Hey All! I have some exciting news to share with all of you. Right now and for the next couple of days over at Amazon "A Ruby Christmas" is FREE on kindle.
I've already downloaded my free copy, what about you?
http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Christmas-Jerusha-Agen-ebook/dp/B00H1CW4ZY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386931876&sr=1-1&keywords=a+ruby+christmas
Friday, December 13, 2013
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Julie (J.A) Marx's "A Ruby Christmas" interview & giveaway
A Ruby Christmas, co-authored novella, Dec 2013
Tell us a little about yourself.
I write from Texas. I’ve published various articles, co-written 2 novellas, and I edit for one of the top national healthcare e-zines. My most helpful writing is my private prayer/bible study journal.
Why do you write the kind of books
you do?
With this particular Christmas novella being the exception to what I’m about to say, I like books with a deep meaning, for example Tosca Lee’s “Demon.” Superficial, watered down stories won’t hold my attention. And I’ve always had a strong interest in spiritual warfare. That combination naturally leads me to write supernatural suspense with a heavy dose of psychology.
Besides writing, what are some of
your favorite hobbies?With this particular Christmas novella being the exception to what I’m about to say, I like books with a deep meaning, for example Tosca Lee’s “Demon.” Superficial, watered down stories won’t hold my attention. And I’ve always had a strong interest in spiritual warfare. That combination naturally leads me to write supernatural suspense with a heavy dose of psychology.
When I’m not writing, you can find me working out at the gym, cooking up healthy meals, or traveling with my wild-at-heart husband.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? No. But my father was a fantastic storyteller, and I’ve always loved storytelling. After reading Frank Peretti’s spiritual warfare books, I decided to write one of the many stories roaming my mind. That happened in my late 30s. I’m presently making connections with an agent who will be peddling a supernatural suspense series, presently titled, The Destiny Series.
What advice would you give a beginning writer?
Write from your heart. Study the craft diligently. Expect rejections, but don’t give up. Develop a platform by writing articles, preferably (but not necessarily) in an area related to the type of novels you write. By all means, plug into a critique group and attend writing conferences. And occasionally eat chocolate. (70% dark is my fave)
What book are you currently working on?
A Ruby Christmas is a novella co-authored by nine authors, including a contest winner who submitted a winning chapter last spring.
Please tell us a little about the novella.
Ruby tells the journey of a young Texas cowgirl and her show dog, Yippee. Her father sends them around the world to collect Nativity pieces to help replace their old dilapidated crèche. It’s also part of their healing process and adjusting to the death of Ruby’s mother. How her dad will put together all the pieces is a mystery that builds to the surprise at the end.
How can readers find the authors and
this Christmas novella on the Internet?
Starting tomorrow (Monday 12/1/13) www.writeintegrity.com will be posting one chapter every day for 10 days (excluding the weekend). The e-book version will become available on Amazon after that.
Starting tomorrow (Monday 12/1/13) www.writeintegrity.com will be posting one chapter every day for 10 days (excluding the weekend). The e-book version will become available on Amazon after that.
Thank you so much, Julie, for being a guest on my blog.
Drawing will be held December 14
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Kerriann Flanagan Brosky's "The Medal" interview & book giveaway
Congratulations goes to . . . LINDA
Tell us about yourself.
I have been a writer and a photographer for over twenty years. I’ve written five non-fiction books and co-authored a cookbook, but I always wanted to get into fiction. My sixth book, The Medal, a novel, was released in September 2012 and is a work of inspirational fiction. It’s based on a true story.
Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I wrote The Medal because I truly believe that it was God and Padre Pio (the saint who bore the stigmata) who led me to write it. My father suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for 16 years. It was a very difficult time for him as well as for my family. I had reached a very low point in my faith life, questioning God, being angry, wondering why this was happening. A stranger came into my life and gave me a Padre Pio medal that contained a relic. A miracle surrounding that medal occurred the night my father died. It changed my life forever. The story and the message behind that event was meant to be told. So the character of John Fitzpatrick is based on my father, and his daughter Bethany, is a combination of myself and my mother. I took what I felt and what I witnessed during my father’s illness, and combined that with my mother’s role as caretaker to make one strong character. The character of Jimmy, the Italian stranger, is based on the man who gave me the medal.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I always enjoyed writing, but my degree is actually in photography. I had a job as a newspaper photographer when I got out of college, and eventually I started writing for the paper as well. I had my own column about local history. That eventually led into writing and photographing books on local history.
What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Don’t give up, no matter how difficult it might be. If it’s who you are, then follow your dreams. From a practical point of view, edit, edit, edit.
What book are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on marketing The Medal full-time.
Please tell us about your book.
