Julie Arduini's Blog, page 61
December 10, 2018
Sharon K. Connell: Creating Believable Characters
Creating Believable Characters for your Stories
Would you like to transport your readers right into the story you’re writing? Isn’t that what we want to happen to our readers? Of course it is. After all, we’re writing for the reader’s enjoyment.
When I decide upon a character or scene for my work in progress, I first write down all the information I need to know about that character or the setting in which I’ll place that character. Personally, I like using a spiral notebook, but many writers like entering information into a spreadsheet or document online. The problem with that is, you can’t draw a diagram of scenes unless you have a special program for it. You can post a picture in a separate file or maybe even into your document, but I like keeping all the information separated with dividers in a notebook so I can go directly to what I need.
Let’s start with the hero or heroine. A basic description of the person comes first, including their age, height and physical attributes. Then I write down everything I think I’ll need to know about this person, things maybe the reader doesn’t need to know but will affect the personality of that character. As I write the story, when I mention something I need to remember about the character, I’ll write it down on their page.
When I begin a scene, before a word ever comes out of the character’s mouth or his/her foot takes that first step, I get into their mind. I imagine myself as the character, just as any actor would do on screen, putting myself into that character’s mind, body, and shoes.
Let’s try an experiment.
Think about your favorite character from a book you love, male or female, doesn’t really matter because when you write, you write about both. Close your eyes and picture the character. Now, hear their voice. See what they’re seeing. How does this person respond to what they’re seeing or what’s being said to them. Did someone else come into the room? How do you feel about that other person? You become this character.
That’s the way it should be when you’re writing. You become the character and you will write from that character’s point of view. You don’t need to become anyone else in that scene until you change point of view to another person. All that matters is what your POV character thinks. You will write down what your character sees, hears, experiences, and feels. Show the reader what that character is seeing by describing it, what they are feeling by their responses, what they are actually doing, etc.
For example, Tom glanced around the dark paneled office. His eyes rested on the antique oak desk, piled high with papers. Thumping came from behind the antique oak desk. He inched his way toward the direction of the sound, which seemed to come from the bottom drawer. With two fingers, he pulled on the handle. A blur of black fur shot out of the drawer making him jolt upright. His heart jumped to his throat.
Do you see what I did? I gave you all you needed to picture and feel what was going on and yet never used the words saw, heard or felt.
When I took classes in writing, one of my favorite classmates was an actress. She told me how she gets into a role by thinking her way into that character. I’ve tried to apply that in my writing.
Regarding scenes, all you have to do is take the established character whose point of view you now inhabit, and place them into your scene. First, write down everything you will need to know about the scene. Color of the walls. The trees and flowers in a garden. Wherever you have your character, write down the details of everything he/she might see. Don’t forget to put all five senses into action. Is there a particular odor, aroma, or fragrance in the air? A sound in the distance?
Once you have all the details written down, go back to that exercise above. Imagine through your character’s eyes what they will see, feel, smell, hear, and taste. As you write the scene, fill in those details.
When your readers pick up your story, they’ll thank you for making everything so real to them. And you’ll smile from ear to ear (excuse the cliché), as I often have, when you hear comments like, “I could actually see it/feel it.”
Happy writing.
BONUS!
Here’s a sneak peek at Sharon K. Connell’s newest release, Paths of Righteousness:
Chapter One
Pensacola, Florida
Butterflies filled Kathryn Kendall’s stomach. She sucked in a deep breath as she gazed up at the two-story stucco building. With a degree in business management and having finished at the top of her class, an administrative assistant position was nothing to worry about. But, her stomach continued to churn as she closed her eyes and reached for the bronze door handle. She could do this.
Kathryn smiled as the door closed softly behind her. She’d made quite a life for herself already. A mere two weeks after graduation, she had her own apartment and a job in a prestigious medical office, Kenner Family Medicine. Her adoptive family in Des Plaines, Illinois would finally realize she could take care of herself.
As she passed the lab area, a handsome man in forest green scrubs and sandy blond hair breezed by her with a cell phone glued to his ear. Her heart jumped as she caught a whiff of his woodsy cologne.
A few steps further, Kathryn glanced back. Mr. Gorgeous had spun around. He winked, raised his brows, and blew a soft whistle through his lips. She chuckled. Would the rest of the staff be as friendly?
