Fridays with Friends--L. Jagi Lamplighter

Although I have not met Jagi Lamplighter yet in person, we have been online friends for several years--ever since we both took classes from Margie Lawson and then connected in an online group which Jagi is active in called Digging Deep for writers who want to dig deeper in their writing. I am happy to highlight her and her book Prospero Regained today which has received rave reviews. And she also shares a wonderful story about the wonder of writing.

All About The Wonder: Why I Write Fantasy by L. Jagi Lamplighter

Yesterday, I met my first grader at the bus after school. As we walked home, he asked suddenly:, “Mom, why do you write fantasy?”
I must admit, I was taken aback. I did not have an easy answer ready on the tip of my tongue (or any other part of my tongue, for that matter.) After stuttering a bit, I recovered and said, “Because it is filled with wonder—wonder, magic, and enchantment. Because when you write fantasy, you can write about anything.”
And really, that is the reason. For me, it is all about the wonder.
Fantasy can do anything, go anywhere, occur in any milieu. It can take place in your back yard, in the ancient past, on the moon, in another dimension—the nature and laws of which can be anything you imagine. It can be frightening, romantic, mysterious, filled with intriguing factoids. But there is one thing fantasy does better than any other genre, and that is wonder.
Wonder is the sensation we feel when we suddenly discover that there is more to the world than we expected….and that this more is better, or at least more awe inspiring, than we had imagined. When this happens in real life—when we hold our infant son for the first time, or rush outside on our way to work to find a baby fawn, all wet and new, standing on our driveway, what is the first thing we always say when we describe the experience to someone else?
“It was like magic!”
I live in a world where there is wonder all around me, and no one else ever seems to notice it. Amazing things happen all the time.
Once, I went to the Mall in Washington D.C. in hopes of meeting an author I particularly admired. It is rather a rare thing, to have an author one admires in town. By an even rarer quirk of coincidences, I found myself not in line with the hundreds of other people who were waiting for his signature, but standing next to him, talking to his daughter. There was a sprinkling of rain—which did not dismay his die hard fans in the least—and, when I turned around, a huge rainbow arched across the sky. But it was not just in the sky. From our position, it was coming out of the dome of the capital building!
I had seldom seen a rainbow so clearly, much less one in so auspicious a place! (This was just at the very beginning of the bank crisis, while they were first discussing the bailout. I kept wanting to shout: “Hurry! Catch the Leprechaun! Grab the crock of gold!” ) Things like that just do not happen in real life.

But it did. I even have a picture taken by Cat Mihos:

It was like magic!
I have always wanted to have a daughter. I have also always wanted to adopt a child. When I was a teenager, I had friends who needed adopting, but no one wanted to take on children who were so old. Too much trouble. So that became one of my dreams, too: to adopt a teenager.
I also wanted to be a writer. I have always wanted to tells stories. As a child, a group of adults who used to dress up as elves and kidnap their friends for fun once granted me the title “the Legendmaker,” because even way back then, everyone knew that was what I wanted to do.
But wanting to write and succeeding are two different things. It took me nine years to finish my first novel and another six to sell it. By the time the book finally hit the shelves last summer, I had waited 17 years.
Then, July 29th, 2009, a day I shall never forget, not if I lived for a thousand years, it actually happened. My book arrived! After all that time waiting, I held the beautiful volume in my hands.
But it hardly mattered, because just a few hours before, my husband and I had grasped each other while we sent off the email saying, “Yes, we would like to be the parents to the thirteen year old girl who will lose her ability to have a family forever if she is not adopted before her fourteenth birthday in November.” With the return email, saying that our application was going forward, the picture of the beautiful Chinese girl we had received the day before suddenly became a picture of our daughter. For the first time, after waiting four years, we saw our daughter’s face.
On the same day, I gained a book and a daughter!
It was like magic!
And that is why I write fantasy. Because I want to share that, to weave a tale of awe and enchantment so others can experience even a hint of the way I felt upon those two occasions.
Because nothing is more like magic than magic itself.
When you walk into your garden and discover that fairies really are living in your lily-of-the-valley; when you are taking a rest by a cool mountain river and you suddenly realize that what you had taken for an outcropping of rock is peering at you; when you come around what you thought was a familiar corner an catch elves dancing in the moonlight, that is fantasy at its best. When done right, it reminds us of those moments in our lives, those real moments, when the curtain of mundanity is pulled aside, and we see, not a little man from Kansas, but something vast and glorious that, if only for an instance, lifts us out of our every day life and into eternity.
And that is magic.
PS. Being an published author is a delightful thing…but being the mother of a teenage girl is even more wonderful. One’s life is filled with wonder every day.

L. Jagi Lamplighter’most recent release, Prospero Regained, is the stunning conclusion of the critically acclaimed Prospero’s Daughter series. When not writing, she reverts to her secret identity as an at-home mother in Centreville, Virginia, where she lives with her husband, author John C. Wright, and their four children, Orville, Ping-Ping, Roland Wilbur, and Justinian Oberon.

Website: http://www.ljagilamplighter.com/
Blog: http://arhyalon.livejournal.com/

Monday Musings on the Tenth Annual ACFW Conference
This blog post is later in the day than I usually post, but I am still experiencing conference overload and jetlag from the time change and airplane ride, plus I just got my pictures downloaded from my camera to my computer. I plan to post about conference for the next few Mondays since so much went on it will be hard to capture it fully without being too long for a single blogpost.
I count it a blessing to be a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and to have been able to attend all of the 10 national conferences held. And my roommate each year since then (except for a couple she had to miss) has been Jennifer Johnson. Jim Peterson introduced us at the first conference, and we have been friends and crit buddies ever since. Jennifer is the same age as my oldest daughter, and we get along so well I would adopt her! Above are a couple pictures of us together. The one on the left is Jennifer, myself and Gayle DeSalles in the middle. Gayle is the talented lady who did the wonderful update of my blog last year. The second picture closer to the top is of 3 of us KY gals--Heather Sunseri on the left, me in the middle and Jennifer again on the right. Stay posted for more snapshots next Monday.

Friday with Friends--Guestblog by Lynn Squire

Lynn Squire from Monday's post is also the author of today's guestblog, so be sure to check out Monday's posting to learn more about her and her book.

