Lyn Cote's Blog, page 113
November 10, 2010
First Page-Oxygen by Authors Randy Ingermanson & John Robinson
OXYGEN by Authors Randy Ingermanson & John Robinson features a very strong woman as the lead character, Valkerie Jansen, who has the opportunity to be the "first man on Mars" -- if she can survive the trip.
Chapter One
Valkerie woke up screaming. A viper bat clung to her face with fishhook claws, smothering her with its thin, leathery body. She tore at her face, but the creature had dug in too deep. She could already feel its venom burning into her lungs, constricting her chest in a long, convulsive cough. Struggling for control, she traced the contours of her face with tingling fingertips. Slowly, the clinging creature melted into her skin, fading back into the world of dreams.
The nightmare gradually faded, giving way to a new, more gripping terror. Valkerie was wide awake now. There was no such thing as a viper bat. But she still couldn't breathe.
Valkerie flung herself from the camping cot and thudded to the floor. She lay on her back, gasping for breath. She was hyperventilating, but the burning in her lungs grew worse. An acrid stench filled the cabin-the smell of sulfur dioxide-SO2.
"Oh no." The volcano was venting. "Oh God, please ..." Valkerie rolled over and fought her way up onto her hands and knees. Dim red light filtered in through the cabin window, illuminating a large duffel bag in the middle of the room. She crawled slowly toward the bag, struggling through the coughs that wracked her body.
"Please, God." Squeezing her eyes shut against the pain in her cramping muscles, Valkerie inched forward until she felt the heavy canvas. She dug underneath a metallic thermal suit and pressed her breather to her face. Her lungs choked shut at the rush of acidic gas. Idiot! She flung the mask across the room. Gina-Marie had warned her about the filter, but Valkerie had insisted it would be good for one more trip.
Her mind raced. If Mount Trident was venting, the whole valley could be filled with sulfur dioxide. She had to get out of there. Fast.
I'm attaching a photo of me and my coauthor John Olson and the cover art for OXYGEN.
Randy's web site is at
http://www.ingermanson.com
John's web site is at:
http://www.litany.com
Randy's web site about writing fiction is at:
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com
And
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com/blog
November 9, 2010
Bloggers Who Answered my 6 ?'s in August
Back in August, I asked 6 questions about why people read blogs, what they do with the books they might win on blogs, etc. (The rose is for each of the bloggers who left comments.)
Several bloggers shared their ideas and I'd like to reciprocate by posting their blogs in my Blogroll and also introducing them today.
1-First is Hannah who often posts comments on my blog. Thanks, Hannah!
"Project Journal" blog
Description
Hi! Just the ramblings of a college freshman about books, movies, and life! Thanks for visiting! Happy reading!
http://hcprojectjournal.blogspot.com
Hannah, I found your blog too dark to read easily. Please lighten up the text!
2-Next Janet with her JKW Art Blog
Description: God, family, and friends are most important. Starting a new life alone is difficult. Wild art dolls are a new challenge that I look forward to. I enjoy the retirement stage meeting new people and volunteering/sewing for abused children and veterans.
http://jkwart.blogspot.com
Janet, I had never heard of Cloth Doll Artistry and your use as a mission or benevolence to others. So wonderful and unique! WOW!
3-Next is Jenny from the Missouri Ozarks, United States and her My Buckling Bookshelf Blog.
Jenny participates in the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
These are reviewers who receive Christian novels and blog about them.
So want some good recommendations of what to read next, drop by
http://mybucklingbookshelf.blogspot.com/
4-Our final blog for today (I've got about 10 more to share soon!)
AusJenny, a fun lady I met first on GoodReads as part of the Love Inspired Historical Group there. You might want to join us. We have a wide-ranging discussion from Dancing with the Stars to book giveaways to prayer requests.
Jenny who is from Australia also participates in the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, but posts reviews that bear her own particular take on each book.
So drop by
Come Meet Aus Jenny--she's fun and very real!
http://ausjenny.blogspot.com
These are the rest of the blogs that I will be visiting and discussing soon!
http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com
http://cindywoolard.blogspot.com
http://blog.clark-stone.net
http://seekerville.blogspot.com
http://www.darkglassponderings.blogsp...
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
http://wordplay-kmweiland.blogspot.com/
http://leesmithwriting.blogspot.com/
http://wwwbackyardhermit.blogspot.com/
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://michellevsblog.blogspot.com/
More about these later this month!--Lyn
November 8, 2010
Book Monday-Author Roxanne Rustand & Winter Reunion
And the Sormag Goodie Bag goes to reader, April (tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com). (She didn't post but I chose her from readers from the past month who left a comment.)
