Novel in 30 words...

Sophie must leave behind the man she loves and return to the person who betrayed her. Another layer of war in Spain is revealed and nothing is as it seems.

Does it interest you?

Check out my book releasing next month ... A Shadow of Treason!

Books...Books...

Two great new books are featured today on CAN Blog, You've Got Books! sites. Why don't you surf over to read the excerpts of:

Golden Days, by Mary Connealy
http://www.canblog.typepad.com/youve_got_books_fiction/

Moving from Freedom to Fear: A Woman's Guide to Peace in Every Situation, by Grace Fox
http://www.canblog.typepad.com/youve_got_books_nonfictio/

And don't forget to tell your friends and readers, too.

Pictures say it all!

Our trip to Glacier National Park!

what's Tricia working on?

Last week found me working on two proposals at once. Seriously, I went back and forth, forth and back. Even after writing seven novels, I find writing proposal TOUGH! Will someone like it?

Pick me! Pick me!


Here are the first lines of those:

Rosalie Matthew's thumb played with the ring on her finger, still not used to its feel.
--Rosie the Riveter, WWII historical novel (co-written with my friend Ocieanna)


Every afternoon an air of expectancy filled the city as Londoners awaited the arrival of their heroes from bombing raids. Like knights of old, the strongest steeds arrived first.
--A Secret Courage, WWII historical novel


And here is the first line for my next novel that’s due, just started:


The beep-beep-beep of the hand-held video game in Chris’s hands joined with the sound of bacon frying in the pan and the energetic tune from the radio in Emily’s room.
--Sweet September, contemporary novel

Women In Film

AWESOME!

The Wait ...

Right this moment I am waiting for my sister to arrive with her family. They will be here for a week for vacation.

Did I mention that this is the first time my sister's whole family will be at my home? No, we're not mad at each other. No, I am not in the witness protection program. Yes, my sister found me 10 months ago. We have the same dad, and our first communication happened ...

10.17.06

In my inbox.

"Hello ... I don't know how to start this ..."

Needless to say, that email changed my life.

And so I'm waiting.

Happy. Smiling. In disbelief.

It sounds like something someone could write in a novel. Hmmmm ... if I only knew an author.

But it's not fiction. It's true.

Did I mention my favorite movie growing up was The Parent Trap? Since I didn't know my biological dad I always dreamed of having a sister out there.

Turns out I have four.

They are great. They look like me. My sister Lesley and I looked at our toes. We have the same toes.

Do you know how weird that is for someone who grew up not knowing they had a sister?

I'm still waiting.

The house is clean.

I went shopping at Costco.

I want to make sure I got food they liked. Since I spent $449.51, I hope I found something they like.

Of course, this isn't the first time I've seen my sister. This is the fourth time. (It was the second time when we compared our toes.)

I like her and my other sisters so much that I let my daughter travel down and stay with them for a week. My daughter has met family members I've yet to met. My daughter sent me a picture of her hair. Her pink hair. Yes, she has pink, PINK, highlights. Good thing I like my sister.

I'm still waiting.

I bought fresh flowers. For the porch and for my kitchen.

They smell nice.

Thirty minutes ago my sister texted me. She said, "Go wait outside."

I did.

She texted me a minute later. "Hahahaha. We're still 75 miles away."

Nice. So I sniffed the flowers, came back inside, and decided to blog.

Blogging SUCKS away my time. I'm hoping it works this time.

So ...

Okay ...

Yeah ...

I think I'll go back to the porch.

Meet my friend, Mary!

I have a friend named Mary who is like me in many ways. We both write fiction and non-fiction. We both still have kids at home. We are Gen Xers and proud of it!

Mary as a new book. You can read a sample chapter here. (Go ahead, try it!)

Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture

by Mary E. DeMuth

Harvest House, July 1, 2007

I'm also posting and interview with Mary. And if you live in THIS world, today, and scratch your head at why people do what they do ... I think you'll find it insightful.

Why did you write this book? Aren’t there already a bazillion parenting books out there?

Yes, I do believe there are a bazillion. I always struggle when I write a parenting book because I feel so darned small and weak. I don’t parent perfectly. But, we did live through two and half years in France, the hotbed of hyper-postmodernity. We had to learn how to parent our kids in that culture. It occurred to me that the things we learned would be helpful to American parents too.

