Heroes and Heroines of Dystopian Fiction by Vannetta Chapman | Guest Post

What’s your favorite kind of hero/heroine? Do you envision the hero riding in to save the day on a horse? Or driving a sports car? Is your heroine a woman with a career or a stay at home mom?

My upcoming release, Deep Shadows, is a dystopian story. These are tales centered around a dramatic change in society, major what if scenarios. They are stories about relationships and how they survive or crumble when what we’ve feared, as a society, occurs. They’re stories of faith and hope in the most desperate of times. And the major characters in these stories are a bit different!

Dystopian heroes/heroines:

1. Are usually “reluctant heroes.” They don’t seek the spotlight and don’t want to be the one in charge. But when things fall apart, they step into the role where they’re needed.
2.  Have unusual skills. Usually those are survival skills. They know how to find things that you need to survive. They know how to get by without their cell phone, Google, and GPS. 
3. Are loyal. They might not be the strongest or the bravest, but they genuinely care about their family and friends, and they’re willing to do anything to honor their promises. 
4. Are adaptable. In a dystopian world everything is turned upside down. Heroes are able to adjust quickly. Instead of asking “why” they focus on “what we need to do now.” They understand the time to grieve over what’s been lost is later. The thing to do now is to be strong for friends/family/neighbors. 
5. Have an abiding faith. Despite the odds, the bleak turn of events, the seemingly desperate future, heroes and heroines in a Christian dystopian novel believe that God is still in control. Do they struggle? Sure. Do they doubt? Sometimes. But in the end, they lead others not just through a crumbling world but on a journey of faith.

Deep Shadows is the first book in my upcoming Remnant Series. It’s a significant change from the Amish books I’ve previously published, and for me this journey began with a few questions:

Would I know how to survive if the technology I use every day disappeared?

Would I be strong, physically and emotionally, to care for my family?

Would my faith, my belief in God’s care and provide, remain strong?

Deep Shadows is a journey into fast paced, unexpected journey through a world turned topsy-turvy. I hope it’s a journey that you’ll take with me.

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Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace, including romantic suspense and Amish romance novels. She is the author of seventeen novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery series and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.

Connect with Vannetta: 
http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
https://www.instagram.com/vannettachapman/

Real-Life Encouragment from Ficition by Delores Liesner | Guest Post

Books are everywhere in my house. Nonfiction, commentary, spirituality, health and research are in the study. Biography and Bible study form 1/3 of currently reading or to-be-read shelves, writing related materials line my office, Biblical fiction, nature, historical and cozy mystery fill baskets by the reading chair, all the books in which I have a story have their own cabinet and in every room in the house and in the car – inspirational stories – mostly fiction. I read an average of 2-3 books a week and during December (and months when I do judging) a book or several novellas each day. Books have affected and continue to affect all areas of my life.

Grace Livingston Hill and O’Henry got me hooked on story, Liz Curtis Higgs and Florence Littauer on humor, and Chicken Soup books on brevity. My most frequently read genre is Inspirational Fiction - preferably with humor and a little romance because I enjoy the respite they offer.

Sequential stories are favorites - Jan Karon’s Mitford series, the Sisterchick series by Robin Gunn, Neda Jackson’s Yada Yada books, the Texas Crossroad Series by Amanda Cabot, numerous series by Janice Hanna Thompson including Brides with Style and multiple-author series like Grace Chapel Inn and Love Finds You. Weekly reads are Heartsong authors like Linda Glaz, Jenna Mindel, Coleen Reece, Lauraine Snelling, Melody Carlson, and Christine Johnson. Other fiction I enjoy are Dan Walsh’s Restoration Series and his fiction based on a true story like The Discovery, and The Reunion — keepers that I read again and again.

And they all have something in common – something I wish more professors, counselors, psychologists and therapists realized. It is that fiction can bring life change in a non-threatening way (tweet this) and action steps to make those changes are more clearly understood through story than textbooks. I particularly choose and read fiction centered around real-life situations and responses because I can then pass them on to someone with a particular need, and know this book will clarify what worked for someone else and bring hope to the reader.

