Tag: Bella’s Beautiful Miracle

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle arrives at The Butterfly House, Whitehouse Ohio

Kimberly Novak

It’s actually happening! Time for a happy dance! I will be participating in the grand reopening of the Butterfly House on Saturday, May 6th, from 12-4p.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

God led me to this beautiful location in 2014, and it quickly became a place of solace. I spent hours and hours watching the butterflies dance around me. The soft sounds of the instrumental music playing in the background provided an excellent environment.

I think it was after the first year when volunteers and employees of the center realized I had been traveling for over two hours; a surprise to them but not to those who know me.

My passion for butterflies has taken me to many places. None, however, compare to the Wheeler Farms Butterfly House. It was there that I saw my first glass wing butterfly. The smallest yet strongest of the species actually landed on me. In that split second, I was transported into God’s love.

Like many businesses, the butterfly house was forced to close in 2020. A reopening in April 2022 was halted when a storm caused too much damage. Here we are, in 2023, ready to take flight again and dance among the butterflies!

I hope you can come out and see the many types of butterflies and support this fantastic facility. While you’re at it, grab an autographed copy of Bella’s Beautiful Miracle! I’ll be there Saturday, May 6th, 12-4pm.

Blessings,

Kimberly

The Butterfly House features over 25 species of butterflies from Central & South America this summer. Hours of operation and pricing information are available on their website at wheelerfarms.com.

http://www.wheelerfarms.com/

“The Light Shines in the Darkness and The Darkness Has Not Overcome It.” John 1:5

Kimberly Novak

Allow me to let the pictures speak for themselves…no way! I want to tell you how wonderful it was to attend the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference. It was my first time at this event, and I was flabbergasted at the sight of the nearly 3,700 women in attendance. How wonderful for God to personally invite each and every one of them.

I witnessed God in action through pure enjoyment, smiles, and personal stories in all meaningful conversations. To say that I was proud to be standing beneath the Catholic Writer’s Guild banner is an understatement. I am still in awe of where God has taken me and the people and influences with which he has gifted my life.

The event theme was particularly near and dear to my heart, as it is a significant portion of Bella’s adventure and the message I hope readers are gleaning.

So often, our lives become cluttered with dark moments, and events such as this conference serve as beautiful reminders to stay connected with God and remain in His light even in the most challenging times. Suppose you need a spiritual reboot and cannot locate a program, retreat, or conference near you. I’ll be happy to research opportunities in your area. (Contact Form)

Spring has Sprung!

Spring is bringing a bevy of activities ranging from book signings at craft shows, local churches, and butterfly houses. I am still working on the local bookstores and hope to have an update soon. Check out the schedule below for location information. I hope to see you there!

The Holy Spirit has been creatively inspiring my writing these past couple of months. Check out my contributing articles and see what God has been up to!

God bless you and yours!

Kimberly

Book Signing Events

Saturday, March 25 – Paradise Church Craft Show

9:00-3:00pm 619 East Main Street, Louisville, OH

Saturday, April 1, 2023 – Strongsville Recreation Center

Saturday, April 22, 2023-

Avon Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, May 6, 2023 –

The Butterfly House Opening Weekend

I will be signing books 12:00-4:00pm

This one is so exciting as I spent many hours and days enjoying the dancing butterflies over the years. Needless to say, the garden areas of Bella’s story were inspired by my visits.

Announcements, Events, Interviews, and Musings

Kimberly Novak
Photo by Tommy Lopez on Pexels.com

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle – Goodreads.com

I am very excited to share that Bella has landed on Goodreads.com. I am familiarizing myself with the Goodreads author portal and will make updates very soon! Those of you with an account on Goodreads, please take the time to give Bella a star and a review. Click here

UPCOMING EVENT: February 18, 2023, Columbus, Ohio Catholic Women’s Conference

I look forward to the 2023 Catholic Women’s Conference, where I will sell and sign books alongside my fellow Catholic Writer’s Guild authors. If you are in the area or know someone who is, pass along the registration information. The speaker line-up is fantastic!

This year’s theme, Light Shines in the Darkness (John 1:5), is the perfect pairing for Bella’s story and her theme of walking in God’s light.

INTERVIEW: Cath-Lit-Live Podcast

I recently chatted with award-winning author, speaker, and educator A.J. Cattapan. Not only was this my first face-to-face interview, but it was my first live podcast. I will be sincere and share that I had an enormous amount of butterflies in my stomach. Amy was excellent and made me feel very comfortable. However, the emotion of sharing my story was powerful. As you will see, I had difficulty holding back tears, but happy that I could be 100% authentic. You can find Amy’s published works, and website at www.ajcattapan.com.

