Hello, everybody! 

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for how the Lord has helped me finish my book, and I'm thankful for you. :) So I'm doing a 100% off sale for my ebook Wind Chimes, Christmas Story Collection. 

Above are two different sale announcements. If you would like, feel free to share them with your friends and family who you think might like a free book! :) 

Please don't forget to leave me a review on Amazon if you've read my book--reviews help immensely! :) Thank you so much!

Hope you all have a perfectly lovely Thanksgiving!

Victoria

This might just become one of my favorite words. I looked it up a few weeks ago because it was playing around and around in my mind, and I was surprised to see that the little handy bar on the side of my dictionary that tells how well known a word is registered this word as "Few People would know this word". I thought this was so sad! What a word to have missing from your vocabulary, from your mind, from your life! 

It's not just a steady persistence, or a "keep at it" mentality... it's a resolution, a mindset that says "I'm not going to quit" even when difficulties, obstacles, and discouragement come. It's not always easy to persevere. There are so many aspects of life where one must persevere and it can be hard! But that's what makes perseverance such a powerful thing. 

The Bible was translated into English for the commoner through perseverance. The American Revolution was won through perseverance. The West was tamed through perseverance. Missions across the world only continues through perseverance. It's a constant decision to persevere. Will you persevere, even in the littlest things? 

Let me know in the comments below what one of your favorite motivating words is! 

<3
Victoria 

Hooray! 
I'm super excited to announce that my first book, Wind Chimes, a collection of Christmas stories, is now on the shelves!

I had originally intended for the ebook to be free, but unfortunately .99 was the cheapest price I was allowed to pick from the Kindle Publishing Services for this book. However, I have a 100% off for a limited time sale coming up soon--you'll hear more about that later. :) 


I would be so happy if you read my book! I'm really sorry the ebook can't be free, but I hope that you all will get it anyways and leave me a review. :D 


The print book can be found here: 
Wind Chimes, Christmas Story Collection 
or on Amazon.com:
Amazon.com Wind Chimes


And the e-book can be bought here:
Wind Chimes, Christmas Story Collection Ebook


Thanks so much everybody for your support! It's been a long process and I've learned a lot, but it's really just the beginning! :) I'm so thankful for everybody who's been behind me and encouraged me. 


You all have a lovely day!

​Victoria
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It's the 3rd week of November and us NaNoWriMers are (hopefully) writing down a good stash of words. But as you work hard on a project, there comes a time when your spirits start to lag. 

There is a verse--Philippians 4: 13-- that is like pure motivational, encouraging medicine. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. So true, and such a blessing! 

Now just think...God can use us in ways one might not even imagine! For some, it may be writing. Or maybe it's music, cooking, computer programming, or neurosurgery. But simply because God gives us a gift doesn't mean it's always going to come naturally or be easy. Actually, I think that when God gives us a gift it's maybe more like he's giving us the patience to work on that talent. There are moments when you're tired, or you make mistakes, or you're just bored of *fill in the blank*. 
And yet, I can do all things through Christ. He is the one who we must write/sing/cook/program/doctor for. He is the one who we should wish to glorify in all that we do. He is the one who helps us do what we can, and will help us in the future. 
​
So if you are writing this November, (or cooking, playing music, programming, or learning medicine, etc)... Do it for the Lord. 
I can do all things....THROUGH CHRIST. 

Have a lovely day! 
<3
Victoria

Hello, everybody!

How's your first week of NaNoWriMo going, if you're participating? Hope you are enjoying it and staying on top of your word count. And for those of you who aren't, I hope this post will be fun for you all to read. I'm going to interview my main character, Leo Nakano, for you all! :) 

Now just so you know, Leo lives in 1940's United States, but his background is half Japanese and half Welsh, which is a key factor in my plot. A lot of you may know about how the Japanese-Americans were imprisoned during WWII, and because I was interested in the topic, I dug deep into researching it and found many stories to tell. But so far, Leo doesn't even have any idea of the problems heading towards him...he's just an everyday college-aged American boy with his own dreams and quirks, virtues and vices. ;)

Victoria: So, Leo, why don't you tell us where you live? 
Leo: I live in a small town on the Oregon coast.
Victoria: Nice! Is there a reason why your family lives there?
Leo: My parents met in California, but it was against the law for Japanese to marry white people there, so they moved to Oregon to marry. My dad started a good carpentry business here, so it worked out. 
Victoria: I'm glad to hear that. Why don't you tell us a little bit more about your family?
Leo: My dad is an amazing man. He's a strong Christian and never seems to get mad at anybody! My mom is Welsh and stands by and loves her family very much. She never gives up on anyone, either. My Ba-chan lives with us too. Ba-chan means Grandma in Japanese. She's a feisty little lady and always makes us laugh till our sides hurt! I have five younger siblings after me. Ken is super smart and really patient. Will is probably Ba-chan's sidekick... they think so much alike! Vida is shy, but--I'll admit it--very sweet. Tom is full of energy and full of ideas. His best friend would definitely be Opal. She's the youngest of us all, but the most dynamic outgoing leader you could imagine! And last but not least, my best friend Wayne is so close to our family that he's practically a brother too. His personality is so complex and deep that he still manages to surprise us all the time.
Victoria: Sounds like you have a great family. It's wonderful that you all are so close! Alright. Now I was wondering if you could tell us what your biggest dream is?
Leo: Sure. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to get into Major League Baseball. I'm hoping that I'll get onto my college team and then catch the eye of a scout. 
Victoria: Awesome! I enjoy baseball as well, but I'm not very good at it. lol! So, Leo, what would you recommend as a good after game snack?
Leo: Peanut butter with vanilla ice cream! It's a special treat, though, as we don't eat ice cream all that much. But really, anything with Peanut butter makes it a day of celebration for me. It's just so good! I actually carry a jar of peanut butter with me when I go to school because the college cafeteria or the cheap diner that I eat at both have just tolerable food, but peanut butter fixes all that!
Victoria: So you like peanut butter?
Leo: It's my favorite food. I eat it every day and on pretty much anything! It's great with jelly over scrambled eggs, on crackers, on pickles, and on tomato sandwiches. I could go on!
Victoria: Wow I never even imagined such variety! Ok, one more question--if you could have one wish, what would it be?
Leo: I'd wish that all people could know of Jesus' peace and love. 
Victoria: Yes, I do too. Thank you, Leo, for letting me interview you!


All kidding and pretending aside, I have so much fun getting to know my characters, and I hope you try to do it some too. I'd love to know something about your one of your characters if you happen to be writing right now. So don't forget to leave me a comment below to let me know... and please tell me what you thought of this interview with Leo! :D 

Happy Writing!

Victoria