It’s tough, I can imagine you saying, (ha ha) to “have to” read all those books because I am not comfortable recommending something unless I have read it. I love to read and it is more like I ‘get to’ choose 2-3 books a week to expand my knowledge, increase vocabulary and enjoy a unique prayer-starter for acquaintances struggling through similar situations.

Because I’ve experienced encouragement myself from inspirational fiction, and know many others who also have, I am learning how to round out all those what if stories into a book or novella. In the meantime, the value of story in communication remains vital to my writing – and my personal growth. I still enjoy imagining the story behind from otherwise boring classes. Each of those famous historical names, were after all, people, just like us with worries, challenges, dreams and goals, and crazy adventures. I’ve prayed for generations yet to come in our family and just recently learned of some characters from my own history that appear to have also believed in generational prayer. What if? What if before I was born someone was praying for me?

Could that be why my grandkids said when they were with Gramma they knew something amazing (or at least unusual) was going to happen? Thirty-one of those (true – nothing fictionalized) stories have been compiled in Be the Miracle! published by Elk Lake Publishing.

I’m happy to share a copy of that book with one of you readers. Not only will you read of some of my amazing adventures, but, I hope, be encouraged to recognize, activate and record some of your own stories. Come along and join others who are not just reading others’ miracle stories, but learning how to Be the Miracle to others.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Delores Liesner’s motto, putting hands and feet to our faith, is revealed in the true stories in her book Be The Miracle (2015 Elk Lake Publishing). She longs for her articles, stories, devotionals and columns to lead others to recognize miracles in their lives. Delores writings will benefit children with life-threatening illness via Fullness of Life Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ Website/Blog: http:/deloresliesner.com
Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Delores-Liesner/e/B00PB8866G
CWA - http://www.cwareviewcrew.com/the-crew
E-Mail – delores7faith@yahoo.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/deloresliesner-author
Twitter – https://twitter.com/dliesner
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/dliesner
Linked In - www.linkedin.com/in/dliesner/

Be the Miracle

by Delores Liesner 

Whether we title these unexplainable happenings miracles, God-sightings, or some other name, people love to hear of such occurrences. Why? They increase our faith by providing evidence of the miraculous in our everyday lives and heighten awareness of God's desire to minister personally to us and through us. Unique connecting verses, defining thought, key words, and personal challenges will help the readers go beyond the "good for her" feeling and bring each story's teaching to life in their own daily walk. Many will find comfort knowing they are not alone in hearing God's voice or direction. Others also will deepen their walk with God, gain the courage to listen for God's voice, be a noticer of others' needs, and practice hearing and answering God's call to deliver a specific answer to a specific person. Sometimes walking in faith seems risky because it means obeying even if the directions don't seem to make sense. When Abraham brought Isaac in faith up the mountain for a sacrifice, he risked all believing that God's character would not fail him. God did keep His promise and provided a lamb, and Abraham passed the test of trust and faithfulness. What do we risk daily for the Lord? These life-vignettes encourage readers that risking embarrassment is a small price for the incredible joy of seeing God work over and over again. How can YOU put hands and feet to your faith and BE The Miracle for someone else?

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::WINNERS::

Lots of amazing books given away last week! We've got winners....

Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering

Rebecca Peterson

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Heidi Robbins

Restored by Tanya Eavenson

Vicki Geslak

The Warrior Spy by Dony Jay

Vicki Geslak

Honest Thoughts: Fictional Romance

First off, thank you to everyone who participated in my Flash Giveaway yesterday! Talk about a HUGE success! There were over 300 entries in one day. I was shocked and super excited. Thanks to all who entered and spread the word about my Society6 shop (check it out here).

If you didn't win there's still a chance to take part in my *special* just for you promo code for 20% off on pillows and throw blankets and FREE world wide shipping.

You've got to use this link (below) in order to get the percentage/shipping:

PROMO CODE

Oh, and did I mention I added new designs??? Cuz I DID :D

All right, now on to the post that should have gone up yesterday but, amid the giveaway craziness, I didn't have a chance to get it up.

Fictional Romance

Ahhh where do I begin?

She looked into his eyes and saw her past and her future collide. All of her hopes and dreams were summed up in this beautiful being in front of her. He took her breath away with his strong jaw and deep-set eyes that always held her gaze. He was perfect for her, and she'd never let him go...no matter how much he licked her face. 