When twenty-one-year-old pastry chef Bethany Fitzpatrick says goodbye to her own dreams to stay home and care for her disabled father, her faith and life are shattered, until years later when a mysterious stranger—who seems to have stepped straight off the set of The Godfather—appears in her bakery, tells her about a deceased Italian friar named Padre Pio who performed miracles, and restored. Bethany’s faith in God, herself, and even…angels.
Faith, hope and believing are strong themes in The Medal. The response I have gotten from my readers is “This book has changed my life.” It’s a message about hope, faith and believing in miracles. It’s a very powerful story, especially for caretakers or for anyone going through challenging times when you may lose your faith or doubt that God is with you.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
The Medal is available on Amazon, in both paperback and in e-format, Barnes & Noble.com, iBooks, and in some book stores. You can find out more about me and my book by going to: www.padrepiomedal.com
Drawing will be held November 30
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Sherri Wilson Jonson's "Song of the Meadowlark" interview & book giveaway
Congratulations goes to... CINDY W
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Georgia with my husband and two children. I love all things romance! I'm a bird-watcher. I love going to the beach because the ocean is a source of peace for me. I love to ride roller coasters and eat ice cream, hang with my family and my Chihuahua, Posey. I work in women's ministry at my church and I'm the author of To Dance Once More (OakTara) and Song of the Meadowlark (OakTara). I am a columnist for Habits for a Happy Home and Choose NOW Ministries. I'm represented by Les Stobbe, a member of the ACFW, and a graduate of the Christian Writers Guild writing course. I love to blog and I'm a former homeschooling mom.
OR: Sherri Wilson Johnson lives in Georgia with her husband and two children. She loves to dream of romantic places and romance in general–good, clean romance. She is a bird-watcher, loves the ocean, roller coasters, ice cream, her family and her Chihuahua, who faithfully sits by her side every day when she writes. She is represented by Les Stobbe, is a member of the ACFW, a graduate of the Christian Writers Guild writing course, an active blogger, and a former homeschooling mom. Sherri is the author of To Dance Once More (OakTara) and Song of the Meadowlark (OakTara) and is a columnist for Habits for a Happy Home and Choose NOW Ministries.
Why do you write the kind of books you do? I write them because it's what pops into my head and must come out onto the page in order for me to keep my sanity. Whenever I try to write something different, I stall. Mostly, I love to make people feel romantic, dreamy, antsy, and frustrated all at the same time. I love to cause them to ponder their lives and to help them answer questions that they may have about their faith and relationships. And I love to make them sigh on the last page.
Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies? If I have free time, I'm usually writing. If I had to choose what to do on a day off or a day by myself, I would choose to write or read books like I write. But I do enjoy trips to the beach or to amusement parks. I love spending time with my family and friends, drinking coffee or eating ice cream.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? Yes! Since I wrote my first story at eight years old!
What advice would you give to a beginning writer? I would tell anyone who desires to be a published author--"Prepare your field." That’s a line in the movie Facing the Giants. We always wish for the end result. As writers, we want to be published authors. That sometimes takes precedence over the writing itself. But if you don’t spend time writing and perfecting the craft (preparing your field) then when will the seeds ever take root? If they do take root, how will they ever survive the heat? They will wither and fade. Take courses, join groups, study the craft, and write, write and re-write your work. Be willing to put it aside when another project pops into your head. Come back to the old story and perfect it more. You’ll grow a healthy crop that way.
Whatever you do, don't ever give up on your dream. Step through open doors only after much prayer. Be ready for rejection because it’s part of the path to publication. Always write what God puts on your heart and even if you don’t find a publisher for that story, it will honor the Lord.
Establish yourself on the Internet now. Start a blog. Review books that you’ve read. Make friends on Goodreads and Facebook. Join Twitter. Publishers look for that kind of thing.
What book are you currently working on?
I have just finished After the Raging Storm, a historical romance, and am now writing A Sense of Justice, a contemporary romantic suspense.
Please tell us a little about your book.
My most recent release is Song of the Meadowlark. It is a Contemporary Inspirational Romance full of hope, forgiveness, and second chances at life and love set in South Georgia on a ranch with an ornery cowboy.
Here is Song of the Meadowlark’s synopsis: When trusting others only leads to pain and rejection, and loving ends only in loss, what will it take to restore hope again? Shunned by the uncovered truth about her missing husband’s secret life, Cora Buchanan sets out on a road trip for home to mend her broken relationship with her parents. When her car breaks down, she’s stranded in a small Georgia town. While staying at the struggling Southern Hope Ranch, she meets little Susie O’Reilly, who unexpectedly fills a void in Cora’s heart. But Rex, Susie’s rugged cowboy father who lost his wife a year earlier, seems to go out of his way to either confront or avoid Cora. It doesn’t help her comfort level that the news continues to report missing and murdered women in the area. Cora has no idea just how close to home the crimes will hit…or how much the sweet sound of the meadowlark’s song at the ranch will impact her future.
