Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 186

BOOK REVIEW – RECONCILIATION by AMY MCNEW

Reconciliation: Book Two of the Reluctant Warrior Chronicles


Gutsier. Edgier. Deeper and darker.

Anger rages. It rears its ugly head and takes control. Sneaks in and sneaks up, and snakes around your self-control, infesting your peace with turmoil.

As Liz and Ryland’s journey continues, the demons they face are more deceiving, more subtle. And much more evil.

But the fiercer battles, the uglier demons are the ones they fight on the inside. Their personal demons.


“Humans reacted so often out of emotion. Especially anger. They never seemed to realize it debilitated them and left them vulnerable. They didn’t think clearly when running on rage and that played right into Kade’s hand.”

When the battle rages around, Liz strikes out. She has reinforcements.
But when the battle is within, there are no reinforcements, and to strike out is to strike inward.

Can she overcome the boiling rage that torments her? Can she allow herself to become the woman and warrior God created her to be? Can she conquer the beast within and walk in the fullness of God, accepting all He has for her?


Ms. McNew continues the story of Liz and Ryland, taking it to deeper levels of truth. Self-examination. And self-discovery. As the battle mounts around them, so too does each of them face more intense wars within. Ms. McNew has generated more depth to her characters, woven a more intricate story tapestry. She has added new levels to an already riveting story, with real-life issues that bring an element of truth to the fight against the forces of evil. I was there with Liz as she struggled to quell the storm within, I cried with her when time and again, she fell short. I urged her on as Ryland came by her side with his love and encouragement. I rooted for them both as from the sidelines every time they went to battle.
Ms. McNew has done it again, and surpassed the high bar she set with Rebirth. I was drawn into this story, and saw much of myself in the human condition Ms. McNew so aptly portrays.


I was given a copy of this book in return for my honest review.


Amy Brock McNew
Meet Amy Brock McNew. Author. Blogger. Fighter.

Former nurse and martial artist.

Amy doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. She enthusiastically explores the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird. She pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities.

This wife and mom is a lover of music, chocolate, the beach, and cherry vanilla Coke. Her home is a zoo, filled with teenagers–both hers and those she seems to collect–two dogs, a cat, and various fish and amphibians. Strangely enough, her kids are the ones who have to tell her to turn the music down.

It is her firm belief that everyone should have a theme song.

Originally from Arkansas, Amy currently resides in Indiana. She and her Taekwondo-instructor husband are constantly acting like overgrown kids–and loving every minute of it. She longs for the day when her husband retires, so she can write her adventures of love and war on a back porch overlooking the ocean.
In flip flops.


Reconciliation, Amy McNew, Book Review, Rebirth, The Reluctant Warrior Chronicles, Resistance, #‎TheReluctantWarriorChronicles‬ ‪#‎UrbanFantasy‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 25 January 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY SPECIAL EDITION RELEASE EVENT – RECONCILIATION by AMY BROCK MCNEW

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 25 January 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY SPECIAL EDITION RELEASE EVENT – RECONCILIATION by AMY BROCK MCNEW
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WREADING WEDNESDAY SPECIAL EDITION RELEASE EVENT – RECONCILIATION by AMY BROCK MCNEW

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Some ghosts from the past refuse to stay dead.

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Gutsier. Edgier. Deeper and darker.

 

Anger rages. It rears its ugly head and takes control. Sneaks in and sneaks up, and snakes around your self-control, infesting your peace with turmoil.

 

As Liz and Ryland’s journey continues, the demons they face are more deceiving, more subtle. And much more evil.

 

But the fiercer battles, the uglier demons are the ones they fight on the inside. Their personal demons.

 

“Humans reacted so often out of emotion. Especially anger. They never seemed to realize it debilitated them and left them vulnerable. They didn’t think clearly when running on rage and that played right into Kade’s hand.”

 

When the battle rages around, Liz strikes out. She has reinforcements. But when the battle is within, there are no reinforcements, and to strike out is to strike inward.

 

Can she overcome the boiling rage that torments her? Can she allow herself to become the woman and warrior God created her to be?  Can she conquer the beast within and walk in the fullness of God, accepting all He has for her?

 

 

Ms. McNew continues the story of Liz and Ryland, taking it to deeper levels of truth. Self-examination. And self-discovery. As the battle mounts around them, so too do they both face more intense wars within. Ms. McNew has generated more depth to her characters, woven a more intricate story tapestry. She has added new levels to an already riveting story, with real-life issues that bring an element of truth to the fight against the forces of evil. I was there with Liz as she struggled to quell the storm within, I cried with her when time and again, she fell short. I urged her on as Ryland came by her side with his love and encouragement. I rooted for them both as from the sidelines every time they went to battle.

Ms. McNew has done it again, and surpassed the high bar she set with Rebirth. I was drawn into this story, and saw much of myself in the human condition Ms. McNew so aptly portrays.

 

I received a free copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own volition, The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

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Meet Amy Brock McNew. Author. Blogger. Fighter.

Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it.