Her dog Fido was the only one for her. 

Hehe. Did I get you? I know, not fair--I played with your emotions. And isn't that what good romance does? The strength of a good story can't be underestimated. We get lost in the lives of the characters and find that no matter how many other things we should be doing we are going to read.

I have a love/hate relationship with the romance genre. *Gasp* I know, shock of all shocks the girl who writes romantic suspense has a non-romantic bone in her body? Well, kind of...

I love a great romantic story and my tolerance for cheese/sappy romance is extremely high (just ask my boyfriend who sat through a bazillion Hallmark Christmas movies over the holiday). But what I don't have a tolerance for is half-hearted, bad romance (I apologize now for all of you that are humming the song--if you don't know what I'm taking about, that is perfectly fine).

This may not be what you were expecting, but I like a little bit of the unbelievable when it comes to romance. No--hear me now, I am NOT saying that it should be an "insta-romance" where she looks across the room and just knows she's going to marry the tall-dark-handsome-etc man. But I think the beauty of the romance genre is it's sparkle. (Um...technical term?)

The fact that anyone finds anyone in this world is just shy of amazing, let alone the fact that a man and a woman could see past each others flaws (because isn't that always what we're needing to do?) to the true character beneath. Many of my favorite romances delve deep into these things. They take a real-life thing and wrap it up in "what if" and send it out into the world in the shape of a book hoping to remind us that there is such a thing as a happy ending. (tweet this)

But isn't that unrealistic?

Yes, in some many ways a great romance can be unrealistic, but I've always thought of it this way: Great romance takes moments of time and expands them, pulling and stretching them apart, to see them for what they truly are (tweet this). A moment of his touch on her arm. Their gazes locked together. Her heart pounding and face flushing with the fact that he sees her--not just her beauty, but all of her.

*Sigh*  

That to me is what makes romance so beautiful. The feelings of emotion that jump off the page and sink deeply into our hearts. It makes us remember that we can believe in love, no matter how bleak the world is.

This is not to say that reality is as shining or nearly as exciting as the romance contained in the pages of a book. Nor is it to say that we can gain a completely accurate picture of what romance should be, but a good author can spread truth about what love is (tweet this). It's patient, kind, doesn't envy or boast, is not arrogant, isn't rude... (see full list here). So, in that way, I love romance.

What don't I like about the romance genre? Well, the very same things. I know, I know, talk about confusing right? I think the issue comes out when we take what is shown to us and make it an ultimatum in real life. He must love me this way--all the books say so. What a dangerous notion. We must realize that a book is just that--a book (though it pains me to say it). You are reading entire seasons of characters lives at once (sometimes in one sitting if the books good enough) and suddenly we start to think: this is the way life should be.

I read for the sheer pleasure of it. I have a big imagination and love story worlds created by talented writers. I shouldn't read to compare my life to a fictional characters or their fictional romance. I should be more concerned with my own story (and trust me, the Author of my life knows exactly what He's doing). Yes, I will gain insight into my life from books and that's a good thing, but the moment my expectations of real people are based on the actions of characters from books (from the mind of other people not in my situation), I need to ask myself if I'm being fair. And if my pleasure of reading has become a standard rather than an escape.

So there you have it, my honest thoughts about fictional romance.

Now it's your turn to be honest: What do you readers think of the romance genre? Do you like it? Do you prefer sub-genres instead? What's one of your favorite romance novels and why?

Centralia by Mike Dellosso | New Novel News

Centralia 
by Mike Dellosso

Published June 1, 2015
Tyndale Fiction
Purchase: Centralia

Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friend confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he does not remember. Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn’t right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter’s handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second-guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter’s home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what’s real and what isn’t . . . before he loses everything.

Get to know Mike...

Coffee or tea? 
I used to be a big tea drinker but in the past couple years I’ve fallen in love with coffee and now drink a couple cups every day.

If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be? 
C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. I’ve been fascinated with that land since I was a kid. I want to go there!

Favorite season? 
Autumn all the way. I love the colors, the crispness in the air, the cool evenings. Everything about it.

::WINNERS::

Excited to announce the winner from last week for Ronie Kendig's book, Falcon. {Check out my review here}

Ann McPherson Badder

HOOAH! And congrats Ann - you will LOVE this book! I'll be in contact soon :)

Also, I completely forgot to announce the winner for Mary's book, See No Evil. 

