Ten things I wish I'd known:
1.. Publishing a novel will not validate me. Only God can do that.
2.. Small press means what it says. It's a publisher, and it's SMALL.
3.. Synopsis is not a four letter word.
4.. The coolest assembly of words flying in formation does not a novel make.
5.. Story is everything!
6.. When they tell you, "The author does all her own promo" they mean it.
7.. Dust is a wood preservative.
8.. Delivery pizza for supper once a month will not fell your family.
9.. There is no tighter confraternity of women than women writers.
10.. God is faithful and true. His ways are not my ways...that means it all happens in HIS timing, not mine.
Deb Kinnard
http://www.deborahkinnard.com/
blog: justtellthestory.blogspot.com
Life is never dull in the heartland.
See what's new in DeBrett and Oakwood...ANGEL WITH A RAY GUN, ByGrace PublishingOAKWOOD, Treble Heart BooksPOWERLINE, Treble Heart Books
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Linda Ford
10 things I wish I'd known
1.. Format is not a make or break consideration. Story is what counts. An editor is not going to turn down a wonderful story because it the margins are too narrow.
2.. Nevertheless, don't waste time using an unreadable font. The editor certainly won't waste time trying to read it.
3.. Critiques and feedback are a bonus meant to help improve writing. Get over hurt feelings at having problems pointed out and get on with trying to learn how to fix them.
4.. It's easier to make suggestions on a promising manuscript than on a poor one so a detailed critique is probably a good thing.
5.. Every word written is a word closer to publication—really. So write every day. Write as much as you can. Don't keep reworking old material. Write something new and fresh.
6.. You have to put in your apprenticeship to achieve overnight success. Overnight success is about 10 years.
7.. Never miss an opportunity. That can mean meeting an editor or agent face to face. But it can also mean attending workshops, getting critiques (even if you have to pay for them) and listening to everything with an open mind.
8.. A person has to discover their own process whether it is plotter, pantsers or planner (One who plans their story without extensive plotting). It might take time to do so. Keep writing and experimenting with lessons from workshops until you figure out what works for you. This is also the way you develop your individual voice. There are no shortcuts unless you count heeding advise such as this.
9.. Story is everything. Really. Not format, not networking, not critiquing, not even excellent writing. It's all about story. So learn what a story is and how to tell a good one.
10.. It's got to be fun or at least satisfying at some level. If it isn't, why are you doing it? And if you've lost the fun, stop focusing on the results and learn again to enjoy the process.
Linda Ford writes for both Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired Historicals. She lives in Alberta, Canada where she shares her life and her home with her husband, a son and a paraplegic client. website: www.lindaford.org
1.. Format is not a make or break consideration. Story is what counts. An editor is not going to turn down a wonderful story because it the margins are too narrow.
2.. Nevertheless, don't waste time using an unreadable font. The editor certainly won't waste time trying to read it.
3.. Critiques and feedback are a bonus meant to help improve writing. Get over hurt feelings at having problems pointed out and get on with trying to learn how to fix them.
4.. It's easier to make suggestions on a promising manuscript than on a poor one so a detailed critique is probably a good thing.
5.. Every word written is a word closer to publication—really. So write every day. Write as much as you can. Don't keep reworking old material. Write something new and fresh.
6.. You have to put in your apprenticeship to achieve overnight success. Overnight success is about 10 years.
7.. Never miss an opportunity. That can mean meeting an editor or agent face to face. But it can also mean attending workshops, getting critiques (even if you have to pay for them) and listening to everything with an open mind.
8.. A person has to discover their own process whether it is plotter, pantsers or planner (One who plans their story without extensive plotting). It might take time to do so. Keep writing and experimenting with lessons from workshops until you figure out what works for you. This is also the way you develop your individual voice. There are no shortcuts unless you count heeding advise such as this.
9.. Story is everything. Really. Not format, not networking, not critiquing, not even excellent writing. It's all about story. So learn what a story is and how to tell a good one.
10.. It's got to be fun or at least satisfying at some level. If it isn't, why are you doing it? And if you've lost the fun, stop focusing on the results and learn again to enjoy the process.
Linda Ford writes for both Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired Historicals. She lives in Alberta, Canada where she shares her life and her home with her husband, a son and a paraplegic client. website: www.lindaford.org
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Tricia's Update:
1. Favorite Christmas Memory: Having 36 people at my house on Christmas, including 12 kids under the age of 10. FUN!
2. Favorite Christmas Present: A scrapbook from my sisters, followed by a new Internet Camera. (Can you tell by these photos? Say Cheese!)
3. What I'm doing this week: Finishing the last 10,000 words of my novel, A Shadow of Treason. And attending a basketball tournament for my two older kids on Friday and Saturday (think two-hour drive and HARD bleachers).
4. My biggest woe: A literal pain-in-the-butt. I was jogging down the stairs in new slippers a few days ago and my feet slipped out from under me. My tailbone aches when I sit!
5. Prayer request: See #3 and #4. Combined they = ouch! Help God!
Thanks for your prayers!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Nikki Arana
10 Things I Wish I Had Known
1.. I wished I’d known that my writing journey was really a faith journey.
2.. If you’re under a deadline and have to live at your computer, you will gain weight.
3.. That the right agent is truly a gift.
4.. That if you will trust God, just the person or information you need as a resource will appear just when you need them.
5.. That there is a line which editors should not cross, and authors have the right to say “no.”
6.. You can never make enough trouble for your characters. But keep in mind, sometimes they reciprocate.
7.. That when you finish writing your first book you’ve really only finished writing your first draft.
8.. If you trust that still small voice as you write, you will often find a backstory already in place when you come to a great plot twist.
9.. When Philip Roth said, “Nothing truly bad ever happens to a writer, it’s all material,” he was right.
10.. If you write your passion and God’s truth, the rest will take care of itself.
Nikki Arana is an award-winning author of Inspirational women’s fiction, essays, poetry and magazine articles. Her work has been published in the United States and Canada. She has been the recipient of several national awards, including the American Christian Fiction Book of the Year for Women's Fiction and the Beacon Award. All three volumes of her Regalo Grande series are in bookstores now. Visit Nikki at www.nikkiarana.com
1.. I wished I’d known that my writing journey was really a faith journey.
2.. If you’re under a deadline and have to live at your computer, you will gain weight.
3.. That the right agent is truly a gift.
4.. That if you will trust God, just the person or information you need as a resource will appear just when you need them.
5.. That there is a line which editors should not cross, and authors have the right to say “no.”
6.. You can never make enough trouble for your characters. But keep in mind, sometimes they reciprocate.
7.. That when you finish writing your first book you’ve really only finished writing your first draft.
8.. If you trust that still small voice as you write, you will often find a backstory already in place when you come to a great plot twist.
