Jillian Kent: Never Give Up Your Dreams--But Throw In Some R&R Too

I became acquainted with Jillian when I won her debut novel SECRETS OF THE HEART in a book giveaway featured on another blog. When I received the book I was delighted to find her autograph with the Biblical verse 2 Timothy 1:7--For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-dsicipline (NIV). I don't know about you, but I welcome those words, and on a daily basis! Seeking to know more about Jillian, I explored her website, really liked what I saw, and invited her to be my guest. I hope you also enjoy your visit with Jillian.

Book Giveaway:

Jill is offering a special giveaway offer. One randomly chosen commenter will receive both SECRETS OF THE HEART (Book 1) and CHAMELEON (Book 2) of the Ravensmoore Chronicles Series. Family Fiction Magazine describes Jill's novels as stories of romance and suspense, and RT Book Reviews Magazine says her characters are lively and well defined.

For contact purposes only, please include your email address within the body of your comment. The winner will be announced on August 17th.

My Personal Writing Retreat: Before, During, and After 
by Jillian Kent

I took my very first personal writing retreat near the end of May this year to finish the third book in my Ravensmoore Chronicles series, Mystery of the Heart, which releases in January 2013.

I walked up and down a long beautiful road every evening, thinking about very little after spending most of the day writing and knowing the evening would be spent writing as well. There were horses and deer everywhere. 

I wasn't sure what to expect since I'd never been to this retreat center. I've never been to any retreat center to stay more than one day. A trusted friend suggested I try it. I stayed an entire week at Potter's Ranch. 

My cabin was awesome. I brought snacks and breakfast food with me and joined the staff and other guests for lunch and dinner every day at the lodge. There was no television channels but I could watch DVDs. The only thing I brought with me was season one of Downton Abbey. I watched the entire season again but only after I'd met my necessary quota of words for the 
day. :)

One of the horses at Potter's Ranch

I realize that everyone cannot get away from their homes to take a writing retreat. Here is why I went:

1. To finish the book.
2. To eliminate distractions
3. To get away from my typical routine.

During the week I was at Potter's Ranch I:

1. Spent more time in prayer.
2. Found my focus.
3. Accomplished what I set out to do.

When I returned home I had a better sense of

1. What success means to me.
2.  How to hang on to my peace.
3. How to unplug and enjoy.

 I hope you will treat yourself well and think of doing something similar for yourself down the road. We can't always run away from home, but with some good planning you can find a way. Maybe you can't get away for a week but even a couple of days will bless you. And if you can't get away from home try to get out of the house and write at your local library, coffee shop, on your lunch break from your day job.

I recently had to give up my home office when one of my children moved back home. So now my desk is in the dining room! I bought a room divider and headset for my music. So even in a crowded house I can still have my personal space.

Now that I've had my retreat I'm looking for ways to keep retreat alive in my daily life. What about you? Have you enjoyed a personal retreat of some kind? What did you learn? How and where do you get your writing done most of the time? What are your challenges?

~*~

Author’s Bio:
Jillian Kent is a full-time counselor for nursing students and holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from West Virginia University. Her third book in The Ravensmoore Chronicle Series, Mystery of the Heart, releases in January 2013. She’s fascinated with human behavior, how the mind works, and why we do the things we do. Jillian resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband of 31 years, her 87-year-old mother, and an adult daughter who is an animal advocate, which is why there are four cats and a dog in the house as well. Her youngest daughter is working in the mission field.

You Can Find Jillian At:
www.jilliankent.com  Website
http://jilliankent.blogspot.com/ Blog
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Kent/e/B004IC9TLM/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0  Amazon Author Page
http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/brilliant.html  The Well Writer/Christian Fiction On-line Magazine
http://justthewritecharisma.blogspot.com/  Realms Authors
http://www.rachellegardner.com/   Jill's agent Rachelle Gardner’s blog.