Beverly Nault's Blog, page 4
May 21, 2015
Meet “The Kaleidoscope Cast” – Walter
Meet “The Kaleidoscope Cast” – Walter
Here’s a scene featuring Walter:
One more piece of the puzzle, and the technology anticipated, even feared, would be born. If he’d calculated correctly, and Walter was meticulous about calculations, the day’s mail should contain the gem he’d saved and scraped for. Every tip, handout, or penny literally scraped from the gutter had gone into a jar, and last week he’d exchanged the sum for a cashier’s check and placed the order. If this final trial didn’t work, he’d lose everything he’d slaved over. His ideas were running out, his home was about to be razed, and what made the urgency even more crucial, he sensed “they” were about to discover his hiding place.
Flipping the wall calendar over his workbench, Walter circled a date two weeks hence. That would give him sufficient time to install the final part, to test, and make note of his achievement. Perhaps even enjoy it himself before he turned it over to the one who would carry it to the world, who could safely deliver the technology where it would do the most good. It was time to plan the handoff.
The sun’s rays pouring from a high window warmed and loosened Walter’s back muscles. The glint on the shaft of metal, as thick as a Cuban cigar, the length of a number two pencil, gave him more than a few moments of pride he’d not felt since the birth of his long-lost son.
He held the eyepiece up and sighted, spinning the dial. It caught and stuck in place. He wrapped it once again in the cloth, gently rested the device between the jaws of the vise and slowly cranked it shut, stopping at precisely the point where the Kaleidoscope would be held firmly in place, but not harmed by the firm grip. He filed and sprayed, working over the delicate prize until the dial spun like butter and the magnificent colors fell into place.
And…scene. What is he up to? Is he crazy? Genius? Dangerous?
May 12, 2015
The Kaleidoscope releases!
“I love how the novel hits different chords; being at times inspirational, metaphysical and scientifically speculative even while following a thriller-like narrative.” EA, Reader’s Favorite reviewer
Wild Rose Press/Crimson is pleased to announce the release of
The Kaleidoscope
Here’s a sneak peek:
Harold turned over the Kaleidoscope, inspecting the precision detailing and excellent workmanship. Whoever had crafted it had an eye for beauty, a talent for working with metal and glass. He sighted down the shaft, admiring the tessellations of hues that fell into place. Then when he turned a dial, new images appeared. Green, gold, blue, teal and purple. It was stunning.
…Could an object have magical powers? Harold had to believe otherwise. Every bone and sinew fought against any other possibility. But already the mysterious device he turned over, that now warmed in his palm, had begun to change his life. Where did this mysterious object come from, and what made it tick? What did it want from him?
Buy your copy in paperback or e-reader now from Wild Rose Press/Crimson or Amazon and remember to tell your friends, and leave a kind remark on your favorite review sites Word of mouth helps an author tremendously.
Bev out!
April 25, 2015
The Union of the North and the South – guest author, Ann Mock
The Union of the North and the South – guest author, Ann Mock
Today I’m pleased to welcome fellow Reader’s Favorite author, Ann Mock, who has penned a charming story set in post-Civil War days. I hope you enjoy meeting her, and reading an excerpt from this book that’s receiving well-deserved praise.
Enter to win an audible version!
If you sign up for my newsletter (sent occasionally, no bombarding your box), I will enter you into a drawing to receive an audible version of The Union.* Drawing will be held May 1, 2015
The Union of the North and the South, by Ann Mock, now available from audible.com
Filled with romance and rich setting details, this Reader’s Favorite Five Star reviewed novel, The Union of the North and the South, takes place in the south in the 1870s during the tumultuous years following the War Between the States. Meet Laura Malcolm, forced to draw upon the strength
and resilience symbolized by the oak trees surrounding her ancestral home nestled against the Mississippi. Overcoming great personal tragedy, she must keep a secret that, if revealed, will cause great heartache. Will Laura’s enemies become her friends even as she confronts her own past? Will she find the strength to forgive and love again?
Author Ann Mock lives in Florida with her husband Dave and her faithful companion, Happy. She enjoys ballroom dancing, and cruising on oceans and rivers in both Europe and the United States. Some of her favorite trips were on Mississippi steamboats that visited many of the areas mentioned in this book.
