Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal from Tyndale | RE:VIEW

This colorful and imaginative prayer and praise journal will launch you into a creative devotional time with the Lord!

I'm seriously in love with this journal! From the moment I unwrapped it I was smitten with the colors, style, and creative appeal. First off, this beauty is well crafted with solid front and back boards that give stability to your coloring and journaling no matter where you take it.

Moving to the inside you'll find beautifully created pages that take you through devotional concepts with a fresh approach. There's room to draw, prompts for journaling, and, of course, pages for coloring! I love that some of the prompts even suggest drawing visual expressions of the verses.

I highly recommend this amazing journal for those who are looking to do devotions in a new and refreshing way. I also recommend this as a great gift option for friends in your life who like being creative or love coloring. It's not only relaxing, but it will also lead you to dig deeper in your relationship with the Lord.

My Rating: 5*
Purchase: Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Jornal

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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.

ACFW 2016 Recap

What do you get when nearly 600 writers and authors gather together?

FUN!

This was my fourth year as the ACFW Conference photographer and each year gets better and better. The end tally for headshots this year was 43 sessions - WOW! I took over 1000 photos just of the conference alone. To be honest, I really enjoy attending the conference as the photographer and as a writer. It gives me a unique perspective--a lens to view things through (see what I did there?)--that is unlike anything else. Besides, it means I get to meet a lot of incredible people too!

Below you'll see some highlights in photo-form of the wonderful friends I was able to see again as well as those I was able to meet in person for the first time!

Loved seeing Carrie Fancett Pagels again, reconnecting with the ever-encouraging Deb Kastner, meeting Kara Isaac for the first time, and hanging out with my best friend Steffani Webb!

 Loved seeing Kathleen Freeman, meeting Katie Breslin in person finally, laughing it up with Jaime Jo Wright, and reconnecting with sweet Anne Love!

Listening to his inspirational speech at the gala and talking photography with Jim Rubart, laughing and being a goof with sweet Mary Weber, catching up and doing a super fun photo session with Rachel Hauck, and seeing the lovely and encouraging Cara Putman!

Laughing and doing model-like things with Nadine Brandes, wishing Ronie happy birthday, meeting Meghan Gorecki in person and taking so many photos of her lovely eyes, and meeting talented Jamie Lapeyrolerie in person!!!

 Meeting Ted Dekker - one of my all-time favorite authors, rooming with Steffani, Natalie Walters, and Kelly Bridgewater, seeing the beautiful Ronie Kendig, and smiling with Steff again ;)

Laughing it up with Katie Ganshert and Rel Mollet! These ladies - they make my heart so happy!

And Ted's incredible teaching. He has such a unique story and the way that he was able to explain how he writes and his own writing journey was fascinating. 

 

***

 

I'd like to say that I walked away with some fantastic writing gems to share with you (and I definitely did learn a lot) but for me, this conference was heavily focused on relationships. It was absolutely stunning what the Lord taught me through the many 'divine appointments' I had and how encouraged I was through it all. Yes...I even cried some. But that's for another post ;-)

For more updates about the conference, including info on how my editor appointments went, make sure you've signed up for my newsletter! It'll be going out next week! In addition to a sweet GIVEAWAY there's a rumor going around that there'll be really funny pictures of me and some other authors in there...

And a BIG thank you to all who prayed for my time at the conference. I saw God work in a mighty way!

DiAnn Mills {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about DiAnn...

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Connect with DiAnn...

Website: www.diannmills.com
Blog: http://www.diannmills.com/articles/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
Purchase: Deadly Encounter

Get to know DiAnn...

You and Writing 

 
My bio says that I want readers to Expect an Adventure. This is my personal challenge to take readers to a place physically, mentally, and spiritually where they’ve never been. If I want readers to experience my character’s victories, trials, joys, and defeats then I must do the same. Story is my God-given purpose, and I view it as a ministry.
How did you start writing? 
My husband dared me! “Stop telling me one day you’re going to write a book. Do it now. Quit your job. I give you one year to get anything published.”

What has kept you writing? 
The joy of story written from a Christian worldview.

What or who is the biggest influence in your writing? 
My husband. He’s my best cheerleader.

Why do you write? 
Because I cannot not write. God gave me the gift, and I will honor Him.