The tall, bleached-blonde office manager named Grace met her in the hallway and led her to the front office. “Kathy, this will be your desk. I have new-employee paperwork for you to complete, and then we’ll have you dive right into the medical records.”
Kathryn took a seat at the desk. “Thank you.”
After Grace placed a pile of papers on the desk, she gave a warm smile and retraced her steps to the hallway.
As Kathryn filled out the forms, the man she’d seen in the hall approached. She glanced up into pale blue eyes, which pierced her heart.
A crooked smile formed on his lips. “I think Grace neglected to introduce us. I’m Mathew Pierce, the PA. You must be the new hire. Love that long, wavy blonde hair of yours. Reminds me of the color of honey.”
He held out his hand and Kathryn placed hers in it. As he squeezed, a twinge ran up her arm. Maybe this guy was too friendly. “I’m Kathryn Kendall.”
Mathew stood upright and darted out of the front office when Grace reappeared.
Kathryn finished the paperwork and followed her supervisor to the medical records room.
When lunchtime came, she sat alone in the lunchroom, her head buried in a book. Mathew blew into the room and, without a word, swung his leg over the back of a chair next to her. He smirked. She smiled and continued eating her sandwich.
“Kate, right?” He bent his head to the right and again raised his eyebrows.
She swallowed and took a drink from her water bottle. “Kathryn Kendall. We met this morning—twice.”
Mathew laughed. “Ahhh…a girl with a sense of humor. I like that. We’ll have to get to know one another. I like spunky.”
Had he really called her “spunky”?
“I’ll call you Katy.”
“I’d prefer Kathy, if you don’t like Kathryn.”
“No. Katy suits you better. Katy-bird.”
Her Irish temper rose up the back of her neck. She took in a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. She’d heard that every office had its annoying character. Mathew must be the one assigned here. “No. I’m afraid it’s not okay.”
She stood and left the room.
Mathew followed her to her desk. “Oh, come on, Kathy. I didn’t mean to offend you. You’re definitely one of the prettiest girls I’ve ever seen. Can’t blame a guy for trying to score some flirtatious points, can you?”
His lips pulled to one side as he raised his shoulders, palms up in front of him. Was this his way of apologizing? Then again, she’d probably been rude to him too.
She’d better make her disinterest clear right away, no matter what he did to her insides when he looked at her with those icy blue eyes and chiseled features. There were sure to be rules about employees getting involved. Why did she have to be attracted to a rogue like him anyway? “I didn’t mean to be rude and the flattery is— Look, we have to work in the same building, and I don’t want to cause any problems for either of us.”
His tongue traced the inside edge of his lower lip as he gazed at her and smiled.
Kathryn lowered her brows. Nervous habit of his, maybe?
Then he grinned. “Okay, Katy-bird.” He turned on his heels and swaggered off.
A Very Present Help by Sharon K. Connell.
Shannon’s faith is tested almost to the limit after the September 11th attack on U.S. soil. Her best friend, Rick, the young man everyone has always thought she would marry, enlists in the Marine Corp. He returns from boot camp and proposes to Shannon before he leaves for war.
After the engagement, Shannon meets another Marine while on a trip to Washington, D.C. with her fellow schoolteachers. Her engagement puts her off-limits. They part without expecting to see each other again, and without exchanging contact information. But the memory of their meeting in Washington stays with both of them.
The engagement between Shannon and Rick is broken when he falls in love with a female Marine. Why has God allowed this to happen?
A wealthy, unscrupulous businessman now casts his eye on Shannon, which adds to events that weave a tapestry in the lives of her and those she loves. Fear and betrayal cause her to cling to A Very Present Help in time of trouble.
$14.99 paperback, $2.99. Ecopy
His Perfect Love
No one crosses Jerry Windham and gets away with it. Not even a woman as shrewd as Patricia Campbell. After uncovering this man’s dreadful secrets about women who have been reported missing, she ran. Even two years later, she can’t get rid of the thought that he’ll never stop looking for her. He’d do anything to see her dead, or worse.
Unaware of the FBI’s search for her to learn what information she might hold, she continues to hide. A new look, a new city, a new job, fearful thoughts suppressed, Patricia starts her new life.
