A January Acrostic and another contest
In honor of all the snow and cold we have experienced in January, I decided to write a January acrostic. And all those who will share their own acrostic about January this month will be entered in a drawing on February 1st for some packages of hot chocolate and microwave popcorn to enjoy the next time it snows!
Jump on a sled
And down the hill you go then
Now the only thing to do is climb back
Up the hill again!
And away you go until your nose and cheeks are
Red, then go to your house and eat popcorn with hot chocolate and then
You snuggle in your warm bed!
I thought half of this up while taking a bath on Sunday evening, so please share what you can do! And don't forget to leave an email addy so I can send your January care package off to you soon!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Another Great "Friday with Friends" Post by Jennifer Slattery
Crafting Spiritually Rich Novels
Guest Post by Clash of the Titles' Marketing Representative, Jennifer Slattery
January is all about new beginnings which is why I love Clash of the Titles’ previous theme, Best Conversion Scenes. I’m touched by the heart-felt emotions Senior Editor, April Gardner, shared in her opening article on January fifth. While reading George Bryan Polivka’s The Legend of Firefish, she “became” hero Packer Throme. His struggles became her struggles; his fears, her fears and his comfort, her comfort, pointing her back to the all-powerful, all-loving Creator God.
“With my tears of repentance came the Spirit’s comfort. In that moment, God’s presence was as palpable to me as the book in my trembling hands. Like a heated blanket draped gently over my shoulders, God encompassed me and instilled in me a calm assurance of love and provision I cannot begin to describe. “
That is the experience we want to give our readers. Last week, Assistant Editor Michelle Massaro shared our passion for Christian fiction with you. Today I’ll talk about ways to create authentic, rich, soul-impacting novels.
Many Christian novels I’ve read are nothing more than “clean entertainment.” If Christianity is mentioned, it’s in passing. Perhaps the heroine will go to a church picnic, or will offer a quick prayer before dinner. Not that that’s bad. Clean, fun entertainment is always good, but why not take good to better by diving deeper into your characters’ lives.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are numerous novels where Christianity is forced by dropping a long sermon in the center of a rather plastic scene. Neither version has the capacity to touch the heart. To truly impact the reader, the character’s spiritual journey must be core to who they are. (Which is true to life, because whether we’ll admit it or not, every thought and action flows from our heart, and our heart is affected by our relationship, or lack thereof, with Christ.)
Clash competitor Tracy Kraus did a wonderful job of pulling the reader in on an emotional level, creating the angst necessary for conversion, followed by the freeing moment of surrender. They tapped into the humanity we all share, then zeroed in on a single promise.
Let me give you a brief example. Here is a paragraph pulled from Tracy Kruas’ My Mother the Man Eater, a story about a forty something cougar searching for fulfillment.
He grinned, realizing his own zealousness was showing. “Okay, fine. I am. Because it’s the biggest decision of your life. Look at the changes in your own daughters. Do you want to be on the outside looking in?”
This paragraph reveals a universal need: the need for authentic community. It also points at the promise provided in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
This in turn speaks to the mature Christian as well as the believer, reminding us of our need to be fragrant aromas of Christ so that those who see our good works and genuine love for others will be drawn to Him. Although you’d need to read the entire book to fully appreciate this paragraph, it provides a great example none the less. In one concise, heart-warming paragraph, the author has touched on profound theology, like a patient gardener scattering tiny seeds. Not too many, not too few. Just enough to draw the reader to the next page, then the next book, and the next, until one day, the seedlings blossom all together into a thriving faith. Like a meadow filled with flowers filled with innumerable seeds, each book is but one part of the readers overall faith journey. We don’t have to bring them to final transformation. All we need to do is love on them, through our characters, and help them take that next step.
Because if you dump a bunch of seeds on your reader all at once, all they’ll get is a headache. Each seed must be intentionally placed, in the context of a story, watered through emotionally engaging conflict and action, until the reader is brought to a soul-fulfilling resolution.
A couple weeks ago, Jeff Gerke, author of Plot Versus Character, gave excellent advice on how to weave authentic spiritual elements seamlessly into your stories. (You can read his entire series on the Barn Door Book Loft. ) When crafting your characters, don’t stop with personality traits and back story. Take time to develop their spiritual gifts and passions. Then, determine your character arc and wrap the external plot around that.
“When it comes to preparing a character to take the starring role in a novel,” Gerke says, “we have to come up with a wonderful inner journey for her. This transformational character arc is the "plot" of the character, and it forms the basis for the plot we create for the story.”
Next, use the deepest parts of your character to create the plot.
Jeff explains, “In Plot Versus Character, I wrap the external plot around the main character's inner journey.“
This prevents forced or choppy spirituality by making the character’s spiritual journey central to the entire novel while ensuring a page-turning, relevant plot.
Buy Jeff’s book, start crafting authentic and dynamic characters, then come back next week when Clash of the Titles’ Senior Editor, April Gardner, shares how to craft a great story!
Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, columnist and freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband of fifteen years and their thirteen year old daughter. She functions as the marketing representative for Clash of the Titles. Find out more about her and her writing at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud.
Crafting Spiritually Rich Novels
Guest Post by Clash of the Titles' Marketing Representative, Jennifer Slattery
January is all about new beginnings which is why I love Clash of the Titles’ previous theme, Best Conversion Scenes. I’m touched by the heart-felt emotions Senior Editor, April Gardner, shared in her opening article on January fifth. While reading George Bryan Polivka’s The Legend of Firefish, she “became” hero Packer Throme. His struggles became her struggles; his fears, her fears and his comfort, her comfort, pointing her back to the all-powerful, all-loving Creator God.
“With my tears of repentance came the Spirit’s comfort. In that moment, God’s presence was as palpable to me as the book in my trembling hands. Like a heated blanket draped gently over my shoulders, God encompassed me and instilled in me a calm assurance of love and provision I cannot begin to describe. “
That is the experience we want to give our readers. Last week, Assistant Editor Michelle Massaro shared our passion for Christian fiction with you. Today I’ll talk about ways to create authentic, rich, soul-impacting novels.
Many Christian novels I’ve read are nothing more than “clean entertainment.” If Christianity is mentioned, it’s in passing. Perhaps the heroine will go to a church picnic, or will offer a quick prayer before dinner. Not that that’s bad. Clean, fun entertainment is always good, but why not take good to better by diving deeper into your characters’ lives.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are numerous novels where Christianity is forced by dropping a long sermon in the center of a rather plastic scene. Neither version has the capacity to touch the heart. To truly impact the reader, the character’s spiritual journey must be core to who they are. (Which is true to life, because whether we’ll admit it or not, every thought and action flows from our heart, and our heart is affected by our relationship, or lack thereof, with Christ.)
Clash competitor Tracy Kraus did a wonderful job of pulling the reader in on an emotional level, creating the angst necessary for conversion, followed by the freeing moment of surrender. They tapped into the humanity we all share, then zeroed in on a single promise.
