Missoula Festival of the Book

A week ago this time, I was having a great deal of fun with a one-day writer's conference and a weekend book festival in Missoula, MT.

As a part of Montana's ACFW group MT Pages, my hubby and I were asked to teach at the one day writer retreat.  Jim taught on research since that's his field of knowledge and I spoke on brainstorming before breaking into groups to practice my tips.  We had so much fun.

The next day was the Festival of the Book at the downtown Holiday Inn.  Last year over 7,000 people attended.  I don't know how many folks were there this year, but it was a bunch.  This festival is for Montana authors and or books about Montana and it was the first year inspirational writers were invited thanks to a lot of hard work by Angela Breidenbach, MT Pages hardworking president.

The very first day I was a part of a panel to speak about the Mind and Soul of Christian Fiction. We had one of the biggest audiences of any of the workshops and had so much fun.  Here's a snapshot from the event.

From left to right in back - Miralee Ferrell, Janalyn Voigt, Tracie Peterson, Valerie Friesen Comer and Janet Chester Bly.  In front is our fearless leader and former Mrs. Montana, Angie Breidenbach.

We had two tables of books for sale and met a lot of interesting people.  We sold and signed some books for the festival.

 

 

 

On Saturday we headed over to Missoula's fabulous Christian bookstore - the Garden of Read'n.  We talked with folks and shared our stories and then I spent way too much money shopping.  I usually end up buying more than I manage to sell and sign.  I don't think manager Joshua McNeal much minded.  If you're in Missoula - I urge you to stop by and shop. Oh and try the Jet Tea.

 

 

 

 

 

The point of this weekend was all about being the sweet aroma of Christ.  So often we see the negative aspects of Christianity.  The world sees us as judgmental and unforgiving, harsh and legalistic.  At the festival we had a chance to offer kindness and love to complete strangers, as well as connect to a great many Christian folk who were glad to have us there.

 

Throughout the weekend, I have to say one of the best things was getting to share the time with a bevy of wonderful writers who love Jesus.  Next year we hope to do it again - only bigger and better - and more full of the love of Christ.

 

 

 

God Bless You!

 

More of Yellowstone and KINDLE DISCOUNT ON ICECUTTER'S DAUGHTER

As I told you last time, we were in Yellowstone National Park recently. Yellowstone was beautiful and man are we glad we went then instead of waiting until the president and congress shut it down.

We started out about 10 am and on our way down - this little fella ran right out in front of us.  It was quite the thrill.

We stayed overnight in West Yellowstone and did some outlet shopping for some neat sales. 

Sampled some fine cuisine at THE BRANCH one of our favorite restaurants there.  We sampled Elk, Bison and Pheasant sausage with huckleberry Dijon mustard.  Yum.


We headed into the part early in the morning before it was light and caught the moon and fog.  The fog burned off pretty quick and my hubby took some great photos of the sights and animals.

 

 

 

 

 

A nice female elk who posed for us.

The following caused me to break out in song of praise to God.  It was soooo awesome to worship God and praise Him for His creation.

Yellowstone Lake

I did find some nifty research books.  One I got was titled WOMEN IN WONDERLAND.  It's about life and legacies of women in Yellowstone.  I'll bet there's some good story material.  I also got information on the Old Faithful Inn.  It's so unique.  We've stayed there and it's wonderfully rustic, but with just enough modern conveniences that it's okay.  If you get a chance to stay there - I recommend it.  However, you'll have to book your stay way out.  I think they'll booked for like the next 18 months.

As we headed around the park, Jim caught sight of this little otter family coming out of the water.

 

 

 

Of course no trip to YNP would be complete without an up close and personal encounter with the bison.  Unfortunately bison and elk numbers are down due to the number of wolves being up.

 

 



 

All in all, it was a most satisfying trip and we were all very blessed.

And here's a blessing I can pass on to you.  Amazon.com will have a special on one of my Kindle books.

 

 

9781441260963  Icecutter’s Daughter      Peterson, Tracie               2.99        10/05/2013 ONLY

So if you want a copy of this book for your Kindle - now's a good time to get at a super discount.

God Bless You!

 

 

FREE E-BOOKS AT AMAZON.COM

Wahoo! Amazon is offering my book - SHADOWS OF THE CANYON for free on Kindle! Check it out. Also Judith Miller's SOMEWHERE TO BELONG is also free at amazon.com for kindle!