Brenda S. Anderson's Blog, page 26
November 4, 2015
Recapturing the Passion for Writing
It’s November. That means Thanksgiving is coming up in a few weeks, Christmas decorations are already popping up in stores, and snow is creeping into the forecast. But for writers, November is also the time for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
The purpose of the exercise is to get writers writing, with a goal of completing a novel or 50,000 words in a month. Since my novels are usually over 90,000 words, 50 K will only get me about half way through, but that would be an amazing start!
My goal for NaNo isn’t so much getting half a novel written, but learning to enjoy writing again. It’s been a long while, going on two years, since I’ve penned keepable words. With all the non-writing junk authors have to deal with, especially in indie publishing, my joy for writing has evaporated to nearly nothing.
But my readers are asking when my next novel will be out, which is wonderful incentive! My Where the Heart Is series is planned out, and the first two books are written (book one was a Genesis Finalist), but book number three has been a struggle. Anyway, it’s time to get writing again, and hopefully recapture the passion I had for my Coming Home series.
I’ve had a slow start–my total word count as of right now is 2287, but that’s 2287 words I didn’t have penned two days ago. Now to keep it going …
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What is your ultimate goal?
November 2, 2015
Chatting With Author Stacy Monson + Giveaway!
*** Book Giveaway! ***
See Contest Rules Below
If you’ve followed my blog for any period of time, you’ve likely heard the name Stacy Monson a time or twenty. 
October 28, 2015
Sparking Perseverance on the Writing Journey with Author Michelle Lim + Giveaway
I’m blessed to have met many authors on this writing journey, all with different gifts, and I have to say that the most amazing brainstormer is hands-down, Michelle Lim. When brainstorming, her mind is going so fast and she’s spouting ideas so rapidly, I have trouble keeping up. She is impressive! If you want to learn how to brainstorm, I’d recommend Michelle Lim in a flash.
Michelle has just released her second brainstorming book, Idea Sparking: 30 Idea Sparks to Write a Novel in a Month. For those of you doing NaNoWriMo, this book is a tremendous resource (and right now, it’s only 99¢! so hurry over to Amazon to purchase it).
And with the release of this fantastic craft book, I’m excited to welcome Michelle to my blog, sharing her amazing writing journey. On this blog tour, she’s also giving away one $50 Amazon Gift Card .To enter, fill in the Rafflecopter form below.
Now, here’s Michelle!
It never crossed my mind to be a writer. I know there are several authors who just knew that’s what they wanted to do from a young age. Me? Not a clue.
My first experience with writing came through poetry and songs. I entered a school poetry contest once when an author came to work with my school class. I received recognition as one of the better entries.
If I could write poetry, I figured I could write songs, too. These early songs were my first paycheck as a writer. My grandmother would buy them from me for a nickel, dime, or quarter. I hit the jackpot of limitless earnings at the ripe old age of seven.
Life took many turns over the next several years. Pursuing a career as an elementary teacher, I journaled, wrote arts integration curriculum, and assisted in grant writing in my school. The majority of my writing time was spent doing nonfiction.
Intense involvement in children’s ministry led me to develop children’s church curriculum to be used by myself and others in our church. Before long I was invited to be the Children’s Pastor at a Twin Cities metro church.
Amidst all of the backdrop of my seemingly normal life lurked an enemy that I battled each day. Chronic health issues plagued me with pain, hearing loss, chronic migraines, and a wide range of unmanageable symptoms.
Persevering through multiple heart surgeries and other health related issues taught me one valuable thing. You either sit down to give up, or you choose the path you pursue with the tenacity that defies the very enemy to your success.
Faith and determination partner together to make anything possible.
That’s when it happened. The moment I picked up my pen and couldn’t put it back down. Stories in the faces of children I taught with came to life. I began to write.
Through rejections and hard work I learned the craft of writing. Three children under the age of three and a kindergartner kept me running during the day and writing at night. Those early years stretched me and forced me to build perseverance.
