My podcast logo with the words Inspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter
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 and I run a podcast called Inspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter. 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 email me, connect with me on social media or fill out my contact form with Inspirational Journeys in the subject line of your email or in your message.
If you’re launching a book, please let me know and I’ll send you my featured book questionnaire, so I can feature your book in the show notes blog post associated with your interview.
Thanks for listening to Inspirational Journeys and have a Blessed Day.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, my Podcast and sign up for my email list to get notified when I produce new content and to get updates on new releases and for a behind the scenes look at my author journey. When you sign up for my email list, you’ll receive a free short story as a thank you gift for being a part of my fane base.
This is the girl from the original cover of Inner Vision. She looks like an older version of my daughter
Hello and welcome to the final segment of my character conversation with Katrina Dobson from Inner Vision. I encourage you to go back and read the introduction, part one and part two of my conversation before proceeding to the rest of the interview, if you haven’t already done so. I also encourage you to sign up for my mailing list to receive a free short story, stay up-to-date with author happenings, and get a behind the scenes look into my author journey. To get notified when I upload new audio/video content, please subscribe to my podcast and YouTube channel. Without further ado, here’s the rest of my character interview. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Ann: What is your ultimate goal?
Katrina: My goal is two-fold. First of all, I want to find out who brought me to this strange hospital, and why I’m here in the first place. Second of all, I want to uncover the secrets hidden here. Once I do that, then Mom and I can go home.
Ann: What about your father?
Katrina: I pray that I can somehow lead him to Christ, but I can’t say when that’ll happen. Remember when I told you that mom supports me?
Ann: Yeah, what about it?
Katrina: Truth is, she did, until we arrived at the hospital. Since then, she’s become more passive. I mean she’s hidden herself in some type of shell. But when I start trying to communicate with the people, I think I see, she acts as if that’s a trigger to her PTSD.
Ann: I thought you had PTSD, too?
Katrina: I do, but I’m using my inner vision as a strength, instead of a weakness. I have nightmares where I see my dad beating my mom, but here’s the weird part: He’s threatened to hit me, but he’s never actually laid a hand on me. His actions make me believe that he blames Mom for my accident.
Ann: Do you have a positive or negative body image?
Katrina: If you had asked me that five years ago, I probably would have told you that I have no body image at all, but now, I have a positive outlook on life. Let’s put it that way. Like anyone else, I have my own fears and emotions, but If I know something’s not right or someone does something that goes against my beliefs, I’ll fight tooth and nail to right that wrong or make the person beg for forgiveness.
Ann: Is your father one of those people?
Katrina: Absolutely. He’s abusing my mother for something that I had no control over, so somebody has to make him face the music. If I have to be the one to do it so be it.
Ann: Who or what would you die for?
Katrina: I’d lay down my life to give honor and glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and I’d die to protect my mother. Though she lashes out at me, I still love her. I realize that she’s not herself right now, but if she were stronger, she’d do the same for me, I just know it!
Ann: Do you have a plan for tomorrow? Next week? Next year?
Katrina: Listen, I take one day at a time until I can gather information. The only plans I have; are the ones I wake up with after my vivid dreams.
Ann: Are you resilient enough to change as your story progresses?
Katrina: I can’t stay the same. I mean my life is constantly changing. The first major change took place when I had my accident. Now, every day is a brand-new turning point on the path we call life. I need to change and grow in order to solve this mystery. I may be stuck in the hospital, but I’m not stuck in that one room. Write my story to find out how much I change and see the changes that take place in the characters around me.
Ann: One final question, and this might sound silly, but here goes. What would you think if you could see me now?
Katrina: God gave you the ability to create me as a character when he laid my story on your heart. I see you in the same way you see me in your head. When I stand beside you and tap my toe impatiently, that means that I’m impatient for you to share my hero’s journey. Thank you for that. I love having these chats, but I’ve got a mystery to solve. Follow me as I walk these narrow halls and wide-open spaces to hunt for the truth.
