Tomorrow's Surprise

You read that right, I have a surprise (that's not so surprising) for tomorrows {Writer Wednesday} post!  There will be a giveaway!

Yes, yes I hear you - fists raised, tears streaming, voices crying out! 

I'm excited too - I just want to make sure that you remember to check back here tomorrow for a lovely interview with Eileen Rife and a chance to win her new novel Chosen Ones. That's right - you could be the chosen one to receive a hard copy of Chosen Ones! 

How do you enter? 

It's easy! Come back to the blog tomorrow (I'll be posting links on Facebook & Google+) and be sure to leave a comment for Eileen and an email that I can contact you through when you WIN. I will be choosing one lucky winner on Sunday evening (contest closes at 9pm Pacific Standard Time) and will announce the winner on Monday March 25.

See you tomorrow :)

Thoughts about exciting news

As I'm sure you've guessed, I love writing of all kinds. Part of the reason why I started this blog was to give myself an outlet to "publish" these thoughts. Over time, the focus of this little blog has grown and been shaped by the growth of my own passions.  As I delve into scripture my thinking theology posts reflect this (posts like Hearing & Doing or Thoughts on Community).  When I felt the Lord leading me to focus more on my writing, I noticed another change in the blog, like the addition of {Writer Wednesday} posts as well as my RE:View Friday posts focused on reviewing books.

You, my dear readers, have taken all of these changes in stride and I appreciate that so much! I love that I can come to you with thoughts on the Bible one day and introduce a new writer to you the next. I'm a bit eclectic and my blog reflects that due to the nature of my varying passions. In addition to the things I've already mentioned, I have also shared my thoughts in a more devotional manner in my recent Valentines Day Blues posts (found here). I really enjoyed writing those posts but I think what I enjoyed more was the feedback I got from the women who read the posts. I bring this all up because the news I have to share with you deals with that type of writing.

*Drum roll please*

I am now a monthly contributor to a brand new magazine and online blog called Her Glory! This is a wonderful place for women to come and be encouraged through articles and real stories of women just like them. The team of writers is extensive and covers a wide range of women in all walks and stages of life.  I love that there are married and single women as well as younger and older women contributing to this magazine and blog. If you are a woman, I'm sure you will find something on this site to encourage and bless you.

Used with permission from Her Glory

I love how the Lord has brought this into my life at just the right time. I've been interested in joining a site just like this but everything I looked into just wasn't "right" for me. You know, that little feeling that nudges your heart and you know not to take the next step. Then, one night I happened across a post from the Founder and Editor in Chief of Her Glory, Aysha Gerald, in a photography group I'm a part of. After checking it out, I just knew we'd be a good fit and thankfully Aysha thought so to!

Used with permission from Her Glory

I am excited for this next stage of my writing and what it will free me up to do with this blog. I love how thinking thoughts... has really morphed into a place for readers and writers to come and discuss books, writing, and occasionally a little practical theology.  I will continue on with {Writer Wednesday} and RE:View Friday posts in addition to my musings on writing as I take you with me through the trials and joys of attempting to be published.

I also invite you ladies to continue to follow my devotional posts at Her Glory. This magazine and blog is new as of March 1st and could use as much publicity as it can get! Check out thee Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram pages and help spread the word.

As for this {Writer Wednesday} I will give you a hint and say that if you are looking for a new book to read, you will need to check out the author interview on Wednesday *cough*GIVEAWAY*cough*.

Rebecca Carey Lyles {Writer Wednesday}

Happy Wednesday to you all!  I'm excited to introduce you to Rebecca Carey Lyles.

A little bit about Rebecca...

Rebecca Carey Lyles is a freelance writer and editor whose articles and stories have appeared in magazines and compilations. In addition to her novels, she’s also written two nonfiction books, “It’s a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships” and "On a Wing and a Prayer: Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry." She and her husband, Steve, live in beautiful Boise, Idaho.

How to connect with Rebecca...
Website: www.beckylyles.com
Email: beckylyles@beckylyles.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebeccacareylyles
Twitter: @BeckyLyles
Blog: widgetwords.wordpress.com


Author Interview | Rebecca Carey Lyles

You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself:  How did you start writing?  What has kept you writing? 
...I began writing shortly after our first child was born many moons ago. Although I’d majored in an unrelated field, I felt the draw to write, especially after attending a how-to-write class taught by a local journalist. I’ve had short stories and articles as well as fiction and nonfiction books published.

