Walk The Blue Ridge

I've been determined to work on the novel lately.  Convicted to edit the work that has laid before me for a few years now.  I've been reading lots of inspiring things to help push me along like Self Editing for the Fiction Writer and Notes to Aspiring Writers.  I've been coming to the realization that I need to change the title of my book and most importantly, I've been thinking way too small.  I have been focused on a book and what to do with that book.  But God has been revealing to me that the book is just a tool, something to spread a message, one that is deeply a part of the book, but can definitely have a life outside its pages. 

The story of Nate was created while I was in the midst of suffering from sever depression and if you've read the story, you know that Nate has depression that not only affects his family, but more specifically Nate himself. Last night, as I brainstormed words for a new title, I landed on one that struck a cord.  This morning as I walked around our neighborhood, I could see how this title can open the door to so much more growing from Nate's story.

It is amazing to see that God has not only created this story with me, but that there may be an entire world that opens up from Nate's story.  What I would like to share with you today is not only the new title, but an invitation to something beyond a book. 

Now a word or two about the title and how it is an invitation.  Walking the Blue Ridge is not just about hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is actually about the struggle that one goes through while battling depression.  Those of us who have suffered know that every day can be like walking the ridge of a mountain, unsure if we are going to slip down into the shadowy valley or if we are going to continue forward towards the peak.  

If you are following me on Twitter (@MamaTina) you will notice that I will be using a new hash tag on some of my posts #WalkTBR.  My hope is that this hash tag will generate a collection of encouragement in the midst of depression. The #WalkTBR is a great place to add how you are walking along that ridge, or ways that you have been spurred on towards the next peak. 

I will also be writing more often here on my blog about depression and how it relates o the family.  I am looking forward to not only finishing Walking The Blue Ridge, but I am also very excited how God will use all of us to support and encourage one another.  If none of this makes any sense to you, I apologize, it's hard to capture all that I am contemplating right now.