Congrats to: Deanne Patterson

Ginger Marcinkowski {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment below by next Tuesday to enter to win an autographed copy of The Button Legacy: Emily’s Inheritance and a surprise gift from Ginger worth $25!

A little bit about Ginger...

Ginger Marcinkowski was born as one of eight siblings in northern Maine along the Canadian border, a setting that plays a prominent role in her novels, Run, River Currents and The Button Legacy-Emily’s Inheritance.
Her debut novel, Run, River Currents, was published in August 2012, was a 2012 semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis Awards and a 2013 Kindle Book Award Finalist. The Button Legacy-Emily's Inheritance, will be released in July 2014. An interesting fact about Ginger is that she is a million-mile flier with United Airlines and had been a multi-million dollar travel agent in the past. Her travel experience will be the catalyst for a new series of mysteries whose main characters are travel agents.

How to connect with Ginger...

Website: www.gingermarcinkowski.com
Blog:www.gingermarcinkowski.com/blog
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6455180.Ginger_Marcinkowski
Facebook:www.facebook.com/writer.Ginger.Marcinkowski
Twitter:@grm55grm
Author Interview | Ginger Marcinkowski

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I was a late bloomer and didn’t started really writing until the age of 53. It was in my mind to write, but time and life got in the way. When I started my Master of Fine Arts degree, the real desire to write emerged and now I have no problems wanting to write or having the time to write, as I am retired.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My latest release, The Button Legacy: Emily’s Inheritance was a work of love and a tribute to the way God has blessed my life. The novel is a collection of stories about an old button box my grandparents owned. When we would visit as children, they would allow us to pull the tin container down from the top of the oak hutch and choose one button. They would then relay a story about the button we had chosen. They are tender memories and although this is fiction, many of the stories are real.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...My journey into the publishing world was no tougher than any writer faces, except for the fact that I had written a dark novel and neither the secular market, nor the Christian market thought it was “acceptable reading.” The secular market did not like my inclusion of faith in the story and called it “too Christian.” The Christian market felt two of the scenes depicted more truth than their audience could handle, calling it “too secular.” They wanted something more lighthearted. That was tough hearing, but when it was picked up by Booktrope Publishing, it garnished awards in both the Christian and the secular markets. Because of that first book, Booktrope went on to create a Christian imprint called Vox Dei. They now welcome other Christian writers! Again, God was faithful.

...The easiest thing about publishing is targeting editors and publishing. The hardest things about publishing are the marketing I’ve had to do once the book was published and reading reviews that judge my personal Christianity instead of the work I have written. That really happened. It broke my heart to see that a fellow Christian said I could not be a Christian and write about what had happened to me in Run, River Currents. I felt sad by the fact that the reviewer was so judgmental and attacked me personally, rather than the novel. When I asked her if the writing was good, she replied it was excellent. She just didn’t like the subject matter. I guess bad things don’t happen to Christians. Writers have to have thick skins.

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 Button Legacy: Emily’s Inheritance was written to balance out Run, River Currents, my first novel. In that dark book, which was based on a true event of abuse in my life, the main character, Emily Evans, carried around a tremendous burden of guilt, shame and anger because of her father’s sexual abuse. The book alludes to the fact that Emily’s grandparents were praying and witnessing to her, but it was not until the end of the book that Emily came to know Christ as her Savior. In The Button Legacy: Emily’s Inheritance, the reader gets “the other side” of her dark story. It shows how God’s grace was holding Emily up during her dark times and in the end, allowed the character to see how God would continue to be passed on to her own son.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...So much of this book has reality in it, so I’d have to say John Polk, as he was such a godly influence in my life. Unfortunately, it took me until adulthood to know or understand how important his quiet witness was to all of his grandchildren.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? 

...That God is alive hand as real as you or I am. He gives us a faith that is to be passed on in whatever manner we choose to do it. For my family, it was with buttons.
Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both? 

... I write from my own life experiences, weaving truth and fiction, and adding a strong sense of place. As for inspiration, it surrounds me and I use it to its fullest advantage.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?  

