Interview at 'Writing For Christ'

Please join me at Casey Herringshaw's blog - 'Writing For Christ'- where Casey has kindly featured me and my new release MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER among many other talented authors. Please check it out and leave a comment.
Coming up in February, keep your ears open for my 'Best Sellers Launch' of the book. I will be hosting the launch, promoted and coordinated in part through the 'John 3:16 Marketing Network', at Amazon.com. Buy your copy of the book on Feb. 24 and get access to lots of free e-gifts - PLUS - you'll be helping MAN-EATER reach best seller status!
Lastly, remember to check out the 'Grace Awards' - a new reader driven book award where you can vote for your favorites of 2010. Please check the website for details and then vote for MAN-EATER if you've read and enjoyed it.
That's it for now. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new month, AND the beginning of a new semester for me at school. Busy times!

A Radical New Idea! Take a Sabbath Rest!

For any of you bloggers and blog readers - especially those that are in the midst of promoting themselves, their products, or their brand - I have a radical new 'old' idea: TAKE A SABBATH REST! I know, I know. Who has the time? If you're like me, it takes daily diligence to keep up with all the emails, blog posts, pings, and networking that goes on - especially when in the midst of launching a new book. I spend a minimum of one hour per day, (that is the absolute minimum!) but it is usually more like three hours - and that is just maintenance. If I want to do anything other than the usual (like plan a book launch perhaps ... which is coming up on Feb. 24, by the way ...) I need much more time than that.

It struck me last Sunday, as I was scrolling through the list of new posts that I follow, that perhaps many of us are approaching this the wrong way. Ever heard the old adage 'Too busy NOT to pray'? I felt God's nudge that this same principal might apply to my frenzy of promotional and online activity. Sunday has become the perfect day to 'get stuff done' - stuff that I don't seem to get to during the rest of the week. Far from the day of rest it was meant to be, Sunday has become another day of work - albeit work of a different kind, but 'work' none the less. I wondered ... what would happen if I didn't check my emails on Sunday? Would the world come to an end? Would my book sales plummet?

God has set in motion certain rules that don't always seem to make sense to our natural minds. Take tithing, for instance. How can the fact that I give away ten percent actually benefit me in the long run? For those of you that believe in the principal and have tested it yourself, you will know that God doesn't take this kind of obedience lightly. I have first hand experience of His faithfulness in this area.

In a similar vein, I heard a sermon once about tithing one's time. The premise was that if we put God first, He will work out the rest of the details and in fact increase our productiveness. Again, I've tested this theory and it seems to work. When I start my day with God (and I don't mean just a five minute glance at a pre-printed devotional) my day goes much better than if I don't. The preacher went on to say we should be spending a minimum of one tenth of our day (that works out to 2 hours and forty minutes) devoted to time with God and/or doing purposeful work for the Kingdom.  Consider all the great men and women of faith who spent all night in prayer. I'm sure they would laugh at such a measly allotment.

Which brings me back to my original ponderings. At present, I feel as though the 'promotional machine' has cogs that turn very slowly. I am scratching and clawing my way inch by inch, trying to be heard among the plethora of other voices vying for the attention of the masses.  Could God - WOULD God - bless my efforts more abundantly if I took the Sabbath to heart - even when it comes to promotional activity? I suppose it comes down to obedience. We each need to obey the voice of the Lord as He speaks to us as individuals.

As His word says, obedience is better than sacrifice. I know I have been sacrificing a lot of time, but in the end, maybe my approach has been wrong. Perhaps I'll take steps to test this theory. In any case, it's just a thought . . .

More Shameless Promotion

I'm posting some links to a couple of advertisements for my books at 'Christian Books and Bible Stories'. This is a great site where all kinds of Christian books are categorized and listed for your browsing pleasure. AND THE BEAT GOES ON and MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER are both listed there under 'romance' and 'What's New'.

As well, I hope you have checked out the website for the Grace Awards - a new Reader Driven book award that has just been 'birthed' and which I told you about last week. In fact, after you visit the site and read how to vote for a book, why not send an email to the committee voting for one of my books?  AND THE BEAT GOES ON released in eBook version in 2010, and of course, MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER just came out in November.

An Interview with Lynn Dove - author of the 'Wounded' Trilogy

Lynn is launching her second novel 'Heal the Wounded" today. I am pleased to offer this interview with Lynn, who happens to be a fellow Canadian. I just finished reading this novel and I will be posting a review at the end of this interview. If you enjoy the interview or my review, why not buy it at Amazon today and help boost Lynn's launch?

