As authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs, we often find it hard to stand out above the constant chatter on thee internet. If that sounds like you, I’d like to help you boost the visibility of your brand. My name is Ann Harrison-Barnes and I run a podcast called Inspirational Journeys. On my podcast I post solo episodes of value to my listeners, led by the Holy Spirit. I also talk to authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs who want to share their inspirational journeys with the world. If you’re interested in being a guest on my show, please send an email to annwrites75@gmail.com or fill out the form found at:
Please be sure to leave Inspirational Journeys in the subject line of your email or in your comment on my contact form so that I can send you my interview framework.
If you’re launching a book, please let me know and I’ll send you my featured book questionnaire. I ask that you do this, so I can feature your book in the show notes blog post associated with the podcast
Thanks for listening to Inspirational Journeys and have a Blessed Day.
Podcast cover art photo provided by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash:
On July 21, 2018 I am scheduled to appear at the Middle Georgia Indie Book Festival and I am excited for the opportunity to participate. For this to be a successful event I am respectfully requesting support by conducting a fund-raising campaign, and your support would be greatly appreciated. As a special thank you gift, I am giving copies of “Stories outside the Box” to anyone making donations toward the project. If you would like to support this campaign, you may do so in two ways. You can either visit http://www.ko-fi.com/annbarnes to “buy a coffee” for $3 or you can make a donation of any amount directly to my paypal account by visiting paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes. Your support is much appreciated.
With the Voice of an angel
and the eyes of a child
Your song so sweet and tender
Your touch so meek and mile
Now that you’re with me,
I’ll shed no more tears
My dear sweet child
You’re welcome here!
You’re welcome here, you’re welcome here
No more sorrow, no need to fear.
Long nights are over
There’s no time for tears.
Come in, my child
You’re welcome here.
The touch of your hand
Puts a smile on my face.
Your voice so sweet and tender
Melts my fears away
I’ll keep you safe forever
In my warm embrace
God brought you home
Now you’re here to stay
You’re welcome here, you’re welcome here!
No more sorrow, no more tears
Your song of joy and love
Will last through the years
Be at peace, my child
You’re welcome here!
our voices lift in harmony,
to sing our song of praise
for Jesus saved our souls
By His amazing grace
We have been forgiven
For mistakes we’ve made
He brought you home to me,
That’s why I say!
You’re welcome here, you’re welcome here!
No more sorrow, no time for tears
We lift our voices
for everyone to hear
Our praise to the Lord,
And we trust in His word
Holy Spirit
You’re welcome here!
As I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, the Lord laid this song upon my heart. My advice to you, when you lift your voice to sing praises to the Lord, don’t be surprised if the Holy Spirit fills your heart with a brand new song. This song touched me deeply, and I pray that it blesses your heart to read it as it blesses mine to share it with you.
John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, he gave His Only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, there’s no better time to fall to your knees, confess your sins, and ask for forgiveness, than this very moment. God will meet you wherever you are. Give your heart to Jesus, before it’s eternally too late. You, dear readers, are always in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you,
Ann
If you’ve been blessed by the song I’ve shared with you tonight, you may also like my poetry collection entitled, The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the Creative at Heart, which can be purchased from your favorite online retailor by visiting https://books2read.com/TheSpiritOfCreativity
If you wish to receive news and updates about my author journey, including announcements about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. When you do, you’ll receive a free short story as a special thank you gift. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and Podcast for interviews with authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs, and for solo episodes about the writing life.
Today’s special guest is a Christian romantic suspense author. If you’re familiar with the Love Inspired Suspense books, then you’ll see her name on covers of some of these books, along with the books she’s written for Revel Books. Click the links below to see and hear our delightful conversation. Please note, for those of you watching, you’ll be able to see me holding the book in my hands as I show it off.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings through my author journey, please be sure to sign up for my email list and receive a free short story as my thank you gift for becoming a member of my tribe. Now, without further ado, here’s today’s featured podcast guest:
INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS PRESENTS!
Special Guest Interview with Liz Johnson!
Hello:
I’m proud to announce the following guest for your listening pleasure.
Please be sure to read onward after the following message to learn how you can be my guest here on INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS.
Thanks for listening and do write to let me and my guest know what you thought of this presentation.
WHO?
Liz Johnson
WHEN?
Thursday, August 6, 2020
WHERE?
YouTube:
Podcast:
MORE ABOUT GUEST AUTHOR Liz Johnson…
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She works in marketing and makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Her latest book is entitled, A Dazzle of Diamonds
Description:
Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.
Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.
As authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs, we often find it hard to stand out above the constant chatter on the internet. If that sounds like you, I’d like to help you boost the visibility of your brand. My name is Ann Harrison-Barnes and I run a podcast called Inspirational Journeys. On my podcast I post solo episodes of value to my listeners, led by the Holy Spirit. I also talk to authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs who want to share their inspirational journeys with the world. If you’re interested in being a guest on my show, please send an email to annwrites75@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below with Inspirational Journeys in either the subject line of your email or the comment section of the form, so I can send you my featured book questionnaire.
