Precarious Yates's Blog: Precarious Precipices, page 10
May 13, 2013
Guest Post by Laura J. Marshall
A love story set in the 17th century
Download on Kindle ( http://amzn.com/B00CHAE3QS)
Free Tuesday May 14th and Wednesday May 15th
Persistent Love:
Christian Romantic Suspense Novella set in 1685, England.
Fear has been Tara’s constant companion since age nine when she witnessed her mother’s murder. Tara’s father moves his family to the ancient castle of Raven’s Cliff, far from the ships that could carry her back to India and the answers she believes lie there. Andrew offers her friendship and guides her gently to the One who will give her peace. Will she find hope for something other than revenge?
A Brief Q&A with the Author, Laura J. Marshall.
Q: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript for Persistent Love?
A: It took me a month to write the entire story. During the next three years I tore it apart, learned more and more about the craft, and then edited it ten more times. I really appreciated the help and input of my two editors towards the end of this journey.
Laura J. Marshall is the full-time mother of five sons and part-time writer and blogger. She operates a popular blog called The Old Stone Wall. Laura is the best-selling author of the Battle Cry Devotional Series. Visit http://www.LauraJMarshall.com to find out more about Laura’s books.
May 6, 2013
You Shall Be Holy
Holy…
It’s one of those words that’s so slippery in modern speech. One moment it’s archaic, another moment its frightfully demanding, another moment it’s downright impossible, and yet another moment it’s so attractive that it’s the most intriguing and desirable state imaginable.
Holy…
It’s wholly other than, so completely different that it’s beyond the realm of base imagination.
“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so are My thoughts higher than your thoughts and My ways higher than your ways.” Isaiah 55:9
Holy…
What terrified the ancients is scoffed on now. They feared they’d die if they saw the face of God. These days, most would treat that concept as either laughable or too religious.
But God is still the same. He has not changed. He’s still calling us to be
Holy…
Leviticus 19:2 says, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
Is this yet another rule, another regulation, another thing to add to a to do list?
Or is it a prophecy? Your destiny?
You, because of the work Jesus did on the cross, shall be holy even as He is holy.
(The laws that follow that verse about holiness are all about honoring the Lord and people, and caring for the poor.)
Holy…
The holiness of the Lord is the beauty of the Lord.
Perhaps we can look at it this way:
Psalm 27:4 talks about “To behold the beauty of the Lord”
Beloved, this is your destiny:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
“We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” ~ 1 John 3:2
It is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” ~ 1 Peter 1:16
Just trust Him, because you will be holy.
Feel free to share your thoughts on holiness and the word ‘holy’ in the comments below. I love to hear from you!
April 30, 2013
Partnering With Price of Life: Employing Music and Arts in the Fight against Human Trafficking
Partnering with Price of Life: Employing Music and Arts in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
From the Price of Life IndieGoGo campaign:
Imagine you’re a college student.
You hear about human trafficking - 27 million people enslaved in this day and age – and it breaks your heart. You want to do something about it but what can you do, you’re just an ordinary student?
But your campus club or church also wants to make a difference. You work together to plan awareness events. You’re inspired by art and music about seeking justice. You connect with other campuses across your city getting involved. And suddenly you think hey, maybe I’m just one student, but I can do something.
You get your friends, your family, your clubs, your church excited, and all these people cobble together their small offerings and together you engage over 10,000 students at campuses across New York City about human trafficking and raise over $150,000 to support organizations fighting it.
Even though you’re “just college students.”
And suddenly Restore NYC, the only housing for international survivors of sex trafficking in the Northeast US, can offer safe haven to more recovering women. Suddenly Nomi Network can fund a new project, teaching job skills to survivors and at-risk women. Suddenly World Vision and its Cambodia network can provide 1000 kids with school uniforms, making them instantly less vulnerable to being trafficked.
All because a couple (thousand) ordinary people did just a little something.
Pretty cool image, right?
And just like “just students” can do a big something when they work together, so can we, even though we’re “just artists,” “just moms,” “just computer nerds.” It doesn’t matter who you are: you have something valuable to make a difference.
Putting it all together and starting to make that difference: that’s our vision.
