Writer-lee

Book Review of The Third Grace by Deb Elkink

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is a debut novel by Canadian author Deb Elkink. And it is well worth the read.

The novel captivated me from the beginning as Ms. Elkink spins the tale of Mary Grace, aka Aglaia Klassen, a young woman with an identity crisis. The story is spun expertly as we learn more and more of Aglaia's background and her struggle to discover who she really is. Her journey is wrapped up in an old romance and a tragic death, her struggle exacerbated by a university professor who wants to use Algaia's talents for her own ends.

I found myself wanting to cheer for Aglaia when she moves in the right direction and wanting to hiss at Lou, the professor whose agenda is dangerously close to becoming reality. The characters are well drawn and the skillful writing kept me wondering to the very end who would triump

This book is a triumph and I look forward to more from Deb Elkink. She is a skilled writer and powerful

story-teller.

For information on ordering A Third Grace see Deb's website

Read Deb's bio here

Interview with Author Theresa Franklin

2012-01-25T01:00:00.002-07:00

Journey to Fulfillment

Join Author, Theresa Franklin, in her tender and delightful memoir, Journey to Fulfillment, as she shares her life experiences that have molded her character into the woman God intended her to be. Theresa, honestly and brazenly discusses heartaches, tragedies and triumphs from childhood through adulthood. With an open and compassionate heart, the Author lays bare the adversity she has faced through life to include the loss of her first love to marrying and the challenges one can face in being a wife and a mother, and notably her struggles in teaching special needs children. Throughout all, there has been one constant in her life, the unconditional love of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Welcome, Theresa - Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Theresa Franklin. My husband and I live in Beaumont, TX where we raised our three children. I taught school for 12 years and then went into administration for 12 years. I retired in the spring of 2010. I have always loved writing and reading. I taught both in my classes. Even my first graders were taught to write stories. Every Wednesday was Creative Writing Day and the students looked forward to it. I had always dreamed of writing books, but didn’t have the time while my children were growing up and I was teaching school. The last year I, the Lord brought me through an emotionally charged situation. He laid it on my heart to write a book about it. He also gave me the title Journey to Fulfillment.

Did you begin with Journey to Fulfillment?

No, I began writing children’s books. Most of which I consulted the school psychologist about the subject matter. Children with disabilities have my heart, so a lot of my stories are about living with a disability. I also write about such things as death, divorce, and remarriage for children. The reality is that our children must deal with these adult issues and few books give them the necessary tools. I try to do that in my stories. I also write stories just for fun. Some stories were taken from my children’s adventures when they were growing up.

What have you published and what is your current project?

I have published the children’s books A Sunny Tomorrow, an e-format book which is a collection of 19 Christian-based stories. Don’t Forget Daddy is a children’s book about a little girl who must learn to accept a step-father. Journey to Fulfillment is the testimony of my emotional struggle to come to grips with some painful events in my life. In the book, I also help the adult reader to understand or turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones. My latest book is titled Triumph Through Trials. It is an adult fiction about a family whose private life is much different than their public life.

As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

I have mixed feelings about marketing. I do understand that the story is mine and no one can sell it like me, but I do believe that publishers should help market it. It is frustrating for an author, especially a new one, to receive an email from the publisher with a list of ‘contacts you might want to connect with’. I believe a contact from a publisher gives the author much more status than a personal contact. Imagine yourself as the owner of a bookstore. You receive two calls in one day. First call, “Hi, I wrote a book and I wanted to know if you will let me come to your bookstore and sell it.” Second call, “Hi, I am from ABC Publisher and I have an author that I think you would be interested in hosting for a book signing.” Which author would you want in your store?

Tell us about a "God incident" related to your writing.

My adult book Journey to Fulfillment was precipitated by an emotional crisis that I experienced. After the initial shock, God impressed upon me that these painful events in my life had helped to shape my principles and convictions. In essence, they helped make me who I am today. Then He gave me the title Journey to Fulfillment.

What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

I hope to continue writing and helping children and adults navigate this rough terrain we call life. My husband hopes for grandchildren, but we will see.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write and wanting to publish?

I write what I know and from my heart. So that is what I would say to anyone beginning to write. On getting published? After I had written Journey to Fulfillment, let others read and edit it, edited it myself, and rewrote it for what seemed like the 14^th time, I was ready to submit it. I opened the website of my preferred publisher, but fear gripped me and I could not click ‘submit’. I called my husband into the room and asked him to pray with me. He got down on his knees, held my hand and prayed for God to bless this book and use it for His honor and glory. So I would say: pray, pray, pray.

Any last words?

Thanks for hosting me. I enjoyed spending the time with you. I would love to have you and your readers join me on my blog and website. I write on a variety of subjects. I have started writing and posting short stories occasionally. I am anxious to see how my readers like them. Readers can find me at:

http://www.theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com

http://www.storiesforchrist.com

To find Theresa's books follow the links below -

http://www.amazon.com/Journey-to-Fulfillment-ebook/dp/B004Z1672A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1326934380&sr=8-4

http://theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com

http://www.storiesforchrist.com

Warring Spirits by April Gardner

2011-12-15T01:00:00.001-07:00

There’s a party going on!!

Historical fiction author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Everyone who purchases Warring Spirits on Amazon today, December 15, 2011, will be entered into SIX different drawings for some cool and unique prizes. That’s right—ONE purchase. SIX chances to win.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

She’s also giving away personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list!

So what’s this book about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel. Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel:

Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom.

In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.

Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle. But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.

Sound intriguing? Head over to APRIL'S PLACE to learn more! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.

I’ve invited the her to visit with us today, so we can get to know her a bit better.

April, welcome!

Hi! Thanks for having me and for being such a vital part of this special day.

Does your faith influence your writing? If so, in what way?
In the past, I’ve been deeply touched by Christian fiction, so I know that God can use it to reach lives. If He chose me as a vessel to do the same for others, I would be honored. I want every word that I write to glorify Him, but I also want to write realistically—no hokey, everyone-gets-saved-in-the-end Christianity for me. Life is tough. People reject Christ. Christians make mistakes—big ones. That’s the kind of reality in my writing that I strive for.

What made you choose to write about the Creek Indians?
My genealogy and the belief that Chief Red Eagle Weatherford is one of my greats prompted my research. It hasn’t been proven that he's family, but I don’t need proof to know that his life and that of his people are fascinating, inspiring, and sadly tragic.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Does plotting in the shower count? I really do my best plotting in the morning under a steaming hot shower. Our water bill doesn’t appreciate it, but my heroes do!

Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I backed into my husband’s car, crunching the bumpers of both vehicles. Twice. In three months.
I can solve a Rubik Cube. Takes me ten minutes, but I can do it. It’s my only claim to braininess.
I collect antiquarian books.

If you could open your own retail store, what type of merchandise would you sell?
Is it cheating to say books? LOL I’d love to open a coffee shop/used book store. As an author, I’m supposed to loath used books, but I can’t help myself. Used books are the best! Used books plus coffee…utopia.

If you had to describe your personality using a Native American name, what would it be?
Butterfly Woman. Because my mind constantly flits from one subject to another.

What themes do you like to write about?
I get a thrill at finding an intriguing bit of history buried by time and lost to most. Any setting will do, although I prefer it be American. It’s important to know where we’ve come from and who carved our country into what it is.

What other books do you have in the works?
Next up is the release of the first book my children’s historical adventure series, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang. It takes kids 9+ back to 1940 and the Nazi invasion of Guernsey Island, UK. The book is based on the events in the life of Ruth Davies, my friend and sister in Christ. It’s a history lesson and story of faith wrapped up in an enticing adventure, and I can’t wait to share it!

Head over to April's site to see what all the hoopla's about!

About April:
April W Gardner resides in Georgia with her USAF husband and two sweet kiddos. She is the author of the historical romance series, the Creek Country Saga, as well as the children’s adventure series, the Channel Islands Resistance. She is the founder and senior editor of the fun literary website, Clash of the Titles. In her free time, April enjoys reading, organizing, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.

Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh

2011-12-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

Today, December 8th ONLY!

Amazon book launch of Night of the Cossack

by Tom Blubaugh

Go to landing page for instructions.

*You must purchase from Amazon either the Kindle version or a

'new' paperback from Bound by Faith Publishers to qualify.

The new paperback version will be a signed copy by the author and shipped FREE to an address in the USA.

TODAY, Dec. 8th, 2011 ONLY.

Review of The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson

2011-11-24T11:11:00.006-07:00

The Christmas Shoppe is a delightful novella perfect for Christmas giving. The characters are well drawn, the plot engaging and the theme inspiring.

When Matilda Honeycutt purchases an old building on the main street of a small town, the other shopkeepers are suspicious and worried. When she opens what appears to be a thrift shop they are enraged and stirred to get rid of her by an unscrupulous town councilman who wants the old building for himself.

The local newspaper man and the lovely town manager, also a newcomer to town, try to build bridges between Matilda and the town and find a bridge being built between their own lives. But will they allow it to be complete or will they burn it down?

Things begin to change as the people of Parrish Springs step through the doors of Matilda's shop. Is she a witch? What is happening to the people of this small town? And will Matilda be forced out?

Melody Carlson has given another great read. Don't miss it. Purchase here
or at Amazon. com

Through a Country Window by Eric. E Wright

2011-11-23T13:11:00.004-07:00

Publication News of book out of print for several years

Through a Country Window
by Eric E. Wright

A light-hearted and inspirational look at country living from out where the sky springs free.

What happens when a farm girl from South Carolina and a city boy from Toronto trade their suburban split-level for a log house in the country? Besides crazy craft on the Ganaraska River and live theatre in a barnyard, Eric & Mary Helen Wright discover crickets in the bedroom, and thunder on the ridges. They also rediscover the creative majesty of God—and much more.

ISBN 1-55306-202-7 264 pages - 40 photographs

Readers write;

· “I seldom read, but before I knew it was at page 89!”

· “It’s so refreshing” “I’m having trouble putting it down!” “It’s the best book I’ve read in a long time.”

· “It’s a hoot!” “It reminded me of growing up in New Brunswick.”

· “As I read I was taken back to the sky of my childhood in Saskatchewan.”

What other authors are saying;

· “Delightful journey down roads seldom explored these days. . . Eric Wright takes us on the vacation of a lifetime filling it with gentle reminders of the joy of simplicity and the power of faith . . . the vacation ends too soon!” Phil Callaway, author of Making Life Rich Without Any Money

· “His enchanting journey unfolds as he and his wife discover the never-ending wonders of rural life at all seasons. Joyful, wistful, and often funny, this is a book to delight the reader.” Claire Mowat, author of The Outport People

· “Lyrical and affectionate, with a wry wonder at Nature’s gifts and human nature.” Ron Wright, author of Time Among the Maya

· “Be warned that Eric Wright's enthusiasm for the country is infectious, and "Through a Country Window" may make you want to head down country roads of your own.” Maxine Hancock, author of Love Knows No Difference: Learning to Give & Receive.

SPECIAL REPRINT OFFER: $18.95, no tax plus $5.00 mailing

To order, send a cheque made out to Wildwood Writing Service for Can $18.95 plus $5.00 shipping to

Wildwood Writing Service, 13643 Little Lake Road, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0 Canada

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EXCERPTS see: http://www.countrywindow.ca

What reviewers are saying

“Eric Wright describes . . . experiences that will resonate with all who love country life, whether they live in the Smokies east of Knoxville or in the Yorkshire Dales north of London. . . . Wright’s observant eye to both nature and country culture, combined with his characteristically down-to-earth writing, makes for entertaining reading with a devotional quality. . . . I highly recommend it.” Francis Kyle, The Evangelical Baptist

“A gentle read for gentle readers. . . . Through a Country Window traces the pilgrim’s progress of Eric and his wife, Mary Helen, as they move through their first years in a wood-heated log house. . . The author explores everything from Ganny [river] racing to gardening, from gastronomy to godliness, his spirituality continually reinforced by the evidence of his senses. . . . A charmingly told tale of the quality of life that is possible when one surrenders to the charm and power of the elements, and takes the time to find the simple goodness in one’s neighbours.” Eileen Argyris, Northumberland author

A few of the chapter headings
Gossip Central

Country Carousel

The Great Southern Gooseway

Red Flag Flu

Crazy Crickets

Hallelujah Hill

Where God Rakes Leaves

Cattlemen Love Blondes

Barnyard Theatre

Trauma on Trespass Road

For short excerpts from some of the chapters and other information access my web site www.countrywindow.ca

=======

SAMPLE OR PURCHASE EBOOKS "Down A Country Road" at http://smashwords.com/books/view/76553
"The Lightning File" http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79999
COUNTRY INSPIRATION: http://ericewright.wordpress.com - Falling Leaves - Failing Health
BOOK REVIEW NEWS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Christmas Book by Rose McCaughley

2011-11-23T10:05:00.001-07:00

Good interview Here on Novel Rocket today.

The Book of Ruth by Christian Author Deborah Bateman

2011-11-10T01:00:00.001-07:00

The Book of Ruth is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The characters in “The Book of Ruth” deal with loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah.

The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read “The Book of Ruth”, you will see the story unfold and see God’s provision for these two ladies. Reading “The Book of Ruth” will help you recognize God’s sovereignty and provision in your own life.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT

THE BOOK OF RUTH A STORY OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

Each episode detailed in Ruth teaches lessons—of God’s plan, precise and solid. Ruth reminds us of God's plans; the ones we might not understand, yet vibrant in His eyes. The theme illustrates the journey that can take one to places impossible for man, but possible with God. The story of Ruth as highlighted in this book opens a new revelation of God’s hand at work. His grace is active in the life of those who choose to obey in humility and commitment. The prayer at the end of each lesson brings a challenge for all and ushers relevance to us today.

---Review by Janet Perez Eckles author of Simply Salsa

I love the story of Ruth. Deborah shed light on the truths in this inspiring book in the Bible. I love that she showed the connection between Ruth and Boaz, and Christ and the church. Even though I've studied Ruth before, Deborah pointed out several details that I hadn't known. It's amazing how God speaks through His children. Deborah has a loving, humble heart for the Lord. You can see her heart throughout the book. I am so happy for her first release! I look forward to more books from Deborah in the future! Great job, Deborah:)

---Review by Amanda Beth author of You Can Have a Happy Family

I often declare that the Bible is one fascinating love story, filled with all the highs and lows, joys and sorrows and treacheries and intrigues that are found in everyday life. But some books of the Bible emphasize this love in a more pronounced way that others.

The Book of Ruth is one of those books. Sometimes we tend to overlook it as such, among the high flyers like Song of Solomon and the gospel of John or perhaps Hosea. But the story of Ruth is a tender, practical love story.

