Writing as a Couple

When my husband and I embarked on the task of writing our first book together, it was a challenge, to say the least. But early on in our marriage of almost 40 years, we had learned some things about each others talents, strengths and weaknesses. Whenever either of us wrote something, and we wrote many letters to supporters, prayer/newsletters and other things like that, during those first years of marriage we would very timidly ask the other to read, critique and edit. I say timidly because each of us still had a strong urge to protect ourselves and our delicate egos. Some of those first attempts were a bit rocky and more than once, I had to swallow my pride and say, "Yes, you're right." Hmm...still have to do that once in awhile!

So when we embarked on writing our book together we thought it would be relatively easy considering the extensive history we had in going over each others work. Wrong!

To begin with, I wanted to write an outline. He doesn't believe in outlines. I wanted to write. He wanted to think about what he was going to write. I wanted to do it quickly and get it over with. He seemed to be the "king of procrastination."

So I began putting my thoughts down on computer and the book began to take shape. Fortunately we had written many emails while we were actually experiencing the story we were writing about and we had also taken extensive notes so the basic facts were indisputable. That could have been even more complicated. Just imagine if we had each remembered the facts differently!

As I wrote, he began to join in and finally about 3 years after we started, we had our book in print. And the book flows as though it had been written by one voice - ours. Often its impossible to even know who did the actual writing of particular sections. Even we don't know. And I guess that's a good thing since we wanted it to be OUR story.

Not wanting to sound too boastful, Aloha is Forever, the story of Hope in the Midst of Despair, is a good read. Many have told us they read it in one sitting because they just couldn't put it down. Above all we have gotten feedback that the story exalts our loving heavenly Father and that was what we wanted most!

Comments from Readers

We have been so encouraged by all of the positive feedback from those who have read our book. Here is what one reader had to say:

"Just finished reading your book - it was very powerful and a tribute to our God. We rejoice that HE is able to make beauty for ashes and give peace through a spirit of heaviness. My heart ached for you as I read your journey and then gave praise as you testified to WHO ...God is and what He has done for us."

And this is what our pastor sent out to the congregation after he read our book:

"Get the Reece's book. You'll be glad you did."

Thank you to all who have taken the time to give us feedback. We'll share more as we get more feedback.

Free Advertising from a Drawing

We recently won free advertising on 10 sites for a year through a drawing at The Authors Page.

Here are the sites where our book is listed:
The Authors Page
Book Promotions
Short Stories, Great Reads
Book Buzz
New Book & Product Releases
Surfin The City Lights
Author Book Marketing
The Everlasting Kingdom
The Pen
River of God Sayings 

Check some of these out for book reviews and other resources for authors. 

Grandpa is also a Writer

Grandma isn't the only writer in this family. Our book Aloha is Forever was co-authored by both of us, Rick and Sharon Reece. In some places in the book it will be difficult to tell whose voice is speaking. In other places we specify so you know without a doubt which one is doing the writing.

But since it is our story, we wanted to tell it together, as one voice as much as possible. And I think we succeeded in a very unique way!

Now Grandpa is working on the sequel to the first book and he is the one doing the majority of the writing. I will be editor and contributor and of course, it will be just as much our story as the first one is. We still haven't come up with a good name for the second book yet, but it may be something like: Four Spiritual Tsunamis that Will Change the World. Unless we can come up with something that is shorter and catchier, this title really tells what the book is about. It tells the spiritual insights into revival that came as a result of losing our son in Hawaii. So get ready to read what Grandpa has to say! He's the real story teller of the family!

Books that Will Inspire You

Our first shipment of books that will inspire you arrived in December. We were too busy at the time to get this video posted to our blog. It will give you a sneak preview of what the book looks like with a quick flip-through to see the photos and chapter titles. Enjoy!