Sneak peek at the first chapter! http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/sherris-books/song-of-the-meadowlark/
How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Author-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/138396456193536
https://twitter.com/#!/swj_thewriter
http://nicoleodell.com/sherri-wilson-johnson-on-inspiring-purity
http://www.habitsforahappyhome.com
http://pinterest.com/sherriwjohnson/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5233294.Sherri_Wilson_Johnson
http://www.bookfun.org/profile/SherriWilsonJohnson
Thanks for having me!
And thank you Sherri for visiting. Hope you'll be a guest again soon :)
Drawing will be held November 23
Monday, November 11, 2013
Marjorie Hill's "Xeno Oaks" interview & book giveaway
Hey All! Please join me in welcoming Marjorie Hill to my blog. She's here to share with us a little about herself and her boo, "Xeno Oaks."
JOYE, please contact me ASAP. You're the winner of Marjorie's book, but I can't contact you through the email address you left in with your comment. Thanks.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in the small
town of Walterboro, South Carolina, the front porch of the low country. Huge oak
trees draped with Spanish moss, old plantations, swamps with alligators, sand
gnats, that sort of thing. We’re about an hour from Charleston, South
Carolina, and an hour from Savannah, Georgia. We have four wonderful children:
Three daughters and one son and have been blessed with seven grandchildren.
I write what I enjoy reading. My mother was not a reader (except for cookbooks. She would curl up with a new cookbook as I would with my fiction) but she was a great storyteller. Her specialty was fantasy tinged with the supernatural. She would entertain my friends to the point that we would have to follow them home and be sure they were safe inside with their door closed.
My books are a type of coming of age with a dash of fantasy added for good measure. I have always enjoyed the novels of George MacDonald, also C. S. Lewis. So many times folks will listen to fantasy and the Truth can be told in and through the lives of the characters. The characters will often ask questions that need to be answered not only for the character but for the reader.
Most of all, I find that the vital message of my writing must be redemption. We are constantly making choices. I pray that my readers can find hope and healing as they live with my characters and watch them make their choices and the consequences that follow.
I spend a great deal of time at the Veteran’s Victory House Nursing Home where my husband of fifty three years is a resident diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There I try to reach out to some of the other residents. Its rewarding to see them smile.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have always made up stories in my head. I thought everyone did that. They do, don’t they? So, yes, I have always wanted to write.
My parents as well as my grandparents were storytellers. They wrote the stories on my mind as I imagined the characters and their fights and victories. So in a way, I have always written. Also I kept diaries, notes, and whatever is at hand. I find words fascinating as they string together like pearls in a treasured necklace.
We (my grandchildren and I) have had an unending story going on for years. They volunteer their ideas as the story evolves. One morning, we were waiting for our breakfast in the Airport Restaurant in Sedona, Arizona. As the two five-year-old cousins became restless, we continued our story.
In the midst of the telling, my husband said, “Shhhh. Everyone’s listening.” The kids and I turned to see a man with chin propped in one hand, and coffee cup in the other.
“Don’t stop,” he said. “I want to hear the ending.”
Five-year-old Joe answered in his drawl, “It never ends.”
And so go the stories in my mind...they never end.
What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Don’t give up. Keep
on writing. I know how difficult it can be...especially when a story you have loved
and slaved over is rejected. But that is just one person’s opinion. Learn to
look at your work with fresh eyes. Get someone you trust to read your material.
Keep on keeping on. Do keep a notebook handy so you can jot down your idea
before it escapes.
What book are you currently working on?
At present, I am working on a sequel to Xeno Oaks about Penny, the oldest of the four Britton children. I am in the initial stage of gathering information, making notes and jotting down ideas as they present themselves.
the lowcountry of South Carolina. The problem is: the other three siblings are sent to live with their maternal grandmother. As she struggles with her problems, she is befriended by her grandfather, a raccoon named Sassy, and a young girl, Melody. When strange happenings occur, Molly must make a choice.
Will she choose healing and happiness?
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Amazon author’s page: www.amazon.com/author/marjoriehill
Website: www.xenooaks.tateauthor.com
Weekly devotional blog: www.indieauthors.com/blog/MarjorieBHill’s blog/
Facebook author’s page:www.facebook.com/xenooaks/marjoriebhill
Drawing will be held, November, 16
JOYE, please contact me ASAP. You're the winner of Marjorie's book, but I can't contact you through the email address you left in with your comment. Thanks.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I write what I enjoy reading. My mother was not a reader (except for cookbooks. She would curl up with a new cookbook as I would with my fiction) but she was a great storyteller. Her specialty was fantasy tinged with the supernatural. She would entertain my friends to the point that we would have to follow them home and be sure they were safe inside with their door closed.
