California and Earthquakes: Shaking it up

Google

It's not surprising that California is at a risk for an earthquake - a pretty big one if this article is correct. You may be wondering why I'd be posting about this though...well, part of it is that I'm from California (born and raised) but another part of it has nothing to do with the earth literally shaking.

What happens when life get's shaken up?

Death. Job loss. Betrayal. Pain. Misfortune. End of a relationship. These are all things that can cause a huge shake up in our lives.

As the Geological Survey was quoted to say, they've raised the risk of an 8.0 magnitude earth quake "from about 4.7% to 7%" within the next several decades. That's a big shake up. And it will affect a lot of people should it happen.

I have thought about current events in the world with a bit (or a lot) of sadness of late. There is so much hurt and pain and striving after things that won't last. Things that won't matter in the end.

I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:14

What will it take to remind us of what truly matters? Who will we turn to when things do get shaken up?

Have you experienced an "earth shattering" moment in the past? What got you through it? Do you have a favorite verse you could share with us?

Alice J.Wisler {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about about Alice...

I’m the author of six contemporary and historical novels, one devotional on coping with loss, and three independently-published cookbooks of memory. Two of my novels were Christy Award Finalists. I’ve also been published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, and Blue Mountain Art. Passionate about writing through loss and grief, I teach writing workshops online and at conferences across the country. “Writing the Heartache” is the name of one of my most popular workshops, as well as the name of one of my three blogs. In honor of my son Daniel who died from cancer treatments, I founded Daniel’s House Publications, an organization to help fellow bereaved parents. I live in Durham, North Carolina, with my husband, one energetic boxer, and three children.

How to connect with Alice...

Website: http://www.alicewisler.com
Blog: http://www.alicewisler.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4397819.Alice_J_Wisler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.j.wisler
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceWisler
Carved By Heart (our small business where we craft wooden items/memorials): https://www.etsy.com/shop/carvedbyheart
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nojiri/
Purchase: Under the Silk Hibiscus


Author Interview | Alice J. Wisler

You and Writing


Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing? ...I started at age six. I continue because I can’t see myself doing anything else with this much passion. I’ve tried to abandon writing, but it always finds me. I think, by now, my desire to write is in my DNA.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I like hearing from readers that my devotional, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, helped them in their season of grief and loss. That means a lot to me. I wrote the book to encourage others, like me, who have had a loss.

Your Writing
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Aunt Kazuko is my favorite in Under the Silk Hibiscus because she is always talking about needing “a pep” (a cookie or something sweet) and I like her for the way she takes on her sister’s four children. That’s real love to care for someone else’s kids.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Life is tough, but God is faithful.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...A little of both. I’ll see someone in line at the store that strikes me as amusing or hear a friend tell a story, and think, “This needs to go in my novel.”

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...First, I think a novel should always be about entertaining. That’s why people read novels—to be entertained. With Under the Silk Hibiscus, I want to also educate people about Japanese-American camps during World War II. I am surprised how many have never heard of internment camps that some Americans (of Japanese descent) were sent to after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. There was so much fear and prejudice in this country.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Practice, as you would any sport or musical instrument. There’s always room for improvement. Always. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself and write often.

You

What’s your favorite green food? (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
...Chocolate mint chip ice cream, of course!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...I love the desert in Arizona. I’d get a small house there that overlooks the mountains and write while drinking my favorite Earl Grey tea. In the evening, I’d sit outside under the stars and listen to the coyotes in the distance. I might have to buy a rifle just in case! :)

Leave a comment to enter to win an eBook copy of Under the Silk Hibiscus!!!

(Winner chosen and announced March 18)

_________________________

Great to have you on the blog, Alice! I love that one of your favorite works is your devotional because of the feedback you've gotten from others! And your takeaway for Under the Silk Hibiscus is simple yet profound - it's so important to remember that God is faithful! And I'll give a hearty cheer to your green choice - chocolate mint chip is one of my absolutely favorites :D Thanks again for being on the blog and for graciously offering a copy of your novel as a giveaway!

_________________________

//Last weeks WINNER//

If you missed it, go check out my interview with Elizabeth Kitchens on the blog last week. She offered up a copy of her novel, The Beast's Enchantress and the lucky winner is...

Marisa Deshaies

Congrats Marisa! Contact me and I'll get you in touch with Elizabeth :)

How To Catch A Prince by Rachel Hauck | RE:View

With a hint of the divine woven in, How to Catch a Prince will have you dreaming of fairy tales and miracles. 