MUSINGS

Every January, I attend and help facilitate a four-day women’s retreat, which always promises to leave me spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated. I love beginning the year with fellowship, prayer, and one-on-one time with God. Even though much of my week is leading prayer and helping to keep the team on track, God still manages to sneak in and gift me with blessings beyond compare. Every year, I return home on a spiritual high ready to take on anything and everything. I am often so spiritually energized that I cannot get enough of God. That, my friends, is a glorious feeling that I hope for all of you.

As we prepare our hearts for Lent, I invite you to go deeper into your prayer time and perhaps embark on an activity that will ignite the fire in your heart for more of God. Some suggestions are journaling, Ignatian Contemplation, Lectio Divina, and Eucharistic Adoration. If you would like more information on different forms of prayer and ways to connect deeper with God, please contact me via the contact form.

I look forward to sharing more of Bella’s news as spring approaches. I ask you to keep Bella’s Beautiful Miracle in your prayers as I continue to shine God’s Light and Love into the hearts of those who read her story and share in the adventures of faith!

God Bless,

Kimberly

Latest News: Finishing 2022 with a bang!

Kimberly Novak

Media/Press for Bella’s Beautiful Miracle

Voyage Ohio Magazine – Hidden Gem Feature

Catholic Mom – Review

Write Now Edits

Bella has arrived at the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Independence Branch! Check it out!

Talk about an exciting moment! Surprisingly, walking into the library to search for Bella made me a bit nervous. I can’t explain the reasons behind that particular emotion, but I was a little shaky. She was nestled in the Juvenile Fiction section, looking so cute among the other books. I had realized my dream of seeing her on a shelf other than my own, let alone in a public place.

I am happy to see how God works through me by using Bella and her story. My conversations with parents, grandparents, and children have been amazing; each carried its blessing. I pray that each one who reads Bella and encounters the adventures within the story becomes blessed and enveloped in God’s Love!

Have you read Bella’s Beautiful Miracle? Please post your review online at Amazon or other book-reviewing sites.

Enjoy the latest customer review:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring and Heartfelt Read Excellent for Children

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 22, 2022

“As a son of a pastor and a missionary kid, reading Bella’s Beautiful Miracle brought back joyous memories of Sunday school lessons. Kimberly writes in a way that is easy for her target audience to engage while still using strong imagery to engage any audience (e.g. “Looking back at her were two large eyes, and attached to the eyes was a snail.”).

I enjoyed that each animal companion Bella comes across on her adventure has a special, God-filled message to teach the inquisitive caterpillar; I especially liked Gracie the grasshopper who plays “the violin” with her leg against her wing. 🙂

There are nuggets of inspirations here to help anyone transform into a better version of themselves in Kimberly’s spiritual (and actual) story of metamorphosis.”

-Joshua Snowden-Bahr (writing from AnnettaMarie Snowden’s account)

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle has received the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval!

Readers can be assured that SoA books will not offend their faith and have a certain level of editorial quality.

Inspire Writers Courage Anthology 2022 is now available

I am blessed to have been selected as one of 26 authors in this year’s Inspire Writers Anthology. My story, Courageous Love, was one that I had written several years ago. I could never find the perfect home for the story until I learned of this opportunity. Upon the leading of the Holy Spirit, I dusted it off, polished it up, and gave it one more try. I am thrilled with the outcome. Happy that it now sits among the stories and poems published in this book.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Upcoming Events

February 18, 2023 – Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference

More to come!

I await confirmation on a few more vendor opportunities and another book signing. Check back for updates, and I hope you will grow excited to meet Bella and her friends!

Reading and Promotional Opportunities

I am seeking reading opportunities for local libraries, schools, and podcasts. You may reach me via the contact form, and I’ll be happy to discuss it.

Book Release Events – Thank you for sharing with friends and family!

Kimberly Novak

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle Book Give Away Begins Today! I’ve made it easy for you to enter. Simply click the link and follow the steps. The winner will receive a limited edition full-color, hardcover copy of Bella’s Beautiful Miracle, A Caterpillar’s Journey. The winner will be notified and announced pending approval on September 7, 2022.