...I didn’t have to think long about this one, as my hope with my writing is that God will be glorified and readers will come to understand the importance of believing in Him by not beating them over the head with the Bible. If they laugh or cry along the way, that just adds to my joy!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...I can think of two important things. One is to just write. Quit thinking about writing. Quit saying you want to write. Quit making excuses not to write. Instead…write. If it is important enough and not an afterthought, you will write. Secondly, write the truth. So many new writers worry about hurting someone’s feelings or about people not understanding their writing. I say, write the truth, no matter how hard it is to write, no matter who might believe you or challenge your faith. If you write the truth, God will honor that whether your truth is written in fiction or non-fiction.
You
How are you making the most of your time this summer for writing and relaxing? Do you do anything different in the summer months?
...Now that I am retired, my winters and summers are the same, except for weather. I take time out of every day to read God’s Word, exercise and enjoy my family. Everything else, including writing must wait!
Do you enjoy hot weather or cold better? 

...Definitely hot! I don’t have a great swimsuit body and I have had skin cancer, so I don’t just sit in the sun, but I do so love sitting under an umbrella and watching any body of water.

                                                ______________________________
 

It was great having you on the blog today Ginger!I love the idea of the button box and a memory attached to each button! My grandma had a similar button in, though we didn't often discuss the memories behind the buttons. It's sad to hear the pain you had to go through with difficult reviews, but finding solace in the fact that (as you point out) you wrote the truth. I also love how you say to just write and stop making excuses. Yes, I hear you and need to tell myself that over and over again. I hope you enjoy your relaxing this summer.

And thank you for your generous giveaway! I can't wait to see who wins!!! Don't forget to comment below readers.

Sydney Avey and Giveaway {Writer Wednesday}

Welcome to 2014 Thinking Thoughts readers! I'm so excited to be back to my regular {Writer Wednesday} posts. There are a range of new authors who will be interviewed and a few return visitors (don't worry, their interviews will be different from their previous ones).

Sydney is my first guest of the New Year and has offered an audio book download of her novel as a giveaway prize! Make sure and leave a comment for your chance to win this. I'll announce the winner next Tuesday. And - speaking of winners - check back tomorrow for the complete list of winners from my "Spread the Christmas Joy" giveaways :D

A little bit about Sydney...

Sydney Avey lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Yosemite, California, and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a lifetime of experience writing news for non profits and corporations. Her work has appeared in Epiphany, Foliate Oak, Forge, American Athenaeum, and Unstrung (published by Blue Guitar Magazine). She has studied at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. Sydney blogs at sydneyavey.com on topics related to relationships, legacy, faith, and the writing life.

How to connect with Sydney...

Email: sydneyavey@gmail.comWebsite: http://sydneyavey.com
Sign up to receive my monthly eNews for Readers and Writers: http://sydneyavey.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook/sydney.avey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SydneyAvey
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyavey
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/yosemitesyd/boards/
Purchase The Sheep Walker's Daughter [here]

Author Interview | Sydney Avey 

What has kept you writing?

Writing has always been fun for me, a gift that engages my heart and mind, delights my soul and gives me something to share. Since childhood I’ve been the go-to girl when anything needed to be written: meeting minutes, newspaper articles, and church drama script on top of a career in corporate communications.

As a university student I knew I wanted to be a creative writer but I couldn’t see a path. I didn’t think I knew enough about life to write about it and I needed gainful employment. I have plenty to say now, and the skills I learned in corporate communications have helped me with the discipline that completing and publishing a novel requires.

Early on, Natalie Goldberg’s books Writing Down the Bonesand Wild Mind , helped me experience the difference between news writing and creative writing, but it would be years before I tried my hand at a novel.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?

It took me three years to write and publish The Sheep Walker’s Daughter. The sequel, The Lyre and the Lambs, will have taken two years when it’s published this September. For the first book, every single step was hard! Now that I’ve developed a process that works for me, writing the second book is easier.

It’s been a faith journey. I decided I wanted to publish traditionally with an independent publisher, one who liked my work well enough to invest in it. Lynellen Perry of HopeSprings Books has been a joy to work with. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been a joy.

My difficulty in publishing is that my work tends toward literary fiction. By choice I don’t have the safety of a genre that delivers an audience with very specific expectations. Finding my audience is probably the hardest thing for me about publishing.

