Seekerville offers oodles of posts aimed primarily at writers, but readers love to visit too. I invited some faithful Seekervillagers to tell me why they feel at home here.These dear ladies might not call themselves writers, but they wrote LOTS. I wish I could share every single thing they said. Alas, I’ve exceeded my word count as it is. (Thanks for extending me grace, Tina.)
Here are ten reasons these wonderful readers think Seekerville rocks.
Accountability & Acceptance
The Seekers practice gentle tough love for writers. They’re generous with their time, offering fledgling writers encouragement, critiques and a kick in the pants when needed, followed by hugs and chocolate! They’re non-judgmental, accepting writers and readers for who they are and where they are in the journey. ~ Kav Rees
Becoming Better Readers
I love visiting Seekerville because it makes me a better reader! While the authors are learning more about utilizing their craft, I'm learning how to appreciate it better as I read and post reviews on my blog. Becoming aware of specific reasons WHY a book was so good has helped me articulate my feelings into more thoughtful reviews. ~ Heidi Robbins
Book Discoveries
Books have been my passion since my Daddy read them to me, and I imagine they’ll be my passion until I no longer breathe. I’m always eager to learn about the newest books by favorite authors and those getting started in their writing careers. ~ Connie Saunders
The prizes that are offered, which often include books, could be a great way to find a new author whose work you could love or a new genre that you've never read before. ~ Dawn Leonard
Camaraderie
I enjoy interacting with the authors and fellow bookish friends in Seekerville. It’s like hanging out with friends in my favorite bookstore. ~ Caryl Kane
I love visiting Seekerville because there’s such positive camaraderie there, full of encouragement, support, and HUMOR. I always feel welcome and valued. The kind words of the Seekers and others are appreciated! I often find myself smiling as I read the posts and comments, which are more like several conversations going on at once! ~ Heidi
I feel loved and accepted and as if my opinion is important. When I’m missing, I’m welcomed back, and I know it’s genuine. At times when my health has been bad, I know they’ll pray for me. We’re family rather than just people who post on a blog. When I leave a comment on a Seekerville post, I know I’ll be acknowledged. ~ Jenny Blake
I found Seekerville after years of feeling like a book-loving reader oddball. No one I knew read as much Christian Fiction as I did, so when I landed at Seekerville, I felt like I’d found “my people.” I found a connection so strong among the Seekers that I didn't have to explain myself or my book love. They get me. That's one of the best feelings ever, to be understood, to feel like you’ve found your place among friends. Seekerville feels like Home Sweet Home! ~ Tracey Hagwood
I’ve been part of Seekerville for about two years. The first time I commented, I said something to the effect of “I’m just a reader, not a writer.” It was either Tina or Ruthy who replied, “Don’t say you’re just a reader.” She went on to encourage me that I was just as valuable to the blog as anyone else. I felt so loved and like I was engulfed into what I now consider my cyber family. It took me a bit to feel comfortable commenting because I don’t make friends easy, but I soon felt like what I had to say was important. I found myself joking and laughing, as well as talking about the more serious topics of faith. I feel I can share anything now, and the support has been wonderful! ~ Trixi Oberembt
I appreciate each and every Seeker and am thankful that I’ve been allowed to join the sorority because Seekers are the ultimate cheerleaders! ~ Connie
Giveaways
I discovered Seekerville two years ago when I saw that an author would be visiting and giving away a copy of her latest book. Giveaway—Free book—Favorite author—Nothing to lose! I didn't win that specific book, but I became a winner in so many other ways. I’ve won a few giveaways since then, which is a boost to the budget of this librarian who no longer draws a paycheck. ~ Connie
Books are pretty much my favorite thing ever, so winning one on Seekerville feels like winning the lottery! With much less risk and way higher chances. 😉 Over the years, I’ve also won a scarf, a water bottle, a library tote bag, and a library pouch, which have been so fun to use! Thank you for your generosity. ~ Heidi
I’ve won at least two dozen prizes through Seekerville over the last five years, which has resulted in “claim your prize” email exchanges with Tina, administrator extraordinaire. She always makes me feel like I’m important and shows interest in what’s going on in my world. On a recent blog post, she made us tell five things about ourselves to describe why we are amazing. It made a lot of us uncomfortable, but there’s nothing like a good friend who encourages you to see yourself in a positive light. That’s our Tina! ~ Tracey
Posts
The authors who visit Seekerville share their love of the written word with readers like me, and I learn something every day. Writing tips—Life skills—How to develop a closer relationship with God. ~ Connie