Let me give you a brief example. Here is a paragraph pulled from Tracy Kruas’ My Mother the Man Eater, a story about a forty something cougar searching for fulfillment.
He grinned, realizing his own zealousness was showing. “Okay, fine. I am. Because it’s the biggest decision of your life. Look at the changes in your own daughters. Do you want to be on the outside looking in?”
This paragraph reveals a universal need: the need for authentic community. It also points at the promise provided in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
This in turn speaks to the mature Christian as well as the believer, reminding us of our need to be fragrant aromas of Christ so that those who see our good works and genuine love for others will be drawn to Him. Although you’d need to read the entire book to fully appreciate this paragraph, it provides a great example none the less. In one concise, heart-warming paragraph, the author has touched on profound theology, like a patient gardener scattering tiny seeds. Not too many, not too few. Just enough to draw the reader to the next page, then the next book, and the next, until one day, the seedlings blossom all together into a thriving faith. Like a meadow filled with flowers filled with innumerable seeds, each book is but one part of the readers overall faith journey. We don’t have to bring them to final transformation. All we need to do is love on them, through our characters, and help them take that next step.
Because if you dump a bunch of seeds on your reader all at once, all they’ll get is a headache. Each seed must be intentionally placed, in the context of a story, watered through emotionally engaging conflict and action, until the reader is brought to a soul-fulfilling resolution.
A couple weeks ago, Jeff Gerke, author of Plot Versus Character, gave excellent advice on how to weave authentic spiritual elements seamlessly into your stories. (You can read his entire series on the Barn Door Book Loft. ) When crafting your characters, don’t stop with personality traits and back story. Take time to develop their spiritual gifts and passions. Then, determine your character arc and wrap the external plot around that.
“When it comes to preparing a character to take the starring role in a novel,” Gerke says, “we have to come up with a wonderful inner journey for her. This transformational character arc is the "plot" of the character, and it forms the basis for the plot we create for the story.”
Next, use the deepest parts of your character to create the plot.
Jeff explains, “In Plot Versus Character, I wrap the external plot around the main character's inner journey.“
This prevents forced or choppy spirituality by making the character’s spiritual journey central to the entire novel while ensuring a page-turning, relevant plot.
Buy Jeff’s book, start crafting authentic and dynamic characters, then come back next week when Clash of the Titles’ Senior Editor, April Gardner, shares how to craft a great story!
Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, columnist and freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband of fifteen years and their thirteen year old daughter. She functions as the marketing representative for Clash of the Titles. Find out more about her and her writing at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday Musings on Winter
Although it barely got up above freezing here today for the first time in weeks, winter certainly has its hold on Kentucky and much of the country, so I decided to share some thoughts with you and hope you will share some thoughts with me on winter.
Winter is...
Cold--temperatures, snow, ice, fingers and toes
Hot--sitting in front of a fireplace, sipping hot chocolate, hot tea
Warm--snuggling under blankets, wearing footed-pj's or extra socks
Fun--playing pond hockey with friends, sliding down a snow-covered hill on a sled or tube or
even a carhood, building a snowman
Beautiful--diamonds on bushes, icicles decorating the front porch, cardinal or bluejay against the snow
What else can you add?
Although it barely got up above freezing here today for the first time in weeks, winter certainly has its hold on Kentucky and much of the country, so I decided to share some thoughts with you and hope you will share some thoughts with me on winter.
Winter is...
Cold--temperatures, snow, ice, fingers and toes
Hot--sitting in front of a fireplace, sipping hot chocolate, hot tea
Warm--snuggling under blankets, wearing footed-pj's or extra socks
Fun--playing pond hockey with friends, sliding down a snow-covered hill on a sled or tube or
even a carhood, building a snowman
Beautiful--diamonds on bushes, icicles decorating the front porch, cardinal or bluejay against the snow
What else can you add?
Friday, January 14, 2011
For our next "Fridays with Friends" event, I want to welcome Michelle Massaro, another cyber-friend who has written an article I know I needed to read, so I hope all writers will read it and be blessed. And also check out Michelle's site as well as the Clash of the Titles site listed below.
Evangelizing Through Fiction by Michelle Massaro
I'm very passionate about today's topic because for me it's what makes writing worthwhile. But not everybody gets it. It's important for authors to see the value and worth of what they do, in the light of eternity, because it's very likely they will hear comments questioning their ministry through fiction at some point in time. I've also seen a great many stories never reach their full potential, because the authors themselves didn't seem to understand the impact their writing could have for the Kingdom, or hadn't chosen to use their platform in that way. But look at this:
"I've never been more inspired to let the Holy Spirit love through me."
"Thanks for lifting up my spirits today."
"Having lost a daughter of my own, I thank Karen (Kingsbury) heartily for using the pain in her story to minister to me and so many others in my shoes."
"I was often convicted of my own self-centeredness while reading."
"I have tears in my eyes and goose bumps on my skin."
These are just a few of the comments that have appeared on Clash of the Titles this past week as we've featured Conversion Scenes. They show that God can and does use fiction to touch His people. Amazing, isn't it?
As authors, we want readers to appreciate our stories as much as we do. Let's face it, we thrive on accolades. Don't deny it. We long to leave our mark, to write stories that won't be forgotten. But until we fully understand the power of the pen placed in God's hand, we will only be scratching the surface when it comes to leaving a legacy. When we shift our perspective to come into line with Christ's, we become more interested in the mark that HE leaves on the reader than our own.
And what an effective tool our stories can be! What a gentle way to reach out, what a smooth-paved bridge to build. Non-threatening and entertaining, many people will let their guard down enough to read a novel. And as they identify with the characters' sin and pain, they will also journey with them to forgiveness and healing, and perhaps even see themselves being transformed by our loving Savior.
As believers, God owns us- we were bought with a price. The Bible says He has equipped us for every good work. As authors we've been equipped with writing talent. We are to enjoy what we do, but ultimately that gift should be turned back over to Him. When it is, we can be sure He will do amazing things. He will reach people in ways we never could on our own. His stories flowing through our pens can write not simply on paper but on hearts. And that is the greatest legacy we can hope to leave.
*****************
Michelle Massaro, Assistant Editor for Clash of the Titles, is an aspiring novelist as well as a wife and mother of four. She sings on the worship team and teaches origins science to the Jr. Highers at her church in sunny So Cal. Above all, she is a follower of Christ Jesus, unashamed to stand upon the Word of God from beginning to end. You can get to know her better at her blog, Adventures in Writing, and of course at COTT.
I'm very passionate about today's topic because for me it's what makes writing worthwhile. But not everybody gets it. It's important for authors to see the value and worth of what they do, in the light of eternity, because it's very likely they will hear comments questioning their ministry through fiction at some point in time. I've also seen a great many stories never reach their full potential, because the authors themselves didn't seem to understand the impact their writing could have for the Kingdom, or hadn't chosen to use their platform in that way. But look at this:
"I've never been more inspired to let the Holy Spirit love through me."
