Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 47

A New Day! Also, The Writing Process Blog Hop

Hello friends!

It’s been ages! Took some time off to reflect on some changes in my life, and, my tired brain needed the time to rest, too.

Anyway, it’s good to be back.

There’s been a writing process blog hop circulating among authors for a while now and, I got invited by Serena Chase, author of the lovely books of the Eyes of E’veria Series:  The Ryn #1, The Remedy #2, and The Seahorse Legacy #3. Book #4, The Sunken Realm, comes out in 2015. You can read her Hop post here.

I’ve been asked some questions, which I’ve had the pleasure of providing the answers. Come with me now!

1. What am I working on at the moment?

Me – Well, I’m writing To Lie Once, Child of Grace #2. I’m also putting together ideas for two new series. You can learn all about that in my newsletter, which you can sign up for. My newsletter readers will always be the first to know.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Me – Oh, my. Where do I begin? Number #1: I write edgy Christian fiction. But that’s nothing new. In my writing I don’t mince words; I’m not shy; and, I [almost] have no regard for being traditional (Impoliteness not intended). I write fiction that goes after the lost, and those that are in trouble. So it can’t be exactly  goodness, how do I put this?  innocent. It’s a dirty world we live in, and not everything is rosy, prim, and proper. I could write about the redemption journey of a prostitute today, and decide to write about the salvation of an alcoholic tomorrow, in the grimmest way, and without leaving out the horrors of their old life. Get it? I hope so. But I also try to make sure my readers will be entertained so I include a bit of drama, humor etc. Hope I didn’t scare anyone away! ;)

3. Why do I write what I do?

Me – Because I believe stories are a beautiful way to make people believe again and find hope. I talked about this expressively in a post I wrote sometime back  Why I Believe In Christian Fiction. Do check it out. I poured my heart out in that piece! And, I would love to hear what you think about about it in the comment box. Don’t be shy! ;)

4. How does my writing process work?

Me – I’d like to be all adventurous and say I pantsy all the way. But I’d have to admit, I can’t make it to the end without a bit of planning. The first draft is always the hardest part of my writing, and the final editings, the most annoying. The in-betweens are when I start to pat and congratulate myself for a good job well done (can’t help that! Writing is no cake-walk, ya know!). Anyway, it all starts with an idea, or sometimes, a book title that slowly or furiously  depends on how excited I am  ignites an idea that builds the basic of the story. I’m able to identify my main characters at this point, and even begin writing. Fleshing out the details so the story is meaty, rich and has meaning, is where the dirty work begins. FYI that’s where I’m at right now with To Lie Once. Some days I just want to weep. But don’t worry. It’s not all bad. Promise! :)

That’s it for now. And may I have the pleasure of introducing you to two of my author friends  dear to my heart!  Guy Stanton III and Alison Stanley. I love and respect their work, and I think you should, too! Your choice, of course. I would have tagged a third, but a lot of my author friends have already been tagged, and I honestly was pressed for time to go fishing for a third. Please, do stop by at their sites. You won’t be regret it. They have much love and words to offer. They will be posting next week in continuation of the Writing Process Blog Hop, so look out for their posts, too.

Hope you had fun with me today! Will see you tomorrow again, as I’ll be posting on the cover reveal of my dear friend, Amber Stokes. Yes, another book is in the making, and the cover is breathtaking. As always, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

Adios, amigos!

Filed under: Blogging, My Updates Tagged: Alison Stanley, Amber Stokes, Guy Stanton III, Serena Chase, Writing Process Blog Hop

Book Blast & Giveaway! ~ Lottie by Jeanetta Britt

It’s a book Blast!

Today I’m featuring Lottie by author, Jeanetta Britt. I’m also happy to announce that there will be a giveaway! You can scroll down for more details of the giveaway. So, friends, come along, and lets get to know this book better!

Book Description

Oh, no! Rose is back! If Lottie isn’t having enough trouble being a newlywed and taking on her duties as the first female African American Senator in her native state of Alabama, her sister Rose is trying to make the moves on her husband, Chaney. Rose has had a crush on Chaney since high school, and it looks like she’s not done yet. And in spite of her love for her community and her political pursuits, Lottie has to learn to open her heart and fight for her family. Family, however, is not always what it seems—family is the people who love us. Lottie, the third book in the Lottie Series, follows the murder mystery in Pickin’ Ground, and the story of personal and community redemption in In Due Season. Lottie explores the fulfillment of marital love that overcomes selfish ambition, political corruption, and family pain. “There is no love like married love!”