Who Are We?
We are a team of students, artists, and ordinary people from across the US, using what we have to fight human trafficking. We’re a small part of a big campaign called the Price of Life Invitational, spearheaded by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, along with World Vision and a diverse coalition of other organizations. The Price of Life is calling students to end one of the world’s greatest injustices, human trafficking.
We believe faith calls and empowers us to fight injustice, and we believe in building barrier-breaking partnerships toward seeking justice. We believe ending modern slavery requires teamwork & creativity. We believe students can make an impact. We believe in the power of the arts.
What Are We Doing?
The Price of Life involves programming in every field – business plan competition, events about law and health care, interactive art exhibits etc. Read more here.
We’re musicians, so we’re making music.
Our music compilation is a soundtrack for the modern abolitionist journey, music to expose darkness and inspire change. It features a variety of artists who believe in using their gifts to create beauty and truth.
Artists like rock singer-songwriter Janie Chu, who helped an Atlanta coalition create a PSA aimed at ending demand for child trafficking.
Artists like Andy Mineo, who helped CCNY students get over 100 members of the Price of Life team on their campus:
Artists like Jonny Rodgers, who wrote the music for an anti-trafficking commercial for earthquake-devastated Haiti.
In fall 2013, when Price of Life takes on New York City, we’ll sell the album to thousands of college students in NYC, and through the national networks of Price of Life organizations like InterVarsity and World Vision. We aim to raise $50,000 to support organizations fighting human trafficking: Restore NYC, Nomi Network, and World Vision.
Who is Contributing Music?
Here are some of our partners – most contributing new music you can only hear on Exposing Darkness. Click through to their music pages & check out their sounds – you won’t be disappointed.
May 1, today, is the IndieGoGo campaign day for the musician Jonny Rodgers. Here’s a sample of his music to listen to while you visit the link below and donate to this cause.
http://vimeo.com/59635438″>Jonny Rodgers – Everything Is Yours from http://vimeo.com/user4493127″>Jonny Rodgers on http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo;.
Here’s the link to the campaign where you can donate any amount over $1:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/exposing-darkness-artists-bringing-trafficking-to-light
What We Need
We only need to raise $5000 because almost everything is donated: Music. Some studio time. Art and design.
The $5000 you invest in our project will pay for mixing and mastering, to provide the highest quality sound; marketing, to get the word out further; additional studio time; so artists contributing songs don’t have to pay recording expenses out of pocket.
Our campaign is hosted by Water Mirror Records, Inc., the record company behind singer-songwriter and abolitionist Janie Chu. Janie is the leader of this project and has rallied fellow musicians to the cause. Her company will collect Indiegogo funds and cover album costs.
What You Get
We know you’re giving because you believe in standing against human trafficking and making beauty from brokenness — not to get a prize. But we’re grateful for your participation, so we’ve worked hard to come up with some concrete ways to show it.
CAVEAT: One thing you won’t see much of: giving away the music itself. We’re giving you just about everything but the music, so next fall the music YOU make possible can support the cause we all care about.
Special bonus: We’ve got a variety of promotional supporters “owning” a day of the campaign, spreading the word as social media partners. You guys are awesome and get a special thanks. Want to add your name to this prestigious list? Sign up to help us support the campaign!
Gratitude Gifts
Your gift helps prevent, rescue, and restore people trapped in modern slavery. Here are some ways we would like to say thank you. See descriptions to the right for more info.
Undying Devotion:
Let us thank you publicly for your stand for beauty in the face of darkness.
All backers will be noted in a special section in the Price of Life website’ Abolitionist Hall of Fame.
$15+ backers will be thanked in album liner notes.
$25+ backers will be thanked in daily round-up shout outs on Facebook.
$50+ backers may offer a dedication of up to 140 characters describing their motivation for fighting human trafficking.
Party for Freedom:
Connect with other art-loving activists & be the first to hear the abolitionist soundtrack!
$10+ backers get first dibs on buying the album & free tickets to the CD release party (fall 2013), featuring performances by album artists, inspiring stories from people fighting trafficking on the ground, tasty eats, and more.
$15+ backers also get free tickets to our preview concert (summer 2013) where select album artists will perform new works and old favorites.