"Thanks for lifting up my spirits today."
"Having lost a daughter of my own, I thank Karen (Kingsbury) heartily for using the pain in her story to minister to me and so many others in my shoes."
"I was often convicted of my own self-centeredness while reading."
"I have tears in my eyes and goose bumps on my skin."
These are just a few of the comments that have appeared on Clash of the Titles this past week as we've featured Conversion Scenes. They show that God can and does use fiction to touch His people. Amazing, isn't it?
As authors, we want readers to appreciate our stories as much as we do. Let's face it, we thrive on accolades. Don't deny it. We long to leave our mark, to write stories that won't be forgotten. But until we fully understand the power of the pen placed in God's hand, we will only be scratching the surface when it comes to leaving a legacy. When we shift our perspective to come into line with Christ's, we become more interested in the mark that HE leaves on the reader than our own.
And what an effective tool our stories can be! What a gentle way to reach out, what a smooth-paved bridge to build. Non-threatening and entertaining, many people will let their guard down enough to read a novel. And as they identify with the characters' sin and pain, they will also journey with them to forgiveness and healing, and perhaps even see themselves being transformed by our loving Savior.
As believers, God owns us- we were bought with a price. The Bible says He has equipped us for every good work. As authors we've been equipped with writing talent. We are to enjoy what we do, but ultimately that gift should be turned back over to Him. When it is, we can be sure He will do amazing things. He will reach people in ways we never could on our own. His stories flowing through our pens can write not simply on paper but on hearts. And that is the greatest legacy we can hope to leave.
*****************
Michelle Massaro, Assistant Editor for Clash of the Titles, is an aspiring novelist as well as a wife and mother of four. She sings on the worship team and teaches origins science to the Jr. Highers at her church in sunny So Cal. Above all, she is a follower of Christ Jesus, unashamed to stand upon the Word of God from beginning to end. You can get to know her better at her blog, Adventures in Writing, and of course at COTT.
Clash of the Titles: http://www.clashofthetitles.com
and Michelle's site: Adventures in Writing (http://www.michellemassaro.blogspot.com/)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday Musings on January
January is a new beginning...a time to take stock of where you have been and where you want to go...a time to look back on the past so you don't make the same mistakes in the future...a time to pray and plan and do...a time to make new friends and re-connect with long-ago friends...a time to play in the snow then cuddle up with popcorn and hot chocolate and a good book...a time to dream of warm weather and summer vacation...
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Readers, I hope you will share some things you like to or plan to do this month.
January is a new beginning...a time to take stock of where you have been and where you want to go...a time to look back on the past so you don't make the same mistakes in the future...a time to pray and plan and do...a time to make new friends and re-connect with long-ago friends...a time to play in the snow then cuddle up with popcorn and hot chocolate and a good book...a time to dream of warm weather and summer vacation...
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Readers, I hope you will share some things you like to or plan to do this month.
Friday, January 07, 2011
New Blog Feature--Fridays with Friends
To get more input on my blog, I am starting a new feature this year that I am calling "Fridays with Friends." Each Friday of the year I will be scheduling a blog by a friend of mine (some I've met in person, some cyber-friends!), and I hope this will encourage other friends to post to these new friends, so we all make more friends. It's like the Girl Scout song--"Make new friends, but keep the old..." And, if you would like to do a guest blog, please let me know and I will add you to the schedule.
Our first Friday Friend Blog is by Jennifer Slattery with info on COTT--Clash Of The Titles! I was very interested as a writer and as a reader in this new site, so hope you will be, too. And hope you will visit that site and her others listed at the end of the email, and if you leave a post for her or me either one and you will be entered in my monthly book drawing.
Clash of the Titles by Jennifer Slattery
About a month ago, I met a local author while Christmas shopping. He and another writer had set up a booth in the middle of a sporting goods store. I always love to connect with other authors, so I stopped to chat and to tell them a bit about Clash of the Titles. It didn’t take long for the man to share his frustrations with the writing industry. Like many new authors, he’d dreamt his first book would hit it big, earning high royalties. It hadn’t, and he blamed his publishing company, saying they’d promoted it for a while, then dropped it flat.
Sadly, that’s reality. Publishers have to make money, and new books sell. Old titles, not so much. And even new books have to share the lime light with dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of other newly released titles. Which means, to be successful, authors need to learn how to generate their own sales.
Clash of the Titles, a literary website designed to connect readers with new, and often, emerging, authors, is here to help. Every month, we highlight four competing writers through fun, reader-led contests. This provides two week’s worth of continual exposure for our competitors and allows readers to nibble on a wide variety of books and genres.
Here’s how it works. On the first Monday of a new clash, two anonymous excerpts are posted on our site. Then, readers are given an opportunity to vote for their favorite. Once voting closes, the authors are revealed and winners are announced. The rest of the clash is spent chatting with the authors as we get to know more about them and their books. At the end of the two weeks, two readers are randomly selected to receive a free book. It has been a lot of fun to see readers and authors connect through fun competitions and interactive interviews. Our authors have been greatly encouraged by reader comments.
I have to admit, our success has far exceeded our expectations. Numerous authors have commented on the tremendous amount of publicity Clash of the Titles participation has generated. Obviously this publicity is partially due to the cyber-exposure, but I believe the uniqueness of our site plays a huge role. We are unlike any other contest authors might participate in because winners are selected not based on sales (which is largely due to shelf placement and an effective publicity team) or technical writing rules, but instead, on reader opinion. And it’s more than the results of an impersonal survey. It’s a close, interactive time of literary celebration. One of our authors said she felt COTT was like a family. Increased reader-author closeness is exactly what we aim for! We connect readers and authors on a deeper level than many other author-highlighting sites because we encourage two-way dialogue. Readers ask authors questions and provide comments, and authors ask readers questions. It’s really a lot of fun!
And yet, it’s so much more! Entertainment is great, but eternally impacting entertainment is even better. Each Clash of the Titles staff member is very passionate about Christian fiction and we do all we can to help expand the Christian fiction market. To us, it’s a ministry and a mission. Because Christian fiction points readers to the Divine Author, we believe our efforts have an eternal impact.
Next Friday Assistant Editor, Michelle Massaro will talk more about this when she shares her passion for Christian fiction with you. In the meantime, come visit us at http://www.clashofthetitles.com. There’s still time to vote, and win a free book!
My bio: Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, columnist and freelance writer living in Kansas City, MO with her husband of 15 years and their 13 year old daughter. Visit http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com to read great devotions that inspire, challenge and equip and follow her weekly column, Heart and Home, at http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com
To get more input on my blog, I am starting a new feature this year that I am calling "Fridays with Friends." Each Friday of the year I will be scheduling a blog by a friend of mine (some I've met in person, some cyber-friends!), and I hope this will encourage other friends to post to these new friends, so we all make more friends. It's like the Girl Scout song--"Make new friends, but keep the old..." And, if you would like to do a guest blog, please let me know and I will add you to the schedule.