Thanks for listening to Inspirational Journeys and have a Blessed Day.
Today I want to thank beetlypeet for promoting my book entitled The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the Creative at Heart. If you’d like to get news about my author journey, books I’m currently reading and announcements about new releases dropped into your in box, please sign up for my mailing list and receive a free short story.
Blessings,
Ann
Today’s special guest is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, because she writes in the genre that I absolutely love. Click the links below to see and hear our engaging conversation. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to receive a free short story.
INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS PRESENTS!
Special Guest Interview with Lynette Eason!
Hello:
I’m proud to announce the following guest for your listening pleasure.
Please be sure to read onward after the following message to learn how you can be my guest here on INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS.
Thanks for listening and do write to let me and my guest know what you thought of this presentation.
WHO?
Lynette Eason
WHEN?
Tuesday August 4, 2020
WHERE?
Youtube:
Podcast:
MORE ABOUT GUEST AUTHOR Lynette Eason…
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Acceptable Risk, as well as Protecting Tanner Hollow and the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at http://www.lynetteeason.com.
Lynette’s Featured book is entitled, Acceptable Risk.
Description: Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she’s taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander–Sarah’s imposing father–to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.
Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she’s discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother’s suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah’s career–if she can survive long enough to write it.
Strap in for another breakneck nail-biter from bestselling romantic suspense author Lynette Eason that will have you up turning pages long into the night.
Excerpt:
Sarah Denning sat on the dirt floor of the Afghani prison cell and shivered in the ninety-degree heat fighting the fear that had been her constant companion since the Taliban had attacked the school. One minute she’d been a guest teacher at the request of her friend, Talia Davenport, the next a prisoner of cruel men who would use her and kill her without blinking.
She tugged the piece of cloth covering her head lower and patted the bottom section that concealed her mouth and nose, while praying she could stay hidden until they were rescued. If rescue was even on the way. If their captors found out she was an American . . . or worse, who her father was—
The guard gave the barred door a violent tug and she jumped, her heart stumbling into overdrive. The door held fast. She doubted he was worried it wouldn’t. He let out a satisfied grunt and turned to walk down the hallway, his boots pounding the dirt floor before he disappeared from sight. Sarah’s pulse slowed a fraction. The longer he stayed gone, the better their chances of rescue. However, how long would he stay gone?
“Sarah?”
The whisper reached her from the corner of the cell. “Fatima?”
“I’m coming over there.” The teenager crawled on all fours, dodging her classmates, to curl against Sarah’s side with a shiver. “What’s going to happen to us?”
Sarah wrapped an arm around the fifteen-year-old. During her weekly guest teaching spots, she’d come to recognize Fatima as a bright, highly motivated young woman with the desire to be a pioneer in bringing change to her country. Sarah had treasured those days at the school and building relationships with the girls. “I don’t know.”
But she did. They all did.
“They’re going to sell us,” Samia said from the other side. “We’re to be brides to the Taliban, aren’t we?”
Brides? More like sex slaves. Punching bags. Assigned to a life of abuse and misery. And terror.
She, Talia, and the twelve students had been taken from the school and loaded into the back of a waiting van. No one had tried to stop them and she hadn’t dared resist them. Approximately twelve hours later, they’d arrived here.
Wherever here was.
“I’m so sorry, Sarah,” Talia whispered, her voice cracking, her fear tangible. “I’ve been there for three years and while we’ve had a few minor scares, there’s been nothing like this.”
“It’s not your fault, Talia, you couldn’t know.”
“I don’t want to be a Taliban bride.” Nahal, the youngest of the girls at thirteen years old, scooted closer to Sarah as though Sarah could keep that from happening.
Sarah had been afraid before, but the images filtering through her mind sent the horror clawing inside her to a whole new level. She pulled in a steadying breath, desperate to find a way to remain calm and be strong for the other girls in the ten-by-twelve cell, because while she wanted to fight back, any sign of defiance would only get her—or one of the teens—killed.
She shuddered and let her gaze roam their prison. It consisted of four cement walls with a door on the one opposite from where she lay. A small barred window above her head streamed a thin ray of light, cigarette smoke, and low voices that sounded like they were arguing although she couldn’t make out the words.
Except for a brief stop at the outhouses lined up along the south wall that included lewd looks and a few comments she’d pretended not to hear, she and the other girls had been left alone by their captors.
Which was confusing, but welcome. However, she didn’t expect that would last much longer. The one thing allowing her to keep her fear under control was the fact that they hadn’t been searched. Knowing that it would happen at some point, she’d seized the opportunity during a chaotic moment to snag the satellite phone from the pocket of her burqa. Using the bodies crammed against her as a shield, she’d pressed the SOS button and sent out her distress signal.