What does postmodern mean? And why should it matter to parents?

Postmodernism is the waiting room between what used to be a modern worldview and what will be. According to several postmodern scholars, we’re in a shift right now, leaving modern ideas behind, but what we are shifting to is not yet fully defined. Postmoderns believe that rationalism and/or more education doesn’t necessarily create a better society. They typically don’t embrace the notion of absolute truth, though they reach for the transcendent. They are skeptical, and often question whether science is something to be embraced or feared. The question for parents is how will we mine the current worldview, even as it shifts? What in it can we embrace as biblical? What is not biblical? What I’ve seen in the church is a fearful adherence to what is familiar. So we cling to modern ideas, even though they may not be biblical and shun postmodern ideas even when they might be biblical. Our children will meet this shifting worldview no matter what our opinion of it is.

How can a parent help their children prepare for the world outside their door?

• Become a conversational parent. Talk to your kids. Listen. Share your story.
• Dare to believe that God has much to teach you through your kids. Be humble enough to learn from them.
• Create a haven for your kids, an oasis in your home that protects, supports, and gives kids space to be themselves. Take seriously the mandate that you are responsible for the soul-nurturing of your children.
• Teach your children to joyfully engage their world, while holding tightly to Jesus’ hand. Teaching this comes primarily from modeling it in your own life. Do you engage your neighbors? Are you more interested in God’s kingdom than your own? Admit your failures openly with your children, showing how much you need Jesus to live your daily life.

You are the first to admit that being authentic might require a parent to apologize after an angry outburst. Are you saying that authentic parents don’t always have it all together as some would like to think?

Yep! We are all frail, needy humans. If we present ourselves as perfect parents, never failing, always doing this correctly, we show our children we have no need of Jesus. We also set up a standard of perfection—that to be a Christian, one has to be perfect. This can lead to our children creating elaborate facades or hiding behind masks. I’d rather have my children see that even mommies make mistakes. Even mommies need Jesus every single day.

You talk about the twin values of engagement and purity. What does that mean?

Many parents subconsciously believe that true parenting means protection at any cost. We received a lot of flak for putting our children in French schools because the atmosphere there wasn’t exactly nurturing. Believe me, the decision was excruciating. But through it all, I realized that Jesus calls us all to be engaged in the culture we live in, yet not to be stained by it. That’s the beauty of engagement and purity. Abraham understood this. After God told him to leave everything and venture to a new place, he obeyed: “From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD” (Genesis 12:8). Oswald Chambers elaborates: “Bethel is the symbol of communion with God; Ai is the symbol of the world. Abraham pitched his tent between the two.” As parents journeying alongside our children through a postmodern world, this concept of pitching our tent between communion with God and engagement in the world should encourage us.

What bugs you about postmodernism?

I happen to believe in absolute truth, so that’s a problem! But more than that, I worry that all our rambling about it, trying to discern what it is, has caused us to rely more heavily on our own intellectual pursuit of God than our heart. When I get caught up in that, I remind myself of my friend Jeanne’s son Jacob, whose heart after Jesus takes my breath away. Living with a brain injury, Jacob throws off pretense as he worships God, arms vaulted to the sky in unashamed heart worship. That’s the kind of believer I want to be. That’s the kind of heart I want. I love this verse: “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). For me, for my children, that’s my prayer, that we’d be simply and purely devoted to Jesus no matter what worldview we find ourselves in.

To purchase, click here.

Visit Mary's helpful and fun website here.

Meet Mary and read her crazy blog here.

Leave me alone already?!

I rarely get cranky ... I'm a pretty easy going person. But there are a few things that bug me.

Being late. I hate it.

Appointments. Ugh.

Paperwork. Just shoot me.

My weaknesses. I understand when others mess up. I just don't want to!

People who complain. Which makes me laugh reading the above list!

Yesterday included all of the above. It started when I woke up in a funk and kicked off when my puppy chewed up a ant poison stake. (I learned from my vet to make your dog puke just give him a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. It works!)

The call to the vet and the puking made us late for my grandma and son's eye appointments, which made everyone complain. And guess what was waiting when I got home? Edits and paperwork.

(Oh, yes, and the dog is fine!)

Being a writer would be easy if there weren't dogs and people and problems, but I need to remember life isn't about writing. Life is about LIFE.

