Jen Cudmore's Blog, page 31

What Are Your Goals for 2014?

I‘ve joined another blog hop! To learn more about the tour and get to know some other fabulous authors, click on the link to see the other blogs. Today’s theme is: Personal Writing Goals for 2014.

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Over the weekend I finally sat down and wrote out my goals for 2014.  I recently learned the value of not only articulating my dreams and goals, but writing them down. Michael Hyatt does a great job explaining it in his post 5 Reasons Why You Should Commit Your Goals to Writing. In general, this year I plan to write & sell more books, as well as visit more websites as a guest and learn to be better at social media.

2013 was a big year for me. No, big isn’t the right word – HUGE! I published 4 stories through Helping Hands Press and had to learn all the different aspects that go along with that, because writing the book isn’t the hard part! I learned how to build and maintain a website and how to use Twitter and Pinterest. I also discovered tips on social media etiquette as well as tips on marketing my books. I’ve been overwhelmed with all I’ve had to learn, and I know there’s much more.

But God also called me to make some big changes in my heart. It’s quite humbling to realize you’ve failed in so many areas, and you didn’t even notice! I’m so glad He challenged me to look at myself differently and be totally honest with myself about bad habits. I’m not a resolution kind of person, but I do set goals. I discovered the most important aspect of starting a new year is that we ought to constantly ask our Maker what He wants from us.

When I earnestly sought His plan for my future, He brought specific items to my mind. He told me some books He wanted me to read and some behaviors He wanted me to change. He showed me some faulty thought processes and how I tended to lean on momentary pleasures for comfort rather than Him. He also showed me how to make Him more of a priority than ever before, because I cannot succeed in life if I don’t put Him first. To be honest, 2013 was a big year not only because of the blessings but because of the pain and growth.

So the prayer that’s been on my heart for the past couple weeks is: What does God want from me for 2014?

We must establish goals in order to succeed, but rather than focusing on our agenda, lets seek out His. What does God want from you in 2014?

Motivation for Following the Dream: Part 1, Stay Organized

Achieving a goal take perseverance. The road to success isn’t quick or easy. You’ll have days when you feel like giving up. But remember that attitude is everything. You can’t rely on your feelings to guide you. How will you respond when obstacles come?

Staying motivated can be tricky. You must be intentional. This month I’ll give you 4 tips to keep motivated. Stick with it – don’t quit!

Stay Organized: Successful people follow routines and make plans.

+ Set the atmosphere when you write. Light candles or play music, whatever it takes to help you focus. This sets your rhythm and keeps you on track.

+ Keep the tools you need on hand: pens, paper, reference materials. Nothing is more annoying than having to get out of your chair to grab something you need. It throws off your rhythm.

+ Keep files in a central location and name them all the same way so they are easy to find later. Sometimes I have so many items that I can’t locate what I need and that can be frustrating. Keep items in the same place all the time.

+ Create a routine. Choose a couple days a week or a couple hours a day. This makes it easier on your family because they know what to expect and can support you. It also helps you to stick with the project because it’s planned in – there’s nothing else you need to do during that time slot.

For more inspiration on chasing your dreams, click here!

©Jen Cudmore 2014, All Rights Reserved

Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

Review by Nate: Dark Power Collection

Title and Author: Dark Power Collection (Forbidden Doors) by Bill Myers

Short summary: Scott, Rebecca and their mom move into a new home in Crescent bay only to find their Christian beliefs put to the test by a cult called ‘the Society’. The siblings and their friends must try their best to show these Satanists the love of God.

What I liked about the story: I really enjoyed the mysterious character Z, who always seemed to know what’s going on and a way to help.

What I liked about the writing: I liked the real like application for modern teens and Bible verses for each section to help us understand God’s point of view and show what each chapter will be about.

Review by Nate, 13 years old

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From Bill’s site: About Volume 1: Dark Power Collection

In Volume 1 of the bestselling Forbidden Doors fiction series, author Bill Myers presents the first three books—The Society, The Deceived, and The Spell—weaving a powerful and character-rich story of young adults who must battle the occultic influences in their lives. Insightful and straightforward, each volume tackles spiritual warfare by presenting biblical truths through realistic situations.

The Society: When is a game more than just a game? When it’s a Ouija board in the hands of a group of students who use it as part of their occult rituals—and who view Rebecca and Scott as a threat to their power. A showdown is imminent.

Do You Have a Happy Marriage?

This post is part of the Happy Wives Club Blog Tour which I am delighted to be a part of along with hundreds of inspiring bloggers. To learn more and join us, CLICK HERE! 