9.. When Philip Roth said, “Nothing truly bad ever happens to a writer, it’s all material,” he was right.
10.. If you write your passion and God’s truth, the rest will take care of itself.
Nikki Arana is an award-winning author of Inspirational women’s fiction, essays, poetry and magazine articles. Her work has been published in the United States and Canada. She has been the recipient of several national awards, including the American Christian Fiction Book of the Year for Women's Fiction and the Beacon Award. All three volumes of her Regalo Grande series are in bookstores now. Visit Nikki at www.nikkiarana.com
Thursday, December 21, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Diann Hunt
When a Deadline Looms—Ten Things I Wish I’d Known:
1.. ALWAYS keep a stash of chocolate within reach.
2.. Take a shower—at least once a week.
3.. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.
4.. Have someone hide all your credit cards.
5.. This is NOT the time for major decisions, i.e., career changes.
6.. Wear fake nails, so you won’t rip off your real ones.
7.. Remember, your mother will not finish the book for you.
8.. Stalking Willie Wonka will not help.
9.. Take a before and after photo. Burn the before picture.
10.. Avoid felonies at all costs.
Diann Hunt writes fiction targeted to Christian women of the Baby Boomer generation. She has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and, well, chocolate. www.diannhunt.com
1.. ALWAYS keep a stash of chocolate within reach.
2.. Take a shower—at least once a week.
3.. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.
4.. Have someone hide all your credit cards.
5.. This is NOT the time for major decisions, i.e., career changes.
6.. Wear fake nails, so you won’t rip off your real ones.
7.. Remember, your mother will not finish the book for you.
8.. Stalking Willie Wonka will not help.
9.. Take a before and after photo. Burn the before picture.
10.. Avoid felonies at all costs.
Diann Hunt writes fiction targeted to Christian women of the Baby Boomer generation. She has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and, well, chocolate. www.diannhunt.com
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
How Do You Communicate?
| You Communicate With Your Eyes |
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Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Lena Nelson Dooley
Things I Wish I'd Known
1.. It upsets some readers if you kill off anyone under twenty, even if that person is a minor character in the story. I learned this on my first novel.
2.. God's timing in my writing business isn't my timing. And His timing is perfect.
3.. The process of learning and trusting is more important than the actual publication.
4.. An editor is a partner in making my book better.
5.. Editors wouldn't have a job without authors.
6.. Never talk to your husband about one of your characters as if he or she were a real person.
7.. Never let your husband copy edit your work. Mine skipped over the passages he wasn't interested in.
8.. When signing books, always ask the correct spelling of the first name, even if you think you know how to spell it.
9.. It's important to be careful of the impression you make on everyone you meet.
10.. Helping others is just as important as anything you achieve.
Bonus: Not everyone will like your books.
Lena Nelson Dooley is a multi-published, award-winning author who lives in Texas with the love of her life. www.LenaNelsonDooley.com and http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
1.. It upsets some readers if you kill off anyone under twenty, even if that person is a minor character in the story. I learned this on my first novel.
2.. God's timing in my writing business isn't my timing. And His timing is perfect.
3.. The process of learning and trusting is more important than the actual publication.
4.. An editor is a partner in making my book better.
5.. Editors wouldn't have a job without authors.
6.. Never talk to your husband about one of your characters as if he or she were a real person.
7.. Never let your husband copy edit your work. Mine skipped over the passages he wasn't interested in.
8.. When signing books, always ask the correct spelling of the first name, even if you think you know how to spell it.
9.. It's important to be careful of the impression you make on everyone you meet.
10.. Helping others is just as important as anything you achieve.
Bonus: Not everyone will like your books.
Lena Nelson Dooley is a multi-published, award-winning author who lives in Texas with the love of her life. www.LenaNelsonDooley.com and http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Unexpected Gifts
Last Saturday one of my best friends, Jessica, came over to do a photo shoot with my oldest kid, Kayleigh, and her family.(Kayleigh is one of the teen moms I've mentored for the past five years, and she's pretty much been adopted into our family ... along with her family.)
This photo is of Kayleigh's husband Nathan and their daughters MaCayla and Audrie. Their son Donovan just turned a month.
That's my Christmas tree and bookshelves in the background, and yes ... they're posing with my children's book 10 Minutes to Showtime! (I just had to throw that in!)
You can see the whole photo shoot here. Isn't that so cool what an excellent photographer can do in my living room?!
The amazing thing is that when I started mentoring, I thought I'd be helping a young mom. I had no idea how I'd connect with a family--and how much I'd grow to love these people. They are as much a part of our lives as anyone else.
Isn't God like that? ... Offering unexpected gifts where we least expect it.
It's true in all areas of life. When I started writing, I had no idea what a gift I'd receive in my fellow writers and readers.
When I had my kids, I had no idea how much I'd enjoy the teen years. Seriously! They are great kids who love God and are really fun to hang around with.
When I got married, I had no idea that almost 17 years later, John would still make me laugh and know just the right thing to show me his love. (Last night it was dinner out followed by Starbucks.)
When I started blogging, I didn't understand the "community" of fellow bloggers that I'd get to know. Great people!
And when I offered to host the photo shoot I had no idea that a photo Jessica took "between shots" would make me smile so ...
Friday, December 15, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Cynthia Ruchti
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known1.. Waiting for writing time to “appear” is like counting on a genie in a bottle to make your mortgage payment. It’s up to the writer to create writing time as well as characters and plot.
2.. If I’m uncomfortable letting my crit partners see my work, I’m not ready to let a reading public see it. What good is finally fitting into a bikini if you never leave the house? (Not that I would know…)
3.. Maintaining and coping with clutter in my life is harder work than getting rid of it. Cute piles up.
4.. Maintaining and coping with spiritual clutter takes more energy than just sucking it up and letting the Lord deal with it, no matter the consequences.
5.. Success is not everything. Publication is not everything. Obedience is everything.
6.. The day you decide not to get dressed, brush your teeth, or comb your hair until after you work through your novel’s plot problem is the day the FedEx guy comes to the door early. And needs a signature.
7.. Your family members are far more likely to encourage the pursuit of your dream if you actively encourage the pursuit of theirs.
8.. Your babies won’t remember fabulous vacations to DisneyWorld with anywhere near the clarity that they remember the time you spent reading to them, rocking them, and dancing barefoot in the rain.
9.. Like everything else, dreams often need time to mature.
10.. My theme: A bad day writing is better than a good day exfoliating…but only by a hair.
Cynthia Ruchti has several fiction projects in various stages of development. She writes and produces a daily 15-minute inspirational radio broadcast—The Heartbeat of the Home (www.heartbeatofthehome.org)—and has numerous articles and devotionals published in magazines and newspaper supplements. She is one of four humor columnists for the American Christian Fiction Writers ezine, Afictionado.
