PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour | Closing Thoughts

Greetings, 

It is a bittersweet day in the world of PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour. Today marks our last official post… well, aside from the upcoming announcement of our awesome giveaway winners, which will be coming soon. With nearly 5,000 total entries, that’s absolutely incredible.

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Jon Caldwell

Greetings,

Today's featured author, Jon Caldwell, is the last one for the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour for 2025. It is encouraging to me that he is someone who is brand new to the world of faith-based writing.  The whole purpose of this tour was to bring authors from across all genres who write from a faith-based perspective and to promote unity in Christian Writing. I believe that makes Jon the best author to close us out.

I'm also excited to announce that this won't be the last post you see from Jon on my website, either. Yep, that's write (pun intended). I've invited him to be a regular here at The Gathering Room. I cannot wait to see more of his writing start to come alive, here, and in other places. Don't forget there is still one day left in the KingSumo Giveaway, and without further ado, here is Jon's devotional. 

What a fitting way to end this tour, focused on God, the one who brought all of us together. 

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E.

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Book Review | Worn Sandals - Sean Lyon

Greetings, 

I found this book on social media, and it piqued my interest. As someone who loves this genre, I simply could not pass it up. So... I reached out to the author and told him I was going to review it. Little did Sean Lyon, or even I, know that we would find a genuine connection as writers, and I am honored to write this review. 

My goal with the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour was to also review three books from different genres that were faith-based, well... you are getting two Biblical Fiction novels and one Christian Fantasy novel. While I didn't plan for this one to be part of the tour originally, I am certainly glad it is.

With that, I'll see you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Aubrey Reiss Taylor

Greetings, 

I am excited to introduce Aubrey Reiss Taylor. Her interview was great, and she has a unique voice to share with the world. When I sent these questions out to the authors participating, I did not intend to reply to them. However, I thought it would be cool to do so in this interview. So I'll share some short responses. 

Don't forget there are still a few days left on the KingSumo Giveaway. We'd love to give you, the fans, the opportunity to win some cool gifts. 

Without further ado, here is Aubrey's Interview...

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E. 

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Book Review | Last Light of Everlasting - Demi Griffin

Greetings, 

I have been sitting on this review for quite some time, and I am so excited to share this review with you today. Last Light of Everlasting is a book written by Demi (DM) Griffin that was released on January 15th, 2025. It is book one in The Illumination Chronicles.

As an author, it is difficult to find stories that truly keep me on the edge of my seat. This is one of those stories, and it is available on Kindle Unlimited as well as in Paperback and Kindle.

Let's dive into this stunning novel, and I’ll see you in the ‘digital’ pages.

M.J.E

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | B.D. Lawrence

Greetings, 

Today, I am pleased to introduce B.D. Lawrence. He is definitely someone I look forward to getting to know more. One of the things I hoped would happen with this Blog Tour was that the featured authors would be real and honest about the world behind the stories we write. B.D. conveys this beautifully in the post you are about to read, but I will let you read it for yourselves. 

Don't forget, the KingSumo giveaway is live until 11/1, and we would love for everyone who has found even one of the posts from the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour to join the fun. 18 stories are being gifted in this giveaway. Without further ado, here is B.D. Lawrence. 

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E. 

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Demi (D.M.) Griffin

 

Greetings, 

Today, I have the privilege of introducing Demi (D.M.) Griffin, a good friend to all writers she comes in contact with. You may not know this, but both of us write in multiple genres. To be truthful with you, that fact is kind of where the idea for the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour came from.  

But we are here to learn more about her today, aren't we? Demi's stories are phenomenal. She is a multi-award-winning author who shows a lot of passion for what she does. It doesn't stop there either. Demi also runs a beautiful writing ministry called Devoted Steps, but I will let her tell you more about what she does and how God is keeping her in step with the Spirit. 

Don't forget, we still have a huge KingSumo Giveaway taking place until 11/1. We are gifting 18 books in some form or another, and we are loving every minute of it. Spread the word and share these posts. 

See you in the 'digital' pages. 

M.J.E. 

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Dana McNeely

Greetings Everyone, 

I am glad that you found your way here. Today, I am pleased to introduce you all to Dana McNeely. She is a finalist for both the Christy Award and the ACFW Carol Award, and let me tell you, her book Rain did not disappoint this Biblical Fiction Writer/Reader. It inspired me to put more creativity into my own stories. 