Details TBA; we regret that we cannot provide alternate options for those unable to attend.
Get Inspired
$15+ backers receive a free download of Dear John, a powerful song standing against trafficking demand, by the woman leading the Exposing Darkness team, artist-abolitionist Janie Chu.
$25+ backers get a free digital download of Janie Chu’s entire album (on which Dear Johnappears), The Human Condition + an early digital download of select songs from the album.
$50+ backers also get an MP3 of justice poet and spoken word artist Jonathan Walton performing works related to human trafficking.
Other Ways You Can Help
Can’t give money? That’s ok! You may not cash but you have a voice. We appreciate you spreading the news to your networks. Here’s how you can help:
Sign up to be a social media partner and help us promote this campaign now.
When the music is ready, we’ll seek your help promoting the album!
Don’t forget to share this campaign with Indiegogo’s easy sharing tools.
Join the Price of Life mailing list for monthly udpates on the broader campaign through Superbowl 2014.
The fight against human trafficking needs all of us! Share your time and talent & make an impact through Price of Life.
No matter who you are or what you have to give, there’s a way you can be part of the movement to end human trafficking. Get connected with Price of Life here.
April 28, 2013
Bad Chinese Food, a guest post
Is there any better find than when you first unearth a truly great Chinese restaurant? Months of searching for the perfect Moo Shu Vegetable dinner reach their climactic end when you take your first bite of something truly delicious, and all other restaurants fall by the wayside.
Such was the bliss of my takeout experience… until my guy moved. The replacement menu looked the same, but tasted vastly different. And thus, I am back on my quest to find decent Chinese food. This has led me to many a hole-in-the-wall, chain and Thai-Japanese-Chinese tie-ins. Each time, I get my hopes up, dreaming for the deep-fried tofu and spicy peanut sauce with vegetables to magically appear and taste every bit as amazing as the long lost dish that proved to be the gateway drug for me. Alas, my ventures have proved unsuccessful. Anemic noodles, nondescript brown sauce, overpowering soy sauce, and so many disgusting water chestnuts that by the time I pick them out, there’s only a bit of limp celery and two pieces of broccoli to pretend to enjoy. This is not my Moo Shu.
Finding a great book series is a lot like the perfect Chinese restaurant discovery. Every page is delicious, begging you to forget the hour and indulge to your heart’s content. Then when it’s over, you’re left feeling like the egg roll addict you know you are, still jonesing for your next fix. Thus begins your search for the next great addiction.
I’ve set about sating these cravings in two different ways. The first one was to write a four-part fantasy fiction mythology series where frequent Cassandra Clare users, Rowling addicts and Tolkien enthusiasts could jump to safely after closing the last page and still wanting more. Saga of the Spheres kicks off with “The Silence of Lir”, available on amazon or at www.sagaofthespheres.com. There will be no MSG or flavorless duck sauce here. Only the best for fans of the best.
My second project was written to give Harry Potter fans a place to land after devouring the series and foregoing sleep for weeks in their quest to defeat Voldemort. “Jack and Yani Love Harry Potter” is a comedy about the highs and lows of being a fanboy (or fangirl). It is available on paperback, ebook and audiobook through amazon. Harry Potter nuts (of whom I proudly identify myself with) will land safely after coming down from the high of the best-selling series, safely book-ending the experience with a happy little fortune cookie bow.
The Silence of Lir
By Mary Twomey
ASIN: B0087LX826 $.99
Book One
Genre: young adult fantasy fiction
Behind the scenes of our spinning earth are keepers of the elements who make sure that tornadoes don’t destroy cities, fires don’t ravage forests, earthquakes don’t decimate towns, and floods don’t take out humanity. They wrestle with the natural elements to ensure that the world keeps spinning smoothly on its axis.
Since the beginning of time, the Sun has been fading, and the light that shines on the earth is dimming, causing the elements to be more volatile and impossible for the keepers to control.
Now they must enlist the help of one man, Finn, to help them bring the light back to the Sun. The keepers war, the North Star steals light from the Sun, and the Moon is in disrepute. The end of existence is coming, and all the while the king, the Moon, Lir, remains silent.
Secrets
By Mary Twomey
ASIN: B0087LX8NK $3.99
Book Two
Genre: young adult fantasy fiction
An earthquake caused by Wren and Satchel’s ill-fated tryst brings forth a prophecy that sends the unrest and the Delegation into a tailspin. Immortals on the earth must be abducted and hidden from the North Star’s greedy grasp.
Vespera’s fury erupts as the Unrest begins to splinter off from the Moon behind her back. Attacks that should be used on the enemy target her supposed allies. Seeds of doubt, betrayal and rebellion begin to sprout in the Realm of the Sun and the Moon, causing division, subterfuge, and deadly attacks.
An evil that was locked up centuries ago is unleashed and let loose on the earth. There are those who fight for unity, those who struggle just to stay alive, those who battle for control, but a few begin their secret plans for a revolt.
The Sword
By Mary E. Twomey
ASIN: B0087M0N8M $4.99
Book Three
Genre: young adult fantasy fiction
What’s left of the Delegation fights to keep the Order with a man down, and the Unrest in hiding. Three keepers work tirelessly to safely harbor the restless immortals, maintain their elements, and counter Red Flame’s insatiable attacks. The Unrest’s light is dwindling as they remain hidden from Vespera on earth.
Close quarters and unstable power lead to tension and confusion as they try to find a way to be helpful to the Order without being taken out in the process.
Henry cares for Satchel’s son, and trains him to follow in his parents’ footsteps by being ready to defend the light at all costs. Lir’s body is located, Vespera rages her search for more power when she cannot find the Sword of Secrets. Somehow Stella winds up in the middle, a girl without a friend suddenly thrust into the spotlight and forced to accept her lot in life, being the voice of truth when no one will listen.
Though she and the keepers try to fight for the light, it is inevitable that they all may soon lose themselves to the darkness.
Sacrifice
By Mary E. Twomey
ASIN: B0087XI3SS $5.99
Book Four
Genre: young adult fantasy fiction
Light is being stolen, immortals are waking, wombats are untrustworthy and a dead body are rising. After a long time of wishing they could jump into the battle, the Unrest finally has their day in the Sun. Unfortunately, that day is filled with almost certain death.
Ash comes into his own and joins his parents to fight Vespera and Red Flame. Henry rejoins his own people, only to find that the lair will never be the same again.
Prophecies are unearthed, lives lost, and lines of loyalty blurred. Stella’s body begins to break down slowly, while Lake loses her immortality.
The sword of secrets fights to find its true owner, though none of the keepers can predict the sacrifice that will come.
About the Author:
Mary E. Twomey lives in Michigan with her husband and two adorable children. She enjoys reading, writing, vegetarian cooking and telling her children fantastic stories about wombats.
Connect with Mary:
www.facebook.com/#!/SagaOfTheSpheres
Twitter @shesleepssoftly
Other books by Mary E. Twomey:
Jack and Yani Love Harry Potter
ASIN: B00A8QWL3A $3.99
Best friends Jack and Yani do everything together. After Yani’s thirtieth birthday party, however, she decides to leave town on a spontaneous vacation to visit all the sites of the young adult fiction novels she loves, hoping that when she returns, she’ll have buried the secret flame she has for Jack.
Forced by his friends to go on a road trip to track down Yani, Jack learns a lot about his best friend by reading the novels she’s been obsessed with. From vampire hunting in Forks to searching for wizards in Florida, Jack confronts his greatest fears –that he just might love Harry Potter…and perhaps, Yani.
Mary Twomey’s books have been promoted at dozens of comic book conventions across the globe. She gives seminars on writing fiction, and writes book reviews for www.thechristianmanifesto.com.
For more information on Jack and Yani Love Harry Potter or Saga of the Spheres, including review copy requests, please contact Lynn Jaymes with Sparrow Communications at 646.450.3701 or lynnjaymes@gmail.com.
“If she’s not careful, she may find herself being followed by a fandom of her own.”
– Robbie Fischer, http://www.Mugglenet.com
April 26, 2013
Most Beautiful Women
A writer friend of mine recently gave me inspiration for this, and I’m so glad. People Magazine has chosen who they think are the most beautiful women, but I want to share about some of the most beautiful women in my life. I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by so many! And if I was to choose everyone I thought should be included, this list would be filled with 300 strong, beautiful, vibrant, godly women. Here are just a few:
When I was younger, I wrote a book of advice for my younger sister. The first bit of advice I gave was this: Your mother will always be the most beautiful woman in the world.
My mother is, and I’m so privileged to honor her:
Imagine that you work full time in an office where the phones ring all day long.
Imagine that you have to take most of those phone calls yourself.
Imagine that you are carrying a child on your back (see picture above), and caring for him in between phone calls.
Now imagine that you’re sixty years old and doing all of this.
My mom’s a rockstar. Hands down, the number one most beautiful woman.
When I first met Desirea, I was blown away by the inner beauty radiating a mile from her. One morning she told me her story, and the secret to her unfailing beauty: thankfulness. She thanked God for everything, both the good and the bad. I never forgot that, Desirea, and I’m continually inspired by your beauty. (Oh, and by the way, she co-founded Love146, and sprinkles hope wherever she goes. What’s the best part? My brother married her eight years ago, so she’s my sister too!)
Michelle has been like a sister to me for about 15 years now. She took me in when I was homeless and penniless. And she taught me just how much capacity a person has for forgiveness. Her ability to live out what Jesus said, about forgiving even 70×7 times, astounds me and challenges me in the best ways.
The best smile, hands down, goes to my sister-in-law, Jesse. Here’s to the woman who taught me how to enjoy my family every single moment. Jesus shines out of you when you smile, sweet Jesse!
The first time I saw my sister I knew she would be an exquisitely unique human being. I’ve never been proved wrong. I love that I share genes with this one, and that we share love for old sailing ships and the beach on rainy days.
My mother-in-law, Rebecca, is remarkably intelligent, incredibly generous and passionately in love with Jesus. She has been a mentor to me in so many ways.
Ericka became family when I was so far from mine. She always reminded me to press in to the heart of our heavenly Father.
Candice Simmons, who, with her husband, supported my husband and I while we were in the mission field. Her stories from the mission field inspire me! This woman simply exudes joy!
Sarah T., mother of five, homeschool teacher, still has time to write and to critique my books (as well as many others). She shares the love of Christ wherever she goes. A true princess, in the real sense of the word!
Now for some ladies who I’ve met recently who have astounded me with their steadfast faith, their love for the Lord and the way they overcame incredible obstacles and unimaginable hurtles:
If you’re ever given the opportunity to hear Amanda Wise speak on prayer, take that opportunity.
And take a box of tissues with you.
Naty, full of humor and encouragement, always challenges me to simply love the Lord with all my might.
Sarah W., a gorgeous woman who unashamedly loves God and always makes time for people.
This fearless woman, Holly, has been a missionary where few people dare to go. She takes “Go into all the world…” seriously. And she’s simply lovely!
Okay, people, now it’s your turn to honor some beautiful women in your life! Either leave a comment below about one or write a post to honor many of them.
April 23, 2013
Why Ireland Needs the Criminalisation of Demand
Reblogged from surviving-prostitution:
Prostitution - the purchase of another human being for sex, is not and never has been the purchase of sex, because neither I nor any of the other women stand on the street or in the brothels with our genitalia and our mouths and throats in neatly wrapped packages which you could borrow and return to us in 20mins. No, I had go with them, you had to talk to me first, my mind was present the whole time.
Every nation needs to criminalize the demand, but I'm surprised Ireland hasn't done so yet.
April 21, 2013
Shaina Cilimberg, Author, shares about the Deep River High series
“Perfect Forgiveness” is about some possible causes of school shootings and the consequences of a school shooting. It is also a story about love, hope and forgiveness. I feel that with all this bullying going on, there needs to be an awareness and prevention. I lost a friend to bullycide when i was in eighth grade . That was in February, 2002. It’s not a good thing to experience and you end up wishing you did something to prevent it. I
This book is about a school shooting. I’ve never experienced a school shooting when I was in high school, so I did a lot of research. I heard about Columbine when I was eleven and was shocked. Throughout the years, I’ve heard bullying as the reason. I agree that bullying is a factor in school shootings. I also think there are other factors, because I was bullied and never shot up a school. Lots of people were bullied and never shot anyone.