Lynn Dove is a graduate of the University of Calgary, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree in 1981, she has spent the last thirty years teaching children in the private and public school settings.  In 2007, she earned a Masters of Religious Education degree from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada.    

Tell me something about yourself?

I am a Christ-follower, a wife, a mom, a soon-to be grandmother, a teacher and a writer (in that order).  I wear so many different “hats” that I find prioritizing them tends to focus me better.  I have been married to my best friend, Charles for 32 years and we have three wonderful children: daughter, Laurelle (husband, Matt) are expecting our first grand baby in February, and we have two live-at-home teenagers, Brett and Carmen.   I have been a teacher most of my adult life, and I still substitute from time to time at the private Christian school my teenagers attend.  I love volunteering and working closely with the youth in our church as well.  Lastly, when I’m not writing, I’m reading.   I love to blog and when I’m not blogging, I’m working on my next book.
 Do you have a life verse that you have claimed and why is it so meaningful to you?

My husband, Charles and I have claimed this life verse: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9  Through our nearly 32 years of marriage, this verse has sustained us through all the ups and downs of life knowing we may make our plans but God is always in control… AND He allows U-turns!

What led you to write your “Wounded Trilogy” books?  Why did you target youth with these books?

Having been an educator for over thirty years, and I discovered that there are still very few good contemporary Christian books for a young adult audience.

Youth today are under such a spiritual attack from the enemy.  He wants to destroy their spirit and he does it subtly by surrounding them with worldly messages that make them question their looks, their intelligence, as well as their hope for tomorrow.  I wanted to write books that deal with relevant themes, but with a definitive Christian message running throughout: the hope in Jesus Christ. 

I also wanted my young readers to know that everyone makes mistakes; Christians are not excluded from that.  Scripture teaches us to “love one another” even when they make mistakes, however our actions speak louder than our words at times.  I have seen wonderful young people crumble from the constant barrage of cyberspace bullying, malicious gossip and innuendo.  Insensitive words and blatant lies can lead to deep emotional scarring sometimes with tragic consequences.  My books deal with gritty topics such as “cutting”, bullying, gossip, family violence and cancer.  We are not excluded from tough situations just because we are Christians, on the contrary it is exactly in those tough times that God comes alongside us and helps us.  I want my young readers to understand that they are never alone; God is their ever present comfort and strength in everything they are going through.

Could you tell us a little bit about your books?

Shoot the Wounded, the first book of the Wounded Trilogy, is written for youth and young adults. It addresses how lies and gossip destroy a person's spirit and speaks to the heart of relevant themes such as bullying, teen pregnancy and family violence.  The story points the characters, and ultimately the reader, to hope in Jesus Christ.  STW was a finalist in the 2010 Readers Favorite Book Awards.

Heal the Wounded, is the much-anticipated sequel to STW and the second book of the Wounded Trilogy.  HTW delves even deeper into the real world of teenagers trying to live out their faith in the midst of upset and struggle.   Heal the Wounded, continues to follow the characters, Jake, Leigh, Mike (Jake's best friend), and Tim (Ronnie's brother) each of them dealing with the aftermath of their friend’s death in the first book. Jake is especially dealing with a variety of disappointments (“Job” experiences I call them) that cause him to question why God allows bad things to happen to good people. A new character is introduced into the story, Cassidy, a young cancer patient whose unquenchable spirit and faith impacts Jake, Leigh, Mike and Tim in a way that allows them all to experience God's grace and the power of His healing in each one of their lives.

Both STW and HTW have been selected as helpful resources on the world’s largest anti-bullying website: www.bullying.org

I hope to have Love the Wounded, the final book in the trilogy published next year.  I am also writing an autobiographical account about my experiences and personal battle with breast cancer, and I am working on putting that book proposal together to submit to prospective publishers next year.
What advice would you give to young writers who are thinking about becoming published authors?

I have been asked often to give advice to young writers and truly the best advice I could give is this:

Write!

I believe everyone has a story inside of them.  As a teacher, I encourage my students to write poetry, journal, write short stories and novellas.  The more one writes, the more you improve and polish your craft.  Write about things that appeal to you, write from the heart and write from experience.  Much of my writing is based on my personal experiences and I believe God allows us to go through these experiences for a reason.  Writing allows us the opportunity to share our life lessons with others.  If God has called you to write…just WRITE!