An excerpt from The Union of the North and the South
One day Laura told her mother, “I’m going to talk to Pastor Jenkins. I won’t be long.” She mounted a horse and waved at Jenny, who was in the corral training Scamp. Laura rode through a shaded lane toward the chapel. The day was cool and pleasant during her short ride. Along the way she thought about what was troubling her and how the pastor might help her. When she arrived, she knocked on the door of the chapel. Pastor Jenkins stood aside and motioned her inside. She followed him into his small office and sat in a chair opposite him. His jovial smile helped her relax as she quickly came to the point of her visit.
“I know you know so much about me and can appreciate how hard it has been since Gerald’s death. I want to be able to forgive his family for all they’ve done to me, but I find it so hard to do so. For a long time, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t thought about my anger and hurt. Now that I’m back at Oak Grove, I’ve had a lot of time to think, which seems to only make matters worse.”
Pastor Jenkins paused before saying, “To be able to forgive doesn’t come easy to any of us, especially when we’ve been wronged as you have. Let me share one of my favorite biblical passages on forgiveness.” He then read from Colossians 3:13: “‘Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’”
The pastor advised, “You must change your heart, Laura. When you let go of anger and bitterness, it will free you. Forgiveness takes time. The process is very slow, but the reward will be a freedom that can come only from the Lord.”
A small ray of light came though the window of Pastor Jenkins’s office, as if to show God’s endorsement of the pastor’s wisdom. Laura looked pleased. She knew now what she must do. It would take time and would be hard, but she wanted to be free—free from her anger over all her losses, including those regarding Bradford.
Before Laura reached the corner of the churchyard, Pastor Jenkins called her name. After she walked back to the church, he asked, “If you have some extra time on your hands, would you be interested in helping some of the adults in the community learn to read? The teacher we have is presently sick with pneumonia. Reading opens a whole world to people, and I think this would help keep your mind busy. Helping others is rewarding and often helps the giver as much as the person receiving the help.”
Laura paused. Then her face lit up. “That’s something I can do to help. How many will be coming to the class?”
“Right now we just have a few. Lily is coming from Oak Grove regularly and has made good progress. We’re hoping more will join them.”
Laura thanked Pastor Jenkins as she walked toward her horse. She already felt her burden lighten as she thought about what she needed to accomplish. Each day she would pray that she could learn to forgive. By doing so she would be obeying the wishes of the Lord and, hopefully, would find the true happiness Bradford’s mother had written about in her Bible.
The next evening Laura walked to the church with Lily to meet the adults attending the reading class. Laura found it was great fun to teach such eager students.
When the regular teacher recovered from her pneumonia, Laura became her assistant. Once, when she was leaving to go to the class, Bradford asked her, “Where are you going?”
Laura’s eyes lit up as she explained, “I’m teaching a class of adults how to read. It’s so rewarding. They’re learning quickly. I hope it’s okay that I’m using some of your books from the library. I haven’t seen you, or I would have asked earlier.”
Bradford hadn’t realized she was doing this, since he had been trying to avoid her in order to keep his promise not to bother her anymore. “I’m so glad you found something so fulfilling to do with your time. I have no problem with your using the books. I’m very proud of you!”
Laura was pleased with his praise and smiled brightly at him. It was becoming easier and easier to forgive him after all he had done to help her and her family. Now she just needed to learn to forgive Gerald’s parents, and her prayers would be answered.
If you enjoy Ann’s, or any author’s books, please consider leaving a kind review at your favorite book selling site so that others will know. Reviews are the new word-of-mouth recommendation, and encourage us to keep banging away writing more stories for your enjoyment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Bev Out.
*If you’re already signed up to receive my newsletter, leave a comment on this post and I will enter your name in the drawing for the audible version of The Union.
April 15, 2015
The Kaleidoscope – Cover reveal and release date!
The Kaleidoscope – Cover reveal and release date!
About the cover art: The tree, the Los Angeles skyline, and the colors evoke a few of the themes from the storyline and their layout creates energy and life. This visual created by Diana Carlisle is stunning, and I believe even the font choices and tagline are perfect for what lies within.
It is finished. And just beginning.