Here are some quotes from Brennan Manning that reminded me of that:

Openness serves as a bridge to the world of others. It enables us to get involved with others, to understand the thoughts of others, to feel what others are feeling. In other words, if we’re open, we’re able to enter the existential world of others even if at times we can’t identify with someone’s particular world. ~Brennan Manning, The Wisdom of Tenderness, p. 113

We’re not in favor of life simply because we’re warding off death. We’re for life because we are for Abba, the essence of all life. And we mature in the wisdom of accepted tenderness to the extent that we stand up for the less fortunate; to the extent that no human flesh is a stranger to us; to the extent that we can touch the hand of another in love; to the extent that for us there truly are no “others.” ~Brennan Manning, The Wisdom of Tenderness, p. 111

Writing, for me, is a closed world. My thoughts. My time. My computer.

But if I'm not involved with others ... what good are my words?

Today, my prayer is that I'm open to the world around me ... not just the one in my head. And that I may touch the hand of another in love ... not only with words.

Disappointments

Even though I've had some very exciting opportunities come up, there are always writing disappointments--"no thank yous" on proposals, sales statements (it ONLY sold that many???) etc. This morning, I grabbed my journal and on the top of a page, wrote DISAPPOINTMENTS, then I listed them.

Four things helped me:

1. Stating them, facing them, and turning them over to God in prayer. I imagined each one and pictured myself dumping them on God's lap for Him to sort through.

2. Reading God's word. God led me to these Scriptures this morning:

Psalm 37:3-7
Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when men succeed in their ways,

when they carry out their wicked schemes.

3. Praise music. I came to my office and turned on Tim Hughes.
"You will find me longing after you."
"Every breath belongs to you."
"You are my First Love."
These are just a few of the words that are speaking to my heart.

4. Remembering. How God worked. How He's working still. I thought about the article I wrote Saturday, and the two amazing people he gave me to interview. On one of them I contacted someone who I’d met briefly, as I was talking to her she said, “You really need to talk to my husband.” He was a key person in men’s ministry in pregnancy care centers … and I had no idea! I also reread an email I received this weekend. “Thank you for writing My Life, Unscripted.” Yes, God is guiding my writing. He leads me. He gives me words when I’m blank. Sure things could be better … if I focus on numbers and such, but again I need to remember that’s up to God to figure out. I just need to be faithful to what he asks me to do.

Allison Bottke, One Little Secret

One Little Secret comes out in August from Bethany House.

She follows up that success with her second novel, One Little Secret, already receiving buzz for mixing Hollywood glitz and glamour with a deep message of sacrifice and making your dreams come true.

Affectionately known as the “God Allows U-Turns Poster Girl,” Allison’s inspiring story is one of triumph over tragedy. A frequent guest on radio and TV programs around the country, the 700 Club featured her life story in what has become one of their highest rated programs ever. She has appeared as the feature cover story in such national magazines as Writer’s Digest, BOND, The Christian Communicator, O.H. and Christian Women Online. Allison heads up God Allows U-Turns, an international outreach that includes books, tracts, logo merchandise, a speaking ministry, and a foundation.

The God Allows U-Turns book series is available around the world with 22 non-fiction and fiction books in the U-Turns “brand” currently available for adults, kids and youth. Allison makes her home in Minnesota with her husband. You can read more about current and future projects in development by visiting her web site at http://www.allisonbottke.com/

Here's the scoop on the book:

For Ursula Rhoades, her ONE LITTLE SECRET …is about to become her one big problem! ONE LITTLE SECRET fits seamlessly into a culture obsessed with reality TV and celebrity lives (think American Idol and E! channel). Delving into the life of a fictional rock star, ONE LITTLE SECRET grabs readers from the start and takes them on a fun-loving ride through Hollywood and the famous GRAMMY awards.

In a land of glitz and glamour, Ursula Rhoades isn’t fazed in the least by the constant parade of Prada and Tiffany’s or the high-profile celebrity sightings. A beautiful home, a loving family, and fulfilling volunteer opportunities leave this fashionable and loving Bel-Air housewife completely content, even if she did have to give up her dreams. Nikolai Prevelakis, or Nik Prevel to his fans, is the hottest young music star in the country. But it isn’t enough. Handsome, famous, and living the life of a rock star, Nik isn’t content. When his path crosses Ursula’s, he sees the opportunity he’s been waiting for…but what seems like a harmless little secret changes their lives forever—and becomes one big secret everyone’s trying to figure out!