She is another one of our authors who wrote a devotional for our Blog Tour, and I can't wait for you to read this one, too. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Don't hesitate to read the word she brings for yourself, too. One last thing before I turn the floor over to Dana, our KingSumo giveaway is live until 10/31, and Dana is offering a signed copy of her newest release, Mantle. 

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E. 

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | J. A. Webb

Greetings, 

We are just over halfway through the month now, and so many wonderful authors are still getting the spotlight for this year's PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour. Today, it is a pleasure to introduce J. A. Webb. He is another award-winning author with a powerful story to tell. You can learn more about it by visiting The Wordmith Forge Podcast hosted by Mike Baines, or by visiting the blog from one of our other featured authors. Linda Matchett. 

One of the themes I am seeing more often these days is the concept of light versus dark. It is present in my stories, as well as several other authors that I follow. The concept Webb brings to life in his newest series follows that pattern. But, like always, I'm going to let him share his story. 

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J. E.

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Linda Shenton Matchett

Greetings, 

Today, I have the privilege of welcoming Linda Shenton Matchett to the PenWorks of the World Blog Tour. She was the first author to extend a hand of support to a wayward newbie launching into the genre of Biblical Fiction as he was releasing the first full-length novel he had ever written. It was my first guest post on her website that helped me accept that I could do this thing called being a writer.

When Linda told me she wanted to do a "story behind the story," I was ecstatic. I loved hearing those kinds of stories because they always fascinate me to see how stories find their authors. They come from all kinds of places, and today, I think you are going to like learning how A Lesson in Love was born. Without further ado, here is Linda, and I'll see you in the 'digital' pages.

M.J.E.

(PS: Don't forget to check out the KingSumo Giveaway for the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour after you read this one)

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Dr. Lisa Dorsey

Greetings, 

Today, it is a privilege to feature an author I consider a good friend and fellow researcher. Dr. Lisa Dorsey is another one of our award-winning authors. I am reading her book Petra: An Unbroken Legacy right now, and it does not disappoint.  Let me tell you, she has an inspirational story to tell. Her post for this blog tour spoke to me deeply.  

Another one of my hopes for this whole event was to highlight how the word of God is living in active in our lives as authors, and not just in our stories. We may spend hours and hours researching things to make this happen in our stories, but it also happens to us as people, too. I cannot wait for you to read it for yourselves. 

Today also marks the start of our King Sumo Giveaway, so don't hesitate to check it out. It launches at 5:30 CST. Without further ado, let's welcome Dr. Lisa Dorsey to our tour, and I'll see you in the 'digital' pages...

M.J.E.

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Mark Charles Powers

Greetings, 

I am excited to introduce today's featured author, Mark Charles Powers. His new book, His Eyes, comes out tomorrow. Yep, you read that right. Chances are you've read this on 10/13, which was the planned release day for his book. One of the things I look forward to as a writer is connecting with other like-minded authors. Mark is one of those authors I feel like I could talk to for hours about anything.  

There is a spirit woven into his work that resonates with people from all different paths of life. But, as always, I don't want to take up too much of his time, so without further ado.... Let's dive into his wonderful article describing 5 lessons he has learned about being an author.  

See you in the 'digital' pages.

M.J.E. 

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Book Review | Leading Philippi - Jenifer Jennings

Greetings, 

As we continue this blog tour, one of the things I wanted to do was write a few book reviews. I mean, we are all here wanting to learning about books and read them, right? Well... I think that's part of it anyway. Today's review is for a book called Leading Philippi, and it is a Biblical Fiction Novel written by our Jenifer Jennings. Yes, that is the same Jenifer Jennings who gave us an interview to start this whole tour off. 

Today, 10/10/25, is launch day for her book, and I was blessed to receive an advance copy of it to review. The review you are about to read is my honest review of this wonderful addition to the world of Biblical Fiction.

Let’s dive into this one, and I’ll see you in the ‘digital’ pages.

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | D. T. Powell

Greetings, 

Welcome to another post from the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour. As always, we are ALL thrilled you have found your way here. One of the types of posts I hoped would be written for this event is what I have affectionately called Devotional Blogs. When at least one of the featured authors said they wanted to do so, it was encouraging. 

Today's featured Author, D. T. Powell, is the first author to write one. One thing you will learn from her devotional blog is that D. T. doesn't shy away from hard truths. Sometimes the hard truths are hard to hear, but we cannot let that keep us from voicing them. Again, I don't want to take up any more of your time today, so without further ado... Here is her devotional.