Three new men enter this beautiful woman’s life. A persistent computer technician, a charming philanthropist, and a handsome, wealthy businessman who desires to marry her. But Patricia’s fears resurface, and she wonders if she can trust any of them.
Having rejected God in her college days, Patricia believes He wants nothing to do with her now. All she wants is to change her life and live like normal people. Can she put her trust in God? Will she survive long enough to find peace…and perfect love?
$14.99 paperback & $2.99 Ebook
Paths of Righteousness
How does a young woman who has lost her entire family deal with such sorrow? Kathryn finds support from her parents’ best friends who have adopted her. But when she graduates from college, she wants her independence as well. She chooses to start her new life hundreds of miles away from them.
A co-worker’s advances bring fear, but Kathryn wonders if leaving her job and home will help her get away from him. More anxiety is caused by recurring nightmares.
Will Kathryn make the right choices in the end?
What about Dr. Jacob McLeod? Will he keep his vow to stay away from beautiful women and allow his past experience with deceitfulness in women cause him to give up on the woman he loves?
Misunderstandings between Kathryn and the doctor make her think the worst of him. Will he win her over with his charm?
Paperback $14.99, Ecopy $2.99
Website: http://sharonkconnell.com/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sharonkconnell
Author’s book page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averypresenthelpbook1
Author’s Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianRomanceSuspense/
Group Forum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianWritersAndReadersGroupForum/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SharonKConnell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkconnell
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosecastle1/
December 6, 2018
Fiction Finder: December New Releases
Julie’s Note:
Just a reminder that A Christmas to Remember boxed set will not be available after December 31. This is a collection of eight Christian romances from Kimberly Rose Johnson, Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey, Deb Kastner, Lindi Peterson, Ginger Solomon, Janet W. Ferguson, and me. Don’t miss out! Purchase HERE.
December 2018 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Amish Romance:
The Amish Sweet Shop by Laura Bradford, Mary Ellis, and Emma Miller — It’s almost Valentine’s Day at Beechy’s Sweets, where the Amish gifts of love and faith are even sweeter than the home-made candy. In The Sweetest Courtship by Emma Miller, bachelor Jacob Beechy is a master candy maker whose mother longs for grandchildren, so she sets out to find him an assistant confectioner during the Valentine’s holiday—and a wife. In The Sweetest Truth by Laura Bradford, Sadie Fischer can’t see beyond her scars from a barn fire, but there’s a young man who sees only sweetness when he looks at her, and he’s sending her Beechy’s chocolate and mysterious gifts leading up to Valentine’s Day. In Nothing Tastes So Sweet by Mary Ellis, Pregnant widow Hannah wants to buy her English employer’s hardware store, but ends up following a clue from Beechy’s to clear a man’s name—and finds a partnership in work, faith, and love. (Amish Romance from Kensington)
Amish Christmas Memories by Vannetta Chapman — When a young Amish woman collapses in the snow shortly before Christmas, Caleb Wittmer rushes to her aid. Only, “Rachel” remembers nothing of who she is. Now his family has taken in the pretty stranger, disrupting Caleb’s ordered world. He’s determined to find out where she belongs…even if Rachel’s departure means saying goodbye to his old-fashioned heart forever. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
A Quilt for Jenna (Apple Creek Dreams #1) by Patrick E. Craig — On her way to win a quilting competition—and a ticket out of Amish life, Jerusha finds her God, her missing husband, and a lost little girl in the heart of the Storm of The Century. (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing)
The Road Home (Apple Creek Dreams #2) by Patrick E. Craig — Adopted into an Amish family as a child, local historian Jenny Springer is looking for the parents she never knew. When Jenny meets Jonathan Hershberger, a drifter from San Francisco who lands in Apple Creek fleeing a drug deal gone wrong, she is intrigued by this Englischer with an Amish name, and offers to help him discover his Amish roots. While Jonathan discovers his need for home, family, and a relationship with God, Jenny finds more than she hoped for—truth and love and the knowledge that you can go home again. (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing)
Jenny’s Choice (Apple Creek Dreams #3) by Patrick E. Craig — When Jenny’s husband disappears in a terrible boating accident, she returns home to Apple Creek, Ohio and her adoptive parents. Working through her grief, she pursues newfound writing dreams and is presented with a possible romance with a handsome young publisher, until the elders of her church confront her consideration of going outside her faith to pursue her dreams. At the same a faint hope that her husband might someday be found alive holds her heart in the past. (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing)