Ursula is a fun and hip main character—a baby boomer quite different from most heroines you see in today’s inspirational fiction. Offset by a male protagonist who is captivating and gets more likable and “deeper” as the story goes on, it’s just plain fun to watch these characters interact. A Hollywood fairy tale with all the pleasures of escapist literature mixed with gentle lessons on using the talents God has given you, the power of sacrifice, self-esteem, and the value of being “just a housewife.”

Murderous Munchies?

Murder by Mushroom

By Virginia Smith

Publisher: Steeple Hill

Release Date: August, 2007

Serving up murderous munchies at a church potluck social wouldn’t win any popularity contests, as Jackie Hoffner discovered. Someone has laced the casserole she brought with poisonous mushrooms… and the deadly dish had fellow churchgoer and town fussbudget Alice Farmer pushing up daisies. Now the gossip-hungry townsfolk suspected Jackie of foul play. To prove her innocence, she decided to conduct her own murder investigation, and Trooper Dennis Walsh’s helpful efforts and boy-next-door charm were welcome. Meanwhile, the town’s mysterious poisoner seemed to have more victims in mind…

Continue reading "Murder by Mushroom" »

Check out these books!

Off the Record by Elizabeth White

About the Author: Beth White is the author of Fireworks
and Fair Game, as well as the critically acclaimed Texas
Gatekeepers serie from Love Inspired Suspense.In her own words, she appreciate her most valued roles as wife and mom. Beth is also a second-grade Sunday school teacher, church orchestra member (She plays flute), and artist. She loves to read, crochet, sew, go on mission trips and avoid housework.Beth lives in Mobile with her minister husband, and is currently on staff at First Baptist Church of North Mobile (fondly known as NoMo), in Saraland, Alabama.

About the Book: Ambition is on a collision course with a secret from the past.

Judge Laurel Kincade, a rising political star, is announcing her candidacy for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Her aristocratic Old South family, led by her judge grandfather, beams as she takes the podium. Then her eyes light on a reporter in the crowd…and suddenly her past becomes a threat to her future.

Journalist Cole McGaughan, religion reporter for the New York Daily Journal, has received an intriguing call from an old friend. Private investigator Matt Hogan has come across a tip…that Laurel's impeccable reputation might be a facade. Matt suggests that Cole dig up the dirt on the lovely judge in order to snag his dream job as one of the Journal's elite political reporters.

There's just one problem: Cole's history is entangles with Laurel's and he must decide if the story that could make his career is worth the price he'd have to pay.

A sensational scoop becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can Laurel and Cole find forgiveness and turn their hidden past into a hopeful future...while keeping their feelings off the record?

Check out this interview with Elizabeth over at A Writer's Journey!

************************************************************************************

And If I Die by John Aubrey Anderson

About the Author: John grew up in Mississippi cotton country. After graduating from Mississippi State, he received an Air Force commission and has recently retired after flying twenty-eight years for a major airline. He lives in Texas with his wife, Nan.

About the book: AND IF I DIE is the third book in the Black and White Chronicles. The first was Abiding Darkness (August, 2006), the second was Wedgewood Grey (February, 2007).

In 1945, a spirit voice told Mr. A. J. Mason to “Be ready.”

In 1960, the spirit drew near and said the same words to the same man. “Be ready.”

On both occasions Mason ended up in bloody battles with the forces of evil. On both occasions, he saved the life of a young girl named Missy Parker. And on both occasions good people died.It’s 1968.Missy Parker has been married to Dr. Patrick Patterson for nine years; they live in Denton, Texas. Missy plays tennis and golf; Pat is chairman of the philosophy department at North Texas State University.Mose Washington, a black man Missy refers to as her almost-daddy, is hiding behind a new name—Mose Mann. Mose and the young black man who poses as his grandson have spent eight years successfully evading the FBI, a murderous congresswoman, and creatures from the demonic realm. They now live in Pilot Hill, Texas—fifteen miles from Pat and Missy. Mose is committing the autumn of his life to the pursuit of the knowledge of God and the protection of his “grandson”. His “grandson” is interested in honing his skills as a bull rider.

