Blog

Asking the tough questions: how to best serve your life ‘story’

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | March 19, 2024

I worked with a writing coach a few years ago. As a “plotter,” I crave structure—a roadmap of sorts—before I begin a new writing project. But similar to what oftentimes happens in real life, stories are prone to get off track. To help combat that, my coach recommended reviewing my outline each week to confirm…

Strong and courageous: readjusting expectations when answered prayers fall short

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | March 12, 2024

Recently I shared with Facebook readers and newsletter subscribers about “Strong and Courageous,” a new story of mine featured in Guideposts’ forthcoming book “Exploring God’s Promises: Hope,” which follows my family’s account of God’s promise fulfilled—in the midst of trauma and uncertainty—after my husband was hit by a drunk driver and resuscitated at the scene.…

Counting down: growing a book from conception to release

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | March 5, 2024

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to grow a book from conception to launch? In my case, it’ll be 26 months since I conceived the idea for my debut novel—“A Father’s Vow”—until its March 26 release! For a behind-the-scenes scoop, stop by to read my recent Sunday Dinner interview with author Danielle Grandinetti.…

Forging or following: finding your own way

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | February 27, 2024

A couple weeks ago, I grabbed my trekking poles and followed a trail from our neighborhood into the national forest. Normally an easy route to navigate, deep snow rendered the path undetectable. With no human tracks to follow, I drew on past experience until a few familiar landmarks confirmed my location. And I started thinking…

Borrowing trouble from tomorrow: a reminder to focus on the present

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | February 20, 2024

During a recent trek through a fresh snowfall that blanketed our wooded neighborhood, my thoughts drifted to the many pressing matters that needed my attention in the days and weeks ahead—from medical appointments, to finagling schedules around contractors and winter driving conditions, to several writing commitments and a few road trips in the works. As…

Sharing the love: your next sweet read by author Nicole Lam

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | February 13, 2024

My newsletter this month was all about sharing the love through giveaways, a sneak peek at a new Guideposts book that features my family’s inspiring true story (stay tuned for more about that), as well as links to your favorite Harlequin Love Inspired books and authors—including yours truly. And with Valentine’s Day and Library Lover’s…

Sharing the load: tips to combat discouragement

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | February 6, 2024

I recently attended a webinar presented by another author entitled “Encouragement for Writers.” Not only did I walk away equipped with tools to combat discouragement in my creative practice, but I also received validation through the collective stories shared by other writers that I’m not alone. But I also believe the takeaways expressed by the…

When you can’t see where you’re going: inching ahead

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | January 30, 2024

How often do we desire to make a change or move forward with a decision, but the specifics are unclear? I remember a cross-country trip through Texas decades ago when my husband and I hit a patch of thick and soupy fog, the visibility nil. My fingers clenched around the moving van’s steering wheel—our Ford…

Planning for a new year: incremental changes that add up

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | January 23, 2024

As I planned for the new year, I considered how to set myself up for a successful 2024. For those armed with big “resolutions,” I applaud you. But for the majority of Americans who make resolutions, researchers noted in an article published by Ohio State University suggest that only 9% complete them. Further, 23% of…

When the going gets tough: committing to the life you want

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | January 16, 2024

Recently I stumbled across a quote that struck a nerve in one of those classic “truth hurts” moments. Simply stated, the struggles we encounter serve as tests to see if we’re committed to the lives we say we want. At that moment, I realized I’d been silently casting blame on others and/or my circumstances for…

The launch of something new: calling all lovers of inspirational romance

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | January 9, 2024

With the advent of the new year still brand new, I figured what better time than to step out of my comfort zone? Although I’m new to the book launch scene, I thought it’d be fun to launch my very first influencer team for my Harlequin Love Inspired debut novel—“A Father’s Vow”—which releases March 26.…

Christmas every day: approaching life with childlike wonder

By ChrisMadaySchmidt | January 2, 2024

Another Christmas in the books means the advent of a clean slate. For some, it’s “same old same old;” for others, each day is a new beginning filled with childlike wonder. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I want to celebrate Christmas every day. And we should. Because on that first Christmas two…