My books are a type of coming of age with a dash of fantasy added for good measure. I have always enjoyed the novels of George MacDonald, also C. S. Lewis. So many times folks will listen to fantasy and the Truth can be told in and through the lives of the characters. The characters will often ask questions that need to be answered not only for the character but for the reader.
Most of all, I find that the vital message of my writing must be redemption. We are constantly making choices. I pray that my readers can find hope and healing as they live with my characters and watch them make their choices and the consequences that follow.
Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
Reading goes without
saying. I usually have at least three novels I am reading: one in my purse, one
on my bedside table and one by my favorite place in my sitting room. Also I
enjoy gardening. There is something wonderful about seeing a new plant
sprout and grow. I find gardening therapeutic. The weeds represent my problems
as I pluck them out of the ground and dispose of them.I spend a great deal of time at the Veteran’s Victory House Nursing Home where my husband of fifty three years is a resident diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There I try to reach out to some of the other residents. Its rewarding to see them smile.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have always made up stories in my head. I thought everyone did that. They do, don’t they? So, yes, I have always wanted to write.
My parents as well as my grandparents were storytellers. They wrote the stories on my mind as I imagined the characters and their fights and victories. So in a way, I have always written. Also I kept diaries, notes, and whatever is at hand. I find words fascinating as they string together like pearls in a treasured necklace.
We (my grandchildren and I) have had an unending story going on for years. They volunteer their ideas as the story evolves. One morning, we were waiting for our breakfast in the Airport Restaurant in Sedona, Arizona. As the two five-year-old cousins became restless, we continued our story.
In the midst of the telling, my husband said, “Shhhh. Everyone’s listening.” The kids and I turned to see a man with chin propped in one hand, and coffee cup in the other.
“Don’t stop,” he said. “I want to hear the ending.”
Five-year-old Joe answered in his drawl, “It never ends.”
And so go the stories in my mind...they never end.
What book are you currently working on?
At present, I am working on a sequel to Xeno Oaks about Penny, the oldest of the four Britton children. I am in the initial stage of gathering information, making notes and jotting down ideas as they present themselves.
Please tell us a
little about your book.
Xeno Oaks is a coming
of age book. Eleven-year-old Molly thinks her life is perfect until a
series of events which begins with her mother’s death in childbirth causes her
to take a serious look at life. She is sent to live with her evil Aunt Tess and
Grandpapa Britton at Xeno Oaks, a lovely old plantation inthe lowcountry of South Carolina. The problem is: the other three siblings are sent to live with their maternal grandmother. As she struggles with her problems, she is befriended by her grandfather, a raccoon named Sassy, and a young girl, Melody. When strange happenings occur, Molly must make a choice.
Will she choose healing and happiness?
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Amazon author’s page: www.amazon.com/author/marjoriehill
Website: www.xenooaks.tateauthor.com
Weekly devotional blog: www.indieauthors.com/blog/MarjorieBHill’s blog/
Facebook author’s page:www.facebook.com/xenooaks/marjoriebhill
Drawing will be held, November, 16
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Malo Bel's "Four Given" interview & book giveaway
Hey all! Please join me in welcoming Malo Bel to my blog. He's here to tell us a little about himself and his book "Four Given."
Tell us a little about yourself.
Full On Life – I suppose those would be the three words that define me and the life I like to live. Words taken from Jesus’ offer – “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly (full on)” - John 10:10. And so in everything I seek, in Jesus’ power, to live a life of abundance. So whether physical – such as having run many 56 mile marathons, or mental – such as completing a PhD – whether at home with my awesome wife and children or in front of a thousand people, I give my all, through him who gave me all. Yet all of this is so unimportant compared to whom I am related. My dad wrote the world’s best selling book. He also made the originals that everyone from DaVinci to Michael Angelo copied. And in case that is not enough, he breathed and the stars came into being. He. “…merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed, and all the stars were born.” (Psalm 33:6). I am a child of God.
T3 – The Three T’s - I am passionate about teaching, technology and travel – I love teaching, especially the youth. I love technology – and my PhD brings these first two areas together as it is in Educational Technology. Thirdly I love travelling. I love God’s beautiful canvas upon which he has painted such a perfect world. And I love marveling in what he has made and meeting the people who live in so many different places around the world. Terrific…Ok, too many T’s now J
What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Write passionately – Edit precisely – Market persistently
Start with passion. Write what is in your heart. Don’t over think it. Of course you need to plan, to some extent, but let the story write you. I believe this is really true when we write for our Lord. We can open to him and let him direct us. It’s so exciting to see what will happen next as the chapters unfold. I was as much surprised by the twists in my story as you will be, and I was right there as it was happening. Amazing.
