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The Journey

Writing Craft The Journey

Know Your Reason: Why I Chose to Write a Story About Grief and Love

When I started working with Author Accelerator, a book coaching company, in May 2017,…

Lia June 9, 2019
General The Journey

Mom: More Than Just The Woman Who Birthed Us

Today we celebrate moms: biological moms, stepmoms, adoptive moms, grandmoms, our best friend’s mom…

Lia May 12, 2019
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Recent Posts

  • Co-Creating with the Divine

    • April 29, 2026

  • Resistance is the Medicine. Flow is the Cure.

    • January 30, 2026

  • Look At Me Go

    • July 8, 2025

  • The Pursuit of Happiness: You Have a Choice

    • September 26, 2024

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liakcook

📖 Fiction Writer
❤️ Grace & Grit Blog
Wife | Mom ❤️❤️❤️🐾| 🚜 Farmhouse life
Your mental health matters because YOU matter. Y Your mental health matters because YOU matter. You deserve to experience the fullest expression of this life, however that looks for you. Whether it be bubble baths, pedicures, manicures, and massages. Or taking a walk, calling a friend, deep centering breathwork, meditation, AND therapy. Give yourself the gift of choice - of learning to listen to your deep inner knowing AND following where it leads. Your quality of life matters. It’s time we stop self-abandoning and instead tune in and honor what we feel, what we want, and what we need. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It was created in the 1940’s to reduce stigma and raise awareness. When we live from a self-loving place we create a broader safer space for others to honor their needs. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #youmatter #selflove❤️ #mentalhealth
She did it! I still can’t believe our bubble blowi She did it! I still can’t believe our bubble blowing, tea-party-loving little girl is getting ready to walk across the big stage and out into the world. I’m so proud of my girl! She worked hard for this moment. I can’t wait to see where she shines her light next. Huge shoutout to @victoriaanne_photography_ for these amazing pictures. #ecu #eastcarolinauniversity #piratenation #shedidit
THE MAD WIFE by @mchurchwriter is my favorite read THE MAD WIFE by @mchurchwriter is my favorite read so far this year. This book is a riveting and unputdownable dive into the reality of the 1950’s housewife. I love fiction grounded in history. THE MAD WIFE pulls back the curtain on the so-called housewife syndrome – hysteria diagnosis that left many women lobotomized into happiness and emotional tranquility. I couldn’t help but root for Lulu to shake up the patriarchy as she and her neighborhood friends navigated keeping up appearances, a clean house, raising children, shopping for and preparing healthy and delicious meals, and, of course, keeping a husband happy. This deeply layered novel had me up late, gritting my teeth at society, crying with and for Lulu, and finishing this book in two late night readings. 10/10!!! Meagan’s backlist is now part of my TBR, especially THE GIRLS WE SENT AWAY, which I almost shied away from because of the back cover copy phrase “to hide their daughter’s secret shame” that parallels my own teen pregnancy. But after reading THE MAD WIFE and experiencing firsthand how Meagan immerses readers in a character’s life and experiences, especially a woman’s experience, I decided I was up for another woman’s journey into claiming her power.
One of the many perks of attending Marissa’s book One of the many perks of attending Marissa’s book event was the location in Beaufort, South Carolina. Beaufort is part of what’s known as The Lowcountry, which holds the charm of beautiful trees with hanging moss 😍, salt marshes, and a rich history. Hunting Island State Park is close by, so yesterday morning I took a quick trip. For just $8 I was treated to more beautiful trees, wildlife, the Hunting Island Lighthouse, a walk on the beach, and Hunting Island’s Boneyard Beach. #beaufort #huntingislandstatepark #writerofig #beautifuldestinations
Author events are always inspiring, and especially Author events are always inspiring, and especially when I personally know the author and the conversation is as good as it was tonight. I met @marissawritesbooks in Chicago in 2023 at the @womensfictionwriters conference. I loved her personality and her laugh. She kept me in stitches. Marissa goes above and beyond as a literary citizen in our community cheering and championing other authors and their books. It was my honor to celebrate her book release tonight at the @patconroyliterarycenter in Beaufort, South Carolina. Marissa was in conversation with @kristennessauthor . Kristen is another author I met at The Savannah Book Festival many moons ago. Marissa & Kristen signed books at Pat Conroy’s desk once the event was over. Make sure you add Marissa’s WHEN GOODBYE BEGINS, and Kristen’s AT LOGGERHEADS to your TBR. #whengoodbyesbegin #atloggerheads #writersofinstagram #writer