Your Writing

Why did you write it?
A good friend of mine is an airport volunteer here in Houston. This group patrols the outer perimeter of IAH on horseback and reports any incidents to the police. She is also a huge dog lover. I wanted to show a real heroine who had the strength to overcome a huge obstacle - in my city.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? 
Stacy, the heroine. She’s stronger than she believes, and when faced with tragedies, she chooses to be a survivor.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? 
Life and circumstances do not dictate the person. We all have choices.

What was a challenge you faced while writing it?
Learning about canine diseases and linking them with a genetically engineered technique.

What did you learn while writing it?
All about the Airport Rangers, their mission, training, and dedicated volunteers.

Is there a funny story associated with writing the book?
Yes! I’m petrified of dogs.

We're your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
I do extensive characterization before beginning the writing process, but I always learn so much more while writing.

What made you choose the setting for the book?
My city - Houston. We are the 4th largest city in the nation. A lot goes on here, good and not so good. I want to show real people in the midst of keeping others safe.

What's the most random thing you had to Google for the story?
The various ways drones are used.

What was one thing (or character) that surprised you while writing this book?
Whitt, the twelve-year-old boy that Stacy is attempting to gain custody. I didn’t realize how much he loved her.

What’s your favorite snack while writing?
Black coffee and a handful of peanut butter pretzels.

Writing 

How long did you write before you got published? 
Six months before a devotion was published. My first book was published fifteen months after I finished it.

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
Never stop learning and to pass on what is learned to another serious writer. The blessings are incredible.

How many rejection letters did you get before being accepted by a publisher?
I’m trying to think - probably eight or ten.

Are you a Panster or Plotter?
I’m both! I have a few critical scenes that will make the story shiver, but how I get there is a thrilling ride.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?
I enjoy every part of the creating a story: pre-writing, plotting, beginning the story, the continuous editing, right on to feedback from my publisher. Every moment spent means a better book, and that’s my goal.

How long did it take to publish your first book?
A total of nearly two years. I started submitting before it was finished.

What did you learn along the path to publishing that you’d care to share as encouragement?
Listen and stay atop the publishing industry. Changes happen on a daily basis.

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
Everywhere! Dreams, movies, media, listening to others, etc. 

Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft?
Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook. James Scott Bell, Plot and Structure. Steven James, Story Trumps Structure.

How do you grow in your writing craft?
By devoting time daily to reading the how-to books, blogs, and the bestsellers in my genre.

How do you balance your writing life with “real” life? Any tips or tricks to share?
It’s all about priorities: God, spouse, family, friends, and writing.

You

Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
I’ve attended more writing conferences than I can count. These are my favorite in the order I remember since I started writing seriously in 1996:

• Wheaton Write to Publish 
• Mount Hermon 
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference 
• ACFW National Conference

Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert? 
Without a doubt! Apple Crumb Pie - flaky crust, lots of cinnamon, and served warm with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t forget a freshly brewed cup of black coffee.

What are you currently reading? 
The Last Mile by David Baldacci

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A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears | New Novel News

A Heart Most Certain
by Melissa Jagears

Published: Augusts 2, 2016
Publisher: Bethany House
Purchase:  A Heart Most Certain

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

Get to know Melissa...

What are the names of your pets? If you don't have any, what would you name your pets?
We have two animals, a cat and a dog. The cat is my daughter’s that she got when she was a toddler. He’s a yellow tabby and she named him Sunflower. Since that’s a rather feminine name, we call him Sonny. The dog is a stray, but he didn’t eat our chickens, so we kept him. Our daughter named him Mickey. Since we don’t have television, and she’d never seen Mickey Mouse before, I have no idea where she got the name, but thankfully it was more masculine than Sunflower.

Do you have a nickname? Care to share?
My nickname is Izzy Bee. When I was in junior high, a friend of a friend called me that and I turned around and asked her if that’s what she was calling me, and she said, “Yes, you’ve been answering to it for weeks now.” And I said, “Well that’s not my name.” But evidently I had indeed been answering to it for weeks because plenty of people were already calling me that, and it stuck. You can tell who my older friends are, because they call me Izzy. It’s very odd to hear my husband introduce me to people as Melissa.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
Out of all my heroes so far, Nicholas in my new release A Heart Most Certain is definitely my crush. He’s the richest hero I’ve written, has a mansion, is very well read, has a huge library, compassionate, fastidious, tall, dark, and handsome with a great smile. Though he’s a bit tough on the outside, he’s soft on the inside. He’s like a combination of Mr. Darcy and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. What’s not to love?