I actually wrote Shoot the Wounded well over ten years ago.  It started out as a short story and after I had written one hundred pages I knew I couldn’t consider it a “short” story any longer.  Then the manuscript literally (hahaha) took up space on the hard drive of my computer for ten years.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and battled the disease for two years.  My family and I experienced God profoundly through that time and certainly to many I am considered a “survivor” today but I hope I have done much more than survive, I hope I have “thrived”! 

I wanted to share part of that experience with my readers, so in Heal the Wounded, the main character’s mom is going through breast cancer and I write about how a family copes with that in the book.

The next piece of advice to young writers is:

Read!

I don’t think it is possible to be a writer if you don’t like to read.  I read all genres and because I write primarily for young adults and teens I try to read all the books that they may be interested in. 
Do you have any publishing and/or marketing advice for new writers? 
I am still a “rookie” for all intents and purposes when it comes to publishing and marketing a book.  For me, I find that writing a book is a relatively simple thing, but marketing a book can be extremely challenging, time-consuming, occasionally frustrating and discouraging.  I have learned over this year to network with other authors, especially Christian authors who have experience with publishing, and those like me who are new to it.  Some online social networking sites have given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful writers and authors who have been more than willing to share their expertise, their successes and failures with me.  I have learned that book signings can be fun, only if you go into them with the attitude that you might not sell one book, but you’ll meet lots of interesting people. 
One thing I would tell new authors is to not feel shy about purposefully promoting yourself in the marketplace.  I think that was one of the hardest things for me to do initially.  As Christians, we value a humble attitude, but as authors the louder and bolder we are in promoting ourselves to our readers the more books they will buy and read.  Some self-published or POD (print on demand) authors are quite content to write for a select audience, family and friends, but for those of us who want to reach a larger, more world-wide audience, we need to be prepared to create a “buzz” about the book.  The only way to do that is to get people talking about it.  Word of mouth is huge! 
That said, I think it is also important to ask yourself the questions ahead of time about what your personal goals are with publishing a book.  I applaud my publisher, Word Alive Press for asking some pointed questions up front in their publishing questionnaire.  One question in particular prompted me to prayerfully consider my personal goals: “What is the one thing, (the most important thing) you would like to accomplish with your manuscript (book)?”  I remember I wrote, “My hope is that teenagers and young adults who read this book will be touched by the message in the story and ultimately that this book and any others I write will bring Glory to God.” 


Other:

To celebrate the launch of Heal the Wounded, Lynn will be hosting a contest on January 25^th on her blog, Journey Thoughts http://lynndove.wordpress.com/ click on the link for details!

 

Readers may also connect with Lynn on Twitter, Facebook and on her website: www.shootthewounded.org


MY REVIEW

HEAL THE WOUNDED is the second in a trilogy by Canadian author Lynn Dove.  The entire series is aimed toward the YA market, but it is worth reading no matter what your age. In HEAL THE WOUNDED , we are introduced to several teenagers who are facing some tough problems. First, Jake, a Christian from a loving family, has to deal with the fact that his mother has been diagnosed with cancer. He is still reeling from the death of a close friend and wonders where God is in all of this. His girlfriend Leigh is also struggling. Her insecurity and an untimely fire force the two apart. Meanwhile, another teen, who happens to be the brother of the deceased friend, has turned his anger and confusion inward and begins ‘cutting’ himself to ease the emotional pain. I don’t want to spoil the story by explaining what happens, but the author draws us into the emotional whirlwind that is the life of a teenager with skill and conviction. Her characterization seems very true to real life as she deals with some tough issues. In fact, the series has apparently been listed as a helpful resource for anti-bullying. My only negative comment, which in no way reflects on the author or the book, is that I think I may have gotten more out of this second book if I had read the prequel, SHOOT THE WOUNDED, first.  Dove does a good job of explaining the back story, however, which includes teenage pregnancy, gossip, stereotyping and other issues about making choices. In the end, this is a solid book that is entertaining yet manages to pack a wallop in terms of its message to teens. I highly recommend this, and the rest of the series, to young readers everywhere.