 Stubborn, determined, and on the mend from heart-break, heiress Corina Del Rey is about to take the journey of a life time. Resurfacing after five and a half years weighted down by grief, Corina finds herself facing a secrete from her past that she hasn't quite escaped.

Prince Stephen, brother of King Nathaniel (from Once Upon A Prince) loves rugby more than anything else, though it's become more of an obsession and distraction after coming back from the war. When his past refuses to say in the past, Stephen finds himself facing more than just memories.

Arriving on the royal coattales of Princess Ever After, I was more than ready for this third installment of The Royal Wedding Series. I really enjoyed Corina and Prince Stephen's unique story and loved the dynamics of their interaction together. Stephen's character was the perfect compliment to Corina's determined personality and their spark was undeniable. Of course, I also loved the details of Brighton, Rachel's superb descriptive language, and the openness of the characters true feelings. In some books I find that too often an argument or feeling isn't expressed to a logical conclusion or even to a certain depth, that was not the case with How to Catch a Prince. I found myself in the trenches of their emotions--but not in an overwhelming way.

This is a must read from me! And hey, while you're at it, make sure to grab the other two books in The Royal Wedding Series. You will quickly find yourself lost in a fairy tale world that's not too far from ours.

Rating:5*
Purchase:  How to Catch a Prince (Royal Wedding Series Book 3)

Book Description
(from Rachel's website)

Behind him, beside him, before him, the synchronized cathedral bells began to ring out.

One, two, three . . .

Then she said it first. The words his heart burst to share. “I love you, Stephen..”

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre-war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.

Or let it be lost forever?

_______________

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.

Kariss Lynch & Annslee Urban | New Novel News

Shadowed
by Kariss Lynch

Published March 3, 2015
By Realms

Purchase Shadowed (Heart of a Warrior)

Nick and Kaylan are back and ready to see what the future holds for their relationship. As Kaylan comes to terms with loving a man who leaves, Nick and his team of Navy SEALs head off on a mission to catch an international arms dealer. When the prey becomes the predator, Kaylan and Nick fight to keep their relationship afloat. Will light shine in the darkness, or will their love forever be stalked by shadows? 



Get to know Kariss...

What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie? If I had to pick an actress to portray my life in a move, hands down I would want Katie Holmes. I think she is gorgeous, classy, and a little mysterious. I’m not too sure if we are similar there, but I would be flattered. Besides, she already mastered the book worm, studious, spunky character in Dawson’s Creek way back in the day, so it might be right in her wheelhouse.

Name one song/artist you're embarrassed you like. 
I am soooo embarrassed, but I love One Direction…I can’t help it. They are this generation’s N Sync. I love their sound and some of their songs just make me smile (although I can’t endorse all their lyric choices). I could listen to “Little Things” on repeat. But let’s keep that between us.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on? 
Originally, I would have said my main character, Nick Carmichael. I still think he is great, however, I just finished the third and final book in the Heart of a Warrior series, and I may or may not be pretty obsessed with Micah Richards – tall, dark, and handsome, joker, family man, protective. Aka pretty dreamy.

Connect with Kariss on her website!

***

Broken Silence
By Annslee Urban

Published March 1, 2015
Love Inspired Suspense
Purchase: Broken Silence

SHE'S HIDING A DEADLY SECRET…and someone wants to make sure Amber Talbot never reveals it. When she becomes the target of a car bomb and a home invasion, she gets the message loud and clear. If she tells anyone her secret, she will die. The person charged with protecting her is police detective Patrick Wiley—the fiancé she walked away from but never forgot. The same man she never wanted to tell about the attack that left her for dead. Back then Patrick couldn't save her. Now he must. Because the attacker has returned to finish what he started. Except this time he's got them both in his sights.

Get to know Annslee...

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? 
Italy! It part of my roots, so I guess that makes it even more special. But, there is something about the quaintness of the country that draws me back. I love the warmth of the culture, the friendly, helpful people and of course, the food! Not to mention there is beauty everywhere. From the northern mountainous region to the exquisite architecture from coast to coast to breathtaking Sicily. So rich in history to boot!

Favorite dessert? 
That’s a tough one, because I love dessert! But, I think if I had to pick just one, it would be hot fudge sundae. Rich fudge and ice cream ~ a perfect combination. I also have a recipe for hot fudge sundae cake ~ equally delicious!

