And of course, so exciting about your book! Looking forward to seeing it out in the wild and to your fabulous blog tur!

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  2. Yes, faith does take time and practice. And then there's a learning curve. We master that one, and another appears. It's always evolving, sometimes more easily than other times.

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    1. Crazy how we're never allowed to stop growing, eh? :)

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  3. Never thought of faith taking practice but you're totally right about that. Thanks for helping me see that in a different light :)

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    1. It is definitely a different spin on the word, eh?

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  4. Beautiful post! I'm having to have faith that my older son will get a good job--he was in China for three years teaching, and he's anxious to settle in. I also have to remember that he has his own higher power, and I'm not it. So I also need patience and even more faith.

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    1. Finger crossed for your son! I think it's the hardest when dealing with your kids. It's almost impossible pull back and just let them live their lives.

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  5. Wonderful post, Crystal! I have faith that everything will work out if I am positive and express gratitude. It's hard when thing seem tough, but that's when it's most important!

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    1. A positive attitude (complimented by gratitude) definitely makes a world of difference.

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  6. Faith is a journey that's never finished. Not in a bad way, not at all. But in the best of ways because we keep moving forward.

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    1. So true. It is what keeps us taking one step in front of the last.

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  7. Congrats on the blog tour. I'm excited for you.

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  8. Such a good message for this Monday morning! Sending you all kinds of good luck for next week--it's going to be great!

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  9. I agree. Faith should never be based on credulity. It should be based on knowledge. The more you do something the greater faith you have. And the knowledge strengthens the belief which will make faith an action word.

    I have faith in myself but I'm working on the actions/fruitage of that faith. :-)

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    1. And you have every right to build that faith in yourself, Sia. You are awesome. =)

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  10. You're right, we have faith in so many things without even thinking about it. I hit the light switch in my office because I know the lights will come on. (Well, unless the power's out, and then I still turn the switch on out of habit.:) Good points, and good things to think about!

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  11. Sometimes I wonder if I have a little too much faith. lol No, you have to have faith, especially in this industry.

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  12. That was beautiful, Crystal. I'm rooting for you!

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  13. I want to get all metaphysical here, but I think I'll skip that. This time.

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    1. LOL! You really wanted to get our brains chugging, eh? ;)

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  14. Great post and one I needed on this blah Monday. I know you'll have a great release. I'm hoping and trying to have faith that I will get through being laid off and I will find a new job that I like. It's something I have to work on all the time.

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    1. Natalie, I'm sure it will work out and the perfect replacement opportunity will come along. Chin up, eh?

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  15. I'm trying to build faith in my creativity. Sometimes I sit in front of the computer, trying to work on a poem or a story or even just an expansion of a thought I had, and nothing comes. Those days are hard; they make me feel like a fraud. So thank you for this post. Sometimes it's hard to have faith, but you've reminded me that building it takes time.

    I hope you're having a nice Monday. ☺

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    1. You have to believe in yourself, eh? Dana, you are definitely not a fraud. =) Keep at it, awesome lady!

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  16. It's great how you have so much faith and optimism in the things you do! I hope your book release and blog tour end up being super-successful as a result! I'm a pessimist, so I can't really relate to this post. Trying to have faith in something always backfires on me in the end, so I'm actually able to stay motivated better with a pessimistic outlook...

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    1. LOL! That's rather crazy, but I suppose whatever works for you. ;)

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  17. It's hard to do something completely new. It takes time to master the skills. Even after reading all about it, doing it yourself is still a different thing.

    Good luck with your book launch.

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    1. So true, but that's what this life is about, right? Experiences. Learning and growing through our choices and efforts.

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  18. It's amazing when I look back at some of the things I've been through in my life and realize I kept going. There has to be some optimism in there somewhere. ;)

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    1. You made it through! So obviously you've got some amazing stick-to-it-ivity. ;)

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  19. Exciting and wonderful post, thank you so much!