 Connect with Melissa: http://melissajagears.com/

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Dana Mentink {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Dana...


Dana Mentink is a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner. She is the author of over thirty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and she has also been honored with a Holt Medallion Award. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Connect with Dana...

Website: www.danamentink.com  
Blog: https://dmentink.wordpress.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.mentink
Twitter: @danamentink
You Tube Channel: https://youtu.be/GW6d8JKY_-I
Purchase: Fetching Sweetness

Get to know Dana...

You and Writing

Hey, all! Thanks for chatting with me today! Writing has always been my passion and it invades all aspects of my life, it seems. In addition to writing books, I teach third grade so I spend a good deal of time discussing the nuts and bolts of writing with my young peeps! Words have power, I tell them, so use them wisely. I love writing because it is a way to reach across miles and sometimes continents and touch other people. My aim it to inspire and encourage folks that they are deeply loved by God, no matter what their life circumstances or the wacky troubles we all seem to get into.

Your Writing

This three book dog series for Harvest House has been a complete joy for me to write. I'm naturally quirky and comic and is there any more joyful protagonist to write about than an exuberant dog of dubious ancestry? There definitely were some low points along the way, however. During the period I wrote this series, we lost our beloved elderly Nala. She was absolutely the most neurotic German Shepherd in the universe, petrified of everything from flies to brooms, and we loved her profoundly. I grieved as I wrote the first book, Sit, Stay, Love, and it took a long time for me to be ready to adopt another dog. Fetching Sweetness kind of bridged the gap for me, reminding me of the mischief, mayhem and merriment that a dog can add to our lives. That led us to adopt Junie, twelve pounds of trouble in a fur coat! Fetching Sweetness explores an issue that is on my mind often. How do I know if I'm following God, or my own desires? It's the central question the hero movie mogul Rhett Hastings asks himself as he tries to right a terrible wrong from his past. The heroine, Literary agent Stephanie Pink, embarks on her own zany mission to find an author's missing dog and in the process she will wrestle with her God-given purpose as well.

Writing

People ask me quite frequently if I have any advice for beginning writers. Since I'm all about encouragement, here are my top three tips for those looking to bust into this nutty world of fiction writing.

1. Read, read and read. You cannot write well if you do not read. Read the genres you love, and those you don't. Read for pleasure and then read to look at the author's craft. It's crucial.

2. If you want to make writing your business, treat it like one. Set a schedule and word count and keep to it. If you treat it like a hobby, it's going to remain a hobby, and that's perfectly okay, but if you want it to be your life's work, you have to start thinking of yourself as a writer and writers are working pretty much all the time on one story or another. Writing for a living is basically running your own small business.

3. Stick to it. Writing is a discouraging endeavor. The thing that keeps you going is that voice inside, that God prompting that makes you put your head down and plow on, in spite of bad reviews, rejection letters and mean Twitter comments. I've gotten plenty of all of these, believe me. Be mad for a day, rant and rave, grumble to your hubby, friends, relatives and fellow writers, drown your sorrows in a gallon of fudge ripple ice cream. Then put it behind you and keep going.

You

Of course, writing is a craft which requires constant improvement, so I attend writing conferences when I can. It's tricky with my teaching schedule, but the best thing about conferences is the networking. I love meeting other authors because it's such a solitary business and it gets me out of my cave. At conferences, all the writers emerge, blinking, from their dark caves and actually attempt to make conversation. It's hilarious and lots of fun.

What? What's that you say? August is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day???? Stop the presses. I am a sweets fanatic and pie is way at the top of my list. Really, I never met a dessert I didn't like, except maybe marzipan. If you want to know my naughty junk food writing snack, you'll have to go to my YouTube channel to find out. I refuse to put it in writing in case any of my third graders or their parents may stumble across it. If they are reading this blog...I love BROCCOLI FLORETS. There. That should be a safe answer for an adult role model!

Thank you so much for having me, Emilie! You are so sweet to include me! God bless!

Enter to win a copy of Fetching Sweetness below!
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ACFW Bound | 2016

It’s time! It’s time! Time to leave for Nashville TOMORROW! I am SO excited (if you couldn’t already tell) to be heading off to the ACFW Conference. If you don’t know what it is, check out their website for more details.

