Delia Latham's Blog, page 38
December 12, 2012
Guest Post: Susan Diane Johnson
A very warm welcome to fellow Pelican Book Group author Susan Diane Johnson. She'll be sharing a beautiful, thought-provoking guest post, as well as information regarding her new release, NO SUBSITUTE. The title alone makes me want to read the book!
Read on...
“I’m sorry.
I’m different…?”
by Susan Diane Johnson
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In
all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of
this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus.” ~~ Phillipians 1:3-6 (NIV)
It’s hard to make a blanket statement
about one group of people. That said, I think most writers agree that we come
with at least one quirk that outwardly shows we often (if not always) dance to
a different beat than most of the people in our lives.
In fact, some writers could go so far as
to say they’ve wondered a time or two as to why they didn’t completely fit in
with the rest of the crowd. This might have been especially noticeable during
their school years, making those years difficult in many ways.
So why is that? What makes writers
different?
Many writers are introverts; much better
at expressing themselves with the written word rather than verbally. Writers
need their quiet time, time alone to write or brainstorm. They’re always imagining, thinking, plotting.
When with other people that spinning
mind can cause them to appear distracted, disassociated, and maybe even rude.
Being shy or introverted can often be mistaken for snobbishness. And when
writers do join in to the conversation, they often say something totally
different than what the others are thinking.
That’s because they’re always imagining, thinking, plotting. But writers are also
observing, studying, making mental notes, speculating, rewriting conversations
that are overheard.
Writers are always writing, even when not
in front of a computer or sitting with pen and paper in hand. Even when our
conscious mind isn’t aware of it, our subconscious is always working. That’s why many writers wake up in the middle
of the night with a great idea that
they just have to write down. If it’s
not written down when it comes fresh out of the subconscious, it’s often
forgotten. But when it is written down, for many writers, it often leads to
some of their best writing.
So am I sorry I’m different?
I used to be, but no longer. I am who
God made me to be. He is the one who gave me my creative mind, and only when I
embrace it and let myself be who He made me to be can I truly fit in – even if
I’m different. Once we embrace our differences, we grow comfortable with ourselves.
We can go forward with confidence – and fit in.
Whether you’re a writer or not, if there’s
something about you that makes you different – don’t apologize for it. Embrace
your quirkiness.
Be confident and comfortable in who and
what you are – a child beloved and created by God.
Be who God made you to be.
The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll
feel comfortable in your own skin.
About NO SUBSTITUTE:
Amy Welsh knew when she came back to the small Washington town of
Goose Bay she'd eventually run into her high school sweetheart—the one who broke
her heart seventeen years ago. Only Quentin Macmillan isn’t the boy she
remembered. He could potentially be everything she's ever dreamed of. But
remembering the past reminds Amy that she and Quentin aren't a pair of teenagers
in the bloom of first love. Letting him into her life resurfaces all the hurt
she's tried to ignore. Forgiveness isn't as simple—or easy—as it sounds,
especially after Quentin and Amy discover his teenage daughter has been
manipulating their feelings. If Amy can open her heart to healing, she’ll find
the future God prepared for her.
About the author:
SUZIE JOHNSON's debut novel, No Substitute, a contemporary inspirational novel, is out now from
White Rose Press of The Pelican Book Group. She
is a regular contributor to the Inkwell Inspirations blog, a member of ACFW,
RWA, and is the cancer registrar at her local hospital. Suzie and her husband
are the parents of a wonderful grown son who makes them proud every day – even
though he lives way too far away. Suzie and her husband live in the Pacific
Northwest with their naughty little cat on an island that is definitely not
tropical. You can visit her at the following places:
http://www.susandianejohnson.com
http://inkwellinspirations.com
http://www.facebook.com/suziejohnsonauthor
http://www.pinterest.com/suziejohnson1
Read on...
“I’m sorry.
I’m different…?”
by Susan Diane Johnson
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In
all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of
this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus.” ~~ Phillipians 1:3-6 (NIV)
It’s hard to make a blanket statement
about one group of people. That said, I think most writers agree that we come
with at least one quirk that outwardly shows we often (if not always) dance to
a different beat than most of the people in our lives.
In fact, some writers could go so far as
to say they’ve wondered a time or two as to why they didn’t completely fit in
with the rest of the crowd. This might have been especially noticeable during
their school years, making those years difficult in many ways.
So why is that? What makes writers
different?
Many writers are introverts; much better
at expressing themselves with the written word rather than verbally. Writers
need their quiet time, time alone to write or brainstorm. They’re always imagining, thinking, plotting.
When with other people that spinning
mind can cause them to appear distracted, disassociated, and maybe even rude.
Being shy or introverted can often be mistaken for snobbishness. And when
writers do join in to the conversation, they often say something totally
different than what the others are thinking.