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  20. Faith! That's the only thing that makes us move forward. Congrats dear and I already reserved a copy of your book. You are gonna do just awesome :)

    And you are Blitzed too :D

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  21. Congrats Crystal! Hope your Blitz Day goes well!

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  22. A wonderful message Crystal!
    YOU HAVE BEEN BLITZED!
    Happy Blog Blitz Day! Enjoy

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  23. Great to see your faith coming to fulfilment!

    Happy Blitz!

    anna

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  24. I think one of the reasons why I tend toward pessimism in general is because I lack faith in a lot of things, myself for one...but that's largely due to my life and personal past experiences. And when you lose faith, you can't see the rainbow through the rain clouds. But if there's one thing I can have faith in it’s my ability to persevere. Through it all I've never given up. That has to count for something. (:

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  25. I have faith in my ability to deceive myself into thinking it will all turn out perfectly :)

    Happy Blitz!

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    1. LOL! Well, at least it will turn out better than if you imagined the opposite extreme.

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  26. Great post! I named my daughter, Faith, so I'll always have it near me. Lol

    Happy blog blitz day!

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  27. I'm coming back to comment again because you're being blitzed! :)

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  28. Faith can be contagious as well! I have it in you..and your book. :)

    BTW...you've been BLITZED. I'm headed to Florida on vacation tomorrow and I just had to BLITZ someone from the Sunshine State this time. Enjoy!

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    1. Yay! Thanks, Don. Hope you enjoy our constant sunshine. (And occasional rain.)

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  29. I am trying to build faith in my ability to write a 3rd book in this series. I am trying to remember the moments when I felt this unsure about Book 1 and Book 2. And I am trying to believe that this next book (which is harder to get a hold of than a greased pig) will eventually make it to the state of these other two.

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  30. Lovely article and Congrats. Happy Blitz Day!!

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  31. Congrats on the upcoming release! You've done all the work and preparation - now sit back and enjoy the ride. Hopefully this BLITZ will help bolster your faith. :)

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  32. Serenity is one of my top 10 faves. Best wishes on the release!

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  33. Enjoyed the blog. Enjoy the blitz!

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  34. I tend to not have too much faith in myself- I know myself too well for that! LOL

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  35. Brilliant, love your words, best of luck with the tour :)

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  36. As a fellow cheesetarian: Good luck with the book! My kids say my motto should be: throw it out or melt cheese on it.

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  37. If you should lose faith in yourself just lean on those who believe in you. Good luck with the book and Happy Blitz day!

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  38. I really needed to read this today as I've been struggling with having faith in myself. This was very inspirational. Excellent!! You know I wish you all the best with the book.

    Happy Blitz Day to you!

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    1. Glad it was helpful, Julie. You should have faith in you. I do. =)

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  39. good luck on release and happy blitz.

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  40. You have such a wonderful way of making things Crystal clear (get it?). Really, this was beautiful. Faith isn't built on being showered with sunshine & roses all the time - it's strengthened by having very little outside evidence that this is what you're supposed to be doing...but doing it anyway because deep down, you know it's right.

    Best of luck with the release next week!! Don't worry, the jitters calm down after a while. And happy Blitz Day. :)

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  41. ...Faith believes all things, endures all things...Happy Blitz Day!

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  42. Well, seeing my name always brightens my day. Good luck with the blog tour and keep leaping--don't worry, your wings will get you there! My old blogger profile doesn't work well with the google sign in anymore, so please come say hello to me anytime at pentozen.com. We share many views, so glad I stopped in.

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  43. I feel the exact same way about publishing! Sometimes I wonder if I have enough faith to go the self-pub route, but I still don't know. Good luck with your book release - I hope everything goes well for you!

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  44. Best of luck with your book, Chrystal. I enjoyed your post about faith very much. Best wishes.

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  45. Happy Blitz Day!
    Good luck with your book.

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  46. Happy Blitz Day, and congratulations on the upcoming book release! Plus, I have to give kudos for the Serenity reference.

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  47. Happy Blitz Day, Crystal!!! I know you've been working hard on both the book and the tour. I wish you loads of success (with a side of cheese).