Our first Friday Friend Blog is by Jennifer Slattery with info on COTT--Clash Of The Titles! I was very interested as a writer and as a reader in this new site, so hope you will be, too. And hope you will visit that site and her others listed at the end of the email, and if you leave a post for her or me either one and you will be entered in my monthly book drawing.
Clash of the Titles by Jennifer Slattery
About a month ago, I met a local author while Christmas shopping. He and another writer had set up a booth in the middle of a sporting goods store. I always love to connect with other authors, so I stopped to chat and to tell them a bit about Clash of the Titles. It didn’t take long for the man to share his frustrations with the writing industry. Like many new authors, he’d dreamt his first book would hit it big, earning high royalties. It hadn’t, and he blamed his publishing company, saying they’d promoted it for a while, then dropped it flat.
Sadly, that’s reality. Publishers have to make money, and new books sell. Old titles, not so much. And even new books have to share the lime light with dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of other newly released titles. Which means, to be successful, authors need to learn how to generate their own sales.
Clash of the Titles, a literary website designed to connect readers with new, and often, emerging, authors, is here to help. Every month, we highlight four competing writers through fun, reader-led contests. This provides two week’s worth of continual exposure for our competitors and allows readers to nibble on a wide variety of books and genres.
Here’s how it works. On the first Monday of a new clash, two anonymous excerpts are posted on our site. Then, readers are given an opportunity to vote for their favorite. Once voting closes, the authors are revealed and winners are announced. The rest of the clash is spent chatting with the authors as we get to know more about them and their books. At the end of the two weeks, two readers are randomly selected to receive a free book. It has been a lot of fun to see readers and authors connect through fun competitions and interactive interviews. Our authors have been greatly encouraged by reader comments.
I have to admit, our success has far exceeded our expectations. Numerous authors have commented on the tremendous amount of publicity Clash of the Titles participation has generated. Obviously this publicity is partially due to the cyber-exposure, but I believe the uniqueness of our site plays a huge role. We are unlike any other contest authors might participate in because winners are selected not based on sales (which is largely due to shelf placement and an effective publicity team) or technical writing rules, but instead, on reader opinion. And it’s more than the results of an impersonal survey. It’s a close, interactive time of literary celebration. One of our authors said she felt COTT was like a family. Increased reader-author closeness is exactly what we aim for! We connect readers and authors on a deeper level than many other author-highlighting sites because we encourage two-way dialogue. Readers ask authors questions and provide comments, and authors ask readers questions. It’s really a lot of fun!
And yet, it’s so much more! Entertainment is great, but eternally impacting entertainment is even better. Each Clash of the Titles staff member is very passionate about Christian fiction and we do all we can to help expand the Christian fiction market. To us, it’s a ministry and a mission. Because Christian fiction points readers to the Divine Author, we believe our efforts have an eternal impact.
Next Friday Assistant Editor, Michelle Massaro will talk more about this when she shares her passion for Christian fiction with you. In the meantime, come visit us at http://www.clashofthetitles.com. There’s still time to vote, and win a free book!
My bio: Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, columnist and freelance writer living in Kansas City, MO with her husband of 15 years and their 13 year old daughter. Visit http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com to read great devotions that inspire, challenge and equip and follow her weekly column, Heart and Home, at http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com
Monday, January 03, 2011
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year to all, especially to Diane F. who is starting off the new year with a new book...And to you, dear reader, who could win an autographed copy of Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz, reviewed below.
Diane is the winner of my monthly book drawing for a copy of Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor. I have contacted her, but if I don't hear back by next Saturday evening, I will have my hubby draw another name.
Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz is a must read. I just finished this book last night, and it is a well plotted out mystery with enough red herrings to stock a fish store!
I have read and enjoyed the author's first two books, which were cozy mysteries, but this mystery fits more in the suspense category as you find yourself trying to figure out which of the characters could be the murderer.
I don't want to give any plot points away, so will just second one of the back of the book blurbs by Patti Shene, editor of Starsongs Magazine: "...a roller coaster ride that leaves you breathless. Arenz grips the reader with a fierce intensity that starts with the first sentence and keeps you up all night until the last page is turned."
I know Alice personally, and don't know how such a sweet person can write some of these diabolical characters, but she succeeds at making them very believable.
I hope you will leave a message with your email addy this month to be entered in the drawing which will be held on Feb. 1st for this copy. And if you can't wait, I suggest you check out this and her other two books which I have also reviewed on this blog last year and order one or all of them. Alice's website is www.akawriter.com
Diane is the winner of my monthly book drawing for a copy of Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor. I have contacted her, but if I don't hear back by next Saturday evening, I will have my hubby draw another name.
Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz is a must read. I just finished this book last night, and it is a well plotted out mystery with enough red herrings to stock a fish store!
I have read and enjoyed the author's first two books, which were cozy mysteries, but this mystery fits more in the suspense category as you find yourself trying to figure out which of the characters could be the murderer.
I don't want to give any plot points away, so will just second one of the back of the book blurbs by Patti Shene, editor of Starsongs Magazine: "...a roller coaster ride that leaves you breathless. Arenz grips the reader with a fierce intensity that starts with the first sentence and keeps you up all night until the last page is turned."
I know Alice personally, and don't know how such a sweet person can write some of these diabolical characters, but she succeeds at making them very believable.
I hope you will leave a message with your email addy this month to be entered in the drawing which will be held on Feb. 1st for this copy. And if you can't wait, I suggest you check out this and her other two books which I have also reviewed on this blog last year and order one or all of them. Alice's website is www.akawriter.com
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday Musings--Snow is a Dichotomy
Since this has been the snowiest December on record in Kentucky (and many other places), I've had snow on the brain (and my coat and face, etc.), so want to share some of my conflicting observations.
Snow can be...
pretty and white...or...dirty and gray
soft and fluffy...or...hard and packed
snow day activities...or...plans gone awry
snow day fun...or...an icy nightmare
silently descending...or...blustery and blowing
part of God's creation we should enjoy while we have the chance!
And just this morning, I was thinking of many songs that mention snow--most of them the good side, like "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," but there are some that tell us the other view like "the weather outside is frightful!"
Please share any thoughts you have on snow--what you like and don't like! And your favorite songs that mention snow. Happy snow day for most of us!
Since this has been the snowiest December on record in Kentucky (and many other places), I've had snow on the brain (and my coat and face, etc.), so want to share some of my conflicting observations.
Snow can be...
pretty and white...or...dirty and gray
soft and fluffy...or...hard and packed
snow day activities...or...plans gone awry
snow day fun...or...an icy nightmare
silently descending...or...blustery and blowing
part of God's creation we should enjoy while we have the chance!
