Ada Brownell's Blog, page 70
April 25, 2013
WHY DID AMANTHA ESCAPE TO BIG FORK LAKE?
Sometimes it takes years to write a book, but some authors complete them in a few weeks. What keeps them going? Do characters with a story to tell invade their minds without notice? Or is it a concentrated effort? Is it different for Christian writers who feel a call to share the gospel through their books, although it is fiction? How does conflict arise?
Here our guest, author Karen Ball, tells how her book Escape to Big Fork Lake grew from the first word on the page to a creation that drops the reader into another time and place, where he meets interesting people and shares their joys, challenges and trouble -- and comes to the last page with satisfaction because of the enjoyable experience.
If you would like to ask Karen Ball a question, comment on this post.
1. Where did you get the idea for Escape to Big Fork Lake?I was cleaning house one day and thinking about a get-away at the lake. The next thing I knew I was plotting out Samantha’s fictional world. And of course, since I love suspense mingled with romance she needed to face a problem. 2. How did you decide on the setting? Did you need to do research?Big Fork Lake is a fictional town, but the location of the town being surrounded by a lake is from my research of the lakes in Alabama. 3. Did you create character profiles? How did you do that?I do create profiles, but they’re all in my head I “picture” the character. I tried to list my person’s trait- but that doesn’t work to well for me. 4. Is an inheritance a natural for conflict?No I wouldn’t think so. In Sam’s case, it was her saving grace. Not only did the inheritance give her a way out of her trouble. It gave her a secure future, a man to enjoy life with and most important the opportunity to get to know God’s mercy. 5. Was creating risk and danger easy or difficult? Did putting your characters into danger ever make your own skin prickle as you wrote?Only God knows why I choose to put Sam into such a situation. I just wrote as it came about in my thoughts. Personally, I don’t like conflict; I’m one of those women who always tries to keep the peace. Battles of any sort emotionally drain me. 6. Did you hate to let these complications happen to your character (name)?Yes, I did. I wanted Sam to live in a polly-anna world, but life isn’t like that. 7. Was it difficult to get your characters out of danger after the crisis occurred? No, I was so glad to have Sam overcome the accusations. Actually, I should have made it harder, but I’m a softie. 8. How long did it take to write the book, including preliminary work?Totally time was eight months (first draft.) That’s mainly because I keep my grandkids, have an aging mother with problems, church responsibilities and still need to maintain household duties. I wish I could lock myself in my office and write for seven hours a day then I could accomplish all that runs around in my head a lot sooner. 9. Do you have advice for struggling novelists out there? Yes, don’t give up. It took almost two years and a lot of prayer to get a contract from a publisher. Thank goodness my publisher was willing to take on a new author and show the patience of Job as I learned, and I am still acquiring knowledge as a writer. 10. What is the Christian/inspirational take-away?For me, it’s about tackling issues that most Christians won’t. I feel pushed to bring situations to the readers showing we all face adversity, no matter who we are. My second novel is a different take over the power of dreams in a Christian realm and my current work in progress, is about an alcoholic. That particular subject has kept me researching for hours to get inside the heads of people with addictions and their fight to overcome.
Escape to Big Fork Lake
Will an inheritance bring new happiness or a trap for murder?
Bad luck seems to follow Sam Blacker. She loses her job and faces daily struggles keeping her drunken neighbor away from her. When an unexpected inheritance gives her a chance for a new beginning, Sam, a city girl at heart, is hesitant. However, after a brutal attack she has no choice.
Making a decision that will forever change her life she flees to the small fishing town of Big Fork Lake, Alabama and soon finds herself in the arms of Noah Frye. A tumultuous relationship with Noah sparks buried desires of the heart, even if he is a Christian, surely, she can get around that little problem.
As Sam and Noah’s passion grows trouble lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching. Inescapable, Sam’s bad luck returns when she stumbles upon a murder and becomes the only suspect. Will she have to run again, this time to stay out of prison? Worse, will she lose the best man she’s ever found? And what about the newfound hunger in heart to know God—can she truly trust in Him?