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  48. What you have written goes right to my heart. I'm in the same boat, going ahead even though I'm full of self-doubt. I'm moving forward on faith. Much good luck to your book launch! And Happy Blitz Day!

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  49. HAPPY BLITZ DAY!!!!! *hug-squishes* I am trying to build faith in the same thing. That's all we have to go on, really. Writing and getting published is such a crapshoot. All the pieces have to be in place... all the stars have to align... and those things are completely out of our control. Hope is what keeps us all going!

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  50. Great post, Crystal. And so excited for you for the book launch!

    You've been Blitzed.... :)

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  51. Wonderful post, Crystal!!! I'm so excited about your book launch!!! And you've been blitzed too! Happy cheese! I mean, Happy Day!

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  52. Faith lifts us up and over the rough spots in life, and enables us to accomplish things we might otherwise be too afraid to even attempt. It's the never-ending fuel in our tanks, and I can't imagine life without it. (Don't WANT to...)

    Me? I have faith that I will finish writing my second book before I go to that great big free library in the sky.

    Good luck with your release, and congratualtions, because you, my dear, have been BLITZED!

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  53. Faith and hope are so important.
    Bonus points for the Firefly/Serenity mention.
    And happy Blitz Day!!

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  54. Ha! Alex said exactly what I was going to say!
    If we didn't believe in us, who would?

    Best of luck!

    BAZINGA!
    You've been blitzed!
    Heather

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  55. Interesting. I'm fresh out of faith at the moment. Just drifting through my days, trying to decide what, if anything, is worth the effort. I've had almost no ROI.

    Happy Blitz Day all the same.
    ~MPL

    PepperWords

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  56. The person with no faith or who doesn't believe in something is a lost soul.

    Happy Blitz day!

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  57. I commented on this yesterday! But today is blitz day!! YAY!

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  58. People like you give me faith! Other writers like you who have lives and familes and jobs but still put in the work to get their stories out there- seeing people like you help me believe that this novel I'm writing right now might someday be worth something, and that it's possible for me to get it there.

    Keep the faither, Crystal- we're all rooting for you!

    And Happy Blitz Day!!!

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  59. Hi, Crystal. I hope you are having an awesome Blitz Day!

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  60. Happy Blitz Day Crystal! Faith is essential whether you are religious or not. Having no faith means losing hope and that's just sad. Wish you the best with your book release.

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  61. Keeping the faith with publishing is tough, especially when you get one rejection after the other. I'm so excited for you about the release of your book! I wish you all the best with it!

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  62. Oh. Happy Blitz Day! My email address changed, so I'm not getting notifications about these any more. Hope you enjoy the attention!

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  63. Good luck with the book release and the blog tour. Carrying on writing in the face of rejections really does take a whole load of faith!

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  64. Faith certainly is important, great post!
    And your book launch is right around the corner, how exciting :D

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  65. The vast majority of the time, I get out of bed because I have to pee. ;)
    Happy blitz day!!!

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  66. great thought provoking post. Happy Blitz Day!

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  67. I have faith that you are going to have a very long and productive writing career. Enjoy this blitz day full of new admirers.

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  68. If it weren't for strong faith I wouldn't be able to keep going. I tell people I don't just believe in miracles I live on them! Happy Blitz Day

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  69. Great post! Congrats on your book launch! And Happy Blitz Day! I hope it's a fabulous day!! :)

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  70. Congrats on the new release! And happy Blitz Day!

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  71. Hooray for your book launch, and amen on your words about faith. What a beautiful post. Sending cheese-filled dreams your way from the blitz!

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  72. I love Serenity, I only saw it for the first time this year. I'm a really optimistic person, so I guess that means I have a lot of faith. It takes a lot to make me stop believing.
    Happy Blog Blitz :)

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  73. Faith is central to my personal walk in life. I am talking a personal relationship and knowledge of my Savior. Faith keeps me going too. I love that it is Blitz Day for you! Good luck with the release of your new book.