Because one of the most common questions I’m asked is about process, just about two years ago when I started a new novel project, I also started a blog topic thread; Kaleidoscope-growing a novel. I shared what it was like along the way, describing the actual backstage work that goes into plotting, writing, revising, editing, proofing, pitching to publishers, editing again, covering, waiting…and now 
launching, a book.
At last I am VERY thrilled to announce that that project has now fully matured into The Kaleidoscope, to be published in ebook and paperback by Wild Rose Press/Crimson on May 13.
What if advances in artificial intelligence, combined with mystical elements found in the earth, could produce inexplicable images of the future? Harold Donaldson unwillingly becomes the custodian of a beautiful, handcrafted kaleidoscope that changes the viewer’s future and becomes the focus of evil operatives intent on capturing the kaleidoscope for nefarious purposes.
It’s been a fun, hard, challenging, tedious, rewarding, patience-building process to this point.
The inspiration ‘scope, which actually belongs to my sister, and is handmade (but not magical that I know of…unless you count being the inspiration for a novel.) The one in the book is small enough to fit in Harold’s pocket.
Now it’s time to sit back and relax. Not. Now I move into promotion, advertising, blog visiting, forum chats, tweeting, Pinteresting and pitching to readers. I wonder if there is a magical device for that?
Would I do it again? Yup. Already started on the next project.
What keeps me going? Seeing the final product is very rewarding.
But hearing from readers…that’s the ultimate. Here’s an early review:
“I love how the novel hits different chords; being at times inspirational, metaphysical and scientifically speculative even while following a thriller-like narrative. Beverly Nault managed to create an adventure with characters I actually cared for.
The most memorable parts of the novel are the ones which show how looking into the kaleidoscope changed the characters’ lives. Everyone has some secret fear that holds them back from fully enjoying all that life has to offer. As the characters faced their own fears during the course of their adventures, I found myself stymied that I was feeling hope and inspiration while reading an adventure/science fiction/thriller novel.
It takes a certain kind of talent to write a novel that contains different aspects from different genres while still maintaining a coherent narrative. Beverly Nault has skillfully created a journey that can suck in readers from various backgrounds and leave them pondering questions the book raises about life, meaning and relationships hours after they’ve finished reading the novel.”
~Eduardo Aduna, Readers’ Favorite
Aw shucks.
I hope you like Harold and following along on his journey. It’s been terrific fun getting him this far. Here are a few paragraphs for you to sample until it’s formally released:
Ruddy complexions were like skywriting, a girl in high school had told him once. The message may appear slowly, but everyone can see it for miles around and remember it for days. “I have to get back to work.” He gathered up his trash and headed for the can. When he turned around, Pepper was standing close, nose to his chin. “Tell Glenda hello.” Before he could go, she grabbed his arm.
“Harry, I really mean it. I am glad I saw…what I saw. Where did you get it again? Could I get one like it, or is that a one-of-a-kind thing?”
He told her about the encounter in the park with the homeless man. “It’s a mystery why he picked me.” He pictured the day of the handoff, the police hurrying the old guy away before he could explain himself. The police responding to his own complaint about the vagrants camping out. She was the first person he shared this with.
“You have been given much responsibility in many areas.” With that, she stood on tiptoe and pecked him on the cheek. “You have been given a gift. Thank you for sharing your magical looking-piece with me.”
“Um. You’re welcome. And thanks.” He demurred, dropping his hand from her grip. “But I don’t believe in magic.”
“A man of science and numbers, I get it.” She tipped her head sideways, considering him. “The mysteries of the universe reveal more than we see with our eyes or hear with our ears. If we slow down and really absorb what it’s trying to teach us, we might be surprised and delighted.” She poked a slender finger at his chest. “I choose to keep my mind open to the possibilities. What about you, Harry?”
Now the next stage of life begins for the book. Finding its place in readers’ hearts.
Bev out!
February 2, 2015
Why so many covers, Bev?
or…do people judge books by their covers?
People are asking, so here’s what’s been going on.
When FRESH START SUMMER first released with a medium-sized publisher a few years ago, the cover was chosen for me. Here it is:
I started getting feedback right away, and most of the comments were that it was “cheerful” and “light” but then people started asked how sales of my “children’s books” were doing. Ugh.
And then book two, Grace & Maggie Across the Pond had the same “feel.”