And just this morning, I was thinking of many songs that mention snow--most of them the good side, like "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," but there are some that tell us the other view like "the weather outside is frightful!"
Please share any thoughts you have on snow--what you like and don't like! And your favorite songs that mention snow. Happy snow day for most of us!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Guest Blogger--Jennifer Slattery on "What My Husband Wants for Christmas"
Just in time for your holiday giving, I am pleased to share this guest blog on gift ideas for our husbands or other loved ones. Hope you enjoy it, and will check out Jennifer's bio and site listed below for more great info.
Jennifer writes:
My husband is the king of gift giving. I think he makes a game of it, and often he drags our daughter into his fun little plan. The two will look at me, at each other, then explode in a fit of giggles, followed by the familiar phrase, “We have something to do this weekend.” And I play along, feigning ignorance.
This past weekend was my birthday, and as is his way, my husband whisked our daughter off for a day of shopping. They didn’t spend much, albeit more than I would have liked, but their presents were laden with meaning. A leather bound journal for me to take to church so I don’t have to scribble all over the bulletin, three new candles to replace the ones I had burned to a nub, and a beautiful candle holder I casually admired one evening while shopping together.
That night, after spending the afternoon showered in love, I contemplated how I could return the gesture. Christmas will be here in a few short days, and I still haven’t found that “perfect gift” for my husband. What can I give him that will have as much meaning as those special gifts he and our daughter have given to me? Clothes aren’t his thing, nor movies. He’s already got a garage full of tools. I was stumped.
The answer came that night as I watched him recline in his favorite chair, remote in hand. Gifts are great, but there are a few things I believe my husband wants most of all:
1. A retreat to come home to. I’m blessed to work from home. If someone bothers me, I simply delete their email, or don’t answer the phone. My husband doesn’t have that luxury, and his job can get pretty stressful. I may not be able to buy him a home tucked in the hills, but I can give him a few moments each evening of emotional peace.
2. My appreciation. There are so many things my husband does right, yet I don’t thank him near as often as I should. In fact, there are times when I take him for granted. He’s our trash and recycle man. Every Thursday at the crack of dawn, he drags nasty smelling bags and overflowing recycle bins down to the curb. Never forgets. Never complains. He just does it, likely without thinking. And I haven’t changed a light bulb or put new batteries in a smoke detector for as long as I can remember. Each day there are countless little things he does. What if I took the time to notice, then made the effort to thank him?
3. My acceptance. The other day as I listened to someone complain about one of their loved ones, I had a passing thought—would they themselves measure up to the standard they set for others? How often do we raise the bar for our spouse, then lower it a few inches for ourselves? When we’re crabby, we’re over stressed or over tired. When they are, they’re insensitive. This Christmas I’m going to toss out my magnifying glass and put on a pair of rose colored glasses instead.
In the meantime, I’ll keep my eye out for that special gift that will make my husband feel like a treasured king, but I’ll also focus on those little tokens of love that help to build his inner man.
Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, freelance writer and columnist who lives in Kansas City, MO with her husband of fifteen years and their thirteen year old daughter. She’s written for numerous publications and has a weekly column on the Reflections in Hindsight website. She is also the marketing representative for the literary website, Clash of the Titles. You can find out more about her and her writing at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
Just in time for your holiday giving, I am pleased to share this guest blog on gift ideas for our husbands or other loved ones. Hope you enjoy it, and will check out Jennifer's bio and site listed below for more great info.
Jennifer writes:
My husband is the king of gift giving. I think he makes a game of it, and often he drags our daughter into his fun little plan. The two will look at me, at each other, then explode in a fit of giggles, followed by the familiar phrase, “We have something to do this weekend.” And I play along, feigning ignorance.
This past weekend was my birthday, and as is his way, my husband whisked our daughter off for a day of shopping. They didn’t spend much, albeit more than I would have liked, but their presents were laden with meaning. A leather bound journal for me to take to church so I don’t have to scribble all over the bulletin, three new candles to replace the ones I had burned to a nub, and a beautiful candle holder I casually admired one evening while shopping together.
That night, after spending the afternoon showered in love, I contemplated how I could return the gesture. Christmas will be here in a few short days, and I still haven’t found that “perfect gift” for my husband. What can I give him that will have as much meaning as those special gifts he and our daughter have given to me? Clothes aren’t his thing, nor movies. He’s already got a garage full of tools. I was stumped.
The answer came that night as I watched him recline in his favorite chair, remote in hand. Gifts are great, but there are a few things I believe my husband wants most of all:
1. A retreat to come home to. I’m blessed to work from home. If someone bothers me, I simply delete their email, or don’t answer the phone. My husband doesn’t have that luxury, and his job can get pretty stressful. I may not be able to buy him a home tucked in the hills, but I can give him a few moments each evening of emotional peace.
2. My appreciation. There are so many things my husband does right, yet I don’t thank him near as often as I should. In fact, there are times when I take him for granted. He’s our trash and recycle man. Every Thursday at the crack of dawn, he drags nasty smelling bags and overflowing recycle bins down to the curb. Never forgets. Never complains. He just does it, likely without thinking. And I haven’t changed a light bulb or put new batteries in a smoke detector for as long as I can remember. Each day there are countless little things he does. What if I took the time to notice, then made the effort to thank him?
3. My acceptance. The other day as I listened to someone complain about one of their loved ones, I had a passing thought—would they themselves measure up to the standard they set for others? How often do we raise the bar for our spouse, then lower it a few inches for ourselves? When we’re crabby, we’re over stressed or over tired. When they are, they’re insensitive. This Christmas I’m going to toss out my magnifying glass and put on a pair of rose colored glasses instead.
In the meantime, I’ll keep my eye out for that special gift that will make my husband feel like a treasured king, but I’ll also focus on those little tokens of love that help to build his inner man.
Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, freelance writer and columnist who lives in Kansas City, MO with her husband of fifteen years and their thirteen year old daughter. She’s written for numerous publications and has a weekly column on the Reflections in Hindsight website. She is also the marketing representative for the literary website, Clash of the Titles. You can find out more about her and her writing at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Book Review--Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith, The Wives of King David, Book 2
I have loved Biblical fiction since reading Quo Vadis, Ben Hur, and The Robe while in high school. It is hard to find modern day Biblical fiction that melds the great writing and characters that grab your heart while also not straying from the message found in the Bible.
The author has done a fabulous job on both points. Her writing takes us inside the minds of several characters, especially Abigail and David. We can feel their love for each other and also hurt deeply when they disappoint each other.
We watch Abigail grow from a scared and scarred widow to a woman fiercely in love with her husband, David. We also see David as he matures from a king on the run to the anointed King of Israel. And, we get a front row seat at the mistakes each one makes, causing us to identify with and root for them even more.
If you like Biblical fiction, or know someone who does, I hope you will treat yourself and them with this book. And, although the books don't have to be read in order, I highly recommend Michal also by Jill Eileen Smith. These books are both published by Revell and can be found at most Christian book stores or cbd.com or amazon.com.
