Too hot to handle

Summer in May

Apparently summer is upon us and it's only... May!?

Yes, you see that correctly.  It was 102 yesterday and 100 today. If it's only May right now I hate to think of what the actual summer is going to be like! Looks like many trips to the beach and staying indoors or being by the pool will be my main activities when not working this summer.

Do you like the heat? I know some do, but I'm definitely a cold weather fan.

On to other news... like Mothers Day yesterday. Did you send your mother a card and wish her Happy Mothers Day? I did, but I must have misjudged the speed of the postal system and it didn't make it there on time. Maybe I'm a bad daughter...or maybe I'm just extending Mothers Day an extra day for her ;)


Exciting Writing News

I do have a few exciting things to announce that are writing related! My very first post for Her Glory (and online magazine and blog) is LIVE!  Check out my article titled "The Heart of Beauty" and let me know what you think! Show Her Glory some love as well and like them on Facebook [here] and follow them on twitter [here]. 

Also, I recently participated in a fun little thing called Happily Editor After sponsored by Harlequin Love Inspired division of Harlequin books. This was an exciting event where you could sign up to pitch a book in 100 words to one of three Love Inspired editors. The editor would then respond with one of the following responses (taken from the Happily Editor After page):

__I’ll cry if you don’t send me your manuscript (requested full)
__I’d like to get to know your manuscript better (requested proposal)
__I’m not sure if there’s a spark between your manuscript and me, but I’m willing to give it a chance to convince me (requested synopsis)
__There’s just no connection between your manuscript and me (no request, but isn’t it great to know the idea won’t work before you spend time writing it?)

As the day approached (or should I say, the night before) I honed my 100 word pitch.

Yes. Just 100 words!

I don't know about you, but trying to capture interest for an entire manuscript of 55-60k words by only using 100 words was intimidating to say the least. I though and re-thought what I would say, which parts of the book I'd highlight, and the feel I wanted to give within these two short paragraphs.

The morning of the pitch I was more nervous that I had expected! I mean, here I was sitting in front of a computer not even face to face with the editor of my choice and I was shaking! But, when my name was called (it was all done through chat rooms online) I jumped in and pasted my pitch with a shaky hand and a breathless prayer.

The minutes seemed to pass like hours.

Finally, when the editors reply came through I blinked several times... I couldn't be seeing this right. Were the words "full manuscript" really at the end of her response? Yes, yes they were! A full manuscript was requested!

I am still in shock. I think to myself, "My manuscript? You want to see my manuscript?" and then I remember the prayer I sent up in the brief minutes before I received a reply. I asked the Lord to do what He would - knowing full well He would. It was offered more as a prayer to remind myself of this than anything else, and with that prayer came a great peace. Sure, the editor has asked to see my work but that isn't a guarantee. I have a few months to finish writing and perfecting my book with the hopes that it will make the cut, but even if it doesn't I know it will be a worthwhile experience! I'm anticipating where this story will take me and looking forward to every aspect.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday - if you're in SCV, don't stay outside too long or you might evaporate ;)

Morgan Busse {Writer Wednesday}

I'm excited for today's {Writer Wednesday} guest! Morgan writes speculative Christian fiction and has two books published. It's not a side I get to show off very often, but I love the idea of speculative fiction! For years now I've had the idea to write a series that could probably be categorized as speculative and I'm always excited to hear more about it! Enjoy Morgan's interview :)  

A little bit about Morgan...

Morgan L. Busse writes speculative fiction for the adult market. She is the author of Daughter of Light and Son of Truth, the first two books in a series from Marcher Lord Press. Morgan lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. You can find out more about Morgan at www.morganlbusse.com

How to connect with Morgan...

Her website (as mentioned above)
Website: www.morganlbusse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganlbusseauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganLBusse (@MorganLBusse)
Purchase books: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/?s=Morgan+Busse&post_type=product

Author Interview | Morgan Busse
  You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing almost ten years ago, shortly after the birth of my second child. I never dreamed of being a writer, it simply became an outlet for my creativity as I stayed home with babies and toddlers.
...After a couple years—and after learning there was more to writing than just sitting down and typing away at the computer—writing became a real pursuit, not just a hobby. My husband is my greatest encourager. He believed in me long before I ever believed in myself.
...Even now, after having published two books, he is still one of the reasons I keep writing. That and I believe this is where God has me right now. Writing is hard, much harder than I ever thought. There are times I have wanted to give up, throw in the towel, and walk away. During those times, it has not been enough to simply want to publish a book. It is knowing that my book is touching people, and that God is using me, that helps me weather the tough times.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...As a shy person, it is hard to be in the limelight. And the Internet compounds that. Everyone can find you. It used to be twenty years ago you could publish a book and only hear about it through big name reviews or if people wrote to you personally. Now everyone can talk about you and your work. It’s almost like being in a room with a thousand people all talking at once. Sometimes I take a media break because I just need to get away and hear only God and my own thoughts.
...The easiest part of publishing? I haven’t discovered that yet. Writing is hard, marketing is hard, criticism is hard. However, one of the most fulfilling parts of being published is receiving an email where someone tells you how much your book touched his or her heart. When I read something like that, it’s like have a double shot of espresso. I’m on a buzz all day!