I attended the Mount Pleasant Literary Festival th I attended the Mount Pleasant Literary Festival this past weekend. I was blown away by the author lineup and that the event was free. Author events always inspire me to keep writing, and hearing these authors stories was no different. I heard of the grit and dedication to the research and the writing process. I heard the love of story that keeps writers and their communities showing up for that highly sought after immersive story and those characters that stick with you long after you close the book. I absolutely loved all the questions readers had for the authors about their characters and their writing process. I can’t wait to one day discuss the characters that live inside my head and the journey I’ve been on to bring my characters to life on the page. The event was held at the Cabarrus County Library and Active Living Center, which is the Mt. Pleasant Library branch in Mt.Pleasant, NC. This new facility offers many services and activities within the facility and outside with walking trails and playgrounds. I highly recommend visiting the @mtpleasantfol and getting on #mplitfest socials and email list to hear about their next event. #litfest #books #meaganchurch #katequinn
Who do you want to be? James Clear says one of th Who do you want to be? James Clear says one of the most important aspects of behavior change is identity. I’m really focusing on my desired identity this year. My identity as a writer, as being healthy and making health-conscious decisions, and of being mindful and present through the continuous work of self-awareness. Clear says a lack of self-awareness is poison. That reflection and review are the antidote. Shifting into a new identity requires looking at beliefs and habits and all the ways I’m taking action toward my desired identity — and all the ways I’m procrastinating, and resisting the discomfort of change. Consistent action is the key! Consistent action can transform my life. I am finding Clear’s methods/tools/strategies of tiny accumulating habits, routines, and structuring my environment for success are helping me spend more intentional time on living into and becoming my desired identity. My latest habits: ✍️ Writing consistently everyday. It’s not easy sitting with disorganized thoughts, but this consistent practice is helping me figure out story issues, plot holes, and deeper character motivations. 🚨I’m starting every day with red light therapy. I find it relaxing and energizing. 📚I love starting my day with a devotional (or two or three) and my journal. I’m making this a consistent practice because it helps me dive deeper into my mindset and helps me show up to my life with more peace and clarity. This is truly a spiritual practice for me. Who are you working on becoming this year? What habits are you trying to establish in pursuit of that identity? #wellness #mindset #habits #writer
Do you know something? #shitisabouttogetreal #dee Do you know something? #shitisabouttogetreal #deepdive2026 #the_shit_about_writing
Present with peace … I love to get up before the Present with peace … I love to get up before the sun and dive into my devotionals in the quiet stillness of the early morning. It’s an intention I’m really focusing on making a practice this year. I have about 10-15 devotionals. I don’t read all of them everyday, but EVERY day I do feel like the divine is speaking to me through them. This morning, that small still voice came through @everydayspirit1 EVERY DAY SPIRIT: A DAYBOOK OF WISDOM, JOY AND PEACE. Today’s devotional was about being present with peace, not regrets of the past or worries of the future but the peace that lives in this very moment. It made me think of the monks the other day. How we were all waiting and waiting, and watching the live app wondering why it was taking so long for them to arrive from what the app was showing. At one point one couple went running to their car. They heard the monks turned off on another street. Another lady received a call from someone further up the road telling her the monks stopped for a bathroom break. Still another heard the monks were stopping and praying with people. Then the police cars came over the hill where we were standing. They stopped at the crest of the hill. We all knew the monks were close. Peace settled over the crowd. The monks walked by in silence. It was over just like that. We waited almost two hours. The monks passed by—full of peace, full of presence—in less than a few minutes. Present with peace. That is my intention for more than just a few minutes today. #presence #peace #graceandgritblog #mindset
What an honor and blessing to witness these smiles What an honor and blessing to witness these smiles, this mission, these hearts. May we all shine our light just as brightly. #walkforpeace #peace #love #bethelight✨
