DESTINY'S DREAM by Delia Latham

It's hard to believe 2010 is almost over. For my New Year's Eve post here is a terrific promotional item - DESTINY'S DREAM by Delia Latham. I just started reading it yesterday and I can honestly say it is a delightful read so far. I love the premise of this book and I am looking forward to reading the rest. You can be sure, I will post a review once I'm finished. In the mean time, check it out for yourself.

DESTINY'S DREAM
Is a little respect too much to ask at a parent’s funeral?
Apparently it is for Destiny May. Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting when he shows up late to her mother’s “going away party.” When it turns out he’s not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day’s dreary proceedings. Spending time with a handsome stranger who makes her laugh is more therapeutic than fighting with her overbearing family.

Clay finds Destiny beautiful, charming...and intelligent. So why is she stubbornly determined to open a Christian dating service? Clay has little respect for such a frivolous profession, and doesn’t think the small, conservative town of Castle Creek will welcome such a progressive business. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm’s way.

Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses, and Destiny may be the one thing Clay can’t escape...if he even wants to.

BIO:
DELIA LATHAM is a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. While she considers each of these roles important ones, she treasures most of all her role as a child of the King and an heir to the throne.

A former newspaper staff writer, Delia promised herself a novel for years, while raising her four children, working at various jobs and writing the occasional article, poem, or song. She fulfilled that promise when Vintage Romance Publishing released Goldeneyes in 2008. A Christian historical romance with a touch of the divine, Goldeneyes is set in the farm country of the author’s childhood, and therefore close to her heart. In 2010, White Rose Publishing released Yesterday’s Promise in electronic format, and Destiny’s Dream in print and e-format. A children’s book will be available early in 2011.

Delia grew up in Weedpatch, a tiny agricultural community near Bakersfield, in California’s San Joaquin Valley. She and her husband Johnny recently transplanted from that area to Okmulgee County, Oklahoma.

Go to Delia's website and enter her contest.
Find out more at:
Website
Blog
Newsletter

Destiny’s Dream is available at White Rose Publishing and Amazon.

Twenty Eight Years

Twenty-Eight years - Wow! It's hard to believe that I have been married to my best friend for that many years. Yes, it's true. Today is our 28th anniversary. Add the years before we got married and Gerald and I have been together for 31 years. We were just babies! (And we look like it, too!) Being married to a relentless optomist has had it's trying times :) but it has been a wonderful journey. For a small guy, it always amazes me just how self assured my husband is and what a big heart he has. Thanks Honey!

We've been together so long we're starting to not only think alike, but maybe we even resemble one another, too! Love ya!

The Journey

As the year draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on the amazing changes that have taken place in my life in just over 12 months. I never would have believed that I would now have three works in print - 2 novels and one play. I am so grateful.

When I look back at my personal journals, there is often a recurring theme - the constant reflection on (and sometimes even questioning) this love of writing and my desire to use this creative outlet for God. It is still in His hands, but I am in awe at how He has brought my dreams to fruition. Of course, I know that the journey has just begun - even though I have been a 'writer' for over twenty five years. As any writer can attest to, the work of promoting can often take over and one must be diligent in maintaining focus on the creative process.

And so I press forward. Who knows what 2011 will bring? Maybe another novel? A play or two or three? Only time will tell, but I will be sure to keep you posted!

A Few Links:

My Mother the Man Eater







Ebenezer's Christmas Carol

Merry Christmas

Just a brief 'Merry Christmas' to everyone out there. Like many of you, I am planning to spend a few days AWAY from the computer over the holidays with family and friends. There will be lots to look forward to in the New Year - including my 'appearance' on CLASH OF THE TITLES. (Of course, in fairness I can't reveal the dates in which my excerpt will be appearing. Check out COTT for yourself, where authors pit excerpts of their books against one another in a friendly competition.)
There will be lots more promo of my book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER as the official Amazon best seller launch approaches on Feb. 24th. Naturally, I will also bringing you reviews of books I've read, original art, updates on my theater group ... and so much more. See you after Christmas!

Man-Eater Review on 'A Book and A Dish'

Martha Cheves posted a review of my latest novel MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER today on her blog 'A Book and A Dish'. Although I've had a couple of features, this is the first actual review of the book. Thanks to Martha for being such a fast reader! 'Man-Eater' is a fairly lengthy book - 555 pages - but she managed to get it read, reviewed AND have time to prepare for Christmas. Wow! Check it out by clicking on the link to her site, above. She also asks for a recipe to go with each post, so I gave her my ginger snap recipe. This is a holiday favorite at my house. They are deliciously chewy, not 'snappy' as the name would suggest. You should really check it out!

Schools out!

Today marked the last day of school for two long, lovely weeks! I think everyone is ready for a reprieve - staff and students alike. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy my job as a teacher, but I'll be honest when I say it has been a challenge to keep my students focused for the last couple of weeks. Now I have MUCH to do to get ready for Christmas. I'm ashamed to say, my tree is still not up, I've done very little baking, and all the gifts are still waiting to be wrapped. Oh well! As I've been reading on many of your blogs this month, JESUS is the reason for the season, so I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff.