Is God Able to Build What Has Been Destroyed? by Lynn Squire

Perhaps one of the greatest tests of a person’s faith is the destruction of everything one owns. If your possessions are your god, then you will hate who or what destroyed them. If the Creator is your God, then you can rejoice in the testing of your faith and wait to see what miracles God will perform.
Walking through a town that has been devastated by a tornado gives you a heavy, surreal feeling. Houses you knew well no longer exist. Trees uprooted. Landmarks disappeared. You are both in awe of the power of the storm and troubled by its destruction. For the first few moments you wander in shock, then like a slow press, the magnitude of your loss bears down on you. You don’t know where to begin to rebuild…you might even question whether there is any reason to rebuild.
Slowly you pick up a board or a piece of paper and look around, wondering where to put it. A picture caught between two pieces of wall flickers in the wind. An old picture of your grandfather’s home that had once been destroyed, just like yours. It kindles a hope. Perhaps, with hard work, not all is lost. After all, you are alive.
In our darkest hour, God does not abandon us. He’s there, waiting, and if we are listening, we’ll hear Him encouraging us to trust Him just a little more. He’ll help us through.
James 1:2-4 says:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Each time we experience a trial our faith in God is tested, as though He is stretching us, helping us see that we can wait a little longer for Him. Just trust Him and persevere.
How do we trust God and persevere?
· Read the Bible daily and remember how He helped people in the past.
· Pray without ceasing, pouring out your soul to Him while working to direct your thoughts to worshiping Him.
· Count your blessings. Yes, that seems like a pat answer, but it is key to recovery.
· Take small steps of action, covered in prayer, and with an ear open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Perhaps we will not see in our life on earth the blessings that Job experienced after his trial, but we can know that when the new heaven and new earth comes, we’ll know even greater blessings than he had.
Dear Lord, give us the strength and courage to persevere. Help us to wait on You to rebuild our lives as You see fit. I pray this, in Jesus name, AMEN.

Spotlight on Lynn Squire, author of Joab's Fire

I'm happy to introduce my readers to Lynn Squire who is a fellow ACFW member. She agreed to let us get to know her better by answering some interview questions:
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

I loved Nancy Drew books as a child. Fed on them; dreamed about them; acted them out.
As an adult, I claim Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers as my favorite book, although I have read many that have impacted me and I could easily say were favorites.
As to a connection? I’m afraid I really don’t see one, except maybe my passion for both. I loved that Nancy Drew could do anything. She was really an unbelievable character in that way. On the other hand, Angel in Redeeming Love captured my heart. It was a very difficult book to read, but I couldn’t put it down because I wanted Angel to find God’s redeeming love, just as I have.
2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
I have a difficult time choosing a favorite Scripture. It changes each time God speaks to me through His Word. One book of the Bible that radically changed my perception on life was Ezekiel. I first read it as a young adult, and recently God used it again to hold me on course. Here are some specific verses:
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand…Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18,20
Those verses resonate in my heart, coupled with Ezekiel 33:11 “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
Ezekiel reveals the holiness and righteousness of God along with His great desire to save us and how much He loves us. I fear in today’s Christianity we have created a god of our own and have forgotten the Lord Jehovah God of the Bible, the one true God—merciful and just, holy and gracious, loving and righteous.
3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Jerusalem. I would choose the time when Jesus walked on earth. I want to visit every place He walked, and see every sight He saw, and feel His compassion and love, and then climb Golgotha to bow down before Him and remember what He has done for me.
4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I still find myself itching to use pen and paper. Something about that method makes the work feel more real, more vibrant. I still print out my manuscripts and use a pen to edit them. I can get into the story better that way. For me, technology tends to be less personal. It causes a distance between me and the words, and thus the story. However, computers and the Internet and e-books certainly speed up the process of writing and make research materials much more accessible. For that, I am grateful.
5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Every aspect of writing, from creating the plot, to writing, to being critiqued, to being edited, to marketing has pushed me, fed me, and stretched me. In the early stages I usually have a theme in mind. The plot evolves from this theme and the characters begin their acts based on this theme. Soon, however, the plot and characters become catalysts for me to dig deeper, think on a different plane, and face my own weaknesses, failings, or misperceptions. Then, to take that baby to be critiqued by others means having to accept criticism, and the process stretches me further as I have to admit that I’m not perfect and neither is my writing. Marketing becomes a matter of balance. On one hand you need to sell books to make money. On the other, it isn’t about the money; it is about reaching the hearts of the readers. There is a constant battle through the marketing stage to keep the right perspective…this isn’t about me; it’s about God.
6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Do not listen to the wisdom of the world. Listen to the wisdom of God’s Word. Evaluate everything people tell you with the measuring stick of Scripture. And pray without ceasing. In other words, take care of your relationship with God before you write anything.
James 3:1-2a says:
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all…”
As a writer, you become the master of the reader’s imagination. We direct his imagination to new worlds, to new thoughts, to a new way of looking at life. If that direction doesn’t line up with God’s Word, then we have dealt falsely with that reader. We need to be careful that our work is founded in Biblical truth, not man’s ideology or experience.
When judgment day comes and my works are tested, I want them to come out pure, and I want to hear my Father say, “Well done.” I want to encourage other writers to pursue the same.
7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
As of September 15, 2011 you can go to any bookstore and order a copy, if they do not have one in stock already. You can also order Joab’s Fire off of any major online bookstore, like Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.
About the Author

Lynn Squire is an avid writer who artistically intertwines Biblical truth with colorful
narrative. Her childhood farm life, coupled with her equestrian experiences, brings
authenticity and heart to her stories. Lynn actively serves her church through her writing
and in other ministries and is currently the president of the American Christian Fiction
Writers San Francisco Bay Area Chapter in California, where she resides with her

husband and three children.
About the book:
Joab black and his wife Sarah overcame the worst of pioneer hardships in order to establish a prosperous farm in Alberta, Canada. But those challenges never prepared
them for the tragedy they now faced—a staggering loss and intense pain causing them to doubt everything they had ever believed. In the midst of their sorrow, even their closest friends interpret their sufferings as a result of God’s judgment. Has God abandoned them? Inspired by the Biblical book of Job, this novel includes a Bible study exploring the perfection of God’s plan and the bounty of His love even in the most inexplicable and intense sufferings.

Fridays with Friends--Cherie Burbach

God must be trying to teach me something about social marketing because I went to a local conference about it this week, my spotlight on Monday was about J. Steve Miller's book on marketing, and now when I opened Cherie's post it is also about a form of social marketing! Twitter is new to me, and probably to others, so read on to find out some great advice from Cherie. Her post post is specifically geared toward Christian authors and how they can use Twitter, including some links with resources on connecting with other Christian authors on the site.
How Christian Authors Can Use Twitter
by Cherie Burbach

If you're a Christian author and looking for ways to promote your work and connect with others, Twitter is a wonderful option. You only need to spend a few minutes a day on the site in order to receive benefits like these:

Connect With Other Christian Authors

Networking doesn't just involve saying hello on Twitter (although you can do that as well), but by connecting you are also helping to promote others. This lets you give back to the writing community, and also helps your readers. After all, if they enjoy reading your work (and thus, follow you) they might enjoy another author's books, too.

