A Kim Vogel Sawyer Marathon

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors, and I proved it by reading three of her books in the past ten days! (See the review I posted June 20th for the review of A Hopeful Heart.) I had read My Heart Remembers about two brothers and a sister who are adopted out to separate families who finally find each other as adults a couple years ago, so I was very eager to start its semi-sequel.

I call it a semi-sequel because In Every Heartbeat does catch us up on what is going on in the lives of Maelle and her siblings over a decade later, but it also introduces three other orphans who have been raised together and now go off to the same college. Libby, Pete and Bennett all have their own hopes and plans for the future, but, as usual, life gets in the way, and some of those plans have to be altered. And, as in all of Kim Sawyer's books, we see how the hand of God is guiding the characters along the way, even when they don't acknowledge Him. And we learn along with the characters how God knows even better than we do when it comes to planning our future. Set while the US teeters on the brink of entering WWI, the reader can learn about history while enjoying a super story.

The third book I read in my marathon was Courting Miss Amsel, about a schoolmarm in her first year of teaching in a small town in Nebraska. Edythe Amsel raised her siblings after her mother's death, but kept studying for years, and has finally reached her dream of becoming a teacher. She loves the students and teaching, but some of the townspeople distrust her unconventional ways of presenting the lessons to the students.

Two of her students are being raised by their uncle, Joel Townsend, after the death of their parents. Joel admires Edythe and lets her know he would like to court her, but she refuses since she spent her own youth raising her siblings and doesn't think she can raise someone else's kids again.

Will the school board ask Edythe to return for another year? Does she even want them to if it means watching Joel with someone else? The author shows how God's plans are even better than our own, if we will only trust and obey. A happy ending with surprises makes for a great read!

Fridays with Friends--guestblog by Angie Arndt

I met Angie Arndt several years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference which is an inspiring conference in the lovely Blue Ridge mountains of NC. It is also a wonderful place to meet other Christian writers like Angie. I have stayed in touch with her and several of the fellow writers I met there that spring. Join me in reading these words of encouragement from Angie, God's Word, and a bumblebee!

BE NOT AFRAID by Angie Arndt




How many of you have heard the old story about the bumblebee? Supposedly, a scientist compared the weight and measurements of its body to its wingspan and judged that bumblebees cannot fly. However, the bumblebee just keeps vibrating its wings and buzzing away from flower to flower.

Lately I've been getting little love notes from God. No, I'm not hearing voices, but do you ever find yourself seeing things with a common theme over and over? Lately, my theme has been, "Don't be afraid."

"Don't be afraid," you ask? Am I climbing a mountain, taming lions or fighting a war? No. I'm just writing a little novel and sometimes it terrifies me. The What-If-Asaurus hovers over me as I type, his stinging stinky breath settling over me like a cloak, telling me I'm going to fail or I'll never finish or even, I'll finish and be published (which in some ways is even more terrifying).

But these little love notes keep popping up for me. Scriptures such as Deut. 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Or I may "happen" to read blog posts or inspiring articles while waiting in the doctor's office on conquering fear. Over and over again, I find this topic keeps popping up and you know what it tells me (besides the obvious)? It's telling me that Someone loves me enough to make sure I hear His message. It also tells me to keep on going, even when the little voice inside me says I can't do it. I'm supposed to keep on writing even if what I wrote last night sounds ridiculous the next morning.

Did you know there are at least 11 references in the Bible that say, "Be strong and courageous?" From Deuteronomy to the Psalms and through the New Testament to Ephesians, we are admonished to go forth with courage and strength.

In addition, we're also reminded that we should:

·                Not be frightened (Joshua 1:9)

·                Obey the Lord's commands (Joshua 1:7)

·                Remember the Lord will defeat our enemies (Joshua 10: 25)

·                Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-11)

·                Obey the Lord's commands and don't be sad (1 Chronicles 22:13)

·                Remember the Lord will be with you until our work is finished (2 Chronicles 15:7)

·                Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14)

·                Remember the Lord will not leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6)

·                Remember the Lord will be with us (Deuteronomy 31:23)

And I have to do more than just show up. Remember the bumblebee can't fly unless it vibrates its wings. I've got to move my fingers and try, at least. And I've got to trust Him to do the rest.

What a wonderful testimony to God's love for us and His commitment to His plans for us! If God is for us, who can be against us? As long as we obey His commands and do His will, we have no reason to be afraid. God is in control!

http://www.angelaearndt.com/

http://joyonthebackroads.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Angie, for a wonderful post and lesson! And I hope our readers will check out her website and blog for more inspiring writing.

Monday Musings--Book Review of A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I am behind on book reviews so decided to use some of my Monday Musings posts to catch up. I love all of Kim Sawyer's books, even though she writes mainly historical and I write mainly contemporary. But whenever I read one of her books it reminds me of why I've always loved historical romances, especially those written by such an expert writer of that genre.

Kim Sawyer has taken a chance comment by someone she met on a trip about a "herdsman school" that taught women how to be proper wives for ranchers, and woven a love story of an unlikely couple that you fall in love with and root for them to be together. And the whole cast of characters are so unique and well-drawn that you feel like you have spent time living in that community and sharing their lives with them.

Besides being a romance, this story encompasses cattle rustling, a couple shootings, lots of lessons on surviving on the prairie, and some great spiritual lessons that are so interwoven into the story that you feel like a friend is counseling you, not preaching at you. Forgiveness is one of the lessons, and also that God can turn bad things into good things.

Since this book is a stand-alone, it doesn't matter if you have read any of the author's earlier books or not, and if this is your first book by this author, you are in for a big treat. You could read a book a week by her until November without any repeats, so check out her website for a complete listing at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/. Happy reading!

Fridays with Friends--Guestblog by Deborah Vogts

I am always happy to introduce other readers to my guestbloggers and their writing, and especially glad when the person is a long-time friend like Deb Vogts. I met Deb at one of the first ACFW conferences, and I have watched her faithfully hone her craft. I also attended a well-run writers' conference run by Deb's local Kansas group a few years ago, and hope to get the chance to do that again. And we have plans to brainstorm with each other someday. I have reviewed two of Deb's books on this blog which you can check out by typing Deb Vogts or Deborah Vogts in the little search box at the top left-hand corner of this blog. You are in for a treat with Deb's pictures as added inspiration for her stories!

Now, without further ado, here is Deborah Vogts!

Finding God in Your Story Setting by Deborah Vogts

I thought I would share with you today about one of my “research trips” into the Flint Hills of Kansas, the setting for my book series. Some of my most cherished moments in life have occurred while driving off-the-beaten-path into the heart of these rolling pastures.

On this particular November day, the north winds were trying to blow in a storm, but we managed to stay dry--cold but dry. And the prairie colors couldn’t have been more beautiful.

“I heard the prairie call to me, its words a whisper on my heart, and I knew that I was home.” From Snow Melts in Spring.

Cattle Guards are used in the open range to keep cattle within their pasture boundaries without the use of gates. A very nifty invention. In case you haven’t guessed, my books deal with ranching, horses, and family conflict . . . with some romance thrown in for fun.

Pictured above, my husband pretending he's a movie director. I first fell in love with the Flint Hills while attending college at Emporia State University. And while these hills were my first love, the man above claimed my heart a few years later and has never let go. We’ll celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary in February.