New year. New standards. I’m setting a new stand New year. New standards. I’m setting a new standard this year and focusing my time and energy on people, places, and spaces that bring me More Joy ✨ More Peace ✌️ More Presence 👁️👂 Divine Flow ✨ More Awe 💫 Opportunities for Deeper Self-Awareness ❤️ I’m spending less time with guilt and doubt, unless these emotions are pointing me back to my standards. I’m no longer tolerating shame, judgement, and overthinking which spiral me away from the experiences I want. These new standards are a daily practice of noticing when I FEEL aligned and when I’ve returned to old habits that keep me miles away from the life I want to be living. What new standards are you setting this year? #selfawareness #selflove❤️ #graceandgritblog #mindset #mindfulness
That’s a wrap!! What a year 2025 has been. A year That’s a wrap!! What a year 2025 has been. A year full of experiences and memories I will cherish. A year of hardship and trials that tested my faith and tried to wipe out all hope. And still here I am on the threshold of a new year ready to make it the best one yet. Happy New Year, my friend! May this new year bring joy, abundance, expansion, and awe. Let’s never stop striving to create a magical & meaningful life. ♥️ #happynewyear #2025 #thatsawrap #memories #graceandgritblog
This is 53! To celebrate our birthdays, Dwayne pl This is 53! To celebrate our birthdays, Dwayne planned a special birthday trip to Vegas so we could experience The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere. The Sphere is an experience inside & out, with the changing colors and pictures on the outside, and special effects like vibrating seats, wind, and falling apples during the show on the inside. It was definitely a highlight of our trip. We also rented a car and visited The Valley of Fire to see God’s wonders up close and personal. We hiked over six miles (almost died), and said “look at that” and “wow” at least a hundred times. And of course we took in all the sights and entertainment in Vegas. That was an experience! #myguy #memories #vegas #thespherelasvegas #valleyoffirestatepark
I am grateful for these smiling faces who entertai I am grateful for these smiling faces who entertain my crazy onesie ideas in the name of a FUN holiday card. May this holiday season be filled with FUN & JOY! 📸credits: @aydenrook_ #thanksgiving2026 #christmas #joy #familytime❤️ #myheartbeats
My bonus mom was laid to rest yesterday. I met her My bonus mom was laid to rest yesterday. I met her when I was five, through my forever friend, her oldest daughter, Christy. Her husband gave everyone the opportunity at the service to share a memory, a story, whatever was on their heart. Words of love flowed about her hugs, her cooking, her green thumb, her love of snow, & The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. A common theme resounded about the mom she was and the unconditional love and grace she gave to all she met. Birthdays and holidays were important to Kay and she always made them special - another repeated message yesterday. She’s sent me a card or texted me happy birthday every year, even though time and life kept our in-person encounters too few and too far between. I went searching for one text in particular. It’s from 2020 where she mentions why she called me “daughter of my heart.” In the text it says: born to others but loved deeply by me as their heart mother. Kay was a heart mother to so many. We blew bubbles for her before the casket was loaded into the hearse. It felt so fitting for a woman so easygoing and full of love and light. We will carry her love in our heart. ❤️ #bonusmom #grace #mommaslove #alegacytofollow
Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. A Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. A day to educate and spread awareness around the stigma of mental health. There is a strong link between mental health challenges and substance use, as many people with mental illness turn to substances to cope, and substance use can trigger or worsen mental health disorders. Addiction is a mental health issue near and dear to my heart. Addiction is a disease that is met with shame, not casseroles and cards full of empathy and compassion. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding addiction is real. No, the disease is not pretty, but the people and the families battling it are real and they deserve love and hope and healing. Addiction is a diagnosable disease that can be managed. Individuals battling this disease, along with their loved ones, need connection, not shame and isolation. They need a framework for self-reflection, accountability, and support. Hope and community are available. No one needs to battle this disease alone. Words hold power! Sharing our battles helps someone else find the courage and strength in their own personal battle. A smile, a cup of coffee, a hug, a kind listening ear works wonders too. Love - not shame - is where we come together and start to take on this disease and mental health. #mentalhealth #addiction #recovery #loveistheanswer #wedorecover💜