Minding the Amish Baby by Carrie Lighte — Amish store clerk Tessa Fisher isn’t ready for marriage or a family—until a baby girl is abandoned on her doorstep. Now Tessa and her gruffly handsome landlord, Turner King, must mind the baby together. And soon Turner and the sweet-cheeked kind are burrowing into Tessa’s heart. But with secrets between them, can the temporary family find a way to stay together forever? (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing)
Contemporary Romance:
Who I Am with You by Robin Lee Hatcher — Jessica was pregnant and facing divorce when her husband and daughter were killed in a car accident. Withdrawing from friends and family, she feels far away from God. Then months later she receives her great-grandfather’s Bible at her grandmother’s funeral. Ridley has suffered his own loss. Bitter over disgrace at his job, an ended career, and subsequent breakup with is girlfriend, he retreats to a vacation property owned by his parents to lick his wounds and hide from the press. Thumbing through the Bible later, Jessica journeys through the aged margin notes, back to faith and wholeness. And the broken roads they have followed bring Jessica and Ridley to each other as well. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Historical:
Three Christmas Novellas by Mary Connealy — Three Christmas Novellas in one volume: Long Horn Christmas, The Sweetest Gift and The Christmas Candle. (Historical, Independently Published)
The Making of Mrs. Hale by Carolyn Miller — Can a runaway marriage ever be redeemed? Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn’t turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn’t know where—or if he’s ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they’ll forgive her.Along the way she will learn how relationship with God can bring restoration and hope, and find the answers she needs both for her husband and her future. (Historical, Kregel Publications)
Child of Light by Annette O’Hare — While praying for her own Christmas miracle after five years in a childless marriage, Margaret offers aide to a destitute and expectant young woman during the holidays. She is condemned for her decision to help a woman of ill repute and must face the consequences of doing what is right. Will Margaret’s prayers for a child of her own be answered this Christmas or does God have something else in store? (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])
The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson — Inspired by a Gripping True Story from World War II’s Daring Doolittle Raid–Japan, 1948: A prostitute seeks her revenge; a war hero finds his true mission. (Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)
Historical Romance:
The MissAdventure Brides Collection by Mary Davis, Cynthia Hickey, Kathleen E. Kovach, Debby Lee, Donna Schlachter, Marjorie Vawter, and Kimberley Woodhouse — Seven daring damsels refuse to let the cultural norms of their eras hold them back! Follow along as they trek the wilderness as a fur trapper; teach in the backwoods; campaign for women’s rights; breed llamas; drive cross-country; become a hotel tour guide; and pursue art. Will they meet men who admire their bravery and determination? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Kiss Me Once Again by Gail Kittleson — When Glenora Carson’s first love perishes along with the crew of the U.S.S. Arizona on December 7, 1941, she locks away her heart and her dreams of attending college on scholarship, instead choosing to hold down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage. The grease-stained overalls don’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough. That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life. Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her plans? (Historical Romance from WordCrafts Press)
Stagecoach to Liberty by Janalyn Voigt — Can a desperate young woman trust the handsome Irish stranger who wants to free her from her captors? (Historical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
December 4, 2018
Adventures in Odyssey: Young Whit
From the creators of the Adventures in Odyssey® audio dramas comes an exciting new book series that tells the untold history of John Avery Whittaker’s childhood adventures, exploits and tragedies. In book one, scandal rocks the Whittakers’ family reputation and young Johnny finds something that changes the course of his life.
I love it! Fans of Adventures in Odyssey can dive deeper into Whit’s life by learning about his childhood. This series for the family (10 years and up) will follow little Johnny long before he creates the Imagination Station or meets Connie and Eugene.
Want to be notified of updates? Take a moment to tell us about yourself HERE and receive a link to read the first chapter of Young Whit & the Traitor’s Treasure – months before it’s released. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
I am part of a blogging team that shares Odyssey updates in exchange for membership with the Adventures in Odyssey Club. Any opinions and all excitement about Adventures in Odyssey are my own.