I have loved Biblical fiction since reading Quo Vadis, Ben Hur, and The Robe while in high school. It is hard to find modern day Biblical fiction that melds the great writing and characters that grab your heart while also not straying from the message found in the Bible.
The author has done a fabulous job on both points. Her writing takes us inside the minds of several characters, especially Abigail and David. We can feel their love for each other and also hurt deeply when they disappoint each other.
We watch Abigail grow from a scared and scarred widow to a woman fiercely in love with her husband, David. We also see David as he matures from a king on the run to the anointed King of Israel. And, we get a front row seat at the mistakes each one makes, causing us to identify with and root for them even more.
If you like Biblical fiction, or know someone who does, I hope you will treat yourself and them with this book. And, although the books don't have to be read in order, I highly recommend Michal also by Jill Eileen Smith. These books are both published by Revell and can be found at most Christian book stores or cbd.com or amazon.com.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday Musings on Christmas
I am definitely NOT a poet, but as I thought of G words to describe Christmas, several of the verses seemed to beg for a rhyme, so here are my thoughts as my gift to you this Christmas.
Christmas is...
Girls in angel white with silvery wings
Guys in bathrobes as shepherds and kings.
God in a manger with hay for a bed
Glorious angels proclaiming, "Peace on earth," they said.
Grace in human form, a newborn boy
That brought us all the hope of eternal life and joy.
Guests on camels from lands near and far
Travelling along as they followed the star,
Bearing gifts for the King they came to behold--
Frankincense, myrrh and costly gold.
The Greatest Gift of God's own Son...
The Gift that keeps giving on and on and on.
I am definitely NOT a poet, but as I thought of G words to describe Christmas, several of the verses seemed to beg for a rhyme, so here are my thoughts as my gift to you this Christmas.
Christmas is...
Girls in angel white with silvery wings
Guys in bathrobes as shepherds and kings.
God in a manger with hay for a bed
Glorious angels proclaiming, "Peace on earth," they said.
Grace in human form, a newborn boy
That brought us all the hope of eternal life and joy.
Guests on camels from lands near and far
Travelling along as they followed the star,
Bearing gifts for the King they came to behold--
Frankincense, myrrh and costly gold.
The Greatest Gift of God's own Son...
The Gift that keeps giving on and on and on.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday Musings--December
Thanks to all who posted or emailed to let me know they liked this new format, so I plan to continue it for the forseeable future. Today I want to invite you to join me as we muse on:
December is...
winter solstice
white wonderland
wonderful winter sunrises and sunsets
wrapping paper and ribbon
wonder in the eyes of a child
walking in the snow
wreaths on windows and doors
weekends in your pajamas
welcoming scents of hot chocolate and cookies
warm woolen mittens
worship of the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)
Can you think of more to add to this "w" list of winter things we might see or experience in December? Or perhaps you'd like to share your own list starting with other letters. PS I decided to share some pictures taken last winter of a beautiful sunrise and also awinter-wonderland ice-covered bush, both taken from my front porch last winter.
Monday, December 06, 2010
New Blog series--Monday Musings
Hi, I am piggybacking on an idea I got from Carole Brown's blog http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com She is posting a list every Monday called "Monday Morning Gratitudes." I really liked the thought and asked if I could do something similar. She replied that she knew several people who do it and invited me to join in. So, I hope you will check out her blog, and I hope you will check back in here on Mondays each week to help keep me accountable. My goal is two-fold: to make me more likely to post at least once a week and to give us a chance to share our musings with each other on a wide range of topics, so I hope you will add yours in a comment. And if you want to be entered in the monthly book drawing, leave your email addy in the comments.
Since we are in the midst of Hanukkah (Dec. 1-9 this year) I decided to do my first musing on that Jewish celebration.
Hanukkah is:
the 25th day of Kislev in the Jewish calendar...the Festival of Lights...the Feast of Dedication...Jesus participated in it(John 10: 22-24)...nightly lighting of the Menorah...foods like latkes...giving of gifts...playing games like spinning the dreidel...a time of celebration...
I hope this short musing helped you know a little more about Hanukkah. Can you see the similarities to our Christmas celebrations? What can you add to these musings about Hanukkah?
Hi, I am piggybacking on an idea I got from Carole Brown's blog http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com She is posting a list every Monday called "Monday Morning Gratitudes." I really liked the thought and asked if I could do something similar. She replied that she knew several people who do it and invited me to join in. So, I hope you will check out her blog, and I hope you will check back in here on Mondays each week to help keep me accountable. My goal is two-fold: to make me more likely to post at least once a week and to give us a chance to share our musings with each other on a wide range of topics, so I hope you will add yours in a comment. And if you want to be entered in the monthly book drawing, leave your email addy in the comments.
Since we are in the midst of Hanukkah (Dec. 1-9 this year) I decided to do my first musing on that Jewish celebration.
Hanukkah is:
the 25th day of Kislev in the Jewish calendar...the Festival of Lights...the Feast of Dedication...Jesus participated in it(John 10: 22-24)...nightly lighting of the Menorah...foods like latkes...giving of gifts...playing games like spinning the dreidel...a time of celebration...
I hope this short musing helped you know a little more about Hanukkah. Can you see the similarities to our Christmas celebrations? What can you add to these musings about Hanukkah?
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
An early Merry Christmas present going out to Karen K...
who won a copy of A Door County Christmas by Eileen Key, Becky Melby, Rachael Phillips and Cynthia Ruchti--a wonderful read that is sure to get her in the Christmas mood! And for those of you who didn't win, put this book on your wish list or go buy it as an early present for yourself!
Everyone with a US mailing addy who leaves a comment in the month of December (except for Karen K.) will be eligible to win an ARC copy of Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor.
Here's the back cover blurb to give you an inkling of what it is about:
Scotland, 1473. Highland Warrior, Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. When he forces Akira to wed him, hoping to end a half-century old feud between their clans, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment. Yet her strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce. But there is a traitor in their midst...and murder is the ultimate weapon.
Sounds great, doesn't it?
This book was provided to me by Abingdon Press to use as a giveaway for promotional purposes.
who won a copy of A Door County Christmas by Eileen Key, Becky Melby, Rachael Phillips and Cynthia Ruchti--a wonderful read that is sure to get her in the Christmas mood! And for those of you who didn't win, put this book on your wish list or go buy it as an early present for yourself!
Everyone with a US mailing addy who leaves a comment in the month of December (except for Karen K.) will be eligible to win an ARC copy of Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor.
Here's the back cover blurb to give you an inkling of what it is about:
Scotland, 1473. Highland Warrior, Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. When he forces Akira to wed him, hoping to end a half-century old feud between their clans, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment. Yet her strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce. But there is a traitor in their midst...and murder is the ultimate weapon.
Sounds great, doesn't it?