Check out her wandering thoughts at http://splashinginthedeepend.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 14, 2006
What Type of Writer Should You Be?
Okay, my daughter who is the princess of online quizzes sent me this one. I thought it was interesting. It captured my novels ... sort of :-)
You Should Be a Film Writer |
 You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life. Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling. And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen! |
Blog Tour: Never Ceese by Sue Dent
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sue Dent was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and currently resides in Ridgeland. When not writing, Sue designs websites and works with digital photograpy.Sue loves to hear from her fans through her Website in fact, the push from eager readers has already set the ball rolling, and she's hard at work on Forever Richard, the sequel. In Never Ceese, Sue sets out to prove that faith and fun can live happily in the same story, and that vampire/werewolf fantasy can have a spiritual message too.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Never Ceese takes religious fantasy to a new level, bringing an entirely new Light to a very dark side of fiction, doing a very admirable job to prove that vampire/werewolf fantasy does not have to be evil to be enjoyed.
The story starts with the classic tale of an English manor owned by Richard, the vampire who righteously is the bain of his neighbor's existence, what with the missing goats and all!
Then enters Cecelia, better known as Ceese, the young werewolf maiden who's arrived via invitation by Richard's aging companion, Penelope.
Ceese and Richard would prefer to tear each other apart, literally, but they are drawn together by their mutual love for Penelope. She is dying and has one request...that the two of them love one another.
This is the overall theme throughout Dent's interesting tale of two who were wronged but learn to work together. Meanwhile they are threatened by an evil stem cell researcher who wants the immortality and power that he thinks their blood will bring him!
Dent's characters do differ from the stock one's we're all accustomed to in a very important way. They are not mindless, brutal killers. Bloodthirsty, yes, but they are constantly resisting the urge to kill, and, thus, curse another human. Feeding on rodents, goats, virtually any warm-blooded animal helps to satiate the never ending thirst for blood, but how long will they be able to resist that most delicious morsel man?
There is a chance that their curses can actually be lifted if they can find the strength within to resist their selfish natures and act selflessly toward another. Will they succeed? That same basic choice lies before us all every day...
A vampire and a werewolf, one determined to, once again, be able to acknowledge what will get her to heaven, the other no so sure he can. A spiritual fantasy designed to spark the imagination, to speak to the heart as well as entertain.
The Never Ceese book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1599580179
Sue Den't website: http://www.neverceese.com/
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
10 Question for Mary Murphy
10 Questions for Mary Murphy
1.. Tricia: If you only have one message to get across to readers, what would it be?
Mary: No matter what hurts, failures, or disappointments are in your past, there is hope for your future. God delights in using what we consider broken and turning it into something of value for his glory.
2.. Tricia: You regularly encounter men and women who live in the regrets of the past. How do you help them step out of the past and use their future to reflect God's glory?
Mary: By openly sharing with others my own past hurts, disappointments, and failures, and showing them that God can take any life and mold it into a life worth living. I had cancer as an infant, I was the product of a blended marriage (and my parents went on to have more multiple divorces and remarriages), my husband and I have had marriage problems ourselves, we have lost two babies, and much more. I've decided not to wallow in the past and say 'it isn't fair'. Instead, I have thanked God for those things and am trying to use those experiences to help others heal. If God can get glory out of a life like mine, he can do the same with anyone!
3.. Tricia: If you could give one piece advice to Winning the Battle of the Bulge, what would that be?
Mary: Remember that it is a life-long war, and though every day is filled with battles, God has equipped you to be victorious!
4.. Tricia: How has your past helped to shape you for your ministry?
Mary: My husband and I both came from such troubled childhoods and dysfunctional families that we can personally relate to a wide range of problems. Each time I share my testimony, I'm amazed at the women who come to me afterward and thank me. Again and again, they make comments like, "I didn't think anyone had been through what I've been through", or "Thank you for understanding what my life has been like."
5.. Tricia: Salty or sweet?
Mary: Definitely sweet!
6.. Tricia: For people who have their own message they want to share with groups, what tips do you have for connecting with audiences? (both physically and emotionally/spiritually)
Mary: Be honest and be yourself. I once heard a speaker say, "A message from a life reaches a life, a message from the mind reaches a mind, and a message from the heart reaches a heart." I want my message to be from my heart!
7.. Tricia: What is your one indulgence?
Mary: I read every night before I go to bed.
8.. Tricia: What do you do for fun?
Mary: Quilt, make stained glass, go to antique shops and garage sales and movies with my husband, have lunch or coffee with a friend.
9.. Tricia: If you could take part in any reality show, what show would pick? Why?
Mary: Any one of the shows that help you get organized. I need someone to come through my house and garage and help me get rid of stuff and build some nice storage areas.
10.. Tricia: Why did you decide to self publish? What tips do you have for others wanting to do the same?
Mary: Although I had several publishers interested in my book "Winning the Battle of the Bulge", none of them were willing to also publish the companion workbook/journal "Planning for the Battle of the Bulge" (two books from a first time author). After teaching weight loss classes for nearly five years, I knew I needed to publish both books simultaneously. I had lots of wise advice and counsel. My advice: listen to others who have self-published, get a good graphic artist, a reputable editor, and endorsements. Then, be ready to work hard to market your book. There are several companies that can help you through this process, but check their customer list.
website: www.winningthebattleofthebulge.com
email: mary@winningthebattleofthebulge.com
1.. Tricia: If you only have one message to get across to readers, what would it be?
Mary: No matter what hurts, failures, or disappointments are in your past, there is hope for your future. God delights in using what we consider broken and turning it into something of value for his glory.
2.. Tricia: You regularly encounter men and women who live in the regrets of the past. How do you help them step out of the past and use their future to reflect God's glory?
Mary: By openly sharing with others my own past hurts, disappointments, and failures, and showing them that God can take any life and mold it into a life worth living. I had cancer as an infant, I was the product of a blended marriage (and my parents went on to have more multiple divorces and remarriages), my husband and I have had marriage problems ourselves, we have lost two babies, and much more. I've decided not to wallow in the past and say 'it isn't fair'. Instead, I have thanked God for those things and am trying to use those experiences to help others heal. If God can get glory out of a life like mine, he can do the same with anyone!
3.. Tricia: If you could give one piece advice to Winning the Battle of the Bulge, what would that be?
Mary: Remember that it is a life-long war, and though every day is filled with battles, God has equipped you to be victorious!
4.. Tricia: How has your past helped to shape you for your ministry?
Mary: My husband and I both came from such troubled childhoods and dysfunctional families that we can personally relate to a wide range of problems. Each time I share my testimony, I'm amazed at the women who come to me afterward and thank me. Again and again, they make comments like, "I didn't think anyone had been through what I've been through", or "Thank you for understanding what my life has been like."
5.. Tricia: Salty or sweet?
Mary: Definitely sweet!