...Why do I keep writing? I’ve received my fair share of rejection letters over the years. At times, trying to get my work published felt somewhat masochistic, like I was pounding my head against a brick wall. But I think the saying is true—a writer can’t not write. I love to receive encouraging comments from those who’ve read my books, but even without positive feedback, I’d probably continue to write.
 
What was the hardest thing about publishing?  The easiest?
...For me, getting a book to the point it was publishable was the hard part. I wrote and rewrote “Winds of Wyoming”—and rewrote some more. Then the manuscript went to the editor, who gave me even more rewriting “opportunities.”

...The easy part? I had a fairly specific picture in my head of what I thought the cover of my novel should look like. The publisher liked my idea, and the cover artist understood my vision—only took him two or three attempts to translate my ideas into beautiful cover art.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...The “Winds of Wyoming” sequel, “Winds of Freedom,” continues the story of the heroine and her life after prison. I’m happy to announce I recently finished the final “Freedom” rewrite (phew!) and sent it to my wonderful proofreaders. I wrote the book not only to expand the heroine’s story but to encourage women who have found or currently find themselves in dangerous situations because they didn’t rely on God for guidance.

Do you have a favorite character in this work?  If so, why?
...My readers often mention how much they like Dymple in “Winds of Wyoming.” I like her, too, and included her in the sequel. She’s a feisty no-nonsense octogenarian with a big heart and a humorous speech propensity.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...No matter the situation, God is the one who breaks our chains and sets us free. “He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.” (Psalm 107:14) “Set me free from my prison, so I can thank you.” (Psalm 142:7)

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?  Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...My characters tend to be a combination of fascinating people I’ve met and imagination twists. The heroine of the “Winds” books, Kate Neilson, is based on two beautiful young women I met through prison ministry. One was incarcerated in Wyoming and the other in Arizona. Both were tall and slender, and both had brown eyes, long brown hair and sweet humble spirits. Dymple is a combination of my grandmothers and other courageous older women I’ve known and admired.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Read–write–rewrite, read–write– rewrite, read–write–rewrite; attend writing classes, conferences, workshops and seminars; read how-to-write books, magazines and blogs; join a writers group, join a critique group, find a critique partner.

You
Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what was most helpful about it?
...I’ve attended numerous conferences in the West, some large, some medium-sized and some very small. They’ve all had their highlights and I always learned something. When I was a new writer, I appreciated the emphasis on the basics of good writing and the energy of mingling with likeminded individuals. As a more experienced, published author, I still love hanging out with writers, and I enjoy hearing about the latest publishing trends, learning new marketing techniques, and being reminded of what I’m doing right as well as wrong in the writing realm.

What’s your favorite green food?  (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
...Didn’t even have to think about this one—avocados! I eat the yummy fruit at least twice a week in a sandwich or salad or by itself with salt. Avocados are great in fruit smoothies as well as salsa.

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...I’d love to hang out at a log cabin in the mountains—or a shingled beach house overlooking the ocean. Writing with a beautiful view outside the window (or deck) followed by a trail hike or a walk on the beach sounds like the good life to me!

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Thank you so much Becky! I love your advice to aspiring authors - I feel like most of my free time is spent either reading, writing, or rereading/rewriting ;)  I also love that you have taken traits for your characters from ministry that you've been involved with! I love how their stories are now intertwined with your stories - even if they'll never know it.

You can also check out her latest release, Winds of Wyoming...

Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee. A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner. When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will trail as close as a shadow and imprison her once again.

What people are saying about Winds of Wyoming...

Everybody should read this book, western fans or not. It has something for everyone. Suspense, romance, intrigue and just about all you want in a great novel. Keep them coming. 

-Mike D

 To purchase Winds of Wyoming, click [here].

Keep an eye out for Winds of Freedom coming soon...

Four women fight for freedom and wholeness—for themselves and each other. Kate Neilson’s own loss and heartache during a long cold winter take a backseat to the needs of her failing great-aunt plus those of her mother-in-law and her best friend, who’ve both been ensnared by evil.

Where did grammar go?

A little writing fun :)

I was having fun coming up with potential titles for this post and thought I'd share a few:

Mistakes that make BANK!

u kno u want to read thissss

Grammar & Syntax - they DO exist! 
(yes, this is a take on the M&M's commercial)

I was inspired to write this post a few days ago while reading a pretty popular blog. I won't mention what blog, it's not important, but let's just say that the writer isn't a professional though they are pretty well known for their topic and their writing (lots of followers/page views/etc.).  I know - slightly cryptic - but it got me thinking...

You see, I read a sentence that, in my humble writer's opinion, could have been formed more clearly.  In fact, there were several errors and I found myself stopping to wonder, "What happened to grammar and syntax?"