I’d like to thank Katrina Dobson for stopping by the blog to have an enlightening conversation with me. Stay tuned, for you’ll meet the entire cast of Inner Vision characters in the weeks ahead. Until next time, happy reading and God bless.
Hello and welcome to part Two of my character conversation with Katrina Dobson. If you’re new to the blog, be sure to go back to the introduction and part one to catch up. I’ll be sure to link you to the next part at the end of the blog, once I get it posted. Be sure to subscribe to my email list for news about my author journey and to get notified of new releases. Without further ado, let’s welcome Katrina back for another fabulous conversation.
Ann: This is going to sound a bit weird, but I have a tough question for you.
Katrina: Go ahead.
Ann: What lie do you tell yourself while you’re in the hospital?
Katrina: You know this already, but for those who haven’t read my book, I will say that I tell myself that I don’t belong at that place, but I’m stuck there. The question I ask myself is, “Why did God bring me here and what does he have in store for me?”
Ann: Do you need friends?
Katrina: What kind of question is that? Of course, I need friends! I already have one friend, who is also my doctor, but I do wish my mom would be more supportive. I mean she’s despondent and wants to contradict everything I do. She used to be so supportive, that is until we wound up here What I wouldn’t give to have the close relationship with Mom again or at least have another friend to talk to when Dr. Anders is making her rounds or seeing other patients.
Ann: What physical thing do you fear the most after losing your sight?
Katrina: The images I see. Sometimes they are clear in my head, and sometimes they’re foggy replicas of some shadowy figure or shape. The dreams scare me too, but I know they are clues to the mystery I need to solve to get out of this weird trauma center.
Ann: If you could spend your last day on earth with anyone past or present, who would you choose
Katrina: Before we wound up at this private hospital, I would have said my mom, but now I’m not so sure.
Ann: Why?
Katrina: Is she was the last person I spent my dying days with, I’d fight to protect her from my dad until I breathe my last. Although I pray for him, I know he’s out there and he could hurt either one of us. I love Mom and I’d fight to the death to keep her safe.
Ann: What is your defining strength?
Katrina: Although my dreams and internal images scare me to death, I also consider them to be my defining strength, because they tell me more than I ever learned, or took for granted before my accident.
Ann: Let me give you a scenario. If you discovered that the person, you’d been mistaken for dies while you’re still in the hospital, how would you handle meeting her older sister?
Katrina: Wait what! You mean to tell me that I’ve been confused with another girl? How? Wait, don’t answer that, let’s see how it plays out in my story. For those of you reading this conversation, you’ll have to read the book when Ann finishes writing it to see how this story ends. Listen, I got to go, Dr. Anders wants to take me on a tour of the building. She says she’s got someone I need to meet. Talk to you later.
Ann: Thanks for stopping by my blog for a quick little chat. We’ll finish up the conversation next week.
Katrina: My pleasure, it’s been nice chatting with you. Got to run, bye!
Continue to part three of my chat with Katrina Dobson. In the meantime, you can go back and read the previous posts provided in the links above. Happy reading!
Today’s episode was aired in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Click the links below to hear my special guest share her journey from victim to survivor.
INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS PRESENTS!
Special Guest Interview with Sue Parisher!
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?
Sue Parisher
WHEN?
Tuesday October 6, 2020
WHERE?
Youtube:
Podcast:
MORE ABOUT GUEST AUTHOR Sue Parisher…
LTC (Ret.) Sue Parisher served twenty-one honorable years on active duty, living a double life of capability and accomplishment in the service
while enduring brutality and abusiveness in her twenty-year oppressive marriage.
The constant need to relocate due to Army orders every few years definitely contributed to her abuser’s ability to weaken her defenses against him. The
atmosphere of military masculinity of the time and her daughter’s diagnosis of leukemia continually added gasoline to the horrors of her world.