How do you find Christian authors on Twitter? Here are some lists and links to get you started.

• Christian Book Videos (list of Christian authors on Twitter)
• Everyday Christian (list of Christian authors on Twitter)
• We Follow (a list of Christian writers and resources you can follow individually)
• Vessel Project (provides a list on Twitter you can follow)

Since the Internet tends to change quickly, you can also find authors by checking out their webpages or blogs, searching for them online (since their Twitter account usually comes up on the first page of their search results), and using the Twitter search box to look for some combination of "Christian" "author" "writer" or "books."

Promote Your Favorite Bible Passages

Do we ever get enough of hearing God's word? When I'm on Twitter, it's amazing to me how I will be feeling (low, happy, grateful, sad) and I'll see someone tweet a Bible passage that completely speaks to me. You can do this as well by tweeting out your favorite passages, or sharing one that really lifted you up that day.

Promote Your Projects

Sure, you can use Twitter to promote your books and articles, but most Christian authors I know also have a passion for something else. For me? Diabetes etiquette and awareness. I retweet helpful posts I find on the subject and try to help educate folks on the best way to help their diabetic friend or family member.

If you have a charity or community project you're passionate about, Twitter is a wonderful resource for this. Tweeters generally respond very well to getting the word out by retweeting or commenting on tweets related to good works.

Author Bio:

Cherie Burbach is an author, blogger, poet, crocheter, and geek. She is the About.com Guide to Friendship and has penned eleven books and ebooks, including Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza and 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter. She has published over 500 articles on the subjects of health, sports, and lifestyle. For more info, visit her website, http://www.cherieburbach.com/.

Monday Spotlight on J. Steve Miller
I am happy to spotlight one of my fellow John316marketingnetworkers today. J. Steve Miller has written an outstanding book called Sell More Books that all writers should read. He wrote it especially to help other authors. Here is what Dr. Robert E. McGinnis, author of 15 young adult novels, has to say about it. "Sell More Books! is "filled with useful tips I don't find elsewhere. A masterpiece of research, wisdom, and encouragement."
Here are some questions and answers I asked Steve to share with us.
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an

 adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
Interesting question! The earliest books I recall capturing my
imagination were super hero books. In the late 60's many of us felt
restless, like there had to be more to life than going to school,
getting a job, making money, raising a family, and dying. To me, James
Bond or a super hero had significance. They made a difference. That's
part of what attracted me to Christianity as a high school student;
Jesus offered deep significance, like God had commissioned me with a
significant task.
So today I write books, not for fame and fortune, but to help and
impact others. Books have changed my life. With "Sell More Books," I'm
able to help fellow authors who are impacting others as well.
2. That's a great testimony, Steve, which leads right into my next questions. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
Probably the principle expressed by Jesus when He said that He came
not to be served, but to serve. The church I attend is big on finding
practical needs in the community and meeting those needs. They don't
meet a need and preach the gospel; they do acts of kindness with no
strings attached. It's amazing how many people are impacted
spiritually as a result.
So in my books, I try to meet needs - like The Contemporary Christian
Music Debate to help churches choose their worship style, or Enjoy
Your Money! to help young people get a handle on their finances, or
Sell More Books to help authors write and publish successfully.
 3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what
setting would you choose?
Slovakia. We lived there until my wife was diagnosed with cancer.
Sipping coffee at a cafe on a cobbled street in historic Bratislava,
near a wall that still holds a canonball shot by Napolean's army -
that kind of setting inspires reflection. I'd need my entire family
there as well. They keep me out of the clouds and tell me candidly
whether my writing works or stinks.
4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way
without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about
technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances
your writing?
I love writing with computers. I can write from any location, can type
crappy first drafts at lightning speed, followed by relentless
editing. Then I can send digital copies to scores of people to get
their input. I'd be very frustrated going back to pen and paper.
5. Me, too! As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort
zone?
By getting constant input, I find that what makes sense to me doesn't
make sense to others. That stretches me, forcing me to constantly
rethink what I'm writing. I'm very idea-driven - getting ideas from
everyone. I sent early manuscripts of Sell More Books to many authors
and publishers. Their candid input - often ruthlessly honest - let me
know where I needed to do further research, or how some of my counsel
applied well to fiction writers, but not to writers of textbooks. Their challenging input resulted in a much more accurate book.
6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone
had given you?
As I was writing my first book, I studied writing and studied the          
writing industry. Concerning writing, an editor for InterVarsity wrote
in Writers Market, "If you're writing nonfiction, read Zinsser's On
Writing Well, and do what he says." I read the book and wrote a page
of his suggestions to help me self edit, like "Use active verbs - get
my subject doing something."
I also read up on the industry. Today, it's in such flux that authors
need the latest information to succeed and keep from being scammed.
That's why we wrote Sell More Books. I wish I'd had that information
when I started out.
7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it? What
are your website addresses?
You can find it on Amazon (Kindle or paper) here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sell-More-Books-Publishing-Revolutions/dp/0981875637/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314978095&sr=8-1
For other places to order, more reviews, etc., see the press page:
http://wisdomcreekpress.com/press_kits_sell_more_books.html
Thanks for the interview!
Thank you, Steve. I hope my readers will click on that last site to read much more about the book, even the chapter titles. Then check it out on amazon.com and order your copy. I'm sure glad I did! Rose

Fridays with Friends--Tom Blubaugh

Happy Friday. I hope you will enjoy this article about networking by Tom Blubaugh.

Centers of Influence by Tom Blubaugh
A point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions that produces an effect without any apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command.

Does the above definition sound like you? Apply to you? I assure you it does. It is a perfect description of you and everyone you know. Everything you do influences someone or something in some way. Have you ever tossed a pebble into a river? Did you notice how the impact of the stone moved a circle of water out until it finally returned to the calm apparent before the incident? Your words and actions are like that of the stone. They cause a “ripple effect” and literally move things around you. Whether the effect is good or bad depends on you.

Have you noticed?
* How an action in the Middle East causes the stock market to move?
* How an accident on the freeway backs up traffic for miles?
* How a stuck stoplight disrupts traffic?
* How an injured player stops a game?
* How a comedy scene makes a whole audience laugh?