Fawn Weaver, the founder of the Happy Wives Club, wrote a book about the best marriage secrets the world has to offer. They say the book is like “Eat, Pray, Love meets The 5 Love Languages.” You can grab a copy HERE.

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When I first married my husband, I wasn’t sure he was ‘the one’.

I don’t tell that to very many people because they all seem to think I’m crazy. But the truth is, I had loved him for years and he really seemed to want me, so I said ‘yes.’ I knew we’d have struggles and I was afraid. Yet I also believed marriage wasn’t about feelings, but about commitment. I knew with God’s help, I could commit to this man. So I married him, despite my doubts.

Since I hadn’t seen very many happy marriages modeled in my childhood, I knew to succeed I’d have to learn how to be a good wife. Early on I decided my marriage wouldn’t be about making my husband change to suit my expectations. I bought several books and started trying to implement the advice I learned and become the wife God wanted me to be.

I’m happy to share that this summer we’ll reach our 15th anniversary and I am 100% convinced he’s the man God intended for me! Despite all the trials we’ve faced, I’m a happy wife. It’s not only the love I have for my husband but the struggles we’ve worked through that gives me a basis for writing romance novels. As I say on my bio page:

“Nothing is so powerful, or so magical, as love! God meant for man and woman to enjoy each other. I hope my stories encourage women to look for positive qualities in a life partner, and to foster an environment of real romance, rather than fantasy, as they grow old together.”

I’m excited about Fawn’s book! It’s encouragement like this that will change the world, one marriage at a time.

Book Details

Fawn Weaver was a happily married woman running a successful business—and then something happened. Maybe it was divorce rate reports on the evening news, The Real Housewives of Orange County, or any daytime talk show where husbands and wives dramatically reveal their betrayals. Everywhere she looked, Fawn saw negative portrayals of marriage dominating the airwaves and dooming everyone to failure. Looking at Keith, the love of her life, she knew that wasn’t true. She was determined to find and connect with women just like her—happy and optimistic about marriage, deeply in love with her spouse, and committed to building a strong marriage that stands the test of time.

On a whim, she started the blog HappyWivesClub.com and sent the link to 5 friends. What started as a casual invitation to five women exploded into an international online club with 150,000 members in more than 100 countries. Happy Wives Club is Fawn’s journey across the world to meet new friends and discover what makes their marriages great. Join her on this exciting, exotic trip across six continents and through more than eighteen cities. Walk the streets of Mauritius, the historic ruins in Italy, and the vistas of New Zealand and Australia. Go from Cape Town to London, Manila to Buenos Aires, Winnipeg to Zagreb. Along the way, you will meet everyday women whose marriage secrets span cultures. You will hear their stories, witness their love, and be inspired by the proof that happy, healthy marriages do exist—and yours can be one of them! It turns out great marriages are all around us—when we look for them. Go on a trip with Fawn and learn the best marriage secrets the world has to offer.

 

©Jen Cudmore, 2014 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

 

The Scent of Fear – New Book by Susan J. Reinhardt

My friend Susan has a new book out! I thought I would share a little info with you.

First came The Moses Conspiracy, now comes….. The Scent of Fear.

The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.

Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills?

Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything – his career, his family, and maybe his life.

Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can’t get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart?

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Susan J. Reinhardt’s publishing credits include her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy, as well as devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.

You can connect with Susan at her Blog, on Twitter, and Facebook.

Interview With Author Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me about her writing journey. 

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What writing lesson have you had to learn the hard way? Jen, I think I learned all my writing lessons the hard way, which might explain why it took me ten years to get published.

What are some themes you worked into your books? I’ve seen authors talk about this– recurring themes. I’m not sure I have any. Or maybe I’m not a particularly introspective person. I guess, if I had to say a theme, and I’m not sure this is even what you mean, I’d say my theme is…that people don’t really change who they are. Books are supposed to be about people changing, growing into better people. But in my books they don’t do that. Instead, what I think is, people stay the same, their basic personality, but they learn to USE what they are for good. They make the BEST of what they are and use it for God. But a take-charge, bossy woman in my book isn’t going to turn into a shy, submissive little thing just because she meets a strong, handsome man to take care of her. She’s always gonna be a handful.

What do you think makes a good story? When I start a story, my goal is just to write the most entertaining story I’m capable of writing. I want to write a book that is impossible to put down. I want my reader to be having fun. If they learn something powerful and meaningful along the way, well, that’s probably an accident.