December 2, 2018
New Growth Press: Spirit of Giving Family Devotionals Giveaway
New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Family Devotionals Giveaway
For active families, reading the Bible together can feel overwhelming. However, family Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated! With just ten minutes a day, parents have enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known.
Start off the new year resolved to study the Bible together. New Growth Press has you covered and is giving away a family devotional package every family will want to win!
In this third and final Spirit of Giving giveaway of the Christmas season, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of family devotionals (retail value of $148 each). From December 3-8, you can enter to win one of family devotional boxes.
TO ENTER, CLICK IMAGEEach gift box includes one copy of the following family devotionals written by Marty Machowski:
• Listen Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables
Children love stories, and the parables provide a wonderful opportunity to engage their imagination and help them understand and live out the good news of the kingdom of God. After teaching a parable, Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.” In other words, “This is important, so you better listen up,” and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for parents to help their children “listen up” and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it.
• Wise Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs
Wise Up is designed to connect the teaching of Proverbs to God’s larger story of salvation. Children will learn that Solomon’s wisdom, life, and failures all point to “something greater than Solomon”—they point to Jesus. The goal of this devotional is to present the wisdom of Proverbs against the backdrop of the gospel to show children that real wisdom comes only as we depend on Jesus for daily help and forgiveness.
• Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God
Long Story Short guides families through the Old Testament stories and is designed to cultivate honest and powerful discussion about the Bible, which is the catalyst for change in children’s lives. Through 78 Old Testament stories, Long Story Short explains God’s plan of salvation through the Old Testament, focusing on the hero of Scripture and important biblical truths without being corny, confusing, or condescending.
• Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God
Suited for children from preschool through high school, this gospel-focused book is full of ten-minute devotions to continue the gospel story that began in Long Story Short. The consistent and short structure helps children walk through the life-changing truths of the Christian faith in the New Testament—without overwhelming them. Through 78 New Testament stories, Old Story New does the hard work for moms and dads. Simple discussion questions (and answers!) for each day’s devotion help children understand and connect with Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and the birth of the Christian church.
• The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments
This beautifully illustrated storybook captivates young readers with the heart of the gospel. The Gospel Story Bible points to Jesus, helping families and kids identify Christ as the hero of every story. While it’s easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles, and conflicting priorities, Machowski reminds families of God’s plan of salvation in Christ, which is continually on display throughout the Bible. Ideal as a storybook for your preschooler, a devotional for your grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer, or an introduction for the new one, The Gospel Story Bible is also a companion to Long Story Short and Old Story New.
In addition to these books for the entire family, the winners will also receive a new book of devotionals just for parents, and New Growth Press’ latest parenting book.
• Parenting First Aid: Hope for the Discouraged by Marty Machowski
In this uplifting and faith-strengthening devotional book for parents, Marty Machowski encourages parents in the midst of trials. Full of Scripture, testimonies of faithful parents, and insightful meditations, Parenting First Aid equips moms and dads to run to God and trust his ability to do what they can’t. The easy-to-use format provides encouragement to turn to God in the midst of family difficulty. While God does not promise happiness and ease in parenting, all can find comfort in God and peace beyond understanding through the Scriptures and meditations found in Parenting First Aid.
• Child Proof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe
Every family is unique, which is why Child Proof explores the need for parents to cultivate personal and intimate care for their children as modeled in God’s individual, personal, and fatherly care to his children. This child-rearing book lays a foundation of parenting by faith and progresses by teaching readers how they can know their own kids well and raise them accordingly. By discussing particular issues moms and dads might have in family life, Lowe demonstrates how formulas aren’t the answer, and parenting with biblical wisdom is best for a proactive rather than reactive approach to parenting.
In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).
December 1, 2018
Thankful #Giveaway Winner!
What a fun month November was! I decided to share the different ways I am thankful, and while doing so, invited readers to join me in hopes of winning a prize. There were various ways to enter from hashtag entries to subscribing to my newsletter. I enjoyed meeting new readers from those ways, and we have a winner!
CONNIE S.!!!!
Congratulations!
Connie has the choice of print or eBook copies of my fiction books: Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and an eBook of the boxed set, A Christmas to Remember.
Connie won as a new subscriber to my newsletter. I send one every month or so, typically when I have news YOU can use. I try to think of things that will make you smile from a free eBook of Entrusted as my thank you for subscribing, or exclusive things like first look at book covers or chapters/stories you see before anyone else.