We could go on and on and on.

Take a piece of paper and draw a small circle in the middle. Write your name in the circle. Then draw a circle for every person with whom you have a relationship. Place their name in the circle. These don’t have to be close relationships. Include family members, friends, fellow employees, neighbors, people you do business with, church members, other organization members, and so on. Then connect all of those circles to the number of other circles representing people with whom they are connected. You will be amazed at your circle of influence.

Do you notice how many of them are people you like or love? Can you see how every word and action affects this vast number of people? I say vast because most weddings and funerals have approximately 200 people in attendance. I say 200 people is a vast number because 200 x 200 = 40,000. Amazing isn’t it? And that is only two ripples in the water.

This ripple affect works when you see a good movie, eat at a great restaurant, and read a good book. You pass positive comments to your family, friends, and neighbors. Who are the centers of influence in your life? On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn? Have you shared your book with them? Your blog? This is networking at it’s best.

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.

ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Amazon Author page.
Amazon reviews.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
http://twitter.com/
Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.

Fridays with Friends--Janet Barton

I welcome my long-time friend Janet Lee Barton today. She writes a very heart-felt tribute to the Heartsong Presents line which gave her and many other fine authors their first chance at publication. And she also shares with us some info about her last series of books for HP.

A Sad Farewell by Janet Lee Barton

It's a sad thing to see the Barbour Heartsong Presents line come to a close. Along with so many others, I got my start in writing for the line and I feel so blessed to have been able to write for HP. In all I have written 16 novels for the HP line, and this last series is one of my favorites.
I call it my Oklahoma Sooner series because it begins with the land run to Guthrie in 1889, and tells three different love stories taking place in one family during those first 20 years. It only took one visit to Guthrie, which is about 15 minutes away from where I live, to ignite my imagination. I love the historical town that became the capitol of the Territory and played such a huge part in Oklahoma becoming a state.

And I loved telling the story of Faith and Gabe in I'd Sooner Have Love, first book in the series. Both had reasons to keep from falling in love, but they found that God had plans of His own for them. I just recieved my copies of Sooner Sunrise, second book in the series. It tells the story of Samantha and Ben, a widower who longs for someone to share his sunrises at the farm with, and a woman alone and on the run, afraid to trust her heart to any man. The Lord has plans for them, too. Their stories are set amid a growing Guthrie in Oklahoma Territory.
The series comes to a close with the last book, Sooner Sunset, coming out in December. Saying goodbye to a series I loved writing and a line I loved to write for, hasn't been easy. But I know God has a plan and I'm looking forward to whatever it is He has in store.
Janet Lee Barton
Finding a Forever Kind of Love
http://www.janetleebarton.com/
I'd Sooner Have Love-May 2011

Sooner Sunrise- September 2011
Sooner Sunset- December 2011

September 1, 2011--Book release and book drawing

My book Christmas Belles of Georgia released today! And my sweet children all called to congratulate me! And I booked another booksigning! A great day!

And it is a good day/evening for Chris Weigand, number 21 of my 49 followers. My husband chose her number, so she wins a hot-off-the-press copy! And I have decided to do the same giveaway next month, so all of my current followers (except Chris) and any new followers will all be in the drawing on Oct. 1st for a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia.

Happy release day to me, and to all my faithful followers! And all praise and thanks to God, the Giver of all good things!

Monday Musings--I'm officially a published author now!
The official release date for Christmas Belles of Georgia is September 1st, but I have already received my author copies from Barbour as you can see from this picture. This is truly a dream come true, and I give all the praise to God for giving me this opportunity, and for leading me to ACFW where I have learned so much and met so many wonderful, helpful people who had a big part in this happening.

So, I want to share with you my dedication which took over a page to thank everyone. It truly "takes a village" to get a book published!

Dedication


This book is dedicated to two of the most wonderful ninety-four-
year-young women I know—Ruth Seamands and Helen
Jean Wiglesworth. Their Christian witness and zest for life have
been an inspiration to me and countless others. My friends and I
all want to be like them when we grow up!
Special thanks to:
My husband, Chester, for all of his encouragement and help,
even when it means loading the dishwasher
three times in one day!
Becky Germany, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jeri Odell,
and Debra Ullrick for taking a chance on me and my writing.
And to Margie Vawter for her wonderful editing skills.
My encouragers and prayer warriors—Crystal, Dottie, Kathy,
Kim, Connie, Jan, Ann, and Unity Christian
Church Rosebud SS class.
My forever friends, whose names are immortalized
in some of my characters’ names.
Debbonnaire and Jennifer, who helped me brainstorm this story.
And my fabulous critique partners who enriched the story—
Jennifer, Joy, and Loretta.
My two daughters, Christy and Mandy, who also read the story
and gave me encouragement. And my son, Stephen, who now
has to read my book because he promised to
do so when I got published!
My Georgia helpers who answered many questions—Ane and
Greg Mulligan, Thomas Smith, Rod Perry, and Scott Smith.
All of my writing friends at LRW, BCW, and ACFW,
with special thanks to Lynn Coleman for making
my first critique so gentle, yet helpful.
The readers whom I hope will enjoy this
book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
And most of all, praise God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
from whom all blessings flow, including this opportunity
to see the writing dream He gave me come true.

Welcome to today's guestblog: A Story Seven Years in the Making by Staci Stallings