The publisher found some stock art and added lovely graphics, the layout was beautiful, I can’t complain. But the covers weren’t telling readers what was inside. (Rainbows and unicorns?)
They used to say “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but with the evolution of digital media and all the screens we use to shop and sell with, the cover art on books has become one of the most important parts of reaching readers and quickly conveying what’s inside. Cover artists realize cozy mystery readers expect colorful graphic animation art, and a romance reader looks for six packs (not of beer). Ahem…
So when the rights reverted to me, I wanted to recover the Cherryvale books so their true interior style was obvious from the outside. I didn’t have a big budget or a lot of time, so I used my own photography and a template on Amazon’s createspace. Here’s what that one looked like. A little closer to the feel l wanted:
When Fresh Start Summer won an award recently I realized I HAD to redesign the book to give it the respect it deserved. And with two weddings and a major household move behind me, I finally had some time. So far, I’ve recovered all the Seasons books, beginning with the Kindle versions.
Here is how Fresh Start Summer looks now. I used the picket fence shot again, but now I think the graphics and Grace’s pink cruiser evoke cozy small town fiction even better. What do you think?
It may take some time for Amazon’s pages to reflect the new covers, but I hope the new covers help the stories find readers who enjoy them.
What do you think of covers? What do you look for?
Thanks for stopping by! Bev out.
January 6, 2015
Free Fall to Faith, a devotional
Free Fall to Faith, a devotional
On May 16, 2012, an inebriated Benjamin Ramsey drove his motorcycle into the back of an 18-wheeler at an estimated 100 miles per hour. The impact left the twenty-three-year-old with broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and coma. The crash was only the latest, but by far the most extreme, incident in the life of the strong-willed young man who had grown up challenging his parents, friends, teachers, and law enforcement.
Forced to deal with the latest in Ben’s crises headlong, his mother, Dr. Karla Ramsey, a practicing pediatrician, once again drew upon the strength of her Savior, Jesus Christ, as she negotiated the familiar halls of trauma centers, surgical wards, therapy decisions, and rehabilitation challenges that became the new normal for the after-care following Ben’s crash.
Drawing from her years of experience as a physician as well as her basic training raising a headstrong child, Dr. Karla began writing down her thoughts and emotions as she devoured scripture, sank to her knees in prayer, and held her family, her practice, and Ben’s therapies together through the rockiest days of her life.
Ben and his mom share a carefree moment Dr. Karla thought might never happen during many of the tough days of his recovery.
In every entry in the 21-day devotional, Dr. Karla reflects on her journey alongside Ben with transparent honesty as she searches for peace and answers found only in Jesus’ promises.
Written for anyone facing life-altering events, or wondering where God is in tragedy, Free Fall to Faith gives hope, scriptural encouragement, and a daily retreat into God’s tender mercies. Dr. Karla invites you to fall into God’s loving arms along with her as she still does repeatedly, drawing on Him for strength and peace knowing He is in charge, even when life seems out of control.
Available in paperback and Kindle. (Kindle version may be delayed for a few days, but it’s coming!)
Dr. Karla Ramsey is a board certified practicing pediatrician in Cypress, Texas. Her devotion to Bible study has become her lifeline, and the foundation for her personal and professional life. She has been married to Dr. Jim Ramsey, a Houston dentist, for 35 years. Besides Ben, the Ramseys have three other children, as well as an assortment of grandchildren and dogs. Find out more about Ben’s journey at www.steppingstonesfortbi.blogspot.com
With an aide’s help, Ben dances with his mom just months after the crash.
December 17, 2014
Galleys, Ads and Cover Art, Oh My! – The Kaleidoscope
Galleys, Ads and Cover Art, Oh My! – The Kaleidoscope
It’s been a while since I’ve posted on The Kaleidoscope‘s progress, so here’s a quick update. My amazing, thorough, talented and patient editor at Wild Rose Press/Crimson Rose (Suspense) and I have been hard at work polishing and adding sparkle to the final manuscript, and we’re thrilled that it’s headed to galleys! (Notice the clever usage of publishing lingo.)
And now the housekeeping portion of the journey begins. Ad copy, back cover blurbs and tweetable quotes must be massaged and tweaked so the book’s represented in its very best light. (See what I did there?…light…kaleidoscope…)
I’ll soon begin working with an artist who will consider my ideas, we’ll discuss the image, graphic design and layout to make sure the cover is inviting and representative of the story inside.