My road to publication has been long and winding, just like this back road through the Flint Hills. But it’s been a joyous adventure and well worth the wait. I’m currently working to finish my third book with Zondervan, Blades of Autumn (release date to be announced). What I find most rewarding, however, is how with each book, I learn a little something new about myself and my faith in God.

Just like in this closing picture—when the sun peaked out and smiled on us, reminding me that God is always with me. Each time I drive out into the Flint Hills, my heart soars, and I’m touched by God’s presence in the simplicity of that rolling prairie. Do you have a favorite place that warms your heart?

Thanks so much for allowing me to share with you today. Many blessings to you.


Deborah and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing this series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there. Visit Deborah at her web site http://deborahvogts.com or at her Country at Heart blog: http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com

Monday Musings--a big THANKS to Barbour Publishing

I received the galleys (proofs) for my first book a little over a week ago and sent them back in this past Wednesday. I must say that the team at Barbour Publishing has been a dream to work with. I finished my edits about a month ago. Margie Vawter did a great editing job and walked me through any questions I had.

Jessie Fioritto sent me my galleys and was also willing to answer anything I wasn't sure of since this was my first time at galleys, also.

Shalyn Sattler sent me 500 bookmarks with my cover on it which made this whole dream seem more real! She also has answered my questions of how Barbour will help with booksignings and other marketing. These behind-the-scenes people at Barbour have made this whole experience a wonderful one.

And in case you haven't seen it yet, I am posting my cover again. I'm not sure who drew it, but isn't it beautiful? And it portrays the setting so well.

Thanks to everyone at Barbour!

Fridays with Friends--Marlene Bagnull

I know many of you already know Marlene and have been blessed by her and her writing, but I am happy to introduce her to any of my writing friends who have not yet had the privilege of meeting/reading her. I met Marlene at the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference several years ago, and she felt like a long-lost friend from the get-go. At the bookstore I bought a copy of her devotional book for writers entitled Write His Answer, and have read/studied it twice and am now starting my third time! It is a book all Christian writers should read. So, if you need encouragement in your writing, read on! Marlene is an encourager-extraordinaire! PS. And I hope you will order the book, too, from her site below, so you can be encouraged each day as you read a portion.

Write His Answer . . . And Don’t Give Up by Marlene Bagnull

Twenty-six years ago I sat in a workshop with Lee Roddy at the St. David’s Christian Writers Conference. I remember how my heart pounded the last morning of his workshop when he challenged us to put a commitment in writing to complete our book in a year. And then he prayed that heaven would be different because of the words we would write and publish.

I knew God had called me to write this book. I never questioned that, but I did question my ability to write it during the next year as I struggled to finish it. One friend reminded me that a year in the Lord’s sight is like a thousand years, but I knew the Lord knew that I had promised to complete it in a year made up of 365 days. And amazingly I did. I wasn’t a day late or a day early! I took “my baby” to the post office and mailed it to a publisher that had requested the entire manuscript. And then the waiting began. That editor kept it one year before finally returning it. Over the next five years I queried 40 other publishers. Some asked to see the entire manuscript. All of them returned it too. Frustrated, discouraged, and consumed by self-doubts I came so close so many times to giving up.

Only the promises in God’s Word kept me keeping on. “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up,” the apostle Paul encouraged the early Christians (Gal. 6:9 TLB). I felt God speaking directly to me and saying, “Don’t you give up.”

Friends babysat my kids so that I could go to the conference each year on a working scholarship. I commuted to save money, and after five years even ended up on faculty teaching a continuing session on writing for Christian periodicals. Even more amazing, several months after that conference an editor I’d met with called and offered me a contract.

Had I given up, I would have missed the not only the joy of seeing my book in print but also the joy of helping others get published through 28 years of directing the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference and 15 years of directing the Colorado conference. Both conferences are under the umbrella of a ministry God birthed over 30 years ago when I dared to believe that His words in Habakkuk 2:2 were His call on my life. “Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so anyone can see it at a glance and rush to tell the others” (TLB) He said.

I hope you’ll visit www.writehisanswer.com and read the excerpts from my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. And please ask Father if He wants you to come to the August 10-13 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference (www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia) and/or to save May 13-16, 2012 for next year’s Colorado Christian Writers Conference (www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado). And may heaven be different because of the words you write and publish!

In Christ - Marlene
Marlene Bagnull, Litt.D.

Write His Answer Ministries - http://www.writehisanswer.com/

Blogging at http://writehisanswer.wordpress.com

Director, Colorado Christian Writers Conference - May 11-14, 2011

at YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park Center (NW of Denver)

www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado

Founder & Director, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference - August 10-13, 2011

at Philadelphia Biblical University

www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia

Monday Musings--A Book Review of The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus

Another delightful read by Kaye Dacus, this second story in the Matchmakers series will bless your socks off! Set in Nashville, Tennessee, in the heart of the Bible belt, we see the 'meddling matriarchs' on the march again when it comes to marrying off their grandkids so they can be the first of their group with great-grandchildren.

Caylor Evans and Dylan Bradley are not your typical hero/heroine. Both are hiding secrets in their past, but little do they know that their secret past includes the other. Is that the reason Caylor wonders why Dylan looks so familiar and she is so attracted to him? Can Dylan throw off the bonds of his past to go after what he desires for his future--for their future?

Set on a college campus among plays, art exhibits and classes, the reader experiences (or re-lives) the joys and frustrations of academia. And roots for this unlikely couple to find a way to make it work.

This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend finding a copy of Love Remains to read first so you don't miss out on any of the fun with this ensemble cast of characters, especially the fun and loving grandparents. Or go to amazon or cbd.com and order all of Ms. Dacus's books. Each one is a great study in "The Art of Romance."

Monthly Book Drawings and Book Review of A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

The winner for last month's book contest is Lisa Lickel who will receive 199 Promises of God after I receive her mailing address. Everyone (except Lisa) with a US mailing address who leaves a comment during the month of June will be eligible to win a copy of the delightful book A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad. So, please remember to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

This is the second book in Lorna's Lake Manawa Summers series, and although it could be read on its own, I would recommend reading Making Waves first for the enjoyment of it, plus several of the major characters in Making Waves are minor characters in A Great Catch, so you get to find out what is going on in their lives a few years later.

Lorna's bio says she is a history buff, and it shows in this very true to period book. It also says she found this setting in her home state of Iowa. I'm so glad she did. Lake Manawa is a wonderful place to visit and re-visit. I hope Lorna will write more books set in this location.

Emily Graham is our heroine, a beautiful young woman who is over zealous in her quest to see that women get to vote in Iowa and the US. She's even willing to play on a baseball team, in spite of her clumsiness, to further that cause. This brings her into close quarters with the captain of the team, Carter Stockton. He falls in love with Emily, only wishes she would slow down some and listen to God more. As it says on the back cover, "She wants to change the world. He wants to change her mind."

I love the characters of Emily's grandmother and two elderly aunts with whom she lives. And there is a mystery involving her grandmother's dwindling funds at the bank. Emily has to search her heart to find out whom she can trust. And she has to learn to let go and let God have control.

This book is a delightful read with a great spiritual message. I did receive this copy of the book from the publisher, Revell, for review purposes, but all thoughts are my own.

Monday Musings--the creativity of a 9 year old!