Today, Sue is happily married to a wonderful Christian man whose children and family have overwhelmingly welcomed her into their world. She has three unbelievable
children who have been her inspiration and motivation during all these trying times. Her daughter’s cancer has been in remission for 15 years.
Sue’s book is entitled Rock Bottom and Faithless: Defeating the Lies of Domestic Abuse with God’s Truth
Description:
Seven years after separating from my abuser, a nervous breakdown revealed the reality that time alone was not going to heal the horrors of
abuse.
Being separated from my abusive husband didn’t make me a domestic violence survivor. It surely didn’t release me from the grip of his brainwashing control
and the innate power he had over me.
As I started putting my shattered life back together after being separated from my abuser, I still felt his compelling control shaping my every thought
and action. I didn’t feel like a domestic violence survivor just because I was no longer with my abuser. In fact, I felt like a remotely-controlled, confused
puppet still shaken by residual influences in my mind.
In order to become a true survivor, knowing that the thoughts in my head were mine, I had to: identify the deeply rooted lies of my abuser that I believed
were true, extract the lies, lean on God’s strength to defeat the lies and replace them with His word, and acknowledge that the trauma experienced from
the abuse left physical and emotional scars that needed to be furthered explored.
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 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, welcome to part one of my conversation with Katrina Dobson. If you’re new to my site, be sure to go back and read the Introduction I posted last week. Without further ado, let’s welcome my main character from what I now call Inner Vision: Katrina Dobson.
Ann: Hey Katrina, I have some very important questions to ask you. The answers to these questions will help me tell your story the way you want me to tell it. Are you up for that? Katrina: I guess. I mean people have asked me some of the dumbest questions thus far, so how hard can it be? Ann: These questions may be a bit tough, so brace yourself. Katrina: Okay. Ann: I have to start with this one. How do you feel about your parents? Katrina: I love my mom. I mean after my accident; she didn’t judge me for my blindness. She tried to help me get the training, therapy and support I needed to be an independent person again. The accident put me in a deep depression. With Mom’s help and the support of others who lost their sight later in life, I was able to discover who I am and fine my purpose in life. Ann: What about your dad? Katrina: Do we really want to go there? I have a love/hate relationship with him. Before my accident, he could be brutal, but after the accident, he flipped. I mean he started hitting my mom and he even hit me a couple of times. You saw the way he acted in the hospital. That was just a taste of what he’s capable of. It gets worse later on in the story, but I can’t tell you that part yet. You’ll have to find out as we go along. Ann: When did you feel completely loved and accepted? Katrina: I’ve always felt loved by God first, then my mom, though she was week, but I was truly accepted by Dr. Anders. She took me under her wing and she does her best to help me solve the mystery. She’s a pistol, but she’s my ally and mentor. She also looks out for mom, though Mom’s shy about showing her gratitude. Ann: What would mentally destroy you? Katrina: Oh my gosh! The accident already did that once, but my dad’s abuse has caused me to be diagnosed with PTSD. I can’t really tell you what more I can go through to crush me, except losing my mom or my best friend Ana. Ann: One final question for this week’s post. What would need to happen to make you speak out or defend a stranger in public? Katrina: That’s a tough one. But if someone were tormenting another blind person, I’d have to say something in defense of that person, or call the police if necessary. I don’t like seeing members of the blind community getting hurt. Likewise, if someone were hurting my Mom, that person would have a fight on their hands, because you don’t mess with Mama. Ann: I can understand the need to defend another blind person. I’m blind myself and I don’t like to see anyone getting hurt, especially a person with a disability. Do you have any parting words before we close out today’s interview? Katrina: No matter what you’re going through, remember that Jesus loves you. Lean on the Lord and the people in your close-knit circle of friends, because they’re the ones who’ve got your back. You’ve got this, keep your head up and be strong.