This book was provided to me by Abingdon Press to use as a giveaway for promotional purposes.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
We all have so much to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for life and health after being in a car accident last week. I slid off a wet slick road thru someone's yard going sideways about 50 yards, only to stop when I hit a tree. The tree is still there, and I am still here, but the car is totalled. The guy at the garage said they call it a banana when one side is so bent in like that. My Bible and several other books were on the backseat, and they flew out the side window when the glass shattered and landed several feet away on the grass. My husband said that could have been me if I hadn't had my seatbelt on, so make sure you always wear one!
I am thankful to be a survivor, albeit with a skinned knee, bruises and sore ribs. My doctor says they might be cracked or bruised but they have to heal on their own either way. So, if you've ever had injured ribs, you know what I am going thru. Sitting or lying down aren't too painful--it's mostly the getting up and down that hurts! And the coughing and sneezing!
Sorry this is only the second time I've posted this month, but I do promise to do better next month. Besides the accident laying me low for a couple days, I have been furiously typing out the words for my first book contract. (See Wed., Sept. 22nd blog) I have a little over 15,000 words of the 20,000 word count for a novella. It isn't due til Feb. 1st but I want to get it finished early, let it sit a week or two, then go back and do rewrites before sending it to my crit partners and the other three ladies writing novellas for the anthology to read thru and make suggestions. If I haven't said this before in a blog, I believe it takes a village to write/re-write a book. That's one of the reasons I am so thankful for ACFW and all my writing friends.
Most of all I "Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son!"
We all have so much to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for life and health after being in a car accident last week. I slid off a wet slick road thru someone's yard going sideways about 50 yards, only to stop when I hit a tree. The tree is still there, and I am still here, but the car is totalled. The guy at the garage said they call it a banana when one side is so bent in like that. My Bible and several other books were on the backseat, and they flew out the side window when the glass shattered and landed several feet away on the grass. My husband said that could have been me if I hadn't had my seatbelt on, so make sure you always wear one!
I am thankful to be a survivor, albeit with a skinned knee, bruises and sore ribs. My doctor says they might be cracked or bruised but they have to heal on their own either way. So, if you've ever had injured ribs, you know what I am going thru. Sitting or lying down aren't too painful--it's mostly the getting up and down that hurts! And the coughing and sneezing!
Sorry this is only the second time I've posted this month, but I do promise to do better next month. Besides the accident laying me low for a couple days, I have been furiously typing out the words for my first book contract. (See Wed., Sept. 22nd blog) I have a little over 15,000 words of the 20,000 word count for a novella. It isn't due til Feb. 1st but I want to get it finished early, let it sit a week or two, then go back and do rewrites before sending it to my crit partners and the other three ladies writing novellas for the anthology to read thru and make suggestions. If I haven't said this before in a blog, I believe it takes a village to write/re-write a book. That's one of the reasons I am so thankful for ACFW and all my writing friends.
Most of all I "Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son!"
Monday, November 01, 2010
Winner and new book to win--A Door County Christmas
Linda Kish is the winner of The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler. She has a week from today to send me her mailing addy or I will have my hubby draw another number.
I usually read Christmas books the month of December, but read this one early so I could use it for this month's book drawing. That way whomever is chosen on Dec. 1st will receive this book in the mail early enough to add it to their own Christmas reading! And whoever wins is in for an early Christmas treat because the four authors in A Door County Christmas--Eileen Key, Becky Melby, Rachael Phillips, and Cynthia Ruchti--all had me laughing out loud at their wonderful stories.
I had read Cynthia Ruchti's first novel They Almost Always Come Home a few months ago and blogged about it, so I knew she wrote hilarious yet heartfelt stories. But since I had not read anything by the other authors, I had no idea I would get such enjoyment and laughter from all the stories in this anthology. I've only met Becky Melby once, but have been friends with Eileen, Rachael and Cynthia for several years. I know they all have a deep love for the Lord, and it is definitely and creatively expressed in these stories. This is Rachael's debut novella, but I am sure it won't be her last.
This was a free copy sent to me by one of the authors to promote, but I also bought my own copy, and I am so glad I did. These are stories I can enjoy reading many Christmases to come. So, leave a comment anytime this month to be eligible to win a copy. Or go on and order a copy so you will be sure you don't miss this fantastic book. Everyone with an American mailing addy can enter except last month's winner--Linda K. And it helps if you leave your email addy to make it easier to contact you. I had to have my husband pick numbers three times last month due to the winner not leaving an email addy and not responding to my blog post saying they had a week to contact me with mailing info. So, make it easy on us both by leaving the info. Thanks!
Linda Kish is the winner of The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler. She has a week from today to send me her mailing addy or I will have my hubby draw another number.
I usually read Christmas books the month of December, but read this one early so I could use it for this month's book drawing. That way whomever is chosen on Dec. 1st will receive this book in the mail early enough to add it to their own Christmas reading! And whoever wins is in for an early Christmas treat because the four authors in A Door County Christmas--Eileen Key, Becky Melby, Rachael Phillips, and Cynthia Ruchti--all had me laughing out loud at their wonderful stories.
I had read Cynthia Ruchti's first novel They Almost Always Come Home a few months ago and blogged about it, so I knew she wrote hilarious yet heartfelt stories. But since I had not read anything by the other authors, I had no idea I would get such enjoyment and laughter from all the stories in this anthology. I've only met Becky Melby once, but have been friends with Eileen, Rachael and Cynthia for several years. I know they all have a deep love for the Lord, and it is definitely and creatively expressed in these stories. This is Rachael's debut novella, but I am sure it won't be her last.
This was a free copy sent to me by one of the authors to promote, but I also bought my own copy, and I am so glad I did. These are stories I can enjoy reading many Christmases to come. So, leave a comment anytime this month to be eligible to win a copy. Or go on and order a copy so you will be sure you don't miss this fantastic book. Everyone with an American mailing addy can enter except last month's winner--Linda K. And it helps if you leave your email addy to make it easier to contact you. I had to have my husband pick numbers three times last month due to the winner not leaving an email addy and not responding to my blog post saying they had a week to contact me with mailing info. So, make it easy on us both by leaving the info. Thanks!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Great Sophomore Novel by Deborah Vogts--Seeds of Summer
Sometimes an author writes a wonderful debut novel but the second novel doesn't quite measure up. That is definitely NOT the case with Deborah Vogts newest book, Seeds of Summer. I thoroughly enjoyed her first novel, Snow Melts in Spring, but Seeds of Summer kept me up past midnight wanting to find out what happened to the characters. All of the characters had foibles and failures, and that made them seem real to me and caused me to root for them.
The heroine is a former rodeo queen and the hero is the local pastor. They seem like an unlikely pair, but as you read, you find yourself rooting for them to get together. I don't want to tell the ending, but it is a happy one for almost everyone. Make sure you get this book and read it soon. Highly recommended!