I shared a couple of my granddaughter's stories last year, written when she was only seven or eight. This year she entered two stories in a local writing contest for children 9-14 years old. She spoke them to me and I typed them as she rattled them off. She had two stories in the top ten in spite of being the youngest in that category!

Last week she and her sister spent the night and we watched a movie called Nim's Island about a young girl whose father is lost at sea. Nim enlists the help of an author of adventure books to rescue him. The author arrives, but she is afraid of most things and has writer's block. I asked Danielle if she ever got writer's block. When I explained it meant that you couldn't think of what to write next, she said, "No, I just say it as I think it!" My writer friends and I all wish we had her creativity and confidence!

So, for today and next Monday I will share the creativity of a nine year old with no writer's block! Hope it inspires you as it does me!

Love That Dog, Pokey by Danielle K.


Back in the nineteen thirties, some people did not love dogs. And dogs did not love books. But there was one special girl and her dog that actually made history. Here is how the story goes.

Once there was a girl named Bella. She had a dog named Pokey which was named after the Hokey-Pokey. She loved him as much as her heart. But, she loved him so much that she read books to him ever since he was born. She would grab a blanket, two pillows and a couple books and read them to Pokey.

She loved books that she got from her favorite librarian in the world named Mrs. Carolyn. Bella never wanted to go to school because she wanted to read books to Pokey. That was her most favorite thing to do.

Also back in the nineteen thirties, there were so many dog catchers around that Bella had to keep Pokey safe, so she would hide him in her bedroom and close the windows and hide with him.

Many days later, Bella and Pokey went to a dog store to buy lots of dog chew toys and dogfood. The storekeeper said, “If you are going to bring in dogs, I cannot allow you, so either get the dog out or both of you get out.” So, Bella left.

Bella never stopped checking out books from the library, but she could not bring Pokey in because dogs were not allowed. So, she always would go to the back of the library and go into the basement which had many good books and hide Pokey in the bathroom so no one would see him. And she would go upstairs to check out Pokey’s favorite books.

After they came home from the library, they both went upstairs to read another book. Bella was so happy that she would not even sell her dog for one million dollars even though she was so poor.

That night she read forty books and did not stop—every word in those books. But in the morning, there was one book left on her table. It was called Love that Dog.

She didn’t grab it because she was so tired.

Her sister Molly said, “It’s Saturday morning. You’ve got to read something.”

So Bella grabbed that book and read all the chapters in two hours. But Pokey was laying on her bed and not listening because he was not feeling good. He did not wag his tail.

So she grabbed her phone and called the vet. The vet said that the dog may not be a him, it may be a her.

The vet came over to check Pokey out. He said, “Pokey is going to have puppies.”

“Pokey is a her,” said Bella.

Two hours passed. When the puppies arrived, Bella was so excited that she had grandchildren!

When she looked at the book Love that Dog, she grabbed it and started reading it to Pokey’s puppies.

Many years passed. When Bella was twenty years old, she looked at the same book and said to herself, “If you love that dog, you love the dog’s pups.”

And that is the story of Bella and her beloved dog, Pokey.

THE END

Fridays with Friends Guestblog by Connie Stevens

Today's guestblog is very special to me for two reasons. One is that Connie has been a very special friend and prayer partner to me for several years, since soon after we both joined ACFW. The other reason is that it tells the story of one of her prayers that concerned me! And Donna Rich, the other person Connie is hugging in the picture above.

NEXT YEAR . . . AND THE WINNER IS--by Connie Stevens


In September of 2009, after many years of struggling, learning, praying, practicing, improving, being rejected, learning some more, achieving baby steps, learning some more, praying some more . . . well, you get the idea . . . I attended the annual conference of American Christian Fiction Writers. There is a tradition at the conference that takes place on the first night. Two editors from Barbour Publishing take the stage and announce the awarding of first-time contracts. It has always been one of my favorite parts of the conference. On that magical night in 2009, the title of my novel was announced. After screaming, laughing, crying, hugging, and some joy-filled phone calls, I had a few quiet moments to spend with God.


In the stillness, He let me re-live the excitement, but He also reminded me of the journey. There were countless times I remember wondering if this writing thing was really God’s direction for my life, or was it just something I wanted to do. Had I truly heard from Him in pursuing this crazy career or was this merely an obsessive hobby? While I re-read the letter of intent from Barbour Publishing, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of exciting roller coaster ride was ahead. But one thing I knew beyond any doubt: God walked with me through the pre-published journey. He would walk with me on this next level as well.

The following day—day two of the conference—during the worship time we sang While I’m Waiting, and it occurred to me that someone in that room of 500+ people there was a person who, like me, was wondering and waiting. Next year would be their time, but they didn’t know it yet. So I started praying for that person. I asked God to encourage them and motivate them, to keep them close to Him and honor Him with every word they wrote. I prayed for the person’s heart, knowing that in one year they would know the same joy I now experienced.

I prayed again the following day and the day after that. Have you ever prayed for a specific person without knowing who it was? Before I knew it, praying for “next year’s recipient” of the first-time contract became a privilege I anticipated every morning. It was impossible to keep the smile off my face as I prayed blessings for the person whose name I did not know.

As the time for the 2010 conference grew closer, my prayers grew too. My heart was stirred for this unknown person, and the anticipation of learning their identity swelled. In the opening general session, I was supposed to be working in the bookstore, but I snuck into the auditorium and stood at the back, my heart pounding, my hands clasped at my chin. The editors took the stage and the name was announced.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! The person for whom I’d prayed for an entire year was my dear friend, Rose McCauley!! I screamed. I cried. I praised God.

I knew she would be mobbed immediately after the session, so I held back and waited. When God gave us a moment, I told her how God had impressed on my heart to pray for “next year’s recipient” for the entire year. Rose immediately agreed to do the same. So this year, Rose is praying for that yet unnamed person who will hear their name called at the 2011 conference—the person who is at this moment still on the journey. What joy is in store for him/her! But there is another joy--the joy of praying for someone whose name we do not know.

Rose again: Dear Friends, I count it a privilege to continue this tradition Connie started of praying for this year's winner of the first contract from Barbour award. And if you will check out Connie's website below and the books she has published and has coming out, you will see how God has blessed her and is using her to bless her readers. Thank you, Connie, for sharing this memory with me and my readers, for your friendship and prayers over the years, and especially for your faithfulness in listening to God and following as He directs you!


http://www.conniestevenswrites.com/

Leave Me Never - January 2011 (Heartsong Presents)

Revealing Fire - May 2011 (Heartsong Presents)

Scars of Mercy -- Coming soon (Heartsong Presents)

Heart of Honor —2012 (Heartsong Presents)

Hope’s Dwelling Place – 2012 -- novella in the Sundays In Fredericksburg collection (Barbour Publishing)

Monday Musings

May is a Special Month because...

it is our wedding anniversary and...
Mother's Day and...
college graduations and...
high school graduations and...
the last day of school and...
mostly beautiful weather and...
gorgeous flowers from all the April rains and...
time to praise God for all His wonderful creation!

Fridays with Friends--Lisa Lickel

Lisa Lickel and I became friends after meeting at the Write to Publish Conference in Chicago a couple years ago. (see picture below.) We are now working on a book proposal together, and I am amazed at how much she gets done! Lisa has shared her perspective on feeding your imagination by being involved in things you are passionate about. And all of us need imagination!

