Faith L. Potts's Blog, page 15

Behold // blog tour // Day Four + Fav Indie Christmases

Happy last day of the blog tour, friends! <3

Thank you all so much for joining me in the tour. It means a lot to have such a supportive community!

Unfortunately, at the time I'm writing this (11:20 pm), paperback still hasn't been approved on Amazon. The files were rejected, but I got that worked out and re-submitted, so hopefully soon... Hey, maybe by the time you're reading this I'll have deleted this paragraph and instead inserted a link to the paperback version. ;D

The final four stops on the tour are linked below—spotlights and reviews today. Give them a read!


Angela Watts @ The Peculiar Messenger >> spotlightGracelyn @ Literatura >> spotlightSerethiel @ The Book Sprite >> spotlight & reviewAbigail @ Books, Life, and Christ >> spotlight & review


Favorite Indie ChristmasesToday, I'm spotlighting two of my favorite indie Christmas stories. Yes, I've read many more than two—and picking was rather difficult—but I have so many book reviews and recommendations planned for the 12 Days of Christmas party (starting next week!), y'all will have to settle for these. ;)





~ A Christmas Peril by Diane Moody (The Teacup Novellas, #5) ~ 


I love this story so much, my peoples. Like, I can't even explain how or why or anything. It's so dear, so good, so precious. <3

I'm currently reading it for the third (or fourth?) time. It has just about everything a love in a story—contemporary, WWII, sweet romance, a good Christmas tale, and plenty of injuries and some angst. *wink*




~ As in Olden Days by Jesseca Wheaton (Questions of War, #0.5) ~


Ahhh, this story is so darling. For anyone who loves sweet, simple Christmas stories of family, love, and good times—give this one a read.

And if you're a fan of the Questions of War series, you definitely need to grab this little gem! <3


What's your favorite Christmas story, indie or otherwise? Do you plan to grab a copy of Behold? 
~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day Three + Release

Happy release day to mmeeeee!

*pauses mid-dance-move and glances around* Oh, hi, people. You're here for more than my frighteningly pathetic happy dances, aren't you?

First off—be sure to check out the release day bloggers. Four more reviews, an interview, and an excerpt is on today's itinerary! :D


Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh >> reviewRyana Lynn Miller @ Life of Heritage >> review & interviewRebekah Morris @ Rebekah’s Reading Room >> review & excerptMolly Anne @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him >> review


ReleaseSo, you see, I kinda wrote this book and it kinda releases today so I kinda have reason to freak out...??

Well, actually, the Kindle version releases today. Or, if you pre-ordered, it should be on your Kindle device awaiting you as we speak!

Paperback isn't available yet...so I'm kind of bummed about that. :P It should be up in time for me to share the link tomorrow *fingers crossed* so check back for that!

Speaking of paperback, here are the pictures of the lovely proof copy. Pardon the watermark...and the fact that—even with some editing—these don't nearly do justice to the starry sky colors. <3


isn't the spine adorable?! 


Okay, I'm done flailing. ;) Be sure to enter the giveaway—or re-enter! Some options can be repeated each day.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Nineteen days until Christmas, my friends! Who's buying books for the friends and family on their list? *wink*
~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day Two + Shoutouts

Welcome to day two, my friends! I can hardly believe tomorrow is the release! <3
I'm kinda going crazy with the blog tour, the Christmas party starting next week (SAY WUT), homework I'm procrastinating, memorizing lines for the church play, crossing my fingers that the paperback appears on Amazon tomorrow... Yup, it's all good. :P 
Be sure to check out all of today's bloggers. We have another interview, two excerpts, and four reviews! :D
One day until release! 

bloggers Janelle @ The Ramblings of a Bookworm >> reviewA. Kaylee @ Kaylee’s Kind of Writes >> review & interview & excerptKaitlyn Smith @ Maidens for Modesty >> review & excerptHannah Marie @ Silver-Lined Ramblings >> review


ShoutoutsI think we can agree that the blogging/indie book community around here is rather amazing. I'm just going to take a moment to spotlight a few indie entrepreneurs who were essential to the release of this book. 

Editing // Abigayle Claire

This was my first time working with a professional editor, and Abi made the experience so awesome. Her feedback and critiques were knowledgable and helpful. She was a pleasure to work with!


Cover // Estetico Designs

The lovely Sarah Grace from Estetico did a fabulous job on my cover. I literally had no idea what I wanted going in, but I'm so pleased with the outcome! Sarah Grace was quick, competent, and more than willing to work with my tweaks.


Formatting + Graphic // Inside Out Design

The two gals between IOD are rather special to me... One did the interior formatting of Behold and I'm so tickled with how it turned out. Oh, and that gorgeous blog tour banner you've been eyeing? Admit it, you have been. You have Miss Kaitlyn to thank that you don't have to put up with my lame attempts, four days straight. ;)




Totally not just tossing this in here because I'm in love with my cover. Nope, course not. I'll share pictures of the full proof (back, spine, etc.) tomorrow, though. So stick around, kay? *passes out coffee and cookies*


Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

What's your favorite Christmas short story?  ~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day One + Intro

Greetings, dear reader, and merry Christmas! 
Welcome to the first day of the blog tour for Behold. Yup, I'm pretty hyped. Pretty excited. And also low-key going crazy because my book baby is about to be out there for the world—and the world is a frightening place to release my child, friends. 
We have several amazing people joining the tour today, so be sure to check out their posts. :) 
Two days until release!! 

bloggers Brooklyne @ Showers of Blessing >> interview Abigail McKenna @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors >> review Victoria G. @ Victoria’s Book Nook >> spotlight & interview Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks >> spotlight & excerpt



synopsisA collection of short stories honoring the birth of the Savior
From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US…From a memorable road trip across the Southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family... You’ll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.
Behold the beauty of the Savior’s birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart.

AMAZON || GOODREADS


giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for reading! What's your favorite Christmas story? (Also, how on earth is it only 20 days until Christmas?!)  
~Faith

Seek by Angela Watts // Blog Tour + Book Spotlight

Welcome, friends! 
My sweet friend Angela is releasing her amazing book this week—Seek! I was privileged to alpha-read this novel several months ago, and I'm so hyped to pick up a final paperback. :D 


BLURBAngel Cutler’s routine life is overturned when local ganglord Viktor Marino tries to kidnap her. When she finds out her adopted sister is back in town and working with Viktor, Angel has to run away with the protection of two total strangers. Can Angel have faith in God to protect her family when she can’t?
Elijah Davis has seen Viktor bleed once, and to save his family, he’ll make it happen again. But who is the One Eli can turn to when he realizes he can’t protect his loved ones alone?
Hiding from gangsters and gunfire, the trio struggle to seek God above all else and trust that His plan is greater than their own. Or Viktor Marino’s.

AMAZON || GOODREADS



AUTHOR BIOAngela R. Watts is a Christian fiction author who strives to glorify the Lord in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler living at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, though with Gypsy and Norwegian in her blood, she tends to travel. She’s been writing stories since she was little, but also enjoys chores, painting, and watching sunsets.
Blog || The Peculiar MessengerWebsite || Reveries Co.Facebook || AngelaRWattsauthorTwitter || PeculiarAngelaInstagram || angiewatts



GIVEAWAY1st Place ~ A signed paperback of Seek and a mug ia Scripture verse on it!2nd Place ~ An ebook copy of Seek!
a Rafflecopter giveaway





TOUR SCHEDULESaturday, December 1st
Book Spotlight | Gracelyn Buckner, LiteraturaGuest Post | Abigail Harder, Books, Life, And ChristBook Review | Loretta, Just Writing

Sunday, December 2nd
Book Review + Author Interview | Molly Anne, Qadash - Set Apart, For HimAuthor Interview | Shine, HauntingGhostTown

Monday, December 3rd
Guest Post + Book Spotlight | Liz, Home With The HummingbirdsBook Spotlight + Author Interview | Michaela Bush, Tangled Up In Writing

Tuesday, December 4th
Book Spotlight | Faith Potts, Stories By FireflyGuest Post | Grace Maples, Proclaiming His Excellencies

Wednesday, December 5th
Book Review | Kellyn Roth, ReveriesBook Spotlight + Guest Post | John-Clement Gallo, JC’s ShadowBlogGuest Post | Medomfo, Writings From A God Girl

Thursday, December 6th
Book Review + Author Interview | A. Kaylee Harrison, Kaylee’s Kind Of WritesBook Review + Guest Post | Parker Hankins, Pencils And PianosGuest Post | Sara, R535

Friday, December 7th
Book Review | Hannah Gridley, Heart Of The RoseBook Review | Chloe, Purely By Faith


Have you read anything by Angela? Will you be grabbing a copy of Seek? :D ~Faith 

Christmas Trees, Shoeboxes, and Meeting a Friend || November Recap

So apparently there's only 31 days left in the year. Faith is slightly in denial over the fact, but since there's little she can do it about... Ya know. Moving on.



|| Life. || 
>> Allll the pretty leaves. *heart eyes* We usually have nice color in mid-October, but it was on into November this year. 



>> So I wore plaid, like, daily this month. Because...because that's what you do when the temperatures droop lower and leaves are changing and there's pumpkin stuff everywhere. (Also, I voted for the first time! And I'm slightly proud of it. Check out the sticker on the back of my phone case. xD)



>> One night, I ended up talking about Marine haircuts with my bro. While brushing my teeth. Yeah, not sure what happened there...


>> Christmas tree harvest...happened. So things are rather crazy at the Potts residence currently. *inserts image of all the baled thingies in the ditch* 


>> I got to meet a sweet online friend in person! I've known Angela (of The Peculiar Messenger fame) for a few years. She was nearby Thanksgiving weekend and we got to hang out. Chatting with this dear was such fun! <3




|| Books. || 

// Books The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson -- 4 stars
Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli -- 4 stars -- Review
When God Calls the Heart at Christmas by Brian Bird & Michelle Cox -- 5 stars -- Review
Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury -- 5 stars
The Thief, the Damsel, and the Dragon by Angela R. Watts -- 4 stars -- Review
Adventures and Adversities by Sarah Holman -- 5 stars
A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid -- 4 stars
O Come All Ye Faithful by Faith Blum -- 4 stars
Storyteller by Morgan Harper Nichols -- 5 stars
There was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah Holman -- 5 stars -- Review
His Law is Love by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars

Short Stories // Snip by Abigayle Claire -- 4 starsHomeward by Angela R. Watts -- 4 starsFor My Good by Sarah Holman -- 4 stars The Christmas She Wanted by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 starsChristmas by the Sea by Beth Wiseman -- 5 starsFirst Christmas in American by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 starsA Christmas Disaster by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 starsBefriended by Sarah Holman -- 3.5 stars Some Christmas Camouflage by Elisabeth Grace Foley -- 5 stars 


|| Writing. || 
Writing was kind of crazy this month. As in, crazily non-existent. The only actual writing I did was in a random fan-fiction story, and I've been editing War Tears.



Otherwise my focus was on... Behold! This month, I got the book back from my editor, applied edits, sent it to a formatter, got the final cover, ordered a proof copy, got the Kindle version up for preorder, arranged the blog tour, answered author interviews questions...

Yeah, all that good stuff. ;) Six days until release!



|| Blogging. || // Favorite Posts It Feels Like You Have Forever ~ Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father

This is Good ~ A Purpose and a Promise

Five Ways to Conquer Writers' Block ~ Inside Out Design

<3 ~ Like No Other


// My Posts











|| Goals. || // November Goals>> Read 8 books.     YUSSS.

>> Do the final edit of Behold, get it formatted, and order proof.    *fist pump*

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.     Not quite, but I've made significant progress, so we're counting it. xD

>> Post weekly on both blogs.      Another yes. First time I'm completed all my goals in AGES.


// December Goals >> Read 15 books.

>> Publish Behold.

>> Host 12 Days of Christmas blog party.

>> Edit pt.2 of War Tears.



So how was your month, dear reader? Did you write 50k? Start getting ready for Christmas? 
~Faith

Five Bookish Tropes that Should Jump Off a Cliff.

G'day, readers! I have returned (as promised) with my opinion of five bookish tropes that need to vanish from bookshelves. Or from my life. Or the globe. Or something like that.

(Okay, not exactly. These tropes could be done well, I'm sure. They are just ones that either particularly rub me the wrong way, I've seen way too often, or I just disagree with entirely. If you don't agree with me—don't be offended. This is all in fun. I'm also not intending to bash any of the books I use as examples—I'm linking to them for the reference of the readers.) 




{ love triangles }You saw that coming a mile away, didn't you? I'm pretty sure this is the most hated bookish trope out there and yet...people are still writing it? And publishing it? And selling it? It's quite annoying, honestly, for this gal to have two guys literally falling at her feet while she tries to decide which one she "really loves." (Um, maybe neither, or you wouldn't have this problem...?)

To be fair and not so negative, I have enjoyed books that included this trope. One that comes to mind is a book that I'd count among my top favorites—A Cousin's Promise by Wanda Brunstetter. But in this instance, the triangle had a purpose in the book without taking over, and it wasn't an "in love with two men" situation, because it was obvious who she loved.

BUT. I read a book last summer that contained, not just a love triangle, but a love square. You're laughing right now, but I'm not kidding. There was a guy and girl who aren't sure if they're still in love or not (he's just came back from war). So meanwhile, the girl is over here kissing this other guy, while dude #1 is kissing his nurse. In a closet. At the hospital. And she knows he has a girlfriend. LIKE WHAT. WHAT EVEN. (Did I mention the guys are/were best friends? Yeah, not okay.)

*forces self to stop because I need to save my energy to give all of these a fair rant* Moving on, folks.



{ when THE ONE appears on your doorstep } Okay, so, I get it. You dream about meeting "the one" and how it all will go and where you'll meet and so on and so forth. I get it. I really do.

However... *pulls y'all closer and whispers* He/she isn't going to magically appear on your doorstep seconds after you prayed for God to send them your way. If it's in His plans for you to marry, then yes, that person is out there, and yes, they'll show up when the timing is right.

God isn't some little magician sitting up in the sky, waving a wand at your beck and call. It doesn't work that way—thank goodness.

But I have legit read books where the guy prays for his future wife and then just assumes the first supposedly-eligible girl that appears in his path is The One. (It actually was his doorstep/doorway in one book and I almost died.)

Like, what kind of message does that send? "Hey, dude. Want a girl? Just pray for one. And then the first one you lay eyes on—you'll know because she's so drop-dead gorgeous you'll almost pass out—yup, she's the one. ... What was that? ... Oh, she hates you? No problem. Just keep pursuing her and making an absolute nuisance of yourself. She'll come around."

(This seriously happened. No joke. Quit laughing, Krispy.)



{ perfection overload }When everything turns out perfectly. They win the game/race/competition, they get the guy/girl, they work out all family relations, they get the dream job... You know what I'm talking about.

Don't get me wrong, I love a happy ending just as much as the next person—maybe more. But again, this can really send a confusing message.

In life, everything doesn't turn out perfect. You may not end up with the guy/girl you were certain was right for you. Your team may not win the game and go to state. Your relations with family and friends may always have rough patches.

Life isn't perfect, y'all. But good, because God is good? Oh my, yes. <3



{ the powerful girl...thingiemajig } I don't have a thing against women, y'all. Obviously. Golden starting line, Faith.

But the whole plot/trope/I-don't-even-know-what-to-call-it of a woman who decides she ain't going out with him even if he gets down on his hands and knees and begs... Why? Because "she don't need no man," and he's obviously trying to steal her freedom or implying she's incapable or... *flaps hand* Something like that.

Why does it have to be a need thing? I mean, c'mon. Maybe he just genuinely cares about you. (Not sure why, if you're as awful to him as my description, but...) Maybe he admires your strength and independence and wants to come alongside you to walk through life.

Nothing wrong with a strong, female lead to a story. So long as she doesn't think she's invincible and capable of handling everything on her own—without God or anyone else, be they guy or gal.



{ plain or fancy }*is cringing* Okay, I like Amish fiction for the most part. I'm pretty sure I've talked about it on her many times before. Y'all know this. I'm not bashing the genre in any way, shape, or form.

But I have to wonder... how many Amish teens/young people actually leave the faith and flee out into the sinful, wicked world just so they can cut their hair and drive cars. And meanwhile, their mother cries over their departure and their father gets mad and shuns them and their siblings and friends (and sometimes a boyfriend/girlfriend) don't know whether to talk to them or not and it's so drawn out and dramatic and... *ahem*

Like...what? Does it really work like that? And, most of all, is it really so common? (Name more than five Amish books that don't deal with this in some way, and I'll give you a cookie.) I'm going to take an uneducated guess and say "no." It's not as common as it is in the books. Why it's such a hyped/used/abused trope, I'm not sure.

(If I'm wrong here, someone feel free to correct me.)

Also—Englishers going Amish. That sounds like it would be awfully darn hard. *spends 47 seconds contemplating giving up my modernization and decides I wouldn't survive*





So, yeah, there's that. Also, I'm up really late. I'll probably re-read this and regret it when I get up in the morning... *pause while Faith realizes it is morning*


Keep having a fabulous life, my humans, and let's chat about these tropes. Like or don't like? 
~Faith

Black Friday Sale // 150+ Books for Under a Buck!

So apparently today is Small Business Saturday. (Yeah, I didn't know either, until I got approximately 7426 newsletters/promo emails about it.) It sounds like a rather amazing thing.

Which actually works out rather fabulously, because I'm here today to share about an AMAZING Black Friday Sale that's happening.

Indie books, y'all. Over 150 of them. All on sale. Ebooks are free or $0.99, and several authors are offering discounted paperbacks as well. All the info is on the sale page!

Indie Black Friday Sale

As you may have already guessed by now, I'm among the multitude of authors shoving their babies out there to be bought and loved. Wow, that sounds bad.

My Sales
Dandelion Dust (ebook) -- $0.99 
Dandelion Dust (paperback) -- $6.99
Love Needs No Words (paperback) -- $3.49

ends Monday at midnight! 



I'm in a super sarcastic mood today, so I'm gonna hush and let y'all get along with your normal lives. Here's the short of it: Take advantage of the sales, buy books, and support the dreamers. I mean, only if you want to. This is definitely not a threat.


See y'all next week!
~Faith

Five Bookish Tropes We Need More Of.

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Before I get swept into the post and forget, I have to let y'all know about something! My friends at Inside Out Designs are hosting a NaNo challenge—no extra writing required. Closes tomorrow! :D

That aside, how are you all doing? Is your Thanksgiving week looking as crazy as mine? Work and time with family, on top of a Black Friday book sale (yes, stay tuned! <3), planning two blog tours/parties, prepping for the publication of my newest release, editing, and other undisclosed author-ness that I can't tell right now... It's keeping me hoppin'. ;)




Surprisingly, though, I'm writing a quality post for the first time in forever (not that cover reveals and blog tour sign-ups aren't amazing, but ya know), in an effort to finally keep my blogging attempts on a semi-consistent schedule—by writing about my beloved, under-appreciated tropes in fiction. This is going to be fabulous! 

{ roadtrips }
A good ol' road trip. Honestly, who doesn't love them? Stories with literal road-trips that parallel the spiritual or emotional journey that the protagonist takes are SO amazing.

My example for this trope is To Get to You by Joanne Bischof. The main character, Riley, spends the majority of the book on a road-trip with his estranged father. The story of grace and redemption, forgiveness and healing, was beautiful. <3

Someone write me a fabulous book like this, 'kay? Please and thank you.


{ adoption & foster care }
I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy stories about adoptions, adoptees, or foster care situations—particularly when the adopted teen or adult sets forth on a quest to locate their biological parents. The search for something else and the discovery that what they were searching for has been there all along... <3

Two stories that I've read which fit this trope and were enjoyable reads are True to You by Becky Wade and The Long Ride Home by Marsha Hubler. While one is an adult and the other a teen, both main characters have special stories.


{ amputees }
*enters coughing*  Okay, yeah, let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, amputees. I don't know why, other than stories of physical disabilities intrigue me. Basically, I don't know why I'm so warped, but moving on. The ability and the strength to overcome, the resilience and courage... these sort of stories always manage to snag a special place in my heart.

I've read many books with amputees characters, in main and side roles, and some of my favorites are... Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter (some content, not recommended for those under 16), At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony, Meet My Boyfriend by Willowy Whisper, and If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock.


{ clean summer romances }
Fireflies in the grasses, a tire swing dangling from a tree branch, stars in the inky night sky, wading barefoot in a rocky creek... Honestly, there's so many beautiful things about summertime. And clean, summer romances are so darling!

My favorite is I Don't Dance by Jesseca Wheaton. Sweet as they come and filled to the brim with adorableness, this little novella is the best. (Did I mention there's country music references? Scotty McCreery, anyone?)


{ hard subjects }
Hard subjects. Difficult topics. The things no one wants to talk about, the things we're afraid to say for fear of starting a controversial debate.

When handled in a God-honoring way, I love it when authors address these issues. Whether its drugs or alcohol addiction, a child born out of wedlock or tattoos, avoiding the topics won't make the problems disappear.

My example for this one is The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof. It deals with a multitude of avoided topics—rape, children born out of wedlock, prostitution, tattoos—and the author deals with each in such a caring, graceful style.



What's your favorite under-appreciated bookish trope? Got any recs for me, according to my above preferences? 

Tune in next week for a post about the five bookish tropes that I wish would just DIE ALREADY.

~Faith

Behold, a Blog Tour is Coming!

(*smirks* See what I did there?)


As you've probably already guessed, the release of the short story collection y'all have been hearing about for months is rapidly approaching! I absolutely adore Christmas stories and releasing this collection has me super hyped.

What is a indie book release without a blog tour, you ask? I'm not entirely sure, because I haven't ever saw one.... ;) Okay, slightly kidding.

But seriously—blog tours are so much fun. I'm having a three day, weekend blog tour for Behold. There will be a post on my blog each day, spotlighting a different aspect of the book's journey, and a Christmas themed giveaway.

Interested in joining the blog tour? :D Details and sign-up form below!



A collection of short stories honoring the birth of the Savior
From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US…From a memorable road trip across the Southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family... You’ll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.
Behold the beauty of the Savior’s birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart. 

Loading...
Are you excited for the new release? Can you believe it's only one until Thanksgiving, and 40 days until Christmas?! 
~Faith