Sound good? I know I have a couple surprises in store for subscribers in December.
Subscribe for free to the Julie Arduini Newsletter HERE.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
Have a very Merry Christmas season!
November 29, 2018
Book Review: Kiss Me Once Again by Gail Kittleson
No one ever accused Glenora Carson of being a breathtaking beauty. Her talk, gangly figure and angular face are more solid midwestern stock than Hollywood glamour. But Joe liked her. He even told her, “You’re the one for me.” He gave her a locket with his picture inside, to remind her of him while he was away, serving his country on the U.S.S. Arizona.
After December 7, 1941, Glenora shelves her dreams of attending college on the scholarship she was offered by Iowa State University, locks her heart away, and focuses on holding down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage. The grease-stained overalls didn’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough.
That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life.
Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her
plans?
Kiss Me Once Again is a sweet novella that will make you feel like you are in the WWII era. I loved how Gail crafted Glenora, I could really feel her tough exterior filled with grease and less-than feminine features, but she also captured “Glen’s” tender interior. Hank is everything you want to read in a 1940’s hero. Affected by war, yet lacking confidence due to everything he’s been through. It’s a novella, so it’s a quick read. I definitely recommend!
Purchase Kiss Me Once Again HERE for Amazon
Purchase Kiss Me Once Again HERE for Barnes and Noble
I received a .pdf of the novella for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
When Gail’s not steeped in World War II historical research, writing, or editing, you’ll find her reading for fun, gardening, or enjoying her grandchildren in Northern Iowa. She delights in interacting with readers who fall in love with her characters.
Women of the Heartland, Gail’s World War II series, highlights women of The Greatest Generation: In Times Like These, April 2016, With Each New Dawn, February, 2017 (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, and Word Crafts Press, December, 2017.)
These heroines make do with what life hands them and face great odds with integrity. No easy outs or pat answers for their struggles – it’s the thick of World war II. The same can be said of Dottie in In This Together, Gail’s first historical novel (Wild Rose Press/Vintage Line), and of the women in her memoir, Catching Up With Daylight (WhiteFire Publishing.)
Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and ESL before writing women’s historical fiction. From northern Iowa, she facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats, and enjoys the Arizona Ponderosa forest in winter.
November 28, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 29 (+Giveaway)
December is knocking and I have really enjoyed sharing my thankful thoughts. As far as the giveaway is concerned, I have met new readers who are all eligible to win. I can’t wait to find out who does. I use a cute app with a wheel that spins, LOL.
Anyway, I’ve talked about our kids this week and we end with the youngest. My husband and I joked that as a family we cover the nursery school to nursing home ministries. There’s a 20 year age gap between our oldest and youngest, both daughters. Like the boys, hundreds of miles separate the girls but they are so alike. It’s so much fun when they are together.
When I was pregnant, I felt in prayer that God promised this child would be an overcomer. As someone who battled hormonal imbalance and depression, my prayer was she would be spared those things. In a matter of months, she had already overcome anything I’d already dealt with.
In her short life she’s overcome doctor error delay in her congenital hypothyroidism diagnosis. She’s overcome the prediction she’d be mentally retarded because of the mistake. She’s overcome croup with another doctor error that nearly killed her. Then there was RSV. Pneumonia. Years of therapy. An IEP. Bullying.
She’s our worshiper, she loves to sing, dance, and write music for Jesus. She’s hilarious, has great fashion sense, and the joy that exudes over her is something that has strangers stop me. They see her smile and joy and start telling me their life story. It is amazing.
I’ve talked about my faith, hair, love of books, husband, and children. It really has been a great month!
All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 27, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 28 (+Giveaway)
If you’ve been following along, I shared how thankful I am for our kids. Today is another awkward for me to explain post. I call him the oldest, but that’s because he’s the oldest of the ones I’ve given birth to. However, I hate making a difference between the older children who were part of our wedding, and the last two, who I threw up over for weeks when I was pregnant. So in the scheme of things, he’s the oldest that lives with us that I gave birth to. Of our four children, he’s number three.