How Deep Does Your Passion Run? by Lisa Lickel

An author doesn't sit around pounding at the keys all day. Real authors go out and gather experiences to fuel their passion. I am a local historian—that is to say, I have studied and continue to learn about the people who live in my rural community, where their ancestors came from, the struggles they went through to get established. One particular place, the Saxonia House, feeds my imagination like no other. I immerse myself in it.

There has to be some truth about the saying, that something gets into your blood. I can’t explain my passion any other way. I unload my third five-gallon container of frozen raccoon scat in the nearby woods last winter, in the snow. It doesn’t escape my notice that it's Valentine’s Day. I hoped that cleaning it out of the attic of the Saxonia House in the winter would make it easier. Just because this once lively home is abandoned except for the mice and bats and spiders and flies, and, oh, my, raccoons (and two spotted salamanders in the basement) and a very persistent groundhog, doesn’t mean it needs cleaning any less than my own.

I am obsessed.

In summer another crazy person wants to take pictures for a Powerpoint production. I want the house to look as nice as it can, in its aging floozy condition. While I was sweeping the year’s worth of guano from my favorite room of the house, I thought about my obsession, and why it is so. I find a bottle. It’s not antique, but it still immediately brings to mind that this might have been a tavern and meeting room, where so much that is Fillmore came to be. Maybe some Prussian comes into town, stopped at the inn for a lukewarm one and directions to his new holdings in the western part of the township. “Ach, back in the Fatherland, we Prussians – we’d be considering how to take control of your measly confederation. Saxony, tariffs – bah! But here in the new country – we be friends.” I hear German songs echoing from the rafters.

Bats chitter behind the attic door and briefly I consider running so I can see which hole they fly out of, so we can patch it up. But that’s silly; there are so many holes.

I couldn’t find a filter mask this morning before I came to finish cleaning. I’m probably going to get a disease from breathing in this bat gunk and old plaster dust, I think. I consider how the particles get into my lungs, and then into my bloodstream. Maybe I don’t sneeze them all away, and some of this place literally stays in my blood.

I go home, and write stories of friendship and lost loves and found dreams.

What's your passion? Is it something that gets into your blood, so that you can pour it onto the page? Go out and live! Feed your imagination from real experiences.

Monday's Musings--A Late Mother's Day

My husband and I went to Florida last week for our 43rd anniversary so we were gone on Mother's Day. Although all three of our kids called me that day, I am just now receiving my gifts. Our oldest daughter told me she plans to take me and her daughters to get pedicures together. Our youngest daughter bought me several flats of red, white and blue flowers today to beautify our yard. But, it was rainy and too wet to plant today, so my husband thinks they will be OK if we set them out in the yard to keep them moist. Hope so. I will try to take a picture later when it is all done. and I wonder what our son will get me? He did come to the airport to pick us up when we returned, so perhaps that is his gift.

In closing I want to share a free verse poem I wrote a few years ago about Mother's Day:
Mother's Day

Maternal instinct
     Mother's touch
          Mother's embrace
Mother's prayers
     Mother's smile
          Mother's love

How was your Mother's Day? Anyone have some more thoughts to share?

Friday with Friends

I want to welcome another ACFW friend, Karin Beery, who is sharing her unique perspective on learning this writing business.

Real World University, by Karin Beery

I never intended to be a writer. Though I love to read and I had a degree in English, I enjoyed working in hospitality. Writing was just something I did for work, but then my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I quit my job and started substitute teaching so I could take care of him. I also started writing. I didn't have a goal or deadline, and I think my ignorance saved me. This has been a long journey, and it's not over yet.

Like many writing newbies, I thought I'd jump right in and get a novel published. I wrote the manuscript. Friends read it. I edited it. Then I did the research – I knew nothing about the publishing industry. Instead of giving up, however, I decided to press on. I'm glad I thought so highly of myself at the time, because if I had honestly realized how long it would take me to develop my career, I don't know if I would have kept going.

The first thing I knew I needed to do was get some bylines. Truthfully, that was pretty easy. A local paper needed help, and they were willing to work with an inexperienced writer. Once I had gained some confidence, I branched out to other local weekly papers and got more gigs. Though I love writing for the small town rags, they don't pay a lot. If I could afford to do nothing more than write local human interest stories, I would, but I can't. I had to branch out even more.

I started scanning the Writer's Market Guides for new markets. Those books are huge, however, and only a handful of the magazines want what I write. It would have been easy for me to spend days researching the possibilities.

Meanwhile, I'm still trying to hone my craft and break into fiction. One of the best ways to do that is by attending writing conferences. They, of course, require money. What little I made writing locally I poured right back into conferences. To get the most bang for your buck at a conference, you really need to find out which editors and agents will be there, as well as who's interested in your type of work. That meant more and more research, and none of it paid.

Then I heard about the wide world of freelance editing. The same writing skills are required, but it's faster to edit a book than it is to write one. That's why so many writers dabble in both worlds. I decided to do the same. I wasn't entirely sure where I should start, but I knew where I wanted to start – online.

During all of my research of conferences, editors, and markets, I discovered something about myself – I love a well-designed website. Unfortunately, I know nothing about creating one. It made sense to hire someone to do it for me. Sounds simple enough, right? I wasn't prepared. It took weeks of brainstorming, proof-reading, second-guessing, mind-changing, and other nit-picking before I finally had a website I liked. It lasted less than a year – I'm already changing it, and I'm still paying for it.

Recently, I received my first unsolicited phone call from an interested client (thank you, website!). We've met once and are going to do a couple of test-runs to see if we're compatible. If we work well together, he'll start sending work my way – as an editor. I do already have many of the skills necessary for that, but I want to make sure I'm the most professional, well-informed editor that I can be, so I'm going back to conferences, buying resources, and doing more research. This is all speculative, too. I may not get the job. Even if I don't, I'll be better prepared for the next call.

I'm now over two years into my career, not making much money, and spending many more hours studying and learning than I am actually writing and selling. It's taking longer than I anticipated, but I don't regret it. After all, it took me four years to earn my Bachelor's degree. I figure I'm just about halfway through my Real World Education.

Monday Musings--Book review of Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

I thought I would start our week off with a book review of a wonderful book I just finished last night. I read Karen's debut novel, A Tailor-Maid Bride and reviewed it last year. Although some sophomore novels don't live up to the promise of the first book, I need to tell you that Karen's second book is superb! I read this book in two days which is a rarity for me nowdays!

If you like Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, you will love Head in the Clouds. Take a governess, a small child and an English nobelman, then transport them to a sheep ranch in Texas and you have a rollicking good story with more than enough love to go around.

There is also a villian and some tense scenes which is why you have to read it so quickly to make sure everyone survives. So hurry on out and buy or order this book. You might have your head in the clouds for days afterward!

This book was sent to me by the publisher, Bethany House, for review purposes, but that did not affect my review in any way. Thanks, Bethany and Karen for a great read!

Fridays with Friends--guestblogger Carole Brown

I am so happy to welcome Carole Brown to my blog. Carole is a fellow ACFWer and also a member of my Ohio group. She is very friendly and full of smiles, and today she has some great information for those of us starting down the marketing road. Come a long with me and enjoy the ride!


I Don’t Wanna Be a Marketer! By Carole Brown

Me, neither, but when I chose a writing career, I signed on unofficially to do all I can to promote my books/my writing career. In this day, it’s an accepted part of being a writer. No longer can we sit back and allow publishers to do it all.