6.. Tricia: For people who have their own message they want to share with groups, what tips do you have for connecting with audiences? (both physically and emotionally/spiritually)
Mary: Be honest and be yourself. I once heard a speaker say, "A message from a life reaches a life, a message from the mind reaches a mind, and a message from the heart reaches a heart." I want my message to be from my heart!
7.. Tricia: What is your one indulgence?
Mary: I read every night before I go to bed.
8.. Tricia: What do you do for fun?
Mary: Quilt, make stained glass, go to antique shops and garage sales and movies with my husband, have lunch or coffee with a friend.
9.. Tricia: If you could take part in any reality show, what show would pick? Why?
Mary: Any one of the shows that help you get organized. I need someone to come through my house and garage and help me get rid of stuff and build some nice storage areas.
10.. Tricia: Why did you decide to self publish? What tips do you have for others wanting to do the same?
Mary: Although I had several publishers interested in my book "Winning the Battle of the Bulge", none of them were willing to also publish the companion workbook/journal "Planning for the Battle of the Bulge" (two books from a first time author). After teaching weight loss classes for nearly five years, I knew I needed to publish both books simultaneously. I had lots of wise advice and counsel. My advice: listen to others who have self-published, get a good graphic artist, a reputable editor, and endorsements. Then, be ready to work hard to market your book. There are several companies that can help you through this process, but check their customer list.
website: www.winningthebattleofthebulge.com
email: mary@winningthebattleofthebulge.com
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Stephanie Whitson
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known 
1. Just because a child is potty-trained at an early age does not mean he/she will be a Rhodes scholar someday.
2. You won’t remember when or how they started eating solids or at what age they were potty trained or whether or not they could tie their own shoes at the age of four. You won’t remember half the stuff you agonized over.
3. Children really do grow up too fast.
4. It doesn’t matter if people are watching. You should dance.
5. The woman you admire most doesn’t have it all together, either.
6. My mother was far more courageous and far more wise than I realized.
7. A good review and a successful book are not the same thing.
8. Broken bones heal. Broken dreams don’t. Take more chances.
9. Sometimes what I want IS God’s will.
10. Writing is very hard work so get over yourself and sit down and fill the blank screen.
Stephanie
http://www.stephaniewhitson.com/
1. Just because a child is potty-trained at an early age does not mean he/she will be a Rhodes scholar someday.
2. You won’t remember when or how they started eating solids or at what age they were potty trained or whether or not they could tie their own shoes at the age of four. You won’t remember half the stuff you agonized over.
3. Children really do grow up too fast.
4. It doesn’t matter if people are watching. You should dance.
5. The woman you admire most doesn’t have it all together, either.
6. My mother was far more courageous and far more wise than I realized.
7. A good review and a successful book are not the same thing.
8. Broken bones heal. Broken dreams don’t. Take more chances.
9. Sometimes what I want IS God’s will.
10. Writing is very hard work so get over yourself and sit down and fill the blank screen.
Stephanie
http://www.stephaniewhitson.com/
Let's Turn the Page
One of my favorite things to do is read books to preschoolers. I love their excitement as they become part of the story. I adore the way they giggle over the illustrations, and how they immediately turn to the front of the book for "mor" when the story ends.Personally, my favorite children's books are those with the windows cut out of the page. You know the kind . . . they allow you to see part of the illustration, and for the life of you can't figure out what it is. Then, as you turn the page, the whole picture is revealed and you can see how the small part fits into the whole.
These books remind me of how God works. They remind me that sometimes my perspective is through a very small window.
Thankfully, God sees the complete picture. He knows how the small part that I see, fits together in His perfect plan.
And, as we are approaching the Christmas holiday, I can't help but comment on how Jesus was part of that plan.
2,000 years ago, shepherds saw a small part of the picture. They saw a baby in the manager.
When Jesus grew up, some of the people of Israel also saw a part of the picture. Some saw a healing. Others a feeding. And still others the death of their friend.
Jesus' disciples got more of the picture through Christ's resurrection, but even they only saw a small part. Years later, we see more--the spread of Christianity all over the world. We see our part in the kingdom of God, and we witness how He is worshiped all these years after He walked the earth.
There is also another part of the picture we see when we invite Christ to be our personal Lord and Savior. You see, while most of our world acknowledges the connection with the baby Jesus and Christmas Day . . . if you turn the page . . . we realize this gift wasn't only for God-come-to-earth back then, but Christ-come-to-live-and-abide IN US today.
It's a picture that overwhelms me, but even that is not the end.
Since I have Christ-in-me, the page will turn yet again. Someday I will be with Him in eternity. It's a picture I can't even imagine, but one I look forward to with eager anticipation.
Oh, what a complete picture that will be!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Be Encouraged!
Are you discouraged today? Is your to-do list long enough to wrap around the state of Montana five times?
Do you feel slightly depressed that the year is coming to a close and there is so much you hoped to accomplish, only have last year's resolutions still clinging to your mind (just as that extra five pounds is clinging to your thighs)?
Hang in there. And know that God has a plan for you today. You are not behind. In fact, you are right on schedule. His schedule.
God has everything timed to the minute ... no, wait, to the second. Just think how minutely planned things had to work out for baby Moses to be found within the bullrushes. Or for David to show up in order the slay Goliath. Your day--this moment--is not an accident.
I'm encouraging you has God has encouraged my heart this morning. I have 2 1/2 books due next month, and according to my flesh, I am SO behind.
But this morning my spirit sings because the creator of the universe--THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE--has planned this moment in history for me. This day is planned for my good and my growth.
And for yours.
Do you feel slightly depressed that the year is coming to a close and there is so much you hoped to accomplish, only have last year's resolutions still clinging to your mind (just as that extra five pounds is clinging to your thighs)?
Hang in there. And know that God has a plan for you today. You are not behind. In fact, you are right on schedule. His schedule.
God has everything timed to the minute ... no, wait, to the second. Just think how minutely planned things had to work out for baby Moses to be found within the bullrushes. Or for David to show up in order the slay Goliath. Your day--this moment--is not an accident.
I'm encouraging you has God has encouraged my heart this morning. I have 2 1/2 books due next month, and according to my flesh, I am SO behind.
But this morning my spirit sings because the creator of the universe--THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE--has planned this moment in history for me. This day is planned for my good and my growth.
And for yours.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
WAVES
I found this brief bio of Grace Hopper on today's NPR's, Writer's Almanac. Since we've just past the Pearl Harbor Day, I thought this would be timely and reminiscent of the WASP (Women Air Service Pilots) in my book Dawn of A Thousand Nights.
"It's the birthday of one of the people who helped invent the modern computer: Grace Hopper , born in New York City (1906). She began tinkering around with machines when she was seven years old, dismantling several alarm clocks around the house to see how they worked. She studied math and physics in college, and eventually got a Ph.D. in mathematics from Yale. Then World War II broke out, and Hopper wanted to serve her country.