The author of this handy easy to read volume, Deborah Bateman has captured the essence of this love in her first publication, The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption.

Bateman begins each chapter with a simple expository, followed by the Scripture verses to which it refers. Writing it thus makes it easy for the reader to remain in the book and not have to move from book to Bible. This format also makes it easy to follow the Biblical record and use it as a daily bible reading. The prayer and thought for the day, which concludes the chapter, enabled me to reinforce what I had just read.

In these times when we all need to have, our faith firmly rooted in a God who provides Himself as our Kinsman-Redeemer and who has bought us back from the slavery of sin. A book such as this is invaluable to help us maintain this focus. It also serves to reinforce the tender loving care God has for us that even when we were aliens and far from the Kingdom of God, He was willing to make provision for us to be redeemed.

I would recommend this book as a useful resource, both to take another look at this tender love story and also as a devotional to keep our minds fixed on the God’s wonderful redemption of mankind. ---Review by Yvonne Pat Wright

About the Author

Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word”. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online Ministry.

Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where “The Book of Ruth” was started. Deborah has learned to trust God through the. many trials of her life. She can relate to Naomi and Ruth’s dependence on God to see them through their life’s experiences.

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption is available at:

Smashwords, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.fr

The link for Smashwords is: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96550

The link to Amazon.com is: http://tinyurl.com/3gwpfz2

The link to Amazon.co.uk is: http://tinyurl.com/6be9lvj

The link to Amazon.fr is: http://tinyurl.com/3onrgvj

Book Launch for Anita Estes - Letters to God on a Prodigal Son

2011-11-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

Are you struggling to cope with a loved one’s addiction? Do you need hope and a way out? Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer by Anita Estes is a powerful journal packed with prayers, practical advice and key spiritual insights to help guide you through these troubled waters.

Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son will show you how to have peace in the midst of a tumultuous storm and lead you to victory. It demonstrates how to cope with those affected by addictions and how to pray fervently and effectively. Woven throughout the journals are entries in Lessons Learned and Suggestions for dealing successfully with these circumstances. Sure to help anyone who is coping with an addicted loved one or counseling someone in the grip of addition. It will also be welcomed by those facing difficult situations and trying times.

Interview with Anita -

1. Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Anita Estes, and I’ve been writing since I was a teenager. I started writing poetry and kept a journal. When I became a Christian I began writing articles and devotions, then I started writing children’s stories when I became a teacher and a mother. As I grew in the Lord, I progressed to writing inspirational stories and had my work published. I wrote my first book of stories and devotionals six years ago when I was invited to be a speaker at a women’s conference (WIN). They wanted me to have a book available of my work.

What have you published and what is your current project?

I have written a number of devotions and short stories that have been published in “Upper Room”, Penned form the Heart, Adam’s Media Books, God Allows U-Turns: for Women, Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer, and Deliver Me! I have three books published, When God Speaks, 40 Days and Nights of His Promises, which is a story format devotional with an accompanying Bible Study work book. My next book I compiled and edited was Transformed—Inspiring Stories of Freedom, a book of testimonies about men freed from the bondage of addictions.

My recent release, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer was birthed from the painful journey I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a journal that contained many powerful prayers, letters and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story. You can buy this book and any of my others at www.anitaestes.com

Amazon

What do you hope this book accomplishes and who is this book written for?

First I want to reach out to parents of prodigals and let them know there is hope. I especially want to let them know that God has not abandoned them, nor is he punishing them. God is compassionate and there to help, but he doesn’t trespass our will. I want to show parents and loved ones that it’s okay to be honest with God. He desires that. I also want to reach out not only to parents and loved ones of prodigals, but to everyone who is dealing with a difficult relationship or situation. I believe the prayers and scriptures in Letters to God are powerful for “pulling down strong holds” ( ) in people’s lives—areas of bondage.

What do you want reader’s to come away with?

All my non-fiction books and articles are written to either help Christian’s grow in their spiritual walk with God or to reach those who are hurting and hurl them a lifeline in their storm. My books lean heavily on the power of prayer and God’s amazing compassion, mercy and love. I want others to intimately know the awesome God I know and the power of praying His promises. My fiction work is also spiritual in nature, filled with mystery and intrigue. I want to alert Christians to the enemy’s tactics so they can avoid his traps and use prayer as a powerful weapon. All of my writing is geared to coming away with a fuller understanding of God, His promises, and the transforming power of prayer.

What one issue ignites your passion?

Prayer and an intimate relationship with God are my two deepest passions. I want others to know how much God really cares for us and wants to know us. He gives us so many great gifts nestled in His promises. I want others to know how they can avail themselves of these treasures and go deeper with God. It is my desire to help others who face life’s challenges to know and understand how they can be victorious—in Jesus.

On Tues NOV. 8^TH ONLY I’ll be having a book launch for Letters to God… and you’ll be able to get a lot of FREE Gifts and a chance to win a free gifts card when you purchase the book on that day. You can find out more about the launch on my web-site, www.anitaestes.com or this direct link http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html

International recipes

2011-10-29T10:55:00.002-06:00

The authors at the International Christian Fiction Writers blog have put together a wonderful recipe book for our readers. You can download it free of charge - just go here -

http://internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com/p/international-recipe-book.html

Fit For Faith Book Launch Today

2011-10-11T08:46:00.003-06:00

OCTOBER 11th is the big launch day for Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health. If you have had any thoughts about buying the book, why not do it Oct. 11?

When you buy the book at Amazon.com you can redeem all kinds of great gifts from supporters of the launch. Gifts include: Free e-books, free sample chapters, free manuscript editing, free short stories, free devotionals, free cards... the list goes on!

ALL FREE if you buy Fit for Faith on October 11th. To learn more go to http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com

Free Gifts From Kimberley Payne and Friends

2011-10-11T01:00:00.001-06:00

Kimberley Payne, author and speaker, is launching her book Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health on Tuesday, October 11th at Amazon.com. You can help Kimberley achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at Amazon.com TODAY!

About the book:

This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.

About the Author:

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counselling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com

Bonus!

Buy Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical on Tuesday, October 11th and receive loads of FREE gifts from many generous supporters.

Sample chapters, Bible studies, short stories, and children’s books from acclaimed, best selling and debut Christian authors.

All if you buy your copy of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health at Amazon.com on October 11th 2011!

These free gifts are valid on Tuesday, October 11th only.

Disclaimer:

This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the John 3:16 Marketing Network and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the Internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, Amazon.com

Interview with Christian Author Kimberley Payne,

2011-10-06T01:00:00.002-06:00

Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health by Kimberley Payne

Are you looking for balance in your life? Believing that prayer, Bible study and journal writing are to the spirit what exercise, healthy eating and stretching are to the body, this workbook unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. This workbook is a motivational tool to empower women to improve their physical and spiritual health to live balanced, whole and joyous lives that glorify God.

1. How was the idea for the book born?

Although I was born and raised within the church, it wasn't until I attended a Christian women's retreat that I realized how much I had compartmentalized my life: family in one corner, work in another; finances here, health there, faith over there. I began to see that my faith shouldn't be kept partitioned off from the rest of my life in a storage trunk. Instead, it needed to be intertwined with all the parts of my life. If I was going to follow Him as my Lord, God wanted me to include Him in everything and that included my health & fitness.

2. What authority do you have to write this book?

I certified as a Weight Instructor through the YMCA, then went on to certify as an Aerobics Instructor through A.C.E., then went on to certify as a Personal Fitness through Can-Fit-Pro.

3. There are many fitness books on the market. How is Fit for Faith any different?

Fit for Faith makes no assumptions about the reader’s spiritual walk. All levels, whether a new Christian or a mature Christian, can benefit from this program. It is a program for a new Christian who wants to learn about prayer, journal writing and Bible study in the comfort of their own home, but a mature Christian can still be refreshed in their faith and re-commit to a daily relationship with God. It is motivating with inspiring reflections included each day and Christian truths set forth in a non-threatening manner.

Fit for Faith makes no assumptions about the activity level of the reader. All levels, whether a sedentary individual or a seasoned athlete, can benefit from this program. It emphasizes overall health, not just weight loss. Expertise and professionalism are provided throughout the program in easy-to-read “fit tips” and goal-planning assistance. The program includes strategies that empower people to make small changes in their daily routines to improve the quality of their life.

Fit for Faith is a well-rounded balanced program that follows the stages of change and so inspires confidence and builds esteem.

4. What is your purpose in writing this book?
The purpose in writing is to share knowledge from the health and fitness field and to demonstrate that partnership with God always leads to success, in every area of life. It is designed with the message of the gospel at its heart.

5. What is involved in the 7-week program?
The Fit for Faith program starts with developing an action plan that includes exploring benefits and success strategies of exercising, feeding, and stretching the body and the spirit. Then, the reader moves into implementing the plan through a daily program of prayer, Bible study and tracking of healthy habits. Each week is capped with a review that is a natural lead into the next week.

6. Can the book be used in a group setting?

Fit for Faith is a simple workbook to support a person through their day. It is designed for individuals to participate on their own at any hour, and any where. However, the workbook is extremely versatile and has proven success as a group program. Leader’s Notes are available to work within a group setting that can also be used as an outreach program within a church or workplace.

7. What are the benefits of the program?

It's like having your own personal trainer, without the cost. There is a ton of useful information that helps the reader wade through the myths and misconceptions that are out there.

It's an awareness program. The reader is accountable to record their activities, and this helps to recognize where their strengths are and what areas they need to improve.

It's a lifestyle change. Over the 7 weeks, the reader will gain habits that last a lifetime.

8. Do you offer workshops/presentations based on the book?
Yes, my main three presentations are:

Fit for Prayer
Learn how to fit prayer and physical activity into your daily routine
This workshop unites physical health and spiritual health to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. In this highly interactive session, you will gain insight into how to incorporate prayer and fitness into your daily round.

Food for thought
Find out how to nourish your body and spirit through healthy eating and Bible study
Just as eating healthy foods nourishes your body, Bible study nourishes your spirit. You will learn practical suggestions and scriptural guidance to achieve your goals. Feel the joy of a healthier and more spiritually fit life.

What people have said about Fit for Faith -

“This program is so much more than just exercise. It’s giving me the tools I need to enrich my life and my energy level."

M. Condon, Health Canada

"Most people come to lose weight, but they go away with so much more. It’s a real ministry

in people’s lives."

N. Nelder, Pastor’s wife

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual and physical health. Her writings

relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle,

and everyday experiences to building a

relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counseling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com

Fit for Faith is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or from Kimberley's website.

Christian Publishing University Launched

2011-10-03T13:41:00.005-06:00

Christian Publishing University Launched!

CPU is offering a special promotion for bloggers interested in learning more about Christian Publishing.

September 1 marked a giant step forward in the Christian publishing industry as a team of highly experienced industry professionals have launched a major new Web site — ChristianPublishingUniversity.com. Organized as an online university campus, the site is intended to become a one-stop clearinghouse of trainings, resources, and networking for both newcomers and veterans of the industry. It pulls together a wealth of valuable information that has never been assembled in one place before. Its purpose is to serve Christian publishers, editors, proofreaders, authors, composers, artists, photographers, retailers, pastors, church leaders, and many others.

Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?

Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers-- and find out how you could win a Kindle!

A two-year project, the 150-page Christian Publishing University (CPU) site includes dozens of impressive features, such as numerous recorded classes and courses on publishing topics, links to several hundred publishers of Christian materials, 60+ Christian literary agents, a Christian store locator service, 780,000+ quotations, various bestseller lists, all the public and national libraries in America, and hundreds of affiliate organizations, websites, and blogs.

CPU also offers an extensive publishing dictionary, a huge library of downloadable documents and helps, a campus store of publishing-related books and products, an interactive social media student center, an industry master calendar of events, a blog that discusses current publishing issues, and much more.

Top Christian author, Max Lucado, who is often called “America’s Pastor,” praised CPU by saying, “The Christian Publishing University is a timely response to an increasing need. Christian writing needs to set the standard in published literature. CPU takes us in that direction. Aspiring writers now have a resource for guidance and instruction. I can envision this ministry as a blessing to so many people.”

CPU is supported by an advisory board of well-known Christian publishing industry leaders, such Dr. Paul Brownlow (CEO of Brownlow Gifts), Dr. Thelma Wells (CEO of A Women of God Ministry and former speaker for Women of Faith), Mark Sweeney (president of Mark Sweeney & Associates literary agency), Dr. Jim Underwood (professor at Dallas Baptist University and New York Times bestselling author), Dr. Terry Johnson (former president of Oklahoma Christian University), Dr. Helen Young (former professor, Pepperdine University), June Hunt (Hope for the Heart), Dr. Sheila Bailey (Sheila B. Ministry), and others.

Watch the preview video!

CPU director of communications, Mary Hollingsworth, bestselling author of more than one hundred Christian books and a 27-year veteran of the industry, said, “Christian Publishing University is a dream come true for our industry’s seasoned professionals, as well as for gifted Christians who want to participate in God’s mission of spreading His Word through the avenue of publishing. For the first time ever, an enormous storehouse of resources, trainings, networking connections, social interactions, and other valuable features can be found in one place.”

“So far, we’ve only scratched the surface. We’ll be constantly adding new resources, classes, and opportunities as we go forward. We have some really exciting expansion plans for the future,” Hollingsworth said.

“Christian publishing is as old as the Bible itself,” she continued, “and God’s wise man, Solomon, said, ‘Of making books there is no end,’ so we’re here to stay. Until now, though, it’s been a difficult industry to navigate for newcomers, because the information they needed to get started was scattered all over the Web, in a multitude of books, in hundreds of magazine articles, and in a myriad of professionals’ minds. It was incredibly hard to assimilate.

“At long last, by compiling so many resources in one place, CPU gives them a chance to learn much of what they need to know to join this great ministry of the Word. It gives them hope. And it gives publishing professionals a place to refer newcomers who want to join us. We’re excited about the service it can provide both to those in house at our publishing companies, retailers, and to up-and-coming industry participants.”

Unlike printed books which, by the very nature of printed materials, are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, the CPU website can be constantly updated and, as the Bible says, “new every morning.”

CPU is a membership site and is open to anyone who wishes to participate in its ministry. The annual membership fee is $39.99. As Hollingsworth noted, “It’s less than the price of one Starbucks latte a month and far more valuable in the long run.”

For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.

Are you interested in finding out more about Christian Publishing University?

For a limited time, bloggers will be able to use a one-month look-before-you-blog promotional code for full access to the website for free. This code is active for the entire month of October and expires on November 1. Enroll by using the code freeonemonth.

If you blog about CPU and decide that you would like to continue your membership, you will be eligible to receive a $24.99 one-year discount as a thank you. If you would like to take advantage of the first year special, you can renew after your free month by using the code savefifteen.