Sure it’s scary. Most writers are introverts. Anytime a writer has to open up their self to others and expose your dreams and hopes and thoughts to the world, it’s risky. We’d rather stay in our shells, write and sell tons of books. But there’s another part—and it’s not very well liked—side of writing. Marketing.

Social media is a must. We’re faced with tons of choices: speaking, book signings, physical and blog tours, Facebook, Shoutlife, My Space, Twitter, blogging. How can we know what’s for us?

By experimenting in small doses.
· Speak to your friends about an aspect of your writing. Don’t try to overload them with information. Pick out some small part of your life as a writer and share it. Decide what you’re knowledgeable about and develop that topic. This could lead you to more and larger engagements. Take advantage of it.
· Social Internet groups. Check out different ones. Find and learn how to negotiate through your choice. Be faithful. Posts don’t have to be long. Be friendly and make as many friends as you can. You can’t post and sit around waiting on everyone to pounce on them. Check out others’ posts. Comment with sincere remarks. Invite others to be your friend, and be theirs. Show you care.
· Get a website. Published or not, start preparing now for when it happens. Take time to prepare one that’s attractive and appealing.
· Blog.
1. Again, prepare a blog that represents your genre, you and your writing. Doesn’t have to be flashy. Just attractive and you.
2. Make a list about your writing.
· Genre (children, historical, sci-fi, romance, mystery?),
· themes throughout your books,
· Any special topics you always touch on?
· What do you want your readers to take away after reading your books?
· How do you hope they inspire others?
· Do you want a specialty blog or a more general one to feel free to use a variety of ideas on it? My definition of a specialty blog: one that specializes in, for example: all interviews and reviews, or one that has mostly posts about their books, characters, etc., or one that offers writing advice.

I consider mine a general one.
1. Sundays, I have a devotional, very short type of worshipful post (for the reader and me).
2. Mondays, I usually post a list of ten things I’m grateful for (an exercise that helps me connect with readers, but also shares a tiny portion of my thoughts and life).
3. On Wednesdays, I offer occasional reviews, but mostly interviews, with lots of giveaways.
4. Fridays, is a fun day. Articles, guest posts, funny tidbits about life, interesting things.
5. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are my free days, but I also use them for extra stuff when I’m booked up.
Work with these ideas to create a blog that is YOU!
3. Decide how many posts you want and can do in a week’s time. It’s better to pick too few days as too many that you can’t keep up with.
4. Be faithful. Be disciplined. Sure, once in awhile you may miss a day. That’s okay. We’re human. Don’t belabor the fact. Move on to your next day and pick up your pace again.
5. Comment on others’ blogs. Become a follower of others’ blogs. Encourage, encourage, encourage.

Be patient as you build your platform for a successful writing career. It all takes time, but if you follow these few steps and study other writers’ successes, you’ll eventually find the groove that just fits you and your life.

Happy marketing!


Carole’s bio:
Carole Brown, wife of Dan and mother of two grown sons, lives in Ohio and writes suspense, romantic suspense, and mystery, all a passion with her. Carole’s published four children’s books (learning character traits) that are used in Christian schools and VBS. She is a semi-finalist in the 2011 American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest, in the Women’s Fiction division. She’s a reviewer with the prestigious Suspense Zone and an experienced blogger with years of blogging under her belt.

She’s received several awards for her poems, and written various magazine articles, served as editor and co-editor of many newsletters, and helped to develop advertising brochures.
She has a Bachelors Degree in Religious Education, an Associate in Computer Software and has completed several courses in fiction writing. Carole is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Central Ohio Fiction Writers, Circle of Pens (a writing group she founded for mentoring beginning writers) and The Wannabe Writer’s of West Virginia and Ohio.
Learn more about Carole at: www. sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Monday Musings--Shocked!

That was the best word to describe my reaction to my daughter telling me that she checked our results in the online Louisville Courier-Journal for the Half Marathon in the Kentucky Derby Festival we walked in Louisville this past Saturday. There were 15,000 competing in both the full marathon (26.2 miles) and the half or mini-marathon. (13.1 miles) Out of 250 in my age group (60-64), I came in 104th with a speed of 16:38 minute mile. And I never jogged, but walked the whole way! My daughter finished a few minutes before me as she jogged the last mile. Then we had to walk a mile or more to and from the hotel, so we logged in over 15 miles that day. The backs of my thighs can attest to that!

The porta-potties left much to be desired, but when we got to Churchill Downs, a lady there told us the bathroom was very clean, so I told Mandy that next time we will make our one pit stop there! She said, "Next time?" I would love to do the walk with my other daughter, too, and maybe even my grandkids someday, so who knows?

We and the other marathoners enjoyed beautiful weather, and beautiful views of the city. I grew up in Louisville which is one of the reasons my daughter suggested we do this race, and I have to say that I think the city is even prettier and cleaner than during my childhood years. Mandy and I saw some familiar sites as we walked--the Science Museum where we enjoyed a sleepover with her Girl Scout troop, the funeral home where both my parents' visitations took place, the church I attended as a young girl with my deaf grandparents, Churchill Downs and more.

We even got medals at the end! See us in the picture above back in our hotel room after completing the race. My favorite part was sharing this special event with my youngest daughter. Thanks, Mandy, for the memories! And the motivation!

Our monthly winners are...

Joanne Sher who wins an autographed copy of The Sheriff's Daughter by Laurie Kingery and Cheri Horgan wins a copy of Something Stirs by Thomas Smith. These books will be on their way after both winners send me their mailing addresses.

This month's book to win is called 199 Promises of God to celebrate me reaching the milestone of 199 blogposts last month! It is chock-full of Scripture promises to encourage you along your journey. To be included in the drawing which will take place on June 1st, please leave a comment any time the month of May along with your email address so I can contact you for mailing info. All those with a US mailing addy except the two winners mentioned above are eligible, so what are you waiting for?

Friday with Friends--guestblogger, Angie Breidenbach

Today everyone is in for a treat with this inspiring post by Angie Breidenbach. I know Angie from ACFW where we sang in the choir together and she served 2009-2011 as our publicity officer. Angie wears many hats on her pretty head as you can tell from her list of websites below. I hope you will check them out and her books which have been a blessing to many. Today's post is from her book Gems of Wisdom, which releases next week. This excerpt begins with a foreword from ACFW's president, Margaret Daley.

Foreword

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;

and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

—Proverbs 1:5



When I read this proverb, I immediately thought of Angie Breidenbach’s Gems of Wisdom. This book is filled with good advice and information to help people overcome obstacles they face in their life.

When I read Gems of Wisdom, I particularly loved the positive advice with the emphasis on setting goals, journaling, and taking small steps toward changing your life. She covers all the positive attitudes we need to counter the negative ones that we can be bombarded with day in and out. This can be done through education and knowledge, both of which lead to wisdom.

Living can be hard, filled with many trials and tribulations, but Gems of Wisdom gives you concrete ways to get a handle on those problems, so you can live your life to the fullest. I cried when reading this, but mostly I walked away with tools to use to solve issues I had been wrestling with. I was able to fight those pirates that wanted to rob me of peace.

Reading Gems of Wisdom will enrich your life. You will find a treasure trove of gems that will equip you to make sound decisions. There is no place for negativity. Embrace life and savor the words to come.


—Margaret Daley




Excerpt from Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life



Chapter 1

What’s Fair?