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  74. We won't get anywhere if we don't have that faith and make a leap forward. Great post. And Happy Blitz!!

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  75. I think I get out of bed in the morning because I have faith that if I don't, the dog will pee on the carpet. Best of luck with your release. And Happy Blitz Day!.

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  76. Congrats on your book, and happy blitz day

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  77. Congratulations on your upcoming release! And have a wonderful Blitz Day!!!

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  78. Happy Blitz Day! I'll admit I sometimes lose faith, but I quickly find it again.

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  79. Best of luck with your new book! I like your philosophy. Some days are harder than others to maintain the faith...but I keep on plugging away. I'm impressed with what you have accomplished at a young age...keep it up!

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  80. Congratulations on your release, and happy blitz day! :)

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  81. Awe. What a heartfelt truthful post on faith and hope. Yes, we have to believe and move forward. Best of luck with your release day! Moonless looks wonderful!

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  82. Congratulations on your upcoming release! And Happy Blitz Day!!!

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  83. Congratulations on the release of your book! Faith helps a lot - nice post! Happy Blitz Day to you!

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  84. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Congrats on your success!
    And happy blizter

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  85. I really enjoyed this post, Crystal. I'm trying to have more faith every day that I'll be able to achieve my ambitions.

    Happy Blog Blitz!!!

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  86. What a beautiful post Crystal. I have no doubt you'll be all sorts of awesome! Right now I have faith that I can write 5k a day so that I can get this book finished by the 15th so I have a week to finish packing before we move halfway across the country. Another thing that's taking a lot more faith then knowledge. Good luck with your book coming out! :)

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  87. Crystal. I am glad you had the faith in yourself to continue putting pen to paper. You have obvious talent that you need to continue to cultivate. And congratulations on your upcoming book publication! God bless, Maria

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  88. Great statements of the benefits and beauty of faith. Faith does get me up and keeps me going throughout the day! I would say especially when I'm not feeling otherwise motivated, but it's just as true when I am definitely motivated on a momentary or daily basis.

    Happy blitzing, and a big CONGRATS! on your book release!

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  89. Hi Crystal, happy blitz day!
    Life has been tough lately, so I find faith in both my spiritual belief and anything else, difficult,
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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  90. Congratulations on your book release! And Happy Blog Blitz Day! :)

    Chippy

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  91. Congratulations, Crystal! Enjoy the blitz!

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  92. I don't think I've ever had faith, just hope. It's only my faith in God that keeps me going. I figure He opens the doors I need to go through, so I just amble along. But faith in me as a writer? Nope. Nothing. I'm a dork and I know it.

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  93. It's funny how, when you really think about it, faith permeates most of our actions. Great post - happy blitz day!

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  94. I have never been religious, but people have always commented on the strength of my faith, which is why I won't wish you any luck, just a joyous journey. :)

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  95. Great perspective. All we can do is try our best and have faith that we'll be rewarded for our efforts. Great cover, by the way. This looks good! Happy blitz day!

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  96. Congratulations on your book release, Crystal. I love this Flannery O'Connor quote: "Faith is what someone knows to be true whether they believe it or not." I will sometimes get into the deepest "you-are-such-a-phony-talentless-piece-of-you-know-what" place of negative self-talk and, well, laziness. And then I plunk down in front of the keyboard because I know it's true that I'm a writer, so regardless of the internal yammering, I have faith, so I write.

    Here's to an excellent blog tour for you! And happy Blitz Day!

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  97. I agree that it takes hope to write day-in and day-out, even when it's the last thing you want to do. And faith that someone will understand and love the vision you've created in your story.

    Happy Blog Blitz Day!

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  98. Faith is important to live and achieve dreams. Without faith nothing can be done. Congratulations on your book, the best of lucks and happy Blitz Day!

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  99. Keep the faith, Crystal. Happy Blitz Day!

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  100. Happy Blitz day! Congratulation on your book release! May the goddesses of cheese be with you! ;)
    With great respect and love! Ambrozya.