Exploring the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird, Amy pours her guts

onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is

off-limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our

sheltered and controlled realities. Visit AmyBrockMcNew.com to learn more about this

intriguing author.

 

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/AmyBrockMcNewAuthor

https://twitter.com/AmyBrockMcNew

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/26955721-amy-mcnew

Purchase Link (L2L2 website): http://bit.ly/2h0CoeY

Facebook Launch Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2046488562244483/

 

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Thanks for having me, Robin! So, what exactly do you want to know? I’m an open book!

What do you want readers to get from reading Reconciliation? There’s so much. It’s kind of a loaded book. Pretty heavy with some scary topics. But there are a couple overarching ideas I’d like people to walk away with. First, don’t be afraid to trust because you’ve been hurt before. There are people who love you, who you can depend on, and who are worthy of your trust. Don’t doubt them because of someone else’s actions. And of course, you can definitely trust God. Second, He is unchanging, as is His love. There is nothing you have done that can make Him stop loving you and trying to bring you back into His arms. Lastly, your past may be a part of you, it may have shaped you, but it doesn’t own you. Be open about it, use its lessons, and move forward in honesty and courage, knowing the past only has power over you if you give that power.
What would you say is an interesting writing quirk you have? I don’t have any odd quirks, at least, I don’t think. I HAVE to have music. I can write without it, but I don’t like to. It seems like it’s more difficult to get the words out. My playlists for each character, scene, and chapter help me get in the right head space. Without it, it feels like something’s missing.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing? When I’m not writing I like to work out, usually weights or the heavy bag. I also attend a lot of concerts, crochet, read whenever I have a free moment, play volleyball, play piano, and sing karaoke and play games with my family. It gets loud around here! I’m also learning to throw knives, which is just cool. Other than that, I have a video production company, and I volunteer with a music ministry, A1M. Busy busy.
What is your writing Krypotonite? I’m guessing this means my biggest problem or issue. Hm. Probably being a perfectionist. I regularly push deadlines hard, a real last-minute submitter, simply because I want everything I put out to be as perfect as possible. Being OCD and a writer is sometimes a huge pain!
Do you ever get reader’s block? There is always something I’m in the mood to read. It’s making the time that becomes the problem.
How many unpublished and half-finished book do you have? 1 half-finished, 1 that’s ¾ of the way done, and none that are complete and unpublished. I’ve finished and published everything I’ve written.
What is the most difficult thing about writing characters of the opposite sex? I’ve never had a problem writing guys, simply because most of my friends have always been guys. The only thing that trips me up occasionally is why they do what they do, and the fact that many men seem to have issues discussing emotionally charged subjects. I like to know the “why” of my characters actions and reactions, so that can get a little hairy when I’m writing a big emotional scene.
How do you select the names of your characters? I tend to associate certain personalities and even physical traits with certain names. When I’m naming characters, I have these in mind as I go through names. I always look for a particular sound to the name, a singular feel to it. I have the character in my head, so when I search name sites, I already know a general idea of what I’m looking for. I’m also big on meanings of names. Then sometimes, the character comes to me with a name already part of the package. Oh, and my angels? I created those names, meshing Hebrew, Greek, and Gaelic names to create the sound and meaning I wanted.
And finally, what did you edit out of this book? Well, the scene in the pizza place towards the beginning was a lot longer. But you get to see more of that in the first novella, Resistance. And I had to scale back a couple of battle scenes a little. I know people who’ve read it are probably like, “Whoa. That’s scaled back?” I tend toward the graphic side when it comes to battle scenes, and I felt it may have been a bit much for some of my readers. That’s about it. This one was pretty clean right out of the gate.

 

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Author’s Top Ten Favorites

 

Holiday: Halloween
Dessert: German Chocolate Cake
Coffee: Black Rifle Coffee Company. Small, veteran owned, with the richest, strongest coffee ever.
Book: I can’t pick one book. Ugh. Okay, if I have to…Demon by Tosca Lee. I could read that a million times.
Book Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Date: Coney dogs and root beer from the drive in, at the park, sitting on the tailgate
Vacation location: Myrtle Beach stateside, Scottish Highlands international
Character from TRWC: Ryland. I adore him.
Weapon: Mid-length Katana (Japanese sword), or 9mm SCCY compact
Scripture: Psalm 13

 

Thanks again for letting me crash your blog. It’s been fun!

 

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Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Reconciliation, Amy Brock McNew, The Reluctant Warrior Chronicles, Reconciliation, Resistance, #‎TheReluctantWarriorChronicles ‪#‎UrbanFantasy, Author Interview, Top Ten Favorites

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 24 January 2017 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDERSTORY

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 24 January 2017 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDERSTORY
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDERSTORY

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WOWIE! This story grabbed me from the first words and didn’t let go to the end. It still hasn’t.

 

I once read that all families are dysfunctional in some way. The Masters family embodies it. With the mother deceased and the father in prison, one sister on drugs and one deformed, and a stepbrother out for number one—and willing to sell his own sister for personal gain.

 

Lily, however, clings to the shred of survival instinct she possesses. A blizzard changes the course of her attempt to escape her brother’s plans, and lands her in the care of Cam Taylor.