Of course I’m enjoying these steps (and giving my noggin a rest because writing is hard, y’all), but I’m most excited for you to read the story of Harold Donaldson and his unusual journey of self discovery with a colorful and crazy group of friends brought together by the magical, beautifully hand-made kaleidoscope.
Here’s a short bit from the manuscript to give you a glimpse of what’s in store:
“Rhashan paused, hand on the divider next to Harold’s desk. “Say, wot’s this?”
Harold chided himself for setting the Kaleidoscope in full view as Rhashan picked it up. “Mind if I look?” Rhashan emitted a low whistle as he spun the dial and then froze, his breath rushing between the gap in his teeth. Slowly, he lowered the ’scope and laid it on the desk like a fragile vial of nitro. “Where you git such a t’ing?” He backed up into the mail cart, catching it as it tipped, spilling the contents.
“It’s just something I’m keeping for a… friend.”
Rhashan’s complexion swirled from espresso to latte, his focus on the drawer where Harold dropped the Kaleidoscope and closed it out of sight.
“Are you all right? Here, sit.” Harold realized the man wasn’t going to allow him to maneuver him any closer because of whatever evil he perceived lurked in the drawer, so he rolled the chair behind him and pushed down on his shoulders.
“Mr. Harold, I wouldn’t have figured you for someone who played wid other people’s mind.” Colorful beads strung along his dreads clicked together as his head shook side to side. “But whatever you’re trying to do wid that t’ing, you’re dabbling in something you shouldn’t.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Harold was getting a little impatient with all this talk of warnings and being careful. “It’s just a toy.” Perhaps Rhashan didn’t understand how the glass slid around to vary the images and so he removed it from the drawer and started to explain the mechanics.
“Oh no, it’s more than dat.” Rhashan stood, banging the chair against the wall. “Tell me what you see inside.”
To prove a point, Harold put it up to his eye. “I see colors and shapes that change when you—”
“Oh, no mon!” Rhashan leaned away when Harold held it out to him. The metal had warmed, and something shivered from within.
“What do you think you saw?”
“I see myself.”
Stay tuned for more updates including the cover art selection for The Kaleidoscope!
Bev out.
December 8, 2014
Award season, and we have news!
Award season, and we have news!
It’s red carpet season for books, and I’m thrilled and honored that FRESH START SUMMER received an award from Reader’s Favorite, a juried, peer reviewed contest that considers hundreds of published and pre-published books.
ALSO!! SPRING BLOSSOMS is a finalist in the AUTHORSdb cover contest that will be announced in a few weeks. The original artwork was done by my amazingling talented friend, Carol Field. She really captured the charm and flavor of Main Street Cherryvale. Congratulations, Carol!
November 5, 2014
Enter to win a copy of FRESH START SUMMER
Enter to win a copy of FRESH START SUMMER
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Fresh Start Summer
by Beverly Nault
Giveaway ends November 10, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
October 28, 2014
Award winning, highly recommended book.
Award winning, highly recommended book.
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! My long-time friend and critique partner, Joanne Bischoff’s book, “My Hope is Found,” was recently selected as the Novel of the Year at the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild annual conference!
Here’s a bit about the historical series set in the Appalachian mountains, with links to Joanne’s blog. I encourage you to find copies of these books, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Grab your hankies and hunker down, you’re in for a roller coaster of laughter and tears!
From the publisher:
Gideon O’Riley has been given another chance at a life with Lonnie. But will the fight for her heart risk it all over again?
After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. But his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.
Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is her growing fondness for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care for deeply. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son.
Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.
Joanne has hit a home run with her Cadence of Grace series… With memorable characters and struggles aplenty, this is the kind of story that will have readers telling their friends, ‘You’ve got to read these books.’ Lauraine Snelling, best-selling author of the Red River of the North series and Wild West Wind series
Visit Joanne at her website, Heartfelt Fiction, where she talks about writing, homeschooling, and life in a small mountain town in Southern California. (Yep, we have mountains in Southern California.)
L-R Ashley Ludwig, Joanne Bischoff, me, Dona Watson
Here I am with Joanne, the year I won the SD Writer’s Guild Excellence in Fiction award the year after Joanne won!