I’d like to thank My character Katrina for stopping by for a brief chat, today. Be sure to continue to part two of our enlightening conversation. Hugs, Ann
The following poem is my personal reflection of how writing and rainy weather are often interconnected in my author life. Please sign up for my newsletter to receive a free short story and get updates about new releases and a behind the scenes look at my writing journey.
Words like raindrops
Float through the air
Words like raindrops
fall everywhere.
Where will they land
On this rainy day?
Write them all down,
Before they float away!
If you love the poem above, you’ll enjoy my poetry book 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.
Hello everyone in the blogosphere. Welcome to my new followers. Before I get started with today’s post, I’d like to encourage you to sign up for my mailing list. You’ll receive a special thank you gift and you’ll be one of the first to know about upcoming book releases and you’ll get a behind the scenes look at my author journey. And now, for today’s post.
The following character interview series will be posted in several parts. If you miss a previous part of the conversation, don’t worry, I’ll be sure to link back to all the previous posts in the latest update, so you can go back and read from the beginning.
Before we get started, let me give you a little introduction. The questions I’ll ask my character Katrina Dobson, came from an article entitled Fifteen Questions Authors Should Ask Their Characters, from the Writers Write website.
Please note that Inner Vision has been unpublished, because I’m giving it an overhaul. I’m extending the short read into a Psychological thriller, which may or may not be published in the Christian market, I’m not sure yet. However, it will be faith based. I’m also giving it a new title, so I can rebrand it altogether with a new cover using the photo of the girl from the original cover. Incidentally, she looks like my daughter, several years older. Take a moment to read the encouraging conversation between Becca Martin from what is now called Shadow of Truth and Kelly (AKA Katrina) Dobson, while I ask Katrina some very important questions.
The reason I’m asking my character these questions, is to help with my character development stage of the writing process. I’ve rewritten a prologue and three chapters, but I need a little more information, before I can move forward with the story, although I’m seeing strange elements in dreams. Join me each week for the next three weeks as I get to know my main character. Please note, there will be no spoilers to my upcoming novel.
Until next time, happy reading. Click to continue to Part One of my character conversation:
Today’s special guest is an author who writes children’s picture books, Middle grade and young adult fantasy novels. Click the links to watch or listen to our engaging author conversation. Fir behind the scenes updates on my writing life and to learn about new releases, please subscribe to my mailing list.
INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS PRESENTS!
This is the photo of my special podcast guest
Special Guest Interview with Children’s picture book author Ellwyn Autumn!
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?
Ellwyn Autumn
WHEN?
Friday December 11, 2020
WHERE?
Youtube:
Podcast:
MORE ABOUT GUEST AUTHOR Ellwyn Autumn…
Ellwyn Autumn is an American author/blogger and a certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education. She writes children’s picture books, middle-grade novels, and Young Adult fiction.
Ellwyn’s first self-published novel, Chris Kringle’s Cops The First Mission, was a Finalist in the 2016 Reader’s Favorite International Book Contest. Her Kamyla Chung picture book series addresses difficult issues facing young children. Kamyla Chung and the Classroom Bully is on Jedlie’s Certified Great Reads List, earned Story Monster Approval as well as Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Medal.
Ellwyn discovered her passion for writing in second grade when she had to write a book report for school. She was so excited to write the report, until her mother told her that she had to write about someone else’s book and not her own story. Ellwyn became indignant and decided that once she finished the book report, she would most certainly write her own original story. She has been writing ever since!
Ellwyn lives with her family in Pennsylvania. She loves all things magical, curling up with a good book, writing stories, and almost anything with chocolate in it.
Her latest release is entitled:
Teddy Bear Tea
Description:
It’s teatime in the forest! Come along with Teddy and his woodland friends for a lively tea party filled with enchantment and fun. Don’t be late. They’re serving tea at promptly three!
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 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 to everyone in the blogosphere. I have a special challenge for you, but before I explain what the challenge is, I’d first like to encourage you to sign up for my BB, so you can receive a free gift and news and updates about my author journey. Without further ado, here’s my challenge.