Pink Vancouver Skyline

Here is a nice easy post for a Monday. This original painting called 'Pink Vancouver Skyline' was my 'inspirational' painting for my latest novel MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. I often like to paint a 'book cover' or other image inspired by a story that I'm writing.  The novel takes place in Vancouver, BC, and since it is about a 'man-eating cougar' (of the human variety) a nice hot pink seemed appropriate. It's a fun little painting that I really like. Speaking of cover art, however, I LOVE the actual cover art for the book.

NEW! The Grace Awards - Truly the Reader's Choice!

I'm excited to tell you about the launch of a brand new Christian Book Award - The Grace Awards. This is a totally reader based award, where YOU, the reader, can vote for your favorite books of 2010 in a number of categories.

What do you have to do? As long as you have an individual social networking page, (facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Ning etc ... ) that has been up and running for three months prior to the opening of voting, you can nominate your favorite book of the year. It's that simple.

Individuals can vote from Jan 21 - Mar 15, 2011 by email to: graceawards@aol.com and the subject line should read: '2010 Voting'. Include the Grace Awards novel category (ie, Contemporary Romance/Historical Romance), the title of the book being voted for and its author, a link to the individual voter's social networking page, the  individual voter's online name, and a 15-45 word summary/review/reason for voting for the novel. (Don't just copy the back cover blurb. We'll check!) Please vote ONLY for novels you have read.   

Novels must be submitted to the correct category, or they will not be counted. The Board makes all decisions on what votes will be accepted, but it is not our aim to exclude or disqualify a vote or voter, but rather to be inclusive.An individual can vote for only one novel per category in one submission. Multiple submissions will not be accepted. Please be sure you've voted in all the categories you wish the first time you submit. More than one submission can disqualify your voting. Of course authors can vote, but not for their own book(s). This is a reader-based awards and readers will pick the finalists in each category. 

PROJECTED BOOK CATEGORIES
·         Women's Fiction
·         Contemporary Romance/Historical Romance
·         Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Romantic Suspense/ Detective Novel Series  
·         Speculative (SciFi/fantasy/horror, etc.)
·         Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction
·         Young Adult 

for more information and included categories: 

www.graceawards.yolasite.com

email: graceawards@aol.com

Review of TOMBSTONE TREASURES by Michelle Sutton

I am pleased to offer two reviews today for Books One and Two of the 'Tombstone Treasures Trilogy' by Michelle Sutton. First off, let me say that I don't tend to read a lot of straight up 'Romance'. My usual preference is a little more 'off the wall', such as Suspense/Thriller or Sci/Fi and Fantasy. However, I really enjoyed reading these books. I downloaded both of them over the Christmas break on my new Sony eReader and look forward to the release of book. Who knows? Maybe I'm more romantic than I originally thought. After all, a little romance never hurt anyone ...





First Impressions by Michelle Sutton




If you are looking for straight up romance from a Christian worldview, Michelle Sutton is the author for you. First Impressions is the first in the Tombstone Treasures Trilogy, a series of romance novels whose main characters work in the historic town of Tombstone, many as part time actors that help bring a sense of authenticity to this tourist attraction. This lends a sprinkling of old west flavor to the modern sensibility of the book. First Impression is a romance – there is no doubt about that. The central conflict is the emotional struggle the two main characters have as their passion for one another is ignited. Jimmy is a Christian, and wants to do ‘what’s right’, meaning staying sexually pure until marriage. But his attraction for Sammie is so strong, he often finds himself in compromising situations. Sammie, on the other hand, is not a believer and struggles with self esteem, compounded by the fact that they knew one another as children – something Jimmy seems to have forgotten. There are lots of fairly steamy scenes in the book, which makes it rather unusual in the context of a ‘Christian’ romance. However, this is probably the thing that makes the novel stand out. Sutton does not try to pretend that Christian couples don’t struggle when it comes to pre-marital sex. She is honest about the emotional turmoil, feelings of guilt and physical desire that can easily come into play. The hero in her book is not portrayed as a saint – nor should he be. He is a normal red blooded male who is struggling with an issue that is probably becoming more and more difficult for people to contend with in today’s culture. Although the treatment of the topic is frank and honest, Sutton is also able to maintain a tasteful balance. The book is in no way pornographic. It is simply a story of two people in love and the struggles they face as they come to terms with their own desires and obeying God’s word. I would recommend this book to those that are looking for an unapologetic romance. There is enough ‘steam’ to satisfy without becoming erotic, while maintaining a solid redemptive story.