For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.

You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.

______________________

Audra Jennings

Senior Media Specialist

The B&B Media Group

1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104 - ajennings@tbbmedia.com

Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com

We are also on Facebook and Twitter (audrajennings and TBBMediaGroup)!

“A Media Communications Company”

109 S. Main - Corsicana, TX 75110

Fax: 903-872-0518

_________________________

Since 1987, The B & B Media Group, Inc. has used its broadcasting, marketing and advertising experience to provide the specialized and strategic publicity necessary to achieve the public relations goals of each client. The Barnabas Agency, a division of The B & B Media Group, Inc., is a proven provider of exceptional public relations and personal management services for authors, speakers, ministries and organizations.

Cherished - Christian Fiction by Kim Cash Tate

2011-10-02T01:00:00.000-06:00

Why is forgiving ourselves so hard?

Kim Cash Tate shows how God cherishes us and provides our hearts’ desires.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Kim Cash Tate explores Psalm 103:12 as she takes her readers down the path to God’s forgiveness and reconciliation in her newest novel, Cherished. Readers will discover that God can still use them in spite of their worst choices. And He doesn’t just forgive them, but they are truly cherished!

Tate’s story will show her readers how God can bring beauty from ashes. She has a unique way of weaving her characters’ lives together, leading back to one great point—God’s tremendous mercy and grace. In the words of one of her characters, “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I felt like it would take a while to work my way back into God’s good graces, but it was like…”—she flung wide her arms—“…He just embraced me.” We too can be embraced by the same great love when we learn that true forgiveness for ALL of our sins is right before us.

Growing up in Saint Louis, Kelli London dreamed of becoming a songwriter and glorifying God with her songs of praise. But after falling into sin, she walks away from her dreams. Heather Anderson’s life has spun out of control—first an affair with a married man and then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band. Broken and alone, she discovers the only one who can save her.

Brian Howard grew up as a science geek. But after making the worst mistake of his life after high school, he finds forgiveness in Christ and is being led down a completely different path. Now he must choose whether to continue pursuing his PhD in biochemistry or to become a full time Christian rapper.

In her interviews, Tate discusses topics such as:

• Learning to forgive ourselves
• Choosing to forgive others and allowing God to change them
• Following the dreams God has for us
• Surrounding ourselves with Christian friends who will pray for and encourage us
• Understanding God’s unchanging love

Tate was a speaker for Women of Faith in both 2010 and 2011. She appeared as the cover girl for the May issue of Empowering Everyday Women and will be featured in the September edition of Significant Living. A song based on Cherished will be featured on the newest album for Da’ T.R.U.T.H., a Christian wrapper. Tate is also the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries. Her appeal as a Bible teacher and a “big sister” in ministry, as well as her messages of hope, is what attracts discerning fiction lovers worldwide.

Tate’s characters bring a reflection of our own poor choices. Readers walk away knowing that despite their worst mistakes, they are cherished by their Creator. “The enemy will try to make you feel guilty about your past, and he’ll use your own thoughts or he’ll use other people. But if you know who you are, he won’t succeed,” says Tate.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate
Thomas Nelson/September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-855-9/336 pages/paperback/$15.99
www.kimcashtate.com

Gold Earings by Diane Tatum

2011-09-28T10:01:00.004-06:00

While in high school in St. Louis County, MO, Diane Tatum wrote the short story “Gold Earrings” which grew into this novel. After teaching middle school language arts for eleven years in Tullahoma, TN, Diane “retired” from teaching in 2009 in order to write full-time. She writes for AssociatedContent.com and Suite101.com. Diane teaches Youth Sunday School (since 1981) and has written Bible study materials for middle schoolers for LifeWay and David C. Cook. Diane and her aerospace engineer husband Ken live in Tullahoma, TN.

Daughter of a bordello madame and an Italian captain of the seas, Angelina Mercy longs for a new life, free from the condemnation associated with her mother’s home in Boston. A former navy man, Jonathan Thomson has accepted God’s call and become a minister of a small congregation. Adrift from his Yankee heritage in the Missouri plains, Jonathan longs for a family of his own. Pursuing Alice, the daughter of the town’s wealthy patron, Jonathan believes he can tame her wild ways and accomplish more as a preacher once so established. When Angelina’s guardian and Jonathan’s seminary professor learns of Jonathan’s misguided intentions, he seeks out a solution to aid both individuals, providing a new home for Angelina in St. Joseph, Angelina and Jonathan are brought together with a strong initial attraction.

Can Jonathan ignore Angelina’s Gold Earrings, a constant reminder of the implications of her less than pristine parentage? And will Alice succeed in keeping Jonathan from Angelina? The resilient heroine of Diane E. Tatum’s novel will inspire you in this touching tale of love against the odds.

Here's a short teaser from the book -

What a glorious day! Angelina Mercy praised God and her godfather Dr. Ben Graves for this opportunity to start her adult life free of entanglements and judgments concerning her mother’s occupation. She pulled her midnight black hair back exposing her glinting gold earrings to the sun. Hopefully she’d also escape the nightmare that reoccurred on nights when she was exceptionally tired.

The train would take her to St. Joseph, Missouri, where she would meet the Reverend Jonathan Thomson, who had procured employment and a place to live for her. Dr. Ben had only told her that he was 28, had been his theology student, and had been a chaplain in the Union Navy during the Civil War. In fact, Dr. Ben had been quite mysterious when he’d told her, “It’ll be good for both of you for you to settle in St. Joe.” Surely he just meant that the Reverend Thomson was someone she could trust with her life.

Gold Earrings is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and bookstores across the country.

Eyes Wide Open by Canadian Writer R. K. Livingston

2011-09-23T10:27:00.004-06:00

If you like reading about life in bite-sized pieces you'll love this one. It's a delightful read, well written and full of short stories about real life, it's joy and its sorrows. This would make a good gift book for Christmas.

You can purchase it at Lulu.com or at the author's website - www.rklivingston.com.

Sell More Books by Steve and Cherie Miller

2011-09-15T11:06:00.001-06:00

Can low-profile, not-yet-famous authors get published and sell lots of books? This book says "Yes!" and tells how.

“…a comprehensive guide to marketing a book…[a] well-written, engaging resource that’s loaded with specific tips…. Brimming with creative ideas, Sell More Books! should prove to be a low profile author’s best friend.” - ForeWord Reviews

Writers and publishers will find the latest insider tips on writing and publishing more marketable books. Learn up-to-date information on publishing options, social networking, and "tried and true" book marketing tactics.

Includes hundreds of practical book-selling strategies for both traditionally and self-published authors. Learn which methods may work best for your books and your personality, and which methods might be a complete waste of time.

Should all authors blog? Should all authors do Twitter? According to the authors, in some cases these strategies can produce results; for others, they will be a waste of time. This book provides the wisdom to help authors make wise choices.

Chapters include:

Write a Marketable Book
Write a Title and Subtitle That Attracts Audiences
Attract People with your Cover
Publish through the Most Marketable Channel
Get Lots of Blurbs from All Kinds of People
Optimize Your Amazon and Barnes & Noble Pages
Build a Professional Online Presence
Submit Your Book to Contests
Check Your Attitudes toward Marketing
Use Guiding Principles to Prioritize Initiatives
Seek Early Reviews from Respected Book Review Sources
Seek Reviews and Endorsements from Busy Blogs
Seek Reviews and Endorsements from Other Publications
Attract Attention through Social Media
Optimize Digital Sales
Sell Your Book in Brick and Mortar Stores (Not Just Bookstores!)
Help Reporters and Journalists with their Articles
Consider Radio (Even if You’re Shy!)
Consider Speaking (Even if You’re Shy!)
John Kremer’s Twelve Tips for Low-Profile Authors
Bulk Sales Beyond the Bookstore: An Interview with Brian Jud
Consider Press (News) Releases

Low platform authors can win! Author J. Steve Miller didn't have a degree in music; neither was he a professional musician. Yet, he wrote a book on music that was published by a respected publisher and was translated into Dutch, German, Romanian, Russian and Spanish. He doesn't have a degree in education, yet his educational resources are used by schools and teachers in every state and over 30 countries.

“Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, the author must do the promotion. This book provides solid guidance and is full of valuable tips.” - Dan Poynter, best-selling author of over 125 books and revisions, recognized authority on book marketing, promoting and distributing, author of The Self-Publishing Manual

Steve and Cherie Miller love to write, publish, and help fellow authors. Cherie serves as president of the Georgia Writers Association. Steve is president of Legacy Educational Resources. Contributors Brian Jud and John Kremer are two of the most highly respected names in book marketing.

About the Author

Steve and Cherie Miller love to write, publish, and help fellow authors. They live on Lake Allatoona in Metro Atlanta. Cherie serves as president of the Georgia Writers Association. Steve is president of Legacy Educational Resources. Contributors Brian Jud and John Kremer are two of the most highly respected names in book marketing. Blythe Daniel is a Colorado literary agent and book publicist with experience in the traditional publishing industry. Stephanie Richards is a Georgia publicist.

The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

2011-09-06T09:29:00.005-06:00

If you like books with lots of dialogue and action, you'll enjoy The Betrayal. In Jenkins' usual style, he builds his story, the second in the Precinct 11 Series, through the dialogue and actions of his characters. We are introduced to them in quick succession as the main character, Boone Drake, a detective in the Gang Enforcement Section of the Chicago Police Department, is shot while escorting a witness. His one-time partner, now boss, Jack Keller, is immediately on the scene and the two begin to speculate on how it was possible for a man with a gun to be there, and how he knew where the witness would be.

Acknowledging that it had to have been an inside job, the two detectives have to face the fact that someone they work with, someone they know well, perhaps even someone they care deeply about is a betrayer. The emotional stakes are raised as Boone's new love interest is accused and the race is on to prove her innocent and find the real culprit.

The Betrayal's weakness is that it is lacking in narrative. The story is almost entirely told through the dialogue and action, so there is no room to go deeper. There are no great themes here, no stunning insights, no moments when you want to pause and think.

But it is a fast and enjoyable read. The book is available through all the usual sources and at any Christian bookstore across the country.

Interview with Christian author, Gina Holmes

2011-08-13T08:52:00.003-06:00

Gina Holmes is the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans and the newly released novel, DRY AS RAIN. She's the founder of Novel Rocket, (formerly Novel Journey), a registered nurse, wife and mother who makes her home in Southern Virginia. You can learn more about her at www.ginaholmes.com

Your debut novel hit ECPA, Amazon, PW and CBA bestsellers list (some throughout the span of a year!) For several weeks Crossing Oceans was the #1 free kindle download and then stay in the top hundred for a long time.

Beside the commercial success, your book was a finalist in every major Christian book award, including: Christy, ECPA, Retailer’s Choice, Carol Awards, and won RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice and an INSPY. Does having that kind of success put the pressure on for your second book?

I try not to think too much about it. I didn’t expect that kind of success but am very grateful for it. I had a lot of pressure on me on this releasing novel, not because of the success of the first book, but because, unlike the first, I didn’t have all the time in the world to write it. Some books flow smoothly, this one I had to yank out like a bad tooth. I faced multiple rewrites, some of them pretty major, all while trying to promote my all important first novel. I was still working full time, mothering, running Novel Journey (now Novel Rocket) and all of that, so this was a tough tough book for me to produce.

Tell our readers about your latest release, Dry as Rain:

I'm a really bad pitchman so I'll just repeat the back of the book copy:

Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart.

When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that’s been done.

Then a car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory—including her separation from Eric—and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra’s heart . . . or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness? A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

You can read the first chapter HERE.

"Holmes grabs the reader with a unique storyline about infidelity and what it truly means to forgive after betrayal. By looking at the situation from a different angle, the author provides a great deal of food for thought and contemplation." RT Book Reviews – September, 2011

Library Journal says, "Fans of emotionally packed domestic fiction will love it."

This novel feels so much different than Crossing Oceans. Why did you choose to take such a different path?

I didn’t intend to write something completely different and I think it feels that way because of the characters telling the story. In Crossing Oceans, Jenny was our narrator and she was a melancholy, all woman sort.

In Dry as Rain, we have Eric, who is a man’s man and doesn’t think in flowery language and descriptions so it would have been wrong to write him that way. While both books have a heavy subject matter, Crossing Oceans was much more so. You can’t get heavier than dying, so it was bound to be more emotional, no matter how I wrote the next book.

But, my genre seems to be relational drama which both are and I like to pepper in a quirky cast and that’s true of both books.

You took a lot of chances in this book. First writing first person from a male’s perspective, secondly to have the protagonist someone who does a lot of things that aren’t very Christianly, like cheating on his wife, drinking, lying, etc. Are you afraid this might hurt your sales in the Christian market?

Afraid? No. Concerned, sure. While I don’t personally have a problem with Eric drinking a beer, the rest I have a problem with too. The thing is Eric’s a nominal Christian at the beginning of the book, lukewarm about his faith like many who call themselves followers of Christ. This is his journey though and he doesn’t end up where he begins. I wanted to tell the story as truthfully as I could and at the end of the day let the chips fall where they may.

What happened to your long time website, Novel Journey?

www.noveljourney.blogspot.com is now www.novelrocket.com You can get to it by either address but we decided on an overhaul because we wanted to drop the blogspot address and just have a dot com. The guy who owned Novel Journey didn’t return our emails to sell so we had to do something a little different. This turned out to be a good thing maybe because we’d been chewing on broadening the site for some time. We’ve got some exciting changes now, the most notable is the addition of “Rocket Pages” a sort of Craig’s List for writers to find the services they need to launch and sustain their career.

What’s going on with you personally?

Well, I’m blissfully married, mom to two, stepmom to three, and owner of 2 dogs and a fish. I bought a guitar and hope to start fiddling with that soon and just writing a lot. Nothing too exciting over here but that’s the way I like it. I’m the happiest I’ve been in my life. I’ve accomplished many of the dreams and goals I’d hoped to and I always tell my husband, if I died today, I’d feel I lived and full and rewarding life. Not that I’m looking to die just yet.

What are you working on now?

I can’t give the title yet as that’s a work in progress but it’s a story very close to my heart. I’m more excited about this one than anything I’ve ever written. Hopefully my publisher agrees and you see it on the stands in the next year or so. That’s really all I can say for now.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I’ll tell you a few. I thought I was afraid of heights until I bungee-jumped and loved it. I’d love to skydive for the first time in the next year, white water raft and get at least a little skill on the guitar. My husband is a talented songwriter. My kids are the sweetest in the world, (yes, the world!), and I love to get my hands dirty. That should do it. Thanks for having me!