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E.

PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Jenifer Jennings

Greetings,

Welcome to the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour. I'm thrilled you have found your way here. It is exciting to see how this event has come together, and today's featured author is Jenifer Jennings. I don't want to take up any more of your time, so without further ado... Here is an interview with her about her upcoming book, Leading Philippi, which is set to release on Friday, 10/10... I will be posting a review of this wonderful addition to Biblical Fiction on launch day. 

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E. 

PenWorks of the Word Give-A-Way

Greetings,

The moment we've been waiting for is almost here…

✨ The PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour is hosting a King Sumo Giveaway — and you're invited!

PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour Line Up

Greetings,

I’m thrilled to announce the author lineup for the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour! Throughout October, we’ll be journeying alongside writers from a variety of genres—Biblical Fiction, Christian Fantasy, Historical Romance/Fiction, Speculative Fiction, and Devotional Content. Posts will be shared here and across other platforms, offering glimpses into the hearts and stories of these authors.

PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour

Greetings, 

I'm so glad you're here. If you've joined our community through my website or email list, you've arrived at the perfect time. I'm kicking off a new chapter for this blog, and I can't wait to share it with you.

For years, this blog has been a bit of an afterthought. But this year, I committed to posting at least twice a month, and I'm really enjoying the process. It's giving me a place to share my thoughts in short, focused bursts, and I'm excited to see where it goes. With that in mind, I thought it would be great to host a blog tour and so I am.

After testing the waters, so to write, and some prayerful thought, I've organized something pretty big. It is The PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour, and I'm super excited to share some more information with you about it today. 

Book Reviews: Rain by Dana McNeely

Greetings, 

This is a review of Rain, a novel by Dana McNeely. It was released on February 18th, 2021. I received a free copy of this book when it was on sale this year and have chosen to review this book of my own accord. It is an exciting one for sure, too. 

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

Giving AI a Chance Part IV: Spiritual Themes

Greetings,

As I continue my jaunt through my AI experiments, I thought it would be fun to see what themes my AI tools could pull out of my newest novel, The Hope of Inheritance. While I am sure there are more than 10 in this story, I am actually pleased with the return. 

It has given me some ideas about what topics I can reflect upon in my new blog series, Reflecting on Hebrews. This is where I plan to outline my motivation behind what led to the birth of this story and ultimately to the award winning novel The Hope of Inheritance has become thanks to the ChristLit Books Awards.   

See you in the pages, or through AI's algorithm, 

M.J.E.

Reflecting on Hebrews: Finding a Quiet Place in a Loud World

 

♱♱♱

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.  ~ Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

♱♱♱

Life is stressful. The weight of it all can be crushing, and sometimes we just need a moment to step out from under the pressure. For me, that escape is a walk on the trails around my hometown. I've walked these paths in all kinds of emotional states—anxious, depressed, and sometimes so joyful I could almost skip. In these moments, when life's chaos threatens to overwhelm, I take a step back and just be alone. Finding these peaceful moments in the wild is how I embrace my surroundings and connect with God. It's the biggest source of calm for my mind.

Giving AI a Chance Part III: A Ballad for you!

Greetings, 

I thought I'd keep this AI experiment going. This time, I asked it to turn my award-winning book, The Hope of Inheritance, into a ballad. It took quite a few tries, but I think this one did a pretty good job. I may have to write one of my own, LOL. It has been such a long time since I've written any poetry. Who knows, it could be fun.  Is there something you'd like to see with this experiment? Let me know in the comments, either here on the website or on the social media platform you found this on.

See you in the pages or in AI's algorithm,

M.J.E.

Giving AI a Chance Part II: Analyzing the Story

Greetings, 

With how intrigued I was with AI's summary of my new release of the award-winning book, The Hope of Inheritance, I asked AI to analyze the story's themes and concepts. I have to say, it's pretty close to where my intentions were with the story as it came to mind. But what do you think? If we were to continue this little experiment, what should we have AI do with it next? I'm open to keeping the fun going, but if you're not a fan, please don't feel like you have to keep delving into my chaotic madness. LOL. 

See you in the pages, or through AI's algorithm, 

M.J.E.

Giving AI a Chance... What do you think?

Greetings, 

I thought I would undergo a brief experiment just for fun, so I had AI build a summary of my newest release and award-winning book, The Hope of Inheritance. This is supposed to be a 500-word summary. For those of you who have read it, what do you think? Did AI do my book justice? For those of you who have not read it, what do you think now? Has AI convinced you to read it for yourselves? If it was you can grab it until 7/20 for .99 cents. In any case, I really am curious about your thoughts. 