Her father had been an admiral in the Navy, so she applied to a division of the Navy called WAVES, which stood for Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service. They turned her down at first they said she was too old at 35, and that she didn't weigh enough, at 105 pounds.
But she wouldn't give up, and they eventually accepted her. With her math skills, she was assigned to work on a machine that might help calculate the trajectory of bombs and rockets. Hopper learned how to program that early computing machine, and wrote the first instruction manual for its use. And she went on to help write an early computer language known as COBOL - "Common Business-Oriented Language." She remained in the Navy, and eventually she became the first woman ever promoted to rear admiral."
Friday, December 08, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Staci Stallings
10. Omniscient POV is no longer in style, and it's very nearly a sin to try to use it.
9. Some people value rules more than style and will kill style to follow the rules. Also, some people will "edit" your style right out of your work in order to keep the rules. Don't let them!
8. People will support and encourage you in direct proportion to how much you support and encourage them. Never burn bridges.
7. Children love orange juice and will ask for it just as your hero is dangling off a bridge into a 30-foot gully trying to save your heroine.
6. God cares as much about your story as you do, and there's a reason He gave it to you to write and not to someone who is either more talented or more famous. Guard that responsibility with care.
5. The real point of writing is not to make money or even to reach a lot of people. The real point is to connect with the people you do touch in a deep and meaningful way.
4. All the contracts in the world aren't worth one really good friend.
3. All the contracts in the world aren't worth sacrificing quality and quantity time with your kids and spouse.
2. Valuing the truly important things (your spouse, your kids, your family, your friends) will pay dividends that being on a remainder list never will.
1. God is in charge. If you act as if He is not but you have told Him He is, He will take you at your word and do it His way-every single time. Learn to give the entire journey-not just this project or that meeting-over to Him. Let Him guide every character, every project, every moment of your day, and your life will open up in front of you whether what the world calls success ever comes or not. You will know in the depths of yourself that to God, your success and worth were never in question, and you will begin to agree with Him. At that point, you will begin to live.
Looking for great inspiration?
Visit Staci Stallings at her blog, Homeward Bound, http://stacistallings.blogspot.com
You'll feel better for the experience!
9. Some people value rules more than style and will kill style to follow the rules. Also, some people will "edit" your style right out of your work in order to keep the rules. Don't let them!
8. People will support and encourage you in direct proportion to how much you support and encourage them. Never burn bridges.
7. Children love orange juice and will ask for it just as your hero is dangling off a bridge into a 30-foot gully trying to save your heroine.
6. God cares as much about your story as you do, and there's a reason He gave it to you to write and not to someone who is either more talented or more famous. Guard that responsibility with care.
5. The real point of writing is not to make money or even to reach a lot of people. The real point is to connect with the people you do touch in a deep and meaningful way.
4. All the contracts in the world aren't worth one really good friend.
3. All the contracts in the world aren't worth sacrificing quality and quantity time with your kids and spouse.
2. Valuing the truly important things (your spouse, your kids, your family, your friends) will pay dividends that being on a remainder list never will.
1. God is in charge. If you act as if He is not but you have told Him He is, He will take you at your word and do it His way-every single time. Learn to give the entire journey-not just this project or that meeting-over to Him. Let Him guide every character, every project, every moment of your day, and your life will open up in front of you whether what the world calls success ever comes or not. You will know in the depths of yourself that to God, your success and worth were never in question, and you will begin to agree with Him. At that point, you will begin to live.
Looking for great inspiration?
Visit Staci Stallings at her blog, Homeward Bound, http://stacistallings.blogspot.com
You'll feel better for the experience!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Today is Pearl Harbor Day. Sixty-five years ago today Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese.I've had the privledge to talk to some of the men who were at Pearl Harbor the day it was bombed.
You can read the AMAZING story from one of these men on my blog My Pearl Harbor Story (also below).
If you read my novel, Dawn of a Thousand Nights, you will discover that the events that Earl describes takes place in my book. (Only in my book the crash experieced through the eyes of my main character Libby.)
As we all know, the bombing of Pearl Harbor was the event that launched the United States into war.
And because of this the lives of millions of men and women were forever changed.
After this day both men and women supported the war effort in thousands of ways. And some of them even took to the air in order to support and fight for our country. The women pilots who ferried planes all around the country, in order to free a man to fight, were WASP (Women Air Service Pilots). They also play a key role in Dawn of a Thousand Nights.
So today take time to thank a veteran. Also take time to thank the women who supported those amazing men in more ways than we can imagine.
WASP pilots waiting to 
fly.WASP pilots during training.
My Pearl Harbor Story
By Earl T. Williams
Colonel, USAF (Retired)
On December 6, 1941, I was an Army Air Corps Sergeant with a First Class Air Mechanics rating. It was my first trip across the ocean, and I was assigned, along with five others from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron, to departed Hamilton Field on December 6, 1941. The first stop of destination was Hickam Field, Hawaii.
The flight to Hawaii was approximately 14 hours arriving, and we arrived at about 0800 hours local time. From the pilot’s compartment, I peeked out and first sighted Diamond Head. It was my first realization that we’d made it. Hawaii.
Lieutenant Schick turned to me with a smile. “I would take a million dollars for this trip.”
With a wide grin, I returned to the radio compartment to take in more sights and converse with Sergeant Bruce and Private Lee.
As we flew past Diamond Head, Sergeant Bruce who had been to Hawaii before, pointed out some of the notable sights: Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Yet as we passed over Waikiki Beach, it wasn’t the sand the drew out attention. Instead it was the three-fighter type aircraft passing off our right wing, speeding in the opposite direction.
Sergeant Bruce offered them a wave of his hand. “Those hafta be U.S. Navy aircraft sent up to escort us in to Hickam.”
How wrong he was.
The words were barely out of his mouth when plastic canopy over the 50-caliber machine guns disintegrated. Some welcome that was!
My first though was that the U.S. Navy had mistakenly loaded live ammunition in their guns.
The bullets continued piercing the radio compartment, and the cotton filler in the soundproofing tumbled in the air like snowflakes.
Attempting to catch my breath, I crouched behind the armor plating on the aft wall of the radio compartment. Next, bullets pierced the pyrotechnic flares we carried in the radio compartment for signaling purposes. Smoke and a very hot fire immediately filled the compartment. To make matters worse, I felt a bullet slice through the top of my head.
I hurried to the pilot’s compartment as blood streaming down my face and into my eyes and mouth. My hair caught fire, and I felt a burning sensation on the back of my ears and neck.
Sergeant Bruce and Private Lee also fled the fire, running to the rear of the aircraft.
