Grandparents – A Family Treasure

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 6 Comments

Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, The greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart. ~Unknown Source Did you know last …

What Makes Characters Come to Life for You?

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 27 Comments

Do the characters in the stories you read come to life in your head? And in your heart? Is there some special something about the book or the characters that makes that happen for you? A few years ago I got a very nice note from a reader who had gone to Rosey Corner. She hadn’t read the first book, …

Everybody Needs an Angel Sister

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 31 Comments

“A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.” — Marion Garretty Do you have sisters? I do. I have two sisters who are also my best friends. If needed for any reason, we’d link arms and be ready to stand against any troubles that might come our way. We can also celebrate the happy times …

Storytelling Weekend

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 10 Comments

“Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released.” — Robin Moore, author I love storytelling. I guess that’s not a surprise to any of you since I’m always trying to tell stories or write stories or share other people’s stories. I love listening to stories. Because I loved listening to my mother’s stories of growing up …

My Dad before He was a Dad

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 11 Comments

Happy Father’s Day to all of you – those who are dads and those of us who have dads. There’s nothing like a dad, but it’s also true that our dads weren’t always dads. They used to be boys and then young men looking to the future, trying out their wings, finding their independence. This picture is my dad on …

Aunt Hattie’s Truths

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 22 Comments

Dear Aunt Hattie. Grandmother, aunt, preacher, teacher all tied up in one. Aunt Hattie’s first prayer in Angel Sister: Pray with me right now, Aunt Hattie. For Victor. And the girls.” Kate’s mother paused a moment and then went on. “Especially Kate. She’s picked up some of the load I can’t seem to make myself shoulder.” In the front room, Kate …

Lessons on Prayer from Aunt Hattie

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 26 Comments

“Our prayers may be awkward.  Our attempts may be feeble.  But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”  Max Lucado I told you all that I’ve been remembering my Rosey Corner stories because I just finished the narration for Love Comes Home, the only …

A Look Back at Brainstorming for Angel Sister

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 12 Comments

Working on the narration of my third Rosey Corner novel, Love Comes Home, has me thinking about Rosey Corner again. I did so enjoy getting to know those Merritt sisters plus one and sharing their lives through ten or so years with you readers. I dedicated those stories to my mother and her three sisters. Their stories about growing up in a …

“Do You Have a Favorite Book?”

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 22 Comments

When I give a book talk, I like the question and answer part the best. One of the questions I’m often asked is “What is your favorite book?” I always tell whoever asked what a hard question that is for an author to answer. It’s something like asking a mother which is her favorite child. All these books shown in …