First Love by Michelle Sutton



If you are looking for a dose of romance, plain and simple, First Love by author Michelle Sutton is just what the doctor ordered. This is the second in a trilogy called Tombstone Treasures, set in the modern day historic town of Tombstone, Arizona. Here, many of the locals do double duty as part time actors to help make the tourist attraction come to life. Aside from the acting, however, there is plenty of drama in their real lives to make things interesting. In First Love, former high school sweethearts, Josiah and Tara, are reunited after several years apart. Before their break up, they had been each others’ ‘first’ lover, but now things have changed. Both have come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Their physical attraction hasn’t altered, however, and they struggle to keep their passion at bay as memories from the past threaten to overwhelm their good intentions. I appreciated the way Sutton was able to treat the subject of sexual desire with such honesty and candor. These are real people with real struggles, and no, they are not perfect. There is definitely a healthy dose of ‘heat’ woven throughout to make this book ‘edgy’ from a Christian context, but nothing that would push it over the edge into the realm of ‘distasteful’. In the end it is a feel good romance with a strong Christian element. No matter what, make God your first love.

If you liked these reviews, leave a comment!

Destiny's Dream Book launch and review

Seems like I've been mentioning author Delia Latham on my blog a lot lately - and with good cause! She and I were recently featured together on 'Clash of the Titles' and I also just finished reading her book 'Destiny's Dream' and wanted to post a review. Today also marks the date for her book launch on Amazon. 

Buy it today and receive:

1. Gifts from the author

2. E-gifts from generous supporters

ABOUT THE BOOK:

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.

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

FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE AUTHOR—

• Purchase Destiny’s Dream TODAY and receive the first chapter of Kylie’s Kiss, Book Two in the Solomon’s Gate Series, PLUS
• A personalized, signed book plate mailed directly to you!
• Free signed bookmarks to share with your friends

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DESTINY’S DREAM

In Destiny's Dream, Latham writes a story with a nice blend of humor and romance and a neat little thread of intrigue. You won't want to miss this first installment in the Solomon's Gate Series. Latham knows how to weave a wonderful story and balance it with biblical truths to inspire and challenge the reader. Destiny's Dream belongs on every reader's bookshelf.

Sharlene MacLaren

Bestselling Author

What fun! Delia Latham weaves a merry thread of humor through the mayhem of her characters’ lives. Destiny’s Dream will leave readers looking over their shoulders to catch a glimpse of their own guardian angel’s wings.

Bonnie Winters, author of Daughter of Lotand Daughter of Scarlet

This book was a delightful read, with a cast of quirky secondary characters, a sweet romance, and snappy dialogue that kept me reading.

Lacy Williams

2009 Genesis winner

 Historical Romance

                                                               

Destiny’s Dream captures the reader’s heart from the first page. I could not put it down.

Kassy Paris, co-author of

The Lazy M Ranch Series by Kasandra Elaine

Destiny’s Dream guides readers on a journey from tears to smiles, from longing to fulfillment, and from white-knuckled suspense to happy sighs of contentment. An engaging tale with all the elements of a satisfying story.

 Virginia Smith, author of

Third Time’s a Charm,

book 3 in the Sister-to-Sister Series

BUY NOW! And also receive FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE SUPPORTERS OF DESTINY’S DREAM. Exciting e-gifts, available ONLY through these supporting authors, will be yours by purchasing Destiny’s Dream today. Follow this link to learn more. http://tinyurl.com/4lqer8s

Find out how to earn multiple entries into the Daughters of Destiny Contest! Win amazing prizes! (No purchase necessary!) Follow the link for further information: http://tinyurl.com/2bm55jv

Short professional bio in 25 words or less

Delia Latham lives in Oklahoma. She writes inspirational romance and women’s fiction. Her third published book, Destiny’s Dream is Book One in the Solomon’s Gate Series.