Thanks for a great interview, Gina. All the best with the books. :)

Book review - Hell Is Real ( But I hate to Admit it) by Brian Jones

2011-08-11T17:39:00.003-06:00

"This is one of those easy to read, laugh out loud, quote-highlighting, you gotta hear this kind of books. It takes you by surprise as humour and heart are interlinked to bring a compelling Biblical argument for the reality of Hell and at the same time strips away our reservations in presenting it to unbelievers.

There are portions of the book that present God in such a harsh light that it will make you want to put the book down. Jones is quite blunt as he contrasts the love of God with the wrath of God. He uses the term “Apocalyptic urgency’ for the sense we ought to have that not only is the return of Christ imminent but so also is the entrance to hell for so many. There was one line that particularly caught my attention, “Apocalyptic urgency is not about saving your friend from hell. It’s about saving your friend from God.” That’s a shocking statement until you consider the inherent truth - it is the wrath of God that a sleeping world needs to be made aware of and the consequence of that wrath is hell!

There are moments in the book when Jones will likely offend you and other moments when he will draw you with conviction to repent. Certainly the book is more than a discussion on the reality of hell, it is one of those spurs that God uses to move us to agree with truth and change some of the ways that have caused us to neglect discussing this topic with those whom we know are yet not Christians. Jones takes the time to lay out several practical steps in the book on evangelism, good ideas but the first eight chapters are what will catch your attention and challenge you to respond. Well worth the read."
****

Recently, the media has ignited in a brimstone blaze of controversy over the question of Hell, and the idea that’s generating so much attention is that Hell isn’t real, and even if it were, a loving God wouldn’t possibly send people there. Is Hell real, or is it a concept that is misguided and out of place in today’s Christianity? Many believe the answer to this question will have profound implications on the future of the faith, and important personalities on both sides of this question are drawing lines in the sand.

Brian Jones, a pastor in suburban Philadelphia, can relate to this controversy. Jones had a secret he’d been hiding for years: He didn’t believe in Hell. In Hell Is Real (But I Hate to Admit It) (David C Cook, August 2011), Jones relates that after seminary he came to the conclusion that “the Bible’s teaching about Hell was inaccurate at best and hateful at worst. What I was taught as a child was a lie, and now that I was becoming a pastor I was sure I’d never perpetuate that ridiculous myth again.”

But after an amazing experience that required him to rescue several people from an apartment fire, Jones began to re-think his stance on Hell. His uncertainty on the subject led him to Scripture, and as he studied God’s Word, he felt an overwhelming sense of conviction. “What I discovered shocked me. I had always assumed that the Bible contained only a few scattered references to Hell. I was wrong; it is taught everywhere.”

Watch the video trailer!

Drawing upon Scripture and his own experience as a pastor who didn’t believe in Hell, Jones began writing Hell Is Real with the hope that he would humorously and transparently push readers into a head-on collision with what he calls “apocalyptic urgency,” the all-consuming conviction that overtakes someone when they realize that Hell is real and it is within their power to help people avoid going there. The key to this apocalyptic urgency, according to Jones, is for Christians to realize that the largest need that faces mankind is the need to be saved from God’s wrath, which results in a real, literal Hell. Without the urgency that a belief in Hell instills, Christians “will inadvertently create the single greatest holocaust human civilization has ever seen.” In the end, Brian believes that the reason most Christians don’t tell their friends about Jesus has nothing to do with not knowing how—it’s because they don’t think they need to. “Hell Is Real is about transforming apathetic Christians into sold-out evangelists,” states Jones.

In a world eager to toss aside the distinctive beliefs of historical Christianity, voices like Brian Jones’ must be heard. It’s imperative that Christianity is represented by people who have wrestled with these relevant questions, but who’ve come to more thoughtful and traditional understandings on such crucial matters. Hell Is Real is interesting and entertaining, but it is, above all, unflinching in its endorsement of a literal, biblical Hell.

About the Author: Brian Jones is the senior pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley, an innovative community of faith in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Brian is a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University (B.A.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and has served in leadership positions in churches for over twenty years. His humorous and raw style has made him a popular speaker for conferences, seminars, churches and retreats.

Hell Is Real (But I Hate to Admit It) by Brian Jones
David C Cook/August 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0572-0/272 pages/$14.99
www.brianjones.com ~ www.davidccook.com

2011-08-09T01:00:00.000-06:00

“No amount of fear can increase our bank accounts, and no amount of losses can decrease God’s provision”—quote from Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta.

“Few women have experienced a seemingly endless string of tragedies like those that shattered the life of Janet Perez Eckles. But in a lively tone that reflects her vivacious personality, Janet teaches us how to reclaim our joy through biblical principles and real life examples. In reading Simply Salsa and applying the scriptural lessons, everyone whose heart has been broken or whose body has been afflicted by devastating illness will find herself dancing to the music of our Heavenly Father. (Review by Louise M. Gouge, author of At the Captain’s Command)

For only 24 hours Tuesday, August 9, order this life-changing book from Amazon.com and receive lots of bonus gifts and a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card or a round-trip airline ticket.

Watch video for more details: http://bit.ly/peQ9n2

and visit Janet at www.janetperezeckles.com

Interview with Christian author, Paulette Harper

2011-07-31T17:29:00.006-06:00

Today I'm pleased to introduce Paulette Harper.

Paulette is a sought after speaker, certified life coach, elder and author. As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Paulette’s desire is to motive women to reach their God given potential through conferences, workshops and seminars. Recipient of the 2010 AIM Literary Award. Presented by Bishop I.V. and Pastor Bridget Hilliard on Oct 20, 2010 and Jeweled Ministries 2010 Author of the year. Paulette Harper Johnson serves in ministry with her husband Sr. Pastor Tony E. Johnson at Word of Faith Worship Center in Bradenton, FL.

What is Completely Whole about?

Oftentimes, many people try to seek fulfillment from money, relationships, accomplishments, or material things. Others choose to cope with difficult problems by using drugs or alcohol, but they often come up short and soon have to realize that such things do not bring true happiness and fulfillment in life. How then can we successfully solve the problems that we face and find true happiness and peace in our lives? Well, author, Paulette Harper, in her latest book, Completely Whole, shows readers how to overcome suffering caused by alcoholism, substance abuse, poverty, and other obstacles blocking the path to a life of wholeness in spirit, soul, and body.

In her well-written, resource-filled guide, Harper provides readers with practical and biblically-based solutions to overcome everyday problems. Completely Whole features prayers, meditations, and powerful scripture passages to allow readers to interact with the text and to apply it to their own lives. Harper uses personal experiences and biblical principles to place readers on a path to be in connection with God. This life-changing book will help readers to transform their spirit, soul, and body through Jesus Christ, so they can live a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment.

What inspired you to write your books?

My story is different from many writers; I didn’t grow up with the aspiration to become a professional writer. When God spoke to my heart about writing, I knew He wanted me to write inspirational books-books that encouraged, motivated and led readers toward a closer walk with Him. With that being my vision, my writing career began.

On May 24, 2008, my first non-fiction inspirational book That Was Then, This Is Now: This Broken Vessel Restored was released, which achieved national recognition by being awarded a finalist in the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Award and ranked consecutively on the Black Christian Publishers Bestsellers List for Independent Publishers, Non-Fiction. On Nov 4, 2009, I was honored to be selected to participate in two anthologies, Victorious Living for Women and Victorious Living for Moms. On Aug 3, 2011 Completely Whole was released under my own publishing company Thy Word Publishing.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Completely Whole is one of those books that will challenge the reader to do a self-examination of where they are as it relates to their own spirituality. What I want people to gain from reading Completely Whole. This life-changing book will help readers to transform their spirit, soul, and body through Jesus Christ, so they can live a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment. In Completely Whole, I offer keys to help those who are searching for answers that can lead to a life of complete wholeness: Spirit, Soul and Body. My focus in writing is to enrich the lives of my readers. I had a reader make this comment about Completely Whole “It speaks” and that’s what I want it to do. I want them to come away knowing that they have the ability to live a full enriched life.

Why should we buy your book?

I want to make several impacts on readers. First I write non-fiction inspirational books so this means my books should have a lasting effect on a person’s spirit. Inspiring and encouraging them to pursue with passion a better fulfilled life. I want my writings to give strength, encouragement in the time of need. As they read Completely Whole, I want my writings to engage, stimulate and edify them spiritually. This book is inspiring, optimistic, hopeful and encouraging while providing a clear-cut, scriptural blueprint for each reader to follow as they allow the Word and the power of God to transform their pain and restore their lives on their road to becoming "Completely Whole."

Other Accomplishments:
Because I have a desire to see other aspiring writers dream come to reality, I’ve created Write Now, literary workshops. These workshops are designed to coach aspiring writers in the areas of creativity, development and publication of Christian books.

God has given me a desire for writers especially those who want to write for the Lord. Through these workshops it is my aspiration to provide information that will help aspiring writers dream come to reality, by providing tools, resources and opportunities to help them succeed.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I would highly recommend to those who are aspiring to become authors to be patient with the process of becoming well known. Connecting with your audience and branding yourself will take time. Especially for new writers the market is flooded with books for readers to choose from so by keeping this in mind you must be able to patiently wait your time to shine.

What’s next for Paulette?

I have started writing my first Christian Fiction book series. My first book in the Trinity Lakes series is titled: The Sanctuary. It will be released sometime next year. I’m excited about this new journey God has me on. I’m looking forward to seeing what He is going to do through these next books.

Where can visitors find you online?

Please visit me at:
Website: www.pauletteharper.com
Email: info@pauletteharper.com
I’m on Facebook under Paulette Harper-Johnson
I also have a blog Empowered to Prosper of which I am a blog tour host: www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com

Interview with Theresa Franklin, Christian Author

2011-07-24T01:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Writer-lee, Theresa.

Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Theresa Franklin. My husband and I live in Beaumont, TX where we raised our three children. I taught school for 12 years and then went into administration for 12 years. I retired last year. I have always loved writing and reading. I taught both in my classes. Even my first graders were taught to write stories. Every Wednesday was Creative Writing Day and the students looked forward to it. I had always dreamed of writing books, but didn’t have the time while the children were growing up and I was teaching school.
The last year I worked in the school, I decided that it was time to write. I began writing children’s books. I consulted the school psychologist about the subject matter. Children with disabilities have my heart, so a lot of my stories are about living with a disability. I also write about such things as death, divorce, and remarriage for children. The reality is that our children must deal with these adult issues and few books give them the necessary tools. I try to do that in my stories. I also write stories just for fun. Some stories were taken from my own children's adventures when they were growing up.

What have you published and what is your current project?

I have published the children’s books A Sunny Tomorrow, an e-format book which is a collection of 19 Christian-based stories.

Don’t Forget Daddy is a children’s book about a little girl who must learn to accept a step-father. Journey to Fulfillment is the testimony of my emotional struggle to come to grips with some painful events in my life. In the book, I also help the adult reader to understand or turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

I have mixed feelings about marketing. I do understand that the story is mine and no one can sell it like me, but I do believe that publishers should help market it. It is frustrating for an author, especially a new one, to receive an email from the publisher with a list of ‘contacts you might want to connect with’. If I were the publisher, I would make the contacts and then have the author follow up. A contact from a publisher gives the author much more status than a personal contact. Imagine yourself as the owner of a bookstore. You receive two calls in one day. First call, “Hi, I wrote a book and I wanted to know if you will let me come to your bookstore and sell it.” Second call, “Hi, I am from ABC Publisher and I have an author that I think you would be interested in hosting for a book signing.” Which author would you want in your store?

Tell us about a "God incident" related to your writing.

My adult book Journey to Fulfillment was precipitated by an emotional crisis that I experienced. After the initial shock, God impressed upon me that these painful events in my life had helped to shape my principles and convictions. In essence, they helped make me who I am today. Then He gave me the title Journey to Fulfillment.

What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

I hope to continue writing and helping children and adults navigate this rough terrain we call life. My husband hopes for grandchildren, but we will see.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write and wanting to publish?

I write what I know and from my heart. So that is what I would say to anyone beginning to write. On getting published? After I had written Journey to Fulfillment, let others read and edit it, edited it myself, and rewrote it for what seemed like the 14th time, I was ready to submit it. I opened the website of my preferred publisher, but fear gripped me and I could not click ‘submit’. I called my husband into the room and asked him to pray with me. He got down on his knees, held my hand and prayed for God to bless this book and use it for His honor and glory. So I would say: pray, pray, pray.

Any last words?

Thanks for hosting me. I enjoyed spending the time with you. I would love to have you and your readers join me on my blog and website. I write on a variety of subjects. I have started writing and posting short stories occasionally. I am anxious to see how my readers like them. Readers can find me at:
http://www.theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com
http://www.storiesforchrist.com

I enjoyed getting to know you, Theresa. Thanks for doing the interview. :) Marcia

Interview with Anita Estes, Christian Author

2011-07-18T11:02:00.006-06:00

Today I welcome Anita Estes.

Anita, please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Anita Estes, and I’ve been writing since I was a teenager. I started writing poetry and kept a journal. When I became a Christian I began writing articles and devotions, then I started writing children’s stories when I became a teacher and a mother. As I grew in the Lord, I progressed to writing inspirational stories and had my work published. I wrote my first book of stories and devotionals six years ago when I was invited to be a speaker at a women’s conference (WIN). They wanted me to have a book available of my work.

What have you published and what is your current project?

I have written a number of devotions and short stories that have been published in “Upper Room”, Penned form the Heart, Adam’s Media Books, God Allows U-Turns: for Women, Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer, and Deliver Me! I have three books published, When God Speaks, 40 Days and Nights of His Promises, which is a story format devotional with an accompanying Bible Study work book. My next book I compiled and edited was Transformed—Inspiring Stories of Freedom, a book of testimonies about men freed from the bondage of addictions.

My recent release, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer was birthed from the painful journey I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a journal that contained many powerful prayers, letters and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story. You can buy this book and any of my others at www.anitaestes.com ; Amazon; Barnes and Nobles

I’ve also written a novel, The Dividing Stone, which I plan on publishing in 2012. It is a spiritual warfare book with a historical slant involving angels, demons and an unsuspecting artist who is drawn into a battle for her life to rescue the lives of other Christians.

As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

I’ve struggled in this area because I never wanted to promote myself, but a few years ago an author at a writer’s conference told me that I wasn’t promoting myself, but the words God gave me to write. I thought about that for a while; however, I didn’t start publicizing my writing on-line until recently. In the past I had my books in Christian bookstores and did book signings, but all those have gone out of business. I’ve now joined a number on on-line groups, and I’m getting to know some wonderful people and enjoying meeting other authors, though I don’t have many on-line sales. Yet I believe if God wants my writing to get into the public’s hands, He will help me do it. However, I have to put in the effort, which I’ve been trying to be more diligent about doing.