Always different topics but meaningful ones. One day you could learn how to write something, the next about researching, and the next about an author's life. You can read a post, comment on it, comment on someone's comment, or do nothing. On Friday, there's a blast from the past. Each weekend, just like in real life, you have the chance to catch up on what you missed and plan for the week ahead. Tina does an AWESOME job managing everything. ~ Dawn
The Seekers
As I’ve gotten to know our authors through Seekerville, I’ve learned the various personalities of each one and how we all fit together like a perfect puzzle. I love Ruthy and Tina’s energy, how they jump right in to encourage, motivate and cheer for those who are newly published or not yet. Whenever anyone is feeling down, they’re right there to lift them up. Julie Lessman brings her unique vibe to the group. You can count on a few exclamation points and BOLDED words to stand out among the others. She always has something fun to say…even if she has too much caffeine in her system. Lol! Sandra Leesmith brings her quiet strength and smiling face. You can count on her to say just the right thing. Myra Johnson—when she leaves Grammar Queen in the closet—is a sweetheart and always has something nice to say too! There are many more, of course, but I don’t want to take up the entire post. Just know you gals are special to me in your own unique ways! Love you to pieces! ~ Trixi
Support
If I had to pick one word to describe Seekerville, that would be SUPPORT. It has to be spelled in capital letters because there's so much of it. Everyone builds up everyone else in a positive, genuine way, not in an “I'm writing this nice thing because I have to” way. Writing contest winners are congratulated—and they're not just Seekers. They're newly published authors and new writers. ~ Dawn
Virtual Treats
Virtual treats are mentioned almost daily, and this often inspires me to “get to baking.” ~ Connie
Who can resist virtual treats??? Oh my, these ladies know how to cook up a storm!! You’ll have your fill of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or other drinks, along with sweet pastries or any number of desserts…homemade to boot! I love how they bring seasonal treats as well. Pumpkin spice anyone? ~ Trixi
A Question for You
You’ve heard why these wonderful ladies love Seekerville and how the site benefits readers as well as writers. Now it’s your turn. What do you like best about this great place, and why?
Keli Gwyn is giving away three copies of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers. Each of the three winners will also receive a "Seeker” mini notepad.
And to another winner, this lovely and elegant family themed locket, from Origami Owl, valued at $88.
And to another winner, this lovely and elegant family themed locket, from Origami Owl, valued at $88.
To thank Keli for all the work she put into this AMAZING post (and all the others she has contributed over the years), Seekerville will add three ecopies of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers. So if you are an international reader please raise your hand! We're sending Keli off to retirement with a BANG!
A Christmas Match
The best Christmas possible—that's what Lavinia Crowne intends to provide before taking her orphaned nieces and nephew home to Philadelphia. But carrying out her plan may be harder than she expects, with their handsome, stubborn uncle, Henry Hawthorn, insisting on raising the children in rough-and-tumble Sutter Creek, California. Lavinia can't bear to lose her late sister's children, though, or go against her father's demand to bring them home.
Henry believes his nieces and nephew need affection and security more than a lavish lifestyle. But as the children conspire to bring their aunt and uncle together, a new vision fills his head—of future Christmases spent with sweet, determined Lavinia and their growing family. Can three little matchmakers, and the spirit of the season, bring the gift of a very happy beginning?
Keli Gwyn fell in love with Seekerville nine years ago when Tina went searching for her in cyberspace and invited her to guest post. Keli, a florescent-green newbie writer at the time, didn’t even know what a blog was, let alone how to comment on one. She quickly learned that the Seekers are known for being helpful since they coached her through that daunting experience. They’ve taught her a great deal since then, teased her a bit (waving at Ruthy!), encouraged her and celebrated with her. She’ll be forever in their debt.
Keli’s writing career has included the publication of six novels—five of them with Love Inspired Historical—one novella and one short story. She’s thrilled to have lived her lifelong dream of being a published author, but she’s chosen to retire from writing so she can spend more time with her great guy. She’ll still be hanging out online, but like the wonderful Seekervillagers who contributed to this post, she’ll be proudly boasting the title “reader.”
And a birthday video too!
Birthday greetings from Nebraska:
Yvonne Weers, Kathy Anderson, Sherri Shackelford,
Mary Connealy and Diane Kenyon.