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without? 
Blow dryer: in humid tropical weather my thick hair would never dry, so a blow dryer is a must. Tweezers ~ a girl has to keep her brows under control J and my Bible, where would I be without an encouraging word? :)

Connect with Annslee on Facbook!

Social Saturday: Make New Friends

I haven't had much time this week to interact here because I've been doing some interacting of my own in the "real world" ;)

My dear friend Steffani has joined me in DC and we've been on some grand adventures. See>>> That's us at Gettysburg! Yep, it was freezing! But totally worth it.

Anyway, I know the importance of friendships in every day life but I also know the importance of friendships in cyber-life. We're talking about Social Media and Marketing this month and really, when you boil that down, it's who you know and what they say about you. (More on this later).

Today, I wanted to open up the opportunity to connect with you all! I also want you to connect with one another. I'd love for Thinking Thoughts to be a conduit for connection.

So, if you haven't already, come find me on these lovely forms of social media and let's become friends!!! Then, in the comments below {if you're feeling brave} share a link to your blog or other forms of social media so we can all connect with you!

Connect with Me

Facebook Author Page 
Goodreads
Google+ 
Twitter
Instagram
Blog
(if you haven't already, follow me by email or via Google>>>)

I can't wait to meet you! And don't forget our hashtag: #ttmediachallenge

Write to the Market or Your Heart? by Michelle Griep

Sometimes there’s a fine line between writing what you love and writing what sells. Sometimes a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon.

Let’s say you spend a year constructing a story. It's somewhat of an intricate plot. The characters are flavorful and well developed. Your voice is strong. The writing is as well. You know all this because of feedback you've received from editors. All is good—except your story is more Dickens than Austen. It's a little edgier, a little darker, spending more time on the streets of London than in the ballrooms and dining halls. There is a publisher willing to pick it up—if you completely change the plot and focus on high society instead of the vulgar commoners.

Would you rewrite the book? Should you?

This dilemma is one of the most common predicaments facing writers, and in fact, one I faced in my recent release Brentwood’s Ward. Should an author write to fit the market or stay true to her inner self? This isn't a problem for those who are Austen or Amish or a zombie on the inside (or whatever the current trend is), but for the rebel at heart, this issue is a constant demon to battle.

I contend unless you write a story you're passionate about, one you really love, then your lackluster attitude is going to show through. While it’s tempting to pen something to get your foot in the door at a publishing house, jumping on the current bandwagon isn’t necessarily the best way to go. Writing about a topic you don’t have a passion for is going to show up in your voice, kind of like a white-bread country singer attempting some hoodrat rap. It’s hard to disguise. And honestly, who's got time to read a milquetoast novel? Who would even want to?

It’s tricky to find a marketable niche where you feel comfortable. How in the world does one accomplish this?

Focus on a theme and/or truth that fires you up.
If your central message falls flat, it doesn't matter what genre you've chosen to write in. It will fail. Does the act of forgiveness make your heart beat faster? Unconditional love? Conformity? The injustice of throwing away a perfectly good grilled cheese sandwich just because it’s a little burnt on one side? Enthusiasm about a message has a way of getting your creative juices flowing.

Think about traditional mainstream genres that could work with your theme.
Don’t worry. You’re only brainstorming at this stage. You're not making any vows here, but simply exercising your authorly flexibility—which is way easier than contorting your body into a forearm-stand scorpion pose. (Go ahead and Google it. You know you want to.)

Ponder some of your favorite stories.
The tales that have stuck with you throughout the years. What are the plots of the novels you love? Imagine those plots in a different genre. Same story, just different trappings.

Write down a two to three sentence story idea in one of those mainstream genres.
Such as: romance, mystery, contemporary, historical, etc.

That's all. Now set that piece of paper aside. Pick it up next week and see how you feel about it. Either that idea will have grown on you by then, or chuck it aside and repeat the process. Eventually you will land on a story that resonates with you on the inside while being something more marketable than Regency Amish Zombie Aliens. Run that story idea by an agent or editor before you commit to writing the entire manuscript. If their eyes light up, you've got a winner that just might sell and a story that's coming from your heart.

Like what you read? There’s more. WRITER OFF THE LEASH: GROWING IN THE WRITING CRAFT is a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn’t know how to take their writing to the next level.

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Follow her adventures and find out about upcoming new releases at her blog, Writer Off the Leash, or stop by her website. You can also find her at the usual haunts of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

*Check out my review of Writer Off The Leash!