That perseverance became necessary when the health issues forced me to Mayo Clinic. The threat of further hearing loss, possible difficulty walking, and vision loss made brain surgery a necessity. The risks were not pretty.
Forced to dig deep, I found the peace of God that pulled me through. Even when the surgery was a month in the past and I struggled with word substitutions that made no sense. Even when I lacked the strength to carry. God’s peace pulled me through.
Now I write, appreciating the gift that has returned to me. When it is difficult on the journey I remind myself, “It’s not brain surgery.” I post on my desk and remind myself when things are difficult.
Perseverance is ignited by a spark in our lives. For me, the spark was going through something difficult and learning my own strength. I keep that spark alive by reminding myself “it’s not brain surgery.”
Now I write fiction and nonfiction. My experiences inspired my tagline, “Sparking hope in the face of fear.” Fear of the blank page (my nonfiction). Fear of a villain (my romantic suspense).
This week I’m celebrating the release of my second nonfiction book at the kick off to NaNoWriMo. Idea Sparking: 30 Idea Sparks to Write a Novel in a Month helps authors to persevere through a difficult challenge.
What is the most difficult challenge you have ever faced? How did you persevere?
~About Michelle Lim
Author Michelle Lim is the Brainstorming/Huddle Coach with My Book Therapy Press and the Midwest Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers. Michelle’s Genesis winning romantic suspense is represented with Books & Such Literary Agency. Michelle’s New Release – Idea Sparking: 30 Idea Sparks to Write a Novel in a Month, released October 27th. Since her nonfiction book release, Idea Sparking: How To Brainstorm Conflict In Your Novel, through public speaking and online chats, Michelle helps writers discover the revolutionary power of brainstorming to bring new life to their stories.
~Connect with Michelle
~About Idea Sparking: 30 Idea Sparks to Write a Novel in a Month
Idea Sparking: 30 Idea Sparks to Write a Novel in a Month accompanies an author on a thirty-day novel journey. Daily idea prompts assist authors in finding the inspiration to write. With personal experience insights and goal setting reflections, this book is the perfect resource for the writer who wants to write a novel in a month, or the author looking for a resource for their everyday writing journey. What you will find in this incredible resource:
*A weekly inspirational focus to get you ready to write
*Daily Idea Sparks to spark your creativity and get you writing
*Mini writing craft tips that enhance your writing
*Daily Mid-day Milestones with thought-provoking questions to improve writing habits
*Weekly Check-Ups to retune your process to set you up for success
~Purchase Idea Sparking
October 26, 2015
Meet Luna from Dawn V. Cahill’s WHEN LYRIC MET LIMERICK! + Giveaway
***eBook Giveaway***
see contest rules below
I had the pleasure of *meeting* Dawn Cahill when she took part in my blog tour for Hungry for Home. Dawn writes Hot Topic Fiction, so we’re kindred writing spirits. I’m very pleased to welcome Dawn and Luna Raquelle (the heroine from Dawn’s new release) to my blog today. Dawn has graciously offered to give away one ebook copy of When Lyric Met Limerick. Just ask Luna a question in the comments below to be entered to win.
And now, here’s Dawn …
Today I’m interviewing the fabulous Luna Raquelle, dancer and poet extraordinaire – Howard’s love interest in When Lyric Met Limerick. She’s visiting us from the pages of my novelette, released just this month.
Luna, her blond hair wound in a loose knot on her head, sits on my living room sofa and takes a sip of freshly-steeped Chai tea.
DVC: Hi Luna. I’m so glad you could visit with me and my readers today.
Luna: {sits back, flinging one thin leg over the other. The steam from the tea forms a gauzy veil around her face.} Thanks. I’m happy to be here. This tea is delicious.
DVC: I love your purple leotard and colorful peasant skirt. Is purple your favorite color?
Luna: No, pink is.
DVC: Then you must love my book’s cover. {holds up her book} Not only is it pink, it shows a couple holding hands, which leads to the question: Are you Lyric, or Limerick?
