• Home
  • About
  • Resources
  • Connect

The Write Ending

For Your Information

For Your Information

How American Culture Promotes Sex Trafficking

How American Culture Promotes Sex Trafficking

Some things are hard to say and harder to hear. But if we want to end sex trafficking, then we Continue Reading

For Your Information

Freedom Victories in 2020

Freedom Victories in 2020

It’s been quite the year. A year that shook us, challenged us, and exposed us. Most of us experienced loss Continue Reading

For Your Information

Myth #3 – Only Women and Girls Are Trafficked

Myth #3 – Only Women and Girls Are Trafficked

They’re called the silent victims. To the general population, their anguish is invisible. We think of men as the aggressors Continue Reading

For Your Information

Sex Trafficking in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sex Trafficking in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Most of us can push aside the distant catastrophes and horrors we hear about. That is, until it hits close Continue Reading

For Your Information

Myth #2 – Trafficking Usually Involves Kidnapping

Myth #2 – Trafficking Usually Involves Kidnapping

Our nightmares about trafficking usually involve kidnapping. In our minds’ eye, we see that white passenger van pull up close, Continue Reading

For Your Information

Myth #1 – All Traffickers are Men

Myth #1 – All Traffickers are Men

The shrouded, sinister figures that come to mind when we think of traffickers are always men. This is for good Continue Reading

Welcome!

Photo of me

I’m Kristen, a photographer by day and a writer by night. This blog is my endeavor to be a voice for the voiceless. Will you join me? Read more…

Subscribe

Join in the fight against slavery and learn how YOU can make a difference!

Search

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Link Between Abortion and Sex TraffickingThe Link Between Abortion and Sex Trafficking
  • Ten Places to Shop that Fight Human TraffickingTen Places to Shop that Fight Human Trafficking
  • How American Culture Promotes Sex TraffickingHow American Culture Promotes Sex Trafficking
  • Book Review: God Made All of MeBook Review: God Made All of Me
  • Where are the Vulnerable in Your Community?Where are the Vulnerable in Your Community?

Follow on Instagram

kristen_thewriteending

ISRAEL DAY THREE 1. Limes? Unripe oranges? Who kn ISRAEL DAY THREE

1. Limes? Unripe oranges? Who knows😄
2. Mount of Beatitudes & Sea of Galilee
3. First century village of Capernaum, ancient synagogue in background
4. Inside the synagogue where Jesus taught
5. Ancient carving of a menorah found in Capernaum
6. Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional site where John baptized Jesus
7. Standing in the Jordan River with @annajoyful34 🥰
8. Unripe dates
9. Jordan River
ISRAEL DAY TWO - Mount Tabor area - Church of the ISRAEL DAY TWO

- Mount Tabor area
- Church of the Transfiguration on the summit of Mount Tabor
- View of Jezreel Valley from Mount Tabor
- Me😊
- Exploring the ruins of ancient Bethsaida
- Main street of Bethsaida (where Jesus did many miracles)
- Pretty thistles
- Spices in the grocery store😍
- I bought random candy bars because I couldn't read what they were haha...I think I'll stick to hummus and shawarma😂
- Sailing on the Sea of Galilee
ISRAEL DAY ONE, Part Two: Caesarea Maritima, built ISRAEL DAY ONE, Part Two: Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod the Great on the Mediterranean coast.

Featured:
- carved Roman column
- ancient sarcophagus with amphitheater in background
- Aly, our wonderful and motherly Israeli guide❤️
- racing in Herod the Great's hippodrome (used for chariot races)
- exploring the port city ruins (x2)
- remains of the public bathhouse overlooking the Mediterranean
- flower-strewn path through Kibbutz Afik, where we stayed😍
- more pretty flowers
- I made friends with a cat😄
I'm finally starting to go through my Israel photo I'm finally starting to go through my Israel photos from June (a few at a time since I have a mountain of photos to edit for work🙃)!

And perhaps, in the wake of all the recent news images of unimaginable horrors and violence, this can be a small glimpse into the richness of this land and the beautiful souls who call it home.