However, my book focuses on bullying. Two of the other shooters in my book also bully my main character, Kirk. There are times when he wants to back out of the school shooting, but is either scared into continuing with the plan or finds a reason why he thinks he should do it. Peer pressure is another factor and we see lots of this in Devin and Henry. They are the other two shooters and are toxic friends for Kirk. A lot of this is based on Columbine and the Santana High school shooting. I researched Santana High. I was amazed that I couldn’t remember it from 2001. I only remember reading about someone threatening to pull a Columbine. I don’t know the guy, never have. However, I researched enough to know he feels remorse and some of the reasons behind the shooting. However, someone mentioned on a site there are a lot of things the news didn’t cover about the shooting. I’m hoping for my next book to be a little more lighithearted than “Crowded” and “Perfect Forgiveness”, but we’ll see. It’s still about bullying.
The shooting from “Perfect Forgiveness” will still impact a character in “To Be Sane.”
Back to “Perfect Forgiveness” I believe children should be tried as juveniles, so I speak some about that as well. Whether tried as juvenile or adult, the person is still being punished. I think there needs to be a lot of treatment for people so that they understand how bad their crime was and do not even want to do it again, if given the opportunity.
I want readers to look at how much Josh Summers has changed. He’s very smart, fun-loving and kind. He is a 180 from his character in “Crowded”. There’s this deepness inside of him and a hint of the innocence you don’t get to see when he was the bad guy in “Crowded”
He changes a lot through “Crowded” as well. I like his calmer character in “Perfect Forgiveness” better and you will too.
So, Kirk has Josh, Emily, Lydia and a new character as friends. They are good friends, the ones people want/should want to have. They are caring, loving, forgiving, fun and honest.
Then, there’s Devin and Henry, who just make Kirk miserable and make him feel lucky to be their friend at the same time. So you will get to see that play out.
Kirk also has a bad home life, another factor in school shootings. I also think a poor mental health system is part of it, but remember this is just reasons. There are people who are bullied, have/had bad home lives, are mentally ill, are insecure and anything else you could think of and they never shoot anyone. I have Asperger’s and OCD, but I would never do something like this. My book isn’t aimed to justify school school shootings. My book is written to create an awareness of what could be possible causes and to create a sense of empathy. You should care about others. Prevention is one reason, but it goes so much deeper than that. God wants us to forgive and care about others. He wants us to love others. It’s something I struggle with and I’m sure lots of people struggle with it. However, it needs to be taught. It’s also a story of friendship and loyalty. There are people who want to be your friends and are genuine, whether you know it or not. That is also what my book is about. Friendship is beautiful and so is love.
I am hoping to finish “To Be Sane” sometime in 2014. If anyone would like to make an input, like my page “Deep River High Series” on Facebook.
The next book is about two Freshmen at Deep River High. The boy is shy and has suffered bullying in the past. Two of his bullies go on to his highschool. The boy I’m speaking of is Andy Young, who readers may have caught a glimpse of in “Crowded” and “Perfect Forgiveness”. The girl speaks Spanglish, has OCD and Aspergers and she gets bullied too. I am excited about it, but might decide to edit it some more. It is in the works, so to speak. This book will be more about cyberbullying.
Bullying can be verbal, physical, mental and emotional.
https://twitter.com/longhairrox
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deep-River-High-Series/226787394036230?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://jesusfreak-ponderingsofanamusedwriter.blogspot.com/
April 19, 2013
Guest Post, Ada Brownell: Broken Hearts; Shattered Youth
BROKEN HEARTS; SHATTERED YOUTH
By Ada Brownell
Sunday evening I heard a singing group from Central Bible College, and some members gave powerful testimonies. One young man barely escaped an abortionist’s scalpel when his 15-year-old unmarried mother discovered she was pregnant. But she met and was counseled by a wise Christian woman and this boy and his twin brother were saved from death.
Another young man testified about his first visit to church at age 11, when his dad decided to get married. His father didn’t show until they were about to give up. A few days later, they found out why. Police came to the home and arrested his dad because had committed armed robbery just before the ceremony.
Not wanting to live with a stepmother, the boy phoned his grandmother, a Christian, and grew up under her influence and eventually gave his heart and life to Christ.
Both of these young men are preparing to become worship leaders.
American children and young people today are at risk more than any time in history. Not only do many have parents who’ve never heard the gospel or rebelled against it, they are subject to wickedness and brainwashing unequaled in our nation since the Pilgrims landed in 1620.
I was somewhat surprised several years ago when our youngest son, attending a Christian college, thanked me and my husband for staying married. “Most of my college friends are from broken homes,” he said.
As a newspaper reporter and free lance writer, I’ve interviewed the angry unmarried teen moms, grieving women who’ve had abortions, kids in trouble with the law, parents of suicide victims, and juveniles in mental hospital wards. I’ve interviewed experts on many angles of the problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol and drug addiction.
Of course, I’ve also written about the achieving, well-balanced, often Christian youth who turn away from such things.
Yet, I can’t forget the heartaches that affect too many youth today. More important, I need to remember this generation of youth struggles for faith in God—partly because they don’t know enough about Him.
I’ve worked with youth much of my life and written for Christian youth publications. My book, Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult, is a story about youth who struggle, but also some who believe they can do anything through Jesus Christ. Most of the problems happen to Joe, but he has a group of friends—actually the Gallant Guardians–dedicated to God and committed to preventing and solving crimes using ordinary, harmless weapons.
Will they find his parents and stop the radicals, even though the dangerous group dedicated to erasing Christianity from America uses robot guards and real weapons?
Do you have a mountain of problems? See how Joe found the answer to his.
Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult http://buff.ly/XeqTvH or https://www.createspace.com/3962829
The book also is available at Barnes&Noble.com and is listed on GoodReads.
Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult
By A.B. Brownell
Enter an area where people are missing and radicals want to obliterate Christianity from the earth. After Joe Baker’s parents mysteriously disappear, he finds himself with a vicious man after him. Joe and an unusual gang team up to find his mom and dad. The gang is dedicated to preventing and solving crimes with ordinary harmless things such as noise, water, and a pet skunk instead of blades and bullets. Joe reads the Bible hoping to discover whether God will answer prayer and bring his parents home. In his dreams, Joe slips into the skin of Bible characters and what happened to them, happens to him—the peril and the victories. Yet, crying out in his sleep causes him to end up in a mental hospital’s juvenile unit. Will he escape or will he be harmed? Will he find his parents? Does God answer prayer?
Teens. No fantasy. No wizard. Suspense. Christian payload. Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult http://buff.ly/XeqTvH or https://www.createspace.com/3962829
The book is also available at Barnesandnoble.com, and is listed at Goodreads.com
To learn more about this author’s books: http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com
Ada Brownell bio
A.B. Brownell has been writing for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a daily newspaper reporter. She has a BS degree in Mass Communications and worked most of her career at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo., where she spent the last seven years as a medical writer. After moving to Springfield, MO in her retirement, she continues to free lance for Christian publications and write non-fiction and fiction books.
You also can connect with Ada Brownell here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries
Twitter: @adellerella
Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com
April 17, 2013
Helping Children with Grief
Reblogged from Creating a Fair Haven:
A new friend of mine told the story of how a wild animal tore through their chicken coop and destroyed 9 of their new chickens. Nine. Enough to create havoc in their yard. Enough to create havoc in their hearts. And in the middle of this massacre was their 7 year old daughter. She rescued one survivor, giving it the care that only a child can give.
The story at the beginning is about my brave, sweet Kenzie.
April 11, 2013
Interview with Donna Goodrich, author
Here’s an interview with author Donna Goodrich:
· It’s been said that writers must first be readers. What genres do you read most?
I like mysteries best, but also read light romance novels and biographies.
· Who are your favorite authors, and what makes them special to you?
In the secular market, Mary Higgins Clark; religious market, Max Lucado.
· When did you decide you wanted to write?
I think I always knew. I enjoyed the essay-type questions in school, and wrote my first poems at 9 years old.
· How many books have you written, and how many of them have been published?
29; 21 published, plus edited two anthologies, and self- published 1 writers’ club booklet.
· Can you tell us what you believe has had the greatest influence on your writing?
It would have to be “who”, not “what”, and that would be my mother, our children’s librarian in my hometown public library, my 5th-6th grade teacher, and my book editor boss at the publishing house.
· How do you prepare to write a book? Did you do any special research?
I keep notes for a long time until I get time to sit down and write the book. I also use personal experience and stories from others, plus quotations from books I’ve read.
· How long have you been writing?
65 years.
· What genre do you usually write?
Everything—devotional, how-to, self-help, biography, etc.
· Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
I’d like to mention my last two if that’s okay.
1) A Step in the Write Direction—the Complete How-to Book for Christian
Writers is taken from all the conference workshops I’ve taught over the years. I wanted something to offer all the people who called saying, “I want to be a writer. How do I get started?”
2) The idea for The Freedom of Letting Go came from the fact it took me 11 years to let go of my mother after she died. Then I realized it wasn’t just letting go of her, it was the whole principle of letting go of many things: grief, guilt, hurts, success, failure, children, material things, worry, doubt, fear, then the book ends with The Land Beyond Letting Go.
· How do you get an idea for a book?
I have more ideas than I’ll ever have time to write. I see the needs of people around me and would like to help meet those needs.
· What one piece of advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Find a local writers’ group and join. If there isn’t one in your area, start one. Also (and I know this is two!), try to attend a writers conference.
· Do you have any favorite inspirational quotes?
“We are called to write, and I feel we will be held responsible at the Judgment for the people that we could have helped but didn’t because we didn’ t write what God laid on our hearts to write” (Harold Ivan Smith).
· What is your writing schedule like? Do you write only when inspired?
I have no schedule, just fit it in when I can. I edit and proofread for publishers and writers and these jobs usually have deadlines. I also care for a disabled husband.
· Did your parents encourage your love for reading and/or writing? If not, where did encouragement come from?
My dad left when I was 11, but he and my mother both gave me a love for reading. My mother should have been a writer. She gave me a lot of ideas for articles and books. But my greatest encouragement came from the children’s librarian at our public library. She introduced me to The Writer magazine when I was 9. Also I was in what would be known as an accelerated class in the 5th and 6th grade, and that teacher encouraged me a lot.
· Do you like the promotional aspect of being a writer? What are your best promotional tools?
That’s my weak spot. I need PR person! I know what to do; just don’t take the time to do it.
· How did you study the craft of writing?
I took journalism one year in the 10th grade. Mostly it was on-the-job training: secretary to a book editor, magazine associate editor, newspaper reporter and columnist, and attending many writers’ conferences.
· Do you read books on the craft of writing? If so, what are your favorites and why?
Not many. Favorite is You Can Tell the World, an out-of-print book by Sherwood Wirt.
· Are you a plotter or a panster? Explain your writing process.
I sort of outline, at least my main ideas. I keep folders for various chapters and drop things in these folders—ideas, personal experiences that fit, quotations, etc.
· What do you do when you are not writing? Do you have any hobbies?
I like music, reading, and crossword puzzles.
· How did you get your first book published? How long did it take? Was this the first book you had written?
I sent 30 puzzles to a Sunday school paper, and they wrote back they’d like to put them in a book. It sold for 29 cents, and before it went out of print, had sold approx. 150,000 copies. The first that sold that I actually wrote was Winning Souls Through the Sunday School a devotional book for S.S. teachers.
Donna Clark Goodrich
_www.thewritersfriend.net_ (http://www.thewritersfriend.net/) _http://donna-goodrich.blogspot.com_ (http://donna-goodrich.blogspot.com/) (blog appears every Monday)
_www.thewritersfriend.net_ (http://www.thewritersfriend.net/)
“A Step in the Write Direction–the Complete How-to Guide for Christian Writers”
In a message dated 3/25/2013 10:27:55 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
The Writer’s Friend – Donna Goodrich – author, editor and proofreader
Donna Clark is the author of 20 books, including the newly released A Step in the Write Direction: The Complete How-to Book for Christian Writers.
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