Elizabeth Jane Kitchens {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Elizabeth...

Elizabeth Jane Kitchens loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. When she’s not thinking about dashing heroes or how awesome bacteria are—she is a microbiologist after all—she’s probably photographing flowers, telling people she’s crocheting not knitting, or talking about classic books and black-and-white movies. Elizabeth is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in the beautiful, green South.
How to connect with Elizabeth...

Website: www.elizabethjanekitchens.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9884412-elizabeth-kitchens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethJaneKitchens
Twitter: @e_kitchens
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ekitchens0132/
Purchase: The Beast’s Enchantress (it's a steal at .99 cents right now!!!)

Author Interview | Elizabeth Kitchens 

You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I was into science growing up, science and daydreaming. I didn’t like writing even though a tendency toward it runs in my family. My dad actually calls it “the family curse.” I thought I’d escaped, but then a strange thing happened after I finished graduate school—my daydreams starting changing from short, unrelated scenes to long, interconnected ones. They gained plot and the characters became more realistic. Maybe it was the effect of more time for reading and watching movies or simply less stress, but my imagination really kicked into gear. Next thing I knew, I had decided to write a children’s book; I would write it, and a dear friend would illustrate it. Once I put pen to paper, I fell in love. The illustrated children’s book never came to be, but other stories have and many more are waiting their chance.

...Could I give up writing? Yes. I could go back to spending my time watching movies or reading, but I would be rejecting a gift God gave me. I don’t want to do that. Writing is work, but it’s worth it.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...Have you ever wondered about the enchantress from Beauty and the Beast? I love watching the prelude to Disney’s version of the classic tale. The mysterious enchantress shows up at the castle as a hag, turns into a beautiful enchantress, curses the handsome prince to become a beast, and then disappears, never to enter the story again. Why did she do it? Did she go there purposely to test him? What if she was under a curse herself? What if she was once as proud as the prince?
...I wrote The Beast’s Enchantress to answer these questions, and in my story the beautiful enchantress goes through her own “beast” phase, has adventures, and has her own happily-ever-after ending.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Definitely Mr. Woodsman. He’s a kind, clever hero with a sense of humor that perfectly matches Alexandria’s (the enchantress).

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...You’re worthy of love and attention, and others are worthy of love and attention, without regard to appearance, cleverness, or social status. While the heartless prince in Beauty and the Beast wouldn’t give food or shelter to an ugly hag, Alexandria would throw a beggar woman coins, but certainly not speak to her. She’d slight any attempt at conversation made by someone less beautiful, intelligent, or wealthy than herself. But when she becomes the poor and ugly one, she’s forced to ask, is she still worth loving?

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration for my other stories comes from many different places. Often, I’ll come to like a minor villain in one story and have to write another one just to redeem him, or write a story for a secondary character I want to have a happily-ever-after. Once I was editing a story where the heroine was in a carriage crash, necessitating an introduction of the coachman. He suddenly went from a nameless servant to a charming man trying to take over the story and steal the heroine away from the hero. I had to put a stop to that, so I came up with another story with a carriage crash and a heroine just for him.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...To provide fun, clean entertainment. Some other intention, like to help people realize their self-worth, comes later as the characters develop.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Go to conferences, get into a critique group, and keep at it. Don’t expect it to be easy or quick.

You

Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
...Yes. American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Southern Christian Writers’ Conference were helpful (SCWC). SCWC is a nice first conference because it’s small. It also includes sessions on non-fiction writing. ACFW is lots of fun because of all the people and getting to meet authors whose books I’ve read. The chance to meet agents and publishers is great too.

What’s your favorite green food? (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
...Raw green beans. They’re okay when cooked, but fabulous when raw.

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...Scotland.

***Leave a comment to enter to win a print copy of  The Beast's Enchantress***

(US entries only | Winner chosen & announced March 11)

___________________________

Loved having you on the blog today Elizabeth! Many of your favorite things mentioned in your bio are some of my favorite things too :D I especially love how you say that, though writing is work, it's not something you'd give up because it's a gift from God! I also love the premise for you novel. The best part about hearing the inspiration behind what people write is to see their unique perspective. I love that the "old hag" caught your attention. And I completely know what you mean when you talk about characters suddenly having a story as well - I go through the same thing thinking, "I wonder about so-and-so and their story!" haha. Thanks again for stopping by, Elizabeth.