DAY ONE: NAZARETH

Featuring: the volunteers and vineyard of Nazareth Village, a place nestled in modern Nazareth that recreates first century times and what it would have been like to grow up in Jesus' hometown.
. . .
#israel #nazarethvillage #biblicaltimes
This idea has been floating around Instagram, and This idea has been floating around Instagram, and I thought it'd be fun to look back at the stories I wrote when I was younger (and laugh in acute embarrassment)😅

Despite the laughs and cringes, it's amazing to see the growth as I kept writing. I often thought I would've had a book published long before now, but I'm grateful the Lord has given me this extended season to develop my craft, find my writing voice, and at last finish a book that I believe is worth reading. 

It isn't always easy to trust God's plan, but He's brought me this far, and it's only the beginning.
. . .
#writersofinstagram #novelist #writersjourney #writinglife
I'm thrilled to also join in the cover reveal for I'm thrilled to also join in the cover reveal for Kaitlyn Carter Brown's debut novel Queen of Shifting Sands!

What hooked me from the start is that this is a Moroccan-inspired fantasy novel, and that it deals with deep themes such as grief and loss.

Queen of Shifting Sands releases March 12, 2024, and is available for preorder through @whimsicalillustration's website.

Blurb:

The stars have aligned in the kingdom of Instanolde, or so Lystra believes as she eagerly awaits her wedding day. Her beloved, the king, is everything her heart desires, but when a brutal attack leaves her betrothed dead and Instanolde on the cusp of collapse, she finds her future in ruins, and the throne beyond her reach. With invasion looming across the desert, Lystra refuses to let grief keep her from defending her kingdom—even if that means forging a marriage alliance with Elerek, the brother of her lost love, a prince shrouded in secrets.

Elerek, now heir to the throne, has spent his life waiting to die. An untouchable curse lurks beneath his skin, and though he aches to see its suffocating hold severed, he’s long given up hope. When his brother’s death drags him from the shadows, Elerek must find the strength to shoulder the crown’s burdens and secure a queen—a wife to protect his kingdom after the curse claims him. With the adoration of the people already in the palm of her hands, Lystra is the ideal candidate. But even if she doesn’t spurn him for his ruinous curse, he’ll need to protect her from its dangers—and his heart as he finds himself steadily drawn to the girl’s unbreakable spirit. With death on the horizon, Elerek must become the king he never planned to be and save Instanolde before his time runs out.

Lystra and Elerek only have one summer to prepare their kingdom for invasion, but more than one threat prowls their desert, and the cost of survival might just destroy them all.
. . .
#queenofshiftingsands #2024books #fantasyreads #youngadultbooks
It’s cover reveal day for Crowns!! I’m thrille It’s cover reveal day for Crowns!! I’m thrilled to be part of this beautiful anthology edited by @brittanyedenauthor and @yarrowleafauthor , who have been wonderful to work with. 

This royal-themed collection includes my short story Oasis, which is about a wayward princess trying to outrun the choices she’s made. My story world is inspired by Wadi Rum, Jordan, and has all the lovely Middle Eastern desert vibes😀🏝🏜🐪

The awesome thing about this particular anthology is that proceeds go to the International Justice Mission to fight human trafficking. Swipe for current trafficking stats and ways you can help.

Crowns will release December 1 from @quill.and.flame.publishers !
. . .
#crowns #royal #anthology #quillandflamepublishers #fighthumantrafficking
Since this summer has been one of my busiest in a Since this summer has been one of my busiest in a long time, I’ve made it my goal to be intentional about slowing down this fall. One of my favorite ways to slow my mind and body is to take camera in hand and wander my backyard, searching for beauty in the ordinary.

In this case, it’s our overgrown September garden, past its prime but still holding bits of wonder:

The interplay of light and shadow, color and texture.

A ripe fig, after waiting all summer to no avail.

A perfect tomato, nestled in tangled stems and leaves.

Billowing kale, zinnias stretching up triumphant, black-eyed susans catching the light of sunset.