~Genre~

Christian Fiction

~Giveaway!~

One winner will receive: an autographed copy of all three books in the Lottie series: Pickin’ Ground (The Lottie Series Book 1) In Due Season (The Lottie Series Book 2) Lottie (The Lottie Series Book 3). You can join via a Rafflecopter giveaway ticket. Just click on the link to the ticket.

~Get the Book!~

Kindle | Nook

This post is also on facebook.

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jeanetta Britt, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fisk University and Top Ten from The University of Michigan. She completed a successful executive career that spanned over three decades in Dallas, Texas, before returning to her native Alabama. “But,” she says, “my faith in Jesus Christ means more than anything, and it has proven to be the most valuable asset in my life.” She also says, “That’s why I write Christian Fiction novels and Gospel poetry . . . to share the love!”

Read the Savvy Saturday Weekly Paper here.

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Feature, Giveaway Tagged: Jeanetta Britt, Lottie, Lottie Series, Lottie Series 3

Book Review ~ Running Back by Emily Camp

About the Book

Sixteen year old Garrett Light is the middle child of a Christian family. He’s tired of living in his older brother’s shadow.

With football, friends and parties, he doesn’t have time to waste on his family and the several church services that he’s forced to go to every week.

Meeting the girl of his dreams is even more pressure on him when he has to keep her a secret. Though all secrets have a way of coming out. How far will he go before he realizes his family are the one he needs to turn to?

This story isn’t just about faith and first love. It’s also about relationships between friends and family.

This is the second in a series but can be read as a stand alone.

Genre

Christian/ YA Romance

My Rating

4 Stars (****)

My Review

This book is the sequel to Here Comes The Light. I liked that between the two books, the premise for Running Back was set in the second half of book #1, Here Comes The Light, only that the relevant details hashed out in book #2, which made it its own story, were absent in book #1, making the entire plot come together in full circle.

This is the story of Garrett and Carly. Unlike Carly, Garrett was raised in a Christian and loving family, but because of peer pressure and his popularity as the running-back in his school’s football team (a position next best to being quarterback), he rejected God and fell into a life of disobedience. He and Carly eventually got into trouble, bringing them face to face with the fact that in life, actions have consequences. A sudden tragedy that shakes them, as well as the school, has them running back to God (no pun intended).

This story opens up the world that a lot of teenagers are exposed to. The writing, if I may so say myself, is quite YA uncensored so that you can see that the author has no intention of sugarcoating the truth of what happens among teenagers in our world today when parents aren’t looking. Some parts of it are borderline sensual, but still handled well. Emotions are raw, characterization very in-depth, and the sense of time/setting are on point. The pain/tragic moments are as real as the characters, but in the end, hope, grace, forgiveness, and restoration reign, making it a fine read.

I hope to continue with the other books in the series as the author publishes them.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My gratitude to the author for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This post is also on facebook.

About the Author

Emily lives at the top of a hill in rural Ohio where she spends her time between writing, reading, and homeschooling her two kids. In the summers she does most of her writing under an umbrella by her back yard pool. Emily’s love for fiction started before she could remember making up crazy stories in her head, as a little girl; her teen years was when her passion for writing began.

After becoming a mother she put her writing aside for several years, until God nudged her to pick it back up again. She self-published her first book, Here Comes the Light, in October 2013. Find Emily on facebook!

Read the Savvy Saturday Weekly paper here.

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Cambrooke Series #2, Emily Camp, Running Back

Book Review ~ Journey Into The Deep by Guy Stanton III

About the Book

“As it was in the days of Noah,

so it will be …” – Matt 24:32

A Bible story …

… a Greek myth …

… and a treasure hunt!

Put it all together, and you have a recipe for fantasy explosion!

Eli Warner has only one objective when he finds the Orlanis Star—to use it as a guide to locate a once sunken ship and enrich himself with its treasures. But the Orlanis Star brings with it far more than he bargains for—an inscription that promises the discovery of the lost city, Atlantis, and the unraveling of its strange and diabolical mysteries. In a moment of decision, Eli and his crew agree that the wisest action is to cast the Star back into the sea where it belongs, and head back home.

But God has other plans for these treasure hunters … to set the captives free!

Follow Eli and his crew on a journey of faith, destiny, and triumph from our modern world into the deep of the Earth.

History, Scripture, Myth, and Technology never looked so good together!