The question for you is: Who are the three ideal people you write for? I’ll share my answers with you, but first, here’s what I’d like you to do. Before you answer this question, spend some time in prayer over your three people and journal about them. If finding free images on Pixabay, Unsplash or any other sites where you can download free for commercial use photos, and create your images using your software of choice. If you decide to post your three ideal readers on your blog or website, please tag me on social media or pingback to this post so I can read your answers and share them on my social media. My answers are as follows.
1. My daughter Sharen, for whom the original version of Shadow of Truth was dedicated to.
2. The person who suffers from PTSD, due to a horrific incident they witnessed as a chile or any traumatic experience he or she experienced in his or her life. No matter what you’ve been through, remember you’re not alone.
3. The person who feels jaded by her friends and family due to her disability.
Sitting on my front steps
On a warm summer’s day,
The wind chimes whisper
As the wind makes them sway.
With a flutter of tiny wings
And a high-pitched call
A hummingbird sings
His song of the coming Fall.
The first of two visits
This hummingbird makes
Darting back and forth
Leaving a memory in his wake.
With a whirring of wings
The hummingbird appears
Meeting me face to face
To spread tidings of good cheer.
The hummingbird appears
planting kisses on my cheeks
While he hovers near,
I dare not move or speak.
These two special visits
I’ll not soon forget
I’ll never take for granted
The hummingbird I’ve met.
When you walk outside
Take a look around
Enjoy God’s wonderous creation
Through sight, fragrance and sound.
Let God’s love surround you
And let your heart begin
To be at one with nature
And sense the beauty from within
Your heart and soul.
If a hummingbird comes to you
With a whisper of fluttering wings
Close your eyes and listen
To the message that he brings
Of joy, peace, and love
His soft angelic kiss
Is a special gift from above.
God bless you, dear reader
I pray that you will see
The beautiful little hummingbird
That came to visit me.
If you like this poem, then you’ll love my poetry book entitled The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the creative at heart. You can purchase the ebook version from your favorite online retailer by clicking the link below: https://books2read.com/TheSpiritOfCreativity
Be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive a behind the scenes look at my writing journey and be notified of new releases. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for vlogs and video interviews accompanying my podcast episodes and for my write in streams, weekday afternoons starting at 1 PM eastern, and subscribe to my podcast, so you can listen to my interviews and solo episodes on your favorite podcast app.
When your sorrow and doubt fill you with despair
And you’re world crashes down around you,
When the burden of sin
Brings you to your knees,
let God’s love surround you.
Lay your burdens at Jesus’s feet,
And He shall set you free.
For He died upon the cross
To save lost souls
Like you and me.
Give your heart to Jesus,
and he will make you new.
He’ll never leave you nor forsake you,
for His love is true.
Though my story has come to an end,
Let your journey begin anew.
I’ll end my simple heartfelt song
With a special prayer
For when it seems like no one cares
He’s always there beside you.
Let my message of God’s love
Bring you comfort
In these uncertain times
Pick up your cross and follow
His unwavering footsteps
For He will surely guide you
Down life’s ever changing path.
For He knows the thoughts
He thinks toward us,
Thoughts of peace, love and joy
To protect us from the evil forces
Which often attempt to harm us
For those with wounded, broken spirits
Cry out to Jesus
For he hears us when we pray
Accept Him as your Lord and savior
And He will free you from sin today.
This poem was pulled from my drafts and edited for your reading pleasure.
Blessings,
Ann
If you like what you’ve read so far, pick up my poetry book entitled, The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the Creative at Heart wherever eBooks are sold by visiting the link below. Stay tuned, for the book will be available in print and audiobook in the coming months. https://books2read.com/TheSpiritOfCreativity
Sign up for my mailing list to receive news and updates about my author journey and be the first to know when I launch a new book. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for live streams and uploaded video content and my podcast, so you don’t miss an episode.