As I entered the pilot’s compartment the splattering of bullets could be heard hitting the armored plate behind the pilot and copilot, then ricocheting around the compartment.
Lieutenant Schick perched on the edge of the observer’s seat, and I from the blood on his clothing I noted he was hit. It mustn’t have been a bad hit, because the Lieutenant was fully alert.
I attempted to tell the pilot what was happening in the radio compartment, but his mind was focused on landing the aircraft. Black smoke now filled the compartment and he could barely make out the instruments, let alone find a safe place to land. Somehow the pilot got us to the ground, and as we rolled to a stop on the runway, the aircraft snapped in two at the point of fire in the radio compartment.
“What’s the best way to get out?” Lieutenant Schick asked, attempting to remain calm.
“The upper hatch or the lower entrance door,” I told him.
He hurried out the lower door, and I followed. Yet the danger was far from over. Fighter planes continued to strafe our aircraft. Lieutenant Schick exited the aircraft, towards the safety of the buildings, but he hadn’t gotten far before the bullets hit him, and he was killed.
I waited, crouching behind the aircraft landing gear until the strafing stopped. Then I darted toward the hanger line, meeting up with Lieutenant Reid the copilot and Lieutenant Taylor the navigator. Both had minor wounds.
Around us there was a flurry of activity as servicemen set up gun positions. We asked for directions to the base hospital. Since I did not know the extent of my wound, I joined the two officers in search of aid.
Wounded and dying men lay on stretchers outside the hospital lawn. We entered the hospital and were immediately provided attention because we were identified as air crewmembers, and they wanted us to get back to duty. The hair around my wound was clipped and a dressing applied. I was then given a tetanus shot and letter TET painted on my forehead with a read antiseptic. At that pint I lost contact with Lieut. Reid and Taylor.
After treatment at the hospital, I started back to the flight line where the remains or our aircraft was located. As I passed the large barracks located adjacent to the parade grounds, enemy bombers began dropping bombs on the barracks. I sprinted as fast as I could towards the flight line, avoiding the continuing enemy fighter fire. When it appeared that the enemy activity had ceased, I located Sergeant Bruce. We made inquiries as to the location of our friends, but to no avail.
For the rest of the day, we helped in the frenzy, helping to string telephone wire between gun positions. Only later that we learned that Lieutenant Schick had indeed been killed and Air Cadet Beale, Master Sergeant Pouncey, and Private Lee had been seriously wounded.
I was one of the lucky ones who made it on the Jap’s first attack on the U.S. It was my first taste of war, but not my last. As a member of a new crew, I went on as a combat crewmember to fly 55 combat missions out of Australia and New Guinea for which I was award the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Some may think it was an odd coincidence that we met the Japs in the sky that day. And it was. Two sets of planes, crossing two ends of the ocean. It’s a meet-up I’ll never forget.
Colonel, USAF (Retired)
On December 6, 1941, I was an Army Air Corps Sergeant with a First Class Air Mechanics rating. It was my first trip across the ocean, and I was assigned, along with five others from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron, to departed Hamilton Field on December 6, 1941. The first stop of destination was Hickam Field, Hawaii.
The flight to Hawaii was approximately 14 hours arriving, and we arrived at about 0800 hours local time. From the pilot’s compartment, I peeked out and first sighted Diamond Head. It was my first realization that we’d made it. Hawaii.
Lieutenant Schick turned to me with a smile. “I would take a million dollars for this trip.”
With a wide grin, I returned to the radio compartment to take in more sights and converse with Sergeant Bruce and Private Lee.
As we flew past Diamond Head, Sergeant Bruce who had been to Hawaii before, pointed out some of the notable sights: Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Yet as we passed over Waikiki Beach, it wasn’t the sand the drew out attention. Instead it was the three-fighter type aircraft passing off our right wing, speeding in the opposite direction.
Sergeant Bruce offered them a wave of his hand. “Those hafta be U.S. Navy aircraft sent up to escort us in to Hickam.”
How wrong he was.
The words were barely out of his mouth when plastic canopy over the 50-caliber machine guns disintegrated. Some welcome that was!
My first though was that the U.S. Navy had mistakenly loaded live ammunition in their guns.
The bullets continued piercing the radio compartment, and the cotton filler in the soundproofing tumbled in the air like snowflakes.
Attempting to catch my breath, I crouched behind the armor plating on the aft wall of the radio compartment. Next, bullets pierced the pyrotechnic flares we carried in the radio compartment for signaling purposes. Smoke and a very hot fire immediately filled the compartment. To make matters worse, I felt a bullet slice through the top of my head.
I hurried to the pilot’s compartment as blood streaming down my face and into my eyes and mouth. My hair caught fire, and I felt a burning sensation on the back of my ears and neck.
Sergeant Bruce and Private Lee also fled the fire, running to the rear of the aircraft.
As I entered the pilot’s compartment the splattering of bullets could be heard hitting the armored plate behind the pilot and copilot, then ricocheting around the compartment.
Lieutenant Schick perched on the edge of the observer’s seat, and I from the blood on his clothing I noted he was hit. It mustn’t have been a bad hit, because the Lieutenant was fully alert.
I attempted to tell the pilot what was happening in the radio compartment, but his mind was focused on landing the aircraft. Black smoke now filled the compartment and he could barely make out the instruments, let alone find a safe place to land. Somehow the pilot got us to the ground, and as we rolled to a stop on the runway, the aircraft snapped in two at the point of fire in the radio compartment.
“What’s the best way to get out?” Lieutenant Schick asked, attempting to remain calm.
“The upper hatch or the lower entrance door,” I told him.
He hurried out the lower door, and I followed. Yet the danger was far from over. Fighter planes continued to strafe our aircraft. Lieutenant Schick exited the aircraft, towards the safety of the buildings, but he hadn’t gotten far before the bullets hit him, and he was killed.
I waited, crouching behind the aircraft landing gear until the strafing stopped. Then I darted toward the hanger line, meeting up with Lieutenant Reid the copilot and Lieutenant Taylor the navigator. Both had minor wounds.
Around us there was a flurry of activity as servicemen set up gun positions. We asked for directions to the base hospital. Since I did not know the extent of my wound, I joined the two officers in search of aid.
Wounded and dying men lay on stretchers outside the hospital lawn. We entered the hospital and were immediately provided attention because we were identified as air crewmembers, and they wanted us to get back to duty. The hair around my wound was clipped and a dressing applied. I was then given a tetanus shot and letter TET painted on my forehead with a read antiseptic. At that pint I lost contact with Lieut. Reid and Taylor.
After treatment at the hospital, I started back to the flight line where the remains or our aircraft was located. As I passed the large barracks located adjacent to the parade grounds, enemy bombers began dropping bombs on the barracks. I sprinted as fast as I could towards the flight line, avoiding the continuing enemy fighter fire. When it appeared that the enemy activity had ceased, I located Sergeant Bruce. We made inquiries as to the location of our friends, but to no avail.