This book “Four Given” is the first part of a beautiful journey to bring us to life eternal. A life beyond comprehension, a life accessible now. I have already been blessed with a glimpse at three other books that could follow this one. However while the seeds of each of these are in my head, at the moment I have not started them. I am enjoying Four Given, rejoicing in the gift of those I am connecting with online. And so I am currently continuing my desire to write though my blogs and also sharing the message of God through my new micro-message ministry, 10 second videos. It’s all so exciting; I just wish I had more hours in the day.
Please tell us a little about your book.
It’s different.
As I said, I like to do things different – and never was it more important than with this book. Let me begin with how it began.
Four Given is a story about the mystery of Godliness and life eternal, a mystery that I discovered is hidden in the most sacred place of all, in the holy letters that define God. A mystery so divine, so life-changing, so real it is embedded in the essence of every human being. A mystery that charts a divine path to God, a journey that once undertaken will bring you to a place called Eternity, a place where you will see “inexpressible things”.
Drawing will be held November, 9
Tell us a little about yourself.
Full On Life – I suppose those would be the three words that define me and the life I like to live. Words taken from Jesus’ offer – “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly (full on)” - John 10:10. And so in everything I seek, in Jesus’ power, to live a life of abundance. So whether physical – such as having run many 56 mile marathons, or mental – such as completing a PhD – whether at home with my awesome wife and children or in front of a thousand people, I give my all, through him who gave me all. Yet all of this is so unimportant compared to whom I am related. My dad wrote the world’s best selling book. He also made the originals that everyone from DaVinci to Michael Angelo copied. And in case that is not enough, he breathed and the stars came into being. He. “…merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed, and all the stars were born.” (Psalm 33:6). I am a child of God.
Why do you write the kind of books
you do?
Wow. Jesus was
different. He did things in a way that shook up society, and now is shaking up
the world. He thought, taught and touched in ways never heard of - never
imagined. And so too, led by his incredible Spirit, I seek to write books that
inspire, that touch, that teach – but in a way that is different.
I am
passionate to share what it means to live the life that Jesus offers. All too
often we as Christians are burdened by sin, or by trying harder, or doing more.
Yet we never come to him that we may have life. His message is so simple that
we miss it, it is so life-changing that we think it cannot be true. And so I
seek to share my own experiences and those I have met in a way that is easy to
follow, yet contains the deepest of truths, the most important of messages. Quite simply I am obeying what Jesus said
- “Go home to your own people and tell
them how much the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)
Besides writing, what are some of
your favorite hobbies?T3 – The Three T’s - I am passionate about teaching, technology and travel – I love teaching, especially the youth. I love technology – and my PhD brings these first two areas together as it is in Educational Technology. Thirdly I love travelling. I love God’s beautiful canvas upon which he has painted such a perfect world. And I love marveling in what he has made and meeting the people who live in so many different places around the world. Terrific…Ok, too many T’s now J
Have you always wanted to be a
writer?
I have
written several technology books – but I have always had a passion to write
Christian books. Even in my technology books I pushed the boundaries. They are
never “normal”. I always looked for new an innovative ways to communicate what
might be deemed complex content in a simple and inspiring way. I took this
love, and inspired by some awards for this work, and wrote books on running,
living outdoors, etc. – all different but motivating. But none of these were
important. There is really only one story that needs to be told. The story of
Jesus at work in my life – a story that we all must experience, because living
his eternal life is beyond words. And so I think we all need to be writers –
every single one of us -– “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.”
(Psalm 107:2) What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Write passionately – Edit precisely – Market persistently
Start with passion. Write what is in your heart. Don’t over think it. Of course you need to plan, to some extent, but let the story write you. I believe this is really true when we write for our Lord. We can open to him and let him direct us. It’s so exciting to see what will happen next as the chapters unfold. I was as much surprised by the twists in my story as you will be, and I was right there as it was happening. Amazing.
Then edit
and edit and edit. Did I say “edit”? There is nothing worse than a book that is
full of editing errors. We are all human and these errors are always there.
However, while one or two grammar errors will be overlooked, a book full of bad
grammar – no matter how good the story – will be seen as unprofessional and
will not succeed.
And then the
hardest part of all – marketing. Here is the true test of an author. This is
the test of whether you really love what you are doing. It may take you 6
months, a year, two years to write your book. Marketing will take 2, 3, 5, 10
years. On and on it goes. Something I have learned from running – if you don’t
enjoy it, if you are not motivated, you will never continue to put one foot in
front of another when you hit 7 hours, 9 hours, 11 hours…and still you have not
reached the end. However if you love God, if you love sharing his message, it
will seem “as a few days” because you will be doing what you love, as you blog,
share, post, tweet, and do whatever is needed. It’s just awesome to tell your
story, wherever you can, to who ever will listen.