Luna: {chuckles} I’m Limerick. Howard is Lyric.
DVC: Tell us more about your love for limericks.
Luna: When I was a child, my mom read me rhymes at bedtime. I grew up on Dr Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Ogden Nash. Eventually I started to wonder if I could write a funny rhyme, too. My first few attempts were pathetic. The cadence was all wrong, and they didn’t exactly rhyme.
DVC: But now you’re a pro.
Luna: Well, it took a lot of practice. Once I learned the importance of cadence, I was off and running.
DVC: You’re also an accomplished dancer. If you could only do one the rest of your life – limericks or dance – which would you choose? And why?
Luna: {squints into the distance, then meets my gaze} Limericks. Because even though my body will age, my mind doesn’t have to.
DVC: Now about Howard…
Luna: {ducks her head and giggles}
DVC: What was your very first impression of him when he approached your table that fateful day at Pike’s Place Market?
Luna: I didn’t see him at first. Then I looked up to see this cute guy checking me out. I knew he wasn’t there for a personalized limerick, but he tried oh-so-hard to pretend he was!
DVC: Howard seems like the daredevil type, a risk taker. What drew you to him?
Luna: {wrinkles her brow in thought} I’d say it’s his charming tendency to make me laugh at the oddest times. Without even trying. And the fact that we think alike. He makes up lyrics in his head, I make up limericks.
DVC: Unfortunately for Howard, you already had a boyfriend at the time. Were you happy in that relationship?
Luna: I hadn’t been for a long time, but I was afraid to break up with him because he had a temper. Howard was a breath of fresh air.
DVC: But he was also a thief and a liar.
Luna: {shrugs} I’m no angel either. But he promised me he’d never do anything to land himself in jail again. And I believe him.
DVC: What was the moment you knew he was the one?
Luna: That’s easy. The first time he called me Luna Tunes, I knew he was the one.
~About When Lyric Met Limerick
It’s 1983. She’s a winsome poetess looking for work. He’s a moody songwriter asking for trouble. When their lives collide, explosions are bound to follow.
There’s only one problem.
He attracts trouble like Pike Place Market attracts tourists. Why would smart, gifted Luna want to be with a lying, thieving dreamer like him?
But without Luna, Howard faces a future as bleak as a Seattle winter. Will God give him a second chance to win the girl of his dreams?
~Purchase When Lyric Met Limerick
~About Dawn V. Cahill
Author Dawn V. Cahill blogs about puppies, single parenting and substance abuse (sometimes all at the same time.) Speaking of substance abuse, she is addicted to dark chocolate and her morning frappuccino. She wrote her first story at age 5, and at age 8 heard one of her stories read on a children’s radio program. Someday she plans to finish the novel she started at age 11 called Mitch and the Martians. She has published a short story, written several newspaper articles, two Christian contemporary novels, and more limericks than she can count. Email her at dawn@dawnvcahill.com, or find her on Facebook. She is a member of Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
~Connect With Dawn V. Cahill
>>eBook Giveaway<<<
Dawn has graciously offered to give away one ebook copy of When Lyric Met Limerick To enter, in the comments below, ask Luna a question.
This contest ends Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST. I will post the winner on Monday, November 2, 2015. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.
October 23, 2015
Book-Related Crafts + Book Winner
I’m over at Inkspirational Messages today talking the one type of craft I can get excited about: booksy crafts!
http://inkspirationalmessages.com/booksy-crafts/
And if you love crafting, check out the posts from these past two weeks at Inkspirational Messages. People are amazingly talented!
On another note, Veronica Arias is the winner of FLAMES and the typewriter key bookmark by Ginny L. Ytrrup from this blog post. Congratulations, Veronica!
Winner chosen via Random.org.