Mary L BallI enjoy plunking away at the keys, weaving together Inspirational Suspense and Mystery Novels as well as writing a weekly Christian article.
I live in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. Every chance I get to explore these two picturesque places I travel three hours (in either direction) and bask in the splendor. I love the outdoors; there is much creativity to look at which sparks my imagination. My family life is always busy so writing is a way of retreat for me.
My most favorite pastime is fishing and of course, reading, not necessarily in that order and often together.
One of my dislikes is labels. I am a Christian who strives to follow Jesus and his teachings. By no means am I perfect and that’s why I am thankful for God's forgiving mercy.
My Christian articles can be found at Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christian-liv...
You can visit me at http://MaryLouwrites.weebly.com to read about my next novel.My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspirational-author-Mary-L-Ball/200478210087932Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/inspires4mary
April 24, 2013
WHO ARE YOU? Author Deanna Kingle writes about "The Person Within"
The Person Within
I love the banner Ada uses here on her blog with the scripture from 2. Corinthians 4-7. I wonder how many of us reside in that earthen vessel, hidden, undisturbed, complacent and comfortable? To the Christian Writer, who feels himself yanked out of that vessel by the Holy Spirit and put to work, coming out of such accommodation into the sunlight to be seen and heard can be a surprising revelation.What of the quiet homemaker whose devotional book has pulled her into a bookstore to sign her books for strangers who want to know about her and her family? She discovers she’s not just the shy, reticent, ordinary person she thought she was. She’s friendly, outgoing, proclaiming God’s love to strangers, surprising her and others.What of the mystery writer who spends his private time alone in his head plotting and suddenly finds himself the subject of reviews among readers who want to know about him and his relationship to God?We are who we think we are, living within the vessel. When we are called by God to write for Him, to crawl out of our vessel into a larger world He goes out with us. He provides the courage to grasp new opportunities, the endurance to see our projects through to the end, and the Grace we need to get it into a world that needs to read it.Christian Writers! Come on out of the earthen vessel into the sunlight and see the surprises He has in store for you. The world needs to hear what you have to say and read what you have to write. Be not afraid; you’re not alone.
A Mafia Don and Gold Medal Figure Skater
READ CRACKS IN THE ICE

The niece of a mafia don, Gina is a gold medal hopeful in figure skating. When tragedy happens Gina has no support group or coping skills, and loses her identity. Lonely and despairing, Gina becomes an alcoholic. The two people who love her and never give up on her are able to help her out of her abyss and back to the Church of her childhood where she discovers she is still God's beloved daughter.
Deanna K. Klingel lives in the mountains of western North Carolina with her husband and golden retriever. Their seven children are grown and scattered in the southeast. She travels a lot with her books. Her website is http://www.booksbydeanna.com/. Her new blog, Selling Books has just started and will post Mondays and Thursdays. "Authors probably aren't going to learn anything new, but they'll smile at my bungling attempts to sell books."
April 23, 2013
CROSSREADS BOOK BLAST--BE A WINNER
Welcome to Christian Author Interviews. Enjoy our interview with Richard Blackaby in this episode. Listen in via the video or audio and share your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to enter the giveaway below and share this interview with your friends!
Listen to the audio here:

About Richard Blackaby

Dr. Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International where he works with his father Henry and brother Tom. He is an author and a popular international speaker. Richard is married to Lisa and they have three amazing children: Mike, Daniel, and Carrie. Richard has a Ph.D. in history. He loves reading biographies and hockey. He works with leaders in the home, church, and business community, helping them develop their leadership to higher levels. Richard also co-authored the revision of "Experiencing God" and speaks often in churches and to Christian organizations.
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Christian Author Interviews is hosted by Shelley Hitz of Crossreads and Body and Soul Publishing.
We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads bloggers!
April 22, 2013
WHAT KIND OF LEGACY WILL AMERICA LEAVE FOR YOUTH TODAY?
By ADA BROWNELL
I stood before George Washington’s burial site in a beautiful garden at Mount Vernon. Chills crept over me as I read the inscription in the inner tomb—Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life, He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
Later thinking about our first president and controversies surrounding his faith, I wasn’t sure I’d sit down and talk to George “over there.” But who knows except God?
The truth is, there is scripture all over Washington, D.C.’s memorial sites. Whether our country’s forefathers lived exemplary Christian lives, documents and much of what they left is filled with references to God and Bible quotes.
I thought about how different the legacies our nation might leave today for the next generation. In our public schools, students are taught they appeared on earth without a Designer, and they are no more than animals. The Ten Commandments are banned, but filthy books assigned. No wonder we have mass killings, millions of babies aborted, thousands of teens infected by sexually transmitted diseases every year, drug and alcohol addiction, suicides, cheaters among students, half the people unable to make a marriage work, and a good percentage of children growing up without two parents.
Instead of teaching children moral values and that they are loved by the God who designed their DNA, Christianity is treated as the nation’s biggest enemy, and the name of Jesus can’t even be mentioned with respect at the same colleges like Yale and Harvard—started by Christian organizations.
Other nations are becoming serious threats to the United States and our economy is in serious danger of collapsing. But instead of falling to our knees in repentance and asking for God’s mercy to heal our land, we saturate our minds with amusements to make us forget. We live for today and forget tomorrow.In contrast to the foreboding darkness obscuring our future, I think of Easter sunrise services I’ve attended when the church ventures out in the cool morning before daylight and watches the sun rise as it did near a garden more than 2,000 years ago. We recall the words of the angel who appeared: “He is risen!”
A couple of weeks ago a scripture jumped out at me: “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me…. And this is the will of him who sent me, that everyone who sees the son and believes in him may have everlasting life” (John 6: 38, 40).
That’s good news! He has come down from heaven to give abundant and eternal life. The sun still rises over America, and it has risen since the day we joined the Indians on this wonderful continent. I believe there is hope for those who desire it.
April 17, 2013
When life or your goals are a puzzle--stick with Who you know is the answer. He knows the future
Guest Post by Susan J. Reinhardt - Puzzle Pieces
Puzzles have never been my forte, and the Rubix Cube was no exception. No matter how I twisted and turned that thing, I still couldn't get it right.
Getting a book published is a whole lot like putting a puzzle together. Learn how to write, pray for inspiration, learn how to pitch a book, unlock the mysteries of a dynamic proposal, and the list goes on. Even when we get all the pieces together, one trip can send the whole thing crashing down.
Then one awesome, exciting day it happened. A contract offered from both a publisher and an agent sat on my desk, awaiting my signature.
No matter how I tried before these treasures had eluded me. Thanks to a few circumstances put into place by the Master's hand, it came together.
Hmm, maybe I should give that Rubix Cube a try again.
UPDATE: I stuck with it, and guess what? My novel, The Moses Conspiracy, is now published! Here are the cover and a short book blurb:
The Moses Conspiracy by Susan J. Reinhardt
A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian community. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.
Convinced it's now safe to visit D.C., Ellie and her firstborn, 8-year-old Peter, travel to the nation's capital. Both mother and child make an effort to enjoy the sights, but they're unprepared for the challenges they face. Her nightmares come true when she and Peter are separated.
Back home, John witnesses a neighbor's buggy accident. The suspicious circumstances and law enforcement's refusal to take them seriously prompt him to take on the role of detective. He and a tenacious reporter band together and vow to find out what's happening in Bird-in-Hand.
Extended family squabbles erupt when John's sister, Annaliese, faces off with Ellie for blowing her D.C. experiences out of proportion. She'd rather ignore the warnings than deal with the growing danger.
John and Ellie can't decide whether her trip and his involvement with the accident were such a good idea. People are getting hurt, and their own family receives ominous warnings. Turning back the clock is not an option, but going forward could initiate more violence.
The small community is shattered when the unthinkable occurs. Will family, friends, and neighbors band together or allow fear to prevent them from taking action?
Bio for Susan J. Reinhardt
Susan J. Reinhardt's journey to publication began as a non-fiction writer. She's been published in The RevWriter Resource, Devotions Magazine, A Secret Place, Vista, Live, and numerous other compilations and periodicals. Her appreciation for using fiction techniques inspired her to use fiction as a vehicle for truth. Her novel, "The Moses Conspiracy," was released on March 16, 2013.
A widow, stepmom, daughter, and active church member, Susan enjoys reading, couponing, gardening, and searching for small treasures in antique shops.
Amazon Link http://www.amazon.com/The-Moses-Consp... Facebook link : https://www.facebook.com/susan.j.rein... Twitter link: http://twitter.com/susanjreinhardt B&N Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-m... Kobobooks.com Link http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Mo... Blog Link :http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com
April 12, 2013
THE BEGINNERS LEARN ABOUT THE SECOND COMING
THE BEGINNER'S
April 10, 2013
BUT GOD--Guest Post from Sharon Srock: Terrie--The second book about The Women from Valley View
Sharon Srock gives a powerful testimony here as our guest. "But God" is mentioned 43 times in the King James version of the Bible. Here are a few samples:
Gen 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Gen 45:8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Gen 48:21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
No matter what situation in which we find ourselves, if we believe those words, we'll find thing nothing can separate us from the love of God and His power (Romans 8). Just yesterday while we were talking about all the expected blizzards, I told my brother how we were crossing the Colorado mountains in a storm and we suddenly slipped into the path of an oncoming truck. I yelled, "Jesus help us!" and it seemed a hand shoved us back into the right lane, nearly slick tires and all, out of the truck's way.
Now here's Sharon Srock's testimony:
BUT GOD…
Have you ever mumbled those words to your heavenly father? I know I have, especially in the last four years as He’s nudged me along the road to publication.
Once I accepted the fact that fiction writing was where God was taking me, it was easy to accept the need to incorporate a spiritual journey in all the stories. I just didn’t know that some of them would reflect my own journey as closely as Terri’s story does.
In The Women of Valley View: Terri, Terri is looking for the dream she’s pursued her whole adult life. Twenty nine years old, single and childless she feels her dreams of family slipping away. Circumstance puts her on a path that feels exactly opposite to the one she truly wants. She begins to cry out to God for understanding and direction.
This was where I found my own life was I wrote this story. Most of Terri’s prayers sound a lot like my own as I began to seriously explore publication. Is this where you want me God? Can you please shine some light on my path cause this feels wrong for me. I don’t understand where you’re taking me. And finally… I sorry for being stubborn, I’m sorry for saying “here take this” and grabbing it back. Please just give me the faith I need to follow where you lead.
You know what Terri and I both found out? God’s promises are always true. Just because the path He puts you on isn’t the most comfortable or familiar one, doesn’t make it the wrong one. Sometimes God takes us on a circular path to teach us lessons that we’ll need once we reach our destination. The path may be different than we envisioned, but most of the time…the destination is the same.
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO TERRI?
Despite a bustling day care center and a new foster child, Terri Hayes hungers for a family of her own. Then a plumbing mishap leaves her homeless and questioning God’s plan. Steve Evans’s gracious offer of his basement apartment as a temporary solution is an answered prayer.
Steve is a successful writer and a good father, but Terri is horrified when Steve’s book research leads him to a harsh confrontation with the parents of her foster child. She needs to distance herself from Steve, but her efforts fall short as his two scheming daughters plot to make Terri their new stepmother.
Will harsh words and sneaky plans drive Kelsey’s family further apart and put a wedge between Terri and Steve? Or does God have another plan in store?
Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s debut novel, The Women of Valley View: Callie released in October 2012. The second in the series, The Women of Valley View: Terri releases in April 2013.
Connect with her here:
Bloghttp://www.womenofvalleyview.blogspot...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock#!...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SharonSrock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/Terri-Women-Val...
April 8, 2013
Author Heidi Glick: WRITING IS A JOURNEY
Writing is a JourneyI like a sign that hangs in my fertility specialist’s office. The sign invites patients to a support group to discuss their struggles along their infertility journey. I like the reminder that it is a journey, with various points along the way. While some can easily get pregnant, I underwent various procedures and surgery and even completed a home study before becoming pregnant. The bottom line is that my journey is not the same as others. I know some who never get pregnant but who God has blessed with children through adoption. One way or the other, either by adoption, fostering, or pregnancy, I knew from the start of my journey that I wanted to be a parent. I was on the journey for the long haul, and that helped me through the hard times.
Writing is also a journey. Some get published right away. Some don’t. Some need to work harder at it than others. I wish I had known this when I first starting writing as a teen because it would have made my life easier. Instead, I thought that if I was called to be a writer, then editors would just accept my manuscripts as is, and that I would not need to work hard at the writing process. However, I worked on my debut novel for four years before I signed a contract with a publisher.
Before going on a journey, one usually consults a map or GPS to guide them. The writing journey is no different. A writer needs guides, but they also must be prepared for detours along the way. For example, a writer might find out that he/she needs to rewrite his/her manuscript and/or learn more about the writing process.
When I began writing, I thought I knew all there was to know about POV, but I was wrong. I was instructed by others to avoid headhopping and to use one POV character per scene, but the problem was that I didn’t know what that meant. And what didn’t help was others trying to point it out to me because I just didn’t get it.
Finally, upon the advice of another writer, I bought a book on viewpoints. It did help but not right away. I had to read and reread the book and have my husband help explain POV to me. At one point, I thought about giving up altogether. My husband asked me if learning a new way to do POV was better than giving up writing, and I decided to learn how to properly handle POV if it killed me. In time, I learned how to handle it fairly well but needed more help. So I joined ACFW and, in particular, the Scribes critique group. There I received feedback on my writing and discovered I had more to learn. Through an ACFW class, I learned more on deep POV, and I began to feel more confident in my writing.
And then of course, I encountered more detours. I needed to work on characterization, conflict, etc. But in the end, once God got me past all the detours, he opened the door to publication for me. But that’s not the end of my journey. It still continues. Now I am working on the next novel, on marketing my debut novel, and on juggling writing with my role as the parent of a newborn. Experience has taught me that every writer will experience detours along their writing journey, but each can succeed if he/she is prepared for the long haul.
My advice to other writers is to· Decide to remain on the journey no matter what the cost;· Expect detours;· Get help from others to overcome detours;· Continue on the journey despite the detours; and· Remember that each writer’s journey is unique.
tTake the journey with Heidi Glick into the lives of characters Mark Graham and Beth Martindale in her book, Dog Tags
Blurb: When disabled ex-Marine Mark Graham reconnects with his best friend’s sister, he finds himself falling in love. But Beth Martindale’s presence is a constant reminder of events he’d rather forget. Mark wants to move forward, but the secrets surrounding her brother’s death as well as his own confinement to a wheelchair threaten to tear them apart.When a psychopath who calls himself The Knight fixates on Beth, Mark is determined to give her the protection he failed to give her brother on the battlefield, yet he discovers that a wheelchair isn’t the only impediment he has to keeping Beth safe. Will terror win or can Mark find the strength of mind and body to rescue Beth and find his own redemption?
Where to find more information about Heidi and her writing?
Dog Tags - coming soon from Harbourlight Books (tentative release date: 6/7/2013)
heidiglickbooks.com
http://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com
http://queencityquill.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick
https://twitter.com/sheglick