What book are you currently working
on?This book “Four Given” is the first part of a beautiful journey to bring us to life eternal. A life beyond comprehension, a life accessible now. I have already been blessed with a glimpse at three other books that could follow this one. However while the seeds of each of these are in my head, at the moment I have not started them. I am enjoying Four Given, rejoicing in the gift of those I am connecting with online. And so I am currently continuing my desire to write though my blogs and also sharing the message of God through my new micro-message ministry, 10 second videos. It’s all so exciting; I just wish I had more hours in the day.
Please tell us a little about your book.
It’s different.
As I said, I like to do things different – and never was it more important than with this book. Let me begin with how it began.
It started
on a beach. Near the end of a great, relaxing vacation I was walking by myself
towards the beach showers. As I walked I was thinking about my life. Sure it is
great in so many ways - after all I was on vacation - but somehow it always
seems to be about me. What I want. What I do. And so I asked God - isn't it awesome
how we can talk to Him anywhere, anytime? - well, I asked him, "Lord, how
do I let go of me and take in more of you?" However, rather than an answer
I got a question back - "How do you let go?" For a moment I wondered,
"What? How do you let go?" And then I realised and responded, it's
obvious - "If you have to let go something you have to open your
hand." It seemed logical to me. I sort of imagined me hanging and holding
on a branch - an illustration that would return later when I wrote the story.
And then He said, "That is how your journey to me begins, by opening your
hand." By this stage I was at the beach showers, and was waiting for two
girls to finish. I stood there staring out at the sea thinking upon what He had
said. I must begin by opening my hand. What does that mean? An open hand is a
hand that gives. My journey must begin by giving. Is that not the defining
activity of love - "God so loved the world that he GAVE his only
son..." And then it really hit me - the hand, it's the Hebrew letter Yod -
and it is the letter that begins the most divine of names. Is it a message to
us, a journey we should take? I could feel the overwhelming sense of God's
presence wash over me as I stood there lost in my communion with him. An
overwhelming joy, a peace, an excitement - there was a discovery, a journey
that God was calling me on. But then doubt crept in...or was it just the vain
imaginations of my mind? At that exact moment one of the girls at the shower
said, "Excuse me." I turned around assuming they were finished, but
she continued and asked, "What are you thinking about?" I was blown
away. Why would a complete stranger ask someone they don't know what they are
thinking about? How did she even know I was thinking anything and not just
staring at the beautiful sea? And so I shared my conversation with her. I was
forced to give voice to the conversation in my heart. She smiled and said that
it sounded really deep and meaningful. I was left with my doubt washed away,
for no sooner had it crept in than God answered me with a voice that I could
hear, knowing that my limited faith needed it. And so began my journey, and my
calling to write this story, and the beginning of many more miracles.
The main
message is that Jesus is offering us the most beautiful life possible - "I
have come that you may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10) - it
is a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness etc. Yet sadly many
of us are missing out on this for a number of reasons. Firstly because we don't
know how to enter this life. We need to realise that entry is nothing to do
with our efforts and everything to do with Jesus. Secondly many of us
misunderstand what the "abundant life" Jesus offers is. We are often
led to believe it is either only something we can enter in the future, or it is
a life of happiness defined by money, good health, and worldly success. Yet is
it neither of these - it is much more. It is a life we can enter now, a life
that far exceeds our vain human understanding of "happiness" - it is
a joy despite sadness, a peace despite worldly worries, a love despite a world
of hatred. It is a life that transcends human experience. It is a life we can
live now - the life of eternity.Four Given is a story about the mystery of Godliness and life eternal, a mystery that I discovered is hidden in the most sacred place of all, in the holy letters that define God. A mystery so divine, so life-changing, so real it is embedded in the essence of every human being. A mystery that charts a divine path to God, a journey that once undertaken will bring you to a place called Eternity, a place where you will see “inexpressible things”.
How can readers find you on the
Internet?
As one of my
T’s is technology, I love connecting with people online and would love to share
my story with anyone who love to hear it. I can be found in the following
places:
Website – www.malobel.com
Blog – www.malobel.com/blog Would love you to subscribe J
YouTube – www.youtube.com/4giventv -
See my book trailers and the micro message ministry
Twitter – www.twitter.com/malo_bel
Google+ - http://bit.ly/malobel
There are
other places too (Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram) and they can be seen on my
website.Website – www.malobel.com
Blog – www.malobel.com/blog Would love you to subscribe J
YouTube – www.youtube.com/4giventv -
See my book trailers and the micro message ministry
Twitter – www.twitter.com/malo_bel
Google+ - http://bit.ly/malobel
Drawing will be held November, 9
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Robin Fuson's "Rosita Valdez and the Giant Sea Turtle" interview & book giveaway
Hello All! Please join me in welcoming Robin Fuson to my blog. She's here to tell us a little about herself and her book, "Rosita Valdez and the Giant Sea Turtle."