In retrospect, maybe I shouldn't have named the book "A Work in Progress." Maybe that was my first clue of how long this particular book would take to write.
The planting of the seed happened over a message board about 10 years ago. Remember message boards? You posted something, then other people responded, and you had a nice little conversation about a certain topic. Well, I started posting about this show that I really liked on TV at the time. Another young lady was posting as well, and we got into this big (but good-natured) argument about which guy on the show was our favorite.
She liked one of the guys that I would never in a million years have ever thought about dating. In the midst of this conversation, I wrote two different books featuring the guy I liked from the show. Then she emailed one day (after the message boards had shut down and we had remained friends despite our different tastes in guys) and said she thought I should write one about the guy she liked.
That sparked a long conversation with myself about why anyone would like this guy. Strangely, the more I asked the question, the more I realized how much he had to offer the right girl. I realized there were things about him that no one probably knew because although part of him was the comedy guy often claiming the center of attention, there was a lot about the other sides of who he really was that got looked over and even sometimes trampled upon.
So I started this story "A Work in Progress" about Rebecca Avery, a college student who would never be one of the popular kids. She watches them, envies them, and hates them. Then one day she literally runs into Eric Barnett in one of the all-time classic scenes I have ever been given the honor of writing. In fact, one of my problems over the seven years it took to write this one was that each time I pulled it up, I thought I just had to start reading it from the beginning to know where I was again.
I read that first scene countless times and it never got old. Each time I read through it, I would think, "Wow, this is really, really good. Why haven't I finished this yet?" Then I would get to the last page I had written and start writing more. Five pages, ten, sometimes even 20 or 30. But time and again, I got stopped either by life or by being like that dog on "Up" going, "Squirrel!" before chasing off in another direction after another great story idea.
The pieces of this one came VERY slowly, but I'm so glad they did. Here's why. When I started this book, I was one person. By the time I finished it, I had literally become someone very different. I started it wanting to be this successful, bestselling author. I read every book on marketing and did my level best to become the success I thought God required me to be. ("Performance Christians, please raise your hands!" I would've had to raise both of mine.)
However, somewhere between 31-years-old and 38-years-old, God--the real God--finally got a hold of my life and showed me that it wasn't about my performance. It wasn't about anything I had ever done or could ever do. My worth was set by Him. Period. As a child of the God of the Universe, I was already a success. I didn't have to prove anything to anybody. I could be me and not apologize or rationalize or justify that to anyone. And, oh, the freedom and relief that flowed from finally understanding that!
Strangely enough, that's exactly what Rebecca learns in the book. She finally realizes that life is less about gaining friends to be popular and more about letting people into your soft spots. Yes, sometimes that hurts. Sometimes it hurts really, really badly. But that's the only way to really live. It's the only way to truly be friends. Otherwise, you're just acquaintances who just happen to know one another's phone number, address, and favorite food.
As for Eric, I finally did learn to have almost as much admiration for him as my friend did. She was right--he is a very cool guy when you give him a chance.
Oh, and you'll be glad to know that the second and third books in The Faith Series didn't take nearly so long to write as this one. In fact, they were finished within nine months of "A Work in Progress" being finished. It was like seven years of learning all came pouring out of me. Lessons about how to be a friend and how to let yourself be open enough to let others in. Lessons about not judging others for their denomination and looking instead at their hearts. Lessons about being true to yourself and standing in the gap for one another.
Those seven years turned out to be worth every second they took to get here. The truth is, I'm still "A Work in Progress" as I think we all are. The more we remember that and stop trying to be perfect--and stop requiring each other to be perfect--the more wonderful life gets because it's only then that we actually learn to live rather than breaking our necks trying to impress everyone else who are breaking their own necks trying to impress us!

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. (Pick up the Price of Silence now for only $0.99! http://www.amazon.com/The-Price-of-Silence-ebook/dp/B004E9U7P6) Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Books In Print, Kindle, & FREE on Spirit Light Works:
http://stacistallings.wordpress.com/
Spirit Light Books--The Blog: http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
And… Staci’s website http://www.stacistallings.com/ Come on over for a visit…
You’ll feel better for the experience!
Connect with her on Twitter: @StaciStallings

A special book and two special ladies

This past week has been very special to me as I received my author copies of my first fiction book. And I want to share with you the two special ladies it is dedicated to. The dedication reads "This book is dedicated to two of the most wonderful ninety-four year-young women I know--Ruth Seamands and Helen Jean Wiglesworth. Their Christian witness and zest for life have been an inspiration to me and countless others. My friends and I all want to be like them when we grow up!"

On Friday I took an autographed copy to Helen Jean Wiglesworth who lives in Cynthiana, KY. She went on a girl's getaway cruise with me when she was ninety and walked all over the ship! She still drives herself to church and plays the organ. And she reads voraciously, knits, crochets, and avidly watches and cheers for all the UK basketball games. She reminded me of her daily prayer asking God to use her to bless others and them to bless her. What a great prayer!

Then today, my husband and I drove to Wilmore, KY, to deliver a copy of my book to Ruth Seamands, or Mama Ruth as so many of us in ACFW call her. Those who have met her know how wonderful she is. I told my husband on the way that I was thirsty and wanted to stop if we saw a DQ and get a soda, but we never saw one. Then, when we got there Ruth had tall glasses sitting out for us to make coke floats! I told her she read my mind! She also fed us some yummy Indian trail mix she had made up. Ruth still does her morning stretches and credits them with her being able to get around so well without a walker. Although her eyesight is worse some days than others from her macular degeneration, she still manages to read with a special magnifying machine. Her mind is still as sharp as one of the Fijian spears she has hanging on her walls! And she drives her golfcart named "Ruth's Rocket" around Wesley Village.

I hope now you know why all of us in ACFW want to be like Ruth, and why my "Forever Friends" and I want to grow up to be like Helen Jean--two very special ladies to me and so many others!

Fridays with Friends--Pam Hillman

Pam Hillman has been a good friend since we met at the first ACFW conference. I am so happy to be featuring her as part of her blog tour for her debut novel, Stealing Jake.

Pam, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I write inspirational fiction set in the turbulent times of the American West and the Gilded Age. My debut book, Stealing Jake, won the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest and was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart contest. I live in Mississippi with my husband and family on the family farm. I was born and raised in the country and can’t imagine living in the city.


When you were a child did you have a favorite book or books?
When I was about five, my favorite book was The Kitten Twins, about two mischievous kittens named Twinkle and Boo. For some reason, I didn’t have a lot of books at home, and didn’t learn to read until I started first grade. But I caught on quickly and fell in love with books. One day, our teacher, Mrs. Smith, told us to bring something to school to trade with the other children. I remember taking a small stuffed bear I had gotten on vacation in the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. One of the girls brought the book, The Kitten Twins. Oh, I wanted that book! And I got it. I never forgot that special Little Golden book. I even named my real kittens Twinkle and Boo.

Do you have a favorite genre to both read and write?
I love to read and write historical romance, especially prairie romance and westerns set in America during the late 1800s. I don’t know why I fell in love with that genre and that era. Maybe it was all those John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke episodes I watched as a kid.