Sometimes an author writes a wonderful debut novel but the second novel doesn't quite measure up. That is definitely NOT the case with Deborah Vogts newest book, Seeds of Summer. I thoroughly enjoyed her first novel, Snow Melts in Spring, but Seeds of Summer kept me up past midnight wanting to find out what happened to the characters. All of the characters had foibles and failures, and that made them seem real to me and caused me to root for them.
The heroine is a former rodeo queen and the hero is the local pastor. They seem like an unlikely pair, but as you read, you find yourself rooting for them to get together. I don't want to tell the ending, but it is a happy one for almost everyone. Make sure you get this book and read it soon. Highly recommended!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Another story by Danielle Kinney
Some of my readers will remember me posting a story by my youngest granddaughter a few months ago. She is now 9 and has written another story. She has also written a very interesting play. Below is the new story I hope you will enjoy. And the picture is of her ready for school this morning. At breakfast I gave her my ACFW folder from the conference I attended last month. I asked her if she was an American, a Christian, and a Fiction Writer. She answered yes to all of the questions so I gave her the folder to write more stories in. When I said I wanted to take a picture of her with the folder she struck the pose you see here--pencil held high, tablet under arm. At first I wondered what she was doing until she told me she was the Statue of Writer-ty! What creativity! No wonder she is already on her way to publication. She told her mom she doesn't want to wait til she is 60 to get her first story pubbed.
My First Horse Camp
By Danielle Kinney
Chapter 1
It was night and I was in the race. Then I fell off my horse and I lost the race. Then I woke up, and I knew it was a dream but it was still night. So I went down stairs then my dad said we are going to the woods to camp out to celebrate my brother’s sixteenth birthday.
Chapter 2
I went to school the next morning. I told my friend I’m going to camp out for spring break. Then I went home so I can pack my things and go. We went to the woods and celebrated my brother’s birthday.
Chapter 3
After 2 days of the camping trip, I went to the woods and I saw a graveyard. But Emily was too scared so I was right next to her. Then I saw my mom’s grave. I cried for a minute, and then I went back. On the way back to the camp, Emily got lost! We all went to the woods to look for her but she was gone forever.
Chapter 4
Dr. Peter found my horse in the woods. He hates horses and he is greedy. He set a trap for Emily and pulled her legs in the rope. He tied her in a knot, and pulled her to a secret place on a hill in the woods. He tied her up on a tree on top of the hill. Then he set the tent on the ground and made a camp out too. Then he went to sleep.
Chapter 5
I went looking for Emily by myself. Then I saw Emily between two trees. 7 minutes later he woke up and pulled out a gun. Then I jumped in the way and pulled the rope on my horse’s neck. I got her out of the way just in time! I saved Emily’s life. Well Dr. Peter got arrested for 3 months. Then my dad got a new girlfriend at the big camp. 2 days later we went home. After that I was thinking about my dad because he has a new girl friend and maybe when I get a new mom I will be really really happy.
The End
By Danielle Kinney
Chapter 1
It was night and I was in the race. Then I fell off my horse and I lost the race. Then I woke up, and I knew it was a dream but it was still night. So I went down stairs then my dad said we are going to the woods to camp out to celebrate my brother’s sixteenth birthday.
Chapter 2
I went to school the next morning. I told my friend I’m going to camp out for spring break. Then I went home so I can pack my things and go. We went to the woods and celebrated my brother’s birthday.
Chapter 3
After 2 days of the camping trip, I went to the woods and I saw a graveyard. But Emily was too scared so I was right next to her. Then I saw my mom’s grave. I cried for a minute, and then I went back. On the way back to the camp, Emily got lost! We all went to the woods to look for her but she was gone forever.
Chapter 4
Dr. Peter found my horse in the woods. He hates horses and he is greedy. He set a trap for Emily and pulled her legs in the rope. He tied her in a knot, and pulled her to a secret place on a hill in the woods. He tied her up on a tree on top of the hill. Then he set the tent on the ground and made a camp out too. Then he went to sleep.
Chapter 5
I went looking for Emily by myself. Then I saw Emily between two trees. 7 minutes later he woke up and pulled out a gun. Then I jumped in the way and pulled the rope on my horse’s neck. I got her out of the way just in time! I saved Emily’s life. Well Dr. Peter got arrested for 3 months. Then my dad got a new girlfriend at the big camp. 2 days later we went home. After that I was thinking about my dad because he has a new girl friend and maybe when I get a new mom I will be really really happy.
The End
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Winner of goodness gracious green is...cheryl linn martin
I am waiting to hear from her. If I do not hear back by next Sunday night, I will have my husband pick another name.
My apologies for being a couple days late posting this month. My hubby and I just returned from a week in Florida yesterday afternoon. We came from temps in the high 80s to the low 40s. Brrr! No big trips planned for the rest of the year, so leave a post anytime in Oct. and check back on Nov. 1st to see who wins an ARC copy of The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler.
I just saw Gail in Indianapolis a couple weeks ago at the ACFW conference and her dark hair had streaks of red this year. Wonder what color it will be the next time I see her!?! You never know with Gail! She is also a mean bass guitar player who helps lead worship for our ACFW conferences.
Gail Sattler has written 21 novels, and 12 novellas, numerous giftbooks and cookbooks and short pieces in other anthologies. She is a member of a Mennonite Brethren church. In The Narrow Path her characters struggle to find a way to make peace in order to meet their goal of opening the doors of the hero's Old Order Mennonite church. This story deals with a universal question--Can two people from different worlds find love somewhere in the middle?
I hope you will want to read this story and find out. If you don't win, you can always order a copy from Abingdon Press or your local Christian bookstore or online.
This copy was provided by Abingdon Press for promotional/review purposes.
I am waiting to hear from her. If I do not hear back by next Sunday night, I will have my husband pick another name.
My apologies for being a couple days late posting this month. My hubby and I just returned from a week in Florida yesterday afternoon. We came from temps in the high 80s to the low 40s. Brrr! No big trips planned for the rest of the year, so leave a post anytime in Oct. and check back on Nov. 1st to see who wins an ARC copy of The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler.
I just saw Gail in Indianapolis a couple weeks ago at the ACFW conference and her dark hair had streaks of red this year. Wonder what color it will be the next time I see her!?! You never know with Gail! She is also a mean bass guitar player who helps lead worship for our ACFW conferences.
Gail Sattler has written 21 novels, and 12 novellas, numerous giftbooks and cookbooks and short pieces in other anthologies. She is a member of a Mennonite Brethren church. In The Narrow Path her characters struggle to find a way to make peace in order to meet their goal of opening the doors of the hero's Old Order Mennonite church. This story deals with a universal question--Can two people from different worlds find love somewhere in the middle?
I hope you will want to read this story and find out. If you don't win, you can always order a copy from Abingdon Press or your local Christian bookstore or online.
This copy was provided by Abingdon Press for promotional/review purposes.
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