Genre

Christian/Speculative Fiction

My Rating

3 out of 5 (stars)

My Review

This is the start of a new series by this author, and I’m glad to say I was the “expert” that wrote the new blurb on Amazon.

This book is not the usual Christian fiction out there. Imagine my surprise when I learned down the story that the author tied the story of Noah, some parts of American history, and a famous battle in a Greek myth to the mythological lost Island of Atlantis, and yet managed to make it all work out into a neat story. It certainly had my attention when I came across that part. The writing and plot are very bold, almost unbelievable, but fictionally plausible, and very acceptable. An ingenious attempt, if I may say so myself.

Though it’s a modern day tale, Stanton managed to make history meet it half way. I can’t explain any further unless I engage spoilers, which I won’t do—and no, there was no time travel. Beats your imagination, doesn’t it?

As usual with Stanton’s books, it made me sit down and think. I must confess I enjoyed The Warrior Kind Series more than this book, which is book #1 of the Water Wars Series. Perhaps it’s because The Warrior Kind started with a historical fantasy setting? While I’m sure this book will be likable by sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal fans (and it has understandably gotten quite some 5 and 4 stars), it isn’t my favorite.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. A Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

You can also find this post on facebook.

About the Author

I’m a dreamer, a poet, a lover, a husband, a father, and a man of God. I’m inspired by what I’ve seen and what I’ve read, but what I create with my words is where I dream. I pray for inspiration, and I enjoy what I have written just as I hope that others will as well. I’m a quiet man on the outside, but writing has become the playground of my soul to express itself in the grandeur of the created worlds and tales that I have been fortunate enough to dream of. The best way to find out more about me is to read my books. I write from the heart and I express both my shortcomings and my triumphs. I like to think of my writing as ‘Reality Fiction’. I tell it like I see it. Life is short and the troubles many, but with faith in Jesus Christ all things have become possible to me. I may write ‘make believe’, but I strive to live out what I write. I enjoy my work and I hope you do too. Have a blessed time reading my imaginative thoughts.

Sincerely, Guy III

Read the Savvy Saturday Weekly Paper here.

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Guy Stanton III, Journey Into The Deep, Water Wars Series

Book Review ~ Shades of Brown by Cassietta Jefferson

It’s a tour stop!

~ About the Book ~

Asami, Bonita, Morgan, and Sienna have shared everything including their laughter and tears. No matter the challenge, they always emerged stronger with their friendship intact. No one ever expected that they would be tested again so severely.

These women soon learn that although life brings its share of storms, it’s what they do in the midst of those storms that define their character. While navigating the worst storms of their lives, these captivating women discover the true meaning of friendship, faith, and family.

~ Genre ~

Christian/Women’s Fiction

~ My Rating ~

2 out of 5 (stars)

~ My Review ~

This is the story of four friends closer than sisters. From the first page you can see the genuine love that binds these women together. The story starts with them fresh out of high school, full of hope and dreams, and then sectioning the book into each of their personal stories before rounding up with them together again. Each section delves into the troubles that come along the way, posing great challenges that test their faith, and each woman walks away with a valuable lesson from the others’ stories, as well as their own, learning that all things are best left in the hands of God, and that God is capable of turning chaos into a chorus of victory.

It is quite clear the intent of the author—to offer a message of hope to her readers. However, I must confess that the writing is not what it should be. It is in serious need of professional editing. The plot obviously has great potential, but it is difficult to ignore the errors. First of, the entire book is grouped into only chapters, and not broken down into proper scenes. This would be relatively okay if the POVs (Points of View of each character) were constant and well managed, but they weren’t. Each chapter contained as many POVs as it did characters, and the POVs jumped in at any point in the plot—wherever a new character surfaced in dialogue or monologue, their POV took over, making it confusing at some points to follow the story. Also, there was a lot of repetition of words/phrases within the same frame of a dialogue/monologue, and even within a sentence/paragraph.

Description was relatively poor and proper chronology of some events was absent in the story. Segments/details were haphazardly placed in bits and pieces in the dialogue/monologue making it difficult to follow sometimes. Except for briefly describing some character gestures and immediate setting, the narrative was generally passive which didn’t allow character development at all. There were lots of “telling”, and very little “showing”.

In each personal story, the conclusion and the reactions of the characters were too abrupt in a bipolar sort of way—clearly for the convenience of the plot—to be realistic, eliminating the chance of a proper story arc to be developed. I simply had no choice but to take what the author told me was the “truth” of each situation. For instance: I found it disconcerting that the characters were generally spineless in the face of confrontation. Whenever approached to “confess” a secret, past, or deed that the author promised was safely guarded by the character in question, it was surprising how they easily crumbled and gave in—much for the convenience of the story so that there was a quick conclusion and peaceful, happy end.