There are lots of great writers out there, but I feel like most of the time a blog is littered with grammar and syntax errors, not to mention the slang and cultural phrases that are used (I fully include myself in this, just so you know).  A well-composed post is a rarity. 

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that new generations are all about being heard and not so much about the means, but either way - poor writing skills are accepted. I'd even go so far as to say they are encouraged.

Texting conversation example

I believe social media is to blame. 

Blame may sound harsh. I hear you all out there shouting, "But I love my Facebook!" or "Where would I be without Twitter?" and I'd unashamedly have to join in with that, but I have to admit it's affected a lot more than just my free time on the computer.

With the age of emailing, text-ing, and Facebook-ing, a whole new type of communication has emerged.  It's now fine to forget capitalizing "I", to replace "you" with "u", to type "haha" and have it mean something is funny, and to incorporate all sorts of acronyms like "lol", "brb", "btw", or "rotfl" (to name a few). Introduce blogs to this scene and it makes sense why we would be content reading something that isn't as polished as we've been used to in the past.

Don't get me wrong, I think the freedom you have in a blog format is a great thing (obviously, because you are currently reading my thoughts on my blog).  I guess, more than anything, being a writer and a blogger, I struggled with how much I can "break" writing rules and still feel justified in publishing what I've written for all to see.

I'm always surprised to find highly successful blogs that aren't as polished as I think they should be. That's not true for all successful blogs, but there are many that write in all lower case or write from a conversational standpoint that is less "professional" sounding.  I'd even go as far as to say that these type of blogs, the ones that draw you in due to the real-ness of the author, are some of the most successful (but that's just my opinion).

What does that mean for writers?

This question depends on what you are writing about and who your writing for.

The one thing I am concerned about is if this acceptance of error will drastically affect readers - I'm talking book readers, not blog readers necessarily. Will authors have to change up their writing in the future to cater to a lack of interest in proper English and a taste for slang? There have been many studies done about the decrease in recreational reading already. I wonder if that will continue, or just change to online articles, blogs, and eBooks only?

What do you think? 

>>Do you have a blog where you just like to write out thoughts without having to agonize over proper grammar and syntax? Who is your audience?

>>If you're a reader, do you enjoy reading polished articles, thrown together posts, or does it matter to you?

>>If you're an author, do you think blogs and online outlets will negatively affect "solid" literature? [I say "solid" not to put any one type of book above another, just to delineate between casual, blog-type writing versus published/novel length literature]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments below!

Mary Annslee Urban {Writer Wednesday}

I had the distinct blessing of being the event photographer for the SCV Pregnancy Center (our local pregnancy center) fundraising banquet last night!  It was so wonderful to hear the keynote speaker Melissa Ohden and to be moved, encouraged, and inspired by her story.  Talk about amazing!  Check out a brief post I did on my photography blog [here] and be on the look out for more photos from the event soon! 

I'm also so excited to be back in the swing of things for {Writer Wednesday}! We have a wonderful interview with Mary Annslee Urban today and I can't wait for you to get to know her better :)

Here's a little bit about Mary ...

Tapestry of Trust

Mary Annslee Urban is an author of Inspirational Romance. Her goal is to write stories that stir the heart about love, honor and God's grace! Her debut book, Tapestry of Trust, White Rose Publishing, was released June 2012. Her second book with White Rose Publishing, She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, will be released Fall of 2012.

A registered nurse by profession, Mary works part-time in the behavioral health field. She also has been a freelance writer for newspapers in her area and has had articles published in magazines as well as online publications. She has served as co-president of Carolina's Christian Writers and is a member of ACFW. A North Carolina resident, Mary and her husband have five children and 3 grandchildren. When she isn't writing, she enjoys Bible Studies, cooking, traveling, long walks and anything chocolate!

How to connect with Mary...
Blog: maryurban.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.a.urban.9

Amazon: Author Page

Google+: https://plus.google.com/112306007651825730409/posts

Author Interview | Mary Annslee Urban

You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? 
...I grew up watching old-time romance movies, which I believe started my passion for sweet romance, true love and happy endings. A daydreamer at heart, I began my writing journey when the youngest of my five children started school. For several years I worked as a freelance writer for local newspapers and contributed articles to magazines and online publications.
...Raised in the foothills of Arizona, I survived temperature shock when I moved to Western Pennsylvania, before setting in North Carolina with my husband and children. Aside from writing, I work part-time as a Registered Nurse in the Behavioral Health field. I’m a member of ACFW, and currently serve as vice-president of Carolina Christian Writers. I have three published novels.  They are Tapestry of Trust, released June 2012, and She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, November 2012 and In Love’s Defense, due out this September 2013.
…When I’m not writing, I enjoy cooking, traveling to faraway places, playing with grandbabies and eating all things chocolate.