Cam, however, has stumbled into a hornet’s nest of his own—a cold case racially charged murder.

As these two volatile issues collide, Cam and Lily sift through layers of lies, revealing truth underneath.

 

 

 

Ms. Lickel gave me not only real people with whom I could sympathize, but plausible situations that elicited my own apprehension. With each new twist, and there were a bunch, I was as lost as Lily, my trust waning, my desperation for her ratcheting up. I wanted to spit on her father in his cell and gouge her brother’s eyes out (or worse.) I bit my nails as her nephew fought for his life and wept for a ten-year-old little boy so neglected. Ms. Lickel has brought so many pieces to the puzzle of a story and created a mosaic of hope in the end. She has won a new fan in this reader.

 

 

 

 

I purchased this book on Amazon. I offer my review of my own volition, The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

[image error]Lisa Lickel lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book #reviewer and #reader, writing mentor, workshop leader, freelance #editor, and blogger. She loves to encourage new #authors and is a member of Chicago Writers Association, Council for Wisconsin Writers, Womens Fiction Writers of America, and Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp & Writers Retreat. Find more at LisaLickel.com.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-J.-Lickel/e/B002D66ECC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

http://www.lisalickel.com/

 

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#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Understory, Lisa J. Lickel The Newspaper Code, The Last Detail, Meow Mayhem

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NEW WEEK NEW FACE – AMY McNEW (repost)

Welcome to my FIRST EVER New Week New Face Feature, with my friend, Amy McNew! Welcome Amy! (repost)

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Breath and Life

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Thank you so much, Robin, for having me on your blog today! I’m excited to be here and have the chance to speak to new people, and hopefully meet some new friends.

For those who don’t know, I’m the fighter chick. The books I write are speculative in nature, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality. They are all about love and war spanning the realms. On my blog, I discuss war, both spiritual and physical. I talk about those demons we all face, and strive to offer hope in fighting them. I talk about causes that are important to me. I am honest. I am real. Sometimes brutally so. I lay my guts on the page, putting all of me into every post and revealing those parts of myself that can be difficult to uncover. In doing so, I hope that I encourage others to lay themselves open, get real, and above all, understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

Today, I offer you a part of myself. My hope is that you will see there is peace to be had, even in the darkest battles.

Yes, peace.

That’s my word for this week.

I know many of you will probably find that a bit odd, considering I’m the woman that’s always yelling fight! Fight! Fight! But even the fiercest warrior has to have a season of peace. Of rest. Of rejuvenation.

I realized yesterday that it is past time for my season of peace. I’ve been running myself ragged, and haven’t taken the time to reset, to restore my spirit. So today, I’m reminding myself of ways I find peace and rest, and get you to think about the things that breathe fresh air into your life.

There are so many people, places, and things that I find sanctuary in. That are my breath and life. I want to share some of them with you today, in no particular order.

Above is a picture of the White River in Northern Arkansas, not far from where I grew up. This place will always hold a piece of my heart. The smell of pine, the rivers and lake I grew up around, the quiet, being surrounded by nature. When I was younger, all I wanted was to get out of that backwater and see the big world. Now, I return as often as I can, which is not often enough.

 

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These are a few of the crazy people in my life. While often they drive me absolutely batty, each one has at one time or another spoken love into my heart and breathed life back into me when I was fading. For all our ups and downs, we are family and I love these people.

 

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Music. Music is what motivates me. It’s what powers me. I have been a musician and music lover all my life. I find solace in melody, comfort in rhythm. My life has a soundtrack and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

 

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Martial arts have been a part of my life for 20 years. Though I no longer compete due to health issues, I can still spar lightly, let loose on the bag, work through my forms, and train as hard as always. Even if it’s just me running through a form (think Tai Chi) all by my lonesome, I get a rush. I am centered. I am focused. For that moment, I am powerful.

 

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I would be remiss if I failed to mention my greatest Source of peace. I’ve been involved with church pretty much my whole life. But only in the past several years have I come to have a true, honest, no holds barred relationship with my God, and not just hold to a religion. In opening myself up like that, having faith, I have found peace that is beyond description.

I’ve been in some utterly dark and wretched places, spiritually and physically. Places and situations I thought there was no way out of. Many times I’ve felt that there was nothing but chaos around me, and I had no light to see by, nothing to hold on to. Then I really met my Savior. Once I surrendered, turning everything over to Him without holding back, even in my darkest times I’ve felt Him. He holds me. He comforts me. He whispers to me, letting me know I’m never alone. I’m never without light, even if I have to squint to see it. He infuses me with peace exactly when I need it most.

If you have yet to find that for yourself, I challenge you to reach out to Him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Now that I’ve laid a little bit more of my guts on the page, how about you? What gives you peace? How do you find rest? Is there a place or person you run to when you need your spirit replenished, when you need to get away from it all, or you just need to be reminded who you are and rediscover your dreams? Share with us! Maybe someone reading this needs some ideas for getting a little fresh air in their lungs. Remember, we’re in this fight together.

