Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Can An Old Dog Learn New Tricks?

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My two little granddaughters were here for a visit recently, and I couldn’t help noticing how very different the two of them are. Three-year-old Ayla is not afraid to try new things. When no one was looking, she dashed up to the top of my library ladder like an experienced fireman. She should have been afraid! We have cathedral ceilings in our living room and the bookshelves and ladder go to the very top. The rungs are steep and slippery, and I confess that my knees shake a bit whenever I need to retrieve a book from the top shelf. Ayla just laughed and did a little dance at the tippy-top, then let go with one hand to wave to us.

Five-year-old Lyla, on the other hand, never even noticed the ladder when she was Ayla’s age, much less scaled it. She’s a quiet, thoughtful child who generally doesn’t like change or trying new things. She can be adventurous once she makes up her mind to be, but she always takes a moment to stop and consider before trying something for the first time. She asked for a turn on the ladder after seeing her sister scamper up it. And she was brave enough to climb all the way to the top. But she took her time, was careful with each step, and she hung on tightly. Then she was done, and didn’t ask to climb it again.

I don’t know about you, but because of all the changes that Covid brought last year, I often found myself challenged to try new ways of doing familiar things. I would have liked to be as brave as Ayla and leap whole-heartedly into every new challenge, yet I found, like Lyla, that I don’t really like change. I often needed to be pushed or dragged or encouraged by someone more adventurous than I am before embracing something new.

This past year, I had to learn new ways to launch a book without leaving home. I learned how to research the settings of my books without traveling to the locale in person. I missed driving down to the library and wandering through the non-fiction stacks, but a very patient research librarian taught me how to navigate the internet’s endless rabbit-trails. I learned how to Zoom—and for a technophobe like me, that was like scaling a very tall ladder. Likewise, with converting my office into a recording studio to do live and recorded presentations. I learned a lot of new things the hard way, such as remembering to turn off the telephone so it wouldn’t ring during the final five minutes of my recording and force me to start all over again. And I figured out how to adjust my writing schedule and condense my usual writing style to compose something brand new for me—a novella. And a Christmas one, at that!

The Apostle Paul once claimed, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13), and maybe that should be my motto in changing times. There will be occasions when I must learn to be as daring as Ayla, knowing that God will be right beside me, steadying the ladder. There will be times when I should be as cautious as Lyla, taking time to wait and pray and consider His leading. Above all, I know I can always trust the Holy Spirit to guide me as I’m led into new places.

I can already see more changes ahead in 2022. Ken and I are making plans to travel to new places next year. Our family may be growing and changing, including the possibility of an adoption in the future. My time is being stretched in new ways, too, and so it is with great regret that I’m announcing that this will be my last post with my writing family here at Inspired by Life and Fiction. I have been so blessed by the friendship and special sisterhood we’ve shared. And thanks to the others, I learned how to post my own blogs, here. I’m not going to stop reading their daily posts and staying up-to-date on their writing lives and new releases, so you may see my comments here from time to time. And I know you’re going to enjoy hearing from our newest blogger, the multi-talented Angela Hunt. Welcome, Angie!

I have one final “new thing” to share, and that’s the cover of my next novel, “Long Way Home,” which launches in June 2022. Thanks for joining me here all these years, and for all of your wonderful comments. Blessings to all!

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Lynn Austin

Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time. Lynn was recently inducted into the Christy Award Hall for Fame for winning eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois.

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Comments

  1. Ahhh… Lynn!
    I am so sorry to see you go. Your posts have been so interesting and engaging. I pray that you will continue to have courage in the midst of change and to rely on the Holy Spirit. May God bless you!

  2. Dear Lynn, I certainly understand the claims on your time, but know that you will be missed. I always looked forward to your inspiring words, so thank you for lifting me up on many Monday mornings. God Bless!Beth

  3. Changes, changes, changes! I’m sorry to see you go, but I understand that life situations change, sometimes on an hour to hour basis. Thanks for all you’ve shared on this blog. Blessings to you and your growing family! I just saw your new book at the library. I’m waiting for my turn to read it now. 🙂

  4. You will be missed, Lynn. It has been a true joy blogging with you. I wish you all the best and know that God will lead you where you need to go. Thank you for sharing your stories and life with us.

    • It has been a huge pleasure for me, too! I am so glad I got to know you and your books. Blessings!

  6. Oh Lynn, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing your life and insights with us. I learned so much from your always interesting and inspiring posts. God’s highest, God’s richest, God’s deepest, God’s widest blessing to you & your family.

  7. Thank you for blessing us readers so over the years with your thoughtful and insightful posts! I love reading your books and will continue doing so. Your Christmas novella is next in my TBR pile! God bless!

    • Thanks Suzanne. I hope you enjoy my Christmas book and that it adds to your holiday celebrations.

  8. Aww! I will miss seeing your posts here, but is is understandable. I have had to let go of things these past two years as well. But all things work together for the good. It is all good. I have read a few Angela Hunt’s books as well. Good stuff!
    I just finished Chasing Shadows and enjoyed reading it immensely. Also, today I should be getting the Christmas novella in the mail today. I am very excited! Thank you for so many great and memorable stories. My ever-favorite is Wonderland Creek, and I am looking forward to the new book next year. God bless!

  9. Your wonderful posts will be greatly missed, Lynn. I’ve even saved some of your past posts in my “Keeper File” for future reference! Your mention of Holland, Michigan (and photos) inspired me to write for information about the town (it’s amazing how much “free stuff” a town or state will send you!) and my oldest daughter brought a Holland, Michigan magazine to me after a visit to Michigan a few months ago. 🙂
    You’ve touched many lives, and I’m sure the Lord has big plans ahead for you. SO thankful you’ll have more books releasing in the future as you continue sharing your writing talent.
    Many blessings for your future adventures! 🙂

    • Thanks Patti, for your encouraging words. Please come and visit Holland sometime. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

  11. I will miss your posts. Your words have been such a blessing to me, always inspiring, thought provoking. I look forward to your new release in 2022 and those yet to come! Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us! I pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family, now and always.

  12. The Wish Book Christmas appeared at my door this morning! Excited to read it!
    You will be missed on this blog. Blessings in your exciting future!

  13. Oh Lynn, I will miss your deep thoughts und insightful posts!! Thank you so much for everything you’ve written so far…here and also your books. I appreciate it and look forward to your next book.

    • Love you too, Tammy. And I’ll still be around. I sure hope we run into each other again one of these days.

  16. I’ll miss your blog posts but will continue to enjoy your books. The Wish Book Christmas is on my stack of Christmas books that I hope to begin reading after Thanksgiving. Best wishes.

  18. We’re going to miss your voice around here, Lynn. I pray that all the changes in 2022 will come with lots of joy. Oh, and may I just say that your cathedral ceiling high bookcase is to die for!!

  19. Thank you for all the years you have spent sharing your remarkable talents and voice with us here. Godspeed and God bless as you explore new avenues!

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