Gemstone: Tanzanite

Pirate: Injustice

Then I will purify them and put them to the test, just as gold and silver are purified and tested. They will pray in my name, and I will answer them. I will say, "You are my people," and they will reply, "You, LORD, are our God!" Zechariah 13:9, CEV



Heat treatment can turn ordinary gemstones into extraordinary jewels. Tanzanite, straight from the ground, is tinged brown. Dirt colored, plain old brown. It’s easy to take for granted as a valueless rock. But heat that rock and watch the fire flare from the dazzle. A kind of can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it rich purple-blue dazzle.



Tanzanite is most often cut into facets, adding more dimensions to the jewel. The intensity comes from the high temperature that purifies the color. Color that makes you want to take a second look, draw in a little closer, and see it from every angle to absorb the beauty.

Record your answers to questions in the following sections in Chapter 1 of the Companion Guide.



Ponder Point

How skewed is your fairness meter?
As a Christian, it seems as if I live in an open-air zoo. Passersby stop and stare. They watch my every move with fascination like a monkey in an exhibit. Sometimes the people on the other side of an invisible wall mock, taunt, and tease. Sometimes they throw words at me to get a reaction so they can tell their friends about the exciting visit to the zoo. But when a fellow monkey wants to fight over little things . . .

Safe in my little monkey enclosure, I don’t need protection from my own kind. I don’t expect to fight over the branch where I rest or the proper way to peel my banana. After all, we’re compatible creatures, right?

When someone trustworthy attacks, it feels like a hairy arm swipes at my fruit and bare teeth screech an unbearable noise demanding to be in command. Other monkeys watch the commotion as my attacker bites and claws and leaves open sores to scar forever. She wasn’t even hungry. She had a pile of bananas under her own branch.

I want to run and hide from the unnecessary malice. I plead for respite from my Zookeeper. I want to go to a safe enclosure away from the mean monkey. The Zookeeper holds me, binds my wounds, and gives me back my banana. But he doesn’t take the bad monkey out. Instead, he approaches the offender with love. I watch, huddled with pouting, tearful eyes.

The Zookeeper opens his arms to the nasty, selfish monkey. She leaps into them, grasping and clinging, and drops a little bundle in the process. The tiny body is no longer breathing. He picks up and cradles the little lost one. Zookeeper pulls the mean monkey deeper into his embrace.

I needed holding.

“She attacked out of confusion and fear.” He looks over to me. “Her heart is sick.” It wasn’t evident by the way she looked on the outside and the skill she used to keep the hurt hidden. “Oh, my gentle soul,” he says. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Come.”

We are both sick and in need of our Zookeeper’s care.



Pique Points

Do people hide things they don’t know how to deal with?
Is being fair really the issue?
How skewed is my fairness meter?



About the book:
In Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life you'll embark on a treasure hunt for God's unique gems of wisdom. Be empowered, learn to influence through your own life lessons, and preserve important relationships. Gems of Wisdom invites the reader on a treasure hunt to find important life concepts represented by the beautiful stones God created. Excellent for Bible study and book clubs as well as individual study.


Amazon Sales link: http://www.amazon.com/Gems-Wisdom-Treasure-Filled-Angela-Breidenbach/dp/1936438046/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

About the author:
Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life from Journey Press, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance and the new Kindle release, Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writer's publicity officer for two years. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. Angela is married with a combined family of six grown children and two grand children. Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life releases May 2011 from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint.



Interested in having Angela speak? Contact Christian Speaker Services 800.871.9012 x40250

Interact with or learn more about Angela Breidenbach:

http://www.angelabreidenbach.com/

http://www.mygemofwisdom.comhttp//www.MyGemofWisdom.com

http://www.Youtube.com/AngieBreidenbach


http:///http://www.godusesbrokenvessels.com/

http://www.thefaithgirls.com%20on%20wednesdays%20each%20week/




Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog, Rose!
Angie

And thank you for visiting, Angie. I hope you will come back again and share more of your Gems of Wisdom!

Monday Musings--Rise up and Dance Your Shoes Off!

As a little after-Easter boost, I'd like to invite you to go to YouTube and type in "Dance your shoes off." There you will find a worship dance 2000 members of SBC of Houston put on to the song "Rise Up." It has gotten over half a million views so far. I heard the pastor interviewed on Fox News on Easter morning, and he said the reason it's called "Dance Your Shoes Off" is that each dancer wore new tennis shoes then stepped out of them at the end so the final shot is of a field of tennis shoes. These were all to be donated to mission groups.

The music makes you want to get up and dance with the crowd. I hope more churches will participate in similar events next Easter. There are several other videos in a similar vein. Another one I liked was the "Resurrection Sunday Dance, Budapest, Hungary" with over a million views. What a way to spend Easter Sunday--looking forward to the day we will rise up to meet our Lord in the air.

Fridays with Friends--Guestblog by Lynn Diener

I am happy to post this very helpful article about characterization. Great insights, Lynn!

5 Tips for More Believable Characters

By D.L. Diener

Are your characters a little flat? Are they as interchangeable as sweet potatoes and yams? Are you stuck for new ways to add depth? Well, do I have good news for you. I’ve gleaned some tips from my own life that will help you to flesh out your boney characters in just a few bites.

(FYI- these are excellent procrastination tools, should you find yourself in need of some. “What are you doing, honey?” “Oh, just working on my characterization.”)

1. Read your Bible. Not for your own spiritual enrichment (actually yes, do that, too), but read it as material for your manuscript.

I learned this one with my current work-in-progress. I knew what topic I wanted to cover. I knew the setting, what genre I wanted it to be, and who some of the main characters were. But what I lacked was a grander scope. What was my main character’s motivation and what was going to both sustain her and propel her towards the finish?

I decided to meditate on the verse that had inspired the story every day that summer. Within a week, I was blown away. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the one verse that jumped out at me, but the whole chapter and pieces of the chapters around it. I finally knew how the story would play out. What my main character’s central angst was and what she craved and how she felt about God.

Since then, I always consult the Bible on any major writing project, as a resource.

2. Do you know what your main character’s Love Language is?

With much appreciation to Dr. Chapman and how he’s helped my family communicate, I’d like to suggest something a little strange.

In the last two novels I’ve read, I found myself thinking, “well, that’s because her love language is words or quality time, and his is acts of service or touch- of course they’re feeling misunderstood.” I’m analyzing characters in ways I’d only done with real humans before. Then I started wondering about my own characters.

Try this out for yourself. If Love Languages doesn’t appeal to you, try the Myers-Briggs test, or those silly Facebook quizzes (which Disney princess are you?). But answer them as your character. It’ll give you a much better idea of how your character will respond to things and how they’ll interact with the other characters in your book.

3. People Watching. I know you’ve heard this one before, so I’d like to expand it to People Interactions. You know conversations?

It’s time to be brave, break out of that introverted, shy writer thing, and do what your Momma didn’t tell you to do—go talk to strangers.

Perhaps you need a prop. I generally have my twin daughters with me and they provide me with many unexpected conversations.

But don’t just have the conversations to have a conversation. Notice their mannerisms, what they share or won’t share. What drew them to you or you to them? Are they there with another person? Family? Friend? Alien from the planet Tooba? You won’t get a full history (not generally) but you can imagine-in the details. Is this person you’ve met someone that your character would interact with? Would your character be the approached or the approach-ee?