Book Signing Event Scheduled! It’s actually happening! I have locked in my very first book signing event! I am very excited to share that I will be hosting a book signing on September 17th and 18th at the Beechcreek Nature Preserve Butterfly Release Celebration. The event runs 10:00am – 4:00pm both days. Click the link for more information and to preorder a butterfly for release! Partnering on this butterfly release is a dream come true for me and I look forward to seeing you there!

I want to thank you all for the help and for sharing of links! I can only be successful with God and you all at my side. I appreciate your prayers and interest in making this a Grand Adventure for Bella and her friends! If you are interested in promoting on your social media sites. I can email you all the marketing links so you have them in one place. Please comment below or send me a message using the contact form.

Blessings,

Kimberly

Writing News and Updates

Kimberly Novak
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Hello my friends, it has been an exciting week! If you missed the broadcast, Bella’s Beautiful Miracle, A Caterpillar’s Journey, releases September 7, 2022! The book is available for pre-order online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I’m anticipating more online retailers to carry it as well. The publisher will be notifying the Christian distributors, Ingram/Spring Arbor. In doing so, it provides an opportunity of getting into local bookstores. If there is a Christian Bookstore in your area where you want to see Bella, please let me know by commenting on this post or completing the contact form.

Book Launch and Signing Opportunities – more to come

I am diligently researching local opportunities to organize a book launch and signing. I hope to have more information on this soon. There are several upcoming events I am praying and waiting on.

I will attend the Catholic Women’s Conference in Lansing, Michigan, with a few of my fellow authors as a vendor. The one-day event will give us an opportunity for networking and sales. I am super excited about the theme: Esther 4:14

“PERHAPS YOU HAVE COME TO YOUR ROYAL DIGNITY FOR JUST SUCH A TIME AS THIS.”

If you would like more information on how you can attend, click here.

Article Updates and Writing Milestones

Earlier this week, I posted a book review on my blog. I was delighted and surprised when the ask came straight from a monastery. The book was fantastic, and I have added the review here.

I have posted new contributing blog articles here.

I am thrilled to share that a story I wrote will appear in a 2022 Anthology with a theme of Courage. I will share the publishing date as soon as it becomes available.

Shareable Marketing Links

As some of you may have heard me mention, God gifted me with Bella and her story. I am utterly sure that the Holy Spirit was my pen and guided every syllable to the page. Your prayers and marketing assistance will be necessary for Bella to reach the hearts and homes of all those God intends. Today’s Psalm calls us to “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news” (Psalm 117)

If you feel called, I encourage you to help Bella and me prayerfully spread the Good News by sharing any marking links below or within my website. 

Be Blessed!

FaceBook Author Page

Google Books

Google My Business Profile

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle: A Caterpillar’s Journey: Novak, Kimberly: 9781685562540: Amazon.com: Books

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle: A Caterpillar’s Journey by Kimberly Novak, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Glad I buckled my safety belt, this is quite the ride!

Kimberly Novak
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

As summer exits, I would guess amusement parks, vacation hot spots, and local swimming pools are gearing up for the end of the season. Scripture tells us there is a time and season for everything under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) I believe an ending usually leads to the beginning of something beautiful and perhaps better than what came before.

The adventure of publishing Bella has been one I will never forget. Even with the twists, turns, and the times I questioned out loud, “what have I gotten myself into?” I have loved this ride! I won’t bore you with details; that could be a book in itself.

Here comes the best part of this post! Bella’s Beautiful Miracle is set to release on September 7, 2022.

Both the paperback and kindle versions are available to pre-order. All you need to do is click the link below!

Pre-order now at Amazon

Also exciting are upcoming announcements that will include advance copy giveaways, including a full-color hardcover copy!

I thank you all very much for your participation and genuine interest. I am beyond excited for the future, even with all the unknown adventures accompanying it.

Keep an eye on my social media sites for marketing pitches and updates. The first shipment of author copies will arrive at my door in the next few days! I’m not sure how much sleep I will get anticipating the emotional response as I open that box!

Click to enjoy the book trailer, which you will see much more of in the coming weeks as we gear up for the release date!

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle Book Trailer

Copyright Kimberly Novak 2022

Blessings,

Kimberly

Latest News and Headlines

Kimberly Novak

Hello friends! Bella and I have fun updates to share!

Production News

The final approval for print and distribution was signed on Wednesday, July 13th, and I received a congratulatory email on 7/20 outlining next steps. The current status is to wait patiently while Trilogy works behind the scenes to upload the files digitally. ( 3-4 week process) Once complete, I will be contacted with a release date, instructed on sales process, and purchase advance copies!