Did you have favorite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I cut my teeth on the great western writer, Louis L’Amour. L’Amour kept me mesmerized with his tales of cowboys and Indians, outlaws, prim schoolteachers, hot dry deserts and boom towns.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was 8 or 9 years old. There was a small public library where we checked out books once a week on the way home from school. My brother and my cousins were okay with stopping by the library on the way home from school, but it was the highlight of my week! I checked out the maximum allowed (I think it was 3) and my cousin, Joy, checked out 3 more that I wanted to read. I’m sure I even twisted her little brother’s arm and made him check out books I picked out! lol

How did you go about becoming an author?
As a child, I was fascinated by how authors put all those stories on paper. Somehow, my brain just naturally made up stories. But for years, I didn’t write them down. I tried to get started a few times, but didn’t know how to construct a compelling story with an interesting beginning, firm middle, and satisfying ending. So out of lack of knowledge and fear of failure, I just kept dreaming. I think I had the idea that as long as I didn’t attempt to write, I couldn’t fail at writing. In 1994, I decided that if I was ever going to write, I had to stop kidding myself and get to work. This was before the internet changed our lives, and the first thing I did was go to the library and check out the only book they had on becoming a writer. It was “How to write a Romance” by Kathryn Falk. I read it, picked one of the many ideas in my brain to start writing, and began. Oh, and I need to add that this was when Apple came out with the Apple Macintosh computer. I was a young mother with two children and my mother wanted to give me a gift. She asked what I wanted. I told her a computer. I had a computer science degree but no computer at home. So, now I had a computer so I could write. I’m not sure I would have ever attempted it if I had to write long-hand. Next, the librarian called me one day and told me that a lady was there who was also interested in writing a novel. I left work and we met and chatted for a while. She was a member of Magnolia State Romance Writers of America, the RWA chapter in Mississippi. So, that connection led me to RWA. It was there that I met real, live flesh and blood women who were writing novels and getting them published. At that point, I realized my dream was something I could attain. Someday. Somehow.

If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
I’d own a dusty old bookstore with a winding staircase to a little alcove sitting nook, where I’d offer coffee, tea, and cookies to my guests. It really wouldn’t matter if I actually sold any books. Just being surrounded by them would be good enough!

Besides reading and writing what do you like to do?
I like traveling, just meandering all over the place with no set agenda in mind, and eating at really good old-fashioned restaurants.

Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
I’ve always wanted to travel overseas. I’d love to visit England, Ireland, and Australia. I’m not fond of the idea of being in an airplane for 10-12 hours, but maybe someday, I’ll get the chance.

If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
I would say my husband and two sons, but then the boys would bring their girlfriends, so that would be six of us, so that’s too many. But I’d rather hang out with them that anyone. So….let’s see. Only 3? Sigh. That leaves out the Seekers, since there are 15 of us. Seriously, I’d rather have dinner with 3 family members or 3 of my writing friends, or agents and editors at ACFW than a Saudi Arabian prince or a king or the President. The very thought gives me hives. Let me sit around a campfire listening to some ol’ cowpoke nobody’s ever heard of spinning tales about his adventures, and I’m happy.

Finally, can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

My debut novel, Stealing Jake, released from Tyndale House Publishers July 2011.

When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

Please visit me on the web at http://www.pamhillman.com/, http://www.calicotrails.blogspot.com/ and http://www.blogger.com/goog_877852749

And I’m giving away a Kindle in October. Deadline to enter is September 30th.
Kindle Giveaway Link: http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2011/07/pams-blog-tour-kindle-contest.html

Stealing Jake Prologue and 1st Chapter: http://www.blogger.com/goog_877852755


Stealing Jake Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Jake-ebook/dp/B0057Z87DK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309377471&sr=8-1

Stealing Jake B&N link:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-jake-pam-hillman/1103995167?ean=9781414366616&itm=1&usri=stealing%2bjake

Rose, it’s been a pleasure to be your guest. Thank you for asking me.
 
Thank you, Pam. I hope everyone will hurry on over to your sites and order your book.

Spotlight on Lisa Lickel

Today I want to introduce you to another member of John316marketingnetwork. Lisa is also a member of ACFW, and I met her in person at a writing conference in Chicago a few years ago. Since then, we even did a book proposal together. Here are some questions I asked and her answers.

1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

I loved The Pokey Little Puppy, and later Judy’s Journey and then Anne McCaffrey, and still think Ray Bradbury is brilliant. Each of the books are journeys of some kind, whether of discovery and exploration, or of self and coming of age.

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite scripture is Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” It reminds me that I’m responsible after I’ve made the profession – responsible for my actions and speech, and writing.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Hmmm…if all the time in the world could pass to research and write without me feeling guilty, I’d love to do an ancient history book about life in Alaska through the ages.

4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
This may sound funny, but I still prefer to plot and think and set up my books with paper and pen. I have notebooks devoted to this. I feel like I can think more creatively, make notes, draw lines and arrows and jot things that I don’t think come out right in typing. Although I love spell check, it doesn’t catch my missing words or sometimes it helps me by filling in a word I didn’t mean, so it comes out wrong while I’ve just passed it by.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Always, the marketing. I am so not comfortable with lots of people around me, and having to talk usually gives me the vapors. I’m fine when I’ve begun to teach a workshop, for example, but the time leading up to big events makes me ill. But I have to go back and get my name out there.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
I wish someone had been able to make me understand that publishing is a business and everyone at any time will have a different opinion about what’s going to work one place, one moment, will not work the next time. I got the “try” thing done pretty well, but the practice of rejection is still puzzling.

7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?

Thanks, Rose. People can buy my last book, the Grace-award-winning Meander Scar, in either print or electronic form at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. In October, I’ll be releasing a new book with Shellie Neumeier, and next spring I’ll have a new book out that’s the long-awaited sequel to my cozy mystery, The Gold Standard. So please keep an eye on my web site or Facebook author page for updates.
Rose again: I bought The Gold Standard at the conference where I met Lisa and really enjoyed it, so I look forward to reading this sequel. I hope you will check out some of Lisa's links for more info on her and her books.

http://www.lisalickel.com/

http://www.shellieneumeier.com/

Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/Meander-Scar-Lisa-J-Lickel/dp/1934912239/ref=sr_1_1_oe_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267452628&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Meander-Scar-ebook/dp/B0037Z6YM8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Meander on BN: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Meander-Scar/Lisa-J-Lickel/e/9781934912232/?itm=1&USRI=Lisa+Lickel

Facebook Author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lisa-J-Lickel/92717402338

Fridays with Friends--Elaine Cooper

What an amazing story our guest today has for us! Read it and be blessed. Thanks so much for sharing, Elaine.

The Healing Power of Writing

By Elaine Marie Cooper

Sometimes we can look to the past to help heal the present. That healing can take many forms but in my case it was the balm of writing about my ancestors that helped me recover from the loss of my daughter.

Bethany was 24 when she passed away from a brain tumor and I knew my life would never be the same. As a freelance writer for many years, my mind assumed that I would write a book about that experience in order to help others. But in the months after the Lord took her home, I was not that strong. Just the thought of re-living the two years prior to her death by writing it out in excruciating detail was more than I could endure at the time.