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Daughter of Light is the first book in the Follower of the Word series. It is the story of a young woman named Rowen who—with a touch of her hand—can see inside the human soul. She first discovers her power at the beginning of the book and it costs her. Her village is terrified of her, they accuse her of witchcraft, and banish her.
...The rest of the book is Rowen’s journey in discovering who she really is, why she has this gift, and who gave it to her.

...The second book just released and is titled Son of Truth. In Daughter of Light, readers are introduced to an assassin and Temanin prince named Caleb Tala. This second book is his story and his journey toward redemption.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Life is hard. It can be very dark. There will be things that happen to us that we cannot explain. And it will hurt deeply. But no matter what happens, or how dark the path is that God has us follow, He will always be there with us.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Every story I write begins with an image of the character. I look at the person and ask: “Who are you?” “Where do you come from?” “How did you end up here?”
...When I first met Rowen, I saw her in a field with the wolves attacking her (a scene from Daughter of Light). With Caleb Tala, he was on an assassination mission (another scene from Daughter of Light). Lore Palancar morphed from a very hard, cold man to the Captain of the Guard. And I met the scribe Nierne in the dungeon after her city was attacked.
...As you can see, I met each character and started asking them those questions and the story began to unfold as they revealed who they were and what happened to them.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I don’t set out with an agenda in mind when I write. I meet the character, I start asking questions, and I starting writing his or her story. After a while, I begin to see different themes emerge.
...Rowen’s gift is the ability to see the soul of the person she touches. Soon I realized she basically sees what God sees. I began to explore what would we do if we had that ability? Would we hide it? Exploit it? Or use it for good?
...Another character, the scribe Nierne, has grown up in very religious surroundings. But her journey causes her to realize that just because you live a morally good life, bad things still happen.

You
April showers bring May flowers – or so they say. Do you have a favorite flower? If so, why is it your favorite?
...I love daisies! They are a simple flower that hardly anyone notices. But to me they look like happiness and sunshine with petals. 
 

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Thank you so much, Morgan! What a great interview and explanation of why you write. My favorite line is when you said, "It is knowing that my book is touching people, and that God is using me...". I think we as writers can get caught up in our on lives and forget that, though writing is very personal, it's also a gift.
Readers, make sure you check out Morgan's books, starting with Daughter of the Light >>>

Rainy Days and Inspiration

I've been enjoying the rain as of late. It doesn't rain much down here in Southern California. I don't know about you, but I actually become inspired when it's raining and the sky is all grey. What about you? 

What are you inspired by?

I mentioned it a few posts ago, but I'm still curious.

Are you inspired by photos? Do these flowers and seascape cause a stirring in your soul?

Or maybe you're inspired by quotes from great authors...

To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.
- Herman Melville

Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.
- Barbara Kingsolver

Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Or maybe you are inspired by music or silence? Either can produce intense emotions powerful enough to draw out a writer in almost anyone.

Whatever it is, I'd love to hear about it! Comment below and maybe though this discussion we can mutually inspire one another!

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.

A little vacation...

You may or may not know this, but aside from my day job working at a church I also run a small photography business! This last weekend I was out of town shooting a wedding in beautiful Northern California.

I had such a wonderful time up there catching up with my family and then photographing the wedding at the amazing location up in the mountains just past Etna, California.

After that, I came back to Southern California and my parents drove down to spend some time with me.  Due to that, I skipped {Writer Wednesday} this week and am using this little post as an update for this week instead.

Just yesterday I launched a stylized shoot of photos I took and thought I'd share a few here for your viewing enjoyment.  Photos like these inspire me to write - especially if the end goal is a wedding. To view the full post of this session click [here].  

Do photos or beautiful scenery inspire you to write?

Wade Webster {Writer Wednesday}

When I first had the idea for {Writer Wednesday} I envisioned it as a place for readers to find new authors and new favorite books, but also as a place to inspire and encourage writers who may not be published yet.  I'm excited to introduce you to Wade Webster, a writer who's not yet published but is active in writing on his blog and with other works in progress. Please give him a friendly welcome!

A little bit about Wade...

As he describes himself:

"I'm a truck driver turned writer for Jesus. I'm obsessed with dark chocolate and getting the word out about Jesus' love."

How to connect with Wade...

His website

Check out his main blog: http://wadewebsterwrites.com
And his humor blog: http://laughoutloudloveourlord.com
Connect with him on his Facebook page

Writer Interview | Wade Webster

You & Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I’m a farm boy-turned Bible college student-turned truck driver-called to write for Jesus. I used several blog posts telling about these phases in my life, so I can’t do it briefly here. God definitely called me to write for Him at the age of 47. That’s when I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. As long as He gives me assignments I’ll keep writing.