October 21, 2015
Fall Harvest of Books Revisited
This past Saturday (October 17, 2015), I took part in a Christian author book sale organized by Stacy Monson and myself. The concept was birthed a little over a month ago when Stacy and I got together and asked, “How are we going to celebrate our book releases?” Her sophomore release, Dance of Grace (a fabulous book that you can purchase here), was coming out soon, and I’d just released Hungry for Home. We decided to have a book launch for the two of us at the church where Stacy had hosted her debut book launch. Special thanks goes to Mount Olivet Lutheran in Plymouth, MN for letting us use the space! It was a perfect room!
Then Stacy and I decided it would be fun to invite a few additional authors.
LeAnne Hardy in a costume she made herself!
Within days that two-author book launch grew into a 13-author, 1st Annual Fall Harvest of Books event that we now had to advertise big time. No problem, right? We created a website and a Facebook event, and the event was listed on the community calendar of a local Christian radio station. We also put together a flyer (that kept changing until the final week) and asked the author participants to share it.
Jennette Gudgel
So we had authors and giveaways and refreshments–now the only question was, would buyers come?
Delores Topliff
Well, they did. I was too busy at my book table (good problem to have!) to try to count attendees, but my husband guess-timated between 100 and 200 people visited. Not bad for a last-minute event. I’d say that’s a good foundation for future sales.
And, yes, we will do this again next fall, and possibly next spring as well, with even more authors! But next time, we plan to give ourselves a lot more time to organize the event!
Sale Participants (from above pic):
Michelle Lim | LeAnne Hardy | Stacy Monson | Elizabeth Goddard | Brenda S. Anderson | Julie Saffrin
Sharon Hinck | Connie Lounsbury | Kathryn Dahlstrom | Jennette Gudgel | Chawna Schroeder | Delores Topliff
October 19, 2015
Getting to Know Alexis A. Goring
Alexis A. Goring is an author and blogger at the fabulous God is Love blog where she talks faith, books, music, photography, and more. Back on September 22, Alexis graciously hosted me on her blog, asking some very in-depth questions, so I’m very glad to return the favor and introduce you to this encouraging author. Please welcome, Alexis A. Goring!
Thank you for visiting today, Alexis! Can you tell my readers a little about yourself?
I’m a writer at heart and a journalist by profession.
I love the arts: movies, music, books, television shows, stage plays, screenwriting, culinary arts, photography, architecture, fashion design…I’m very much into it all and see the beauty in each.
My only international trip thus far was when I traveled to Italy. It was a beautiful place to visit. But I hope to also visit more places including but not limited to: London, Switzerland, Dubai, Denmark, South Africa (especially Johannesburg) and most of the Caribbean Islands.
I feel at home at church and in the kitchen. It’s a ministry for me and I love feeding people with good food whether I cooked it or bought it. The bookstore is also a happy and peaceful place for me!
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on my next (fictional) book. The plans are for it to be a novel-length novella and by that I mean there will be two separate stories that are about 35K words each so when you bind it into one book, it’s the length of a novel and looks like one book on the outside. But upon opening it, you see that there are two stories in one package. My readers for the most part, like my novella writing style but I’ve also heard reviewers say they wish that my stories were more in-depth and they wanted to spend more time with my characters. So to please both camps—my readers and reviewers—I decided to make my next publication a “novel-length novella,” as I like to call it.
The first story in my next book focuses on characters who are in need of a second chance. It’s family-oriented. The second story is about two main characters who have not seen each other since high school. They reconnect at a restaurant where the hero is the head chef and the heroine learns that the way to his heart isn’t food.
Which authors do you enjoy reading? Have any influenced your writing?
My favorite authors include but are not limited to: Mary Manners, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Gina Welborn, Betsy St. Amant, Sophia A. Nelson, Mark Batterson, Joyce Meyer, Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Valorie Burton.
Mary Manners and I write for the same genre (inspirational romance). She is an award-winning author so I hope to learn more from her brilliance. Honestly, Mary’s sweet storytelling style along with Sophia A. Nelson’s journalistic word flow inspire me the most and influence my writing for the greater good.
Thank you for stopping by, Alexis! I enjoyed getting to know you better!