A word to the wise, sometimes I don't mention that those who leave a comment may win a prize but that is always a possibility!
Thanks again to LaShaunda for sharing the story of her strong mother and for LaShaunda's gracious gifts. I hope you'll all visit http://sormag.blogspot.com/
Now to our Book for this Monday--
Winter Reunion by Author Roxanne Rustand!
Winter Reunion
Roxanne Rustand
Love Inspired Nov 2010
Miniseries: Aspen Creek Crossroads
Blurb: When wounded marine Devlin Sloane comes back to Aspen Creek, he's surprised by his late mother's will. His new business partner for the next six months is Beth Carrigan. His ex-wife. This might prove Dev's most difficult mission yet. He's never stopped loving the sweet bookstore owner, but his military career broke them apart.
Now, as Beth and Dev work together helping others get a new start on life, Dev hopes that he can break down the walls between them. And explore the possibilities of a new life and love together.
A bit about Author Roxanne Rustand!
2010 Winner– WisRWA Write Touch Reader's Award –FINAL EXPOSURE, Inspirational category
2010 Finalist– Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Inspirational Romantic Suspense & Mystery –FINAL EXPOSURE
2010 RT Bookclub Magazine Reviewer's Choice Nominee for Best Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense of 2010: END GAME (winner to be announced April, 2011)
To learn more about Roxanne and her books, drop byhttp://roxannerustand.com/
November 4, 2010
Publisher LaShaunda Hoffman & How She Learned to Be Strong
Publisher LaShaunda Hoffman caught my attention several years ago when I read about her website, Shades of Romance, in the Writer's Digest magazine. Her website was one of the top ones on the Net and remains that. I've gotten to know LaShaunda via email and she inspires me with her energy and commitment. Here's LaShaunda:"When I think of strong women, I think of my mother, Brenda J. Turner. She lost her mother at the age of nine. I believe that's what made her the kind of mother she is today. She always wanted a mother, so she took all those feelings and became the mother she wanted.
She instilled in her three daughters a commitment to family, a hard work ethic, and to give back. She taught me to be strong even when my world is falling apart. When she was diagnosed with Lupus, she didn't withdraw into herself. She kept going. She once told me if she stayed in bed every time she didn't feel good, she'd never get out of the bed.
She is one who believes in dreams. She gave me my first typewriter at sixteen, when I decided to be a bestselling writer. She's my biggest encourager even when 27 years later it hasn't happen. She says God has a plan and I believe her.
My mother now battles diabetes. It keeps her from doing a lot of things she use to do, because she has dialysis three times a week. However she stays positive and is grateful the Lord keeps her here. I too am grateful for each day I have with her and for the example she sets in being a good strong woman.
I would like to thank Lyn for featuring me here today. She has been such a loyal supporter of SORMAG and I so appreciate her. To one of her lucky readers who is an author I would like to offer a book promo. Leave a comment about how your mother inspired you and be entered in a drawing to receive this:BOOK INTRO - Eblast
Includes:
Cover
book blurb
author bio
1 chapter excerpt
website link
link to amazon.com
About LaShaunda:
In the real world, LaShaunda C. Hoffman is a happily married mother of three. She works for the government and is a Navy vet. In her fantasy life she loves, she is the publisher of Shades Of Romance Magazine - SORMAG. An award winning online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature. She is a contributor for the anthology, How I Met My Sweetheart. She is currently on the path to publication, working on a Christian romance and hunting for a literary agent.
Catch her online: SORMAG - http://sormag.blogspot.com, See Ya On The Net, her personal blog - http://lashaunda.blogspot.com
LaShaunda C. Hoffman - http://sormag.blogspot.com
SORMAG Publisher
Need help with your book promotion?
http://sormag.com/advertise.htm
I hope you'll drop by and check out Sormag. I'm sure you'll find some new books and authors there!--Lyn
November 3, 2010
First Page-A Circle of Blessings" by Author Deborah Raney
On Monday, I featured A Prairie Christmas Collection and here is an
Excerpt from "A Circle of Blessings"
by Deborah Raney
Chapter One
"Dakota Territory 1871
Stella Bradford hurried across the campus of St. Bartholomew's Academy, a stack of textbooks in arm and a bulging drawstring bag looped over one shoulder. The petticoat beneath her long-sleeved cotton dress clung to her legs, and with her free hand, she dabbed beads of moisture from her brow with a crumpled handkerchief. One should not have to perspire in October! If she didn't hurry, she was going to be late for class, and it would be the second time this week. She was having enough trouble with this infernal English grammar class as it was. It certainly wouldn't help matters to be late again.