Tell us about a "God incident" related to your writing.

There are several incidents where I feel God has placed my books in the hands of people who are in need of help and support. One such incident came when I was debating whether or not I should continue writing. One day I received an e-mail that said “I love your books!” in the subject line. The person told me she had bought a number of my books in a local bookstore and was giving them out to her friends and family. Her sister was really enjoying my book, When God Speaks. I was happy that it was ministering to her. Later, I discovered that the sister had a very difficult marriage and that book gave her hope and encouraged her walk with God. This is one of my most important goals as a writer —to encourage and help others.

What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

I hope that when I retire from teaching, I’ll be able to write more books, be more widely read and become a motivational/inspirational speaker for woman’s conferences. A friend of mine in South Carolina developed a powerful conference for woman, WIN, based on targeting seven areas of need in woman’s lives and I hope to become more involved with this. It’s a multi-media, arts based interactive approach to a conference, and I hope to expand this outreach. My next goal is to be able to have a book ministry that can pay for itself and develop into a small business. Presently, I own a small publishing company—Transformation House, which I hope to gradually enlarge and publish other Christian author’s work as I learn more about the business and publishing.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write and wanting to publish?

Write what comes naturally to you and what God puts on your heart. Write it all out, then edit it over and over again. Find your own unique voice, but allow others to give you editing advice, especially if you are self-publishing. Above all else, don’t give up. I wrote hundreds of pieces before I was published. If you want to be published, either attend Christian writing conferences or network with others on-line. I was not published until I attended a writer’s conference and networked with others. Write for a specific audience. Have them in mind when you are writing, but don’t write just for others. Write because it’s what God wants you to do. Even if you might be a Jonah and want to run away from the writer’s life, don’t. I’ve left my writing for years because it’s a lot of work, but God always draws me back. If God is calling you to write, then do it.

Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Anita. God bless as you continue to write for the Kingdom.

The Journey to Inscribe

2011-07-14T13:49:00.003-06:00

I'm sure I stopped breathing. God had been showing me that He wanted me to write but I was aware that I needed help. So I'd prayed that he would show me where to go to find people of like mind who were writing for Him. Now here it was - the answer to that prayer - an advertisement for the Alberta Christian Writers' Fellowship, meeting in a small church about an hour's drive from where we lived.

I was delighted to learn there was such a thing as a Christian writers' organization, let alone that it was so close to home. I attended that first meeting, then a workshop, then another. They asked me to be part of their executive committee, and although it was in a capacity that I did not feel very confident about, (treasurer), I said yes and enjoyed being involved in the planning for workshops and then longer conferences as well as the fellowship of the others in leadership of the organization. Over the years I held many positions on the executive (other than treasurer!).

As I continued to attend the workshops and conferences and enter the contests my writing improved by leaps and bounds. I learned how to submit my work and began to have success in publishing. The encouragement of those who had been writing for some time was invaluable. The friendships I gained were more than I could have hoped for when I prayed that prayer at the beginning of this journey. I know without a doubt I would not be where I am today as a writer and as a person, were it not for the influence of those friends.

It was an exciting day when the executive met and we began talking about expanding ACWF to include all of Canada. We already had members from across the country so it seemed like a logical step. We were pleased when the membership agreed and voted Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship into existence. The challenge was, and remains to be, how to engage writers in our organization when they live so far away. It was a delight to see some of them come from as far away as Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to attend our Fall Conferences and to see them connect in local satellite groups, on the internet listserv and through the newsletter, FellowScript.

I know God's hand guided me to find ACWF and I know he continues to guide many others to find ICWF now. He has work for us all to do, words that need to be written, and Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship plays a big part in helping us all to accomplish that work - to "write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness" (Isaiah 30:8).

Interview with Christian Author, Tom Blugaugh

2011-07-12T15:49:00.005-06:00

Tom Blubaugh is a freelance writing living in southwest Missouri with Barbara, his wife. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom has written non-fiction most of his adult life, but has recently written a historical fiction titled Night of the Cossack, published by Bound by Faith Publishers. This is Tom’s first novel. He co-wrote a devotional journal in 2009 for Barbour Publishing titled The Great Adventure. His other writings include articles for a denominational magazine and an insurance publication. He also self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974.

Hi Tom. Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

Tom: My first writing was done when I was fourteen. I wrote poems. I was influenced by the advent of rock and roll and I had visions of my poems turning into lyrics for Elvis. This, however, didn’t work out. I continued to write poems, mostly to girls in my class. At age thirty, I started writing nonfiction.

What have you published and what is your current project?

Tom: I self-published a book in 1974 for my ministry, Behind the Scenes in the Bus Ministry. I also wrote some articles for denomination magazines and a business magazine. In 2009 I co-wrote a devotional journal for Barbour Publishing under contract. On April 6th, my first attempt at fiction, Night of the Cossack, was published by Bound by Faith Publishers. At this time, I’m working hard at marketing my name and book and trying to enjoy some of the summer since I missed summer last year due to writing. In the fall I’ll continue with a sequel to my novel. I also have some children’s books in my mix.

The Night of the Cossack looks like it required quite a bit of research. How did you go about that? Did you encounter any obstacles?

Tom: Night of the Cossack did require a lot of research. I worked hard at it and took my first fifty pages to a Russian History professor at a local university and asked her to read it. She did and told me there wasn’t a word of truth in it, which really threw me. At the time, I was tutoring English as a second language and there were some students from Russia and Ukraine. One of them read it and told me it was all true. I told her I was confused. She asked me where the professor was educated and I told her in Russia. She told me that was the problem—that there is one version of history taught in the universities and there was the true history written by those who escaped and immigrated to the USA. After that, I continued researching and writing.

As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

Tom: Great question. I believe my talents come from the Lord and that I’m to do everything to the best of my ability, which includes marketing. I think He expects me to do all I can do and He’ll do what I can’t.

Great Answer! ;) Tell us about a "God incident" related to your writing.

Tom: This truly is a God thing. I wasn’t sure I was going to publish the story because I was creating a legacy for my children and grandchildren. Both my grandfathers died before I was born so I never had the experience of having that role model. Now I have fourteen grandchildren and am winging it. When I was nearly done with the manuscript a friend called me and wanted me to help him set up a website. I met with him and his wife. They told me they were starting an independent Christian publishing company. I didn’t think anything about it because I wasn’t writing the book from a Christian perspective since my grandfather was a Jew.

In the process of helping them, I showed them my website. They picked up the fact that I had the first chapter of my book on the site for reading. They didn’t say anything, but when they got home they read it (I found this out later). They called me and said they’d like to read some more of the story, so I sent them a couple more chapters. They then asked to read the entire manuscript after which they wanted to meet with me and my wife, Barbara. During that meeting they asked to publish the story. Not your normal publishing story, but I certainly know who is in charge.

What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

Tom: I feel like I’m living my future. I’m 69 and my wife is retiring in January. I’ve been retired since 2004. I can’t think of anything I need or want other than to see this book do well. I have a wonderful family and as I stated we have fourteen grandchildren. I’m sure I’ll write as long as I live or as long as I’m able. After that I’ll be in heaven.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write and wanting to publish?

Tom: Don’t wait another minute to start promoting your name and what you’re doing. A deep platform is extremely important if you want to see your work do well. I don’t know how the writers did it before the computer.

Any last words?

Tom: There is a great need for clean, wholesome literature for young adults.

Thanks Tom. All the best as you continue to write for the Kingdom. :)

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.

eboook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.

ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble

Night of the Cossack Facebook page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.

Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.

Check me out on Goodreads.

Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).

Genesis Project

Jericho Commission, Inc.

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Others participating in the blog tour:
Anita Estes
Theresa Franklin
Paulette Harper
Marcia Laycock
Lorilyn Roberts
Cheryl Rogers

Sell More Books by Steve and Cherie Miller

2011-07-09T16:08:00.003-06:00

A Great resource for writers who find they have to do it all themselves. Steve and Cherie Miller have put together a book that is invaluable to writers who need answers to marketing questions. Each chapter is followed by a place to write down specific application steps. Following this book will undoubtedly lead to sales and greater exposure.

Check it out here

Interview with Lorilyn Roberts, Christian Author

2011-07-07T01:00:00.003-06:00

Lorilyn Roberts grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her two daughters, her dogs Sirius and Molly, and four cats. Lorilyn is a media professional and provides broadcast captioning for television. She makes time to pursue her passion for writing and will earn her Masters in Creative Writing from Perelandra College next year.

Lorilyn has homeschooled her daughters for the past fifteen years. She has published two books, The Donkey and the King and Children of Dreams; is president of the Gainesville, Florida, Word Weavers Chapter; and the founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network. Lorilyn's personal website can be found at http://lorilynroberts.com and her blog is at http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com. You can check out her Facebook fan page where she shares writing tips at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lorilyn-Roberts-Fan-Page/144049365650301 Also be sure to follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/llwroberts. To learn more about the John 316 Marketing Network, visit http://www.john316mn.blogspot.com

Question: Please introduce yourself and tell us how you got started writing.

Lorilyn: I have been writing ever since I was a young child—around eight years old. My childhood was difficult and I could escape from a world where there was a lot of pain to a world I created that made me happy.

Question: What have you published and what is your current project?

Lorilyn: I have published two books, The Donkey and the King and Children of Dreams. Currently I am working on a sequel to the inspirational fantasy The Donkey and the King. The story has taken off in a new direction and will be a fantasy book for Young Adults. A third book will follow making it a trilogy.

Fantasy continues to be an escape for me. As I have gotten older, raised one child and am approaching the teenage years with my second, I have become more reflective on my early years and wondered if I could heal in a deeper way through writing. I have studied some of the best Christian authors in my Masters writing classes and discovered many grew up in deprived circumstances or even abusive families. Later, those memories found their way in the magnificent stories they wrote.

Hopefully we can age gracefully and see that God was with us when we were young, even before we had an inkling of who He was. Today, as a Christian, I understand the sin that entangles and the chaos that ensues, yet through it all, God makes His presence known in miraculous ways. With fiction we have freedom and freedom inspires creativity. God uses the hard things to reveal Himself when we least expect it, and I look forward to sharing some of that story from a very unusual point of view.

Question: As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

Lorilyn: I started the John 3:16 Marketing Network to help new and low-profile authors launch their books in the oftentimes brutal world of publishing. We have about 150 members now and the Network has helped several authors to achieve best seller status on Amazon.

I find great satisfaction knowing I played a small part in making another Christian author’s dream come true. We are filling a felt-need and purpose. Ultimately my goal is to get as many Christian books in the top rankings as possible to glorify God and present a Christian worldview. From the beginning I felt God leading me to form the John 3:16 Marketing Network and believe we have a great opportunity to influence the direction of Christian book marketing in the years to come.

Question: Tell us about a "God incident-related your writing."

Lorilyn: Children of Dreams tells the story of how God made me a mother to two beautiful daughters from Nepal and Vietnam. My faith has grown through their adoptions as God has taught me so much more about His adoption of us than I ever would have understood otherwise. Jesus paid the ultimate price to redeem us so we could be His children and spend eternity with Him.

Question: What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

Lorilyn: As my children have gotten older, even as a single parent, it has allowed me some freedom to pursue my passion for writing. Last year I enrolled in Perelandra College (a fully accredited on-line college) to pursue my Masters in Creative Writing. I still have another year to finish, but the main reason I wanted it is I have a dream to teach creative writing in China.

While I don't need a Masters to teach there with my background in journalism/court reporting/broadcast captioning, I will need it when I return. I will have been out of the closed-captioning world for a year and may have difficulty finding work. Plus I would like to teach creative writing here in the U.S., write more books, and help other authors. With a Masters in Creative Writing and the experience I gain from teaching in China, I feel like I will be able to pursue that dream.

Question: What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write and wanting to publish?

Lorilyn: The first thing I would say is pursue your dream. Don't let somebody talk you out of it. There will always be naysayers, so if your desire is to write, write with all your heart. While you may need a day job along the way to pay a few bills, you can still pursue your dream if it's your passion. God gives us our passions and creative gifts and longs for us to use them—just like we long for our children to become everything God has created them to be. Develop the attitude of becoming a life-long learner towards writing.

There are also practical things you can do: Join a writer’s critique group like Word Weavers, read all the books on writing you can find, attend writers’ conferences in your area, and listen to webinars and podcasts on the Internet. There is a lot of free information available on the web so writers have access to good information—more than ever before.

Form meaningful relationships with writers on Facebook and Twitter. If you are interested in the John 3:16 Marketing Network, you can get in touch with me on my website at http://lorilynroberts.com. Leave your email (it will be private), website/blog, and Facebook name. I will get back in touch with you.
We've been averaging about three membership drives per year, and I will keep you posted on the next one when you can join.

Any last words?

Lorilyn: Please visit my fan page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (links at the top) so I can let you know when my YA fantasy book will be available. If you like time travel to other dimensions with a Christian worldview, (or you know someone who does) The Seventh Dimension will take you to a surprising land that lies counter-point to the real world—with unusual animals, special gifts, and supernatural beings. I can’t wait to finish and share it with my friends, fans, and readers.
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Others participating in the blog tour -

Anita Estes,

Theresa Franklin,  

Paulette Harper Johnson,   and http://www.pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com/;

Lorilyn Roberts,

Tom Blubaugh

Blog Tour - Cheryl Rogers

2011-07-02T14:20:00.008-06:00

For the next while I'll be featuring several different authors on a blog tour. I hope you will enjoy getting to know these Christian authors.

ML: Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Cheryl Rogers and I’m a Christian author based in Tampa, Florida. I decided to become a writer after I became fascinated with Nancy Drew Mysteries as a child. Although I loved fiction, it seemed less practical. So I decided to study Journalism and become a newspaper reporter. I worked for newspapers for 12 years before I quit to have a family.

ML: What have you published and what is your current project?

I have published a number of books, one of them is a paperback but the others are ebooks. The bulk of them are Christian titles aimed at different age groups. My books include Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook, which is a devotional aimed at new and young Christians aged 12 and up. I’ve also written a children’s Bible study, Making Choice: Life is Like Acorns, which teaches children things are not always what they appear to be and God looks at the heart. Just Like Jonah Wail Tales is story collection aimed at preteens and teens that teaches there is a price to pay when you disobey. The I Can See Christian Storybook Treasury is aimed at toddlers through teens. It is a short story collection to defeat doubts about God as a child grows. It can be read by children of various ages, as well as my one child for several years. I have also written a skit from one of the stories in the Christian Storybook Treasury. I call it “I Can See God’s Word.” It can be used by churches and youth groups to encourage youngsters to study God’s word and cooperate with him as he attempts to change us into the people he wants us to be. I also write about self publishing. My books include What You Should Know About Self Publishing and What You Should Know Before You Hire a Book Designer.