Since I am also in the midst of promoting my latest book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER I won't be able to take a total break from my online activity, but I realize that many of you will be too busy with family and friends (as you should be!) to bother reading much of what I've got to say anyway. so my posts will be brief until after the new year.  May God bless and keep you all!

Blue Christmas - an Inscribe Post

Today was my regularly scheduled post at Inscribe Writers Online - a group of writers who belong to 'Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship'. My post is entitled 'Blue Christmas' - a description of the 'not so merry side' that many folks feel at this time of year. Pop over to take a peek. I post regularly each 15th day of the month. Blessings!

Press Release for MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER

The following Press Realease is courtesy of Strategic Publishing Group.

Contact: Ellen Green, Press Manager, Strategic Book Group - PressManager@StrategicBookGroup.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Loaded with humor, action, intrigue and romance, My Mother the Man-Eater is the exciting story of a woman whose search for meaning in life finds an unexpected outlet. Joleen Allen is on the hunt for a man. Unfortunately, every time the mother of five meets one, he falls for one of her daughters instead! At forty-four, Joleen has lived a tough life. She became a mother at 16, and her five daughters are now grown. Her ex-husband, Harold, is out of prison and back in the picture, looking for revenge. He’ll stop at nothing –even murder – to ruin Joleen’s reputation as well as her relationship with their daughters.My Mother the Man-Eater makes for some truly tempting and redemptive reading.
MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER ISBN: 978-1-60976-585-9) will be available on November 27, 2010 for $22.95 and can be ordered through the publisher’s website: or at http://www.amazon.com/   OR
 http://search.barnesandnoble.com/


Wholesalers please email BookOrder@AEG-Online-Store.com
About the Author: Tracy Krauss teaches high school art, drama and English. Originally from a small town in Saskatchewan, she received her bachelor’s degree in Saskatoon. She currently lives in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, and is working on her next novel.

Strategic Book Group:
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/
http://www.strategicbookmarketing.com/
http://www.strategicbookgroup.com/
http://www.sbpra.com/

ABOUT STRATEGIC BOOK GROUP

Strategic Book Group is a division of the Strategic Publishing Group, a rapidly growing publishing company that services new authors as well as helps existing authors expand their reach in the global marketplace. SBG is committed to new technology, offering traditionally printed formats as well as electronically delivered text, and has published over 2500 authors. SBG includes an innovative marketing division that is on the cutting edge of social media. For more information, visit: http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/
The Strategic Book Group name, corresponding logos, taglines and other service marks identifying the Strategic Publishing Group and its services are the proprietary marks of Strategic Book Group and must be represented accordingly. Other products and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. ###

Feature on Koala Bear Writer - My Mother the Man-Eater

This posting only three times a week is difficult! Especially when things keep popping up that I want to share. I would like to direct you to a fun interview at 'The Koala Bear Writer' where author and editor Bonnie Way asked me some questions about my new release MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. Check it out!

My Mother the Man-Eater Featured on 'Examiner'

As you know, my latest book just released and I must say, it is so gratifying when the good publicity starts to roll in. Please check out this very first article in'Examiner' where my new book MY MOTHER THE MAN EATER is featured in the 'Canada Culture and Events' column. Thanks to Cendrine Maurout for picking this up 'off the wire'. :)

MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER - It's here!

MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER - now in print. Woo hoo! Here's the cover blurb:

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.

Check the links for ways to purchase:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Publisher

Wounded Spirits by April Gardner

April Gardner, author of 'Wounded Spirits' is launching her book tomorrow on Amazon.  This is a class historical novel and you can help April by visiting her website at http://aprilgardner.com/ or going to Amazon and leaving a review. Better yet, purchase the book on December 7 and help her achieve best seller status!  April is part of the 'John 3:16 Marketing network, a group of authors working together to promote Christian writing in all genres. Check the widget at the bottom of the page to learn more about this group of dedicated individuals. John 3:16 is currently doing a membership drive, so you also might want to consider joining our ranks. Keep reading for an overview of April's novel 'Wounded Spirits'.
ABOUT THE BOOK:

On the frontier, Adela McGirth’s life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement’s most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God's provision?

A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate--and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.

Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission - he'll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can't see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or has He?

Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?