My main character has no spiritual heritage. She is the product of an immigrant culture living an unexamined life in a changing world where she has been cut off from most of her family. Some readers raised in Christian homes may not be able to identify with Dee, but people who did not have this advantage will understand her struggle.

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?

I processed my own family heritage by writing this book, but the story is purely imagined. My intention in the first book was twofold; to look at why families keep secrets about their heritage and examine what happens when the family narrative is lost. I am fascinated by how different generations communicate (or don’t) with each other. In the sequel, I look at how an extended family pulls together when they don’t have a model.

My intention is to show that faith begins with questions, not answers. Dee finds a mentor in Father Mike. He helps her get honest before God. As her faith grows slowly, her personality doesn’t change, but her heart changes. She will have a powerful effect on her family because she has learned to hear God’s voice.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?

Writing and publishing is a hill climb; an exercise in faith and stamina. Face one hill at a time; be patient with yourself and celebrate your victories; then rest and prepare to climb the next hill. Marketing your book is more like hacking your way through mile-high weeds. Don’t try to tame the whole jungle! Choose the way you are most comfortable communicating with your readers and seek direction from God and a few wise mentors.

What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2014?

Publishing my second book and attending the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference to learn more about the business of writing and how to connect with readers.

_______________________

Thanks so much for this great interview Sydney! I appreciate that you are honest about the difficult road it is to publishing. Many writers (including myself) find that it's not just as easy as jotting down some words and ideas and getting that published. I hope that 2014 will be a fantastic year for you and your writing! Make sure to check out her book and leave a comment to win a free Audible download.

Gail Pallotta {Writer Wednesday}

Hello and happy Wednesday! It's been a full few weeks for me but I'm happy to announce that I've finished all photos from the ACFW Conference! This means I may actually get some time to write here or there ;) But, for today, I'm excited to introduce you to author Gail Pallotta. Give her a big welcome!!

She has also offered to do an ebook GIVEAWAY of her novel Stopped Cold. Make sure you comment below (by 9pm Monday the 14th) to enter for a chance to win this novel! I'll announce the winner next Tuesday, October 15!

A little bit about Gail...

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s been a Sunday school teacher, a swim-team coordinator and an after-school literary instructor. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her new teen book, Stopped Cold, is a best-seller on All Romance eBooks. She’s published short stories in “Splickety” magazine and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. Some of her published articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

How to connect with Gail...

Website: http://www.gailpallotta.com 
Blog: http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com
On staff at: http://www.clashofthetitles.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17879103-stopped-cold
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMorehttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore
Twitter: @Hopefulwords
Purchase her book: on Amazon

Author Interview | Gail Pallotta


You & Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing?
...I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. The first published work was in a grammar school newspaper a friend and I put out. 

What has kept you writing? 
...It’s a part of me, what I do. My husband probably has the best explanation. He says I have pretend people running around my head, and I have to let them out. LOL.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written?
...They’re all special in their own way.

What was the hardest thing about publishing?
...It’s hard to say which is more difficult, finding a publisher or promoting the book. The easiest? I’m not sure anything about it is easy, but the most fun part is getting the story down on paper.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently?
...Stopped Cold is a Christian teen sports mystery set in a small town in the North Carolina mountains, but things aren’t what they seem in Mistville. Margaret McWhorter enjoys flirting with Jimmy Willmore, swimming and hanging out with friends—until that day. Her brother, Sean, suffers a stroke from taking a steroid. Now he’s lying unconscious. Margaret’s angry at her dad for pushing Sean in sports, but a fire of hatred burns inside her to make the criminals pay. Looking for justice, she takes Jimmy and her best friend, Emily, through a twisted, drug-filled sub-culture. Even the cop on the case can’t stop them from investigating. All the while Margaret wants to cure Sean, heal the hate inside, and open her heart to love.

Why are you/did you write it?
...First of all, I wanted to write a fun book. As a youngster I loved mysteries, especially when the kids, like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, solved the case. My book’s reminiscent of those amateur sleuths.