What’s your favorite way to slow down?
. . .
#september #garden #slowliving #figs #tomatoes #zinnias #autumn
I often thank God for the day I accidentally found I often thank God for the day I accidentally found out about Realm Makers. It’s a writer’s conference, yes, but it’s also a family…one that inspires me, challenges me, and fills my soul to bursting.

Pictured: 
- A fraction of my fun RM goodies
- Opening keynote by Steve Laube
- Listening to the lovely @shanditty speak on the gifts that failure gives us
- Awards banquet with the sweetest friends
- Found a little nook to read some free verse by @janeen_ippolito 

Not pictured: 
- The incredible sense of belonging when surrounded by likeminded creatives
- The way Realm Makers feels like you’ve been at church all weekend
- Friends who will pray with you at the drop of a hat when the Enemy hits hard
- How the well-known authors encourage and intermingle with those who haven’t yet had a word published
- Witnessing authors win awards and give the glory and honor back to the Lord
- Laughing hysterically with the roomies because everything is funny at midnight when you’re exhausted from people-ing all weekend

Can’t wait until next year, Lord willing!
. . .
#realmmakers2023 #writersconference #community #authorsofinstagram
I have another short story getting published! OASI I have another short story getting published! OASIS is a Middle Eastern fantasy about a wayward princess trying to outrun the choices she’s made, but they’re catching up to her.

This story is special to me in a lot of ways, and I can’t wait to share it with you! It releases December 1, 2023 in the Crowns anthology by @quill.and.flame.publishers, and best of all, proceeds will go IJM to fight human trafficking.

Swipe to see more of Petra and Wadi Rum from my short time in Jordan a few years back…the rugged beauty and brilliant colors of the desert heavily inspired my story world.
. . .
#shortstory #anthology #wadirumdesert #petrajordan #writersofinstagram #quillandflamepublishers #christianfantasywriters #yafantasy #fighthumantrafficking
A story snippet for your Tuesday😊 Set Among K A story snippet for your Tuesday😊 

Set Among Kings is the non-magical fantasy novel I’m currently querying, and what I’ll be pitching at the Realm Makers Conference in about a month!

This book deals a lot with human trafficking and the various forms it can take (in a tactful, non-explicit way). In Kedar’s world, the “promisers,” as he calls them, offer street boys food or work to trick them into slavery…and that’s all I’ll say for now🙃

My newsletter sign-up link is in my bio if you want to stay updated on this book!
. . .
#storysnippet #storyexcerpt #nonmagicalfantasy #christianfantasywriters #yafantasy
My first newsletter is going out next week! I plan My first newsletter is going out next week! I plan to send these emails quarterly…so if you’re at all interested in my writing & publishing updates, the sign-up link is in my bio. I’ll also be including a proper introduction to the novel I’ve been working on for 6ish years👀😀
. . .
#amwriting #newsletter #writersofinstagram #spring #blossoms
One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 42, where it One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 42, where it says of Jesus: “Behold my Servant…HE SHALL NOT FAIL…”

And He didn’t. It is finished. Jesus paid the price for our redemption.

And if we belong to Him, His purposes for our lives won’t fail either.

Not when we mess up. Not when we give in again to a sin or addiction we thought we’d overcome. Not when our lives are chaos, or grief pulls us under the waves, or anxiety chokes the breath from our lungs, or ugliness rises from our hearts and leaves our lips.

HE SHALL NOT FAIL. 

Not 2,000 years ago, not now, not ever.
. . .
Featured: thorns growing in the Jerusalem area that the Roman soldiers might have used for Jesus’ “crown”.
. . .
#goodfriday #easter #isaiah42 #jerusalem #crownofthorns
Hey friends! Just wanted to introduce myself if we Hey friends! Just wanted to introduce myself if we haven’t met in person! 

I own a small photography business (which I love), but I’ve been writing stories since elementary school and consider that my calling. 