For the rest of the day, we helped in the frenzy, helping to string telephone wire between gun positions. Only later that we learned that Lieutenant Schick had indeed been killed and Air Cadet Beale, Master Sergeant Pouncey, and Private Lee had been seriously wounded.
I was one of the lucky ones who made it on the Jap’s first attack on the U.S. It was my first taste of war, but not my last. As a member of a new crew, I went on as a combat crewmember to fly 55 combat missions out of Australia and New Guinea for which I was award the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Some may think it was an odd coincidence that we met the Japs in the sky that day. And it was. Two sets of planes, crossing two ends of the ocean. It’s a meet-up I’ll never forget.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Wrapping it up ...
You should see my bedroom right now ... on second thought I change my mind. Maybe you shouldn't.You see, my room is filled with presents. Lots and lots of presents waiting to be wrapped and some to be mailed.
I LOVE buying presents. If I had more money, I'd buy 10xs more than I do. I like the idea of figuring out what would bring a smile to someone's face. (Seeing the smile is a bonus!)
I do not, on the other hand, like shopping. My favorite shopping is online. Or clearance shelves. I'm a speed shopper. I know what I want and go straight for it.
I do not like wrapping. What a waste of time! That's why the presents are still piled in my room. (And in the back of my van!)
The more I think about it, my writing is a lot like my Christmas purchasing. I love going through research books to find treasure. I get excited when I find something that will make my "gift" of story deep and rich. I love imagining the smiles. (And even the tears.)
Like shopping, I do it fast. I pile up books, information, thoughts and then I sift through it all as the minutes tick down. (Speaking of "pile up" my office floor looks like my bedroom--with research books everywhere!)
When I write, I think about my readers and consider what they'd enjoy. I'm a speed writer and I don't like wrapping. I'm perfectly happy turning my manuscript over to my editors and letting them clean up my prose. I adore seeing the finished book, with the beautiful COVER. And, in the end, I love presenting my gift of story to those who I know will appreciate it.
Speaking of covers ... my newest one just got emailed to me this week! What do you think???
A Shadow of Treason will release Fall 2007!
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta. | |
| The Midland | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| The South | |
| The Inland North | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The Northeast | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
Use Me
One of the biggest mistakes I continue to make as a writer (and in life) is to think "It's all about me." The books are not all about me. This work is not all about me. My life is not all about me (seriously).Today, I was reminded of this again when I came upon this quote in the book, "Live a Praying Life" by Jennifer Kennedy Dean:
One night I bowed my head in silent prayer before a sermon and whispered to God, "O God, help me." Very quickly came back the reply: "I will do something better; I will use you."
That amendment was decidedly better. I was asking God to help me--I was the center; I was calling to God for my own purposes. But "I will use you" meant I was not the center; something beyond me was the center and I was only the instrument of that purpose beyond myself. God's answer shifted the whole center of gravity of the prayer.
--E. Stanley Jones, Abundant Living
So that is my prayer today ... "Lord, use me."
Won't you pray the same?
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Deborah Raney
TEN THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN:
1. My grandmother was right: kids grow up too fast. Don’t miss a minute!
2. Kids are more important than furniture––or even your late great-grandmother’s dishes.
3. Money can’t buy happiness...but if you’re already happy, it can make you a little bit happier.
4. Grandparents are treasures and they have important stories to tell. Write them down before it’s too late.
5. Editors are among the wisest humans on earth and are God’s gift to writers.
6. It takes 257 good reviews to make you forget one bad review. (I haven’t gotten 257 good reviews yet. Fortunately, one cyber hug from a friend accomplishes the same thing.)
7. There’s no such thing as too many books, yet giving a stack of books away to a friend multiplies their value.
8. Two cats are five times as much trouble as one, but four kids are half as much trouble as two.
9. Twenty-pound turkeys stink really, really bad after 15 days in an unplugged deep freeze in July. (Don’t ask.)
10. It’s more difficult to write 500 words of a novel, than 1,500 words of email to a friend.
DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her fifteenth novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award and the Silver Angel from Excellence in Media. Deborah's first novel, A VOW TO CHERISH, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her newest book, Remember to Forget (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster) will release in February. Deb also serves on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers.http://www.deborahraney.com
1. My grandmother was right: kids grow up too fast. Don’t miss a minute!
2. Kids are more important than furniture––or even your late great-grandmother’s dishes.
3. Money can’t buy happiness...but if you’re already happy, it can make you a little bit happier.
4. Grandparents are treasures and they have important stories to tell. Write them down before it’s too late.
5. Editors are among the wisest humans on earth and are God’s gift to writers.
6. It takes 257 good reviews to make you forget one bad review. (I haven’t gotten 257 good reviews yet. Fortunately, one cyber hug from a friend accomplishes the same thing.)
7. There’s no such thing as too many books, yet giving a stack of books away to a friend multiplies their value.
8. Two cats are five times as much trouble as one, but four kids are half as much trouble as two.
9. Twenty-pound turkeys stink really, really bad after 15 days in an unplugged deep freeze in July. (Don’t ask.)
10. It’s more difficult to write 500 words of a novel, than 1,500 words of email to a friend.
DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her fifteenth novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award and the Silver Angel from Excellence in Media. Deborah's first novel, A VOW TO CHERISH, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her newest book, Remember to Forget (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster) will release in February. Deb also serves on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers.http://www.deborahraney.com
Monday, December 04, 2006
Poster Contest!
Here's another entry in the poster contest...
This one is from Lorena Adams, the poster is in the window of her local bookstore!
Alas, the contest is over! Thanks so much to all who participated--there were some great entries! We'll be announcing the winner on Friday.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Blog Tour - Scoop by Rene Gutteridge
I was out of town for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance post about Scoop by Rene Gutteridge...so it's a little late! But, that's okay!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rene Gutteridge is the author of several novels, including Ghost Writer (Bethany House Publishers) The Boo Series (WaterBrook Press) and the Storm Series, (Tyndale House Publishers. She will release three novels in 2006: Storm Surge (Tyndale) My Life as a Doormat (WestBow Press, Women of Faith) Occupational Hazards Book #1: Scoop (WaterBrook Press).
She has also been published over thirty times as a playwright, best known for her Christian comedy sketches. She studied screenwriting under a Mass Communications degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University, and earned the "Excellence in Mass Communication" award. She served as the full-time Director of Drama for First United Methodist Church for five years before leaving to stay home and write. She enjoys instructing at writer's conferences and in college classrooms. She lives with her husband, Sean, a musician, and their children in Oklahoma City.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Occupational Hazards Books are a series of books about seven homeschooled siblings whose last name is Hazard. The parents died in a freak accident leaving the kids ages 16-26 with a lucrative clown business but the kids realize that God has other plans which doesn't include being a family of clowns for the rest of their lives.