On the fourth anniversary of her passing, a sudden revelation of sorts birthed in my thoughts: I would write about my fourth great-grandparents during the American Revolution. I was always intrigued by the family story of the British soldier who stayed behind in America and married an American woman. I couldn’t think of anything more romantic than two enemies coming together, so caught up in each other that politics was tossed to the wind so they could be together.

But an interesting tapestry of healing took place in my heart as I researched and created the words that flowed from one chapter to the next. Although I was writing fiction, the emotional and spiritual turmoil that unfolded in the characters was real. It was the devastation of loss that was transferred from my heart to my characters lives. And as they recovered and healed, so did I.

The book that was birthed from my pain is The Road to Deer Run. Set in 1777, it involves the unexpected meeting of a wounded British soldier and a colonial farm woman. Both have experienced loss. Both are filled with anger. But besides falling in love with each other, they also learn to have faith and trust in God and to forgive.

This first novel led to my sequel The Promise of Deer Run, which releases in a couple of weeks (by Sept. 1, 2011). The series has now turned into a saga and I am beginning the research for Book Three.

Summary of The Road to Deer Run:

During the American Revolution, British soldier Daniel Lowe has been captured after being wounded at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. He escapes from his captors and hides in the woods to die, only to be rescued by Mary Thomsen, an American farmwoman. As Daniel’s festering wound heals, his gratitude to the woman who saved him transforms into love. But as an enemy soldier, his presence is endangering Mary, as well as her widowed mother and little sister. As he desperately tries to hide his identity, he is faced with numerous obstacles: exposure by the local Patriots, an attack by a British deserter, and a threat from his worst nemesis, an American soldier who also loves Mary and figures out who Daniel really is.

“With subplots as appealing as the main story, the book is well researched, well written, and well worth the purchase price. Ready for the sequel.”
— Kirkus Discoveries Reviews

Honorable Mention in the 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival Awards

Finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Summary of The Promise of Deer Run:

America’s war for freedom from England has been over for seven years, but the wounds of that conflict still haunt the minds and hearts of the residents of Deer Run. Young American veteran Nathaniel Stearns has withdrawn to a life of isolation as he awaits his father who never returned from the war. A near-tragedy in the woods brings him face-to-face with nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, someone he had long admired but he assumed had eyes for another. This chance encounter opens a crack into the door of his heart as mutual affection quickly blooms. But slander and lies soon mar the budding romance, rendering both Sarah and Nathaniel wounded and untrusting as their faith in both their God and each other is shattered. Set in 1790, this book continues the story of the Thomsen and Lowe families as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war that birthed the United States.

Author Biography

Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one-year-old. Elaine’s only daughter Bethany passed away in 2003 from a brain tumor.

A retired registered nurse, Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door (www.thebarndoor.net) and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight (ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com) She is also the author of her debut novel called “The Road to Deer Run.” The sequel, “The Promise of Deer Run,” will be available by Fall of 2011.

Elaine Cooper can be reached on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000997223171

or visit her website at:
DeerRunBooks.com

Today is the day--the launch of Janet Perez Eckles' wonderful, inspiring book Simply Salsa!

Go to her landing page at http://www.simplysalsathebook.com/ to order your copy on August 9 through Amazon.com and get lots of bonus e-gifts and a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card or a round-trip airline ticket good for travel in the continental U.S.

Watch this one-minute video for details: http://www.youtube.com/watbbbbbbbch?v=sW586tTcRxg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/janeteckles

We all like contests and here is one you don't want to miss!

Fabulous contest for a chance to win round-trip airline ticket and $100 gift card. For only 24 hours, Tuesday August 9, my author friend, J.P. Eckles is offering all this and more if you order your own copy of Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta through Amazon.com.

The book is passionate in its style, sweet in its approach, and bold to point you to Christ. Simply Salsa will uplift you to see life in a brighter light no matter what burdens you today. Watch video with details: http://bit.ly/peQ9n2

I plan to order a copy on Tuesday, August 9th, and hope you will, too. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Monday Spotlight on Tracy Krauss

I am happy to introduce you to another of my John316marketingnetwork pals--Tracy Krauss. I hope you will enjoy learning more about her as I did from these questions. Perhaps you could leave a question for her yourself.
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
That is a really tough question because I loved reading as a child and it is hard to pick one favorite. I really, really got into Edgar Rice Burrows’ TARZAN series as a kid. I read them all (and there are like 30!) Now that I think of it, this is quite interesting and insightful because my favorite book as an adult is probably MONSTER by Frank Peretti. It’s about a crazy ape-like creature terrorizing the forests. See any connection? Wow. That’s brilliant, Rose!

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages your writing? Psalm 91 is probably my favorite – ‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty …’ etc. I also love Ecclesiastes. It is melancholy and encouraging at the same time. It’s good to know that everything has its time, that the best thing I can do is live whole-heartedly for God, and that I should do my best at whatever I put my hand to do. All of these thoughts are from Ecclesiastes.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
That is tough. I’m currently working on a WIP that has some of its locations in Italy. That would be sweet.

4. My husband and I got to visit Italy a couple years ago, Tracy. We spent our 41st anniversary in a gondola in Venice!  I hope you can go someday, too. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing? I started writing before technology. I wrote notebooks full and then I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I borrowed my mom’s old typewriter! In either case, there is so much time spent re-writing and editing it is amazing that people actually got anything written. Imagine Shakespeare or Dickens using a quill and ink! Research is another whole thing, too. I spent hours pouring over encyclopedias, going to the library, and even waiting for information to come by mail. I am so grateful for my computer.
What bugs me is that technology changes so fast. Just when I think I’ve got it figured out, something new comes along. Also, so much of our ‘writing’ time is now spent online doing other related things like promoting etc.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone? Self promotion is not an easy thing. As well, it is always scary when you put something new ‘out there’ for other people to read.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you? Seek critique sooner. I spent so many years inside my own head, I didn’t see the flaws. If I had had someone available to read and assess my writing sooner, I probably would have gone on to publication sooner. On the other hand, as I said before, I believe everything happens in due time (Read ‘God’s time’) so I’m not sure that would have made any difference.

7. How can people contact you and where can they buy your books? My books are available at all the regular places – Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. You can also visit my website for a link to the publisher or to find other ways to purchase. I’m happy to say that both books are available in e-book as well as physical print editions.