Do you have a favorite work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...This question isn’t fair. It’s like asking who your favorite child is. Each work is my favorite for different reasons. I guess whatever I’m working on at the moment is my favorite work: be that one of my blogs, a magazine article, a book WIP, or this questionnaire.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The only things I have published at this time are some magazine articles in the Dallas Family Magazine. The easiest and hardest part is hitting the send button. That simple click is the last step in the releasing into the world my baby to be used by God. Waiting to hear whether they’ll accept it would be a lot harder if I didn’t work on other writing projects.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Eek Explains Christmas is the book Work In Progress (WIP) I’m working on. I just learned from an agent that it’s too short for a publisher to accept it as a middle-grade chapter book. So, I’m adding four new early chapters. The story is taking on so much more depth now.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I got the idea for a mouse who is convinced his name is Eek because that’s what people say every time they see him. To show how in touch I was with God’s future for me my first thought was: I wonder when I’ll cross paths with a writer so I can pass this idea by them. He goes from a mouse who hates the fact that God made him a mouse to wishing he could have been at the stable the night Jesus was born, even if it was as a little mouse who never got mentioned in the Bible story. He overcomes a lot in his little life, just like we all do.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?...It’s been my concern that most people know the Christmas story but they miss the full purpose behind it. The true gist of this book is to show everybody the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus was God in a human body born to die for us.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I consider all of my writing assignments from God. He has different ways of giving me these assignments. Sometimes it’s 2 o’clock in the morning, and other times it’s while I’m driving in my truck going down an Interstate. I have no idea how non-Christians get their ideas from since this is my modus operandi.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...It depends on what I’m writing. The magazine articles need to be issue oriented since that’s what they’re looking for. My humor blog is obviously used to make people laugh and then to inspire to action. I hope everything I write points people to Jesus.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...In a word: WRITE. Too many people have ideas and desires to see their name in print, but they don’t take the time to do the actual writing. Start there. There may be a long road to getting published or a short walk, but you have to take that first step to get there. If God places this desire in your heart then don’t give it up. Keep working on the craft of writing until it gets out there so God can use it.

You

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?
...I enjoy listening to instrumental music with nature sounds in the background—my farm boy roots showing through. If I listen to songs with words, or instrumental music of hymns, my mind can get distracted by the words I’m hearing.
What is your favorite season and why?
...Spring is definitely my favorite season. Winter is often so hard, and summer so hot. The time of harvest is a close second, but spring with its new beginnings and signs of promise always give the desire of a hopeful future to me.

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
...I know a lot of writers read a lot. But, I honestly don’t have the leisure time available to read much at this time in my life. Perhaps that’s why my writing is so diverse. I’ve read many of Louis L’Amour’s books, and some Christian westerns, so by default I’ll say that genre, but I haven’t written anything along those lines, yet.

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Thank so much Wade for sharing with us! It's encouraging to hear how much you rely on the Lord for whatever you are writing - it's the best way, right? And your advice to aspiring authors is great. It's so true that often we let ourselves get wrapped up in the idea of publishing we forget that you have to have something to publish ;) Good luck with your writing!

RE:View | C.J. Darlington

 

First off (nerd alert), I have to admit that I've been watching too much Star Trek: The Next Generation!  I used to watch this growing up and I just found that it's ALL on Hulu+.  Can you imagine my excitement upon that discovery? ;)  

I can't help but reminisce on times spent at my Grandma & Grandpa's home watching all of the key players - Captain Picard, Warf, Data etc. - through their semi-cheesy but always entertaining episodes of danger as they explore space.  

Do you have a favorite show from your childhood??

* * *

Well...onto other things, like my review of C.J. Darlington's short stories, "Out of Time", and her compilation, "Advice for Novelists". 

A little bit about C.J. ...

C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood, which released from Tyndale House in 2010. Her second novel, Bound by Guilt, released from Tyndale House in 2011.

In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction ever since. She is a regular contributor to Family Fiction Digital Magazine and NovelCrossing.com. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs, a cat, and a Paint horse named Sky. 

Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.  

Out of Time
This compilation of three short stories is a quick and easy read, but definitely worth the time ;) C.J. explores the idea of choices and time in three very different scenarios.  Whether it be a woman shopping in a rush at the grocery store, a man who's just received bad news that will drastically affect his family, or a young woman who's about to make a terrible decision.  Each must face a decision.  Each decision will have a consequence.

For me, these stories were great illustrations, well written, and honest for each situation. I think they could even be useful to teach a point whether that be within a discussion group or possibly even for youth ministry (which is something I am personally involved in). 

You can purchase this book [here].

 

Advice for Novelists
Have you ever wondered what your favorite author would tell you if you had a moment of their time?  Maybe you've craved advice from published authors in your genre or field and never knew where to turn?

This compilation of 112 pieces of advice by Christian authors and publishing professionals compiled by C.J. Darlington offers all this advice and more! Some advice comes in the form of a short sentence or two, others in a few pages, but it's assured you will find something that speaks to your heart in this book. 

So, if you are an author needing inspiration to keep going or an unpublished writer wondering where to start, you will will definitely want to pick up this book and start reading.  I'd suggest using the highlight function on a kindle for those quotes that stick out and are most inspirational or informational to you. It will become a reference for you, of that I'm sure!

You can purchase this book [here].

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I received free copies of these books 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.