Finally, there were lots of typo errors. The writing did get better towards the end, but I honestly don’t believe this book was even proofread.

On the theme aspect, there were some issues that were not properly addressed and wrapped up nicely. For instance, one of the lead characters had a cousin who obviously had a promiscuous lifestyle. His faith, or lack of it, didn’t seem to bother any of these women when he expressed interest in one of them. In fact, they encouraged it. That bothers me. Also, aside from the fact that the author “told” me that these women “knew” God, even at the end of the book—except for one of them. Okay! Maybe, two—I wasn’t entirely convinced. Perhaps if the story was stretched a little more to include a well developed arc, and with better writing, too, I would have believed it. Let me say this: Ms Jefferson has a lot of potential in becoming a masterful and skilled writer. She simply needs the guidance of a professional editor.

Warning: There are some sensitive parts of the story that are not appropriate for younger readers.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. Much appreciation to Write Now Literary publicity for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

~ Get the Book! ~

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

You can also find this post on facebook.

About the Author

Cassietta Jefferson is a contemporary Christian author, publisher, editor, and blogger. She is the newest book reviewer for Prophetic Worship Intensive Christ Unit (PWICU); a faith based Radio and TV media platform. She is also the founder of Virtuous Ink Publishing LLC where she seeks to provide her readers with the best in contemporary Christian literature.

Cassietta earned her Bachelors of Applied Science in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and after traveling the country currently resides in Las Vegas Nevada. She is married to a proud retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant and together they have raised three children. Cassietta the youngest of ten siblings; seven older brothers and two older sisters who in addition to her wonderful parents help to shape her life.

In 2012, Cassietta published her first novel, Be Still & Know and published a novella, Timing is everything, the following year. Her latest book, Shades of Brown, is now available in print and ebook versions. To find out more about Cassietta Jefferson, visit http://www.virtuousinkpublishing.com/author-cassietta-jefferson.html.

~ Find the Cassietta! ~

Email: CJefferson@virtuousinkpublishing.com

Website: http://www.virtuousinkpublishing.com

Twitter handle @MsSetta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtuousInkPublishing

 

Read the Savvy Saturday Weekly paper here.

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Cassietta Jefferson, Christian Women's Fiction, Shades of Brown

INSPY Award Winners 2014!

Hello friends!

On June 28th, the winners of the INSPY Award in the different categories were announced. We, the judges, were also given permission to blog about this. So, here they are!

DEBUT FICTION

2014 INSPY Finalists

Burning Sky by Lori Benton

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

2014 INSPY Winner!

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

###

GENERAL FICTION

2014 INSPY Finalists

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel

Widow of Gettysburg by Jorcelyn Green

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes

Iscariot by Tosca Lee

2014 INSPY Winner!

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes

###

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/ROMANCE SUSPENSE

2014 INSPY Finalists

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Talon by Ronnie Kendig

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Take A Chance On Me by Susan May Warren

2014 INSPY Winner!

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

###

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

2014 INSPY Finalists

Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

Duchess by Susan May Warren

2014 INSPY Winner!

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

###

SPECULATIVE FICTION

2014 INSPY Finalists

The Hero’s Lot by Patrick W Carr

Dark Halo by Shannon Dittemore

Anomaly by Krista McGee

Memory’s Door by James L Rubart

The Rising by Lynn Chandler-Willis

2014 INSPY Winner!

Anomaly by Krista McGee

###

MYSTERY & THRILLER

2014 INSPY Finalists

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

The King by Steven James

Poison by Jordyn Redwood

Dead Lawyers Tell No tales by Randy Singer

2014 INSPY Winner!

The King by Steven James

###

LITERATURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS

2014 INSPY Finalists

Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Doon by Carey Corp & Lori Landon

Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill

Hurt by Travis Thrasher

Captives by Jill Williamson

2014 INSPY Winner!

Captives by Jill Williamson

###

Now you have it! Congrats to the finalist authors and the winners!

I, along with Alyssa Washburn and Rebekah Malik were judges in the Contemporary Romance/Romance Suspense Category, and this is what we had to say about the Barefoot Summer, the winning book:

“Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter is the quintessential definition of Christian Romantic Fiction. The writing style is in a word lovely, with perfect pacing and wonderful descriptions. Barefoot Summer played like a movie in our heads. Denise created characters with flaws and very real emotions that kept us invested in their story and engaged with each new scene. Not just with the main characters, but the other plot lines as well. While the other four novels were great reads this one climbed it’s way to the top. Barefoot Summer truly is the perfect Summer read, and for many more Summers to come.”

Stop by at the INSPY Announcement Page to see what the other judges had to say about the winning books.

You can also find this post on facebook.

Read the Savvy Saturday Weekly Paper here.

Filed under: Awards, News Tagged: 2014 INSPY Award Finalists and Winners

~ The Facebook Side Of Life

Life will always hand you lemons. There’s no way around that. The good thing is, God is aware of that, and, He lets them come your way because He knows He has equipped you enough to make lemonades out of them. The process, though, is not always easy. But it’s in the process that we grow.

Nothing new there.

But there’s something we tend to hide from—being honest about the tough times in our lives when in all honesty, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. I recently read a post from a blogger friend who admitted that her boyfriend of four years had ended their relationship and she was heartbroken. She also shared a bit of good news, too. The point is, she was awesomely honest. And the flood of comments/likes? So gracious! I’m sure in the end her day was brighter for it.

What am I trying to say?

No one is immune to days where it seems like thunder has zapped EVERY SINGLE thing in your life, and nothing makes sense anymore. You’re sure that if it isn’t the whole world that’s crazy, it’s you. But … there’s NOTHING to be ashamed of. If you don’t want anyone in your business, that’s fine, too. But please, don’t intentionally present a false front on social media (or in the real world) simply because you want to be viewed as part of the “party group”. You’ll only walk away very hurt for it and feeling drained, confused, stupid, and like a complete fraud. Yes, it’s true.

So, tell the truth, or tell nothing. But tell it all to God. If you have buddies/family who you know will genuinely care and will listen, tell them too. It’s the best way forward and you’ll be better for it.

I believe this video explains it best.

This post is also on facebook.

To read the Savvy Saturday Weekly paper, go here.

Filed under: Inspirational, Personal Development Tagged: Facebook, Inspirational, Social Media, Spirituality

Sunny Sunday Poetry ~ Good

Lord, God, Your ways are always Good

They are delicious like sumptuous Food

I’m humbled that our relationship is as Brotherhood

Always, between us, there’s an easy Mood

Yet, You’re my Father, King–I’ve Understood

So may my life be pleasing as gold, and not dead Wood

And my faith shine so bright as it’s always Stood.

This post is also on facebook.

To read the Savvy Saturday Weekly Paper, go here.

Filed under: Christianity, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Personal Development, Poetry, Spirituality Tagged: Christian Poetry, God, Good, Inspirational Poetry, Jesus, Poetry, Sunny Sunday Poetry

Book Review ~ Echoes of Mercy by Kim Sawyer Vogel

About the Book

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, in 1904, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate. Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father.

Genre

Christian Fiction/Historical Romance

My Rating

3 out of 5 (stars)

My Review

I appreciated the simple manner in which Vogel expressed her message in the story. The writing was easy to follow, and the characters, quite likable.

Being a romance story, I knew the hero and heroine would definitely end up together, but I enjoyed following the story to see how it would unfold.

The romance was almost absent, and the suspense very light. And although this book is evidently Christian, its message was too simple for an adult fiction. I felt like some parts of it played out like a children’s storybook. That doesn’t mean that the writing wasn’t good—in fact, it was. But having an adult character tackle an issue with the approach of a child just wasn’t believable to me.

This post is also available on facebook.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.”

To read the Savvy Saturday Weekly Paper, go here.

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Echoes of Mercy, Kim Vogel Sawyer

Movie Director, Screenwriter & Author, Randall Wallace’s Awesome Speech On The Christy Award’s Night

Randall Wallace is a name a lot of people in Hollywood know. He wrote Brave Heart, produced the movies, Man In the Iron Mask, Pearl Harbor etc, and more recently, Heaven Is For Real. He is also the author of several books. On the Christy Award night, offered what I’ll peg as one of the most touching, truthful, and inspiring speeches I’ve ever heard, where he tackles faith issues and the power of a story from a writer and movie director’s point of view. And just in case you were wondering, yes, he’s a Christian.

Watch his speech via this link.

You can also find this post on facebook.

To read the Savvy Saturday Weekly paper, go here.

Filed under: Christian Movies, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Stories Tagged: Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Randall Wallace