On my own blog, I always have a song that follows my post. The melody I’m sharing with you today is an instrumental I find relaxing and soothing. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Thank you again for letting me share with you today.

Fight on friends, victory is ours.

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Meet Amy Brock McNew. Author. Blogger. Fighter.

Former nurse and martial artist.

Amy doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. She enthusiastically explores the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird. She pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities.

This wife and mom is a lover of music, chocolate, the beach, and cherry vanilla Coke. Her home is a zoo, filled with teenagers–both hers and those she seems to collect–two dogs, a cat, and various fish and amphibians. Strangely enough, her kids are the ones who have to tell her to turn the music down.

It is her firm belief that everyone should have a theme song.

 

You can find Amy at:

Facebook: Facebook.com/AmyBrockMcNewauthor

Twitter: twitter.com/amybrockmcnew

Website: www.AmyBrockMcNew.com

 

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#amymcnew, #newweeknewface, #NWNF, #authorbloggerfighter, #specfiction, #peace

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BLOGWORDS – Sunday 22 January 2017 – FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – AUTHOR DOWN

BLOGWORDS – Sunday 22 January 2017 – FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – AUTHOR DOWN
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FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – AUTHOR DOWN

 

Some days are better than others. And I’ve had a few, shall we say, difficult ones.

 

I’ve struggled with fatigue and weakness for a long time. Seems there is more than one contributor, RA being a primary factor, and vitamin D deficiency playing no small role.

 

And so, I’ve scaled back so I can focus on writing.

 

Ya know what, though? Father is still with me. Even in my lowest moments, both physically and emotionally (‘cause, yeah, this ain’t easy) He’s right here by my side.

 

And if that isn’t the Gospel in a nutshell I don’t know what is.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Front Porch Fellowship, #FPF, Sunday Devotion, Author Down, Deuteronomy 31:6

BLOGWORDS – Saturday’s in 2017 – WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES

BLOGWORDS – Saturday’s in 2017 – WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES
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WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES

 

I like to cook. And I like to invent my own recipes. And I like to try other people’s recipes. And now I’m going to share them with you.

 

If you’ve a recipe you’d like to share leave a comment below or email me at robinemason212@gmail.com

 

NOTE: All recipes must be used with permission.

 

#Blogwords, What’s Cookin’ in Your Kitchen, #RandomRecipes, #AuthorsEat #AuthorsCook

BLOGWORDS – Friday 20 January 2017– FIRST LINE FRIDAY – UNDERSTORY by LISA J. LICKEL

BLOGWORDS – Friday 20 January 2017– FIRST LINE FRIDAY – UNDERSTORY by LISA J. LICKEL

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FIRST LINE FRIDAY – UNDERSTORY by LISA J. LICKEL

 

  Reading is My SuperPower

Bookworm Mama

Singing Librarian

Faithfully Bookish

Radiant Light

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

 

 

THE BLURB:  

[image error]When nobody loves you, you have nothing to lose.

Lily Masters is not getting involved with any fake job scheme covering a sex trafficking operation supposedly cooked up by her stepbrother, prison guard Art Townsend. Hoping to get help at a friend’s place deep in the woods of northern Wisconsin before a blizzard, Lily loses her way. At first, she doesn’t realize how fortunate she is to be found by Cam Taylor, a poetry-spouting former lit professor. Cam has his own reasons to hide while writing a biography of his Civil Rights activist grandparents and accidentally stirs up a cold case murder involving a potential Supreme Court judge. When trouble follows, either of them is the likely target.

Beneath every story is layer upon layer of trust and lies. Who can they believe when things go from surreal to devastating?

 

 

 

THE FIRST LINE :   

Friday, December 15

She wrestled with the wheel, white-knuckled as the view beyond the windshield deserved. Power steering locked as the engine coughed one last time and died. Her teeth rattled as they skidded over a county snowplow’s leftover chunks at the edge of the road and bumped into a ditch.

 

MY THOUGHTS:  

WOWIE! I’ve only just begun reading and just WOWIE! This story leaps off the pages and grabs you by the throat. Very well written.

 

GENRE:

Mystery and suspence.

 

STARS:

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#Blogwords, First Line Friday, #FLF, Understory, Lisa J. Lickel

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 19 January 2017 – CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – DANELE ROTHARMEL

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 19 January 2017 – CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – DANELE ROTHARMEL
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CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – DANELE ROTHARMEL

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“I pulled my hand back with the dragonfly clinging to my finger, and I remembered my prayer from the day before. A wave of overwhelming gratitude washed over me. This was the sign I had prayed for–the sign I so desperately needed.”

 

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““Lord, if you really sent this dragonfly to tell me that you love me and that everything’s going to be okay, you can let it go now.” Immediately, the dragonfly flew off my finger and zipped over the roof of the house.”

 

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I’d like to give a big welcome to DANELE ROTHARMEL to my blog.  Danele Rotharmel’s life took an unexpected turn when a mysterious illness brought her close to death. Eventually, she learned that a carbon monoxide leak from a faulty furnace was poisoning her. This poisoning triggered Multiple Chemical Sensitivity causing her to be put in quarantine. For seven years, she could only talk to friends and extended family through a windowpane. During this time, she wrote the first six books in The Time Counselor Chronicles.  Although her journey back to health was difficult, it provided her the opportunity to grow closer to God and write her books. For that, she’s forever thankful.