4. Borrow from life.

This is your reminder to stop and smell the roses. Or watch how your three-year-old sits at the top of the stairs clutching her oversized Pooh Bear during a thunderstorm. Her damp curls sticking to her plump, tear-streaked cheeks. Does she suddenly become relieved of her fear, maybe even giggle, when you plop her on your lap to comfort her? Or is she truly upset and frightened by the storm?

We can imagine a lot of things as writers, but sometimes there is no faking what happens in real life. If you’re intentional about paying close attention- you’ll know when something is plausible in a story.

5. Read. Read. Read.

You’re not going to know what comes off as three-dimensional to a reader, unless you’ve read it. Analyze while you’re reading. What was it that made that moment so believable?

Do you remember your own first pangs of labor? Is that why that childbirth scene made you rub a hand across your belly? Do you remember the names that girl on the bus used to call you? Is that why that bullying scene made you queasy?

Start filing away those moments when you read. Highlight it in the book or scribble it on a piece of paper. Then when your character is running a few quarts low, you’ll have something to fill her up with.

These are just quick tips. It’s not meant to be exhaustive. There are loads of books that explain characterization far better than I can. Personally, I love the psychology behind characters, and even what that reveals about its author. But then, I minored in psychology. I’m hoping even if this hasn’t answered all your questions about creating full characters, that it has at least been enough to stir those creative juices again.

For further study on characterization, here are two of my favorite books on the subject:

Breathing Life Into Your Characters by Rachel Ballon

Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints (Write Great Fiction) by Nancy Kress

Thanks so much, Lynn. My favorite book on character writing is Getting into Character by Brandilyn Collins. And my favorite of Lynn's tips is #1. I always have a Bible verse about the theme of the story, but have never thought about meditating on it each day to see what God teaches me about my character that I can share with my readers. Great idea!

How about you, dear reader, Do you have a favorite book on characterization to recommend? Which of Lynn's tips do you like the best, or do you have one to add? Anyone with a US address who comments and leaves their contact info will be entered into this month's book giveaway contest drawing on May 1st.

And I encourage everyone to check out Lynn's very helpful and funny blog at www.dldiener.com

Monday Musings

I emailed the following story to a friend this morning and thought it might give some of you a laugh, too, so decided to share! (Although I don't think our preacher's wife thought it was very funny at the time!)

Dottie said they had spring cleaning scheduled for later on this month at her church. That reminded me of a funny incident that occurred during spring cleaning at our former church. One year I found this old stained squeeze bottle like you use when you give perms and had no idea how it got in the church kitchen, so threw it out in the trash. Then that Sunday morning the preacher's wife had to pour all the communion cups by hand! LOL I used to fill the communion cups at my home church as a teenager, but we had a store-bought plastic bottle with a little black tube coming out to make it dripless, so I had no idea she used a permanent solution squeeze bottle!

Do you have any amusing stories to share this week? Anyone else remember filling communion cups? Does your church still hold a spring cleaning day?

Friday with Friends guestblog by Marlene Bagnull
My scheduled guestblogger did not respond in time, so instead today I am pleased to share with you (with her permission) a snippet from Marlene Bagnull's wonderful Bible study written especially for Christian writers--Write His Answer.
The title of her book comes from Habakkuk 2:2 "And the Lord said to me, 'Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others.'" In the preface to the book Marlene tells why the printed word is so important to her. As a teenager she struggled to read a KJV of the Bible. Then she discovered and read Biblical fiction classics such as The Silver Chalice, Ben-Hur and The Robe which finally led her to The Day Christ Died by Jim Bishop. This book caused her to fall on her knees and commit her life to Christ. She now says she wouldn't have believed it if God had told her then that she would be writing books that spurred others on in their Christian walk. Here are her challenging words from the end of the preface: "I believe God is calling us to write his answer. It's time to boldly step out in faith and to write the words that need to be written--powerful words, winsome words, anointed words that will come only by allowing him to speak to our hearts."

In closing this introduction to Marlene's wonderful book, I'd like to share a little of what Lee Roddy says in the foreword: "This devotional book for writers (published or unpublished) is designed to inspire and give encouragement for those difficult times that all writers face. It's a work planned to help you fulfill your call and see the fruits of your labors. Please join Marlene as she leads you through her unique devotionals for writers: for this book can change your life."

I second his suggestion. Please bless your writing by ordering this book online or from Marlene at www.writehisanswer.com and click on Bible studies.

All quotations taken from Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers by Marlene Bagnull. Copyright 1990, 1999. Used by permission.

Monday Musings Spring is...green grass, green leaves, green buds on trees...yellow daffodils, yellow forsythia, yellow tulips...warm sun, warm air, warm hearts...birds flying, birds chirping, birds building nests...rain clouds, rain storms, a rainbow...springtime, spring breezes, hope springs eternal! Anyone else care to rhapsodize about spring in your part of the world?

Guest Blog by Thomas Smith I am happy to offer some helpful insights on finding your writing voice from author Thomas Smith. He and his publisher have also offered to give away a copy of his book Something Stirs to one of our readers who leaves a comment on this blogpost, so post away. I will draw the winner for this book as well as my regularly scheduled book drawing on May 1st, so by leaving a post here (with contact info) you are entered in two book drawings!

Finding Your Voice by Thomas Smith

When I first started writing, I read a lot of Charles L. Grant, Stephen King, Joe R. Lansdale, and Robert McCammon. I thought I wanted to be a horror writer. I had a file full of ideas about vampires, werewolves, haunted houses, malformed creatures created by a combination of man’s vanity and recombinant DNA, zombies, ghouls, and a smattering of ghosts for good measure. Armed with those ideas and the Berlin Philharmonic playing Stravinsky's Firebird Suite: Infernal Dance in the background, I was off and running.

Consequently, my first attempts at writing fiction sounded a lot like cheap Charles L. Grant, Stephen King, Joe R. Lansdale, and Robert McCammon knock-offs. The writing wasn’t necessarily bad (OK, my first three novels stunk like dead fish), but it also wasn’t me. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it doesn’t help much when you’re trying to blaze your own trail.
To find your own voice.
OK, Now What?
I realized that, though I was being rejected, editors were writing short notes on the rejection letters. They were writing things like, I really like the description, but … or You are a really strong storyteller, but … and the ever popular I really like this story, but...

So what’s a fellow to do?
I kept writing. I kept producing fiction that sounded like someone else. In the mean time I started going to various writers conferences and joined a writers group. The conferences exposed me to professional writers who were willing to share their knowledge with those of us who were just starting out, and the writers group was one of those where everyone was required to bring something they were working on regularly for the rest of the group to evaluate.

That’s when I learned the secret.
What’s The Secret, Mister Tom?

The two things that I learned are pretty basic, but they also get straight to the heart of finding your own voice. The first thing is the actual idea of the writer’s voice. What exactly is it?

A writer’s voice is the way the words move and flow. It is the way all the composite parts of our writing fit together as a whole. It is the thing that makes each person’s writing unique. Often you can identify a writer’s work by the way the words look and sound on the page. It is style plus a hard to define “something else” that sets them apart. Something you develop without being aware you are doing it. For example, read passages from your favorite authors. Notice what makes each one different from the next – the thing that lets you know it is their work. That’s their voice.

The next element of finding your own voice comes from practice. Find the feelings of the words. Words evoke responses, feelings and emotions. Some words are powerful (thunder, commanding, explode, terror, grandeur). Some words are peaceful (tranquil, flowing, sigh, velvet, sunset).

