Allison Wells's Blog, page 6

Tattoos, Part II

I wrote part one a few months ago and promptly forgot about the topic entirely! Whoops!

Did you know that more than 50% of people walking into tattoo shops are now female? And did you know that a rising number of them are Christians?

I am a tattooed momma and I love all my tattoos. They’re addictive – like potato chips – I can’t have just one. I just got my newest one in March the weekend before War-Torn Heart was released. Let me share it with you…

[image error]Done at The Painted Pony tattoo shop in Anderson, SC. Artist: Anastasia

I knew I wanted something to celebrate the release of my first book. I scoured Pinterest (follow me!) for tattoo ideas and loves the watercolor look, I loved the open book, and I loved the idea of an inkpot and quill. I gave Anastasia all my ideas and several photos and this was her creation. I love it. It accurately represents the creative process, the moments of “ah-ha!” as one is writing, the editing, and the need to always work on your craft.

I do not claim to be a wonderful writer. I am just doing what I feel God has called me to do. I was once accused of being a bad journalist (in reference to my freelance writing), to which I countered, “I’m not a journalist, I am a writer. There’s a big difference.”

This ink was also special because my daughter came with me for the first time. At twelve, I feel she’s old enough to be still and inquisitive. She has expressed her desire for a tattoo when she’s older and I wanted her to see the process. She saw me wince as the ink went closest to my hand (ouch!), she saw me try not to laugh so as not to mess up the lines, and she saw how something that started off as random lines became a beautiful work of art.

I’ll share more as time goes on! Have a blessed day!

Name Contest Winners!

Congrats to Bethany and Sarah for winning the character naming contest! There were so many amazing names submitted – I now have a plethora of ideas for the next several characters I will be naming.

But for now, the two names that will pop up will be:

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Congrats, ladies! I hope the characters do your chosen names proud!

When Waves Break Update

I recently received my second round of edits for When Waves Break. My amazing editor and I will go back and forth a few times with edits. Most of which consist of my inability to place commas appropriately, but also include a few bigger things. For instance, she didn’t like that Abby called someone “large.” Initially, I said, “Well, she is large.” But the more I thought about it, the more I thought she was right, so the line will be adjusted. For those of you who know Abby, you know she would never intentionally be rude to someone.

But Abby is now the mother in the book, and the proud owner of her very own bakery where her children are often forced to work (and sample the sweets!).

A lot of people have asked when When Waves Break will come out. I am hoping by the end of the year, but we’ll see how long the edits take! I will certainly let you know the minute I know.

Until then – keep reading!

[image error]Photo by b. on Pexels.com

Instagram Promo Photos

My book did an Instagram Tour last month and I wanted to share all the gorgeous set-ups and photos these talented people did with War-Torn Heart. I was so overcome with these beautiful pictures, I had to save each one, and I want to share them with you, and thank the people who shared the book and gave reviews!

[image error]from https://www.instagram.com/jypsylynn/?hl=en How did she know I love purple?



[image error]This shot just warms my soul. Thank you, _ebl_inc_! https://www.instagram.com/_ebl_inc_/?hl=en

Aren’t these gorgeous? I mean, really, gorgeous! Thank you!

[image error]I love the black and white here! https://www.instagram.com/thesketchyreader/?hl=en



[image error]Oh, the locket gives me the feels! from https://www.instagram.com/all.the.lovely.pages/?hl=en



[image error]It’s all about #metime! Thank you https://www.instagram.com/angelakreais/?hl=en

The level of creativity in these promo photos is amazing.

[image error]The US Army bag really makes this photo! Thanks https://www.instagram.com/all.the.lovely.pages/?hl=en



[image error]The heart jewel is gorgeous! From https://www.instagram.com/brokenteepee/?hl=en



[image error]The vintage feel in this is perfection! Thanks https://www.instagram.com/livethecozylife/?hl=en

Please show some love to these Instagrammers. They all share new books, so definitely follow them for all the latest!

And thank you all for such stunning images! I could never pick a favorite!

Celebrate!

I know I’m posting this a day late – but who’s reading blogs on Easter??

And as any Christian knows, Jesus is risen not just for one day, but every day! He is a living Lord and I am so awed and humbled by Him!

Christ died for the sins of all. You don’t have to be perfect – in fact, you can’t be. Jesus Christ sacrificed His perfect existence on earth to give you life eternal. He went through the pain of being crucified so you could walk streets of gold. His pain is your gain.

Not sure about all this Jesus stuff? I get it. It can be hard to have faith. I’m happy to talk with you if you have questions.

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Author Interview: Allen Steadham

Allen Steadham’s book Mindfire releases today! Congrats, Allen! Mindfire is a Christian superhero thriller book published by Ambassador International.

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Tell us a little about Mindfire:
“Power alone does not make a hero or villain.” Mindfire is a redemption story which follows a group of characters whose past now shapes their present, especially the lead character, Leia Hamilton.

Tell us about your main characters:
At 20 years old, Leia Hamilton develops the ability to move objects or set them on fire with her mind. She soon learns that her father is a former superhero and her biological mother is a super villain. Leia only wants a normal life with her boyfriend, Josh, whom she wants to marry someday. She does not want her powers, much less to be any kind of “superhero.” Leia is charming and loving but she can be rash and impulsive.

Josh Manning is Leia’s boyfriend. They have been inseparable friends since the age of nine. Josh goes to the same college as Leia. He is bright, funny and adores Leia with all his heart. Josh has no super powers.

Misha Breyer is Leia’s best friend. They go to the same college and work at the same pizza restaurant. Misha is protective and supportive of Leia. She tries to counter some of Leia’s idealism with a realistic perspective. Misha has no super powers.

Steve Hamilton is Leia’s father. He used to be a superhero named The Crusader. He has incredible strength, near-invulnerability and the ability to fly. Just over 20 years ago, he helped form a superhero team called The AR-MEN. Several tragedies occurred and the team disbanded. Steve left behind his superhero identity to give his life to Jesus Christ, so he could be a better husband and father. He has never regretted that decision. He still has his powers but chooses not to use them.

Sue Hamilton is Steve’s wife. She used to be a superheroine named The Cat, a member of the AR-MEN, and a Latina model. She left both roles behind to be a stay-at-home mom to Leia and then Leia’s half-sister, Tanya. Sue became a Christian at the same time as her husband. She is selfless, very caring and can be fiercely protective of her family. She still has her powers but chooses not to transform into a half-feline/half-human for obvious reasons.

Malevolence is Leia’s biological mother. She is a sociopath and a murderer as well as the most powerful telepath and telekinetic in the world. She does not adhere to anyone’s moral standards but her own. Yet she has a past with Steve Hamilton that dates back to before she developed these powers that unhinged her mind. Somehow, Steve convinced her to give their daughter to him to raise.

Dana Fox is the African-American superhero known as Black Fox. The other co-creator of the AR-MEN, she is the only member who is still an active superhero. She is training her adult son to follow in her footsteps.

Dane Fox is Dana’s son and the superhero known as Shadow. He has control over literally any shadow, perhaps even light itself. He has never known his father, the superhero known as Silver Knight, who was killed before Dane was born. Dane is gallant and brave but his identity is very closely tied to his mother’s, making him vulnerable in ways he does not yet suspect or understand.

How has faith played a part in this book?
Leia’s father and step-mother are Christians. In their support of their daughter, they have to demonstrate their faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Mindfire also shows how they came to the Lord in the first place, through Sue Hamilton’s mother who witnessed Christ to them.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Since I originally wrote The AR-MEN as a comic book from 1980 – 2006, I had to hand everything about these characters and past storylines over to the Lord before I could even begin. I had to let Him show me what story He wanted me to write and which characters the Lord wanted me to use. I had to be willing to let go of a lifetime of pre-conceived understanding and start fresh. But it was so worth it!

What was the most enjoyable part about writing this book?
I think getting to know these characters again in this setting, in these roles, was the most enjoyable part. If this is the last time we ever see them, I feel like it is a fitting farewell.

If you could swap lives with your main character for a short time, would you? Why or why not?
I don’t have to imagine swapping lives with these characters. Each of them represents real parts of my life, real experiences or near-experiences — just amplified with fantastic powers or settings. Whether the reader knows it or not, by reading Mindfire, they are getting to know me in a way.

Why do readers want to pick this book up?
This book has a lot to offer! It has great characters and character development, a rich and complete story. It has mystery, suspense, action, romance and yet it is a clean read, a Christian story. The Lord’s death, burial and glorious resurrection are focused on and essential to the novel. Mindfire will stick with you, but in a good way!

What’s next for you as an author? What are you working on now?
I’m working on a Christian science-fantasy trilogy. The first book, Jordan’s World, will be released Summer 2019. I have completed the second book and am finishing work on the third book now.

Find Allen:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaspecfiction/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Mindfirenovel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allensteadham Pre-order link: https://tinyurl.com/y6qzd9x9

Author Interview: Daphne Self

Joining us today we have Daphne Self, author of The Case of the Missing Firehouse Dog, a very sweet children’s book.
The early reader book is about two children, Willie and Jax, and their quest to find out who may have dognapped Majesty the firehouse pup.

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Tell us what the book is about, Daphne:
“Wilhelmina van der Coup, aka Willie, is the precocious red-headed sleuth who loves solving mysteries. Jackson Barnaby, aka Jax, her best friend, is a whiz at all things logical, a Boy Scout, and equally compelled to solve the neighborhood’s mysteries. It is a subtle message that teaches kids to not judge a person based on their looks. To truly know someone is to get to know them.”

What was the hardest part about writing this book?
“Keeping it at the age level it needed to be. Kids are adept at filling stories with their imagination.”

What was the most enjoyable part?
“Thinking of ideas of what situations and complications my characters become involved it. For example, dropping the pair of homemade binoculars in the neighbor’s backyard and devising a plan to retrieve it. Or how Willie gets herself stuck in a hedge because she was spying on a neighbor.”

Why do readers want to pick up this book?
“Clean, honest, and entertaining fun for the children: this book offers them all that. There are no worries about inappropriate language or scenes.”

What’s next for you, Daphne?
“I am in the process of writing and illustrating the next The Adventures of Wilhelmina book and my next novel, Alabama Days, should release in a few months.”

Find Daphne!

https://www.facebook.com/authordaphneself
https://twitter.com/DaphMichele
https://www.instagram.com/authordaphneself/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4325821.Daphne_Self https://www.pinterest.com/authorDaphneSelf/ http://www.authordaphneself.blogspot.com http://ambassador-international.com/books/the-case-of-the-missing-firehouse-dog/

Win a Chance to Name a Character

Want to name a character in an upcoming book?

Now is your chance! You can name a character after you, your momma, your child, a favorite teacher – anyone!

It’s simple, just follow the link, give us the names you choose, and you’re entered. You can enter as many times as you like, but each name will only count once (so don’t bombard with John Smith 85 times, please). Please don’t forget to include your information so I let you know if you win!

Click here to submit your names: https://forms.gle/DeFD2xgzHwdrAQrT8

A winner will be chosen at random on May 1, 2019. Good luck!

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A Big Thank You!

I wanted to thank everybody who has ordered War-Torn Heart! Within 48 hours of release, War-Torn Heart made it up to #126 on the Amazon list for its genre. With millions of books available – this is quite the accomplishment for me!
I truly believe it is only through God that I have been able to achieve such success, and I pray that it will continue.

[image error]Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

But honestly – sales numbers and reaching higher on the popularity chart is not what this is about. Anyone who has ever seriously wanted to be a writer can tell you that simply having their name on a published book is the true victory.

Is War-Torn Heart the best book out there? No, I’m sure it’s not. It’s a freshman piece I wrote a long time ago. I sincerely pray that my ability to weave a tale has vastly improved over the past decade. Time will tell!

But you, sweet friends, have put your faith in me as a writer and I count myself so remarkably blessed. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Wednesday Writers–War-Torn Heart by Allison Wells

Catherine Castle

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s guest is Allison Wells, author of War-Torn Heart. Allison will be sharing some background of the setting of this Historical Christian Romance as well as an excerpt from the book. Welcome, Allison!

Thanks, Catherine.

War-Torn Heart is more than just a Christian romance novel. It’s set in a very real time in our history and takes place in real locations in South Carolina.

As a Clemson alumni myself, the history of the school has always enthralled me. Hearing that the entire class of 1943 enlisted and went off to join the war effort really resonated with me. That sense of purpose, of community – it is something I would love to see come back to our country.

Before having children, I worked as a newspaper journalist. I covered a small town called Six Mile just a short ways away from Clemson University and I…

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