True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.
As I've been reading up on my heroes, I've been humbled and awed by all the amazing people out there. My heart is filled with gratitude for the inspiring individuals who have dared to make a difference in the world, and in my own personal life. So, let's get this party started, eh?
.jpg)
braham Lincoln: There has rarely been an age in history as pivotal as the time of Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Just thinking about the tension that threatened to tear the United States to pieces makes me shiver, and Lincoln bore that immense weight on his shoulders as he tried to do what was right, not just for humanity, but for a struggling nation.Part of the reason I adore Lincoln so much is his roots. He came from humble circumstances, a one room cabin, a farm, little between him and the people he would one day govern. His mother died when he was 9, and I can only imagine his heart ache.
His father remarried, and this was his proposal: "I have no wife and you no husband. I came a-purpose to marry you. I knowed you from a gal and you knowed me from a boy. I’ve no time to lose: and if you’re willin’ let it be done straight off."
His new wife, Sarah, ended up being the influence that moved Abraham to read and learn. She must have been a powerful woman indeed to have guided so important a young man through his youth.We all know about the times of the civil war, about the war that would free the slaves in America, and how it nearly split this country into two pieces. Men of his time must have ruled Lincoln a dictator with the harsh treatment of the south. I'm sure he questioned constantly if he was doing the right thing, seeing all the suffering, hearing all the rage in the public. I, for one, am extremely grateful a man of so great a character stood his ground and corrected a great mistake the founding fathers allowed to infect this country.
He is my favorite president. Ever. I want to be like him, in times of crisis, able to hold to my values no matter what the world says.
And now some exciting news! For the month of April ONLY, MOONLESS is $1.99! Get your copy HERE.
And next, some happy news, and not so happy news. I'm moving! Yay! We're building a gorgeous new house, and I'll be in transition this summer. The not so happy news? Because of that, my publisher has been kind enough to push back the release date for
What about you? Do you have a political hero? What are your feelings on Lincoln? Have you picked up your copy of Moonless?
Lincoln is one of my favorite heroes too, right up there with my husband, and he's up pretty high. Great post, Crystal.
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
LOL. With your husband... I love it!
DeleteI recently went to DC and saw his memorial. What a fantastic man. Great post, Crystal :)
ReplyDeleteToo true. I think he was one of those people God moved into place at a crucial period of time.
DeleteI really like your theme, Crystal, and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your posts. Oh, and good luck with the new house and the move!
ReplyDeleteMadeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge
Thanks, Madeline! It's always an adventure, eh?
DeleteHeroes is such a good theme! Lincoln is definitely one of my heroes as well. I enjoyed the film on him last year, Spielberg did an amazing job with that one.
ReplyDeleteHe's pretty epic, that's for sure. I haven't seen the film yet, but we'll chalk that one up to being too busy writing. I need to see it.
DeleteI so want to read Moonless! Will get my copy once my semester exams get finished.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with moving and "Soulless" =)
Sania @ Fragile Words
Best of luck with those, Sania. Here's the end of the semester and feeling like a human being again, eh?
DeleteI can't say that I have a political hero. I do like Abraham Lincoln.
ReplyDeleteYeah... Politics and "hero" don't usually mix, but historically there are a few shining examples. =)
DeleteLincoln was grace under pressure.
ReplyDeleteI know! Poor guy.
DeleteExcellent theme, Crystal. And starting with Abraham Lincoln sets the stage more magnificently.
ReplyDeleteHe's a pretty epic fella, eh?
DeleteI love Abe to and out president who recently passed: President Mandela.
ReplyDeleteThese are great men who will be spoken on centuries from now.
Wendy @ Fabulosity Reads Book Promotions
So true. They're inspiring.
DeleteYes, you must stay sane! It's better to have a clear head when your book comes out. Happy moving! Say cheese! ;)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild – A to Z Challenge, a Jeremy's Angels Co-Host Minion
Seasoned With Words
Cheese! Wait, why am I saying cheese? Thanks, River. Great to hear from you, woman!
DeleteGosh Crystal. He may not have been my president, but you paint such a vivid picture you've increased my admiration for him too. His father's proposal sounds very interesting. Not romantic in the sense we know it, but so full of purpose. How could Sarah say anything but Yes?