And it is through constant repetition – writing on a regular basis – that you get a feeling for the language. And as you write, rewrite, revise, and write some more, your own voice will emerge.

My novel, Something Stirs, releases this spring. You can read an excerpt on my web site: www.thomassmithonline.com (and yes … it is Christian horror)

Follow me on Facebook (http://profile.to/thomassmithwriting) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/tsmithwriting).

Book contest and book review of The Sheriff's Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery
I just finished this book today, so decided to use it for this month's book drawing (winner to be announced on May 1st). As usual, the rules are to leave an email addy where you can be reached for a US mailing address. Also last month's winners are not eligible this month so as to give more people a chance.

This was a delightful book with a well-plotted out story. People/events that appeared early in the story were brought back in at just the right time to play their part in the drama. I fell in love with both the hero and the heroine. Sam Bishop realizes he needs a change of scenery and lifestyle. He finds both, with the added bonus of love, in Simpson Creek, Texas. Prissy Gilmore lives up to her name as the feisty daughter of the local mayor.

This is the third book in the Brides of Simpson Creek series, but you don't have to read the others before this book as I hadn't, but still found myself caught up in the lives of the town's characters. And I hope it will be a continuing series with more of the Spinsters' Club Society women finding their perfect mate. This book is just being released, so you should be able to find it on the shelves of your local bookstore. For the first two books in the series, you will need to check used bookstores or http://www.eharlequin.com/ You'll be glad you did!

Monday Musings on why I am late with my book drawings! The winners are...Heather Sunseri for Angel Sister and Donna Winters for the copy of Long Time Coming

Please send me your snail mail addys, ladies so we can get your books out to you ASAP. I usually post the winners on the first of each month, but am three days late this time. I did schedule a blog to post on April 1st before I left for a trip, but I couldn't choose the winners until I returned home as I didn't want to draw numbers until the end of the month as per the guidelines. Now for the reason for my late posting.

Once a year I try to take a retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani guest house in Trappist, KY. It is a two hour drive each way, but a world apart from my normal everyday life. As several signs around the buildings and grounds read "Silence is spoken here." Although you are allowed to speak in the lobby, on the grounds, and in one of the dining halls, all the rest of the places you are asked to remain silent to not disturb the other retreatants.

A friend accompanied me, so besides our times of silence and reflection, we enjoyed eating several meals in the "speaking" dining room and taking walks on the grounds each day and talking. She is a writer, too, so we even did a little brainstorming in the car and on our walks! But most of my waking hours were spent in reading my Bible and other devotional type books and in prayer. And writing pages and pages in my prayer journal about many of the things the Lord was teaching me there. I also took a prayer journal from two years ago and re-read some of the chronicles of my spiritual journey. Time well spent! This picture of my friend and me in front of one of my favorite signs says it all--God alone! Our lives should be lived for God alone, and much of my time last week was spent with God alone!

Please check back later this week for the book review for this month's contest.

Book Review of The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh The Deepest Waters is a very moving book of historical fiction based on a real event--the sinking of a steamship in the Atlantic Ocean. Dan Walsh describes it this way in the Author's Notes: " 'Inspired by a true story'...means a true story inspired the work of fiction, but the book likely contains more fiction than fact." He then gives us readers a list of events in the book that really happened and tells how some could have happened the way he wrote it. The book takes us from a dreamy courtship and marriage in San Francisco to a nightmarish call to abandon ship leading to the separation of most of the men from the women and children. The author is very adept at telling us the story from various points of view, giving each scene an intimate feel like you are privy to that character's thoughts and feelings in person. We ride their roller coaster journey of heights of happiness to lows of fear and despair. The book also chronicles the spiritual journey of several characters learning to trust and lean on God even when they can't feel Him. Dan Walsh, a former pastor, handles this very realistically, too. I highly recommend this book, and if you haven't read his first two novels, The Unfinished Gift and The Homecoming, then I recommend you also purchase copies of them. Those first two novels are a series, so I suggest you read them in order, but The Deepest Waters is a stand-alone book, so hurry to your brick or online bookstore and purchase it and the other two. You'll be glad to make the acquaintance of this author and his very true-to-life characters. After reading them, you'll be like me waiting for his newest book scheduled to be out this fall!

Friday with Friends Ava Pennington: guest post Early in my Christian life, I heard a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. When my pastor reached “Hallowed be Your name,” he took a detour into another sermon series on the names of God. Not long after that, I completed Kay Arthur’s study, Lord I Want to Know You. I was reminded that to truly trust God we must know who He is, and that He revealed Himself through His names. These experiences instilled in me a lifelong love for the names of God, as well as a desire to share what He was teaching me as I continued my own studies. That’s why I wrote One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God. And I’m thrilled to say Kay Arthur has endorsed it! Like any study of God’s Word, there is a danger of intellectualizing what we learn, focusing on accumulating academic facts. However, it’s not enough to fill our heads with information if we don’t apply what we’re learning. To ensure this devotional would be more than a textbook on the names of God, I examined each of 122 names and attributes of God three ways: who God is, who we are in relation to who He is, and how this changes our earthly relationships. The names of God tell us who He is. They reveal His nature and His ways using descriptions we can relate to and understand. The more we learn about who God is, the more we learn about ourselves – who we are in relation to the One who created us and redeemed us. Finally, we learn the priority God places on relationships, and the characteristics that will nurture those relationships in ways that honor Him. Learning about the names and attributes of God has especially impacted by own faith and relationship with Him three ways: It changed the way I relate to God. Faith in God is not blind faith – we can confidently rely on who God is by what He has revealed about Himself in His Word. Each name and attribute tells me not just who He is but how He works. He is unchanging, which means the God of the Bible is the same today. While we cannot fully understand who He is this side of heaven, His names and attributes give us glimpses into His divine nature. It changed the way I pray. I’m not praying to some impersonal force out there in the universe, I am praying to our very personal God. Whatever the subject of my prayer – whether worship, thanksgiving, interceding for others, or asking for myself – there is a name or attribute God has revealed which helps me address Him in that area. It changed the way I share and teach about Christ. Learning the names and attributes of God gives me the confidence to share Christ on an individual & personal level. God is not some ancient or outdated theological idea. Everything about who He is and how He works is relevant to us today. Knowing His names and attributes gives me the specific words to describe who He is to others. It also helps me when others speak of who they think God is – because then I have a starting point to say, let’s look at who God says He is! It’s difficult to trust someone we don’t know. The more we know about who God is and how He works, the easier it is for us to trust Him. If you and I want to get to know God intimately, doesn’t it make sense to learn what He says about Himself? Bio: Ava Pennington is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell Books). She is also co-author of Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?, the first two books in the children’s picture book series Faith Basics for Kids (Standard Publishing). Connect with Ava: Website: www.Avawrites.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/AvaPennington.AuthorPage Twitter: http://twitter.com/AvaPennington Find Ava’s books at: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ava+pennington&x=0&y=0 Barnes & Noble: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=ava+pennington&page=index&prod=univ&choice=allproducts&query=ava+pennington&flag=False&pos=-1&box=ava+pennington&r=1&box=ava%20pennington&pos=-1&ugrp=2 Christian Book Distributors: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find/1196791048?Ntt=ava+pennington&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1&search