See you in the pages... or AI today, 

M.J.E.

Book Reviews: The Strength of Samson by Tyler Kraft

Greetings, 

This is a review of The Strength of Samson, a debut novel from Tyler Kraft. It was released on June 27th, 2025. I was given the opportunity to be a part of his Advanced Reader Team. I have chosen to review this book, and all of these words are my own. 

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

Unexpected Legacies: Silas, The Scribe ***REPOST***

Greetings, 

This is a throw back to my post on the HHH Blog on January 1st, 2025. You can see the original post here. I am re-posting this here as an introduction to a few posts that will be added to help me build consistency in my posts. May you find encouragement through it. 

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Ancient Painting of Silas

Scribes in the early church make for an interesting study. Silvanus, also known as Silas, is among them. The New Testament offers insights into who they were and what role they played. Similar to John Mark, Silas committed himself to ministry. He traveled with Peter and Paul, supporting their evangelistic work. He was a scribe for them both. Scribes, according to the dictionary, were not just writers; they were members of a powerful elite, who had a good standing and respect. Educated and learned, they served as teachers, editors, and historians, committed to the study of sacred texts. 

Unexpected Legacies: Luke, The Healer ***REPOST***

Greetings, 

This is a throw back to my post on the HHH Blog on December 1st, 2024. You can see the original post here. I am re-posting this here as an introduction to a few posts that will be added to help me build consistency in my posts. May you find encouragement through it. 

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Luke AI Generation

Luke is one of those characters in the scriptures that you don’t think about often unless you’re in his gospel or the Book of Acts. He is often left to his own devices and never really thought of again once you get into Paul’s writings. He has his fifteen minutes of fame, so to speak, and then someone else takes the reins. It is a bit discouraging to think about if I’m honest. 

A Review from the CEO of ChristLit

Greetings, 

I am so excited to share some of the review that The Hope of Inheritance received from the CEO of ChristLit Books Awards, Louise Jane. I am beyond grateful for this compelling 5 Star Review. It was a huge encouragement to read. 

The Hope of Inheritance Wins ChristLit Book Award!

Greetings, 

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you—The Hope of Inheritance, my upcoming release, has been selected as a recipient of a ChristLit Book Award!

Book Reviews: Being Content God's Way by Scott Lapierre

Greetings, 

This is a review for both the book and the workbook entitled Being Content God's Way by Scott Lapierre which was released today May 20th, 2025. I was given the opportunity to be a part of his Advanced Reader Team. I have chosen to review this book and all of these words are my own. 

See you in The Pages, 

M.J.E.

Greetings,

I'm updating today to share just a couple of announcements that I sent to my email list earlier this week. Two important events that are taking place in the next month. Several other things are going on as well since the release of The Hope of Inheritance is almost upon us. These two announcements are big, and while I can't believe we are finally here, everything is just so exciting.

The Hope of Inheritance and Redemption: Before the Cross

Greetings,

***The title of this has been updated to "Redemption: Beyond the Cross" ***

I am so excited about the upcoming release of The Hope of Inheritance. There is so much the Lord has done throughout the last year of this process. I, for one, cannot wait to share more about the story in the time we have before Father's Day comes, and this is just the beginning. 

The Hope of Inheritance - Cover Art Results

 Greetings, 

I'm so excited to announce that The Hope of Inheritance placed 4th in the Cover Art Competition with Clean Fiction Magazine. I am beyond amazed at the support I received for this completion. While it did not win, the cover still place much higher than I thought it would. My cover received the most votes out of anyone in the last 48 hours, making it the biggest mover of the completion.

The Hope of Inheritance - Cover Art Competition

Greetings, 

I am excited to announce that my upcoming release, The Hope of Inheritance, was entered into at least one competition. This particular competition is a cover art competition. The contest is through clean fiction magazine and there are some other really good covers entered as well. 

When the idea for The Hope of Inheritance came bursting through my imagination, I was quite literally shocked. Writing a book about the persecution believers faced in Rome after the great fire of 64 AD was not something I wanted to do.  I wrote the prologue before The Cyprus Journal was even an idea, and it was terrifying. 