That’s because they’re always imagining, thinking, plotting. But writers are also
observing, studying, making mental notes, speculating, rewriting conversations
that are overheard.
Writers are always writing, even when not
in front of a computer or sitting with pen and paper in hand. Even when our
conscious mind isn’t aware of it, our subconscious is always working. That’s why many writers wake up in the middle
of the night with a great idea that
they just have to write down. If it’s
not written down when it comes fresh out of the subconscious, it’s often
forgotten. But when it is written down, for many writers, it often leads to
some of their best writing.
So am I sorry I’m different?
I used to be, but no longer. I am who
God made me to be. He is the one who gave me my creative mind, and only when I
embrace it and let myself be who He made me to be can I truly fit in – even if
I’m different. Once we embrace our differences, we grow comfortable with ourselves.
We can go forward with confidence – and fit in.
Whether you’re a writer or not, if there’s
something about you that makes you different – don’t apologize for it. Embrace
your quirkiness.
Be confident and comfortable in who and
what you are – a child beloved and created by God.
Be who God made you to be.
The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll
feel comfortable in your own skin.
About NO SUBSTITUTE:
Amy Welsh knew when she came back to the small Washington town of Goose Bay she'd eventually run into her high school sweetheart—the one who broke
her heart seventeen years ago. Only Quentin Macmillan isn’t the boy she
remembered. He could potentially be everything she's ever dreamed of. But
remembering the past reminds Amy that she and Quentin aren't a pair of teenagers
in the bloom of first love. Letting him into her life resurfaces all the hurt
she's tried to ignore. Forgiveness isn't as simple—or easy—as it sounds,
especially after Quentin and Amy discover his teenage daughter has been
manipulating their feelings. If Amy can open her heart to healing, she’ll find
the future God prepared for her.
About the author:
SUZIE JOHNSON's debut novel, No Substitute, a contemporary inspirational novel, is out now from
White Rose Press of The Pelican Book Group. She
is a regular contributor to the Inkwell Inspirations blog, a member of ACFW,
RWA, and is the cancer registrar at her local hospital. Suzie and her husband
are the parents of a wonderful grown son who makes them proud every day – even
though he lives way too far away. Suzie and her husband live in the Pacific
Northwest with their naughty little cat on an island that is definitely not
tropical. You can visit her at the following places:
http://www.susandianejohnson.com
http://inkwellinspirations.com
http://www.facebook.com/suziejohnsonauthor
http://www.pinterest.com/suziejohnson1
December 10, 2012
COTT October New Releases Winner
The Winner of our October New Releases Clash is:
A Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes
A hearty congratulations to Laurie Alice!
We had a tremendous response for this Clash. So many said they wanted to vote for and loved all of the books. A special thanks to the other authors for their wonderful books and for being a part of this week.
Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley
A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman
Callie’s Mountain by Katt Anderson
Murder in Marietta by Deborah Malone
About A Flight of Fancy
Her head is in the clouds. His feet are planted firmly on the ground. Can love cover the distance?
Cassandra Bainbridge may be a bit of a bluestocking, but when Geoffrey Giles is near, love seems a fine alternative to passion for Greek and the physics of flight. With his dashing good looks and undying devotion to her, the Earl of Whittaker sets Cassandra’s heart racing with his very presence. It seems his only flaw is his distaste for ballooning, the obsession that consumes so much of her thoughts.
When a terrible accident compels her to end her betrothal, Cassandra heads for the country to recover from both her injuries and her broken heart. With time on her hands and good friends to help her, she pursues her love for ballooning and envisions a future for herself as a daring aeronaut. But when Lord Whittaker slips back into her life, she finds her heart torn between her love for flight and her abiding love for the man she fears will no longer want her once he knows of her hidden scars.
What Voters Had to Say about A Flight of Fancy
I love Laurie Alice's deft use of craft and I love her spunky (though not anachronistic!) heroines.
Fabulous read of a passionate couple. Well done, Laurie Alice Eakes!
All the books sound great, but I've read Flight of Fancy, and it's a wonderful story.
Title is adorable. Very creative.
Keep writing! I love reading and love your books.
Love this book! It's one of Eakes's best.
Every book I've ever read by Laurie Alice Eakes, I've loved.
Great Review for A Flight of Fancy
Romantic Times
Four Stars
“Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top. The second Daughters of Bainbridge House story has romance, mystery, suspense and characters who transcend the stereotype of stiff English formality. …”
Endorsements for A Flight of Fancy
“Eakes seamlessly blends romance and intrigue, faith and history, into a story that readers won’t want to put down.”—Booklist
“Masquerades, English manners, romance, and intrigue abound in this historical series. Regency romance aficionados and fans of Nicole Jordan will adore this.”—Library Journal
“Eakes weaves the fine silk threads of historical richness, dangerous intrigue, and forbidden romance into a flawless literary tapestry . . . that will leave readers breathless.”—Louise M. Gouge, award-winning author of At the Captain’s Command
About Laurie Alice Eakes
Bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes used to lie in bed as a child telling herself stories so she didn’t wake anyone else up. Sometimes she shared her stories with others; thus, when she decided to be a writer, she surprised no one. Family Guardian, her first book, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007. In the past three years, she has sold six books to Baker/Revell, five of which are set during the Regency time period, five books to Barbour Publishing, as well as two novellas to Barbour Publishing and one to Baker/Revell. Seven of her books have been picked up by Thorndike Press for large print publication, and Lady in the Mist, her first book with Revell, was chosen for hardcover publication with Crossings Bookclub. She also teaches on-line writing courses and enjoys a speaking ministry that takes her from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.
Laurie Alice lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs and two cats, and is learning how to make tamales.
Buy Links for A Flight of Fancy
Christian book.com
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Family Christian
Lifeway
Parable
Books A Million
Clash of the Titles Hostess Gail Pallotta
After a career as an editor and article writer Gail started to follow her dream of writing fiction. In 2004 the American Christian Writers Association named her a regional writer of the year. In 2010 an excerpt from Love Turns the Tide, her first romance, won the Clash of the Titles Challenge in the best nature / weather scene category. She published her first short story, “Lifeline,” in Splickety Magazine in January 2012. When she isn’t writing, she loves to bargain shop with her daughter, swim, read and visit with friends and family, especially at the beach.
December 5, 2012
Guest Post: Staci Stallings
Not Qualified...Willing
by: Staci Stallings
In preparing you for what you will
face as a Sower of Jesus Seed, I must address the one excuse I hear time and
again. Oh, the excuse is true enough–true enough, actually to get a lot
of you to give up before you start. It goes like this:
“I’m not qualified to…”
Or the sister excuse: “I’m
just not worthy to…”
Now you can fill in the blank with
whatever you’re telling yourself you can’t do that God’s calling you to–read in
church, sing in the choir, teach Sunday School, minister to women in a shelter,
tutor children, become involved in CASA or another child organization, be a
foster parent, volunteer at your child’s school or your grandchild’s school,
etc. etc. etc.
I have heard this one more than any
other.
“How can I do that? I’m not
qualified.”
“They asked me to read, but I’m just
not good enough.”
“I hope they don’t ask me to lead
that, I just don’t feel qualified.”
Well, it’s time to put an end to
this lie because here’s the truth: God doesn’t call the qualified!
He doesn’t! Have you read the
Bible?
If it’s a book of examples, you’re
in good company.
Look at Moses, out there tending his
sheep as far away from other people as he could get. The bush starts
afire, and God speaks to Moses, telling him to go to Egypt. And what does
Moses do? He starts listing all the reasons he’s not qualified!
He’s got a lisp. He doesn’t speak very well or plainly. Besides he
killed a guy and he’s wanted for murder back in Egypt.
Or let’s take Abraham. What
did he do when God told him his destiny filled with abundance and
children? “I’m old, Lord. And my wife is old too.” Do you hear the
echoes of “I’m not qualified”?
Even Jesus doubted His ability to go
through with the plan in the Garden of Gethsemane. Why do you think He
asked God to “let this cup pass Me by”?
We all feel that. Why?
Because it’s true.
Really.
Think about it.
Are you qualified to
help the God of the Universe do anything? I mean, what kind
of resume would you have to have to even get that job?
St. Paul in his message to the
Ephesians from The Message Bible says it this way:
“When it came to presenting the
Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified
of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you
can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.”
–Ephesians 3:8
If St. Paul didn’t feel equipped
(qualified), then we certainly won’t. And that’s GOOD NEWS! Because
it means that God isn’t sitting around fretting because you aren’t
qualified. He equips the willing. He doesn’t wait for the
qualified.
So if you don’t feel qualified or
worthy of what He’s calling you to do… rejoice! You’re in very good
company!
Copyright Staci
Stallings, 2012
Stories of God's Hope and Love Signifying...
Everything!
Connect with Staci on Facebook
Follow Staci on Twitter @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Blog
Ebook Romance Stories
by: Staci Stallings
In preparing you for what you will
face as a Sower of Jesus Seed, I must address the one excuse I hear time and
again. Oh, the excuse is true enough–true enough, actually to get a lot
of you to give up before you start. It goes like this:
“I’m not qualified to…”
Or the sister excuse: “I’m
just not worthy to…”
Now you can fill in the blank with
whatever you’re telling yourself you can’t do that God’s calling you to–read in
church, sing in the choir, teach Sunday School, minister to women in a shelter,
tutor children, become involved in CASA or another child organization, be a
foster parent, volunteer at your child’s school or your grandchild’s school,
etc. etc. etc.
I have heard this one more than any
other.
“How can I do that? I’m not
qualified.”
“They asked me to read, but I’m just
not good enough.”
“I hope they don’t ask me to lead
that, I just don’t feel qualified.”
Well, it’s time to put an end to
this lie because here’s the truth: God doesn’t call the qualified!
He doesn’t! Have you read the
Bible?
If it’s a book of examples, you’re
in good company.
Look at Moses, out there tending his
sheep as far away from other people as he could get. The bush starts
afire, and God speaks to Moses, telling him to go to Egypt. And what does
Moses do? He starts listing all the reasons he’s not qualified!
He’s got a lisp. He doesn’t speak very well or plainly. Besides he
killed a guy and he’s wanted for murder back in Egypt.
Or let’s take Abraham. What
did he do when God told him his destiny filled with abundance and
children? “I’m old, Lord. And my wife is old too.” Do you hear the
echoes of “I’m not qualified”?
Even Jesus doubted His ability to go
through with the plan in the Garden of Gethsemane. Why do you think He
asked God to “let this cup pass Me by”?
We all feel that. Why?
Because it’s true.
Really.
Think about it.
Are you qualified to
help the God of the Universe do anything? I mean, what kind
of resume would you have to have to even get that job?
St. Paul in his message to the
Ephesians from The Message Bible says it this way:
“When it came to presenting the
Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified
of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you
can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.”
–Ephesians 3:8
If St. Paul didn’t feel equipped
(qualified), then we certainly won’t. And that’s GOOD NEWS! Because
it means that God isn’t sitting around fretting because you aren’t
qualified. He equips the willing. He doesn’t wait for the
qualified.
So if you don’t feel qualified or
worthy of what He’s calling you to do… rejoice! You’re in very good
company!
Copyright Staci
Stallings, 2012
Stories of God's Hope and Love Signifying...
Everything!
Connect with Staci on Facebook
Follow Staci on Twitter @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Blog
Ebook Romance Stories
December 4, 2012
Staci Stallings' COWBOY - Free on Kindle!
Staci Stallings, the author of
tomorrow's article, is a #1 Best Selling Contemporary Christian Romance author and
the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. Staci has a special
surprise for you today and tomorrow only...
FREE ON KINDLE TWO
DAYS ONLY!
December 4 & 5:
COWBOY
"One of the most gripping contemporary
romances I've read in the past three years."
--Michelle Sutton, Amazon Top 1,000
Reviewer
Timothy Ashton Raines is at the top of
his game and the end of his rope until one night, he walks away from
everything...
Available today as a free download from
Amazon!
(Come back tomorrow to enjoy Staci's guest post:
Not Qualified...Willing)
November 26, 2012
Deadly Additive--An Action-Packed Gift!
Clash of the Titles hopes you had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of food and fellowship! Today, we are thrilled to talk to you about Donn Taylor's newest book, Deadly Additive. What an exciting book!
************
To soldier-of-fortune Jeb Sledge it seems like a simple job: Rescue an heiress and her journalist friend Kristin Halvorsen from their kidnapping by Colombian guerrillas and collect a sizable paycheck. But Kristin has other plans. After stumbling onto a mass of dead bodies, she won’t leave Colombia without the proof she needs for the story of a lifetime. While she and Jeb wrangle over her obstinacy, they discover a hidden factory where the guerrillas build a new and deadly type chemical weapon for the international black market. Their discovery triggers a raid on the factory, followed by a desperate search through the Caribbean and the U.S. to prevent a catastrophic attack by weapons the factory has produced. But who is behind that attack, and what are the planned targets? Finding out brings Jeb and Kristin again into peril for their lives and leads them both into an unexpected spiritual Odyssey.
What others are saying:
“An edge-of-the-chair plot in prose that reads like satin, with a nails-tough hero who still has time for introspection.”
-Donna Fletcher Crow, author of A Darkly Hidden Truth, The Monastery Murders
“I loved Deadly Additive! In this wonderfully written story, Donn Taylor offers up a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, humor, romance, and inspiration. I savored every page and didn’t want it to end.”
-Ann Tatlock, award-winning author of Traveler’s Rest
“Donn Taylor continually thrusts his two leading characters into impossible situations, but their escape is always believable. His characters are well drawn, authentic. You find yourself physically trying to help them out of a certain-death trap. I recommend it without reservation.”
-James Callan, award-winning author of Cleansed by Fire
“…reached the level of making me forget I was reading. It was an intellectual action novel with likable characters…reminded me of Tom Clancy's novels.”
–author Rose Munevar on Goodreads
Sounds good to us! Want to take a peek?
Opener from Chapter 1:
By habit, Jeb Sledge disapproved of people who pointed weapons at him. The present offender’s tuxedo did not qualify him for an exception, and the silencer on his pistol only aggravated the offense…
View the video book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doMqtrIKOMw&feature=youtu.be
Preview Deadly Additive and other suspense novels on Donn’s Web site: www.donntaylor.com.
A bit about the author:
Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he completed a PhD degree at The University of Texas and taught English literature (especially Renaissance) at two liberal arts colleges. His novels The Lazarus File and Rhapsody in Red have received excellent reviews, and he has also authored Dust and Diamond: Poems of Earth and Beyond. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences such as Glorieta and Blue Ridge. He and his wife live near Houston, Texas, where he continues to write fiction, poetry, and articles on current topics. His Web site is www.donntaylor.com.
November 23, 2012
I'VE GOT THE "LOOK" - ziggy zig zag tag
Thanks to a fellow author, Gay N. Lewis, for tagging me with
the ziggy zig zag tag—“You've got the LOOK!"
As part of this tag, I have to take my most recent work in
progress or my current manuscript and search for the word "look,"
then post the surrounding paragraphs/text.
Now, look here, peeps...do I look like a writer who'd use the word "look" often in a manuscript?
Well...looking into my current release, Jewels for the Kingdom, I looked upon the word - or forms of the word - "look" 47 times...and Jewels is a short novella (only about 20,000 words total)! It appeared twice before I was halfway through the third page.Looks like "look" could be a word I'll need to look out for in the future!
Come
along...let's take a look at the first occurrences of "look" in
Jewels for the Kingdom.
But
first...a look at the blurb:
Pia Peretti’s past could
destroy her future. Thanks to her pre-Christian lifestyle, she can’t marry a
believer, and she won’t marry a non-believer. Minister David Myers wants to
help Pia release her guilt and trust that God has forgiven her...but the young
minister is working through his own trial of faith.
After a failed counseling
session with a wounded soul, David's confidence is shaken. He accepts a new
pastorate, and moves to Angel Falls to find a haven for his wounded heart.
Is it possible these two
hurting hearts are meant to mend each other’s brokenness with some divine
intervention?
And here's the occurrences of
"look" you get a look at—taken from the very first words of the very
first chapter:
Pia Peretti’s scream froze in her throat but never made it
past her lips.
Inside her head, however, it echoed and re-echoed as the car
in front of her skidded off the road and over the edge. She had no idea as to
the depth of the drop off, but it was deep enough to swallow the little sports
car, which tumbled out of sight. Already praying for whoever was in the crashed
vehicle, Pia veered with as much care as possible to the side of the rain-slick
road.
Dialing 9-1-1 even as she leapt from the car, she reported
her location while she ran the hundred yards or so to the spot where the small
car had disappeared. Peering through the downpour at the wreckage, she realized
the gulley cut only about ten feet into the earth. Certainly no Grand Canyon,
but still a dangerous fall for a speeding vehicle. She found it somehow wrong
that the wheels on the overturned car continued to spin as if traveling some
invisible, upside-down roadway.
“God, please be with whoever’s inside.” Pia’s fervent prayer
caught in her throat when the cracked passenger window bulged and fell to the
ground with a thud. A pair of feet clad in what looked like spankin’ new
athletic shoes kicked out a few tenacious shards of glass.
Having been assured help was on the way, she tucked her
phone into a pocket and gaped as two long legs extended through the opening. A
muscled torso squeezed through, and finally, a head appeared, accompanied by a
loud groan, and a lean figure slid onto the slick earth beside the wreckage.
“Are you all right?” Pia started down the wet, slippery
incline toward the man pulling his long length off the ground. He gazed around
the area as if not quite sure how he came to be there. And no wonder—with a
two-inch gash on his forehead. Blood gushed from the wound, liberally coating
one cheek. The driving rain did a great job of washing it off enough to reveal
that the unsightly red ooze came from the single gash and mercifully not from
multiple cuts on that near-perfect face.
The injured man raised his gaze and fixed it on her but said
nothing.
“Sir?” What should one say to a stranger who just survived a
car accident and, even though he stood upright on wobbly long legs, looked only
half conscious? “Are you OK?”
That was fun, wasn't it? :) If you'd like to...um, look at the rest of the story, you can download it on Amazon for only $2.99.
And now I get to surprise five other zig zaggy author friends by tagging them in the "I've Got the Look" tag game. Readers, if you're ready to look at a few more over-used "looks," follow me...
Tanya Stowe: Tanya's Topics
Marianne Evans: A Minute with Marianne
Donna B. Snow: Donna B. Snow
Marian Merritt: Lagniappe
Dora Hiers: Heart-racing, God-gracing Romance
November 21, 2012
Guest Post: Lynda Schab
Just in time for Thanksgiving, I'm delighted to welcome Author Lynda Schab to Living the Write Life with a guest article on...yep, you guessed it! Being thankful.
Lynda's visiting various blogs to introduce her new release, Madily in Love. Be sure to check out that info after Lynda's post.
Thankful for the
Journey
I
don’t admit this to everyone, but I’m 44 years old. I will admit to just
about anyone that I have always dreamed of being a published novelist.
The thing I don’t like to admit is that it took more than half of those
44 years for me to achieve that dream.
But,
sometimes—no, most of the time—it’s not so much about achieving the dream as it
is about getting there.
I
submitted my first work for publication in 1988, at age twenty. Despite a
couple of people who discouraged me by telling me not to get my hopes up, I
ended up with three greeting cards published. I went on to submit to magazines,
and among the many rejections, somehow managed to get a few articles published,
too. But my passion—my dream—was to write a novel. So, slowly but surely, I
started writing one.
Then
kids happened. And my manuscript, along with my dream, got shelved for a few
years while I took care of my family.
Then
my kids grew up. At least, “up” enough to fend for themselves a bit. So I blew
the dust off that manuscript before deciding to trash it and start fresh. But
before I did, I needed to hone my skill. Yes, I had some raw talent, but that
wouldn’t be enough. Since I’d never taken any writing classes, I needed to
learn some writing “rules,” and connect with other, more seasoned, writers who
I could glean from.
A
couple of writing websites helped me do just that. In 2004 I joined
FaithWriters.com, a site I credit to re-jumpstarting my writing. The (then
weekly, now bi-weekly) Writing Challenge helped me grow in my ability. I also
met oodles of other Christian writers who offered encouragement and
constructive feedback. I started volunteering as a judge and an editor to the
(now defunct) ezine. Eventually, I was asked to do some work for the
FaithWriters owner, which I still do today.
I
found American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in 2006. There, I got to rub
virtual elbows with dozens of published and multi-published authors I admire
and enjoy. I got hooked up with a wonderful critique group. I took e-courses
and devoured information like a PacMan gobbles up those dots.
I
entered writing contests, taking “runner up” in the FaithWriters Page Turner
contest in 2007, and finaling in the ACFW Genesis contest three years in a row.
I volunteered as a contest judge. I continued to freelance. I posted guest
blogs for my friends and featured other authors on my blog. All while working
on that book. Because the dream of becoming a published author was stronger
than ever.
In
2010, I signed with my agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary Agency.
“Finally!” I thought. “Now I’ll get that published novel!”
But
almost a year and a half went by with rejection after rejection after rejection
from publishers. They liked my voice, and the story, but “lits” (my series is written
in “Mom lit” style) were out. It just wasn’t what publishers were looking for
at the moment. I had many frustrated moments. Times when I wondered when I’d
get the email from my agent telling me he’d exhausted all avenues and was
dropping me as a client. Times when I asked God why He wasn’t making it happen
for me.
And
then, in June, 2011, I got “the call” informing me that OakTara had offered me
a contract. And I said “Quick, send it to me before they change their mind!”
Now, a year and a half later, I have two published
books and am contracted for a third. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that
it took a whopping 23 years after submitting my first piece of writing to
finally get that first novel published. Looking back, I think I needed every
minute of those 23 years to prepare me for the moment when I achieved my dream. Correction: I know I needed every minute. I could
spend my time wishing I’d had my first book published ten or twenty years ago,
like other incredible young authors I know. That I was publishing my fifteenth
novel instead of my first. But all that would do is fill me with disappointment
and regret.
We
all have our own dreams. And our own path to reach them. Sometimes we get there
faster than we imagine. But more often, that path is much longer than we ever
dream it will be.
Today
I am thankful. I am thrilled to see my books on store shelves and to have
accomplished the dream God dropped in my heart all those years ago. But, even
more, I am thankful for the doors He opened, the people I’ve met, and the
things I’ve learned along the way.
About Lynda:
Lynda Lee Schab got her writing
start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on
to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home &
School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com ).
As a freelance writer, she works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com, is a
staff writer for SharedSorrows.com, and a regular book reviewer for
FaithfulReader.com. Mind Over Madi
placed second in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, chick lit category, received a
highly commended award in the FaithWriters Page Turner contest, and was a
finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest. Madily in Love was a semi-finalist in
the 2011 ACFW Genesis contest. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the
character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and
computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and
continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. Lynda lives with her husband,
Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.
Madily in Love:
All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again...with her husband.
After
a rough patch, Madi is determined to get her marriage back on track. She's even
taking a romance class at church and getting great suggestions...that fail
miserably. The distractions are plenty. She has just reentered the workplace as
a health spa receptionist. Her 16-year-old daughter, Christina, is pushing the
limits, and Christina's twin, Max, has fallen hard for a girl who isn't Madi's
picture of a perfect match for her son. Even younger daughter, Emily, is
developing a teenager-ish attitude. When her mother-in-law moves in - temporarily,
of course - the stress starts to drive Madi a little crazier than normal. What she
wants, more than anything, is some peace among the chaos.
Lynda's Website
Blog
Purchase Madily in Love
Purchase Mind Over Madi
Lynda's visiting various blogs to introduce her new release, Madily in Love. Be sure to check out that info after Lynda's post.
Thankful for the
Journey
I
don’t admit this to everyone, but I’m 44 years old. I will admit to just
about anyone that I have always dreamed of being a published novelist.
The thing I don’t like to admit is that it took more than half of those
44 years for me to achieve that dream.
But,
sometimes—no, most of the time—it’s not so much about achieving the dream as it
is about getting there.
I
submitted my first work for publication in 1988, at age twenty. Despite a
couple of people who discouraged me by telling me not to get my hopes up, I
ended up with three greeting cards published. I went on to submit to magazines,
and among the many rejections, somehow managed to get a few articles published,
too. But my passion—my dream—was to write a novel. So, slowly but surely, I
started writing one.
Then
kids happened. And my manuscript, along with my dream, got shelved for a few
years while I took care of my family.
Then
my kids grew up. At least, “up” enough to fend for themselves a bit. So I blew
the dust off that manuscript before deciding to trash it and start fresh. But
before I did, I needed to hone my skill. Yes, I had some raw talent, but that
wouldn’t be enough. Since I’d never taken any writing classes, I needed to
learn some writing “rules,” and connect with other, more seasoned, writers who
I could glean from.
A
couple of writing websites helped me do just that. In 2004 I joined
FaithWriters.com, a site I credit to re-jumpstarting my writing. The (then
weekly, now bi-weekly) Writing Challenge helped me grow in my ability. I also
met oodles of other Christian writers who offered encouragement and
constructive feedback. I started volunteering as a judge and an editor to the
(now defunct) ezine. Eventually, I was asked to do some work for the
FaithWriters owner, which I still do today.
I
found American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in 2006. There, I got to rub
virtual elbows with dozens of published and multi-published authors I admire
and enjoy. I got hooked up with a wonderful critique group. I took e-courses
and devoured information like a PacMan gobbles up those dots.
I
entered writing contests, taking “runner up” in the FaithWriters Page Turner
contest in 2007, and finaling in the ACFW Genesis contest three years in a row.
I volunteered as a contest judge. I continued to freelance. I posted guest
blogs for my friends and featured other authors on my blog. All while working
on that book. Because the dream of becoming a published author was stronger
than ever.
In
2010, I signed with my agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary Agency.
“Finally!” I thought. “Now I’ll get that published novel!”
But
almost a year and a half went by with rejection after rejection after rejection
from publishers. They liked my voice, and the story, but “lits” (my series is written
in “Mom lit” style) were out. It just wasn’t what publishers were looking for
at the moment. I had many frustrated moments. Times when I wondered when I’d
get the email from my agent telling me he’d exhausted all avenues and was
dropping me as a client. Times when I asked God why He wasn’t making it happen
for me.
And
then, in June, 2011, I got “the call” informing me that OakTara had offered me
a contract. And I said “Quick, send it to me before they change their mind!”
Now, a year and a half later, I have two published
books and am contracted for a third. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that
it took a whopping 23 years after submitting my first piece of writing to
finally get that first novel published. Looking back, I think I needed every
minute of those 23 years to prepare me for the moment when I achieved my dream. Correction: I know I needed every minute. I could
spend my time wishing I’d had my first book published ten or twenty years ago,
like other incredible young authors I know. That I was publishing my fifteenth
novel instead of my first. But all that would do is fill me with disappointment
and regret.
We
all have our own dreams. And our own path to reach them. Sometimes we get there
faster than we imagine. But more often, that path is much longer than we ever
dream it will be.
Today
I am thankful. I am thrilled to see my books on store shelves and to have
accomplished the dream God dropped in my heart all those years ago. But, even
more, I am thankful for the doors He opened, the people I’ve met, and the
things I’ve learned along the way.
About Lynda:
Lynda Lee Schab got her writing
start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on
to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home &
School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com ).
As a freelance writer, she works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com, is a
staff writer for SharedSorrows.com, and a regular book reviewer for
FaithfulReader.com. Mind Over Madi
placed second in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, chick lit category, received a
highly commended award in the FaithWriters Page Turner contest, and was a
finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest. Madily in Love was a semi-finalist in
the 2011 ACFW Genesis contest. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the
character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and
computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and
continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. Lynda lives with her husband,
Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.
Madily in Love:
All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again...with her husband.
After
a rough patch, Madi is determined to get her marriage back on track. She's even
taking a romance class at church and getting great suggestions...that fail
miserably. The distractions are plenty. She has just reentered the workplace as
a health spa receptionist. Her 16-year-old daughter, Christina, is pushing the
limits, and Christina's twin, Max, has fallen hard for a girl who isn't Madi's
picture of a perfect match for her son. Even younger daughter, Emily, is
developing a teenager-ish attitude. When her mother-in-law moves in - temporarily,
of course - the stress starts to drive Madi a little crazier than normal. What she
wants, more than anything, is some peace among the chaos.
Lynda's Website
Blog
Purchase Madily in Love
Purchase Mind Over Madi
November 19, 2012
Restored Heart, a novel--Christmas Shopping Made Easy!
To all our fans of historical fiction, Clash of the Titles introduces Jennifer A. David’s latest novel, Restored Hearts. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.
Pre-order your copy today at ChristianBook.com!
About the book:
Peter McCord Can't Believe His Ears. Young, handsome, and heir to one of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest fortunes, Peter McCord couldn’t imagine a life without privilege and a long line of eligible ladies vying for his attention. Until his grandfather’s will is read and his life changes unexpectedly. Now disinherited, Peter leaves his controlling family, certain he can make something of himself, by himself…and hoping he can find the anonymity and fresh start he desires.
Anne Kirby’s heart is broken. . .by a terrible secret. While her job as a university librarian takes her away from her pain, she’s determined to keep the truth guarded, even if that means remaining a spinster. When love brings Anne and Peter face-to-face, revelations regarding both their pasts emerge. But do they have faith that God will restore their hearts?
Jennifer's other books:
About Jennifer A. Davids:
Restored Heart is Jennifer A. Davids’ third title for the Heartsong line. Her first two titles, Yankee Heart and Wounded Heart are available through Christianbook.com. In addition to being a writer, Jennifer is a wife, mother and one of those crazy Ohio State University alums. A self-described history nerd, she is currently working on a longer book set in World War II. You can connect with her on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jenniferadavids or on her blog at www.jenniferadavids.wordpress.com
November 12, 2012
A Sense of Mission--Fiction that Honors America's Heroes
Clash of the Titles is proud to endorse a novel from an author so accomplished, her work has made the cut on several of on our contests--the most recent being our September New Releases Clash.
Her latest work:
PURCHASE THE BOOK ON AMAZON
PURCHASE THE BOOK ON B&N
About A Sense of Mission:
Kaitlin is driven to succeed in the mission denied her mother. Can she redeem that mission if she discovers another calling? Kaitlin Sadler is nine when her diplomat parents are killed in a U.S. embassy bombing. She must leave the overseas world she knows to live with her guardian, Matilda, on Simon Island in Puget Sound. Determined to redeem the tragedy of her parents' deaths, Kaitlin makes a binding decision to become a diplomat in the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service and pursues it relentlessly as she grows up. But is that really what her heart wants? And why does a niggling memory vanish every time she fights to remember it?
Ethan Coverwood, Matilda's nephew and a friend of Kaitlin, is on a diplomatic career path of his own. When the two are assigned to posts in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, something more than friendship begins to brew. But will it be strong enough to unite two people who could be reassigned to different continents in the blink of an eye? Enough for Ethan as he struggles to carry out America's policies in a chaotic world? For Kaitlin as she agonizes over the desperate people she meets in her duties? A courageous love. A reawakened passion. A vibrant step of faith. By the acclaimed author of Singing in Babylon, Quiet Deception, Searching for Home, and Distant Thunder.
About author Ann Gaylia O'Barr:
The background for many of Ann’s novels is based on her experiences as a Foreign Service officer for the U.S. Department of State 1990 to 2004. Her posts included U.S. embassies and consulates in Saudi Arabia (twice), Algeria, Canada, Tunisia, and Washington, D.C.
She’s been writing full time since 2004. OakTara has published Singing in Babylon, Quiet Deception, Searching for Home, Distant Thunder, and this novel, A Sense of Mission.
She writes novels about Christians who learn the value of their faith when new cultures and beliefs challenge them. She calls it “global fiction.”
Q&A with Ann:
Q. Where did you get the idea for this story?
A. I think A Sense of Mission is my answer to the many tragic events in the world today in which innocent people are harmed. Kaitlin became the fictional story of one lone person, far from perfect, who overcame and even redeemed a horrible tragedy in her life. Love redeemed a potential life of fear. As a letter from Jesus’ beloved apostle, John, states: “Perfect love casts out fear.”
Q. You say you write “global fiction.” What is that?
A. Such fiction suggests writing from a global viewpoint. Characters in my stories are American Christians who struggle with personal faith issues, fall in love, and deal with family problems as in other fiction. In the midst of these conflicts, however, they understand Christianity as Jesus-centered for the whole world. Often they have global jobs: journalists, teachers in international schools, or jobs abroad for the U.S. government, as I had. They learn the value of their faith in countries where Christianity isn’t the majority faith.
To learn more about Ann and her stories, visit her at her website: www.AnnGayliaOBarr.com