ML: As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

I don’t want to make anyone feel obliged to buy my books. I figure if God has indeed given me a message he will prepare hearts for it. I am trusting in him to connect me with my intended audience. If he wants me to give away my books, I pray I am obedient. If he wants to send me buyers, I am always grateful for the sale -- whether the readers purchase one book or more. The most important thing is that his kingdom is built up.

ML: Tell us about a "God incident" related to your writing.

I didn’t really even know God when I began to write. It took a devastating illness for me to find God, or really for him to find me. When he did, he not only healed me but began giving me Scripture songs. Now I didn’t consider myself a musician, although I liked to sing. And I couldn’t have written a melody on my own. But these songs were actually sung into my spirit. Then God enabled me to record them into Scripture song CDs through the help of a music minister with a recording studio two blocks from my house. I realized if God could enable me to record Scripture song CDs when I could not previous write music, I had better use the talents he’d developed in me over the years. That was my writing. And so I began writing the original Bible columns sharing what God had taught me. These became the basis of Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook. Doing the Scripture songs and books enabled me to fulfill my childhood dreams of being a singer and a writer.

ML: What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

I am believing God will expand my territory and enable me to reach many more with my message about the importance of seeking God, surrendering our lives to him, staying connected to his Word, and doing what he says.

ML: Thanks for the interview, Cheryl.

During this blog tour, Cheryl is offering 25% off on all of her books at New Christian Books.
There's also a 25% discount on Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook at Smashwords. Here's the code buyers need to use at checkout: PN93C

Where to find Cheryl online -
Website: http://songsfromtheword.com
Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cheryl-rogers/15/452/160
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/songsfromtheword
Blog: http://www.songsfromtheword.com/NewChristianBooks

Others participating in the blog tour -

Anita Estes,

Theresa Franklin,  

Paulette Harper Johnson,   and http://www.pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com/;

Lorilyn Roberts,

Tom Blubaugh

Dying Empty

2011-07-02T11:06:00.002-06:00

Excellent post about living every day creatively on Michael Hyatt's blog

Links of Interest

2011-06-30T09:28:00.003-06:00

If you are a writer check out this excellent interview with Jeff Gerke here

If you enjoy speculative fiction check out Jeff's Marcher Lord Press

You can get Ether Ore, an ebook collection of short stories as well as other MLP books on their website.

New Look at Novel Journey

2011-06-28T14:49:00.007-06:00

There's a new look at Novel Journey - the new site will launch on July 1st and you could win prizes! Check it out, then let me know here what you think and I'll send you a code for a 25% discount on my ebook devotional for writers, Abundant Rain.

Just go here -
Then come back and tell me what you think. :)

How to Put a Dollar Figure to Stories by Daphne Gray-Grant

2011-06-24T09:50:00.003-06:00

A Guest blogger today - and some wise words from Daphne Gray-Grant

PW #278 - How to put a dollar figure to stories
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I'm not usually thrilled by the prospect of meeting famous writers. Generally, their work excites me more than their persons, so I seldom attend "writer's festival" events and instead spend my spare time...you know...reading.

But there's an exception that proves every rule. Last week I presented a workshop at the world meeting of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) in San Diego. And I had the opportunity to meet Jonah Lehrer, author of How We Decide.

I read his non-fiction book late in 2009 and found it captivating. When I heard Lehrer, a neuroscientist -- who can write! -- was going to give the keynote address as this conference it made me practically giddy.

Not only is he hellishly bright, but he's also a fearsomely energetic and intense speaker who paces the stage like captured bobcat. A contributing editor at Wired he's a graduate of Columbia University and a Rhodes Scholar. He's also written for The New Yorker.

Lehrer is a neuroscientist -- that is, someone who has studied the human nervous system. How We Decide explores some of the mysteries of everyday life. How do we choose our breakfast cereals? Which areas of the brain are triggered in the shopping mall? Why do smart people take out subprime mortgages?

When Lehrer spoke, however, he impressed me most with his emphasis on the importance of stories. If you've read my newsletter for a while, you'll know I'm practically obsessed with stories. This is because:

· Stories have been meaningful to humans since before we were literate. We are hardwired to respond to the natural tension in stories and to engage in the "beginning, middle and end" structure of them.

· Stories entertain and empower readers in a way that statistics and facts simply don't. Stories help move people to action.

· People remember facts told in the context of a story better than in any other way.

I knew all this stuff well before Lehrer spoke, but then he told us -- guess what? -- a story that quantified the impact.

An American scientist (sorry, I wasn't taking notes, so I don't have his name) brought a bunch of students into his lab and told them about a youth (Somalian, maybe?) who had suffered through the horrors of war. The story was graphic and tragic, and when the scientist asked for donations to help support this youth, he received an average of $8.10 from every student who attended.

Later, the scientist called in another group of students and told them a much more elaborate and accurate description of the plight of Somalian (?) youth. This report was very factual and detailed and presented a much bigger problem -- not just the story of one young man, but the tale of a generation. You might be forgiven for expecting that when the scientist requested donations for such a cause he would receive much more money per student. But, no, the "macro" story generated donations of only 55 cents per person.

Thus, Lehrer quantified the power of stories. If cash-poor students can give $8.10 verus 55 cents, based on the power of a story alone, that tells you something about the importance of being personal, specific and detailed.

I'm not generally in the habit of favouring quotes from Joseph Stalin, but the Bolshevik summed it up aptly when he said, "The death of one man is a tragedy, the death of millions is a statistic."

Stories matter. Use them in your writing.

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Daphne Gray-Grant is a writing and editing coach and the author of the popular book 8½ Steps to Writing Faster, Better. She offers a brief and free weekly newsletter on her website. Subscribe by going to the Publication Coach.

The Watcher by Sara Davison

2011-06-22T18:14:00.004-06:00

Kathryn Ellison is being watched. And so is everyone else in this page-turner by Sara Davison. The novel is a good read and it's easy to see why it won the Word Alive Contest this past year.

Although I did find some of the sentence construction awkward at times, the prose moves quickly and keeps the reader wondering. The frequent comments by 'the watcher' add to the suspense, not only about the events unfolding but also about his identity. We are given clues as he personifies such attributes as Faith, Hope, Love, Fear and Forgiveness, but we have to wait until the very end to discover who he is.

This is a story about all of the above, and about holding on to God when everything else is slipping away. I'm sure we'll be reading more from this young Canadian author in the future.

False Witness by Randy Singer

2011-06-21T10:14:00.004-06:00

The Government Can Change an Identity,

but It Cannot Change a Life

Suspense author Randy Singer brings awareness

to the plight of Dalits in India

What is our responsibility for obtaining justice for those in need? Does the end always justify the means? Randy Singer examines these questions while taking his readers through twists and turns on a powerful journey in his novel False Witness. This engrossing legal thriller is a re-telling of Singer’s original novel by the same name. The new version has many substantial changes—some designed to bring about Singer’s original vision for the book inspired by his friend’s funeral.

The deceased was David O’Malley, Singer’s good friend and former client. O’Malley’s wife had asked Singer to give her husband’s eulogy. So, at the funeral, Singer talked about his friend’s generosity and big heart. Everyone there had a David O’Malley story, so heads nodded as he shared his. David’s pastor followed Singer in the pulpit. He spoke about a man named Thomas Kelly. The man was a scoundrel involved in organized crime. He turned on everyone he knew. “You don’t think you know Thomas Kelly, but you do,” the pastor explained. “David O’Malley was Thomas Kelly before he went into the witness protection program—before he came to the Lord.”

Prior to that moment, the only people that knew about David’s past were the government, his family, Singer, and his pastor. There was utter silence as the pastor concluded with a line Singer said he will never forget. “The government can give you a new identity,” he said, “but only Christ can change your life.” It was then that he decided to write this book.

But Singer also wanted to draw attention to one of his passions. He wanted to highlight the challenges of today’s church in India. He believes that most Western Christians are unaware of the persecution of the church and the miraculous things happening there.

Do you have a book club? Don’t miss your chance to sign up for the False Witness book club contest!

The first 10 groups that sign up will have the opportunity to have Randy appear either live or via Skype for a 1-hour discussion with the group. (In order to qualify, groups must have at least 20 members and have the ability to use Skype.)

The first 50 groups that sign up will receive a special book club package that includes a DVD, a reading group guide, and an assortment of Randy’s backlist titles.

Click here to sign-up!

India is a land of civil rights, in theory, but of brutal oppression, in fact—especially for the 165 million members of the Dalits, India’s lowest caste. During Singer’s first trip to India a few years ago, he saw firsthand the systemic oppression of the Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) through the Hindu caste system. Singer was astonished by the fact that the world’s largest democracy was also a breeding ground for the world’s largest human-trafficking operations, that it would allow the exploitation of 15 million children in bonded labor, that it would tolerate temple prostitution and other forms of sexual slavery, and that it would foster economic and social systems that oppress nearly 25 percent of its people.

But there is a silver lining. A bond was formed between the Dalits and Christians. The Dalits began asking the church to help educate their children. Hundreds of schools sprang up, providing thousands of Dalit children with an English-based education (critical to landing good jobs) and newfound self-respect. The Dalits responded with another invitation: “If this is the Christian faith, come start a church in our village.” The result is that millions of Dalits and other Indians are coming to Christ, drawn by a religion that believes the ground is equal at the foot of the cross.

Singer was moved by the plight of the Dalit children, struggling to throw off the yoke of oppression and replace it with real freedom and dignity, so he committed to do his part because he believes that “no child should be untouchable.” So he is donating every penny from the sale of False Witness to the Dalit Freedom Network. His novel will take readers from the streets of Las Vegas to the halls of the American justice system and the inner sanctum of the growing church in India with all the trademark twists, turns, and legal intrigue his fans have come to expect.

False Witness begins with Clark Shealy, a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line—his wife’s life. He has 48 hours to find an Indian professor in possession of the Abacus Algorithm—an equation so powerful it could crack all Internet encryption.

Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist. She and two colleagues learn that their clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the encrypted algorithm in their possession. Now they’re on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who will do anything to get the algorithm. Caught in the middle, Jamie and her friends must protect their clients if they want to survive long enough to graduate.

In this engrossing legal thriller, Singer shows how God is a God of justice and how, in His time, justice will be served.

False Witness by Randy Singer

Tyndale House Publishers / May 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4143-3569-8 / 416 pages / paperback / $13.99

www.randysinger.net ~ www.dalitnetwork.org

The Fitting Room by Kelly Minter

2011-06-10T20:38:00.004-06:00

Clothing Ourselves with the Virtues of Christ

Author Kelly Minter offers readers an irresistible invitation to a spiritual makeover

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” –Colossians 3:12

That verse is God’s call to a spiritual makeover, says Kelly Minter, an invitation to take off undesirable character traits and entangling emotions and put on the character of Christ. But how does that work in real life? The key, according to Minter in The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ, is to let the Master Designer do the fitting for you. This honest and relatable book stitches together Bible study and personal stories with warm encouragement.

Writing with her trademark dry humor and sharp insight, Minter gives us more than just descriptions of what the Christian virtues are and moves us past the “try harder” guilt trips to show how Christ forms these virtues in us as we cooperate with Him. What does it mean to authentically forgive in the face of deep wounds? How can we wear humility apart from weakness? How can we discover deep peace in our hurried lives? The Fitting Room explores these questions and more as it calls you to a life of beautiful integrity and strong character—relying on the Master Designer to make that possible.

There are no gimmicks here, just an irresistible invitation to a spiritual makeover as Minter urges readers to put on the life that truly was meant for them, personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best. “Our dress is an expression of ourselves, a statement of our personalities or moods. We dress up, we dress down, we dress for comfort, we kill ourselves in high heels to dress for style, we dress for the weather, we dress for others, we dress for ourselves. But what about the dress of our souls? What about the way our character clothes us? And our character does clothe us,” writes Minter.

The Fitting Room offers welcome hope to the reader who is weary of duty-bound religion when it comes to the Christian virtues. By honestly exploring the power of Christ to live these virtues through us, the reader will walk away relieved of legalism and hopeful for change. The Fitting Room calls the reader to a life defined by the Christian virtues, with an unrelenting emphasis on the grace of God to accomplish this in each of us.

About the Author: Kelly Minter is a singer/worship leader, a recording artist, a popular speaker, and the author of two books (Water into Wine and No Other Gods) and three Bible studies (No Other Gods, Ruth, and Hannah’s One Wish). Among her CDs is one based on insights from her Bible study on Ruth. Minter resides in Nashville, TN.

The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter
David C Cook/April 2011

ISBN: 978-1434-79985-2/108 pages/paperback/$14.99

www.davidccook.com

Live Loved by Max Lucado

2011-06-08T20:54:00.005-06:00

Live Loved: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life (Devotional) by Max Lucado

I have long been a fan of Max Lucado and this pocket sized devotional book did not disappoint. Lucado's insights are always fresh and thought provoking. His writing style is fluid and a delight to the ear as well as the heart. If you are discouraged, pick up this book - it will lift your eyes to the Lord. If you are dry, pick up this book - it will pour water into your thirsty soul. If you are looking for truth, pick up this book - it will direct you to the source of all truth.
****

Imagine how your life would change if you were sure God loves you!

Using the same popular format as Grace for the Moment, Live Loved brings fresh, new devotionals based on the writings of Max Lucado. Included is a broad range of topics such as facing your fears, accepting His grace, and truly knowing God’s omnipresent love. Each devotional is accompanied by an ending prayer to nurture a stronger prayer life for new believers, as well as long-standing Christ followers. It’s a new devotional from one of America's leading Christian writers that will help men and women experience life from a whole new perspective.

Click the link below to connect to the Live Loved Community page on Max Lucado's site
www.maxlucado.com/liveloved

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award Finalists

2011-05-25T15:20:00.001-06:00

Women’s Fiction

The House on Sugar Plum Lane by Judy Duarte (Kensington)

Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart (FaithWords)

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

Long Contemporary

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale)

The Six-Liter Club by Harry Kraus (Howard)

Long Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller (Summerside)

Short Contemporary

Tender Mercies by Mary Manners (White Rose)

White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter (Barbour)

Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson (White Rose)

Long Historical

The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House)

Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin (Revell)

Short Historical

Walker’s Wedding by Lori Copeland (Harvest)

The Substitute Bride by Janet Dean (Steeple Hill)

A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher (Zondervan)

Romantic Suspense

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason (Revell)

Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze (Waterbrook)

Nightshade by Ronie Kendig (Barbour)

Novella

The Snowflake by Jamie Carrie (Broadman and Holman)

Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman (Summerside)

A Bodine Family Christmas by Marta Perry (Steeple Hill)

CONGRATS to my friends from www.noveljourney.blogspot.com, Gina & Ronie!