What book(s) have been life changing for you? Life changing, that’s tricky. Authors I consider inspirations for how I write are Clive Cussler, Mary Higgins Clark, Louis L’Amour and Walter Farley who wrote The Black Stallion books. These authors, with maybe the exception of L’Amour, he’s an inspiration for another reason, have the gift of dragging you into a story and making you feel it, making you smell and taste and hear the book and holding you there in a way that is hard to escape. That’s what I try to do. I will add that when I read Francine River’s Mark of the Lion Trilogy I remember just thinking it was an achievement in literature. I remember thinking that THIS is what is possible with words. She created a world unlike anything I’d ever seen before and took me into that world.

And I’ll add, because I mentioned that Louis L’Amour is different, he’s life changing in that he’s just sort of my greatest influence in how I consider great cowboys act and think and conduct themselves; the good guys, the bad guys, the women too. His cowboy code is mine. I love his work.

What projects are you working on now? The Trouble in Texas Series concludes in June with book #3 Stuck Together. I also have a novella collection releasing in January called A Match Made in Texas, written with Karen Witemeyer, Carol Cox and Regina Jennings.

In Dry Gulch, Texas, 1893, a young woman with a tender heart that longs to help those in need takes it upon herself to meddle in the affairs of three acquaintances who are in dire straits.

Wanting to stay anonymous, she relies on unusual methods to hire men and women of good character who she thinks can solve the problems facing her “targets.” How was she to know that her meddling would turn into a cupid’s arrow? And what will she do when her friends turn the tables on her with a matchmaking scheme of their own?

Find me online:

http://www.maryconnealy.com/ or http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/

Seekerville Blog: http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Petticoats and Pistols Blog: http://petticoatsandpistols.com/

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/maryconnealy

 

Soul Surfer: Inspiration From A 14-year-old Girl

It’s been about two years since my family convinced me to watch the movie ‘Soul Surfer’. I wasn’t sure I could handle seeing a young girl deal with a shark bite. However, the cast was too good to be ignored so we bought the DVD. And of course, I cried through half the show because honestly, I am a crybaby.

Most of you know the story of Bethany Hamilton who at age 13 went surfing one morning and her arm was severed by a shark. After a couple surgeries and lots of prayer, she began to recover. A month later, she was back on a surf board. Eventually she won some championships and turned pro.

When I discovered that Bethany wrote a book when she was only 14, I had to have it. During the summer I read the book, which delves more into her faith, to my children.  (They teased me about crying but I made it through without a tear!)

As a mom, Bethany’s story greatly inspired me. When I was young, my own mom always told me I could do anything, and when I see a teenager with one arm teaching herself to balance on a surfboard, I know it’s true. I use Bethany as an example for my children that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and that He has a plan for everyone (Jeremiah 29:11). We talked about how God always watches over us, no matter how big our problems (Hebrews 13:6) and that He can use any situation to bring about something positive (Romans 8:28).

This last October marked 10 years since the attack, and I’m amazed at all Bethany has accomplished. She’s created a foundation to help shark attack victims and she recently married a youth minister. She has also written a couple devotion books and some fictional stories which you can view here. My daughter has enjoyed reading all of them. Here is a book review for Clash.

I’ve also mentioned Bethany’s story when I teach at the local teen writers conferences. The kids view her as a person who never gave up, who worked hard to beat the odds. She’s a great example for young people to follow.

And she’s been a great example for me as well. There have been times in my life where I doubted God’s plan for me, even though I believe 100% He called me to be an author.

A year and a half ago I was able to visit the island of Kaui. My husband shot a photo of me at Tunnels Beach where the shark incident took place. I remember being overwhelmed with wonder to be standing in the place where God’s amazing plan for Bethany first began.

It got me thinking; where exactly did His amazing plan for me, and you, begin?

©Jen Cudmore, 2013 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

 

 

 

 

 

5 Easy Ways to Become More Healthy and Energized

One of the first things writers begin to ignore in their busy lives is their health.

After signing my first publishing contract and releasing 4 stories, I’ve been busier than ever this year, so exercise and healthy foods quickly went away. I just didn’t see how I had the time to take care of myself. I started drinking more and more coffee, tea, and energy drinks to stay awake, not realizing I’d cut back my water consumption to about 20 ounces a day. Since I wanted to limit my sugar intake, I began using artificial sweeteners instead, giving in to the lie that it was better for my body than sugar. I ate foods that were easy to prepare, and I snacked when stress overwhelmed me, which was pretty much every day. Because life was so complicated, my family usually went out to eat 2-4 times a week, and when we were home, we ate a lot of quick meals.

Last month I finally admitted that I’d been a horrible steward of the body God had entrusted to me and I needed a change.  I’ve had to totally rearrange my lifestyle. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been worth it.

A friend of mine from church asked me to do Isagenix with her. She’d started the 30 day cleanse program and felt amazing. So, having given in to God’s nudging to take better care of myself, I decided to give it a try.

After taking control of my health, here’s what I’ve learned from my new Isagenix family.

1)      Caffeine is NOT my friend. Many people think caffeine is good because it can suppress your appetite. But research shows that caffeine may actually slow your metabolism and lead to heart problems. This includes energy drinks; even though they claim to have vitamins, these ingredients are synthesized, not natural, so the body rejects them anyway. I verified with the Mayo Clinic website that: Too much caffeine might cause nervousness, insomnia, nausea, and increased blood pressure. In addition, some caffeinated beverages, such as specialty coffees, are high in calories and fat, which leads to weight gain.

2)      Decaffeinated drinks are also bad for you because they create more acid in your digestive system. I also saw an article that said the chemicals and toxins used in the defac process are harmful.

3)      Artificial sugars are terrible for the body. I read an article recently that explained our bodies don’t know what to do with artificial items, so it stores them. This will eventually lead to weight gain. I also discovered links between artificial sugars and MS, brain tumors, fibromyalgia, and a few other diseases. I saw another article about diet soda’s giving people pot-bellies. No thanks, not for me!

4)      Toxins will build up in your body, no matter what you eat. Because of the factories and super farming that’s going on these days, our food is inundated with junk that we wouldn’t be ingesting if we grew the food ourselves, like in centuries past. There’s a lot of information on the web about the chemicals our bodies are exposed to each day, from soaps and cleaning supplies to foods and drinks. It’s important to do a regular cleanse system to strip our bodies of these poisons. Toxins can cause multiple illnesses that most people don’t realize can be easily corrected by simply eating healthier and doing a cleanse.

5)      Plenty of water is essential for a healthy body. I’ve never been a big water-drinker because it’s boring. But several weeks ago I had to remind myself that God didn’t make Coke, lattes, or Irish Breakfast tea. He made WATER. The other stuff is fine once in a while, but we must stick to the fluid that God intended for us to drink.

I’ve only been doing this program for 30 days, but I feel better now than I have in probably a decade. I sleep better, I have a ton more energy, and I’m no longer exhausted by the end of each day!

This plan is all about vitamins and nutrients. While I haven’t been as strict in my diet as the plan suggests, I saw a difference right away. Please note, I’m not being paid for this endorsement, but I feel strongly that Isagenix is a great system for those looking for a way to take back control of their health.

My new life plan:

1)      Seriously limit the amount of coffee and soda I drink and focus on getting plenty of water.

2)      Stay away from decaffeinated drinks and anything with artificial sugar.

3)      Do a cleanse 1-2 times a month to keep my body clear of toxic buildup.

Don’t let your busy life make you neglect your health! No matter what cleansing system you use, please do one! Research caffeine and artificial sugars to see if you really want to keep putting them into your body.

What have you done lately to take better care of yourself?

©Jen Cudmore, 2013 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

Guest: Mark Venturini – Even When There Are Potholes

Run the race, even when there are potholes.

As a reader and a writer, my passion has always been fantasy and science fiction. I became a uber geek even before the term was coined. The first novel I purchased was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine Engle. Besides devouring books, I’ve always had a strong desire to write fantastical stories as well, As a Christian, I believe God gives gifts and talents to everyone as is beautifully portrayed in Matthew 25. But I’m not a preacher or teacher. I don’t write devotionals or Christian apologetics. Could God really use a simple storyteller like me? There was one thing I couldn’t doubt, though—the fire burning in my heart to write.

Thirty years ago, I submitted my talents, my dreams, my aspirations to God. Since then, I’ve been running the race set before me, but it’s been tough at times. My first novel, a fantastical retelling of the creation story, was rejected by Crossway Books. It just “wasn’t good enough to get past their editorial board”. I took my first rejection in-stride and knew I had to improve my craft. I found a critique group and I began to focus on short stories. I wrote and submitted to various magazines, wrote and submitted, wrote and submitted . . . and accumulated a nice pile of rejection letters before I finally had my first sale.

After, the rejections came much more frequently than the sales and I began to doubt myself, my ability, my gift.If I were truly using my gift as God wanted, then why so many dear author, sorry your story doesn’t fit our needs. Best of luck. rejections? The same held true for my mid-grade fantasy novel, Whispers from Forbidden Earth. I won’t tell you how long I worked on it. I edited and tweaked the story until I was absolutely sick of it. Then I began querying agents, first 1, then 3, then 7 . . . 10 . . . 13 . . . and listened to the ensuing silence that caused me to doubt my gifts and ability all over again.

Stick-to-itiveness is a strange creature, though. Maybe I’m too bullheaded. The fire in my gut wouldn’t disappear and I persevered. I found a publisher who embraced my novel and now Whispers from Forbidden Earth is available on Amazon. Woot!

For some, your writing journey may have been much shorter and smoother than mine. I congratulate you. But I’m really talking to many more who find themselves traveling on my road, a road with a few bumps and potholes in the way.  Don’t give up! Work on your craft, develop a thick skin and charge ahead. Read voraciously, network, join a critique group, and always seek ways to improve your writing. Listen to your heart and not your head.  Did I say to work on your craft?

Do you see that brilliant star ahead? That is your dream and it’s coming closer.

 

Two lives, two worlds, bound together by one accident.

When the young elf Strum first heard the whispers, some on Eversong called it a gift. After all, he is the first of the Iunctus Unus (United Ones) born in centuries. But the whispers are from a bizarre land called Chicago where twelve-year-old Jason Snider lies comatose in a hospital after a terrible accident, an accident that binds the two lives together. If Jason dies, Strum dies.

Forcing open the long-locked portal throws Strum and a pintsize baby dragon into the terrifying world of Chicago. He teams up with a street-smart girl who has her own painful ties to Jason, and the battle is on. For not only is all Chicago chasing them, so are evil mages banished to Earth centuries before. Strum is their chance to return and conquer Eversong. He must stop them, even if it means forfeiting his chance to go home–or worse, his life. (For young readers, ages 9-12.)

Bio: Mark Venturini’s short fiction and flash fiction has appeared in various print and electronic magazines over the years. In 2013, Helping Hands Press published his fantasy novel, Whispers from Forbidden Earth, for ages 8 and up. Mark founded the Pittsburgh East Scribes critique group in 2010 with the aim of helping aspiringwriters pursue their dream of publication. The group has flourished beyond his wildest dreams.By day, Mark is a Senior Software Engineer for a large regional bank. He enjoys the outdoors and loves to kayak and backpack through the beautiful mountains of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Mark and his wife Kathy also provide pro bono IT services to a variety of nonprofit organizations.

Visit Mark at his website, on Facebook, Amazon and Goodreads.

I’M GIVING AWAY A FREE COPY OF MARK’S BOOK!
Just leave a comment below to be eligible for the drawing. I’ll draw the winner at 5pm tomorrow night.

 

Guest: Patti Smith – Fantasy Football and Faith

I am a fantasy football addict.  Every season I go through the excruciating practice of selecting the players that will carry me to victory.  Once my team is set, each week I sit in front of the television, with my laptop tuned in to the NFL page.  While watching one game, I monitor all the other games to see how each of my players is doing.  It’s a test of my multi-tasking talent and most importantly patience.  Then it happens, one of my players gets hurt or doesn’t perform as expected.  I’m furious.  I berate the player, calling him every name in the book.  He let me down.  So, I drop him from my team.

This happens in “real life” as well.  Family and friends do not live up to our expectations and we react with anger and ostracize them.  Is it right?  No, but we do it anyway.  We are blinded by  anger and don’t even consider there might be justifiable reasons surrounding the perceived transgression or that our expectations might be just be unrealistic.  Whatever the circumstance, we are not only hurting them, we are hurting ourselves.

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” 

Carrying that anger instead of forgiving creates a detachment from God and His will.  Whatever the transgression, there is nothing that cannot be forgiven.  Jesus demonstrated that on the cross.

Patti J. Smith lives in Vista, CA, is married and the grandmother of two.  She recently retired after working as a federal auditor, elementary school office manager and most recently background investigator.  She also served ten years in the U.S. Army Reserves.  She’s a caregiver to her parents and uncle and due to retirement has time to pursue her passion of writing.  She has written poetry since childhood; however, heard the calling to write devotionals and inspirational stories.  Through her work she hopes to spread the message of God’s endless love, mercy and compassion.

Her ministries include co-leading Rachel’s Hope Post-Abortion Healing Retreats in San Diego and serving as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, travel and spending time with family and friends.  She’s also a fantasy football fanatic as well as a diehard Seattle Seahawks. fan.