Close friends see portents of danger in events of the early summer and converge on Pilot Hill to warn the two black men that yet another confrontation with malevolent beings may be looming.In the pre-dawn hours, on the second day of the North Texas Rodeo, the voice of an invisible being speaks to Missy Parker Patterson. The voice warns her that it is now she, not A. J. Mason, who has been chosen as the person who needs to “Be ready” . . . and Missy doesn’t want the job.

Check out this interview with John over at Cara's blog, The law, books and life!

************************************************************************************

Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me!

About Robin: Robin is the author of over fifty novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by Library Journal. Winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin, who is also one of our CFBA members, lives in Boise, Idaho.

About the Book: Discouraged and destitute, her dreams shattered, Roxy Burke is going home.

But what lies beyond the front door? Rejection...or a bright future?

A lot has changed since Roxy Burke escaped small town life to become a Nashville star. Her former boyfriend Wyatt has found Christ and plans to become a minister. Her sister Elena, who comforted Wyatt when Roxy ran away, is now his fiancee. Her father Jonathan, a successful businessman, is heartbroken over the estrangement of Roxy from the family.

Now Roxy...her inheritance from her grandmother squandered, her hopes of stardom dashed...finds her way home...not by choice but because it's her only option. Her father's love and forgiveness surprise her, but her very presence throws the contented Burke family into turmoil, filling Roxy with guilt and shame.

Elena is shocked to discover doubt and resentment in her heart after her father's easy acceptance of Roxy into the family circle. Wyatt wrestles with doubts about marrying Elena. And Roxy struggles to accept forgiveness. Isn't she more deserving of rejection? As the story of the prodigal plays out, each member of the Burke family must search for and accept God's grace.

And check out this interview with Robin over at Favorite PASTtimes!

Writer Spaces...Deanna Dodson!

Ever wonder where your favorite author's craft your favorite books? If you're imagining, plush, cushy tropical island retreats...think again!

Okay, here's my office.

I didn't manage to get an overall picture, but if you put all three parts together, you get a decent view of the room. There are more bookshelves that I didn't get into the pictures, too.

I'm quite proud to say that I assembled all the furniture myself!

I do all my writing here. It's comfy and quiet and all of my resources are at hand. And my cats usually sleep on the writing desk in front of the window to keep me company.

Deanna Dodson

On the shelf!

This is a picture of My Life, Unscripted in Barnes and Noble!

Sue's note:

Chuck & I went to B&N looking for your book. I had to ask at the
info desk(which is good, because it shows them people are interested). Looks prettygood :)

They had 3 copies...now they have 2.

Congrats Sue and THANKS! You've just been entered 10 times into the contest to win a $25 gift card to B&N!

Do you LOVE Books?

Do you love books? Do you love talking about books with friends? Are you interested in finding BOOK LOVERS who just might want to hear about your book(s)? Check out Shelfari.

I joined Shelfari in May, but I didn't start using it until last week when many of my friends from ACFW joined. The whole idea of Shelfari is that you have a bookshelf. On your shelf are books you've read or those on your TBR pile. Then, you can chat with others who have the same books. You can also post reviews and comment on the books on your shelf.

Check out my page here:

I was able to look and see who had my books on their shelf ... or books similiar to mine. Then, I asked to be their friend.

I also started the Tricia Goyer Group, for those interested in chatting about my books ... or books that interest me. You can find that here.

Here is my shelf:

Here is more information about Shelfari:

Based in Seattle, Shelfari introduces readers to our global community of book lovers and encourages them to share their literary inclinations and passions with peers, friends, and total strangers (for now). Shelfari was the first social media site focused on books, and will continue to innovate as it brings together the world's readers. Our mission is the enhance the experience of reading by connecting readers in meaningful conversations about the published word.


Shelfari's members:





Build virtual bookshelves to express themselves to their friends and to the world

• Discover books that are popular in their trusted circles of friends



• Influence peers by rating and discussing books online



• Discover and learn from people with similar reading tastes



• Participate in online book groups to further explore literature and share ideas



• Interact with and learn from authors

Shelfari was officially launched in October 2006 with Josh Hug and Kevin Beukelman as the co-founders., Amazon.com invested in Shelfari in February 2007 and Shelfari immediately formed a board of advisors combing a list of high profile individuals.

Meet Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her work has appeared in Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, Marriage Partnership, among others. She’s also contributed to five non-fiction books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul and Cup of Comfort.