 

rem:  Danele, thank you for joining me today. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?

DANELE:  Hello, Robin! It’s great being here! I was born and raised in Colorado, and I still live along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. I really love Colorado, and I can’t envision living anywhere else.

rem:  Oh! I love Colorado, too! Lived there for 16 years before coming to SC. Tell us three things about yourself.

DANELE:

#1. I’m a HUGE klutz, and the scene in Time Search in which Crystal falls and gets her hair trapped beneath a closing door actually happened to me.

#2. On a missions trip to Uruguay, I stood too close to a space heater and melted a big hole in my skirt—I’m lucky I didn’t catch on fire.

#3. In Mexico, I accidently sat down on an anthill, and ended up with ants in my pants. I didn’t discover the little creatures until I was sitting in the church van traveling down the highway.

rem:  Danele, these have to be the funniest three things in all the interviews I’ve done! No wonder I love you so much! What’s the most random thing in your bag or on your desk?

DANELE:  I have a tiny, stone owl on my desk that belonged to my great-great grandfather. It’s so old that part of the carving has been worn smooth. It fits in my palm, and whenever I feel overwhelmed by life, I rub my thumb over the worn carvings and take a deep breath. The owl reminds me to seize each day, to stop worrying obsessively, and to enjoy every moment—after all, life is fleeting.

rem:  That is so lovely. What a special token to have. What’s your all-time favorite movie? Favorite TV show?

DANELE:  I love old movies, especially The Swan with Grace Kelly. The Swan is extremely sentimental, and it’s positively dripping with romance. It’s so syrupy-sweet that it has me yelling “cheese,” but I have to admit that it is a guilty pleasure. I’m still not sure if I like the ending—maybe that’s why it’s made such a deep impression on me. I enjoy The Swan so much that I’ve mentioned it in my latest book, Time Search.

rem:  Would you bungee ?

DANELE:  Are you kidding??? With my klutzy tendencies I’d never survive!  I’d love to be daring enough to try, but I’ve learned my limitations—at least, most of them. It’s far safer for me—and everyone else—if I keep my feet firmly planted on the ground.

rem:  It’s a good thing to know our limitations. What is the first thing you notice about people?

DANELE:  Their smile. I love walking around town smiling at people and seeing who will smile back.

rem:  We surely do need to hang out sometime—and walk about town smiling. J Favorite season? Why?

DANELE:  Autumn is my favorite season because I love skipping through crunchy, crackly leaves. Can I tell you a secret? In some ways, I’ve never grown up, and autumn tends to bring out the kid in me. Even though I can’t resist shuffling through piles of leaves, I have given up rolling in them. I’d like to say that my leaf-rolling days are over because I’m mature and sophisticated, but actually, the last time I rolled in the leaves I ended up with a cricket down my collar. Crickets tend to put a damper on things rather quickly, in my opinion.

rem:  I love crunching things as I walk, too. And I once had a cricket up my pant leg! :-O Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

DANELE:  My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I love this verse because it reminds me that God has everything under control.

rem:  I used to think this verse meant I was supposed to do all things. Father showed me not so long ago that’s not true. Rather, He means that what He asks us to do, we are well able. What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?  How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?

DANELE:  The best thing about Christian fiction is the ministry aspect. When I began writing, I made a deliberate choice to honor God with my books. I pray over my novels, and I pray for my readers. Being a Christian author has brought me closer to Christ because it compels me to put Him first in every sentence that I write.

rem:  When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?  

DANELE: I can’t stand it when a story has filthy scenes. To me, it’s like biting into an apple and finding a worm. I love good, clean books that are full of suspense and fun.

rem:  Yes. It is possible to write about what takes place without taking it too far. Which is more important: plot or characters?

DANELE:  I believe that both are very important, but if a story doesn’t have loveable characters, I think it falls flat. When I read a book, I picture the characters as my friends, and I live the story with them. If I don’t like the characters, I won’t finish the book.

rem:  Oh yes! I’ve actually wanted to call after I finish a book and see what’s up before! LOL What would you do if you weren’t writing?

DANELE:  Probably, I’d be going a little crazy. Writing is my outlet. It’s a way for me to shrug off the worries of the day and immerse myself in my own little universe. I can’t imagine my life without writing—I wouldn’t want to even try.

rem:  What are you reading right now?

DANELE: Right now, I’m reading Embracing the Baobab by Reverend Jerry Ireland. It’s a true story about Reverend Ireland’s time as a missionary in Africa. Some of the chapters make me laugh, and others make me think. I really enjoy his writing.

rem:  Sounds fascinating. What do you munch on while you write?