Scoop, is the first of the series and centers around Hayden, who was age 20 when her parents died. If you haven't yet guessed by the series title, this book is packed with many laugh out loud moments and great one liners.
Hayden is a strong Christian who, having been homeschooled, lacks some of the politically correct social norms...like not praying in front of everyone during a crisis. She finds herself in an internship at a television news station with a boss that takes stress pills, an aging news anchor that everyone wishes Botox on, a weatherman who wants to predict love for himself and Hayden, and a reporter struggling with his own politically correctness of being a good reporter and being a Christian.
Old School meets New School meets Homeschool. A smart and funny read.
The book link for http://www.renegutteridge.com/splash.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Rene Gutteridge is the author of several novels, including Ghost Writer (Bethany House Publishers) The Boo Series (WaterBrook Press) and the Storm Series, (Tyndale House Publishers. She will release three novels in 2006: Storm Surge (Tyndale) My Life as a Doormat (WestBow Press, Women of Faith) Occupational Hazards Book #1: Scoop (WaterBrook Press).
She has also been published over thirty times as a playwright, best known for her Christian comedy sketches. She studied screenwriting under a Mass Communications degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University, and earned the "Excellence in Mass Communication" award. She served as the full-time Director of Drama for First United Methodist Church for five years before leaving to stay home and write. She enjoys instructing at writer's conferences and in college classrooms. She lives with her husband, Sean, a musician, and their children in Oklahoma City.
ABOUT THE BOOK:The Occupational Hazards Books are a series of books about seven homeschooled siblings whose last name is Hazard. The parents died in a freak accident leaving the kids ages 16-26 with a lucrative clown business but the kids realize that God has other plans which doesn't include being a family of clowns for the rest of their lives.
Scoop, is the first of the series and centers around Hayden, who was age 20 when her parents died. If you haven't yet guessed by the series title, this book is packed with many laugh out loud moments and great one liners.
Hayden is a strong Christian who, having been homeschooled, lacks some of the politically correct social norms...like not praying in front of everyone during a crisis. She finds herself in an internship at a television news station with a boss that takes stress pills, an aging news anchor that everyone wishes Botox on, a weatherman who wants to predict love for himself and Hayden, and a reporter struggling with his own politically correctness of being a good reporter and being a Christian.
Old School meets New School meets Homeschool. A smart and funny read.
The book link for http://www.renegutteridge.com/splash.html
Friday, December 01, 2006
Landon Snow And the Island of Arcanum by R.K. Mortenson
Christian parents are finally offered a true Potter alternative...All the adventure of Harry Potter...None of the sorcery!
This week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is doing a blog tour for Landon Snow and The Island of Arcanum by R.K.Mortenson, published by Barbour Publishing (October 2006).
About the Author:
R.K.Mortenson is an ordained minister with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. He has been writing devotional and inspirational articles since 1995. He currently serves as a navy chaplain in Florida and lives with his wife, daughter and son in Jacksonville.
Randy got the idea for this series one late night, when flute music woke him from a sound sleep. As he stood at his window, trying to locate the source of the sound, he spied a library across the lawn. Suddenly, he envisioned an eleven-year-old sneaking out of his bed and stealing to the library in the dead of night...And thus Landon Snow was born.
The BOOK:
In the latest adventure of Landon Snow And the Island of Arcanum, Landon, once again visits his grandparents in Button Up, Minnesota. If your familiar with the first two books, Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle, and Landon Snow and The Shadows of Malus Quidam, you'll know that Landon's adventures always start at the Library in Button Up.
This time, Landon's most dangerous journey yet, begins in a rowboat-shaped tombstone that floats. And it's lucky for him that it floats because a few drips from the library ceiling turns into a powerful waterfall.
The stone turns into wood. The stone book propped up in the prow of the boat turns to paper. The left page says "ANCHOR". The right page says "AWEIGH".
"Anchor aweigh?" said Landon.
Holly whispered, "Did you hear that?"
No one has time to respond, however. The next instant saw the water before them dropping away as the water behind them grew into a giant swell, pitching them headlong into the abyss.
Landon will have to protect his two younger sisters, Holly and Bridget, who wind up in the boat with him headed towards The Island of Arcanum. On the Island, the animals of Wonderwood are imprisoned and the evil shadows of Landon's nemesis, Malus Quidam lurk!
With the help of some old friends, a horse named Melech, an odd fellow named Hardy, a girl named Ditty, and the poet/prophet Vates--Landon seeks to unlock the island's dark secrets and escape with the animals intact.
But first, he must navigate his way through unchartered waters and battle the villainous Archans...Can Landon and his friends rescue the animals from deep within the island's s
This week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is doing a blog tour for Landon Snow and The Island of Arcanum by R.K.Mortenson, published by Barbour Publishing (October 2006).
About the Author:
R.K.Mortenson is an ordained minister with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. He has been writing devotional and inspirational articles since 1995. He currently serves as a navy chaplain in Florida and lives with his wife, daughter and son in Jacksonville.
Randy got the idea for this series one late night, when flute music woke him from a sound sleep. As he stood at his window, trying to locate the source of the sound, he spied a library across the lawn. Suddenly, he envisioned an eleven-year-old sneaking out of his bed and stealing to the library in the dead of night...And thus Landon Snow was born.
The BOOK:
In the latest adventure of Landon Snow And the Island of Arcanum, Landon, once again visits his grandparents in Button Up, Minnesota. If your familiar with the first two books, Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle, and Landon Snow and The Shadows of Malus Quidam, you'll know that Landon's adventures always start at the Library in Button Up.
This time, Landon's most dangerous journey yet, begins in a rowboat-shaped tombstone that floats. And it's lucky for him that it floats because a few drips from the library ceiling turns into a powerful waterfall.
The stone turns into wood. The stone book propped up in the prow of the boat turns to paper. The left page says "ANCHOR". The right page says "AWEIGH".
"Anchor aweigh?" said Landon.
Holly whispered, "Did you hear that?"
No one has time to respond, however. The next instant saw the water before them dropping away as the water behind them grew into a giant swell, pitching them headlong into the abyss.
Landon will have to protect his two younger sisters, Holly and Bridget, who wind up in the boat with him headed towards The Island of Arcanum. On the Island, the animals of Wonderwood are imprisoned and the evil shadows of Landon's nemesis, Malus Quidam lurk!
With the help of some old friends, a horse named Melech, an odd fellow named Hardy, a girl named Ditty, and the poet/prophet Vates--Landon seeks to unlock the island's dark secrets and escape with the animals intact.
But first, he must navigate his way through unchartered waters and battle the villainous Archans...Can Landon and his friends rescue the animals from deep within the island's s