Minutes passed, the only sounds being the hushed whispers and terrified weeping of her cellmates mixed with the low voices of the guards outside the window. Sarah leaned her head against the wall and watched the hallway while her hand searched through the folds of the cloth. Fatima looked up at her as Sarah’s fingers closed around the sat phone. Did she dare take a chance to see if anyone had called? If there was a message? If help was on the way? All she had to do was sneak a peek.
“Don’t ask why,” she whispered to Fatima, “but can you sit slightly in front of me?”
“Yes.” The girl moved enough to shield her from the guard’s gaze should he return.
With shaky fingers, she pulled the phone from her pocket.
Talia’s eyes widened at the sight of the phone. “What are you doing? If they know you have that, it won’t be good.”
“I know. I need to find a place to hide it.”
She glanced at the screen. Nothing. No response that her plea for help had been seen. Cold dread sent a wave of nausea through her. The SOS should have gone out to her brother, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning, and to their father, Lieutenant General Lewis Denning. Even if her father ignored the message, Caden should have been able to track the phone and have help on the way before these monsters could blink. Caden might be in the United States, but he had a long reach. As did their father. She’d thought carefully about adding him to the SOS list, but had decided to do so “just in case.”
This situation was about as “just in case” as one could get, and for once, she was glad her father was who he was—although she’d bite her tongue in half before admitting it. Then again, if admitting it would get them out of here, she’d shout it from the rooftops.
Surely, the message had gone through. She pressed the SOS button once more and slipped the phone back into her pocket. Caden would do something. Her father? The last time she’d talked to him had been when he’d told her he’d disinherited her for going into the Army. She’d laughed. “I don’t need or want your money.” She needed and wanted his love, but that had never been within her grasp.
Because of her ongoing conflict with her father, Sarah had kept a low profile, never acknowledging her relationship to the powerful man. Just before she’d joined the Army, she dyed her blonde hair a dark brown and decided to go by a different first name, insisting her family get used to calling her by it. Her only feature that might draw attention to her was her green eyes. Otherwise, with her flawless Pashto, she should be able to pass as a native. At least, that’s what she told herself.
The guard’s heavy footfalls sounded in the hallway once more and her adrenaline spiked. Another guard joined him. They stood at the door grinning and pointing, talking openly about the girls’ futures. Bile rose in the back of her throat even as the comforting presence of the phone pressed into her hip.
Please, Lord, send help.
As authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs, we often find it hard to stand out above the constant chatter on the internet. If that sounds like you, I’d like to help you boost the visibility of your brand. My name is Ann Harrison-Barnes and I run a podcast called Inspirational Journeys. On my podcast I post solo episodes of value to my listeners, led by the Holy Spirit. I also talk to authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs who want to share their inspirational journeys with the world. If you’re interested in being a guest on my show, please send an email to annwrites75@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below with Inspirational Journeys in either the subject line of your email or the comment section of the form, so I can send you my featured book questionnaire.
Thanks for listening to Inspirational Journeys and have a Blessed Day.
Hello everyone in the blogosphere. The following links will take you to the video and podcast versions of my August newsletter. I recorded the newsletter yesterday, so when I say “have a blessed Sunday afternoon:, be sure to substitute Sunday with whatever day you’re watching or listening to the recording. If you would like to receive more content like this in your in box, sign up for my mailing list and receive a free short story. The newsletter links are as follows:
YouTube:
Podcast:
My poetry book is entitled, The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the Creative at Heart.
Description:
Ann Harrison’s first book of poems delve into her creative journey, given to her by the Holy Spirit. The first section, entitled A Writers Life, covers her journey from writer to creative dreamer, until she blooms into a published author.
The second section, entitled Seaside Poems, will take you on a walk along the seashore, where the Holy Spirit and your muse awaits to fill your heart and mind with inspiration, pulling you out of your creative slump. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you fill page after page with words, pictures or fill your hands with whatever creative task you strive to undertake, as you read these verses, which come straight from the author’s heart.
The third and final section entitled Poems from the Heart, describes the journey of a lost soul as he gives his heart to Jesus and finds a new beginning. Others describe a narrator’s sorrowful tears melting into joyful music and singing. Some of these verses touch on the author’s spiritual walk with the Lord and the music God has placed within her soul. Open your heart and let your mind wander as the Holy Spirit speaks to you through each verse within these pages.
Hey authors, are you looking for an editing tool to help you polish your book manuscripts, essays, short stories and more? Look no further than ProWritingAid. ProWritingAid is an editing tool that checks your grammar, style, dialogue, sticky sentences and much more. Visit the link below to save 20% on your ProWritingAid subscription. https://prowritingaid.com?afid=8740
Yesterday, I had a delightful conversation with a Christian romance author, but that’s not all she does. Some of my readers will be happy to note that she’s a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Click the links below to view and hear our conversation. If you’d like more behind the scenes updates on my writing life, please sign up for my mailing list and receive a free short story.
INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS PRESENTS!
Special Guest Interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher!
Hello:
I’m proud to announce the following guest for your listening pleasure.
Please be sure to read onward after the following message to learn how you can be my guest here on INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS.
Thanks for listening and do write to let me and my guest know what you thought of this presentation.
Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.
Suzanne’s new book is entitled: On a Coastal Breeze (book 2 of ‘Three Sisters Island’ series)
Description:
For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can’t wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island—they’re all too young, too old, or too weird—Maddie feels like she’s finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.
And then Ricky O’Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again—the one who’d been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance—parachutes into town, landing on Boon dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O’Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.
Time to panic.
As authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs, we often find it hard to stand out above the constant chatter on the internet. If that sounds like you, I’d like to help you boost the visibility of your brand. My name is Ann Harrison-Barnes and I run a podcast called Inspirational Journeys. On my podcast I post solo episodes of value to my listeners, led by the Holy Spirit. I also talk to authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs who want to share their inspirational journeys with the world. If you’re interested in being a guest on my show, please send an email to annwrites75@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below with Inspirational Journeys in either the subject line of your email or the comment section of the form, so I can send you my featured book questionnaire.
Thanks for listening to Inspirational Journeys and have a Blessed Day.
Have you ever taken the time to think about how songs from the past effect you now, compared to their affect on you back then? Let me explain what I mean.
Last night, as I lay in bed, listening to some relaxing instrumental music on my Echo Dot, a song popped into my head from way back when I was a kid. The song was Sail On by the Commodores. I remember liking the song when I was about four or five years old. The song starts off soft and in a lower octave. However, once it reached the chorus, the song moves into a higher octave. To me, the chorus sounded louder than the verse or verses, depending on how you look at it. Now, when I listen to the song again, I realize that I still like the song, but the affect is different. Taking into consideration what I’ve learned about music theory and my sensitivity to the vibrations of music,, I find that the pitch change is soothing, though the lyrics tell another story.
I have a musical challenge for you. Take some time to listen to the songs you heard on the radio from your childhood. Reflect on how the music makes you feel today, versus the way you felt when you first heard them. What songs from your earliest memories have taken on new meaning for you later in life? Have the songs you thought you didn’t like when you first heard them, become your favorites today? Feel free to share your answers in the comments below.
Blessings,
Ann
Sign up for my mailing list to receive news and updates on my author journey, and subscribe to my YouTube channel and my Podcast to get notified when I create new audio/video content.
The morning air smells fresh and clean
after The midnight rain
The wind blows through my hair
As the chimes ring out their sweet refrain.
On my steps I sit in contemplation
As the gentle breeze kicks up a burst of inspiration
Bringing back the remnants of my story that remain
In the innermost recesses of my mind.
I was inspired to write this poem, while sitting on my steps enjoying the morning breeze and the sweet song of my windchimes. I sang a melody as it came from the depths of my soul. The song morphed into the poem above.
Blessings,
Ann
If you like this poem, be sure to get your copy of The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the Creative at Heart.
If you’d like to receive a free short story and receive news and updates about my author journey, book recommendations and be the first to know when I launch a new book, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.
Today’s special guest is a fabulous storyteller. The proof is in the pudding with her latest book. Click the link below to listen to our fabulous conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for news about my writing life, book recommendations and updates on new releases. You’ll receive a free short story as a thank you gift for being a part of my community. Happy reading!
INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS PRESENTS!
Special Guest Interview with Susie Finkbeiner!
Hello:
I’m proud to announce the following guest for your listening pleasure.
Please be sure to read onward after the following message to learn how you can be my guest here on INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS.
Thanks for listening and do write to let me and my guest know what you thought of this presentation.
WHO?
Susie Finkbeiner
WHEN?
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
WHERE?
MORE ABOUT GUEST AUTHOR Susie Finkbeiner…
Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women’s events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.
Susie’s featured book is entitled Stories That Bind Us
Description: Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what’s next. She couldn’t have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.
In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.
Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.
As authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs, we often find it hard to stand out above the constant chatter on the internet. If that sounds like you, I’d like to help you boost the visibility of your brand. My name is Ann Harrison-Barnes and I run a podcast called Inspirational Journeys. On my podcast I post solo episodes of value to my listeners, led by the Holy Spirit. I also talk to authors, creative artists and entrepreneurs who want to share their inspirational journeys with the world. If you’re interested in being a guest on my show, please send an email to annwrites75@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below with Inspirational Journeys in either the subject line of your email or the comment section of the form, so I can send you my featured book questionnaire.
Thanks for listening to Inspirational Journeys and have a Blessed Day.