Suzanne’s debut novel, Copper Star, hit a bestseller list within a few weeks of release. It is a World War II love story based on true events. Louisa, a young Resistance Worker is smuggled out of Germany by theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and ends up in a dusty copper mining town in Arizona to wait out the war. Unable to leave her resistance skills behind, Louisa uncovers a mystery that leads right back to Germany.

The sequel to Copper Star has already been contracted and its film rights are under consideration by a major motion picture studio. (Wow!)

Married with four children, Suzanne lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and tries to write as much as she can, in between caring for my dad with Alzheimer’s, who lives directly across the street (!) and a steady stream of puppies that she raises for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Check out Suzanne’s blog!

Copper Star is available through Amazon, B&N.com and all major booksellers, as well as Suzanne’s website.

Why do you write about historical fiction?

Writing historical fiction is like putting together a fascinating puzzle to fit true events into a storyline. I work hard at representing history in an accurate way—I want readers to enjoy a good story but to finish my book confident in what they’ve learned.

What are some of the challenges of writing historical fiction?

Being true to the timeframe of the story—even though we know how things turned out (such as how World War II ended), the people at that time didn’t know. Seems simple, but it’s easy it is to trip over that rule.

Also, it’s challenging but important to properly represent life at that time. It takes a lot of effort to try and know that time period well enough to use the correct vernacular, correct products, etc. For example, Cheerios cereal had first been called Cheerioats.

Nowadays, think of how words morph and slip into our speech: “Just google him” or “someone just got Pluto-ed.” Those words identify 2007.

How do you decide what true events or real people to include in historical fiction?

I try to write about interesting people who have been overlooked.

For example: Louise Tracy, wife of Spencer Tracy. In 1942, Louise Tracy started a foundation (The John Tracy Clinic) to teach oral communication (lip reading and speaking) to pre-school age children. She and Spencer had a deaf son, John. Louise ignored the conventional wisdom of the day (sending John to an institution to learn sign language) and had remarkable success teaching him to communicate. There’s a deaf child in my novel Copper Star. I contacted the JTC while writing Copper Star and was able to write it into the storyline, with their blessing. Louise Tracy was a remarkable woman. Way ahead of her times! I loved being able to bring attention to such a woman through this novel.

Thanks for visiting my blog, Suzanne! And keep us posted on the movie!

Just a Spark

I live in Montana ... it's one of the prettiest places on earth, except during fire season. Even though the fires are miles and miles from my home, the sky is filled with smoke. In fact, it's so gray and dark it's hard to see the HUGE mountains from my window.

This reminds me of something I read recently:

"It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

"This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!"

I love that ... by our speech we can send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it. It's a great passage from The Bible.

The Bible? Did that sound like the Bible to you? Where are the thees and thous and hard language?

I was asked this question by some of my teen friends who heard me read this passage. They didn't read the Bible much, and this isn't what they expected.

The verses are actually, James 3:5-12, The Message version. I LOVE the Message because it is the Bible is today's language.

If you don't have this version on the Bible, don't worry. Check it out ... go to:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

See that box next to Quick Search? You can change the version. Just go down a few and find "The Message." Then you can enter in some of your favorite passages. Here are a few of mine:

Isaiah 40: 27-31:
"Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.

Psalm 119: 9-16:
How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.

So how about you? What are some of your favorite verses? How do they read in The Message? I'd love for you to share!

Oh, yes, and remember. It only takes a spark! Don't I know it!

Don't have time to go to Barnes and Noble?

Order My Life, Unscripted on-line

Here I am...page 2 of the Back-to-school books for Teens!

My Life Unscripted: Who's Writing Your Life?
by Tricia Goyer

Paperback

List Price: $12.99 Online Price: $11.69 Save 10% Off List Members Pay: $10.52

And...don't forget to enter to win a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble...details here!

Writing Space...Stephanie Whitson

Ever wonder where your favorite author's craft your favorite books? If you're imagining, plush, cushy tropical island retreats...think again!





Affectionately called "The Catacombs". . . located in the basement of our
1880's house. . . a basement Dan dug with a pick-axe and shovel long beforeI knew him. Apparently the footings he poured would allow us to build about a 3 story office building on the site. it's VERY quite down here.

Thanks Steph!