 Greetings, 

I have loved coming to post things more regularly. I still have a desire to build this blog out more and hope to get there, eventually. There are so many things that I could capture within the confines of the stuff that I post here and as I continue to build out my ideas and thoughts, I'd love to let everyone know that mjelliott-author.com will be getting a bit of a makeover in the coming weeks. I have thought about doing this for several months, and am now going to transition this website to something more purposeful for all that I am working on. 

A Promise of a New Journey

Greetings,

There are times when we are taken down a path in life that we never really expected we would be taken down. In all honesty, I am being taken down more than one of those paths and it has been an eye-opening experience. It has all helped me see the world a little differently and while the paths I am heading down are struggles in their own right, I am seeing changes within that I didn’t know were needed.

 Greetings,

It's time for a sneak peek of the newest story from The World of Kedoshim, The Hope of Inheritance...

I cannot wait to get this story out into the world. I have been working on this book for a very long time. I mean we are talking, I wrote the Prologue at the end of 2023. So we are more than a year down the road on this project and let me tell you, it has become something bigger than I ever thought it would be. 

More to Come Soon and I'll see you in the pages, 

MJE

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: Dawn of Daybreak

 “Paul teaches us not to give in to fear and doubt, but to speak into those things with the word of the Lord. I find this difficult because of everything going on with Titus and John Mark. How can we continue to speak life into the Ephesian people when we are still searching for them? As a doctor, I must seek life. I am not seeking to save their lives by staying here.”

~Aristarchus ~

♰♰♰

There are moments, like the way Aristarchus feels, in life that we are going to struggle to understand. We are also going to struggle with the weight of the choices we have made and often wonder, “Was this the right choice?” As someone who endures a lot of anxiety at times, I can attest to how true feelings like these cloud our minds. They are intrusive thoughts that tend to keep us from seeing the path laid out for us through the chaos we face. 

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: Ties That Bind Us

 “I point to the weak moments in my life not to offer evidence of who I am, but to illustrate where my path has taken me.  Finding your way amid the chaos of what lies within is never easy, dear one, but facing that chaos will show you the way of glory. In finding my way, I found confidence in who I was created to be...”

~ John Mark ~

♰♰♰

At this point in John Mark’s story, he is beginning to see that there are things in his life that are worth reflecting upon. One aspect of life he is beginning to understand is that it is often the weakest moments that reveal the most to us. We should not see our weaknesses as stains upon who we are but as opportunities for growth and transformation. There is beauty found in our struggles, and they are the very foundation of what our strengths become. 

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: The Pathfinder's Way

 "In the past, there had always been someone for me to lean on and at this point in my life, there was no one to keep me focused. The pain that began throbbing upon my forehead left me motionless at times. Pride had no place in this battle and my spirit grew heavier with every chaotic thought that found its way to the forefront of my mind." ~ John Mark ~

♰♰♰

We often find ourselves in moments that leave us feeling utterly alone. In the first episode of The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins, John Mark finds himself in a similar situation. He is burdened by the weight of his thoughts and by the absence of support. These words can resonate with anyone who feels they are facing a season of solitude and struggle. However, it is in these moments that we can find significant growth and build a more purposeful connection with God.

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: The Prologue

 “It is never easy to place our trust in something unknown, or that may seem impossible, but part of what we are called to do in this life is to let go. The time is near, the path ahead is there waiting for you to place your feet upon, all you have to do is take that first step.”

~ Barnabas to John Mark ~

♰♰♰

There are many things that drive us to fear what we cannot pretend to understand. In the journey of life, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and doubt. The paths set before us are always going to be there, and it is when we face those moments that we are encouraged to put our trust in something bigger. In my newest series, The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins, Barnabas encourages John Mark with the words written above just before he leaves to pursue reconciliation with Paul, someone he did not end on good terms with in the past.

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: An Introduction

Greetings, 

One of my favorite things about releasing The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins is that there are many quotable moments in the story. While it was not my intent to do this, that is what happened and I have been seeking confirmation about doing this for a few weeks. When I asked God to give me a story that focused more on Paul and some of his Missionary Journeys, the city of Ephesus stuck out to me deeply. 

Let's Wrap up 2024

Where to begin?

I rarely get sentimental or personal about aspects of my life outside of writing and encouraging others, but I have to say 2024 was a whirlwind of chaos and unpredictability. It has been a year of drastic change and a great deal of learning and discovery. While I began the year on a huge positive note by completing the novel, The Cyprus Journal, and then releasing it on Orthodox Easter, things quickly changed.