Tell us a little about yourself.
Please tell us a little about your book.
Rosita Valdez and the Giant Sea Turtle is about a young girl who lives on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Her family has Spanish roots and owns a plantation. She has a large family and two best friends. During a game of hide and seek in the cove she encounters a giant sea turtle, who takes her on adventures. She is the only one who sees him which causes doubt and jealousy. The question of is he real or make believe brings Rosie to a crisis of honesty. At the end of the story, the sea turtle helps her divert a disaster.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://rositavaldezbook.com/
http://www.kidbiblelessons.com/
http://www.robindensmorefuson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobinDensmoreFuson
https://twitter.com/RobinLFuson
Drawing will be held November, 2
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been teaching and a storyteller for
over 30 years. As an AWANA missionary with my late husband, I trained teachers
in Colorado, Ukraine, and Russia. I have a children’s book published, Rosita
Valdez and the Giant Sea Turtle. My articles have been published in various
online magazines and blogs. Robin is a member of ACFW, John316 Marketing
Network, Author Marketing Club, and a critique group. I am married and between
the two of us we have 15 grandchildren. Family is important to us and keeps us
busy.
Why do you write the kind of books
you do?
I love to tell stories and my audiences
for the most part have been children. I feel that stories should be
entertaining, but need to have a reason or point to them. I feel strongly that a
person can learn important truths through stories. My book is an out flow of
that passion.
Besides writing, what are some of
your favorite hobbies?
I love to read. Redecorating or remodeling
my house is always fun. I like to have and work in a garden. Also, I like to do crafts, especially
preparing them for my grandchildren. Watching them create them is very
rewarding. I sing in two community choirs. I have been singing since I was a
child. I don’t think about it as a hobby, but as part of who I am.
Have you always wanted to be a
writer?
I have always been a storyteller that is
what I love to do. Writing is a way to get my stories to thousands more people.
I find it almost as rewarding as face to face.
What advice would you give to a
beginning writer?
It takes work but keep
working. Be open to instruction and criticism. Learn from others and have your
work read by others. Don’t be afraid to try new things or go to places that are
only in your dreams.
What book are you currently working
on?
My
Rosita book is a series. I have book two and three written. I am polishing up
book two, getting it ready for readers and then the editor. I just wrote a fast
fiction for a contest and am working on a hi/low Christian Historical Romance
also for a competition. The hi/low means: high interest but low reading grade
for people new to English. I write in that grade level already. It is fun to
stretch into a different genre.Please tell us a little about your book.
Rosita Valdez and the Giant Sea Turtle is about a young girl who lives on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Her family has Spanish roots and owns a plantation. She has a large family and two best friends. During a game of hide and seek in the cove she encounters a giant sea turtle, who takes her on adventures. She is the only one who sees him which causes doubt and jealousy. The question of is he real or make believe brings Rosie to a crisis of honesty. At the end of the story, the sea turtle helps her divert a disaster.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://rositavaldezbook.com/
http://www.kidbiblelessons.com/
http://www.robindensmorefuson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobinDensmoreFuson
https://twitter.com/RobinLFuson
Drawing will be held November, 2
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Carole Brown's "The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman" interview & book giveaway
Hey, All! Please join me in welcoming Carole Brown to my blog. She's here to share with us and a little about herself and her book, "The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman."
Winner alert! Congratulations goes to... AMY C.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Suspense and mysteries have always been my favorite genre from a child up. In my current book, I not only employ suspense but added some romance and a real, today’s-world-topic of abuse. Throw that mixture into an evil cult and you have suspense multiplied several times over.
Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
Besides enjoying our grandsons? Reading together, walking, working in our gardens and fruit trees, family time with out two sons, boating and fishing occasionally, some traveling and keeping up with our friends and relatives. We’re never NOT busy. My husband’s dream is to retire early and travel extensively throughout the country. He’s not quite got me convinced; not sure if I could do without seeing my grandsons that long.
ave you always wanted to be a writer?
I’m not sure when I consciously realized I would be a writer/author some day. I’ve written all my life and still remember in grade school the class clapping after one of my readings. I’ve dabbled with short stories, articles, poems and research papers until one day I knew it was “the time.” Now or never, and I hit the re-learning hard: conferences, critique groups, agent and finally, publisher. A long journey, but worth it.