The tower clock in the center of the campus quadrangle began to chime the hour, and Stella lifted her skirts above her ankles and broke into a very unladylike trot. She rounded the ivy-draped corner of Andrews Hall at top speed but was halted in her tracks when she bumped headlong into a broad masculine chest. The only thing that kept her from stumbling to the brick walk beneath her feet, was the strong pair of hands that reached out to grab her by the shoulders.
"Whoa, Miss! Watch where you're going there." The voice was as deep as the brown eyes that looked down into hers.
"Oh, p-pardon me," she stuttered, "but I'm about to be late for class." She took a step backward, out of the man's grasp.
The last chime of the carillon clock died away on the still autumn air, and Stella gave a little gasp of dismay.
"It looks to me as though you are late," the gentleman told her. "And at the reckless speed you were going, I'd venture to say you would have arrived so out of breath that you might as well not have bothered going at all."
"Please," she pled impatiently. "Let me pass. I simply can't miss this class again."
"Oh, I see," he said, a rather wicked gleam in his eyes. "So, you make a habit of tardiness? And let me guess––you are not exactly a candidate for honors in this particular class?"
She stamped her foot and took another step backward. Of all the impudent–– She did not have time for this."
For more information, visit http://www.deborahraney.com
November 2, 2010
Author Carolyne Aarsen & Silent Strength
My guest today is Author Carolyne Aarsen, a longtime Love Inspired author and friend. She has chosen to write about the "silent strength" her mother demonstrated. Here's Carolyne:
"I like writing about coming home to faith, community and love. And one of my favourite moments to put down on paper, is that time in the book when the heroine has to make a decision. And often a sacrifice that can portray a strength of character that she never had before. One of my inspirations for this moment is my own mother. For many years she took care of my father who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. As he lost mobility my mother bathed him, dressed, him and got him ready for the day. And when the day was over, she helped him get ready for bed. All of these things she did without any of us fully understanding the burden she carried. Because she never, ever said anything about it to us.
She never complained. After all, she told us later, this was her beloved husband who had done so much for her when he was physically able. When my father was hospitalized for so many years, she faithfully went, every day, to visit him and spend time with him. And often shave him, bathe him and clean up his room. Being the neat freak she was, she would sometimes even wash the floor! For my mother, that sacrifice was never a moment in the story, but a life-long commitment. An example to us, her children, of how love is expressed without words and an example of silent and faithful strength."--Carolyne
Here is Carolyne's latest Love Inspired romance.
"Rancher Kip Cosgrove promised his dying brother he'd take care of his motherless young twins. So when the boys' estranged aunt shows up on the Cosgrove doorstep with a will and the law on her side, Kip digs in his boot heels. Nicole Williams is wonderful with the boys, but Kip is just as much their kin as she is. And until legal issues are settled, she'll have to abide by his rules. Which means visiting the twins at the ranch. Seeing how much he loves the boys. How much they love him. And maybe…staying forever."
If you'd like to read an excerpt or purchase this book, drop by
http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=236
Website for Carolyne Aarsenwww.carolyneaarsen.com
Hope you'll give Carolyne a try!--Lyn
November 1, 2010
Book Monday-Author Deborah Raney & A Prairie Christmas Collection
A Prairie Christmas Collection
from Barbour Books
by Tracie Peterson, Deborah Raney, Tracey Bateman
and other favorite Christian authors
Settling the vast open prairies, weathering winter storms, and finding joy to celebrate during Christmas epitomizes the pioneer experience. In a unique collection of nine Christmas romances, Barbour Publishing brings readers A Prairie Christmas Collection where they can relive a prairie Christmas with all its challenge and delights as penned by multi-published authors, including Tracie Peterson and Deborah Raney. Featuring deckled-edge pages and a foil-stamped cover with fold-under flaps, the collection makes an ideal gift for the romance reader.
In this holiday romance collection, the warmth of Christmas will radiate new love from the high plains of Minnesota and Dakota Territory, across the rolling hills of Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, and down into the flats of Kansas. Filled with inspiration and faith, each story will become a treasure to be enjoyed again each year. Along with Peterson and Raney, other contributing authors include Tracey Bateman, Pamela Griffin, JoAnn A. Grote, Maryn Langer, Darlene Mindrup, Janet Spaeth and Jill Stengl.
For more information see Deborah Raney's website at www.deborahraney.com.
Available in bookstores everywhere, or order online at CBD.com, amazon.com or other bookstores online.
October 28, 2010
What's a Work for Hire Novel?
My guest today is Author DeAnna Julie Dodson who is going to share her experience with writing a work for hire novel. Here's DeAnna:
WRITING THE WORK-FOR-HIRE NOVEL
After a long hiatus following the publication of my medieval trilogy, In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to write the fourth book in the Annie's Attic Mystery series, Letters in the Attic, released by DRG Network in September.
How did I find out about the opportunity?
DRG contacted my agent for the names of some authors who might be interested in writing work-for-hire novels for them. I was one of the writers they eventually selected. Though this particular series was new to me at the time, I was very familiar with DRG because I love needlework, and they are a major publisher of pattern books and magazines. They sell related notions and supplies as well. Since their main character, Annie, is a crafter, it was a perfect fit for me.
How is writing a work-for-hire different from regular royalty-paying submissions?
A work-for-hire book is written within certain specific guidelines at the request of the publishers. In general, once the author has satisfactorily completed the requested work and turned it over to the publishers, he receives the agreed-upon payment and his rights to the work end. The work becomes the sole property of the publishers to do with as they please. The author does not receive any additional royalties or payments.
What is it like to write a work for hire novel?
After I agreed to accept this assignment, the first thing I did was read the first three books in the series. It is extremely important to know the story world and know the characters inside and out. Obviously, all work-for-hire writing doesn't involve series, but it's vital to know what the publisher wants and adhere to their requirements.
Keeping Annie's earlier adventures firmly in mind, my next task was to figure out where to go from there. DRG gave me just one intriguing premise: Finding some letters from a childhood friend, Annie decides to see what this friend is up to now, but nobody knows anything about her. With that start, I could go in any direction. Is her friend alive or dead? Do people really not know what happened to her, or are they just not saying? What kind of trouble will Annie get into trying to find out?
I had to keep in close contact with my editor on the project to make sure what I had in mind was what DRG had in mind for their book and for their series. And, unlike any other book I've written, I had to turn it in one third at a time. This was an extra hurdle for me since I don't usually write chronologically, but I met my deadlines (often ahead of time) and feel that I strengthened my writing muscles by meeting that challenge.
Why did I decide to write a work for hire novel?
Even though I didn't have as much creative freedom as I do with books I create completely on my own, I very much enjoyed working with DRG. It was a challenge to write a book in four months when it usually takes me a year and a half or more. And it was nice, after such a long time between books, to finally have something new out. I was very happy to have the opportunity to get my name back into circulation."--DeAnna
Here's DeAnna's book and a few links in case you want to read more about her and her book!--Lyn
DeAnna's website is http://www.deannajuliedodson.com
Her blog is http://www.deannajuliedodson.com/blog/
October 27, 2010
First Page-2 Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K Paul
Chapter One
"Christmas. Cora had been trying to catch it for four years. She scurried down the sidewalk, thankful that streetlights and brightly-lit storefronts counteracted the gloom of early nightfall. Somewhere, sometime, she'd get a hold of how to celebrate Christmas. Maybe even tonight.
With snowflakes sticking to her black coat, Christmas lights blinking around shop windows, and incessant bells jingling, Cora should have felt some holiday cheer.
And she did.
Really.
Just not much.
At least, she was on a Christmas errand this very minute. One present for a member of the family. Shouldn't that count for a bit of credit in the Christmas spirit department?
Cora planned out her Christmas gift-giving in a reasonable manner. The execution of her purchasing schedule gave her a great deal of satisfaction. Tonight's quest was a book for Uncle Eric—something about knights and castles, swordfights, shining armor, and all that.
One or two gifts purchased each week from Labor Day until December fifteenth, and her obligations were discharged efficiently, economically, and without the excruciating last minute frenzy that descended upon other people . . . like her three sisters, her mother, her grandmother, her aunts."
For more info, visit
www.donitakpaul.com
www.dragonandturtle.com
http://donitakpaul.blogspot.com/ This one is the OLD Blog where she shares books by my fellow authors. Other Literary Dabblings.
http://awriterwritessometimes.blogspot.com/
October 26, 2010
Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson & Smalltown Lies
Secrets Buried Deep!
Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother's back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole's grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she's willing to accept Rich's help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.
I've always been fascinated by social dynamics in a small town. Having lived in rural communities all my life, I'm intimately familiar with the unique politics involved. Crafting a story about the shadow cast over a town by its founding family came readily to me. I was particularly interested to explore the affect past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be.
The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37: 10 – 11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the world.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373444087/jillelizabeth-20"target="new">CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. She was delightfully astonished this year to receive the prestigious Carol Award in the Short Contemporary Suspense category for her 2009 release, Evidence of Murder. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer's groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild. Visit Jill on the web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for book giveaways, excerpts, and information.
I lived most of my lives in cities over 90,000 population. Now I live in a small town. I don't think I'm really experiencing small town life since I didn't raise my children here or hold a job here. Do you think that makes a difference?