Daphne Gray-Grant interviews Arthur Plotnik

2011-05-24T16:28:00.003-06:00

I love Daphne's newsletter so thought I'd share this one with you -

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Power Writing

Super fast tips to punch up your prose
May 24, 2011
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome!

As an unrivaled devotee of Spunk and Bite, I was thrilled to learn Arthur Plotnik had written a new book. I became ecstatic when I learned I'd have the chance to interview the author....

Word count this issue: 744 words

Estimated reading time: About 3 minutes

PW #274 - A few words with Arthur Plotnik
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am a triple-XL fan of Arthur Plotnik. So, when his new book, Better Than Great: A Plentitudinous Compendium of Wallopingly Fresh Superlatives, crossed my desk recently, I devoured it in a single evening. It now sits beside my computer for daily reference. When offered the opportunity to interview him, I accepted, gleefully. Rather than introduce him further, I think I'll just lot Plotnik speak for himself. But if you want to learn more, be sure to check his website.

What, specifically, sparked your interest in superlatives?

The interest has been long evolving, but one trigger was a yen to be more expressive in my everyday sentiments. I'm supposed to be a writer. How could I wish friends "a great birthday" or "an awesome trip," or call my wife "amazing" in an anniversary card? As I struggled for fresh superlatives ("have a rapturous, festal, nirvanic New Year's"), I was struck by the puniness of our common stock.

Your hypersonic book strikes me as an interesting cross between a cheerful guidebook and a rebellious thesaurus. Did you struggle with how to structure it?

"Hypersonic"? How about "superluminal"? But I'll take "cheerful," because the book does offer a counterbalance to the negativity choking the language. Not that I don't relish an expressive malediction; but the more superlatives you discover for worthy things, the more aware you become of those things and their joy-giving qualities. In categorizing the types and objects of our praise I chose broad categories -- Great, Sublime, Beautiful, Trendy, Cool, etc. -- seas of terms rather than measuring cups to encourage inventive, freewheeling usage.

What type of writing do you best like to do? Do you prefer books, poetry or magazine articles?

Each has distinct mojo -- pitfalls and rewards. I say, work at all three to develop writing muscle. Books allow for sustained expression on a theme, symphonic development, thrilling discovery along the way. Poetry offers the hard-won joy of distillation. Articles, with their demand for relevance, immediacy, and appeal, keep the writer's feet on the ground. Ease of publication can affect our writing preferences, but fiction -- hardest in that respect -- stirs my soul in those old irresistible ways.

Can you briefly describe your writing day (how much time do you spend at
it; where do you do it?)

My routine's one interesting aspect is the Chicago neighborhood outside my study window: a robust horse-chestnut tree with its popcorn flower cones; alley trucks groaning with trash; six squealing little siblings across the street; and the clangorous workings of a plumbing supply company up the block. In a small, dedicated room with four reference-heavy bookcases, I write three to eight pokey hours daily, depending on deadlines, and take a day here and there to abuse a city golf course.

Which part of the writing process do you like best - the thinking about it, the actual writing or the self-editing? And why?

Self-editing, no question. Because I tend to edit and revise as I write -- ignoring wise counsel -- [including Daphne's!], my drafts roll out in decent shape. So now comes the fun of buffing to a high shine. My background as an editor helps me spot problems, revise mercilessly, even kill my precious darlings when necessary. It's labor-intensive, but nothing like the gut-spilling battle with a blank page.

What do you do to motivate yourself to sit at your computer to write when you really, really, don't feel like writing?

I have the advantage of habit, having sat down to write since I was eight. I might start by revising yesterday's work, getting the verbal juices flowing. But if zilch is happening I'll go play some funky or moody jazz piano in my limited but self-energizing way. Or I'll take a writing problem for a walk in the neighborhood, usually working it out in the fresh air. But frankly, if there are whole days when -- barring special circumstances -- you can't write a few lines, you may be in the wrong business.

Can you name one other author you really like to read? What do you particularly like about his/her work?

The edgy British writer Will Self rarely lets me down. Right now I'm reading his four linked stories, Liver: A Fictional Organ with a Surface Anatomy of Four Lobes, and as you might guess it's wildly original. His language dazzles and surprises. Intelligent, passionate, never sentimental. Plot and character so inventive they should be patented.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daphne Gray-Grant is a writing and editing coach and the author of the popular book 8½ Steps to Writing Faster, Better. She offers a brief and free weekly newsletter on her website. Subscribe by going to the Publication Coach.

Roadblocks

2011-05-22T19:48:00.001-06:00

I was on my way to meet some friends for lunch and already running late. Seeing the flashing sign on the highway did not make me happy. Expect delays. Construction ahead. Haarrummph. Sure enough, the vehicles ahead of me started to brake. I slowed down with the rest of them and slid into the long line that was almost at a standstill. Then I noticed my hands were gripping the steering wheel rather tightly.

I took a deep breath and told myself to relax. Then I remembered commenting to my husband that it was about time this stretch of road was repaired. I sighed. The work was necessary for everyone's safety and there was no other way to do it than to make the traffic slow down and take a bit of a detour. Causing my blood pressure to hit the roof would not change anything. My friends would wait for me. I sat back and turned on a favourite CD.

Road blocks, whether on a physical highway or in our lives, are not easy to deal with. We have people to see, things to accomplish - delays look like nothing more than something that will add stress to our days. But, as a friend recently reminded me, they usually have a purpose. Like the construction on that local highway, the work is usually necessary - perhaps essential - to our mental, physical and spiritual well being.

I ran into a few road blocks in my writing career this week. They were frustrating and I admit they did not inspire me to praise. They almost pushed me to rage. I have books to write, books to market, words I know God will use to help and to heal - but the roadblocks keep popping up. Yes, I know God's timing is always perfect but these detours into cancer clinics and other road blocks that are suddenly thrown in my path don't seem to help. But yes, I know they do have a purpose.

Slowing down has its advantages. I'll be able to do more editing on my manuscript, since its publication has been delayed again. I'll have more time to pray about those who need to read it and how I should go about getting it into their hands. I'll have time, in those cancer clinics, to pray for and minister to people whose lives are all too real, all too painful. Perhaps stepping out of the realm of fiction into cold hard reality will give me a different perspective about my writing and about my life. Perhaps these detours and roadblocks are necessary, even essential to the work that God has ahead for me to do.

Perhaps there is no perhaps about it. I just need to "imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised" (Hebrews 6:12).

The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble

2011-05-19T16:56:00.003-06:00

This is a fun read, especially if you like feisty heroines.

A Heart that Yearns for More - Colleen Coble leads her readers on a search for significance.

What do I have to offer this world? Can I really be loved for who I am on the outside and not for how others view me? Where does my true significance come from? In her third installment of the Mercy Falls series, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, award-winning author Colleen Coble will answer these questions while leading her readers down a path of betrayal, desire and ultimate fulfillment.

The Mercy Falls series centers on a small town in California and its lighthouse. Coble uses the lighthouse as a reminder that Jesus is our lighthouse always leading us home. In her latest addition to the series, the main characters must wrestle with their desire to find fulfillment in more than their work and money while being hunted by those who are holding on to resentment and unforgiveness.

Olivia Stewart’s family is one of the Four Hundred—the highest echelon of society in 1910. Living in New York with her mother, Olivia is twenty-five and unmarried, and her mother is threatening an arranged marriage if she does not pick a suitable match soon. But Olivia wants someone who will love her for more than her name.

Her sister Eleanor has headed to the Wild West of California to meet and marry Harrison Bennett. Harrison is the son of her late father’s business partner, Claude. Olivia’s father had specified in his will that the Bennett and Stewart families be joined in order for his family to receive half of the rights to the Bennetts’ diamond mine.

But when Claude Bennett arrives in New York to inform Mrs. Stewart and Olivia that Eleanor has drowned, everything changes. Now Olivia must marry Harrison, or her family will be left with no income. But Olivia is not convinced that her sister’s death was an accident. So she heads to Mercy Falls, California, under her formal title, Lady Devonworth, in order to seek the truth and to hide her identity from Harrison. But the truth she finds may not be what she expected.

Harrison Bennett is full of dreams. His father insists he run their business, and his mother tells him that he should not waste the gift God has given him. But all Harrison really wants to do is build and fly aeroplanes. And it doesn’t help any that his fiancé drowned and now the nosy Lady Devonworth keeps asking him questions about something so private and hurtful. Yet there seems to be something more than skin deep with her, and he would like to discover what it is.

Can Olivia and Harrison both find the meaning in life that they desire? In her last novel in the Mercy Falls series, Coble does not disappoint. With murder, suspense and desire, readers will enjoy peeling back the layers and discovering that this is more than your average romance novel. They will be perched on the edge of their seats trying to solve the mystery of Eleanor’s death while discovering that the true worth of an individual never comes from a name or accomplishments. True worth can only be found in Christ.

The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson/April 19, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-5955-4268-7/304 pages/paperback/$14.99
http://www.thomasnelson.com/
http://www.colleencoble.com/

An Important discussion

2011-05-19T10:38:00.001-06:00

Check out Novel Journey today. There's an important discussion going on, whether you are a reader of Christian fiction or a writer of it.

Abundant Rain

2011-05-15T17:59:00.002-06:00

I'm excited about my new ebook, Abundant Rain - it's a collection of devotionals for writers of faith, originally published on Novel Journey. You can download it in any format here -

The Titus Mandate

2011-05-07T15:15:00.002-06:00

Can You Spot the Wolves?

Ted Bigelow encourages his readers to follow God’s model of leadership for the church.

The church is supposed to be the safest place on earth for Christians, so why is it often a place of deep dissatisfaction? Many Christians suffer from difficult church situations and are unsure how to live and worship with such stress, let alone grow in the midst of it. Much of this pain comes from being under poor church leadership. According to Ted Bigelow, if your church doesn’t follow God’s mandate for leadership as set out in the book of Titus, it is almost certainly headed for disaster.

All Christians want to be a part of a safe and godly church so that they can invest in its ministries and mission without fear or compromise. Yet thousands of real churches, perhaps yours, have been infiltrated by dangerous men. Many Christians have been so hurt by these wolves that they have left church, vowing never to return. Other sheep, unaware of what they are witnessing week by week, pay the wolves to preach their error.

In The Titus Mandate, readers will follow Paul’s special attaché Titus on his treacherous mission to the Mediterranean island of Crete. You’ll learn for yourself what Titus experienced as he went toe-to-toe with the wolves, carrying out God’s very public mission to rescue Christians and churches from danger. Paul’s journey will teach you to spot the wolves and protect yourself and those you love from Satan’s most prolific form of spiritual peril.

Through reading this book, Christians will be equipped to:

· Understand the biblical reasons for most negative church experiences and gain scriptural wisdom about their church trials.

· Trust in the Lord whose wisdom brings such trials into His children’s lives, enabling them to move forward in their walks with Christ.

· Discern safe churches from unsafe churches.

· Participate in church in a way that draws them closer to the Lord.

Taking the truth from Scripture and applying it in the church is easier said than done, so The Titus Mandate provides specific instruction on how to live out God’s principles that make church a secure place. One’s confidence in church will be restored as God’s ways are explained, applied, and contrasted with those ways that bring danger. The Titus Mandate is a rescue plan for Christians and their churches. Readers will be able to feel confident that the leadership they have chosen will be trustworthy shepherds for their families.

The Titus Mandate by Ted Bigelow

CreateSpace/January 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4538-3127-4/352 pages/paperback/$14.95

www.TheTitusMandate.org

Blessed, Fortunate, Happy…Lucky

2011-05-05T15:30:00.002-06:00

Glenn Packiam uncovers how we live as luck-bearers in Lucky: How the Kingdom Comes to Unlikely People.

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—Who are the lucky? The lottery winners? The rich? The famous? In his new release, Lucky: How the Kingdom Comes to Unlikely People, Glenn Packiam uncovers how the poor, hungry, mourning, and persecuted are lucky because the kingdom of heaven, its fullness, comfort, and reward, is theirs despite their condition. Packiam redefines the word lucky by studying the word’s context as used in Christ’s beatitudes in Luke’s gospel.

According to Packiam, “Jesus took an inherently nonreligious word, a word from normal, everyday conversations, and filled it with divine implications. It turns out the ones we ought to call ‘lucky’ are the ones that God is blessing with the arrival of His kingdom. In doing this, Jesus redefined who the lucky ones are. They are not the ones culture lauds as successful, not the ones we secretly aspire to be. He turned our appraisal of the good life on its head. There is a great reversal that is coming; indeed, it has already begun. And the ones who are receiving and participating in the kingdom of God are the ones who are truly lucky, deeply blessed.”

And just like the people whom Jesus was addressing in Luke, we are called lucky, not because of our pain or brokenness but because, in spite of it, we have been invited into God’s kingdom. The trajectory of our lives has been altered. What’s more, we now have a part in the future that God is bringing. God has come to us in the midst of our messes and mistakes. He invites us to surrender, to live in a different way, and to participate in His work of rescuing and redeeming the world. We have a part in the future that God is bringing. Packiam encourages his readers to discover how lucky they are that God has invited them to participate in His work of carrying this luck to the world. In his book:

Packiam challenges us to rethink the blessing that has come to us in Christ.
He challenges us to recover the call to carry that blessing to the world.
He reminds us that God brings His kingdom to unlikely people, making them luck-bearers to the rest of the world.

Like Abraham, we have been blessed to carry blessing, to live as luck-bearers to the unlikely and unlucky. We are receiving and participating in His kingdom. And for that we are lucky indeed.

About the Author: Glenn Packiam is an executive pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he oversees spiritual formation and serves as the teaching pastor for New Life Sunday Night. As one of the founding leaders and songwriters for the Desperation Band, Glenn has also been featured on several Desperation Band and New Life Worship albums and recently released his debut solo album, Rumors and Revelations, also with Integrity Music. Glenn has written a few well-loved worship songs like “Your Name,” “Everyone (Praises),” and “My Savior Lives.” Glenn is also the author of Butterfly in Brazil: How Your Life Can Make a World of Difference and Secondhand Jesus: Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith. Glenn, his wife, Holly, their two daughters, Sophia and Norah, and their son, Jonas, are enjoying life in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Lucky: How the Kingdom Comes to Unlikely People by Glenn Packiam
David C Cook/March 1, 2011/ISBN 978-1-4347-6638-0/224 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com ~ www.glennpackiam.com

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2011-04-29T12:06:00.002-06:00

Tight writing and believable characters make this romance worth the time.