Links and Contact info:

Website: http://www.tracykrauss.com/

Blog: http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/

FB: http://tinyurl.com/Tracy-Krauss-Author-Fanpage

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TracyKrausswrtr

Amazon: http://www.kraussamazon.com/

Short bio:
Tracy Krauss is an author, artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher. Originally from a small prairie town, she received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She has lived in many places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and their children. They currently live in Tumbler Ridge, BC. Published works include her debut novel AND THE BEAT GOES ON, a romantic suspense with an archeological and creationist twist, and MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, a contemporary romantic suspense. Tracy is also a published playwright and has several other works in progress.

Back Cover – MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER

What’s a girl to do? Joleen Allen is on the hunt. For a man, that is. Unfortunately, every time the mother of five meets a prospect, he falls for one of her daughters instead!

Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Harold, is back in the picture after a stint in prison, and he’s looking for revenge. He’ll do anything to see Joleen’s reputation and her relationship with their children ruined. Harold has devised an elaborate plan to slander Joleen and ruin her financially, and will stop at nothing – even murder – to see it through.

At forty-four, Joleen has seen a thing or two. She became a mother at sixteen, and her five highly independent children are now grown. Jasmine is a successful ad executive, but has a drinking problem. Jill is a tough cop, while middle child Jennifer surprises them all with her tenacity. Jinger is a self-centered glamour girl, and the baby of the family, Jade, is utterly spoiled.

All the interesting men they meet get tossed around by this pack of barracudas. Adding to the mix are some drug deals, a kidnapping, insurance fraud, and secrets from the past, making life very complicated, indeed.

With grit, humor, action, intrigue and romance, My Mother the Man-Eater is a redemptive story about a woman whose search for meaning in life sends her straight into . . . the arms of God.

Wow! That sounds exciting, Tracy!
Hope my readers will hurry on out and buy one or both of Tracy's books.

Today's Spotlight is on Sidney Frost, another member of the John316marketingnetwork.

Good morning, Sid. Thanks for stopping by. Can you tell us about your favorite books as a child and now and any connection you see between the two? 1. My favorite books are Christian fiction. The main connection between the books is that they are clean and usually have happy endings. I like books that are tied to scripture in a subtle way. My favorite authors are Jan Karon and Dee Henderson. I love both of those authors, too, Sid. In fact, I have an 80,000 word novel looking for a home that is written in a small town imaginary setting similar to the Mitford books.

Please share with us your favorite Scriptures both for your life and your writing. 2. My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. The scripture that got me busy writing is Psalm 37: 4. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. My pastor said something like this one Sunday when I had been debating with myself about taking on the task of writing a first novel. I took it to mean that God would help me achieve my dream. I wrote a prayer and read it every day before I began to write. Six years later, I had published Where Love Once Lived.

Any favorite vacation spots you have been to or would like to visit in researching a book? 3. My wife Celeste grew up spending the summers on a lake and now we have to opportunity to have a place on the lake here in Texas. This is my ideal place to write. The sounds of nature are enhanced and the sounds of industry are non-existent. Cell phones don't work so great there and so far we have no TV or other distractions. However, I should say I can write most anywhere. I wrote most of my first book during office hours at school or in coffee shops all over the world. The only time I can't write is when someone is talking directly to me.

Technology can be both helpful and frustrating to me! Do you feel technology has enhanced or hindered your writing.? 4. I just recently retired from a career working with and teaching about computers and all things technical. In fact, my latest novel, The Vengeance Squad, includes a computer science professor who uses technology to solve crimes. However, it took me a long time to switch from handwriting to typing directly into the computer. I still have a sort of shorthand I use to write, pencil on paper, to get started. I can write fast that way. Sounds like a very interesting concept. Here is a copy of the cover.

How has becoming a writer stretched you? 5. I am, or was, shy. I say was because I've somehow grown out of it. I don't know when it happened actually, but one day I reached an age where I didn't worry so much about what others thought. That freed me up greatly from a certain nervousness I always had in dealing with people. This shyness didn't keep me from teaching, because in the classroom I knew more than anyone about the subject matter. And, it didn't keep me from singing in 45 different musical productions over a number of years, mostly in the opera chorus. The only concern there was doing an audition and they usually held them privately with the chorusmaster. But it is a stretch for me to publicize my books. I do okay with signings, but I prepare for days before I give a talk. It's getting easier.

Do you have any words of wisdom you would like to share with aspiring writers that you wish you had known before you started? 6. The reason it took me six years to finish my first book was because I didn't know how to write a novel. I took online classes and I recommend that to anyone interested in writing. I was lucky to get a great instructor for all my classes. One thing I missed and wished I had known was about genre and what publishers are looking for.

Thank you for allowing me this platform to talk about myself and my books. If anyone is interested in more information, they may go to http://sidneywfrost.com/. Also, I'll be glad to answer any comments and will check in when I can. Thanks, Sid. I have enjoyed getting to know more about you through John316 and through your blog and now your visit to mine. I hope my readers will check out your sites.

Contest Winner and new contest to win a copy of my first fiction novel!!!!

Darlene Shortridge is the winner of Love by the Yard by Gail Sattler, so it will be in the mail as soon as I receive her mailing address. For those who wish to be entered in this month's drawing, it makes it much simpler and faster to get the book to you if you leave your addy when you post. Anyone with a USA address is eligible except Darlene.

And I am sooooo happy to be able to give away a copy of my first fiction novella. Getting this book published is definitely a dream come true! The drawing will be held on September 1st which is the day for the release of the book. Here is the back cover blurb for Christmas Belles of Georgia: 
Surprised by Life—and Love—at Christmas


Four letters are mailed from Monticello, a small antebellum town in Georgia. Sisters once, now heirs to a historic plantation, each young woman must come to terms with the circumstances of her birth. . . .

When she learns in a letter she’s adopted, Holly feels betrayed by her parents—and she books a flight out of Missouri immediately. Will she ever be able to love again?

Raised in a wealthy, loveless home, Carol rushes to Monticello from college in Atlanta when she receives her letter. She’s searching for family, but finds instead a boy she once mistreated. Will he remember her? . . .forgive her?

In one year, Starr has lost her parents, boyfriend, and job, so she’s sure her letter is more bad news. When the attorney flies to California to offer proof, Starr takes a second look—at the message and the man.

Noelle always knew she was adopted—and she’s always loved the foreman on her father’s Texas ranch too. But he’s so distant. . .perhaps a trip to Georgia is the break in life she needs.

Will the sisters receive a traditional Christmas gift. . .of love?

Enter to win a copy, or hurry out and order one or several copies for Christmas gifts!