~About Alexis
Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. She loves the art of storytelling and is especially delighted to have released her first book, an inspirational romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, in Sept. 2013. When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).
~Connect with Alexis
God is Love Blog | Facebook | Twitter
~About Hope in My Heart
Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.
In “Love Unexpected,” a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.
Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, “The Best Gift.” Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister’s wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.
In “Peace and Love,” three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents’ divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.
~Purchase Hope In My Heart
October 15, 2015
Getting to Know Ginny L. Yttrup + Giveaway
See contest rules below
As you know, I enjoy stories that aren’t all *sugar ‘n spice*, authors who aren’t afraid to talk about life’s gritty and messy realities. Those types of novels have become difficult to find in Christian fiction, so I’m thrilled whenever a new book releases from Ginny L. Ytrrup. She tells tough stories about broken, messy lives, but tells them with love and grace. That same hold true for her new release, FLAMES.
Ginny has graciously stopped by to answer a few questions. Please welcome her!
Congratulations on your new release, Ginny! I’m very excited for you? Can you tell my readers about Flames? What inspired this book?
As I was out speaking the last several years, I heard one story over and over again—the story of adultery and its devastating impact on marriage. Because I write issue-driven fiction, I knew adultery had to be the topic of my next novel. And as a native Californian, pairing the destruction of adultery with the destruction of wildfire seemed an obvious choice. What isn’t as obvious, perhaps, is the hope following both infidelity and wildfire—that hope became one of the themes of Flames.
Flames is my first book written for a general audience rather than specifically for the Christian market. I wrote the manuscript twice—once with an overt Christian message, but it didn’t sell in the Christian marketplace and I wasn’t settled with the story. So I set the manuscript aside for a year and during that time, God led me to completely rewrite it for a general audience. I can’t explain why and I confess, I argued with Him a bit before surrendering to what I believe was His will. However, Flames does include themes of forgiveness, love, new life and hope—themes that come straight from the heart of God. At the core, Flames is a parable, I pray, like those Jesus told, and my hope is that readers will take away a sense of the importance of love—love for others, of course, but also love and respect for themselves as creations of God.
I have read Flames and can assure the reader that though the story isn’t overtly Christian, God is at the heart of this novel.
What are you working on right now?
I’m in the pondering phase of writing, which means I have no idea what comes next. J For me, writing inspires faith. I have to wait on God and trust He’ll give me the next story. I sense something swirling—a hint of an idea, maybe. When I’m in the pondering phase of the next novel, I’m highly productive in other areas of my life. Doing something else rather than obsessing on what I’ll write seems to open my mind to whatever God has for me. Between now and Christmas, I’m focusing on my Etsy business—Storied Jewelry—vintage typewriter key and flatware jewelry. I’m creating new products and filling orders. Once October hit, orders for Christmas gifts started coming in. The process of making jewelry leaves my mind free to wander with God, listen to His whispers, and consider where He’s leading.
And Ginny’s jewelry is beautiful! She created the typewriter key bookmark that she’s giving away with a copy of Flames. You can find Ginny’s Etsy shop here.
What keeps you writing during the difficult times?
A deadline. 
But also, discipline and grace. I’ve just come through such a time… Flames was set to release in May 2015 following a crowdfunding campaign to finance its publication. I had donors who I’d committed to and a publication team waiting for the final manuscript. In January, I received a 5:00 AM call from my 96-year old grandmother and knew immediately that my life was about to change. I threw on some clothes and rushed to her house, about 15 minutes away. It was the longest 15 minutes ever. When I arrived, it was evident she was having a stroke and I called an ambulance. That day, I set Flames aside and focused on my grandmother who spent six weeks in the hospital before we moved her to a board and care facility. My mother packed up my grandmother’s home, I moved her things, had a garage sale, and took over my grandmother’s estate—her finances, applying for benefits, etc. In the midst of it all, I also had to write. I missed my deadline, which is where grace came in—I had to offer it to myself and accept it from my donors and readers. I had days where panic tempted me, but God offered His strength and peace. I trusted His timing. My dear grandmother died in July following a second stroke. I miss her terribly but am so grateful she’s no longer suffering—she is now with Jesus, which is where she longed to be. In the meantime, I finished the manuscript, and set a new release date: September 22nd. Which, as it turned out, fell in the middle of a record-breaking wildfire season in California—a devastating visual of the message the book offers. But also a reminder of regeneration—the new life that follows suffering.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Ginny. It has been a tough season for you.