Lassoed by a Cowboy’s Love
Denise Hunter explores whether the truth can really set us free.

Do the secrets from our past affect who we become in the future? Can the hurts we’ve experienced really prevent us from finding true fulfillment? In her newest novel, A Cowboy’s Touch, award-winning author Denise Hunter will explore these questions, and readers will discover that “the truth really can set us free.”

Abigail Jones has a secret—a secret from her childhood. This secret has shaped who she has grown to be—an investigative reporter known as “the Truthseeker” at Viewpointe Magazine in Chicago. With her blood pressure out of control, the editor, who happens to be her mother, sends her on a three-month sabbatical to check on her great aunt in Moose Creek, Montana.

Wade Ryan may have been voted as the “Sexiest Man Alive,” but he has sworn off women forever. Four years earlier, the rodeo celebrity gave up his identity to protect his daughter Maddy. Now he is safely settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, living in obscurity with his heart guarded by a high, thick fence. But when Wade’s summer nanny quits without notice, he agrees to let his neighbor’s visiting niece help care for his daughter. As he begins to feel an attraction to his new hire, Wade starts to question his wisdom in hiring her. Can he really trust himself with another woman and learn to love again?

Abigail was bored anyway, so no harm in helping out a neighbor. But her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Abigail may be mesmerized by Wade’s denim blue eyes, but can she really trust him? She is the truthseeker, after all, so shouldn’t she be able to stay objective and discover the truth about Wade? But what if she is missing the truth altogether? What if her past mistakes prevent her from finding the love of her future? Or, perhaps her relationship with Christ could give her the answers she is seeking. But “instead of pursuing Him, she’d been pursuing her career. Chasing story after story as if finding the next truth would somehow scratch an itch that never went away,” she thought.

Hunter’s latest novel will hold you breathless. As the first book in the Big Sky Romance series, A Cowboy’s Touch is the story about a truthseeker who ends up discovering the real truth and a cowboy who learns to let go of his past. Hunter shines as she draws her readers into an intriguing world of boots, chaps and cowboy hats. This heartwarming romance is a story of love, pain and forgiveness. It has also been named a Women of Faith novel for 2011.

A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson/March 29, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-801-6/320 pages/paperback/$14.99
www.thomasnelson.com ~ www.denisehunterbooks.com

2011-04-16T11:25:00.004-06:00

This DVD is more documentary than story but is inspiring in that it shows how God's design flows from one generation to another. An enjoyable video for all ages. I'll give it away to the first person to post a comment. Don't forget to leave contact info. :)

From Sacrifice to Reconciliation, a Young Man Discovers His Heritage in The Grandfathers

The Grandfathers showcases both the burden and benefit of the Saint family’s legacy. Jesse Saint, Steve’s oldest son and Nate’s grandson, was not raised among the tribe like his father. He struggles to find his place under the weight of the memory of a famous grandfather he never knew and a heroic father he does not fully understand. This will all change after Jesse travels to the jungles of Ecuador with his family and gradually forms a special bond with Mincaye, one of the tribesmen who took part in his grandfather’s murder. Only then will he confront his family’s past and come to terms with his own destiny. And there he will find his place in this story.

The Grandfathers chronicles the personal quest for greater connectedness and significance. It is also a moving tribute to ordinary people living extraordinary lives in extreme situations. Jim Hanon, the film’s director, states, “Forgiveness is an awe-inspiring virtue that seems to have been passed on by the Saint family and is shared by many among the Waodani tribe—both demonstrate a profound capacity for forgiveness and healthy self-healing.”

Steve Saint consulted with Jim Hanon and Mart Green, EGM’s producer, to help bring the story of his father, Nate, to screen through the feature film End of the Spear and the companion documentary film Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These films trace events leading up to and including the deaths of these men. More than that, they show the impact these events played on the lives of both their survivors and their killers. When the widows and their children went to live among the Waodani—a tribe regarded as the most violent on earth—they became an integral part of an incredible redemptive journey.

The Grandfathers, completes a trilogy produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) that includes End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These first two films, also from award-winning director Jim Hanon and producer Mart Green, tell the unforgettable and inspiring story of the killing of five missionaries by a stone-age tribe deep in the Amazon jungle. The impact of this tragic event lives on today in families of these slain men as well as among those responsible for their deaths.

This inspirational film has been awarded The Dove Foundation seal of approval.
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EGM is an educational nonprofit organization exploring the critical issues of our time through film and new media. It is a community of visionary writers, artists, and filmmakers that seeks to capture true stories of compelling virtue that speak to the human condition. Visit www.EGMfilms.org.

2011-04-15T09:26:00.000-06:00

Another great post by Mary de Muth at Novel Journey - http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/search?q=Mary+de+Muth

2011-04-08T14:39:00.001-06:00

Great post here - http://novelmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/novel-as-sacred-art.html

2011-04-08T09:39:00.002-06:00

Getting the Word out in public high schools - The Life Book Movement nears the half-million mark in books distributed.

Are we trading in our right to free speech, especially our freedom of religion, in exchange for being non-offensive and politically correct? Separation of church and state may restrict public prayers in schools, but there is still an avenue for high school students to rightfully distribute God’s Word in their schools. Founded by The Gideons International, The Life Book Movement is an innovative strategy to reach high school students with the Word of God.

The movement is a Christian mission centered on The Life Book, a unique presentation of Scripture designed to engage high school students with the truth of God’s Word, created by Carl Blunt, president and CEO of The Life Book Movement. The Life Book presents a brief overview of the Old Testament and the Book of John using an interactive format with honest student comments and real-life questions in the margins. Readers are drawn into the only story that can change their lives forever.

The Life Book Movement works with churches throughout the country by providing free copies of The Life Book for students to give as gifts to their friends and classmates during school. Blunt’s organization brilliantly takes advantage of a student’s freedom to distribute religious literature by getting The Life Book into the hands of Christian high school students and having them pass the books out to classmates at school—a practice that is acceptable, as long as the books are not distributed by school staff or other adults. Blunt says, “In mission-speak, it’s like we’re helping students get God’s Word into a closed country (public high schools) to reach an unreached people group because studies show that only 4% of today’s teenagers are Bible-believing Christians.”

The goal is to ensure that every student in every high school in the United States has an opportunity to receive the gift of The Life Book. This approach presents a phenomenal opportunity to impact a generation with the good news of Jesus Christ. Local churches contact The Life Book Movement to schedule saturations, described to students as a short-term mission trip to their local high school. Local church youth ministries work together in targeted areas to ensure The Life Book is offered to students in each chosen high school. The churches receive the books at no cost from The Life Book Movement and provide the books, along with some evangelism training, to the students in their youth groups. The students then spend a week or two passing them out to their friends and classmates at school.

In less than a year and a half, almost 320,000 copies of The Life Book have been distributed. That number is expected to increase by 200,000 by the end of May 2011. This year alone, saturations have occurred in over 80 locations in 26 states. According to Blunt, 1.2 million copies are being printed for distribution in the 2011-2012 school year. www.thelifebook.com – www.twitter.com/carlblunt – www.facebook.com/carlblunt

2011-04-07T14:04:00.001-06:00

Thinking of self publishing? This is a Canadian company with a good reputation. The link connects to their publishing contest.

Passport Through Darkness

2011-03-25T16:10:00.005-06:00

In our comfortable North American world it's easy to slip into a complacent Christianity. This book will yank you out of that place and teach you what it means to truly Love Your Neighbour.

Click here to view the Passport Through Darkness book trailer!

Each one of us longs to know we matter. We hunger to know that we have purpose, our life has meaning, and God dreams great dreams for us. In Passport Through Darkness: A True Story of Danger and Second Chances, Kimberly Smith invites us into her own struggles as an ordinary woman who feels those aches, asks those questions, and stumbles through a quest to find her place in a broken world.

Smith was an average American woman—a wife, mother, corporate executive, and faithful church member. But she knew something was missing from her life. When a bone-chilling experience awakened her desire to find true purpose, Smith and her family began a lifelong adventure serving those who never knew a greater purpose could exist.

Traveling around the world and deep into the darkness of her own heart, Smith’s worst fears collided with her faith as she and her family discovered the atrocities of human trafficking. But in that broken place a self-centered life was transformed into an international effort to save thousands from modern-day slavery, persecution, disease, and genocide.

As Smith and her husband risk everything for orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa, they see God work again and again in impossible situations, especially in their own lives and marriage. They see God change them—even in their exhaustion, marital struggles, and physical limitations. They see the beauty of living out God’s dreams.

This is a book of hope for anyone who longs to see God’s redemptive power heal broken hearts, fill empty bellies, and shelter uncovered heads. It is a call to take one more step on your own journey to know God’s heart and purpose for your life. It is a guide from one ordinary person to another to find a life that matters.

Smith writes, “My prayer is that God will use my wounds and my transgressions to encourage you to risk losing everything to discover the life God dreams for you. It’s life on the edge, where so much is uncertain, maybe even scary, certainly out of our control. But it’s also where true freedom lives.”

Your story may be different from hers, but God’s hopes for you are just as big. “Your destination,” Smith writes, “is the same as mine—an intimate encounter between you and your Creator. But your route will be filled with adventures, both mild and wild, made just for you. It will lead you to where God’s pleasure and your purpose meet.”

Let Kimberly’s remarkable story show you the grit, the pain, and the beauty of letting go of it all to find the dream God dreamed when He shaped you in His Hands.

About the Author:

Kimberly L. Smith is the president and cofounder of Make Way Partners, a mission organization committed to ending human trafficking. She is currently leading Make Way Partners to build the only private and indigenously based anti-trafficking network in Africa and Eastern Europe. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Smith lives with her husband, Milton, in Sylacauga, Alabama.

Passport Through Darkness: A True Story of Danger and Second Chances by Kimberly L. Smith
January 1, 2011/ISBN 978-1-4347-0212-8/224 pages/softcover/$14.99
www.davidccook.com ~ http://kimberlylsmith.com

2011-02-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Tracy Krauss, author of ‘edgy inspirational’ fiction, is launching her book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER on Feb. 24 at amazon.com. You can help Tracy achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY!

About the book:

Loaded with humor, action, intrigue and romance, My Mother the Man- Eater is the story of a woman whose search for meaning in life finds an unexpected outlet. Joleen Allen is on the hunt for a man. Unfortunately, every time the mother of five meets one, he falls for one of her daughters instead! At forty-four, Joleen has lived a tough life. She became a mother at 16, and her five daughters are now grown. Her ex-husband, Harold, is out of prison and back in the picture, looking for revenge. He’ll stop at nothing – even murder – to ruin Joleen’s reputation as well as her relationship with their daughters. My Mother the Man-Eater makes for some truly tempting and redemptive reading.

About the Author:
Tracy Krauss is a prolific author, playwright, director and artist. Originally from a small prairie town, she now resides in Tumbler Ridge, BC, known for its scenic mountain vistas and many waterfalls. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and currently teaches high school Art, Drama and English. .

BONUS!
Buy MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER on February 24 and receive loads of FREE e-gifts from these generous supporters:

Sample chapters, short stories, children’s books, and magazines from acclaimed, best selling and debut Christian authors, such as April Gardner, Shawna Williams, Shellie Neumeier, Sana Edoja, Delia Latham, Ray Lincoln, Stacy Padula, Elaine Cooper, Stacy Juba, Lisa Lickel, Joann Durgin … and more!

Plus – free manuscript critiques, manuscript editing, and marketing and promotional tips from journalists, editors, authors and speakers, Lorilyn Roberts, Linda Yezak and Bonnie Way.

And – beautiful downloadable art cards courtesy of artist and author Brenda Hendricks.

All if you buy your copy of MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER at amazon.com on Feb. 24! These free gifts are valid on Feb. 24 only. All the links will be operational on the ‘Book Launch’ site at www.tracykrauss.com/ Click HERE for more details.

DISCLAIMER: This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com

Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider

2011-01-29T16:39:00.004-07:00

I'm pleased to be included in the Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Release date is May 1, 2011. This anthology includes many wonderful Canadian writers. See a list of all of them here

Crossing Oceans

2011-01-13T16:26:00.004-07:00

This was the first book I downloaded on my new Kindle. Good thing the little gadget is light, because I couldn't put it down. And I mean that. I carried it around the house, from my office into the kitchen and back to the living room, almost tripped over my dog on the stairs, and yes, it went with me into the bathrooom.

I don't generally like what I call, "sappy" books - by that I mean books that make people cry - but this one did and I still loved it. The sentiments are genuine because the characters are real. You feel with them and for them. So you cry. But you laugh too, and again, the humour rings true, with an edge of reality that makes you catch your breath at times.

I especially loved that Ms. Holmes doesn't take the pat answer, "this is what you'd expect from a Christian novelist" route. For instance, when the main character, who is dying of cancer, begins to hear voices, she doesn't immediately jump to believing it's the voice of God. She acknowledges that a brain tumour does strange things ... yet, there is the sweet struggle and yearning we all face in difficult circumstances, to believe that God is there.

This book will stay on my kindle so I can go back now then and read parts that I think were especially well done. And, if funds allow, next time I'm in my favourite book store, I'll probably buy a copy so I can hold it in my hands.

Don't miss this one. I look forward to Gina's next.

Seniors take note

2011-01-12T11:55:00.003-07:00

Q&A with Missy Buchanan

Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life? When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day? Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can. Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.

Q: What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?

Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults. But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed. They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations. As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them. They needed spiritual encouragement. And so that’s why I got started. The first book began as a project just for my own parents. I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook. But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.

Q: What do you think children need to know about their aging parents?

What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs. They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives. I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write. I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them. So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.

Q: What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?

I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me. But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity. We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children. They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had. And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to. It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal. I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child.

Q: Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing?

A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates. Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children. “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.” My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God. There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children.

And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old. Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear. As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church.

Q: How can faith change our idea of growing older?

So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much. But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them. They still have so much to give. They have great wisdom to share and stories to share. I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.
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Missy Buchanan is the author of Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms and Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books).

Visit Missy Buchanan’s website, www.missybuchanan.com, and blog, http://missybu.wordpress.com/.

Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms

In Talking with God in Old Age, Missy Buchanan sensitively address the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God. Each reading features:

· A candid conversation with God

· A related passage from Psalms

· Easy-to-read print

Seniors grappling with the aging process will readily identify with these reflections and will find reassurance of God’s Presence. Caregivers, family members, and others seeking to understand aging loved ones will gain insight into the thoughts and emotions of the elderly frail.

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.

Each devotional offers the following:

· Easy-to-read print

· Reader-friendly format

· Comfortable, nonacademic language

· A first-person address to God

· Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments