Layers Of The Heart

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I have found it to be quite fascinating and absorbing.
I found the story of the man who put down his gun to pray with the convenience store worker intriguing - a 12 year prison sentence seems wildly unjust to me, but then I guess the way short sentences are handed out over here on a daily basis might have something to do with that.

The way you write is engaging and informative without being 'preachy'. I don't know how you do it, but there is a serenity to your words which makes for a wonderfully gentle read.
I like the various quotes at chapter beginnings - I especially liked the Wordsworth one 'My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky'.

Your memories of Naunie and the bond between you are powerful. You say her love formed 'the basic foundation of my journey of the heart'.
There is a strong sense of 'journey' in this and people finding their purpose in life.
I am so glad I have put some time aside this afternoon to sit down and read the first 4 chapters. It has certainly made me stop and think.

Starring and wishing you well with this.
Debbie
'Speedy McCready'

"...another way for me to give life." I'm at a loss for words. Your little book here is a treasure. That line hit me bull's eye in my heart. This is written beautifuly with a message sure to impact every reader. There is so much life. Each chapter reads like a beat of the heart. This book is for every young adult as a gem of wisdom and for every grown-up to wipe off the layer of doubt and distrust that dusts the hearts after each disappointment and disillusionment. Truly excellent! I'll return to read the last ten chapters soon.
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

Wow. This reminds me somewhat of my absolute favorite book, Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." I love the notion of having a purpose in life and the way you express it (he describes it as a personal legend). You write in a way that is very easy to follow and makes one not want to stop. Your words are absolutely powerful and your stories are incredible. You instantly made me feel emotional just after reading the first page. GREAT JOB with this! Hope to see it go far.

Love conquers all, is the message that flows through this beautifully written, inspiring and thought provoking story.

Patricia shows us that we can overcome grief, heartbreak, despair and illness; in fact anything that life chooses to throw at us. She herself cheated death at a very young age. Through her life she has endured many harrowing experiences, though, it has to be said, she doesn't dwell on them in this book and her intention is not to evoke an ounce of self pity.

She steers the reader gently and poetically through, what she terms as, the layers of the heart. We are made aware that greed and self indulgence does not only ruin our lives but the lives of our children also. Smile at a stranger, brighten their day and, in doing so we brighten our own, she says.

Patricia holds no bitterness in her heart for those who hurt and betrayed her; lays no blame on their door. I downloaded this story on to my Kindle and loved every word. What a wonderful person you are Patricia.

Mary

Patricia,

I will be revisting and revisiting my "Forever Book" for the rest of my natural existence. I have always had the sense of oneness that you so very well understand and write about so elequently in your deeply moving book. Your book moves me to tears with your profound understanding and I cannot thank you enough for writing this book for the world.

Best Regards,
January

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I have found it to be quite fascinating and absorbing.
I found the story of the man who put down his gun to pray with the convenience store worker intriguing - a 12 year prison sentence seems wildly unjust to me, but then I guess the way short sentences are handed out over here on a daily basis might have something to do with that.

The way you write is engaging and informative without being 'preachy'. I don't know how you do it, but there is a serenity to your words which makes for a wonderfully gentle read.
I like the various quotes at chapter beginnings - I especially liked the Wordsworth one 'My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky'.

Your memories of Naunie and the bond between you are powerful. You say her love formed 'the basic foundation of my journey of the heart'.
There is a strong sense of 'journey' in this and people finding their purpose in life.
I am so glad I have put some time aside this afternoon to sit down and read the first 4 chapters. It has certainly made me stop and think.

Starring and wishing you well with this.
Debbie
'Speedy McCready'

Layers of the Heart

What a wonderful uplifting and positive book! You have a well thought out and extremely well-written book. I had tears in my eyes when you spoke of having appendicitis and almost died. Yet you had a calmness. It is truly amazing that even the smallest decisions can have such major impacts on our lives and others. Your writing is easy to follow and so organized. I will definitely buy this when you have it published. I sprinkle you with 6 stars!
Sara Stinson
Finger Bones

LAYERS OF MY HEART
This is an interesting story. It’s hard to believe a man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a robbery that didn’t really happen. Especially because he was a veteran. Seems as if not only the clerk and the would-be-robber should be praying. I like the way you then go into your life experiences and show how the smallest decision we make can have such a major effect on our lives. I’m happy to see you have moved up to 308 as I think this could be the type of True Story book Harper Collins is looking for. I’m starring it and adding it to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

I returned today and after reading two more extraordinary chapters, Paul came to mind. After reading about God getting your attention by shutting you down physically. How did God get Paul's attention? Physical infirmity. If we turn the clock back, God's act could be viewed as harsh, merciless, senseless, yet we know what God had planned for his life. A transformation that defies human imagination and baffles explanation. Afterward, an assignment that transformed the world throughout the generations. I'm thrilled to have come across your book :)) I'm so excited to read on :))
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

Well, I'm just terrible at this spamming business. I came to visit your page meaning to ask you to look at my book, and the next thing I know I'm finished with chapter 8 of your lovely book. Gaelic and Garlic--I'll use that the next time I'm visiting my relatives in Rhode Island. So when you talk of gravy, you're talking about tomato sauce, right? That's what my cousins call it.

I loved the story about the appendicitis. Why do adults think kids are faking illness? I was occasionally accused of it and found it utterly bewildering.

And your story about the paper you wrote asking your friend not to commit suicide...what an amazing story. My daughter had a friend who began making suicide attempts in the sixth grade. I don't think people realize how widespread the problem really is.

I see you've published this. Hope it's going well!!

~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

"...another way for me to give life." I'm at a loss for words. Your little book here is a treasure. That line hit me bull's eye in my heart. This is written beautifuly with a message sure to impact every reader. There is so much life. Each chapter reads like a beat of the heart. This book is for every young adult as a gem of wisdom and for every grown-up to wipe off the layer of doubt and distrust that dusts the hearts after each disappointment and disillusionment. Truly excellent! I'll return to read the last ten chapters soon.
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

This is a most thought provoking book. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I am not sure if you are familiar with guru Mahragi? I attended one of his "talks" along time ago and his philosophies on life are enlightening and similar to those you have described and to this day I carry his words with me. Beautiful book, all the best, Karen.

I read two chapters of this. I enjoyed the story and then the opener study page.
It is written well and with a lot of new scope to it.
I like the title and cover very much.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

Hello Patricia:

There is something intangible about your writing, in that is has the power to immediately uplift the reader, even through the simplest of passages.

I was encouraged by your transparency and how you have reconciled the difficult times in your life to recognize a greater glory at work.

Blessings to you as you continue to encourage many through your writing gift.

James

I've enjoyed your book and have backed it. God bless.

I'm only starting with five chapters read today, but am certainly planning to finish. This will go on my watch list. God had his hand on you, I'm sure. A truly inspiring story.

Hi Columbia:
Nicely done and very inspiring!

Hi Kat, I clearly state it is appendicitis in chapter two starting with the paragraph " One night when my fever hit 105 I was taken to the emergency room where it was determined I had appendicitis" perhaps you haven't read it yet or skipped a paragraph, I do at times on the computer( lose my Place)...Look foward to your thoughts..I would have never left that out as it played a very important role in my life in upcoming chapters. Thanks for taking a look Patricia

I've only read the first three devotionals, but I love your writing style. Very elegant and easy to read. However, there's a vagueness here that is a little bit frustrating. You never say in your second devotional what your illness was - I assume appendicitis? Also, you use the same phrase "my mom says I came out asking why" twice in the first two devotionals. I'd recommend editing that out. I'll put this on my watchlist while I continue to read and consider backing it.

I've only read the first three devotionals, but I love your writing style. Very elegant and easy to read. However, there's a vagueness here that is a little bit frustrating. You never say in your second devotional what your illness was - I assume appendicitis? Also, you use the same phrase "my mom says I came out asking why" twice in the first two devotionals. I'd recommend editing that out. I'll put this on my watchlist while I continue to read and consider backing it.

Layers of the Heart
Nonfiction

The premise, looking within to find our path, is dynamic and compelling. In fact, this same premise is addressed in "Echo", through Adam's musings.

Mechanics, I did notice an occasional missing comma, but a copy editor would like this book. There are so few errors that I noticed, it is hardly worth mentioning.

POV varies, some first person, some 3rd. Suitable for the genre'

Message; marvelous and presented in a very readable format.

Overall: IMO, this would do well on Christian bookstore shelves.

Raechel
Echo

I think that it is fantastic that you took that real-life , taken from the headlines story and fleshed it out to create this beautiful writing. I was very interested in the newstory when it came out and I love what you have done with it. It reads like it could be a made for TV movie, actually! Great job! Its on my WL and I'll be rotating it up to the shelf soon.
Blessings,
Laura A. Diaz
"Come What May"

I just love this book ...(and have purchased the kindle edition )...such an easy book to read (and re-read) ,so beautifully written and guaranteed to touch your heart...
Jumes

Thank You! Yes I look forward to reading your book as well. I did start it, but I have been sick for about a week, and just couldn't read. The story is wonderful, and very inspiring. You have written it beautifully, and I agree with sometimes short is more powerful than long drawn out thoughts.
The book did grab me right from the start, and it's wonderful that you captured this story and put it on paper. The story is amazing all by itself, and now it can be shared with the masses because of you!
I will comment more as I continue reading. But, I have already 6*** it! And Backed it of course!
Dayna

This book has given me inspiration and lifted me up! This truly helps reveal the layers of your heart and will take you through a journey that is worth the time to read and keep close by you. I have this book by my bedside and have been reading and re-reading and the author, Columbia Valentine Scot has helped me more than she realizes. Thank you for giving "CPR" to my life! You are my favorite color in the rainbow of life! hugs, lilmarg1720

Hi Patricia,

Thanks again for backing Whither Thou Goest. I’m finally getting a little caught up, and I’m excited to get to Layers of the Heart.

Starting with your pitch, I think because you said “this story was inspired,” I was expecting this to be a fictionalized account of the incident you described. I see now that it’s an instructional book. Consider changing your pitch to reflect this. Self help, whether Christian or otherwise, is one place where the reader is “what’s in it for me?” In this case, the reader may be thinking, “Why can’t I change?” “Why do I keep doing things I regret?” “When is it too late for me to even try to repent?” “What’s wrong with me?” Instead of describing your intent and your inspiration, use the precious pitch space to invite the reader to join you for some answers to these questions.

You did so many things right in this book. Your chapters are clearly organized. You use your quotations for good impact by opening with them instead of falling into the mistake of listing them somewhere in the content. Your sentences are short and clear so your message is understandable.

Your narration is a combination of “I” “we” and “you,” and that’s another area where you should try to keep your focus on the “You” unless it’s an anecdote from your life. Consider omitting most of the “I think”s and “I believe”s – you are sure of your topic matter and don’t need to couch your assertions in these terms.

Readers come to books like yours to be changed. While novels should be page turners, pulling the reader forward to the end, your book should be just the opposite. You want your readers to pause and internalize your words of wisdom. Make sure each of your chapters has a clearly defined focus. From there, you could insert clearly defined sections – expanded bullet points, basically – so the reader can to digest and interact with each point before moving on to the next. In each section, include a section heading which should be short and instructional. Then you may want to include another short example here, and go into the concept. You don’t want to go too text-heavy, so maybe 2 to 3 paragraphs introducing the concept and the applications for the reader.

Consider including exercises, small group questions, journal prompts, quizzes, prayers, even space for symbolic drawings. Even simple fill-in-the-blanks encourage your readers to interact and internalize the material. This will also make your work more marketable, as publishers will see the potential to sell to small church groups and Sunday school classes as well as individuals.

Best of luck with this work!

Hi,

I can see that Layers Of the Heart is straight from your heart and I can't imagine anybody unmoved by reading it. My only cavil: you could have made it into a full book, because there are so many gems in the short extract, all truths of like. Yes, kindness should be a reflex action and the bond of humanity should be the first lesson in school.
If you do find a publisher, you would want to donate a few copies to inmates of prisons, because that is one community that would hugely benefit from your words of wisdom.
Backed and starred with pleasure.

Jay Adiyarath

AWESOME!! This was a wonderful read! I wish I could shout from the roof tops that everyone should read your book! So possitive! Thank you for sharing your story!

May God bless you and the work of your hands!
Rated and shelved!

Patricia ....this is such a wonderful read .I'm in puddles yet again as I read though 'The Broken Heart'. My own Grandmother died 3 years ago at the wonderful age of 95.She was as bright as a button until the end ...and I miss her so much .(I'm so grateful that she was in my life for 48 years and I have many wonderful memories)
You write with such ease .....a beautifully written book that has touched my heart
Jumes

Love conquers all, is the message that flows through this beautifully written, inspiring and thought provoking story.

Patricia shows us that we can overcome grief, heartbreak, despair and illness; in fact anything that life chooses to throw at us. She herself cheated death at a very young age. Through her life she has endured many harrowing experiences, though, it has to be said, she doesn't dwell on them in this book and her intention is not to evoke an ounce of self pity.

She steers the reader gently and poetically through, what she terms as, the layers of the heart. We are made aware that greed and self indulgence does not only ruin our lives but the lives of our children also. Smile at a stranger, brighten their day and, in doing so we brighten our own, she says.

Patricia holds no bitterness in her heart for those who hurt and betrayed her; lays no blame on their door. I downloaded this story on to my Kindle and loved every word. What a wonderful person you are Patricia.

Mary

Wow. This reminds me somewhat of my absolute favorite book, Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." I love the notion of having a purpose in life and the way you express it (he describes it as a personal legend). You write in a way that is very easy to follow and makes one not want to stop. Your words are absolutely powerful and your stories are incredible. You instantly made me feel emotional just after reading the first page. GREAT JOB with this! Hope to see it go far.

I've read through chapter 8 and had to stop (in puddles of tears) just to say how wonderful your book is .So easy to read...so well written , I really hope that you have success with it .Looking forward to the next chapters...
Thank-you so much ....
Jumes

I've read through chapter 8 and had to stop (in puddles of tears) just to say how wonderful your book is .So easy to read...so well written , I really hope that you have success with it .Looking forward to the next chapters...
Thank-you so much ....
Jumes

Dear Columbia!

“Layers Of The Heart” had such a life-enhancing impact upon me that I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart (yes, heart) for this. Your book would give hope to those who lost it, so I hope a great number of people will be able to enjoy it. “Layers Of The Heart” will make such a great difference in their lives if your message is heard.

Simply staggered by and grateful for the book.

The best of luck to you, Columbia.

Ivan
The Beholder

Well written, and no doubt, for its audience, inspiring. It is, of course, a genre with a limited market. There are subsidised Christian publishers, so I expect you will have success with this short story. Good luck, Marj.

How totally wonderful, you are Columbia!! :) Thank you so very much for again backing my memoirs/testimony book. :) May God richly bless you. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. I have also gold ******-rated your book :) - could you please gold ******-rated my book, too? :) Every ****** -ing & backing more than 24 hours moves our books up authonomy's lists. :) I want to ask you if you could please keep my book on your bookshelf because I'm #6 on the editor's desk & have to be in the top 5 to be chosen, the end of January :) - I had a mini-stroke Nov. 10 with slurred speech for an hour & numbness of tongue still & over 24 smaller ones where I couldn't speak since & I"d sure like to cross the finish line of the editor's desk after 324 days of trying on authonomy. :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me :) - I have lost 3 sisters to strokes & my last sister, Mary had 2 heart attacks this past year.

What a wonderfully well-written narrative. It is clear, concise and poignant. Your book deserves a large audience for there are many who can use the message.

Miles A. Robinson
Song for My Father and Loud Lucy Ludlow

When read it, I feel there is a soft finger touch on me of characters of this novel. Because, your characterization is so impressive. The sudden change of mind of a person becomes a sudden touch on readers.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

I must say Patricia, this is an awesome book. You have it well organized and logical. It follows through consistently from beginning to end. It is interesting and I can relate to each of the layers of the heart you describe. Your style is so comfortable, that I feel like I am sitting at your kitchen table as you are telling me all this in person. Very, very enjoyable.

Best Wishes,
Zonda

Ah, I've found you! I do indeed remember this - and also remember your pen name! I'm more than happy to back this again for you.
All the best
Kate - Little Guide to Unhip
Sucka!
et al

Dear Patricia,

I just finished reading all of your "Layers of the Heart" and I still say it is an inspired work. While I find many places where you could use a little help and refining, your work has a simple, honest clarity that is rare. WE HAVE WALKED A VERY SIMILAR PATH, you and I and I am blessed to have you as Sister on that path. I told you your work would stay on my shelf until I had read all of it and, now that I have read it all, it looks even better on my shelf. I think I'll just leave it there. This is great work and I do believe it is your calling -- so keep at it! DO BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT, AT TIMES, I FELT AS THOUGH WE WERE MEANT TO BE COLLABORATORS. Then I realized that we already are.

My love is upon you.

Callaghan Grant
"The Fiddler's (Laughing) Bride"
"The Shouting Tree"

I think I saw that robbery incident on the news (either the same one, or a different one, it was in a betting shop)- totally awesome! I've not read much of this but it is very poetic and skimming through I like the chapter headings.

Chapter 9
The Broken heart – my brother’s wife left him recently and seeing him with his broken heart was terrible. I insisted and he came to stay with us for a week. And then last week the wife of one of my best friends died after a two year battle with cancer…. I am visiting him daily… she was only 51 and was the centre of his life. I know what a broken heart is and I think you do to from the words you write. Happy to back your book.

Adrian
Jack and Boots

This is a beautifully written memoir, with smooth prose that is lyrical in an unique way. Thoughtful and provocative, it leads us through a journey of self-discovery as we experience the ordinary yet extraordinary life of the writer. Well done.

Nathan, the smoke that thunders.

A lovely, truly inspirational story! I wish you luck in getting it published. It so deserves it. Have backed it with pleasure and on W.L

Kate Grimes - Lizzie

Patricia,
Layers of the Heart is a deeply insightful and inspirational treasure. Backed with pleasure.

Chapter 6 – The Indifferent Heart
I agree, trying to be neutral in anything that effects you emotionally is incredibly hard. I winced as I read about your accident since I slipped on ice running down steps for the train more than 20 years ago. I tore ligaments my foot as I fell on it, it turned black from top to bottom and took six weeks and a lot of therapy to get me walking again. It still wakes me at night and I try to take a more relaxed view of life now.

This is well written and I understand your perspective. Happy to back..

Tony
Life Bringer

Very well done, Patricia. Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I want to remember your story about the cabby and the cup of coffee, and you smiling to the crowd. As a mother of two young children whom I homeschool, I need to remember, that often, all that's needed to avoid a stressful moment is a smile. I want to impart this important fact of life to my children as well, so that they can bless others and learn the ease of diffusing unpleasant situations.
May God bless your work toward publication.

Still reading... love the last line in ch. 14...

I'm only on chapter eight but had to stop to comment. I've even shared your paragraph about your inspiration from It's a Wonderful Life and the subject of suicide with my husband. This is so moving. I've been near tears since the beginning.
Back to the subject of that one paragraph, it was so humbling to read. Reminding us that our whole lives may be created for the importance of one act is a beautiful thought. Oft times, we as eager christians are anxious to do something 'great' for God and in our zeal, we overlook the gift of each day we've been given. In that single day, we have the opportunity to touch someone's life that could very well, as you explained it, change the course of their exsistence.
I've already backed you but now with guttso!
(I'll read to the end now.)

This is a fascinating book. I've only had chance to read the first few chapters so far, but it's so interesting that I'd like to continue to find out more. Definitely a thought-provoking read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed delving into the layers of the heart as you were inspired to share them. I only have two suggestions. One, rather than "The indifferent heart," I wondered if you would consider changing "indifferent" to "resilent." I believe this book is inspired, so I'm not asking you to change something you feel was revealed or inspired. Ellie Wiesel said, "The opposite of love is indifference," and I just hope people don't confuse the term indifference. Also, I would love to read more of the stories of your life experiences as they relate to these concepts, but again, since this is an inspired work, I realize you may have shared what you felt God lead you to share. Perhaps there is a sequel or second installment of spiritually uplifting books by you? I hope so.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

Right up my street, can't wait to read more :)

I love the line: "the indifferent heart was an extremely difficult leg of the journey for this workaholic." I agree that in the end we "will have come full circle." Backed for now.

Hi Columbia, What a deeply thought out book . I am fascinated with the idea of layers and the depth of life. Great book. If you can could you look at my book You- Turn ? thanks, Lynne

The greatest possession each of us can have is a good heart, accompanied by kindness and compassion. Nothing is more important, and your beautiful book illustrates this in wonderful detail. All the best, LJ, Tao of Love and Software