Seven Things I Learned at Summer Camp

Last week I was blessed to attend summer camp. Actually, my whole family attended to serve in a drama ministry. I also had the joy of watching three boys, ages 3, 4, and 6 while their parents helped in the kitchen. Yes, boys are active but some of my best times were playing with them in the sand at the lake with the sun smiling down on us.

Still, I came away from camp with more than a sun tan. I also learned some great things about my (our) walk with God!

1. Everyone needs a time to escape with God. Isaiah 49:10-11 says, “For the Lord in his mercy will lead them beside cool waters. And I will make my mountains into level paths for them.” As you will see from the photos, there were both beautiful mountains and cool waters at camp. It was a time of refreshing. A time to be reminded of God’s creative powers and “rest” in Him.
2. There is a whole generation of young men and women who are in need of hearing about God’s miracles in OUR lives. Psalm 71:18 says, “Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” I was able to participate in some small groups and share ways God has transformed my life. The generations coming behind us need to know more than just “about God.” They need to know how He works in the lives of men and women! I pray that the personal testimonies from the counselors will nourish their faith. (In addition to the small groups, I also took my one and only copy of My Life, Unscripted … and one of the teen girls borrow it to read it. I still haven’t gotten it back yet. I think it’s being passed around!)
3. We all need direction for our day … and discipline. As you can imagine, we couldn’t let 70 kids run wild and do their own thing. We set clear boundaries and planned their day. And when they got out of line we did correct them, but we did so gently. “I know, Lord, that a person’s life is not his own. No one is able to plan his own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle.” Jeremiah 10:23-24
4. We all need to take time in our day to fill our stomachs and our souls with the good things of God. And you can be sure EVERYONE comes running when they hear the dinner bell! “The eyes of all wait for You [looking, watching, and expecting] and You give them their food in due season. Psalm 145:15 (Amplified Bible)
5. At camp one’s eyes are open to see spiritual needs and their mouths are quick to speak truth to those with softened hearts. If only we were so in tune with God’s work in the lives around us all the time! “At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19 NLT
6. Today can be the day of salvation. And for two dozen kids at the camp, it was! It is a wonderful thing to know that these children accepted the greatest gift ever … Christ. “I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10
7. There is joy and excitement in praising God. If we were face-to-face I’d show you hand motions to some of the songs I learned! “My mouth’s full of great praise for God. I’m singing his hallelujah’s surrounded by crowds.” Psalm 109:30

Yes, everything I know about God I was reminded about at summer camp!

ACFW!

In September I will be teaching a historical fiction continuing track for the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference.

It will be held in Dallas, with a public book signing on Saturday, Sept. 22nd, featuring all the published authors in attendance. (We’re talking tons of wonderful, Christian authors!) If you live near there, stop by!

Go to this page on the ACFW Web site for details.

Shelfari

I just joined Shelfari to connect with other book lovers. Come see the books I love and see if we have any in common. Then pick my next book so I can keep on reading.

Click below to join my group of friends on Shelfari!

http://www.shelfari.com/

Fun!

What’s in my CD player today????

I LOVE Christian music and I have it on all day as I write. I enjoy all types of music, but every once in a while I come across a CD that becomes a FAVORITE. My new favorite is Sharecropper’s Seed, the newest CD by Nichole C. Mullen. Run to buy it now!! I can tell this is going to be in my CD player for a while!

Cool Story

I thought I had posted this great story about my plane ride (or should I say "sit") back from ICRS and Atlanta. But, I was talking to someone yesterday about the story and they had no idea what I was talking about...so better late than never!

Leaving Atlanta, my plane was on the runway for 3 hours! My seat-mates were from Afghanistan, Mirjan, and his daughter. Mirjan was a journalist and a father of three. He was forced to join the Army “for one year.” Four years later they wanted him to sign up for two more years. He then went on vacation with his family. When he called home, his brothers and sisters told him not to come back because he was a wanted man—and would be executed because they had deemed him a deserter.

He and his family lived in India for six years, and then he went to England. In the meantime, his family was sponsored to come to the US, and they are FINALLY together.

He was SO nice, and I thought of Anne de Graaf, especially her heart for Internationals. It truly made me appreciate how easy life is for me and my family here in America.

This man was sad he couldn’t even return to his home country to show his children where they are from. I really think I was supposed to hear that story, and it was worth the 3-hour wait.