Edie Melson – Real Life Romance – Part 1 of 3

Nonfiction author, Edie Melson shares her real life romance, plus her latest e-book, Connections – Social Media and Networking Techniques for Writers. Since I promise a weekly romance novel for giveaway, I’m throwing in one of my latest releases, Rodeo Ashes too. Comment on any post dated Jan 28 – Feb 1 to get your name in the drawing. Deadline: Feb 9th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Edie:

Last year I shared our real-life love story from my point of view. I thought it would be fun to share the same story from my husband’s point of view. 
An Impossible Meeting
My first semester at college started out exciting, but had deteriorated quickly. Oh, I liked my school, and my roommate, well enough. And like any eighteen-year-old it was fun living away from home. 
But over Thanksgiving, my girlfriend of a year and a half had dumped me. If that wasn’t bad enough, she had been the main reason I’d chosen this particular college. It was located in the town where she lived. 
This particular weekend I was back home for a visit and decided Sunday morning worship might help me decide whether I’d made the right decision by transferring back to my original college of choice, one where I’d be living at home. I was nervous about starting yet another new college, and less than confident in my ability to make wise choices. The first one certainly hadn’t turned out like I’d hoped. 
I got to church and slipped into a front pew next to my buddy, also home from college. It felt good to be back and life began to take on a more normal feel as we caught up on happenings and began to cut up. 
I glanced up as the organ played and the choir began to process in. Ours was a small church and the choir was made up of members of all ages. 
Today there was a new face. 
She looked about my age, and although I’d been a member of this church most of my life, she was a stranger. Her dark hair fell in soft waves and her smile seemed to light up her face. As the choir sat, she glanced toward the congregation and our eyes met.
I felt an almost immediate spark and I could tell, from the way her eyes darted away, she’d felt something too. I elbowed my friend and nodded in the new girl’s direction. “Who is she?” I tried to keep my voice low, but he could tell I was interested. 
“The pretty one?” He grinned. “Never seen her. But you ought to introduce yourself.” 
My thoughts raced, but only one won out. There was no way I’d ever have a chance with a girl like that. Even as I knew it could never happen, I felt hopeful. Our glances continued to connect throughout the service and once I even screwed up my courage enough to wink. Again she quickly looked away, but I saw the smile that followed, along with the blush. 
Even if she was way out of my league, living at home didn’t seem like such a bad decision. After church, even though my buddy kept encouraging me, I didn’t introduce myself. I’d be home now and able to come back to church on a regular basis. We’d meet eventually, but today I wanted to keep my secret dream alive.
About Edie: Edie Melson is a leading professional in the writing industry. She’s a sought after writing instructor; and her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. 
She’s a prolific writer, publishing thousands of articles over the years, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. Edie is a regular contributor on the popular Novel Rocket and Inspire a Fire websites, as well as social media columnist for Southern Writers Magazine. 
In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated and expanded for re-release in late January 2013. Look for Connections: Social Media and Networking Techniques for Writers in the My Book Therapy Bookstore. 
Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, released in 2011. This devotional book for those with family members in the military shares Edie’s story of how she dealt with a son at war, as well as stories from others who’ve faced this heart-rending issue. 
She’s a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, The Christian Pen and American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s also the Social Media Coach for the My Book Therapy Core Team, and the Assistant Acquisitions Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. Learn more www.EdieMelson.com.
Come back Jan 30th for Edie’s 2nd installment and another book up for grabs.