Sarah Holman's Blog, page 105

Writing Saturday: J is for Joy

Joy in the midst of pain. It seems like those words were spoken by a crazy person locked up in a mental institution. However, I think it is because we misunderstand the word joy.
Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. James 1:2 The Voice
I think this verse shows what joy really is. It isn’t a happy feeling inside. It is more of contentment in knowing that these things, though hard will not destroy you. It is the inner knowledge that God will never abandon you even in the worst of times.
In Adventures and Adversities, Alditha is struggling to find joy in the midst of her pain. She wants to be happy and smile even when life gives her hardship. However, that is much easier said than done.
Tacking this concept was timely for me. I was struggling with many of the same things that Alditha does in her book. Will she learn what I have? That either you choose joy, or you will be eaten alive my bitterness? I guess you will have to read the book to find out.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV

Book Review: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for marital themes
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Description: No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk. Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again. Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?
This book had been sitting on my Kindle for a few months. Several of my friends kept raving about Karen Witemeyer, so I decided to give her a try thinking it would be a nice, light, one-time read. Boy, was I in for a big surprise.
It was so refreshing to have a strong Christian message without feeling preachy. I know it is hard for many authors to find that happy medium. If they want some pointers, study Karen Witemeyer. Her messages are woven seamlessly into the story, yet make you feel stronger in your faith. I don’t know how she does it, but I plan to study her work.
Travis? I wish I could marry a guy like him. He was human, had faults, but had a strong, sustaining faith. He has respect for Meredith and other women and is a real leader. I love how he develops.Finally! A book set in Texas that actually sounds like Texas. So many books sound like Hollywood’s version of Texas, which, if you live here, is far from the truth. Witemeyer is a Texan so that helps, but she did an excellent job of representing the state I call home.
This book is for older reads due to the fact most of it takes place after they are married. There were a couple of conversations that might make younger and sensitive readers squirm a little, but nothing is described at all. I am pretty sensitive, but nothing talked about took away from the enjoyment of the story.I highly recommend this book to those who love romance, cowboy stories, and faith-building fiction.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads.

Writing Saturday: I is for Ignite

The goal of every book and every writer is to ignite their reader’s imagination. When I weave a story, I want my readers to feel like they are there. I want them to smell the stench of battle, feel the pounding in my heroine’s chest in their own. I want them to cry, laugh, and sigh with the story.
Different stories rely on different methods to ignite their readers. In The Destiny Series, I relied on the plot and adventure to cause my readers to keep turning the pages. In Adventures and Adversities, I am relying on my heroine to grab my readers by the heart and not let them go until the last page.
To accomplish this, I had to learn to write descriptions better, and characters deeper than I did in Adventures and Adversities. I had to figure what made each character tick and weave it into the story. It was a lot harder than letting the plot lead the way, but I think it made for a more compelling story.
Another thing I had to learn to write, was really good description. Description is my weak point I freely admit. Unlike some authors that who can find poetic ways to describe their cereal, I struggle to find the words to share the world I see clearly. I managed between The Destiny of a Galaxy and Adventures and Adversities to get better. I will let my readers decide how much I improved.

How do you go about igniting your readers?

Finds of the Week

Just in case this wasn't obvious, I will go ahead and say it: Some of the sites I get things from also post some not so great stuff. Be careful when browsing. 
17 Phrases you're probably saying wrong~I found I was saying everything by #14 right~


Mirror Mirror
~wonderful post on beauty~


 Finding the Core of Your Story by Jordan Smith
~wonderful book for writers~


Loving Yourself
~something that we need to be reminded of~


Celebrate the Miracles
~wonderful reminder~


Interview & Giveaway! Roseanna M. White ~ Author of Ring of Secrets!!
~awesome giveaway~


Daring Faith
~a devotional post~

Busy, Dizzy, Life

Wow, who would have thought that I am busier now that I don't have a 'real' job. I get up in the morning and, before I know it, it is time to go to bed again.

I am really getting excited about all the time I have to work on my books. This week I am busy doing some research and completing things on my to do list before I unleash myself on my next book. I can hardly wait!!

Even though I haven't been writing a book, I have done a lot of writing related things. Like this

Interview with Miss Jack
Making the Most of Goodreads guest post
Why Every Author should Join Goodreads
Today, I am spending some time with my best friend and sister, Rose. As well as working on some book reviews. 
What have you been up to?

Book Review: Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

Age Appropriate For: 13 and up (romance and mild peril)
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Description: An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley. Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day another's evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England. As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love
I love my Kindle! I have all these books I have gotten for free, just waiting for me to read. Prize of My Heart was one of those free books. One day, I decided to read a book from an author I had never read before.
Lorena was my favorite character. I loved her sweetness and faith. All the characters were good, but Lorena captured my heart.
The setting was amazing. Lisa Norato did an amazing job of making me feel like I could see the ocean and the wharfs in my mind. Her descriptions put me in the places. I can still picture the launch of the ship, the grand house, and Lorena’s cabin as she was sailing home.
I enjoyed this mix of suspense, mystery, and romance. Nothing felt overdone, and it kept me turning pages until the end.
Can I give five stars just for the cover? So pretty, and it fit the book.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes light reads that keep you turning pages.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads.

Finds of the Week

8 Words to Seek and Destroy in Your Writing~Great article for writers~
Christian Fiction for Your Kindle~Find great kindle deals~
Safire Designs~Need a cover? this girl has you covered~


Making the Most of Goodreads
~an article I wrote~


Use "I" Too Much?
~very helpful for writers~


He will come through for you!
~Really an encouraging post ~


Where Is Safety?
~Wonderful, powerful post~


Pic Monkey
~Great free photo editing~

Cover Photo Shoot!

My book Adventures and Adversities is off to the editing team, but I am still very busy. After all, I have a cover to make. So, we had a photo shoot. My sister Rebekkah and I discussing how best to use the reflector to add light to the photo.
Rebekkah fixing Rose's hair.
Lovely model and sister, Rose.
Setting up a shot.
Working on the hair again.
Rose got tired of being all the photo's. Poor thing. It is hard to be a cover girl.
She did have some fun though.
Lots of lovey shots.
Success! We do have a cover photo!


And fun photos!

Book Review: Just Jane by Nancy Moser

Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 12 and up
Description: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma...these titles conjure up a romantic world of rolling English countrysides, elegant balls, noble gentlemen, and headstrong gentlemen's daughters. But how much do we know about the woman who immortalized those times and names like Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennett? Growing up in a clergyman's home gave Jane Austen opportunities to watch human nature at its best--and worst. Drawing from historical sources as well as her own keen imagination, Christy Award-winner Nancy Moser transports readers inside the life and times of the literary world's most beloved heroine. Known for her moving and unique Mozart's Sister, Nancy Moser brings to life the mind and wit of Jane Austen--the loves, disappointments, and victories that shaped the novels that have remained popular for nearly two hundred years.
I avoid most fiction about Jane Austen, either in movie or in book form. Why? I just haven’t liked their take on this historical character. We really don’t know that much about her, which leaves lots of room for speculation and embellishment.
It is rare for me that a main character in a book is my favorite. I usually like the side characters more. However, Jane tugged at my heart strings. She has to go places and be with people she doesn’t like. She doesn’t always have a good attitude. In other words, she is real, human and a lot like me. In fact, all the characters felt real.
The relationship between Jane and her sister was my second favorite part of the book. It reminded me so much of my own friendship with my sister. Thank goodness Nancy Moser didn’t listen to all those people who say sisters can’t be that close. She portrayed a real friendship, one that has its ups and downs, but is always close.
My favorite part was Jane as an author. Nancy Moser captured how authors feel so well in this book. I really identified with Jane’s struggles and challenges in writing.  Many of my author friends will love this book just to hear Jane complain that her characters aren’t talking to her (it’s a writer thing).
The story itself was like a Jane Austen book; not full of heart-stopping romance, adventure, or suspense. Instead, this story relies on you being involved with the characters enough to want to know what happens to them next.
I highly recommend this to those who like Jane Austen, non-romance fiction, and strong, character-based stories.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads.

Writing Saturday: A Bit of Inspiration #8

Sometimes an amazing cover is all that is need to spark imagination...