MSI Press Blog

  Marti Wells-Smith, author of Lamentations of the Heart , has written her last blog post, "Not Really Good-Bye." She writes, Dear Kindred Spirits in Christ, I've been writing my blog for several years now. It all began with the passing of my son Grant in 2019. Then came the grief, then a quickened faith, and finally the book, Lamentations of the Heart - Mingled with Peace and Joy. This blog has been an extension of my faith, of wanting to reach out to others. But life unfolds in chapters, and everything alters in time, with the exception of God, Who is eternal and unchanging. To read the rest of the blog post, click HERE . To read other posts about Marti and her book, click HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for 

  Lamentations of the Heart is a memoir about the death of the author's son. THE LOVELY THINGS          Today, I look fondly upon this place, this life of mine, in a softer way, from a different view. Choosing to see something new, even in its long-lived state. To peer upon my world and see the faintest lovely things grow large, as the smallest acts of kindness show their power.       Weary of grief, this choice was made. A call for beauty among ashes, overlooked before, pulled from a time that cannot return, from thoughts that churned in an aching stream. Those were the days when I dwelled on my loss—when it seemed there was nothing more.          But there is always more. “God, help me,” I said, “to seek them out, the parts that will cover the rest of my life.” Shaping the corners where you once stood, connecting the spaces that you once filled, I asked for something to move me when I stand too still. And faith came upon me. It carried me along, and I went with it, willingl

  Lamentations of the Heart soulfully combines contemporary free verse poetry and nonfictional prose to tell the story of one mother’s grief following the death of her only child. The author interweaves scriptural passages with the inevitable struggles to accept and make sense of her new reality. All of it reveals the unending love for family that remains. Written to reach out to others who have experienced similar pain, it moves upon the uneven, wavering pattern of great emotion, along a tumultuous path blessed with signs and wonders --   an unwanted journey a tapestry of life healing begins   “The author speaks from her heart and touched mine as I read, shedding a few tears along the way.” (Jan Hedges, Owner, Hedgehog INK! Bookstore)   Available right now from Amazon . Other sellers will follow soon.  25% discount at MSI Press webstore . Use coupon code FF25.  Read posts about Marti and her book HERE .

  Beginning today and continuing through July 31, we will be offering a discount on Lamentations of the Heart through the Kindle Countdown program.  Find it HERE . Read more about Marti Wells-Smith and Lamentations of the Heart HERE .

  Excerpt from Lamentations of the Heart (Marti Wells-Smith) -  SPARROWS   House sparrows swoop and hide in the old holly bush to the side of my porch; clustered with berries and sharp-edged leaves that never turn dull or lifelessly fall.                                                               A place for small flocks to tuck in their wings when rain pours upon them or snow settles in. These sparrows that scatter and fearfully fly from the young, rumpled boys who often pass by and the chattering girls who follow behind, never, not once, see the woman inside. I perch in the background, hidden away with a lap of white paper and rambling thoughts— of what is, and could be but simply is not… And the sparrows, they console me, as I sit, watching God move upon their lives— providing every need.   Matthew 10:31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.   For more posts about Marti and her book, including more exce

  In a post on her blog that she shared today, Marti Wells-Smith ( Lamentations of the Heart ) relates a dream about her late son that was experienced by a friend.  Here is the beginning of the post: I want to share a dream with you that a dear friend had, following the passing of my son in 2019. She said that Grant appeared in what looked like a hologram, with a radiant smile, and impressed upon her what seemed to be a telepathic message. He told her that we shouldn't be sad, because there is no sadness in heaven - and that everyone there is connected heart to heart - with a universal language...I think of this often, and rejoice for the beautiful signs I've received, and for a dream such as this. My son is blissfully happy now, forever. But my sadness? It still comes and goes, as time moves along and life continues. Yet it's not a hopeless sorrow - I have great hope for our futures. Can you feel your loved ones gone on? Do you also wait to be reunited with great ex

  Books on discount through Kindle (Kindle Countdown) Discount begins (first day) at 99 cents, with amount of discount decreasing during the countdown period, so, if you are interested in the book, snatch it on day one for the best price. (Subsequent prices, though, are something to smile about as well.) Books return to regular price the day after the last day listed below. Lamentations of the Heart Mingled with Peace and Joy 4/23 - 4/30 Spunky Grandmas and Other Amusing Characters 4/23 - 4/30 Publishing for Smarties: How to Find a Publisher 4/25 - 4/30 Survival of the Caregiver 4/30 - 5/7 Creative Aging USA Best Books Award finalist 5/1 - 5/8 Healing from Incest Finalist, Book of the Year Award Rainstorm of Tomorrow Awards Silver Medal, Science, Kops-Fetherling International Books Award Silver Award, Humanities, Reader Views Literary Awards competition Silver Award, Literary Titan Book Award 5/29 - 6/5 Paperback formats (and in some cases, hard cover formats) of the above e-books can

  Books on discount through Kindle (Kindle Countdown) Discount begins (first day) at 99 cents, with amount of discount decreasing during the countdown period, so, if you are interested in the book, snatch it on day one for the best price. (Subsequent prices, though, are something to smile about as well.) Books return to regular price the day after the last day listed below. Lamentations of the Heart Mingled with Peace and Joy 4/23 - 4/30 Spunky Grandmas and Other Amusing Characters 4/23 - 4/30 Publishing for Smarties: How to Find a Publisher 4/25 - 4/30 Survival of the Caregiver 4/30 - 5/7 Creative Aging USA Best Books Award finalist 5/1 - 5/8 Healing from Incest Finalist, Book of the Year Award Rainstorm of Tomorrow Awards Silver Medal, Science, Kops-Fetherling International Books Award Silver Award, Humanities, Reader Views Literary Awards competition Silver Award, Literary Titan Book Award 5/29 - 6/5 Paperback formats (and in some cases, hard cover formats) of the above e-books can

  Books on discount through Kindle (Kindle Countdown) Discount begins (first day) at 99 cents, with amount of discount decreasing during the countdown period, so, if you are interested in the book, snatch it on day one for the best price. (Subsequent prices, though, are something to smile about as well.) Books return to regular price the day after the last day listed below. Lamentations of the Heart Mingled with Peace and Joy 4/23 - 4/30 Spunky Grandmas and Other Amusing Characters 4/23 - 4/30 Publishing for Smarties: How to Find a Publisher 4/25 - 4/30 Paperback formats (and in some cases, hard cover formats) of the above e-books can be purchased on discount at MSI Press webstore; use FF25 as a coupon code to get a 25% discount. Books on deep discount at  MSI Press webstore /books available while supplies last: 10 Quick Homework Tips  (McKinley-Alder & Trombly) 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents: Fun Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School  (McKinley-Alder & Trombly)

  Books on discount through Kindle (Kindle Countdown) Discount begins (first day) at 99 cents, with amount of discount decreasing during the countdown period, so, if you are interested in the book, snatch it on day one for the best price. (Subsequent prices, though, are something to smile about as well.) Books return to regular price the day after the last day listed below. Lamentations of the Heart Mingled with Peace and Joy 4/23 - 4/30 Spunky Grandmas and Other Amusing Characters 4/23 - 4/30 Publishing for Smarties: How to Find a Publisher 4/25 - 4/30 Paperback formats (and in some cases, hard cover formats) of the above e-books can be purchased on discount at MSI Press webstore; use FF25 as a coupon code to get a 25% discount. Books on deep discount at  MSI Press webstore /books available while supplies last: 10 Quick Homework Tips  (McKinley-Alder & Trombly) 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents: Fun Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School  (McKinley-Alder & Trombly)