My current WIP is a YA non-magical fantasy novel involving trafficking, adoption, and a journey from fear to trust, set in a world inspired by the Middle East. (Newsletter sign-up link in bio if you want to stay updated on this project!)

I’m a recovering perfectionist (yes, it’s a problem) who never outgrew her love for horses and is fascinated by all things Middle Eastern (especially the food😋). I train in martial arts, dabble in Dutch and Hebrew, and am passionate about how ordinary people can fight human trafficking (visit my blog thewriteending.com for ways to help!). Writing poetry helps me process difficult seasons of life, and I have several short stories and poems published in various anthologies.

I owe everything to the astonishing love and grace of Jesus Christ. 

So, do we have anything in common?😄
. . .
#writersofinstagram #yafantasy #intropost
My author copy of Wither and Bloom arrived yesterd My author copy of Wither and Bloom arrived yesterday! 😍 Thank you @twenty_hills for the opportunity to be published again!
. . .
#anthology #twentyhillspublishing #newbook #shortstories #authorsofinstagram
I’m in another anthology! My short story Mud Pri I’m in another anthology! My short story Mud Prints is featured in this multi-genre collection by @twenty_hills publishing. 

While our culture tells us love has to be earned, and feelings are the foundation of a relationship, Wither and Bloom explores the theme “love is a choice.”

Releases January 24!
. . .
#authorsofinstagram #shortstories #anthology #writersofinstagram #coverreveal #loveisachoice #booksbooksbooks
Writing poetry often helps me process pain and los Writing poetry often helps me process pain and loss. Below is a poem in honor of sweet baby Mercy, my first niece, who lived an hour before the Lord took her home.

This past week has been so hard, but it's been powerful to witness that even a life unable to survive outside the womb has value, beauty, and purpose.

The tangible love and prayers of our church family, friends, and community have been absolutely incredible, and we truly feel upheld.

~
Baby Mercy

Beautiful, soft, still
Quiet, unmoving, until
The day of endings
The day of beginnings
When the breath of life
Will again your body fill

Gift, witness, test
Struggle, sorrow, rest
Safe in Christ’s arms
As His little lamb
Though it’s hard to let go
Your legacy is blessed

Enclosed, lifted, laid
Planted, sown, fade
Into the willing dust
Though we wish
Our grief and ache
Are what’s decayed

Whole, healed, freed
Remade, restored, proceed
Through heaven’s gates
To meet your Savior
The One who planted
Your precious little seed
. . .
#poetry #poetsofinstagram #newbornphotography #infantloss
There’s power in the act of giving thanks. Simp There’s power in the act of giving thanks.

Simply because the Lord commands us to do so.

And He only commands things that will do us good.

And maybe it does us such good to give thanks because it forces us to take our eyes off of self…which is in itself something to be thankful for.

Deuteronomy 6:18, 
Ephesians 5:20
Another poem of mine is out in the wild! Masquer Another poem of mine is out in the wild! 

Masquerade is an anthology featuring short stories and poems on the themes of secret identities and hidden truths.

My poem, So It Seems, explores how the hard things of life are more than what they first appear to be.

Now available on Amazon!
. . .
#anthology #indieanthology #books #poetry #poetsofinstagram #masqueradeanthology #newrelease
My author copy of The Willow Tree Swing finally ar My author copy of The Willow Tree Swing finally arrived! Featured with a little green tomato because, well, you’d have to read my story to find out😉This anthology features a number of talented authors and is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble (online only). 

And because @nightshadepublishing gave me two copies, I get to do a giveaway! Includes The Willow Tree Swing, a bookmark, and a sticker with the book’s tagline.

To enter: 
🍅Follow me if you haven’t already
🍅Either leave a comment or share this post to your story. Bonus entry if you do both! 

Winner will be chosen next week Wednesday!

I also have to give a shoutout to @faith.laurena who unknowingly inspired the story I have in this book😄
. . .
#anthology #indieanthology #authorsofinstagram #green #tomatoes #giveaway
Load More Follow on Instagram

© Copyright 2018 The Write Ending

 

Loading Comments...