He’s the kid that would come up to me as a toddler and ask if he could do something bad, and when I said no, he wouldn’t. He was the kid that would re enact Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames. He was the kid that would go to the world map at the back of the church at age five and pray for China to fall. As in communism would fall so the gospel could be freely preached.
Through the years, he’s not wavered. Growing up, the verse I felt we were to encourage him with was I think from 2 Timothy. We reminded him as he faced situations he’s going to feel like he’s alone, but he isn’t. God will always go ahead. Be his rearguard. Surround him. And that’s been the case. In high school he refused to engage in risky behaviors that would jeopardize his health, safety, and future. He’s had to take a stand on things that were important to him that not everyone had to agree with. I’ve watched him fight the loneliness, along with tests that came from both heaven and hell.
We have the same interests in history, entertainment, and sense of family. I’m so glad my doctor encouraged me to fight my PCOS diagnosis and ask children to pray for me to have children. I could not be more blessed.
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 26, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 27 (+Giveaway)
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
A couple days ago I blogged about how I never pictured growing up that I would be a mom. When you think maternal, I get my name doesn’t come to mind. That said, I’m not about to be the movie of the week on Lifetime or Oxygen either. But God blew my mind as He not only gifted me with a husband, but two children who are fantastic spouses and parents in their own right.
Our second child is an adult that I will forever remember on the eve of the wedding as a ten year old rolling down the hotel hall, pretending he was a spy. He wore his heart on his sleeve and took our hearts with him every time they returned home after a visit. What never ceases to amaze me is he can live 800 miles away and not see his dad every day, yet carry the look and mannerisms as if he and his dad were together every day. They are so alike.
Like his sister, he’s a fantastic sibling. I have never noticed any of our kids define the others as a half sibling or by which marriage they came from. They are all so good to each other, and I especially love watching the brothers interact. Now that the third child is college age, the older two have another adult to chat with. It also means there’s another Arduini male with the same look and mannerisms. For the Arduini females, we find it pretty hilarious.
Like his sister, our second child has a wife heaven sent. She’s everything you could ask for and now they are parents. It’s fun watching him as I remember all the things that made us worry or nervous when he was younger, now he wisely dots on his son the same way.
He works hard to provide and better himself, and we’re so proud of him for that.
We might not live close by or see them as much as we wish we could, but life with him in it? It’s amazing.
November 25, 2018
New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Youth Book Giveaway
Click on the link to enter!New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Youth Book Giveaway
Last week, I shared about books from New Growth Press for the youngest members of the family. Maybe your kids have outgrown that stage and are now preteens or teens.
Books are a great gift for those members of the family who need a break from all the electronics in the house. Actually, that may apply to everyone in the house! Books are a great gift for everyone in the family, by the way!
Even if there aren’t kids in your own house, I’m sure you know some young people who would enjoy these books. Maybe you are a youth leader or teacher with young people on your Christmas list.
This week, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of books for tweens and teens. From November 26-December 2, you can enter to win one of three gift boxes of books (retail value of $114).
Each gift box includes the following titles for youth:
• The complete Rwendigo Tales series by J. A. Myhre:
o A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest
o A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue
o A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star
o A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World
Written by J. A. Myhre, a doctor living and working in East Africa, this adventure series teaches readers of all ages important truths about justice, overcoming evil, and the courage to make a difference. The latest release is A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World, a compelling African adventure story that will enthrall eight- to fourteen-year-old youth who love adventure and learning about faraway places. In the exciting fourth and final book in the Rwendigo Tales Series, readers will be inspired by ordinary people who make the extraordinary choice to stand against great evil.
• Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski
An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background. Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book—a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family’s history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you’ll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!
• The Biggest Win: Pro Football Players Tackle Faith by Joshua Cooley
The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider’s look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God’s Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith. Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing. See your youth athletes’ faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions.
• Between Us Girls: Walks and Talks for Moms and Daughters by Trish Donohue
Between Us Girls was written for mothers with daughters between the ages of seven and fourteen. These twenty-six gospel-driven talks are a fun and easy guide for mothers who want to disciple their daughters but don’t know where to start. In each short chapter, moms and daughters read God’s Word, ask one another questions about their thoughts and experiences, get honest about their struggles with sin, brainstorm ways to live out their faith, and build genuine fellowship into their relationship.
(Between Us Guys for dads and sons will be available in May 2019!)
In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).