Brief, Fun Bio

Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, Delia Latham moved to Oklahoma in 2008, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her simple country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. The author enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Contact information

Website: www.delialatham.net

Blog: http://my-book-bag.blogspot.com

Newsletter: http://bookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.com

E-mail: delia@delialatham.net

 

Now if that wasn't enough, here is my own review of DESTINY'S DREAM:

DESTINY’S DREAM by Delia Latham has it all. There’s romance, mystery and action – all very skillfully woven together into a well told and satisfying story. Add to that a solid presentation of the gospel using real and believable characters, and you have a recipe for a great Christian romance novel. These elements on their own are enough to make this book worth reading, but Latham has taken her story telling to another whole level. There were so many unique things about this book that I’m not sure where to begin. First of all, the set up where the two main characters meet is pretty unusual. Destiny May and Clay Gallagher meet at her mother’s funeral. Yeah, that’s right – a funeral! Hardly the makings for a ‘happy beginning’, yet Latham manages to make this scene quite humorous without becoming irreverent. Also, Destiny’s profession is atypical, to say the least. She runs a dating service for Christians and sees it as a ministry that God has called her to. Rather than coming across as shallow, Latham manages to present both the heroine and her aspirations in such a way that it seems totally plausible – even inspiring. In fact, one of the things that impressed me most was the matter of fact way Destiny’s deep spirituality was dealt with in the book. There were plenty of references to the gospel message, redemption, prayer, and even some topics that other authors might shy away from such as angelic visitations, the use of anointing oil, and prophetic messages from God. Yet, Latham weaves all of these elements into the story in such a skillful and unobtrusive way that never once does the reader feel like they are being preached at or ‘taught’. This is good story telling at its finest. There are lots of solid Biblical principles, well rounded and sympathetic characters, and enough plot twists and turns to keep you on your toes – all put together so that in the end all you are left with is the satisfaction of a story well told.   

Seems like a no-brainer to me. Better get over to Amazon and buy her book!

Winner revealed at COTT!

It's the final day of my feature on 'Clash of the Titles'. today is the day when the winner of the clash is posted. the competition was between myself, with an excerpt from MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER and Delia Latham's excerpt from DESTINY'S DREAM. Who will it be?

I'm not going to tell you, though. You have to go and check for yourself!

MY Interview on Clash of the Titles

Okay, so today my interview was posted on Clash of the Titles. Please check it out and leave a comment! This was a lot of fun. I highly recommend it to any authors. Even though it is a competition, it is done in a very friendly and non competitive way. Way to go April, Lisa and everyone else on the COTT staff.

Review - IN ALL THINGS by Shawna Williams

In All Things is the sequel to Shawna Williams’ debut novel No Other, a touching and heart felt story of God’s faithfulness amidst the seemingly impossible circumstances surrounding a young couple who find themselves in love during the post World War Two era. I loved No Other and was quite honestly skeptical about what a sequel might hold. When I first started to read In All Things, I almost didn’t want to continue. I was satisfied with the ‘happily ever after’ of the first book, and I wanted it to stay that way. But Williams skillfully drew me in, as the next phase of Jakob’s and Meri’s life together unfolded. Let me tell you, there were plenty of surprises, including some heart wrenching moments and a few brutally honest scenes that kept me turning the pages once I quieted the voice inside that wanted the original fairy tale to continue. I’m glad I did. In the end, book number two is even more satisfying than book one, if that were possible. This book is full of depth in both the complexity of the plot and the realistic portrayal of the characters. Williams is also able to weave a strong message of God’s continuing faithfulness throughout, without making the reader feel as if they have been hammered over the head. It’s one of those reads that leaves you thinking long afterwards, not able to dismiss the insights you’ve gained quite as easily as would be expected. Bravo to Shawna Williams and high praise for In All Things. This book proves that Shawna Williams is an author of substance and I look forward to reading what else she has to offer in the future.

Clash of the Titles - My Interview

As you may know, I was one of the featured authors at 'Clash of the Titles' last week. COTT is posting an interview to go along with the excerpt from MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER  on Wednesday as part of last week's competition.  Check it out on Wednesday or go to the site today to see Delia Latham's interview.

I must say, I was surprised (pleasantly so) when I read the excerpts last week. Of course, the authors' names and book titles were not revealed so as to make the voting fair. Here if I wasn't up against Delia Latham, whose book DESTINY'S DREAM I had just promoted the week before! As soon as I read the excerpt I recognized the book, since I am currently reading it. As just another quick 'plug' on Delia's behalf, the book is great!  In fact, I'll be posting a full review shortly, just in time for her book launch on Amazon - another event that I will keep tabs on for you.

Anyway, head over to the 'Clash' site and don't forget to go there again on Friday of this week to see who the 'official' winner of the clash is.

Clash of the Titles REVEALED!