DANELE:  Gracious, Robin! I’d love to say that I munch on carrot sticks, but I’m afraid that’s not true. If I’m going to be honest, I have to admit that I munch on Doritos, cookies, and chocolate …and that’s probably why I desperately need to go on a diet. I keep trying to muster up enthusiasm about carrot sticks, but I can’t manage it. If someone could make a carrot taste like a Dorito, they’d make a million bucks and win my everlasting gratitude!

rem:  I don’t think anybody is truly enthusiastic about carrot sticks! Danele, you have an unusual testimony. Tell us about being quarantined and how that happened.

DANELE:  Many years ago, I became extremely ill and almost died. For a long time, my doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong, but eventually, I learned that the furnace in my home had a small carbon monoxide leak. This leak had been slowly poisoning me. I didn’t have a carbon monoxide monitor, and the gas can’t be seen or smelled. The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic the flu, but eventually, they escalate into stuttering, staggering, vomiting, fainting, and death. I thought that once the furnace was replaced I would get better, but unfortunately, the poisoning had triggered Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. That meant I became extremely ill when exposed to perfume, car exhaust, cleansers, and the other chemicals that surround our modern-day society. My illness escalated until I was quarantined in my home to keep me away from chemicals. I thought my quarantine would only last a few months—it ended up lasting for seven years.

rem:  Seven years! Danele, that’s horrific! I’m so glad you’re okay.  ❤  And what is the significance of the dragonfly?

DANELE:  During quarantine, I questioned every aspect of my faith because I felt abandoned by God. I had lots of time on my hands, so I would think about my questions until I felt I had answers. Eventually, after time passed, I decided that God is real, God is good, God is intimately concerned with every aspect of my life, Jesus must be kept in the center of my faith, and God is trustworthy in spite of tragedy. Even though I had reconciled my faith, I still had times when I felt discouraged. The thing that kept me going was looking into the eye of a dragonfly. During a very difficult day, I asked God to make a dragonfly land on my finger. I felt the dragonfly would signify that God loved me and that everything would be okay. Through a wonderful chain of events, God answered my prayer. The dragonfly God sent didn’t just sit on my finger for a second; it stayed there for several minutes. The dragonfly incident was one of the most beautiful and defining moments of my life, and it’s why I named my blog, dragonflydanele. If you would like to read the whole story, please feel free to follow this link:

https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/

rem:  Love how the simple things of God have the greatest significance in our faith. Tell us a little about your writing journey.

DANELE:  During my seven years of quarantine, I began writing as an escape from physical pain and loneliness. Since I couldn’t go out into the “real” world, I created a world of my own. On days when the pain was especially bad, I devised plot twists to keep my mind from dwelling on my illness. When I was sad, I wrote funny scenes to cheer me up. And each time my villain was defeated by one of my characters, I used it as a boost to continue fighting my illness. By the time quarantine was over, I had written the first six books in The Time Counselor Chronicles. Time Tsunami, the first book in the series, was published by Prism Book Group in January 2016. Time Trap, the second book, was published by Prism in June 2016. And Time Search, the third book, was published on January 13, 2017.

rem:  That’s what I call making the best of a tough situation. Kinda like Romans 8:28, ya know??? What is your Writing Routine? Where do you write: In a cave, a coffeehouse, or a cozy nook?

DANELE: When I was in quarantine, I would write for up to 18 hours a day. I was so engrossed in my stories that I would sometimes forget to eat and sleep. Now that I’m feeling better, I write more moderately. Because I still have some problems with perfume, I write at home. My computer has received so much use that some of the letters on my keyboard are worn off. I’m grateful that my high school typing teacher instructed me so well. I’d have no idea where the “D,” “C,” “L,” and “N” keys were located if it hadn’t been for him. I can still remember my typing teacher pounding into my brain that “the quick brown fox jumped over the garden gate.”

rem:  I honestly don’t remember typing class but obviously I took it ‘cause I, too, type by touch—and write many scenes with my eyes closed! What makes you struggle as an author? How do you handle it?

DANELE:  Because of my illness, and because I spent so much time in front of the computer during quarantine, I have hurt my vision. Last year, I was in danger of emergency eye surgery. Because my eyes are a problem, I’ve had to reduce the hours I spend in front of the computer. I’ve found that if I spend too many hours writing, I have trouble seeing the next day.

rem:  If I may, I’d suggest it boosts creativity, too, to be away from the computer—but that’s just me… Do you prefer the creating or editing aspect of writing? Why?

DANELE:  Creating is like flying! It’s exhilarating, freeing, and exciting! Editing is like putting together a treadmill with an instruction manual in one hand and a screwdriver in the other… But both processes cause equal satisfaction when they’re finished.

rem:  Love this analogy! Except that I edit as I go… What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

DANELE:  I enjoy hearing from my readers. Hearing that my books have touched people’s lives makes everything worth it.

rem:  It does indeed. What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?

