An Open Book: My Journey as a Blogger...

I keep getting asked this question, so I'm posting the response I just emailed someone a few minutes ago, with some minor edits. Feel free to use as you'd like...just link it back here, okay?

It's a long and winding road (isn't that a song someone wrote LOL!!) I've been on.

In a nutshell, I've been a book addict since I was itty-bitty. Mom had me in book clubs before I was out of diapers:-) I was always at the head of my reading and writing classes (even had a few of my papers saved as 'samples of quality' by my teachers and profs!)

Mom and I traded books, talked books and loved books. I worked two part time jobs to help my family, and one was in a Christian bookstore. So I lived in book heaven for a long, long time.

Then, I was forced to quit the store due to health, my oldest daughter and book buddy left the Lord to chase the winds of the world, and finally, Mom went home.

I was alone and frustrated, longing for people like me: loved Jesus, loved books, and wanted to talk about them.

My husband, who's a pastor, started a blog for our church, and never one to be 'outdone;-), I started my own. I dabbled in blogging until I finally focused on book reviews, and A Peek At My Bookshelf was born.

I loved books and authors so much that I decided, if I could find a way to contact someone, I sent my review as an encouragement. I met a few friends along the way, one of whom sent me in as a potential reviewer to a few publishing houses (I think Harvest House was the first).

Then I was noticed by a few more, joined a few reviewing groups for free books...and someone at another publisher interviewed me for a trade magazine.

Suddenly, I was getting requests to review!! And I started writing a column for our local Christian newspaper reviewing books (Now called "Deena Recommends").

Honestly and truthfully, it's is GOD who did this. I just wanted to talk books and make friends, sharing Christ with those who read my writings. God took it and made it what it is today. I've had so many dreams come true (like meeting Sharon Hinck in person!), and the opportunities are STILL blowing me away to this day.

I'm humbled and awed by God using little me to do such wonderful things in the review world and the publishing industry. Ain't He such a good Father??

My one solid hope is this: that you'll see Jesus in me through my work for Him and my life lived here on earth. Books? That's a side benefit. It's Jesus, all the way!

So, that's my story. Hope it held your interest:-)

Happy Reading and may God bless and anoint your journey with His presence and His Spirit!

Deena Peterson
Independent Reviewer Totally Dependent on God

P.S. My kids and husband love to tell other people we know to "Google my Mom! Google my Mom!" So try it and see what you get:-)

P.S.S. Want to let your journey be an "Open Book"? Email it to me and I'll post it, or post the link to your story!