...The message rattled around in my head for a long time. Over the years I’ve seen instances when not being number one created great pain for a child or young adult. Whether the pressure came from within, peers, siblings or parents, the need to be “better than everyone else” rather than “the best one could be” often hurt and sometimes led to destruction. We don’t have to be number one for God to love us. He’s given each of us a gift or gifts to use for Him.

Do you have a favorite character in this work?
...I like them all, but if I had to choose, I’d pick Margaret. 

If so, why? 
...She’s someone I can relate to, sympathize with and definitely root for her. I want her to succeed in finding the drug dealers who hurt her brother and to find peace through her faith.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...God’s given each of us a gift or gifts to use for Him.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
...Life. Sometimes I experience something. Sometimes I observe something. Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both? Both.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories? 
...To write something people will enjoy reading that adds meaning to their lives.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing, learning about writing and don’t give up.

You

In honor of the fall, what’s your favorite fall treat?
...Chocolate. Hmm. Did I say chocolate?

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be? 
...I’ve always loved to write, but at one time I remember wanting to be a detective.

Will you participate in National Novel Writing Month? If so, what’s your plan to keep your writing on track? 
...No. I’m working on several projects that are keeping me busy.

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Thank you so much for this wonderful interview Gail! I love your husbands explanation of why you keep writing! I too experience those "imaginary people" :) I really connected with what you said about being the best or being first. I see it often in the teens that I work with through my church - there is so much pressure on them to be the best in sports or school or music etc. and that transfers over into how they view God loving them. Almost like they have to be good enough for Him to love them. It's such a dangerous lie to believe.

Thanks again for sharing with us and for offering the GIVEAWAY! Don't forget, Readers, leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win Stopped Cold!

Angela Strong {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Angela...

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first article to a national magazine while still in high school. Her debut novel Love Finds You In Sun Valley, Idaho released in 2010. Lighten Up is the first in her Body and Soul Series, with the second book Shake It Up releasing March 2014. When she’s not writing, you can find her at home in Idaho with her three teen/tweens and hubby where life is always an adventure.
How to connect with Angela...


Blog: http://angelaruthstrong.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.r.strong
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4746114.Angela_Ruth_Strong
Purchase her book on Amazon

Author Interview | Angela Strong 

 

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...Creative Writing was always my favorite subject. The kids in my carpool would read my assignments out loud and everyone would laugh all the way home. I’d sometimes pretend that I lost one of my stories so I had to write another one to turn in for credit. That’s what I did for fun. In fact, when I took journalism in high school, I’d finish my assignments early in case anybody else needed me to do their writing/editing/layout for the newspaper. After that came college then writers conferences. It’s nice to be able to make money from the business, but really I’m still that same little girl in the carpool van who gets joy out of the enjoyment her writing brings others.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written?
...My favorite book is always my next book. :)

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...It’s all hard until it’s done, and then I’m like “that was easy!” Like a mother going through childbirth. It’s horrible and painful and she doesn’t know if she can make it, but then the baby is born and it’s so beautiful and worth the effort that she can’t wait to do it all over again.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Lighten Up: Bethany is a pastor’s daughter who can’t forgive her dad for running off with the church secretary until she falls in love with her pastor.
...I wrote it because I’m a pastor’s daughter who grew up in the church, and I saw a lot of things Christians do that aren’t discussed in Christian fiction. I was hurt by one of these things. Then I found freedom when I realized that “mercy triumphs over judgment every time.” I want to share that freedom with the world.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Mick. He’s not attractive. He has a large head and pock-marked face. Think mafia movie. The kind of guy you would run away from if you saw him in a dark alley. But he is the sweetest, most enthusiastic guy ever. He’s also very honest about his many embarrassing stories. As the church’s token single male, every woman wants to set him up/marry him off. Unfortunately, he falls for Bethany who so isn’t interested.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...We are all capable of messing up big time. So first, we need to set up accountability to keep us from falling to temptation, and second, we need to grant mercy to those who have fallen.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Both. Though I love the moments when something happens, and I can be like, “That is so going in a book.” I also love the moments when I create a character, and then I run into them on the street. And I stare. Because I thought they only existed in my imagination.
...I know some authors have systems for this kind of thing. I use their systems on occasion. But more often than not, I make up this writing thing as I go. Sometimes I’ll have an idea and write the novel in one month, other times I write multiple synopses over years until it finally comes together.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I have a mission statement for life that also applies to my writing: 

 

My mission is to inspire, create, and encourage hope in myself and others.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Don’t think of your writing as right or wrong, think of it as working or not working. Enjoy the process and learn as you go.

