Emily Rachelle Writes

As many of you lovely readers heard, I have a new book coming out! Yay! This is a bit different from Sixteen , though. It's a book of poems called Rain in December.  There are many themes in the book -- ranging from love to depression to friends to the weather -- some of them more prominent than others. Although there aren't as many poems about certain topics in my book, those that are in it were very significant in the book's coming about and the stories behind them are stories I haven't shared publicly before but feel I need to now. So starting today I'd like to share journal entries and other thoughts and stories leading up to the release of Rain In December . I request for this journal series this month that parental permission and guidance be sought out for readers under sixteen.

As announced last week, I have a book of poetry coming out! The release date is March 31, and of course it will be followed by a blog tour. The release actually coincides perfectly with national poetry month in April. Of course, you don't want to hear all my pesky details right now. We all know what you're here for: shiny new cover art!

I don't normally post outside Wednesdays, but I used to, and since St. Valentine's Day fell on a weekend and I just announced my new poetry book coming out, I thought it'd be fun to share a love poem from that book for the holiday. I hope you enjoy! Sames People say that Opposites attract. You hear it, Over and over again, From old and young From those who have been in love And those who haven't. I think that's probably The wrongest thing about love I've ever heard.

Hello, my lovely readers! Today I have a bit of housekeeping followed by a marvelous bit of news to share with you all. First of all: I've officially given up on The College Chronicles. I don't know the first thing about shooting or editing videos, I'm a perfectionist never happy with my own work, and even I'm bored by my own footage of average college life. In other words, I'm just not cut out for vlogging. I'll leave that to the YouTube stars from now on. Now, on to the really big news! Drumroll, please! I am releasing...  a new book... of poetry! It's called Rain In December. It comes out March 31. You can tune in next week to see the beautiful shiny cover! Until then, my lovely readers!

Warning: sexual discussion ahead. Those under sixteen need a parent's permission and guidance when reading. This material is very sensitive and personal to many of us -- and yes, I said us . I realize this is going beyond the hot-button stuff I sometimes touch on, but I've been wanting to post something about sex and Christianity for a long time. I won't stay silent any longer. These are stories that I have experienced personally or seen in others' lives, sometimes generalized or embellished to keep the identities of those involved private. Many of these stories are teen- and youth-specific, because that is my and my social group's experience, but the thoughts here still apply, and I believe the first discussions of sex in the church -- which, if they are held at all, mostly begin in the high school youth group -- can be the most healing or the most damaging of all, and are either way the most formative when it comes to faith-filled approaches to sex. I am aware...

I've got a beef with the book world today. I love books. Paperbacks, ebooks, hardcovers, audiobooks, the works. My room is overrun with books and my Kindle archive reaches beyond 600 books. I love books, no matter the format. The internet, though, can be brutal. And lately I'm fed up with the brutal war against e-readers. (Yes, I'm playing with political terms. Please don't take this too seriously.) It started with Pinterest, so that's where I'll start. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/121808364897467846/ Because a "real book" can fit in my suitcase when I fly home and back for school breaks, can slide into my purse without giving me scoliosis, can look up an unknown word with the push of a button. No, only a digital book can do those things. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/517702919636402460/ Wait, you mean the glitter and Photoshop or the dust that gives me an allergy attack? http://www.pinterest.com/pin/12180836...

In the Darkness of the Pit The Light Shines Brightest Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his  place among the warriors. But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward.” When the  men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame. Only  fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor. The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a curse in their wake. One by one the  strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power. The secret source of  this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart.  But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs  to face the darkness? Coming May 25, 2015 ANNE ELISABETH STENGL makes her home in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’...