I’ve been married to this guy for 33 years, and bo I’ve been married to this guy for 33 years, and boy what a life we’ve made! From kiddos, endless home renovations, a business, grand adventures, and all the various highs and lows a life brings we keep sticking together. 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Relationships are never easy. They take lots of work and effort. Lots of I’m sorry and I was an a**. Lord knows we have put in the work and effort and apologies to make this the best life it can be. I’m forever grateful that we keep showing up to figure it out together. He is still the one for me and I’m excited to see what new adventures we’ll map out together over our next 33 years. #theone #anniversay #myguy #ourlife
I love a book that challenges my perspective and m I love a book that challenges my perspective and my beliefs, and this book did just that. I’ve heard several respected teachers and coaches talk about Mary Magdalene and her spiritual power to guide them in their present-day life. My jam is finding awe and magic in the mundane, synchronicities and unexplainable events in the day-to-day, events that point to the possibility there is something more than we are seeing. Not ghosts, mind you. Though I love a good ghost story told by someone else!  I heard Meggan on a podcast talking about her latest release THE GIRL WHO BAPTISED HERSELF and was fascinated by the discussion of Mary Magdalene and Christianity, especially the history of the Bible and who decided which texts were included, the lost gospel of Mary Magdalene, and Mary Magdalene’s relationship with Christ (which was different than what I had been taught and believed).  Meggan’s book reads as a memoir, filled with synchronicities on her spiritual journey to the heart of Mary Magdalene and herself, while also discussing the gospel of Mary Magalene. So many of my beliefs were challenged, even debunked within this book. I called my mom (a Lutheran Church Secretary for 54 years), my girlfriend who knows her Bible, and my Pastor to discuss all my questions: Did Jesus have a relationship with Mary? Why was her gospel left out of the original canon? Did you know several gospels have been found that were omitted? You mean to tell me there is a whole list of feminist theology that is overlooked and not discussed? Their answers pointed me to a historical system that I’ve lived in blissful ignorance to, but now I’m eager to learn more about the woman Jesus kissed on the mouth, the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet, the woman Jesus came to first, the woman whose gospel speaks of the kind of grace and love I can get behind. I highly recommend this book!  What do you know about the Gospel of Mary Magdalene? Please tell me all the things.  #graceandgritblog #marymagdalene #thoughtprovoking #newpossibilities #whatareyoureading
What do you desire? Peace, deep conversations, co What do you desire? Peace, deep conversations, connection, confidence, compassion, love, rest, laughter, to scream, to cry … What do you desire? From what we eat and drink. To how we move our bodies. To the words and opinions we let fill our ears, our minds, and our hearts. To who we hang around. To how often we say no. To how often we say yes. Your desires are your guide - an invitation to a choice. A choice about how you spend your days, weeks, months, years. A choice about how you live this one life. What do you desire? #selfawareness #yourneedsmatter #selfcarematters #gritandgrace #graceandgritblog
I had my first Akashic reading last fall. One of t I had my first Akashic reading last fall. One of the things that came up was my relationship with comfort and control, and boy was it a wake-up call. I didn’t realize how much of an attachment I had to comfort and control and how that dynamic was showing up in my relationships. I didn’t realize how my perceived control was bringing me comfort. I’ve been working on surrendering and releasing, trusting and allowing, and even accepting what is mine to change and what isn’t. This is big work for a fixer like me. Awareness was the beginning of an unraveling and untangling process. It’s a process of discerning when I’m doing too much, when I’m robbing someone of their experience because my discomfort is getting in the way of allowing life and choice to mold and shape someone. We all need our own autonomy. Everyone is on their own journey and they need to be able to do things their way and in their own time to learn and grow. What is your relationship with control and comfort? Did you even realize how comfort and control worked together or is this new to you like it was me? #selfawareness #selfgrowth #mindset #growth
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