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  101. Happy Blitz Day! Sorry I'm late to the party, but I've brought cheese.

    Good post to have for a blitz. My faith in my writing is often shaky, but I keep going because I have to. So I have faith in my need to write.

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  102. Happy Blitz Day. I have faith that if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, and my intentions are clearly visualized, I will reach my goals. I wish you great success in your launch and writing career. Blessings.

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  103. Visiting as part of the Blitz. Wonderful post. We all need a little faith!. Enjoy the Blitz.

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  104. Congrats on your upcoming release! Happy Blitz Day! :)

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  105. Beautifully said, and something that I needed to hear. I've been working on faith as well, trusting that my books will reach the people who need the stories I tell.

    It's a long road, but so worth it.

    You've been Blitzed!

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  106. Happy Blitz Day!!

    Oh, and I LOVE your blog design=)

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  107. Happy Blitz Day and good luck with your book release. Enjoyed the Serenity reference. :)

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  108. Amazing post! Have a terrific blitz day. :)

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  109. What a wonderful post! Exactly what I needed to hear today.

    Enjoy your BLITZ!

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  110. I thought it an appropriate post for blitz day but what I was really interested in was your obsession with cheese! What a great combination - YA fiction and queso, fromage, curds and whey. Maybe you can merge them someday!

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  111. We have to belief that there is something out there and there we find ourselves.

    New Look, New Name and Same Stuff...
    [Being-Retro]

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  112. Congratulations and happy blitz!

    Lisa
    lisathewordnerd@wordpress.com

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  113. Happy Blitz Day! Great post, something I always remind myself when there is big life changing moment (good or bad) happening. Got to have faith that things will work out for the best ;)

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  114. Thank you. I needed to read this today.

    Yes, I do think everyone has belief or faith in something, whatever it may be. It is what helps us get through the day, and helps us to know that things will get better when the going is rough.

    Good luck with your book release, but I don't think you're going to need it. If this sample of your writing is anything to go by, then you'll do great!

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  115. For me, it's my ability to write every day. Building up my faith in my dedication.
    Happy blitz day!

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  116. Happy*Blitz*Day!!! LOVE your blog post. My first time visiting, but won't be my last, and can't wait to buy your book! Where are you in FL? I'm in Cape Coral . . . was wondering if we were close :-)

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  117. Happy Blitz Day! Congratulations on the release of your book. I wish you much success!

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  118. Oh em gee, girl, I cannot wait to get my hands on MOONLESS! So excited for ya! Happy Blitz Day.

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  119. Hi Crystal - I'm here from the Blitz but also just to say hi :D

    I looooove Serenity. And I guess I do have faith, in the fact that people can be good and moral without following any religion. Since I consider myself a good person even though I'm a "non-believer".

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  120. Happy Blitz! Love your blog and love this post :-)

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  121. Best of luck with your release :) I have faith that it will be amazing :)

    Happy Blitz Day

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  122. Great post, Crystal. I don't really think about it, but yes, I have faith in my writing and so I keep going. You're at a good place for this journey. Wishing you tons of success with Moonless.

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  123. Beautiful post, Crystal! I am excited to host your excerpt at the end of the month. Best of luck and much success! :)

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  124. Hey Crystal,

    I wont mention some blitz thingy. I come here to comment and make no mention of some blitz thingy :) Oops

    Dear lady, your faith, your belief, your passion for the written word, a driving force that now makes your dream that wondrous reality. And even if it be Moonless, a glow doth shine upon you.

    I have faith that continues to build. The faith that my discreetly working in the blogging background, with little fanfare, has been of help to others. For when we help each other, we help ourselves.

    Well done, Crystal!

    Gary :)

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  125. I enjoyed your post very much Crystal, I felt too like asking for you to pass the cheese please! Always like a snack while on line! Lol...I always have hope and faith! Happy Blitz day, and best wishes and much success with your new book and future works. Sandy

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  126. Congrats on your book release, Crystal! Keep the faith. Happy Blitz Day!

    Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  127. Awesome post Crystal. Yes, it takes belief, and faith, just to live. Thanks for the inspiration. Good luck in your upcoming release. I'm sure your faith will be rewarded.

    ......dhole

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  128. Hi Crystal,
    My life revolves around faith. I also love cheese, and my favorite color is purple. Love your blog design. All the best with your book. Oh, number 13 is my favorite number too.
    Happy Blog Blitz Day. :-)

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  129. This is awesome, Crystal! Good luck with your book, I have faith that it will do well!

    Happy blitz day!

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    1. Dee! It's been forever since I visited your blog. I'm so happy to see you!

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  130. Good luck with your book and Happy Blog Blitz Day! Lily

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  131. Good luck with the book. Happy Blog Blitz Day!

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  132. Happy Blog Blitz and congratulations on the release! I have faith that your writing dreams will come true. I love cheese too! My favorite is Brie with apples. Yum.

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  133. You have to believe in something, even if it is just that the sun will rise every day... Good luck with your book release!
    And happy Blitz Day!

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  134. Happy Blitz Day, and congratulations on your upcoming release. I've always liked the quote "I believe in the sun even when it's not shining. I believe in love
    even when I feel it not. I believe in God even when he is silent."

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    1. Awesome. One of my favs comes from CS Lewis: "I believe in the sun, not because I can see it, but by it I can see all things."

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  135. I'm trying to build faith in myself and my abilities.

    Best of luck with your book release!

    Oh, and hello from the Blitz!

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    1. M.J., I think that's a constant struggle for all of us. =)

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  136. Happy Blitz Day! And congratulations and good luck with your book release.

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  137. Happy blitz day!

    I enjoyed your post since I'm struggling with a few things, but I always have faith that things will work out.

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    Replies
    1. Because they always will, right? Even if it's not quite the way we had in mind. =)

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  138. Happy (late!) Blitz Day! You had me at Serenity. Heck, you could just post the word "Firefly" and I'd be your slave. But I'm SO grateful for the chance to meet a fellow YA fantasy writer, and to follow your amazing blog. Good luck with the new book. I'll be watching for the link, and hope to be an early reader.

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    1. Amen to that. Firefly=AWESOME!!!! Thank you for the encouragement. Going to follow back. =)

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  139. Wow, Crystal, what a beautiful, beautiful post. You SHOULD go full steam ahead - look at the response you got from this post! Your words are meaningful and hopeful for all of us, and we'll be there to cheer you along your publishing journey, too. (And read your book, of course!!)

    The blogosphere is full of inspiration today, and I'm so grateful for it :)

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  140. Sorry I'm late to the blitz party (yesterday was crazy)! Congrats on your new release!

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  141. Not that I'm obligated to like the movie because my name's "Serenity"; however, "Firefly" and "Serenity" are the bomb diggity and that's that. (PS Didja hear about the new comics coming out based after "Serenity" written by a Wee Whedon? Woohoo!)
    I agree about finding faith right now. I'm participating in NaNoWriMo and preparing to move several states away in just two weeks, and I'm finding it hard to have faith in myself and my abilities to complete this! This post might just be a bit of the boost I needed!
    Happy blitzing!! Can't wait to see more of your writing and to check out the new book!

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  142. Happy belated blitz Crystal! And what a lovely way to phrase it - yes, some beliefs are immutable. I hope my faith that someday I;ll be published too carries me through - and beyond!
    Congratulations on your book release!

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  143. HAPPY BELATED BLITZ DAY!!!

    So sorry I'm late. I feel like the white rabbit a lot lately these days--running around everywhere checking my calendar and pocketwatch.

    I can totally relate to this post. Sometimes we just gotta start believing we have something worth sharing and go with it. I don't expect everything to be rainbows and raving reviews, but putting ourselves out there is a brave start to all kinds of possibilities. Faith + Hard work = artistic satisfaction and happy campers!!!

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Hit me with your cheese!