Marketing Updates

Volunteer opportunities are open for participation on my social media marketing team. Once the book is available, your involvement will include posting on your social media outlets, blog posts on your websites, and word of mouth. I will provide you with everything needed to help spread the news. A few reviewers are needed and required to write a note or two, which I will post on this website. Volunteer to review and receive an advance copy! Reservations are required to review the book and will be taken in the order received. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity! Click here to let me know you are ready to help!

A new blog post recently published on outofthechrysalis.com

May my living reveal God’s Goodness

New articles published this month

Check out the Contributing Author Articles tab (or click below) for new articles published this month.

Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities for advance copy give aways!

Blessings,

Kimberly

Bella Update: Page Design Completed

Kimberly Novak

Hello friends! I thought I would give a quick update. I have approved the final draft of the page design for Bella’s Beautiful Miracle. Even more exciting news leaves us only needing to finalize the cover. I would love to approximate when the book is ready for release, but for now, only God knows.

In the meantime, I am going to gift you another teaser and a quick note about the page design process and how I made my edits.

Upon completing the illustration process, the designer uploaded the manuscript and illustrations into a book format. This stage used Adobe PDF, and we went through three passes back and forth before I was satisfied with the layout. As I’m typing this, it doesn’t sound like much work. However, time played a huge role. There is a standard ten-day turnaround each time the publishing company passes the document to me. I was diligent in making my edits within a business week. Still, adding ten days gave 15 days between each pass. Choices of font type, size, and margins were affected throughout this stage. A special shout-out of gratitude goes to my Facebook friends who voted on favorites for the title and subtitle font.

The photo shown here gives you an idea of what the pages looked like as I received each edit. If it looks blurry, then I formatted it correctly! I can’t give away too much about how that chapter begins…you’ll have to wait for the book release!

Illustration and text copyright Kimberly Novak 2022

Spoiler Alert!!!

I don’t want anyone straining their eyes to read beyond the blur; here is a little teaser for you. I am planning several more updates leading up to the release date. In addition to future updates, I will also take volunteers for a social media marketing campaign. If you are interested, please reply or click here to contact me via a contact form.

illustration and text copyright Kimberly Novak 2022

I hope I have done my job and made you a little impatient for the rest of Bella’s journey. I promise that I am equally anxious and ready to embark on the release of Bella and her friends. Not to mention all of the blessings, caves, and hidden surprises you will find as you travel with her. 

Many Blessings,

Kimberly

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle – Illustration Update

Kimberly Novak

Hello! I am very happy to share that we are one illustration away from the final versions! When they say publishing a book is like awaiting the birth of a baby, they are not kidding. This process though fun has also been somewhat stressful. The icing on the cake is seeing where we are now as compared to the day God planted the seed.

I never thought that choosing Bella’s eye color would be more difficult than actually writing the book. It might sound silly to some, but I found by going to God in prayer on these simplest of decisions made them more palatable. Not to mention the many times I texted my support line for their input! To those who witnessed the agony of blue vs green, I thank you!

Today, I find myself in yet another pause, as I await the final version and then take the pen and give the approval to set them in stone! I figured, why not show you some of the work that has been done over these last 4 months. It gives me something constructive to do, and also provides a treat for my wonderful readers – You!

This first grouping is a set of 4 illustrations all on the same scene. Notice the subtle and not-so-subtle changes that evolved in the revision process.

Version 1
Copyright Kimberly Novak
Version 2
Copyright Kimberly Novak
Version 3
Copyright Kimberly Novak
Final Version – Copyright Kimberly Novak

As you can see from the illustrations, I decided to take a different viewpoint and the payoff was beautiful!

At first, I was convinced that the process between each revision was painstakingly long. However, with God, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the time in-between was creative. This allowed my mind to really focus on the scene I was trying to portray. It also gave me a chance to go back and re-read the chapter, ensuring I was on the right track!

This next set of before and afters brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eyes! I’m sure that my reaction is because I know the story and where this is heading, I hope you can get a sense of the emotions Bella is feeling as she and Mira travel in this scene.

Version 1 Copyright Kimberly Novak
Final Version Copyright Kimberly Novak

I have given you a lot to review in this post, and I hope that your interest has kept you scrolling! So, let’s go with one more set of illustrations to show off how brilliant the designer is with color!

Version 1 Copyright Kimberly Novak
Version 2 Copyright Kimberly Novak

And there we have it, your illustration teaser! I welcome your feedback! All you have to do is give it a thumbs up or thumbs down using the buttons below or leave a reply.

Blessings,

Kimberly