What has kept you writing?
…I had such a passion to write I couldn’t stop myself. I just loved learning and improving the craft.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written?
…Whichever book I’m working on is my favorite at the time. I get so involved in watching the characters come to life and can’t wait to see how the story evolves.

What was the hardest thing about publishing?
...Waiting! For replies from agents, publishers, editors. The easiest? Getting the call or email that the book has sold!

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...I write Inspirational Romance. Right now I am working on an historical and just finished a romantic suspense.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...The struggles my characters over come to get to the romance. With Christ at the helm.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?  Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both? 
…My stories are from my imagination, although threads of my life experiences are tangled within the characters and story.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
…Definitely to encourage people and hopefully bring them closer to God.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Don’t give up. Follow your passion and the path the Lord has set before you.

You
Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
…I recently attended the ACFW conference in Dallas. I gleaned so much from the various workshops. There’s always so much to learn.

What’s your favorite green food?  (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
…Spinach. Fresh, or cooked. I love it!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...Northern Italy. We were there once, in the mountains around Verona. It was so beautiful and serene. And my grandfather’s family was from that area, which made it even more special.

____________________________________

Thank you for that wonderful interview Mary!  I would have to agree with your choice for a month-long getaway to Italy.  I've been there once for a week and cannot wait until I get the chance to go back! I also loved how you said the hardest thing about publishing was the waiting.  I think that goes for most good things in life - eh?  Well, I really appreciate you sharing with us!

By far my favorite question for this month is the last one regarding traveling.  You'll have the chance to hear three more authors thoughts on this, but until the next {Writer Wednesday} what is your answer to that question? I'd love to hear your answers below!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month where would you go? 

Giving Up

Are you ever tempted to give up? I'm not just talking about writing, but about anything in life? Maybe something you're passionate about?

Tonight, thought I'm tired and ready to quit writing forever I feel like I learned something from one of my characters, Rik.  In this scene he is encouraging Alice, the protagonist, while she is struggling with surrendering all of her life to Christ - especially the hard parts.

“It is a lot to ask.” He leaned back, staring at his hands, which were laced together in front of him. “Christ requires all of you, not just part. Remember, you can’t do it - not on your own, at least - but He is there to help you. Through His Spirit you can do it. ”

 Maybe it's silly learning something from your own words, or maybe it's just God's way of teaching me?  Either way, I know that I was encouraged to remember the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our lives if they are surrendered to Christ. Just like Alice, I can't do it on my own. I can't write a book, I can't edit it, I can't get published. I can't even try and make the book better.  What I can do is submit it to the Lord and remember that all my work is unto Him and for His glory.

That, to me, is a very comforting thought and a definite boost in my perseverance. 

Do you ever feel this way, like I have tonight? Like things are too hard, life is too difficult, or the tasks before you require more than you have to give?

Do you turn to the Lord for comfort? To His Scripture? To His Spirit?

RE:View | Key Witness by Christy Barritt

It's my pleasure to review Key Witness by award-winning mystery and suspense novelist Christy Barritt.

About the book...

When Elle Philips witnesses an armed robbery while standing in line at the bank, she sets into motion a deadly game of cat and mouse. Mark Denton, a security contractor and former navy SEAL, also witnesses the robbery, and is hired by Elle's father to keep his daughter safe following the incident. And while Denton's desire to protect Elle goes beyond professional bounds, he cannot let personal desires cloud his judgment—judgment he'll have to rely on when the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge.

Key Witness...

When I received this book, I was excited to start it and, once I had, it was extremely difficult to put down!

Following footsteps of Elle Philips, a politicians daughter and campaign manager, we she her first real interaction with Mark Denton in the worst-case scenario possible, a bank robbery.  When Denton is hired to protect Elle, the two are thrown into one dire circumstance after another.  This time together with Denton is exactly what Elle is not looking for - close proximity with a handsome man.

Get ready for an action packed, adrenaline laced ride with Elle and Denton!  No only will you be kept guessing until the end, you will also find yourself drawn to the complex characters Christy has created in Elle and Denton.  They come alive and their story will compel you just as the robbers plot will keep you guessing to the very end.

It's not very often that you can find a book that keeps surprising you, but Key Witness is that book!  You won't be able to put this down and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense laced with sweet romance. 

To purchase this book click {here}
To learn more about Christy Barritt, check out her website.
 

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.