Some friendly competition is in the works at CLASH OF THE TITLES - a site where authors pit excerpts from their novels against one another to see who YOU, the reader, will vote for. This week the theme has been 'Conversion' and a scene from my book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER was pitted against one from Delia Latham's book DESTINY'S DREAM. (Recently featured here at Expression Express)  Now that's some pretty stiff competition!

Reflecting On Resolutions

Today for my official 'Christian Writer's blog chain' post, I'd like to reflect on some common New Year's Resolutions. Who among us hasn't at one time or another resolved to lose weight, exercise more, get more organized ... you know the list. Why is it that at this time of year we feel obligated to set goals for ourselves that often just aren't going to happen.

Now, I'm not knocking goal setting. I do it myself all the time - even at New Year's. In fact, if you check out my last posting you'll see that I mentioned several writing goals for the year (among other things). I've come to the conclusion, however, that all the goal setting in the world isn't going to make a lick of difference without one key element. Prayer.

Prayer should be the beginning and the ending of everything I do. As a long time Christian, I know this. Yet, I am not perfect. Sometimes there is a large gap between 'knowing' and 'doing'. I'm being honest here. I have not always been as consistent in my prayer life as I aught. (Or my Bible reading, or my meditation, or my ... you get the picture.) Anybody else out there a hypocrit and know it?

One of my first, main, and perhaps only real goal with any value this year is to spend more time with God. I have come to the conclusion that my success or failure at attaining any other goal - be it a writing goal, a health related goal, a time management goal, whatever kind of goal - is directly related to how much time I spend offering each and every one of them up to God first in prayer. Without God's blessing and guidance, my efforts could amount to nothing more than 'striving with the wind'. My success or failure depends on my own strength, which is feeble at best. How much better to be backed by the Creator of the Universe? My goals are now His goals - or, more rightly, His goals become mine. When I am in close communion, He will lead me away from those things which are of no real benefit and lead me to those that are.

It's a win-win situation. So, rather than stress about all the things I wish I could accomplish this year, I'm focusing on one. I guess Jesus Himself said it best. "Seek you first the Kingdom of God, and all these thing swill be added to you." Pretty basic stuff, yet something I need to be reminded of again and again.

A New Look for The New Year

To celebrate the new year, I have a new look for my blog. As you may know, I am also an artist and a teacher of Art, so this template seemed fitting. Like many of you, I've been reflecting on 2010 and pondering my goals for 2011. Here are a few thoughts.

I am grateful for where I've been. Without the past, I wouldn't be on this present course and my future might be totally different. I have been keeping a journal for most of my life, and I often find it cathartic to go back and read my thoughts from a time gone by. It is interesting to see how often the theme of 'creativity', 'writing' and the need to 'express' come up. Several years ago, I listed one of my goals as 'Get published before I am fifty'. I am so very grateful to have realized that goal, with a few years to spare! My new goal is 'Write full time by the time I am fifty'. Only time will tell if that one will also come to fruition. (I've still got a couple of years for those who might be wondering!)

Among my more specific goals this year are to finish the paintings for my children's book 'The Sleepy Town Express', secure a literary agent, and see one or both of my manuscripts Play it Again and Wind Over Marshdale with contracts for publication. Another goal is to increase my followers on this blog to 200. With that in mind, I will be soliciting followers with a GIVEAWAY of my new book My Mother The Man-Eater. I'll be drawing from all my followers when I reach the magic numbers 100, 150, and 200. Spread the word! (I will be, don't worry!)

Of course, I have also set some spiritual goals for myself, which I will save for another post. I was told that in order to be successful when setting goals, you should be specific, verbalize or have other concrete reminders, and take action. With that in mind I won't even mention the 'losing ten pounds', 'exercising regularly' and 'cutting back on fats'. Those are better left alone since they are recurring themes that don't seem to materialize. :) In any case, may God bless you this coming year and may all that God has in store for you come to pass.

Fun Feature at 'Faith-Fiction-Friends'

How's that for alliteration? I did an article about MY MOTHER THE MAN EATER at 'Faith, Fiction and Friends' where I talked more indepth about the book itself and the process of writing it. It's different than all the other promotional interviews so far - beginning with the tag line 'Hunting Never Looked So Good' - you'll want to take a look. When you do, please ensure that you leave a comment.

Also, keep in mind that I'm hosting a giveaway of MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. All you need to do is become a follower of 'Expression Express' and your name will be entered.