BUY THE BOOK ON DEC. 7 (Tomorrow) AND RECEIVE:  


1. Gifts from the author
2. E-gifts from generous supporters

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WOUNDED SPIRITS—

“In Wounded Spirits, April Gardner has skillfully blended research with fiction to create a story that entertains and educates. Wounded Spirits has something for everyone: forbidden love and romance, brutal war scenes, sacrificial love, history of the 19th century, and a faith that triumphs over adversity. This is a debut novel to remember.”   Suzanne Woods Fisher - Bestselling Author of 'The Choice
“This is a solid debut from Ms. Gardner, one that demonstrates not only her skill with words, but her insight into the human condition. The characters will grip your heart, the story will seize your mind, and the hope at the end will leave you with the surety that your God is bigger than any human troubles.”
-Rosanna White,  Christian Review of Books
“Wounded Spirits is a powerful story of love, loyalty, the effects of war, and faith in God. The writing is vivid and compelling. The characters were so real I felt I knew them, and I was caught up in their lives and compelled to read on. The ending was sweet yet realistic. The story and its characters will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading future books by this talented author.”
--Melanie Dickerson, - Author of The Healer’s Apprentice
FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE AUTHOR—http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2



• Every buyer receives a PDF of the first chapter of the sequel, Warring Spirits

• PLUS a personalized, signed book plate mailed straight to you!


BUY NOW! And also receive… http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2

FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE SUPPORTERS OF

WOUNDED SPIRITS, including—

Three free e-books!

A set of children’s greeting cards!

A free devotional book mailed to your house straight from the author!

Just for writers--two free critiques from professional editors!

All these gifts (and much more!) will be yours by purchasing Wounded Spirits today. Follow this link to learn how. http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2

As a thank you for your interest in Wounded Spirits’ Amazon Launch, follow this link http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2
 to enter the drawing for a bundle of amazing books! (No purchase necessary)

Wounded Spirits

Rejoice! - CW Blog Chain

Only twenty-two days until Christmas - yikes!  If you're like me, the holidays seem to sneak up every year, despite my good intentions to get my shopping done early. Then again, there is something about the 'rush' of shopping amidst the twinkling lights and seasonal music that I enjoy. Somehow I just can't get in the mood to Christmas shop in the middle of summer, and shopping a year ahead of time on Boxing Day (it's true - I know people who do that!) is simply out of the question.

Then, there's the baking, the decorating, the parties, the cards ... the list goes on, doesn't it? With all the busyness that the season brings, it's easy to get bogged down in the 'to do' list.

Fortunately, my friends at ChristianWriters.com have come up with a great theme for this month's blog chain - REJOICE! As the first one up, I'm grateful that I've been forced to refocus on the joyousness of the season rather than the busyness. After all, we are celebrating the birth of our Savior! If the event caused all of heaven's angels to stop and sing his praises, shouldn't I follow their lead and do likewise?

This should be the underlying motivation for everything we do during the holidays - and I don't mean just the church services and other 'religious' celebrations. Whether shopping, baking, decorating or writing all those stacks of cards, meditate on the wonder of the virgin birth, the sole purpose of which was to make way for the cross. It is truly beyond human comprehension.

Rejoice! Rejoice! For Christ has come and still lives within each one who calls Him Lord today.

Leave a comment, then check the side bar to see who is up next in the chain.  As a final shameless plug, my latest book released a couple of days ago. You might want to check out the link to MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. Naturally, there will lots more to come about that in the future!

Notes From a NaNo Survivor

I did it. I survived my first NaNoWriMo writing challenge. I arrived at the 50,000 word mark at exactly 10:30 PM on Nov. 23. Although challenging, the experience was not as difficult as I envisioned. I feel like I learned some very valuable lessons along the way which I hope to transfer to my writing life long after NaNo is over. 

For instance, I learned that I don't need the huge blocks of time I formerly thought I did. I used to save most of my creative writing for holidays, long weekends, or my summer vacation.  I learned that writing for one to two hours a day could be very productive. I didn't need to spend so much time 'reacquainting' myself with my characters or searching for my muse. Things were still fresh in my mind and I could just pick up where I left off.

Second, I learned a valuable lesson in self discipline. There were only three days before reaching my goal that I did not write creatively. I have found over the past year that so much of my time has been taken up blogging, promoting, and doing all the other things that can take over a writer's life, that I wasn't spending the time writing creatively - the thing that drove me to this place in my life to begin with.

I also discovered that allowing myself to just write the first draft in all it's unedited crassness was very freeing. I didn't have time to worry about using the word 'said' too often, or doing too much telling instead of showing. I just kept on writing - averaging about 1000 words per hour - and spilled that story out of my brain and onto the computer screen. There will be plenty of time to go back and refine what I've written. But for now it feels great to just have the plot finished.

The story I wrote is called 'Three Strand Cord', about three women - friends since childhood, who now find themselves bound together by more than just friendship. A simple charade turns into a case of mistaken identity, a kidnapping, and espionage on two continents. I started with a basic outline and some indepth character sketches. I was surprised how the story developed in ways I had not anticipated, however. Don't you just love that about the writing process? I will probably post some more about this infant novel in future installments, and I will definitely take up the NaNoWriMo challenge again. When it was all said and done, I came in at 52,424 words.

I'd love to hear from others who survived NaNo. What was the best part of your experience?