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Definitely a different approach to family needs.
DeleteI can't wait to know when your new book comes out!! Thanks for highlighting an awesome man!
ReplyDeleteAw. Yay! It's going to be an epic release.
DeleteGreat post, Crystal! And congrats on the new house! Woot!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie. We're excited.
DeleteI am proud to sat I have been an Archetypal critic for many years. There are more heroes around us than most people think. The first step is to look for an "ordinary" person. Good luck with your writing!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. I love the quiet heroes I've run across, but truth be know, I could pull out an entire alphabet just from my personal acquaintances, almost. It's hard to find the details of their lives though.
DeleteThis was super interesting, Crystal! That proposal made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the big move!
It's really unique, right?
DeleteOh. I just love Abraham Lincoln. When my sister was in Washington D.C. as part of a group of teachers at the Lincoln Memorial, she said that Newt Gingrich was there (weird, right?) and he talked to them about how large Lincoln's hands were. He said, "they had to be large because they were holding a country together." Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post!
Leanne Ross ( readfaced.wordpress.com & LeanneRossRF )
It's true. They were holding a country together. I look at the amount of stress I experience in just trying to hold a family together, and I'm in awe of what his burden must have been.
DeleteCongrats on the new house Crystal!
ReplyDeleteGreat theme!
We come into contact with many heroes in our day-to-day existence... quite often, they're the ones who go about their business quietly, never getting or expecting any recognition or accolades...
But Lincoln IS a great man!
Writer In Transit
So true. I'll be talking about some of those, but I couldn't pass up Abe. He's too epic.
DeleteAbe Lincoln was such a great man, one of sound moral character. Thanks for highlighting him today and all that he stood for!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new house! That is exciting (and I'm sure a little nerve-wracking). I must admit, I'm disappointed the release date for Soulless will be pushed back. I'm almost done reading Moonless (I stayed up 'til the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down!) I know as soon as I'm finished, I'll want to read the next one! :) But so glad your publisher was willing to work with you!
Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Leave me a review, eh? ;) I hate pushing the date back. It's been killing me for the last couple weeks, but I think the decision is a good one.
DeleteI'll definitely leave a review! I have a feeling I won't go to bed tonight until I finish it! :)
Delete=) You rock.
DeleteLots of awesomeness! I wish you luck on your move, and can't wait to hear more about Soulless!!
ReplyDeleteAw. Thanks, Meradeth.
DeleteI have no wife and you no husband ... that is classic! Great post. I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteSheri at Writer's Alley
Home of Rebel Writer CREED 2014
Mighty Minion Bureau Team #atozchallenge
Definitely a unique proposal, eh?
DeleteAwesome theme! Can't wait to read more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Laura.
DeleteLincoln is a good pick.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what kind of cheese he liked.
Ooh! Now that's a question.
DeleteLincoln is fascinating. I guess that's why they still make movies and write books about him.
ReplyDeleteAnd rightly so. The guy was flippin' epic.
DeleteWhat a way to kick off the challenge, great choice with Abraham Lincoln ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new house! How exciting and tiresome at the same time lol
And YES, words to live by for us writerly types: "Better to have a sane author than a dead one, eh?"
Yeah. Dead ones aren't good for anything except burying.
DeleteAbraham Lincoln is an excellent choice.
ReplyDeleteAnd . . . YES YES YES!!!!! I haven't been able to purchase Moonless yet (I know, shame on me!) but I couldn't pass this up! It is now on my Kindle. :)
Good luck with your move. :)
Wahoo! When my publisher suggested a special sale, I wanted to break out the fireworks.
DeleteThank you on the well wishes!
Luv it! I'm a civil war reenactor (for the North), so Lincoln is huge on my list. Easily the best president we ever had. If you dig Lincoln you must read _Team of Rivals_ by Goodwin. It's one of the best books I've read in the last 6 months. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Mark. I'm going to have to add that one to my list. =D
DeleteHe continues to be an icon and probably will far into the future. I believe there are more books written about him than any other person on planet earth. A new novel just came out about him, too.
ReplyDeleteNot surprising, and he's a totally worthy individual. Can you imagine trying to fill his shoes during the Civil War? *shudders*
DeleteGreat inspiration. I like Lincoln to. He has some valuable lessons to teach our kids.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for A! I haven't seen the movie yet...I think I'll have an all new respect for him once I see his story in depth.
ReplyDeleteFor true. He's truly a great man.
DeleteI've always enjoyed studying Abraham Lincoln. He truly was a remarkable man and president. Change is a often good thing. It's exciting that you'll get to live in a gorgeous new home. Lots of success on the move and your books.
ReplyDeleteMJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
Thank you so much, MJ. It's definitely going to be a fun change...providing we survive. =)
DeleteI so agree about Lincoln's roots. Amazing what he accomplished and the strength he had. It's hard not to wonder how our country may have been different if he hadn't been killed.
ReplyDeleteHope your move goes smoothly and I can't wait for Soulless. :)
Yay! Thanks, Julie.
DeleteI'm sad he was killed too, and if he hadn't been, dude, you're totally right.
I love and appreciate Abraham Lincoln for the same reasons you do, and yes, I just purchased your book. :)
ReplyDeleteYou did? Aw. Warm fuzzies and a wheel of virtual cheese to you Debra. =)
DeleteOn holiday and finally have free time to read Moonless squeeeee ;) a great A indeed
ReplyDeleteSquee!! Yay! Leave me a review, eh? ;)
DeleteLincoln is one of my favorite heroes too. I admire his lowly beginnings, working hard to educate himself and endearing himself to the public. It's hard to imagine someone doing the same today. It's seems that most elections are based on how much money a person has (or can raise).
ReplyDeleteShells–Tales–Sails
So true, but I still think it's possible. Difficult, but possible.
DeleteLincoln is one of my all-time favorite presidents. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was seriously obsessed with him when I was in third grade, until I completely freaked out by a picture of him that made it look like he had no eyes. I started having nightmares about him instead, and could only bring myself to start reading about him again in seventh grade. At thirteen, I proceeded to become obsessed with his sons Tad and Willie. Now I have a much healthier, more normal interest in the Lincoln family!
ReplyDeleteYikes! Those things aren't contagious, are they? Lincoln nightmares?
DeleteGreat write-up: full of heart and therefore all the more interesting. I do know Abe truly was one super-cool dude, but I’m afraid I grew up mostly apolitical and rather shallow, having mostly rock’n’rollers for heroes. Sad, I know, but true. Oh but you might cut me some slack knowing I’ve got Moonless on my Kindle now YIPPEE! Yes, thank you, I’ll most definitely have a taste of that. Life is good. Especially when you’ve got a publisher with heart, eh?! (Heart’s the word of the day, apparently)
ReplyDeleteMiss A
Heart it is! How about some heart shaped cheese while we're at it? You've got Moonless! *happy dance*
DeleteHis monument is my favorite in Washington. He was such a great man with a huge amount of integrity. Great choice for an A.
ReplyDeleteIntegrity for sure! I just wonder how many ulcers he had.
DeleteWhat a wonderful A to Z series this is going to be. Thanks for visiting my site!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting back!
DeleteOh how I'd love to have an Abe Lincoln right now. On the left and on the right, it seems like all anyone cares about is getting power for their side.
ReplyDeleteSo true. We need a game-changer, eh?
DeleteI'm definitely a fan of Lincoln, but Thomas Jefferson is my favorite president. But I LOVED Lincoln's father's proposal! Too much!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move!
I can understand that. Jefferson was pretty epic too.
DeleteWhat a great theme...I love Abe Lincoln!
ReplyDeleteNo way. Me too!
DeleteAbe was a fellow introvert so he's kinda ok in my book. Enjoy the challenge!
ReplyDeleteJust kinda okay? ;) Here's to introverts!
DeleteHonest Abe has to be my favorite president. :)
ReplyDeleteHas to. =)
DeleteI also admire ad respect Abe I wish we had a president like him now.
ReplyDeleteSeconded!
DeleteGreat choice, a great man and an on going inspiration in my life :)
ReplyDeleteLikewise. :)
DeleteGreat post! I love the tidbits of history you've included. Though (sheepishly) I did wonder why there was no mention of all the vampires he killed with his ax...
ReplyDeleteShh! No one's supposed to know about that stuff!