What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
I’ve been focusing on marketing, editing two books and working on a Companion book for The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. That’s more than enough to keep me busy.
How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?
Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year- old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.
Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.
Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.
Can Cara overcome the feelings that have governed her most of her life? Can she learn to trust
Dayne, and most of all a God whom she sees as uncaring—if he’s really there at all? Only Dayne’s prayers and love can reach Cara and show her the way to redemption, and Cara must recognize and accept God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far.
How can
readers find you on the Internet?
I’d love to connect with readers at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
Website: http://carolebrownauthor.com/
I also participate on:
Barn Door Book Loft http://www.barndoorbookloft.net Geezers Gals and Guys: http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Thank you
for hosting me, Debra! I really appreciate it.
Thank you, Carole for visiting with us this week. I really enjoyed it!
Winner alert! Congratulations goes to... AMY C.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in SE
Ohio, full of rolling hills and lots of beautiful woods. Our country and small
town life consists of flower gardens for me, walks in the woods, too many cats,
three dogs and one horse. We’ve had cattle before (and don’t ask me about the
bull we had that hated me!), a potbellied pig, and chickens. But we’re not
farmers! I always said I’d never marry a farmer (for some reason! Lol).
Seriously,
we’ve traveled a lot and enjoyed many of the states, met lots of friends, and
experienced tons of thrilling things including gold panning in the mountains
out west with a real live mountain man, eating fried sheep’s intestines and
ministering to a “Bonnie and Clyde” couple. Less you think us really
unsophisticated, we also enjoy several times a year, dinners and shows at
theaters and take in other interesting events too.
Our best
experience in the last two years was gaining three grandsons! Two are adopted
and now eight and ten, and we love them dearly! The third is a birth grandson
and the light of our eyes. I never get tired of talking about them. JWhy do you write the kind of books you do?
Suspense and mysteries have always been my favorite genre from a child up. In my current book, I not only employ suspense but added some romance and a real, today’s-world-topic of abuse. Throw that mixture into an evil cult and you have suspense multiplied several times over.
Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
Besides enjoying our grandsons? Reading together, walking, working in our gardens and fruit trees, family time with out two sons, boating and fishing occasionally, some traveling and keeping up with our friends and relatives. We’re never NOT busy. My husband’s dream is to retire early and travel extensively throughout the country. He’s not quite got me convinced; not sure if I could do without seeing my grandsons that long.
ave you always wanted to be a writer?
I’m not sure when I consciously realized I would be a writer/author some day. I’ve written all my life and still remember in grade school the class clapping after one of my readings. I’ve dabbled with short stories, articles, poems and research papers until one day I knew it was “the time.” Now or never, and I hit the re-learning hard: conferences, critique groups, agent and finally, publisher. A long journey, but worth it.
What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Never, ever
quit. If you have a desire in you to write, then write. Of course, you’ll run
into obstacles. Of course, you’ll become discouraged. But don’t give up.
Discover where you need to go with your writing and aim for that goal. There
are too many possibilities in the world today to give up.
What book
are you currently working on?I’ve been focusing on marketing, editing two books and working on a Companion book for The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. That’s more than enough to keep me busy.
But when I
can I want to get back to a historical (with a little suspense) I’m writing--a
fun, lighter novel and have second books in a couple series I’m working on when
I can. I never run out of ideas.
If I do a
sequel to The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, this is a brief blurb of what it
will be about:
It begins with a baby kidnapping. Elder
Simmons, the antagonist, will not let go. He is determined to wreck vengence
upon the MacFarlands, even if he has to do it from prison.
Cara and Dayne, now happily married, go
through trials that will shatter their self-complacency and test their love.
Dayne will be lied about and like Joseph in the Bible must hold steady for God’s
timing. Cara has suffered hurts and abuse from her former marriage. With Dayne
she thought everything would be smooth sailing. But when the lies surface, can
she trust him, does she love him enough to stay strong for his sake? Will her
mustard seed faith grow or be uprooted?
Please tell us a little about your book…
The
Redemption of Caralynne Hayman: Please tell us a little about your book…
How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?
Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year- old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.
Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.
Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.
Can Cara overcome the feelings that have governed her most of her life? Can she learn to trust
Dayne, and most of all a God whom she sees as uncaring—if he’s really there at all? Only Dayne’s prayers and love can reach Cara and show her the way to redemption, and Cara must recognize and accept God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far.
I’d love to connect with readers at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
Website: http://carolebrownauthor.com/
I also participate on:
Barn Door Book Loft http://www.barndoorbookloft.net Geezers Gals and Guys: http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Carole for visiting with us this week. I really enjoyed it!
Drawing will be held October, 26
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