You
What is your favorite activity during the summer?
...I’d have to say that as of my 2nd anniversary celebration this past weekend, it’s zip-lining! Though I love everything about summer.

What are you currently reading?
...Jonah. I’ve got a deadline at the end of the month, so I’m not reading anything except the Bible right now. And Facebook. But that doesn’t really count, does it?

Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert?
...Crème Brulee. Had it served in an actual pineapple on the last day of my honeymoon in Maui. Worth going back for.

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Thank you so much for joining us on the blog today, Angela! What a great interview :) I can tell that you love to write not only for others, but for yourself which is such an encouraging thing to hear.  I also love your mission statement. I think every author should have one.  I can't wait to hear about more books from you.

Readers, make sure you check out her blog and purchase a copy of her book!

Playing catchup | RE:View

I've been busy (which directly contradicts the idea that I was 'taking a vacation') but nonetheless I have been reading during all this craziness - flying for three hours definitely helps.  Today I'm going to review two books that I've finished recently.  Both wonderful reads that I will recommend, and both very different from each other.

Hope this spurs you on to a little weekend reading fun!

A Lady's Choice | Sandra Robbins

Sarah Whittaker has given up any hope of having the life that she wanted. By traveling with her mother to Richland Creek, away from her previous life in Memphis,  her duty is now to her mother, who's health is failing.  Richland Creek is anything but welcoming to suffragist opinions, so Sarah not only feels physically confined in the small town, but her beliefs are confined as well.

Alex Taylor, recently graduated from law school, is back in Richland Creek for the summer before stepping into a position at a prestigious law firm in Memphis. The golden boy of baseball, he is introduced to Sarah and sparks fly.  What can happen between them with his impending move to the city?

Alex knows that his future boss is firm on his opposition of suffrage and, with Sarah's beliefs becoming clear, there may be no way to make a relationship work. Sarah won't give up her advocation of suffrage and Alex wont give up a successful position. Could they ever find common ground?

I haven't read much about suffrage, but as I read this novel following the life of Sarah and her deep convictions for a woman's right to vote, it acted as a window into the real heart of the matter. Women who were property owners couldn't vote but their male employees could. Women who were widowed or on their own had no say in the government, though they were part of the working world. It's things like this that you don't often see and take for granted as a woman in the 21st century.

I really enjoyed this historical novel and would definitely recommend it not only for the quality of writing and the story itself, but for the context and informational side as well. A great story of love and tragedy ending in success not measured only in happiness but in justice.

**Read more about Sandra Robbins [here] and purchase A Lady's Choice [here].

The Good Girl | Christy Barritt            

Tara Lancaster (AKA The Good Girl) finds that life isn't always black and white.  Following a massive hit to her "good girl" reputation in Florida, she agrees to dog-sit for her sister in Minnesota.  Little does she know that this wont be the type of vacation she is looking for.  Strange things start to happen in the house and there seems to be no reasonable explanation for them except to blame a ghost! Even her next door neighbor, Ben Cooper, isn't quite what she'd expected.

Will a knife stabbed through a threatening note and a spunky, fame-hungry friend be enough to send Tara back to her home in Florida? Or is what awaits her in Florida just as bad?

I have given this book 5 big and bright stars not only for wonderful writing and intriguing elements, but for sheer creativity! I've read one other book from Christy Barritt so far (Key Witness) and was just as impressed by that book too.  Christy has a way of creating genuine characters who struggle with every-day thoughts and decisions in a real way. They are open, honest, and draw you in with their inner monologue and realistic conclusions about life.

As I read The Good Girl, I connected with Tara and her struggles against doing what was right because it was expected, and doing what is right because it's what God desires.  Tara comes face to face with her own hypocrisy in a very real and tangible way.  Not to mention there is an element in this book that you wont be expecting.

Christy tackles real problems with skill and intuition without forsaking humor and lighthearted romance. This book is a must read!

**Read more about Christy Barritt [here] and purchase The Good Girl [here].

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