And now, the most important question: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or no chocolate?
Of course I have to answer this too. MILK!!!
~About Ginny L. Yttrup
Ginny is the award-winning author of Words, Lost and Found, Invisible, and Flames which releases September 22, 2015. She writes contemporary women’s fiction and enjoys exploring the issues everyday women face. Publishers Weekly dubbed Ginny’s work “as inspiring as it is entertaining.” When not writing, Ginny coaches writers, critiques manuscripts, and makes vintage-style jewelry for her Esty shop, Storied Jewelry. She loves dining with friends, hanging out with her adult sons, or spending a day in her pajamas reading a great novel. Ginny lives in northern California with Bear, her entitled Pomeranian. To learn more about Ginny and her work, visit www.ginnyyttrup.com.
~About Flames
The fourth novel from acclaimed, award-winning author Ginny L. Yttrup.
When betrayal’s flames explode, can Jessica Weaver preserve what matters most?
As a fire archaeologist, preserving Yosemite National Park’s natural and cultural resources is Jessica’s job. As a wife and mother, preserving her family’s legacy is her obsession. But when she discovers her husband’s infidelity, betrayal’s flames threaten her family and all she’s fought to protect.
Haley Weaver, a sophomore in high school, is a daddy’s girl. As she enters the throes of first love, timid yet intrigued, Haley also discovers her father’s affair. Stunned and broken, Haley flees into the wilds of Yosemite National Park. If she can’t trust her father, how can she trust her boyfriend—or even love itself?
When wildfire breaks out and Haley is missing, Jessica fears the worst. In a race against time, she searches for her daughter as she deals with the magnitude of what her husband’s affair may cost her family. How can she go on if she doesn’t find Haley in time?
And what will Jessica do to preserve the legacy that matters most?
~Get in touch with Ginny
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter | Website | Etsy Shop
~Purchase links
>>>Book + Typewriter Key Bookmark Giveaway<<<
Ginny has graciously offered to give away one copy of Flames plus a home crafted typewriter key bookmark. To enter, leave a comment below.
This contest ends Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST. I will post the winner on Friday, October 23, 2015. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.
October 14, 2015
Thoughts on Christian Fiction
Author friend Nicole Petrino-Salter invited me to her blog, Into the Fire, to share my thoughts on Christian fiction. Please come on over and join in the conversation:
And Nicole also graced me with a very thoughtful review of Hungry for Home. You can read that here:
http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire/2015/10/feeling-hungry-for-home.html
Thank you, Nicole, for always being an amazing encourager! I’m blessed with your friendship!
October 12, 2015
HUNGRY FOR HOME Book Launch + Signing
For those of you who happen to be in the Twin Cities area this coming Saturday, October 17, I’d love to see you at the First Annual Fall Harvest of Books! I’ve joined up with eleven other area authors for an author meet ‘n greet and book sale. Of course, there will be refreshments, chocolate, beverages, chocolate, lots of giveaways, chocolate … well, you get the idea. We’d love it if you’d join us! What a great way to get a jump on your Christmas shopping!
Participating authors:
Stacy Monson | Elizabeth Goddard | LeAnne Hardy | Connie Lounsbury | Julie Saffrin | Sharon Hinck | Michelle Lim | Kathryn Dahlstrom | Delores Topliff | Chawna Schroeder | Jennette Gudgel | Brenda S. Anderson
Saturday, October 17 from 10 am – 1 pm
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
12235 Old Rockford Road
Plymouth, MN 55441
www.FallBookHarvest.weebly.com