What I'm looking forward to…

Writer fellowship 
This is by far the best part of ACFW – connecting (and reconnecting) with fellow writers! Okay, and also fan-girling over my favorite authors! Nothing beats talking about plots, appointments, books, and the unique struggles and joys of being a writer with other writers. Plus my dear friend Steffani (who’s like a sister to me) is coming for the first time this year!

Encouragement
It is easy to get “down” when you find yourself writing alone. Coming together for a conference like ACFW’s is fantastic because we remember that we are not alone. I always walk away from a conference like this bursting with new ideas for books and new inspiration and excitement to meet my goals!

Learning & Refreshment
No matter if you are a seasoned writer or a newbie, a conference like ACFW is perfect for learning new things about your craft as well as coming away refreshed. There is something magical about staying up late talking about fictional people with your writing friends only to wake up the next day itching to write!

Headshot sessions
I have over 40 headshot sessions schedule for this conference and I am beyond excited! I love all aspects of the conference, but my sessions hold a special place in my heart because, for 15 minutes out of the day, I get to connect with other writers and make them smile (well, that’s the hope hehe).

Fun!
Um, ACFW is just crazy fun! ‘Nuff said.

How you can pray…

Traveling
I leave tomorrow to drive to Nashville from Dayton so prayers for safety would be great!

Pitches & Nerves
I’ll be meeting with editors to pitch a book series and I am just a tad bit okay a lot nervous! Prayers for peace at the time of the appointment as well as clarity of thought so I can actually explain what my series is about would be great :D

Genuine connections
I see the ACFW Conference not only as a “means to an end” (like a book contract) but as a means to establishing genuine relationships with fellow writers. It’s easy to get caught up in the business side of things sometimes but, to me, ACFW is more about building true friendships than anything else. I’d love prayer for “Divine Appointments” from the Lord and the courage to step up and be outgoing when needed.

Follow my adventures: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emiliehendryx/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createexploreread
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eacreativephoto
Newsletter: Sign up HERE to receive my follow up conference newsletter and a chance to win a $10 Amazon giftcard ;-)

If you’re attending the conference what are some things you’re looking forward to? If you are a reader, what author would you “dream” of meeting?

Christy Barritt & Christine Meunier | New Novel News

Disillusioned
by Christy Barritt

Published: August 9, 2016
From: Waterfall Press
Purchase: Disillusioned

Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal. But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust the man who broke her heart?


Get to know Christy...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters? 
Jessica Alba as Nikki White and Chris Evans as Kade Wheaton.

Who is your favorite secondary character?
One of the characters in this book is named Marti. She was also in Dubiosity. She runs a ministry for migrant workers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is a conspiracy theory nut. I really like writing about her!

What are the names of your pets?
I have three dogs: a standard sized Australian shepherd named Rusty, a mini-Aussie named Sparky, and a Maltese named Molly.

Connect with Christy: http://www.christybarritt.com/ 

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B and B
by Christine Meunier

Published: August 17, 2016
From: Self-Published
Purchase: B and B


Things are changing…

Ben likes his life at Happy Trails. As a trail guide on a property in Australia he doesn’t have to work hard to make friends. All he needs to do is make sure his clients are safe on their horses and have an enjoyable ride.

Ben can manage that. He loves that he can work with horses all day, every day. The humans are an added annoyance but he only has to deal with them in short bouts.

The new cook hired for the farm looks like she could be a complication. Ben is averse to change and he is certain her arrival means change.

Brooke knows the trial position as cook at Happy Trails is a blessing. She needs a job to support herself and her daughter – the fact that she can cook for an income is an added bonus.

If she can just avoid the interest of trail guide and jokester Jake, she’ll be fine. After all, she isn’t interested in a new male in her life. She just wants to focus on her daughter and make a future for them.

Get to know Christine...

Favorite season?
I love spring! Plenty of flowers, new growth, baby animals, sunshine and lots of time to be outdoors!

If your main characters were animals, what would they be?
Can I get even more specific than just saying horses? Brooke is a very sensitive character and being a redhead, I would have to say that she is chestnut in colour, but a Quarter Horse as they are a very sensible, dependable breed.

Benaiah is tall, broad and dark haired, so I’d have to say he’d be a brown or black warmblood.

What are you reading right now?
The Bible, A Promise for Ellie by Lauraine Snelling, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and The Further Adventures of the $700 Pony by Ellen Broadhurst.

Connect with Christine: 
http://www.horsecountrybook.com/