DANELE:  I’ve always been an extremely organized person, and my illness threw my organizational tendencies into overdrive. Because I couldn’t control many things about my life during quarantine, I tended to obsessively control the things that I could. During the publication process, an author doesn’t always have control. When other people get involved, manuscripts can be changed, favorite lines can be deleted, and deadlines can be altered. I’ve learned that since worrying about every little detail drives me crazy, it’s important to look at the big picture—and  the big picture is a published work that makes me proud. Having other people manipulate your work and schedule is difficult, but most of the time it makes the final product better in the end. The nicest thing about the publishing process is the extra sets of eyes reviewing your work. I’m so relieved when some of the mistakes in my manuscripts are caught. Without my editors, Alex would’ve seen lightening, Nicole’s eyes would’ve sparkled with laugher, and Marc would have complemented Crystal. Sometimes, editors need a big hug.

rem:  And I do love my editor! What are your top 3 recommendations for a new writer? What 3 things would you recommend not doing?

DANELE: I would recommend doing the following things:

#1. Write what makes you happy. Don’t try to change your style to please someone else.

#2. Love your characters and give them realistic flaws and strengths.

#3. Step back and listen carefully to other people’s opinions about your work—then prayerfully decide if their suggestions have merit or should be rejected. Remember that just because someone says “jump,” you don’t have to always say “how high.”

(rem: this kind of goes along with the above-mentioned Bible verse—I can do all things but I don’t have to.)

I would recommend avoiding the following things:

#1. Avoid wearing your feelings on your shoulder—not everyone will like your writing, and that’s okay. Remember that some people don’t like chocolate.

#2. Avoid writing anything that you’d feel embarrassed to read to Jesus.

#3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Worrying about every detail will give you an ulcer, and usually, things manage to work out regardless of whether you pace back and forth or whether you relax. Give yourself permission to breathe.

rem:  Where do you get your greatest ideas for writing?

DANELE:  My greatest ideas have come while I’m laying down, “taking a nap.” I let my mind wander, and I picture my upcoming scenes as part of a movie. I imagine the action unfolding  before my closed eyes. Many times, I hammer out my dialogue during naptime before I ever touch my keyboard. Other times, I simply let the creative process carry me away, and I’m not sure what I’m going to type until I see it popping up on my screen.

rem:  I hear ya, Danele! I’m a complete Pantzer! How do you choose your characters’ names?

DANELE:  I chose Gil’s name because I wanted something outlandish and Gillyflower Meadowlark fit the bill. Some of my other characters’ names haven’t been quite as easy to choose. Originally, Crystal was named Sophie. I changed her name when my mother quirked her brow and said Sophie Stuart sounded like “Soppy soapy.” Because I liked Crystal, I decided to name her after something beautiful. Originally, Nicole Cunning was named Gail. I changed her name when I was editing Time Trap because I felt confused during the scene in which Gail and Gil were talking to each other. I figured if I was having trouble keeping them straight, my readers would be pulling out their hair. I ended up writing a list of names and letting my family and friends choose. They decided on Nicole. As you can see, my naming process isn’t really a process at all—sometimes, it’s a matter of trial and error.

rem:  I realized in my last story I had three dudes names Hugh. None were significant part, which really was all the more reason to differentiate. Do you think of the entire story before you start writing?

DANELE:  Not really. I know how my story will end, but I let my characters determine how they get there. The creation of Sam in Time Tsunami came about because Danny ran next door to his neighbor’s house. Before that, Sam wasn’t in the picture at all. The creation of Poppa and Twinkles came about because Peter said the line, “Gil requires more help than you can give. We need the Facilitator.” After I wrote that line, I sat staring blankly at my computer screen wondering who the Facilitator was and why he was needed. I write to entertain myself, and half of the fun is seeing where my stories take me. It can be a wild ride.

rem:  I think I’ve said that before, not in those exact words, but yeah, I’ve said that before! Tell us a little about your latest book? What is your current project?

DANELE:  My latest book, Time Search, is the third book in my series. It continues the adventures of the TEMCO crew. Since the leaders of TEMCO have been put into hiding, it’s up to Crystal, Marc, and Zeke to discover the reason behind Drake’s recent attacks on the staff. While Drake is trying to dodge federal agents and track down TEMCO’s missing leaders, the remaining staff try to discover his real name and unravel the mystery of his past. I designed Time Search to be full of suspense, and I hope my readers will enjoy it! Currently, I’m polishing up the fourth book in my series, Time Awakening.

rem:  What is YOUR favorite part about the book or why do you love this book? Why should we read it?

DANELE:  My favorite part of Time Search is the interaction between Marc and Crystal. I love their complicated relationship. I also love watching them grow individually and as a couple. If you enjoy a suspenseful book that’s full of memorable characters, I believe that Time Search is the book for you.

rem:  You heard her, peeps, go get you a copy!

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7RGFJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484259046&sr=8-1&keywords=danele+rotharmel+time+search

Tell us about why you wrote this book.

DANELE: I wrote Time Search during the middle of my seven-year stretch of quarantine. I loved my characters from Time Tsunami and Time Trap, and I couldn’t give them up. I was eager to write them another adventure. I was also suffering from a severe case of cabin fever—that’s the main reason Angelina travels through Europe. Writing Time Search gave me the ability to travel without leaving my house.

rem:  I wonder how many characters across the ages do things their creators can’t but want to??? Please give us the first page of the book.

DANELE: 

Heavy metal music blared through paper-thin walls. Knowing the noise from the apartment next door was drowning out his actions, Drake yanked open the door to Phoebe’s curio cabinet. With an irritated flick of his finger, he sent her porcelain figurines crashing to the floor. He paused at a white rabbit. He remembered Phoebe’s excitement when she’d bought it. She’d babbled on about it being the good luck charm for their field exam. Eyes narrowing, he threw the rabbit to the floor and ground it beneath his heel.

Bass boomed. A guitar solo shrieked. The music was so loud the pictures on the wall were vibrating. Kicking at stuffing from shredded couch cushions, Drake went to Phoebe’s kitchen and broke every dish he could find. He moved to her refrigerator, dumping food into a revolting, multicolored mess on the floor.

After emptying her freezer, he ground his teeth and clenched his fists. There had to be a clue to Phoebe’s location in her apartment. He just had to find it. Frustration mounted as he stomped to her bedroom, tearing posters from the walls as he went. In a matter of minutes, he’d torn her pristine bedroom to shreds, scattering feathers from pillows and tossing the contents of her dresser onto the slashed mattress. When it became apparent that he wasn’t going to find a clue to her location, he turned to pure vandalism—crushing and ripping anything that wasn’t ruined in the first sweep.

When he tired of destruction, he went back to the living room. His steel-toed boots crunched glassy shards as he stole to the window and peeked through the blinds. He rolled his eyes. The black SUV was still parked across the street.

“Morons.” he muttered.

He backed away from the window with a sneer. Andrew Hamilton’s agents obviously didn’t realize that the steam tunnels beneath NSU led into the basement of the Westbend Student Apartments.

“You’re all so stupid,” he hissed. “You deserve to be flattened like squirrels in the road.”

Next to the window, a plaque caught his attention. Its swooping gold letters proclaimed, God Protects. Rolling his eyes, Drake broke the plaque in half and lit a cigarette.

 

rem:  OY! He is not a very nice person and I don’t think I like him. What is one take-away from your book(s) that you hope readers identify with?

DANELE: Time Search is full of spiritual lessons, but perhaps the most poignant is the fact that when tragedy strikes, we can’t hold onto bitterness. If we want to live in peace, we must forgive those who sin against us.

rem:  That’s a powerful truth, Danele. Anything you’d like to add?

DANELE:  Writing Time Search and the other books in The Time Counselor Chronicles was an act of pure joy. I hope that people enjoy reading my books just as much as I enjoyed creating them.

rem:  Thank you so much for chatting with us on my blog today!

DANELE: You’re welcome, Robin! Thank you for having me! I’ve had a wonderful time!

 

 

rem:  Where can we find you online?

DANELE:

Danele’s Blog: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/

Danele’s Testimony: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/

Danele’s Books: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/my-books/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14782632.Danele_J_Rotharmel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danele.rotharmel

ACFW Fiction Finder: http://www.fictionfinder.com/author/detail/1331

 

 

 

Comment on Today’s Post for this Lovely Prize Package!

            * runs through next Thursday, 26 January.

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The Rose Coffee Cup Prize Package Includes:

A pink and yellow rose coffee cup
A “Trust in the Lord” notepad
A pink butterfly “Serenity” journal.

 

 

 

“As you slowly let go of your disappointment and confusion, almost imperceptibly, spring begins to come. Small things.  Little changes. A trickle of water, a blade of green, clouds parting to reveal a glimpse of blue sky.”

 

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https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/

https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14782632.Danele_J_Rotharmel

https://www.facebook.com/danele.rotharmel

 

 

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Author Interview, Danele Rotharmel, Dragonflies, Quarantine, Time Tsunami, Time Trap, Time Search

 

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Wednesday Wisdom – RUN

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. —1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)  The number of medals I have for winning a mar…

Source: Wednesday Wisdom – RUN

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 18 January 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – CALLED to CONQUER by EDDIE LONG

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 18 January 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – CALLED to CONQUER by EDDIE LONG
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WREADING WEDNESDAY – CALLED to CONQUER by EDDIE LONG

 

 

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In this year-long, 365-day format, each Biblically-based page contains a Scripture reading, a commentary and a short prayer. The same robust and energetic style that makes Bishop Long a popular minister, will also draw the reader into the pages of this book.

Long contends that many times a Christian can get excited about what God promises, but fails to take advantage of God’s personal training programs. This day-by-day guide trains, comforts, and challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Apostle Eddie L. Long is known worldwide as a pioneering leader, revolutionary mind changer, a family man, and a caring and loving pastor. As a pioneering leader, Apostle Long is highly regarded for his vision, boldness and unapologetic courage to walk in the supernatural. As a pastor, he is well respected and loved for his passion to bring souls into the body of Christ and join them to a local church body, and for preaching and teaching messages that change mindsets and encourage hearts. At home, he is a doting husband to his beautiful wife, First Lady Vanessa Long and loving father to his four children and three grandchildren. At New Birth, Apostle Long is most love for being the “father of many”—a pastor who loves God, God’s people and who speaks life and declares, “You shall NOT die but live to proclaim the goodness of the Lord.”

 

 

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Called to Conquer, Eddie Long