DeleteGreat choice. Loved reading this interesting post.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks.
DeleteFirst of... congratulations on the upcoming move... that is wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteLincoln really was pretty amazing, he really was a strong leader... he did the right thing even with all the divide in the country. I would like to be more like him too... great choice of political hero :)
Thanks! We're excited.
DeleteHe really was great. We need more men like that.
Abraham Lincoln was pretty incredible! My mother-in-law recently visited the Abraham Lincoln museum, so it's neat to read this shortly after hearing her experiences.
ReplyDeleteGlad I could add to your experience!
DeleteHi, Crystal,
ReplyDeleteDidn't know this much about Mr. Lincoln before. Thanks for sharing. Great theme. Hope everything goes smoothly with the move and the book release.
Thanks, Joy. I'm hoping too. So much to do, so much to do!
DeleteI also love Lincoln, and he's definitely my favorite president. I loved the movie Lincoln, too - it just made me love him even more!
ReplyDeleteAnd here again I admit, I haven't seen it. I need to, but I have learned so much about him on my own, as a slightly obsessive history lover. =)
DeleteGreat info on Abraham Lincoln. He was a remarkable man.
ReplyDeleteHe sure was.
DeleteWhat a great "A" choice! I'm totally with you. Wonder if he liked cheese?
ReplyDeleteOf course he did! That's not even a question. ;)
DeleteGreat post! Abraham Lincoln was an amazing man. Love your layout by the way (I know, random) and Moonless likes really interesting! Absolutely love your cover.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! You're one complimentary lady. =)
DeleteHere in Australia, we actually don't always know as much about American history as Americans might think. So this is all sort of news to me, though I do know that the civil war happened, and that it was between the north and the south. That's about the extent of my knowledge. :P
ReplyDeleteIt sure does take guts to do what you feel is right, even if it makes you hated by many.
So true. Darn. I should have mentioned slavery and how that was overthrown, eh? =)
DeleteLove the Lincoln. And being from Illinois originally, we have more Lincoln than you can handle!! ;)
ReplyDeleteDara the Writer
Wait, do you have Lincoln cheese statues? Those would be EPIC. =)
DeleteLincoln was a great man indeed. One of my favorite too. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Great minds think alike...
DeleteHooray for the move and the new house! I too admire Lincoln. A hero indeed. :)
ReplyDelete=) *high five*
DeleteExcellent post! He's probably my favorite president also. Very few can be called heroes anymore, and yet he still holds the title.
ReplyDeleteYou know the good ones because they stand the test of time, eh?
DeleteLincoln is amazing! In fact, there's this little desktop Lincoln statue I've been wanting to get from B&N. It even comes w/a little black top hat and a min copy of The Gettysburg Address. =)
ReplyDeleteOoh! Now there's a worth collectible.
DeleteI think Lincoln was amazing on so many levels. I wish we had leaders like him today. We need men and women of strong character and faith. Not just for our country, but everywhere; in the home, workplace, schools, etc. Thanks for this post. Congratulations on your new home!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. We need them, and the only way we're going to get them is to raise them.
DeleteI loved this, Crystal. I had no idea of the story you shared about his step mother and how she encouraged, Lincoln. What an amazing man. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad to do it. Thanks for popping in, Corinne!
DeleteDamn book delays! Is there anyway I can request an Arc Crystal. Moving again, wow. Best of luck with your move. Abe is an inspiration worldwide. Great starting choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Sheena-kay. I knew you were going to be unhappy about it, but again, you want the third installment in a timely manner, right? Better a barely sane author than a dead one.
DeleteHe was an amazing president, though it sounds like his family life is also worth a look! Awesome mini-bio. Thanks for sharing something new with us. :)
ReplyDeleteAlex Hurst, fantasy author in Japan. "B is for Books" is my current post.
Here's to eclectic details that make the world go round!
DeleteBeing British, I don't know much about Abraham Lincoln, so that was a great summary there. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteMy first day's AtoZ post mentions Lincoln too, although I have to admit in not such a reverant manner :) (AL: Vampire Hunter). I have to admit like Laura above that being British I don't know a whole lot about Lincoln either, other than in the widely known information. It's very interesting to hear about his step-mother and her influence on him.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings