Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 61

Read What You Want to Write

I recently spoke to a high school career class about writing. One of the questions I received was, "How do I get better?"

One way is to study the type of writing you want to pursue. I write fiction. I have always loved to read, but now as an author, I also pay attention to how my favorite authors write. What is it that makes me want to read and reread certain authors' works?

There have even been times lately when I find myself wanting to treat a particularly well-written novel much like a text book...get out my highlighter and mark away with notes in the margins to help me in my own quest to find the perfect word or phrase or even twists for my own works. Now, please hear me say, I'm not suggesting copying someone else's words. We all know where that can lead. But studying the way they put words together, their use of vocabulary, the way they write dialogue, can all help you in your own writing.

Allow me to give a personal example:

I once read a post suggesting new writers tend to overuse dialogue tags. The writer gave several reasons why that was a bad idea; one of the main ones being that dialogue should be strong enough in itself so readers don't need to be told "how" it was said.

I wasn't convinced. So I picked up a couple of my favorite books and browsed through some of their dialogue. Guess what? The author of the post was correct! There weren't an abundance of "she said joyfully" or "he whispered softly" tags.

But don't take my word for it. Start purposefully reading your own favorites. How do they describe the setting? What words do they use to show emotion? How do they handle dialogue? You may just find for yourself another reason why you love that particular author...and can take those characteristics and practice them yourself.

Happy writing,

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

It's That Time of the Month!

Alright, let's face it. There is a certain time of the month when our husbands wonder who we are and what happened to their wonderful, witty, sweet, beautiful wives. Last week, my husband was asking that very question. The poor guy, I really felt sorry for him. I went from being mad to bawling my eyes out. He had no clue what he had done. I'm not sure I knew either, but I know he did something! Sound familiar?





The fact is, we women go through hormonal changes every month before our cycle that distort our thinking process, our logic, our feelings and emotions, our patience and our ability to simply function the way we normally do. I know you may take exception to these thoughts and differ with me, but if you honestly evaluate yourself, you will agree with me. I'm not saying every one of us experience all of these debilitating characteristics to their fullest extent every month. I am saying to one degree or another we experience one or more of these each month. There are months I simply get a little emotional. Other months I have absolutely no patience. I think you get the idea.



It seems as if God has thrown us a curve ball. Our physical bodies are leading us down one path, a path where our actions and our words are often times the exact opposite of God's nature. And He's the one who made us with all these raging hormones and fluctuating moods. That does not give us the right to follow our flesh. It does give us the opportunity to overcome our flesh and win the prize.









I Corinthians 9:24-27 reads like this: Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.



I don't want to be led around by emotions and mood swings like a dog on leash…do you? I want to discipline my body and bring it into subjection. I want the Holy Spirit to lead me, not my flesh. It's time we stop making excuses for ourselves and learn to be temperate in all things. It's time we put an end to "it's that time of the month!"





Thanks for growing with me today! DarleneLonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Valentine's Day, part one

is only a week away. Wow, how time flies! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating a new year and making all those resolutions. (How are they coming along, by the way? Have you kept yours? Remember, I didn't make any, so I haven't had to worry either way!)







Valentine's Day causes a bunch of different reactions. Some are a little more on the bitter side, while others are well, romantic, of course. I'm of the romantic-persuaded. Seeing hubby walk into the house with a bouquet of flowers and candy? Yep. I'm going to melt. Guaranteed. :)



But seriously speaking, where did this Holiday come from? Is it truly a Hallmark Holiday because the candy-makers and card companies wanted to make money?

Not for this romantically minded woman.



I did a search for Valentine as I've heard of a story about a young priest. And while the details are murky at best, this is what I've heard. (Of course, I don't claim this as concrete evidence. Only what I've heard.)



Valentine lived during a time when the Emperor of Rome, (Diocletian, I believe) decided it was better for his armed forces if the men weren't allowed to marry. Seeing this as wrong, as well as cruel, the young priest performed secret marriages of young lovers. Having been found out, he was captured and thrown in prison. (Wow. What a stiff sentence, right?!) Anyway, while he was in prison, he met a young woman, some believe it was the jailer's daughter, and he fell in love with her. Before his execution, he wrote her a letter and signed it, Your Valentine, which is the norm for adoring people still to use on this special day.



If you'd like to read more legends, myths, and stories about Valentine, here are a few places you can visit:

Wikipedia

History.com

TheHolidaySpot.com

There's a ton more, so search till your heart's content.

To be continued...Check back on February 10th, and see what I'll be giving away!













Did you know Lonely Hearts is only

99¢ on Smashwords.com? 

Yes, it's true! Get this Sweet Christian

Romance Today!





Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Twice The Reading For Twice The Fun

Hello everyone! Since this is my first official post as the host of Kids Korner - Mondays With Aileen, I thought I would give you twice the reading fun by introducing you to two great writers just getting started with their careers. My first guest is Sherry Rossman author of the book The Miracle of Rain. Sherry has created a wonderful story with The Miracle of Rain. You and your children will find yourselves rooting Nora and her cat Molly on as their friend Smickett the raccoon shows them that God has a purpose for even the loudest and scariest of rain storms. You won't be disappointed as you see how Nora is transformed from a fearful young girl into a fantastically happy one who dances to the rhythm of the rain.



My second guest is Maranda Russel author of Ode to Icky. Ode to Icky is a well written, funny story of a girl and her stinky cat with amazing illustrations that bring the story to life right before your very eyes. I read with interest, wondering what the outcome of Candy's perfume experiment would be. The only flaw I found with this book was that the ending left me wanting to know more about what Candy felt or learned from the incident.



My Read-O-Meter gauges both of these books as great gift ideas for children between the ages of four and eight. Well enough of my blathering for now, on to the interviews!



Tell us about yourself Sherry. Where you are from, How many books have you had published, how did you get your start, etc...

I'm from the land of cactus and cowboys, or Rimrock, Arizona. With such a wide expanse of country to play in, my imagination developed quickly and I grew to love creation - finding ways to reflect its beauty by drawing and writing. The Miracle of Rain is my first published book. I started writing because I loved to express my ideas with stories, along with drawing, but for the longest time I felt like those things were too unrealistic to pursue. Later, I realized that God is bigger than the rules that our culture creates for itself and decided to use the talents that He gave me. After a lot of perseverance and faith, I finally became published.



What were some of your favorite books as a child?



I have long since forgotten the title of one of my favorite books, but I remember the affect it had on me because that's where I discovered the word "autumn". Thinking that was a much prettier word than "fall", I started to pay more attention to books and the things that I could learn from them. As I got older, I fell in love with Judy Blume books and on to Louisa May Alcott who remains one of my all time favorite authors.



How long did it take you to get your first book published? Were there ever moments when you became discouraged?



It was seven years from the time I wrote my book to the time it became published. I was not looking for a publisher the entire time, but discovered that I could not be content until I did my absolute best to bring my story to life. There were many moments of discouragement, but something kept pushing me until I reached my goal. That was a great lesson for me to learn about purpose and the need to explore the reason why we need to be who we are made to be.



What made you decide to write for Children/YA age groups? Are you currently working on anything else?



I write children's stories for many reasons, one being that I love the world of imagination. I also have a strong desire to help children know the big picture in all things which is God. This way they will know they aren't alone when going through difficult times. I'm currently working on a new children's picture book about guardian angels – but not your typical book on angels – this one is told through the voice of Goodwin; a friend and observer.



What do you find the most difficult part of being an author?



The most difficult part of being an author is the time and energy spent on marketing my book. I want to spend the little time that I have to write my stories, not "sell" them. Writing is so much more of a business than I ever thought it was.



What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?



Like I mentioned above, I love art – painting especially. It's just another great way to tell a story. I also enjoy reading, of course, and fitness. I'm one of those people that actually enjoy exercising, although with two little ones at home, it's difficult to find the time I need to get into great shape.



What words of encouragement would you give to children who might not be great readers yet?



I would say to think about your favorite thing in the world, and then find a book about it. Many kids don't realize that there are books for everyone, but when they find them, they will discover a whole new world of cool.



Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?



Besides being a full time Mom, I work part time at a retirement resort. This job has helped me in so many ways – the World War II generation has seen so much of life – it's nice to gain wisdom from them as they reflect about their past experiences and present perspectives.



If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be? Why?



This is a difficult choice as I have so many authors that I admire. I'm going to break the rules and choose a few. Charles Dickens – he created such fascinating characters, I would love to find out what inspired him. Ted Dekker – He has the ability to connect with a side of life that many Christian authors don't discuss in their own writing.



Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc.?



I'm excited about my website which is currently undergoing a re-design. It will soon have much more to it that will give readers a better understanding of who I am and what I'm about. Please visit and comment, if you wish. www.sherryrossman.com



Hello Maranda. Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you are from, how many books have you had published, how did you get your start, etc...



I am from Muncie, Indiana originally, although I now live in Dayton, Ohio. So far I have had two e-books and one print picture book published. I have also recently signed contracts for two other picture books that will be released in the next few years. As for how I got my start, I have been writing for most of my life but it took many years before I was finally able to land that first contract.



Of all of the books you have written, does any one title or series hold a special place in your heart?



All three that I have published are special to me personally. In Memory of Dad was based on my own experiences after losing my father at the age of twelve. Weezie, the Elephant with Allergies was inspired by my work with children in the foster care system. Ode to Icky is a tribute to my fat and lazy (but loveable) cat, Einstein.





How long did it take you to get your first book published? Were there ever moments when you became discouraged?



It took years of writing, editing and sending out submissions before I finally started to have some success. I did get discouraged at times and even told myself I was quitting, but I could never stay away long. Writing is something that is either in your blood or isn't.



What made you decide to write for Children/YA age groups? Are you currently working on anything else?



The major reason I write for children and young adults is because I honestly still like reading books for children and young adults. When I go into a bookstore I am always drawn to the kids' section. In many ways I feel like I retained my childhood spirit.



What do you find the most difficult part of being an author?

Having to do public speaking events is very difficult. I am a recluse by nature and would rather stay at home and out of the spotlight. But in this field, if you want your books to be a success, you have to occasionally step outside of your comfort zone to make it a reality.



What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?

Reading, dancing, hiking, art, doing puzzles, shopping, watching movies and working out (yes, I am one of those weirdos who actually likes to work out).



What words of encouragement would you give to children who might not be great readers yet?



Keep trying. Reading the right books can really change your life for the better. If you don't like a book, just try another kind until you find a genre you do like. There really is something out there for everyone.



Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?



Right now I stay home and write; but I am also a foster parent, which is a full-time job in itself. Between the writing, marketing, public appearances and foster parenting, I'm pretty darn busy!



Do you have any humorous stories to tell about being an author or dealing with the public?



What I find most amusing is that many people assume that once you have a book published you will automatically be rich. I wish that were true, but it's just not realistic.



Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc...



Yes, my website is www.marandarussell.com. You can find lots there, including book reviews, author interviews, tidbits of my personal life, information about all my books, and some random stuff that is just for fun. I also have a Facebook Fan Page that I would love to have you all visit called Maranda Russell Writer.



Well thank you Sherry and Maranda for sharing yourselves with us today. It has truly been a pleasure to get to know you better. And to all you children and YA book junkies out there, stop by and leave some comment love for these wonderful gals.



So join me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart, next week same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.










Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Sunday Mornings with Kristi - Welcome!

by Kristi Burchfiel


I love to study God's Word!



For me, that statement sums up so much of my life at this point. When I was asked to be a part of this wonderful team of ladies who will write and share their passions with you, I was honored and humbled. I volunteered to write a weekly Bible study. As I sat down to figure out where we'd begin sharing with each other in the Bible, I realized that the best place for me to begin is with my beginning.


As I said earlier, I love to study God's Word, but I haven't always felt that way. For many years, even though I had accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, was in church every Sunday, and even married a pastor; I didn't love to study God's word. I would struggle through a "quiet time" trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing during that time. Most of the time, I would just skip it. After all, I had been in church my whole life, graduated from a Baptist university with a ministry degree, and had married a pastor. I knew all the answers and even though I knew I was not perfect, I would have been hard pressed to identify my wrong-doings if anyone had asked. I thought I had already learned what I needed to know about the Christian life and I didn't need to study any more. I couldn't have been more wrong.



God got my attention. If you have ever had a time when God got your attention, you know exactly what that four word sentence can entail. If you haven't, don't worry, your time is probably coming. God uses several different methods to get people's attention. For me, he took away something I thought I was in control of. He took away my control.

I'm a planner and organizer. I always have been, and it's easy for me. I have plans and back-up plans and back-up, back-up plans. The way God got my attention was to have all my carefully laid plans crumble into dust while I watched, helpless. At the end of the cascading avalanche of my plans and dreams, I sat in the rubble, looked up at God, and angrily demanded He answer for what He'd just done.

Over the next year, God slowly unraveled me. Piece by piece, I was forced to examine my life as He laid it next to His standard of perfection. I was forced to admit and acknowledge my failures. I poured over scripture, dug through it, took copious notes. I held on to God because I was still so angry and confused that I was going demand an answer from Him, even if it cost me everything. I felt like Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32). Just like Jacob, I was rewarded with a blessing. Just like Jacob, I was left with spiritual scars that I'll carry with me the rest of my life.


God revealed to me two main truths during that time. First, it's not enough to know His Word. I must be actually applying it to my life. Reading scripture, memorizing it, talking about it, all that means nothing if I'm not living it out daily. Second, no matter how hard I try, I cannot possibly hope to be able to live out His Word. I will never be able to plan enough, study enough, or work at it enough to hope to be able to apply His Word in my life daily. God's truths were only ever perfectly lived out by Jesus Christ. The only way I'll ever be able to live out the truths of God's word is for me to surrender myself to Jesus Christ moment by moment so that He can live through me. That is my purpose. I am to die daily so that Christ might live His purposes through me (Galatians 2:20).



I never truly understood faith or trust until then. I also never understood hope or peace until then. I still struggle with my desire to be in control. It truly is a moment by moment battle for me. It is my most frequent prayer that people who look at me will see less of me and more of
Christ. This is my passion. This is my calling. Writing applicable Bible studies and devotions became the natural overflow of this passion as I seek nothing more than to help others to find and apply these truths to their lives by allowing Christ to live through them.

This is who I am. I am only a person struggling to let Christ have more and more control of me and my life. I felt it was important to start here so that you can know where I'm coming from. I look forward to sharing with you each Sunday truths from God's Word as we all seek to learn more and more about God's Word and how to allow God to apply it to our lives daily. I welcome your comments and feedback as we go through this journey together.

We'll spend the next 10 weeks going over the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. The first week will be an overview of the passage and then we'll take each part of the fruit in turn.

Why do you study the Bible?
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

What's on Your Heart?

Wow! This is an exciting day as we launch the "Dear Dee Dee" column at Sisters in Cahoots! I hope you will subscribe to the blog so you can read each featured author's contribution. The ladies who contribute to this blog have a heart for God, for you, and for ministry.

As surely as Abraham stepped out in faith at God's command to "Go!", I am stepping out in faith to see what God will do not only through this column but also in the lives of the readers and myself. I covet your prayers for wisdom as I seek God's Word for the answers to your questions.



You may wonder what qualifies this prematurely gray-headed gal to offer anyone sage wisdom for the dilemmas of life. First of all, that's not really what "Dear Dee Dee" is about. I'm not a Dear Abby or Oprah Winfrey or Dr. Laura. Rather, I am a servant of God who in her fifty plus years has learned that living a life surrendered to Him and anchored in the promises of His Word is a great adventure and the only assurance any of us has that we are going to make it through this life in one piece. That's not to say we won't emerge from the battle wounded and scarred, but by the grace of God we will emerge victorious!



The purpose of this column is really what the heart of my ministry is all about -- encouraging others with the truth of God's Word. Drawing on my own struggles in the areas of family dysfunction (I am a child of divorced parents), low self-esteem, financial management, parenting, relationships,  marriage, and substance abuse, I offer you a heart sensitive to the hurt and frustration we all feel at times and the encouragement God gives us in His Word to make it through each day one step at a time.



I covet your prayers for this column, that God would direct me to the right words in His Book so that you may be encouraged and find grace and strength to help in your time of need.



It is our hope that you, the reader, will write in with your questions. While I won't be able to post each Q&A on this blog, I will endeavor to answer each question personally and to the best of my ability with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Please email your question to deedeewike@gmail.com or snail mail it to: Dee Dee Wike, PO Box 193, Collierville, TN 38027-0193.



In the words of J. Vernon McGee, "May God richly bless you, my beloved."



For God and God alone,



Dee Dee Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ April McKinnon

Meet our Sister Resident Reviewer, April McKinnon







I'm thrilled to pieces to introduce our Resident Reviewer, April. (Isn't she so cute?!) I met April a while ago, and I'm just astounded and tickled pink to call her friend. She's not only a great encouragement to me, but she's got an awesome sense of humor ~ just what I like ~ laughing with friends! On the last Friday of every month, April will let us know what she thought of a book she's read, if she liked it or not, and why. Always honest with her reviews and thoughts, you won't be disappointed.



Let's see what she has to say...

Would you like to tell us a little about yourself and what you'd like to see happen with your column?

~ I am an avid reader and have been since high school. When I was younger and had the time I would finish a book at least once a week sometimes more. If I had the time now, I would probably do the same! I love to review books for both adults and children, so I am hoping this column will give readers an idea as to whether or not they would enjoy the book or would allow their children to read the book.



What types of books do you review? Not review?

~I only review Christian books or clean books. I will not review books that are full of language or sexual scenes/encounters. I feel that to even knowingly read these types of books goes against my standards.



If an author were to ask you for a review, what is your review policy? And how can they contact you?

~I would love to review your book. My policy, again, is not to review any books that are full of language or sexual scenes/encounters. I also ask that you note that I review one book per month, so if there is a deadline on reviewing your book, please let me know so that I may schedule accordingly or decline if I am unable to meet the deadline. You can contact me at apesydaisy at gmail dot com



Do you have a favorite format for books? Why?

~My favorite format for books is in eBook format for my Kindle because it is so easy to carry with me. However, I still love to have a book in hand and will review books in print format as well.



There you have it! I look forward to reading her first post on February 24th!Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Why Do We Write...And Why is it Important?

If you hope to find the definitive answers to those questions in this post, you will be disappointed. However, I wish to expound upon both in this blog. Why would you be interested in my thoughts? There are two possible reasons: I am a published author, which should give credence, and I have taught writing in some form for seventeen years.
Each week I will post on the subject of writing. It may take the form of a tip I have learned when trying to cultivate my own craft. I will endeavor not to ask you to take my word alone, but will provide other resources that corroborate my opinion.
It may be a strategy I have used when nurturing the craft of writing in students, or an anecdote which reveals what has worked best for me (or not...). Hopefully my mistakes and lessons learned will help those of you who wish to spend more time teaching writing but struggle with the inherent challenges.
I encourage you, fellow authors and educators, to share your experiences as well. Like any blog, this one can only be stronger with interaction from you!
I will leave you with a partial answer to the title questions as they apply to me personally. I write because putting my thoughts down on paper (or computer screen) help me to sift through and organize the chaos that is my mind! Whether it a story that runs through my mind's eye like a motion picture, a biblical truth the Lord is trying to help me understand, or an emotional reaction to something that has happened in my life, writing helps me breathe. It expunges anxiety, calms excitement, and expresses joy in a way that my introverted nature has difficulty doing through speech.
That is part of the reason I write.
What's yours?
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Growing in Christ

What does the phrase "To grow in Christ" mean?





Since this phrase will be the focus of my Wednesday blog post, I thought it best we begin with the basic thoughts behind the idea.



When I think about growing in Christ, to me (and since I am the one writing this column) it means that tomorrow I should be different; better, stronger, wiser, more humble, closer to Him, spending more time with Him, more loving (you get the idea) than I was today.





It means that I am constantly looking for and asking the Holy Spirit to show me what needs changing in me. Where can I make changes that will make me more like Christ? Can I change a little something in my attitude? Is how I am speaking keeping someone from accepting Christ? Is my dress appropriate for a woman who calls herself a Christian? Am I listening to the Holy Spirit and heeding His voice?



There are so many areas of my life that need work. Yet, I can look back on my life and see that I am not the same person I used to be. I do not have a temper like I used to. My tongue is much more controlled (that was a tough one!). My flesh is learning daily that it is not in control. My thoughts are less self-centered and self-serving. I have finally learned what it means to be in one accord with Christ…to want His will and purpose to be accomplished in my life.





I remember when the scales on my eyes were taken off. I was sitting at the computer whining to myself and to God about someone who said they'd do something then not doing it. And how if that person ever needed help, they would be hard pressed to get it from me. All of the a sudden I heard the Holy Spirit whisper in my ear…but, what if it was my will that you do it any way? What if I would be glorified? Would you do it for me?



In a heartbeat, I said yes and I repented. That is when I realized that everything that happens to me, through me and by me is solely for His glory, not my own. And if He deems it necessary for me to clean toilets or change babies diapers, then I'll do it. If it is His will that I continue writing books and speaking for truth, then I'll do it. If it means I help the person who purposely hurt me, then send me Lord…for I will do your will. I want the Lord to be exalted by my words, my deeds, my attitude, my everything.



What does Jesus say about "growing in Him?"



Glad you asked!



"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).



This is as good a description as any. We are to look to scripture as our instruction guide. Everything we need to grow is at our fingertips.





In almost every post you will receive teaching from the Word with practical applications for your life. Together, we'll grow in Christ and become all that He has intended us to be.



Lord, I ask that you change me. Search my heart oh Lord and renew in me a right spirit. I do not want to be the old me. I want to look more and more like you, every day of my life. I want to see the changes in me and more importantly, I want others to see those changes in me. In your precious name, Amen.Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ Amanda Stephan

Hostess of ~ Amanda's Grab Bag

Tuesdays with Amanda 






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Yes. This is weird for me as well. I'm introducing myself. To my blog. I can hear you now...Hello! Amanda! Have you lost your mind?  Well, not exactly. Perhaps close, but it's not entirely gone yet, so please bear with me a little while longer!



So, just so you know and don't get confused, I'm the last of the Sisters in Cahoots! But, just in case you're a little disappointed, I've got my eye on at least one more Sister out there ~ you know who you are...





Just a quick little pass over my bio info. Of course, as you know, I'm a Christian romance author. I honestly believe that God can work miracles in multiple formats ~ devotionals, non-fiction, fiction, music, and more. I'm called to write Fiction ~ I've been writing for as long as I can remember, but what grabs my attention ~ and creativity ~ is Contemporary Christian romance.



What I expect to bring to this group?

Well, I guess I'd have to call it eclectic...I get sidetracked a little. Um, perhaps a little more than a little...Darlene. No comments, please! jk :) So, I thought I'd bring you a little bit of everything ~ crafting, marketing ideas, creative marketing, guerilla marketing techniques, recipes, reviews, friends, funnies, and sales

...I'm sure you get the idea. So stay tuned for Tuesdays with Amanda!



And, just like the rest of the Sisters, please feel free to check out my books ~ Click on the covers!





Lonely Hearts is only 99¢ at Smashwords...

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com