"Good writing is clear thinking made visible."
— Bill Wheeler
Have a wonderful week!
Monday, July 31, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Takeover Thursday with Marguerite Martin Gray ... and a GIVEAWAY of TWO BOOKS!
I want to extend a warm welcome to Marguerite Martin Gray. Marguerite is giving away a copy of the first two books in her series (Hold Me Close and Surrender). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends August 3, 2017. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) Now, here's Marguerite...
Thank you
for the opportunity to share a bit about myself with you today. As the summer
is zipping by, I am busy writing and editing while spending time researching
and reading. Since my recent move from Texas to Louisiana, I’ve been a little
detached from my “stuff.” Slowly, I am determining a writing schedule in my new
home.
Revolutionary Faith Book One and
Two, Hold Me Close and Surround Me, published in 2015 and 2016, take place in 1772-1774
Charles Town, South Carolina. The pre-revolution drama affects the lives of
ordinary citizens, immigrants, and prominent historical figures. Decisions are
made that will change the world. Louis Lestarjette, a French immigrant and
merchant, encounters a society on the brink of revolution. Who can he trust in
his endeavors to prosper? Will he be able to stay neutral in a battle for
independence? Elizabeth Elliott, daughter of a prominent British citizen, is
faced with making difficult decisions about her loyalties. When the mysterious
Frenchman enters her life, her role in the political battle is challenged. Can
she trust her heart in volatile situations?
Bring Me Near: Revolutionary Faith
Book Three will be
released in Fall 2017. Follow familiar characters through the decisive events
of 1775. Will Charles Town and her citizens support and accept the possibility
of separation from Britain? How will Louis and Elizabeth protect their family
and community?
As a
child, I devoured books. When I lived in England for two years during upper
elementary, I started writing short stories. I continued writing journals on my
travels and everyday life until the present. Finally, I became serious about
writing six years ago, and since then I’ve written six novels. I returned to
university and completed my MA in English.
My father
inspired me to research my family history, so I went to Charleston and retraced
some of the steps of Louis and Elizabeth, my main characters. My parents surrounded me with history, travel,
and educational opportunities.
I travel
whenever I can: the United States, Europe, and Central and South America. I
find ideas for my stories through people I meet or interesting stories I hear
about the local history. The Revolutionary Faith series is the result of family
history research and my visits to Charleston. In my writing, I always use real
historical characters in minor roles. They interact with my fictional
characters. I place them in historical situations and try to figure out what
they would say and do in their everyday lives.
What am I working on now? I have finished
writing and editing Labor of Love,
Book One in my Gardens in Time
series. This novel is a stand-alone set in 1560 Florence, Italy. Book Two, Promise of Purity, is written, waiting
for me to edit. It is set in 1660 Hampton Court, England. This summer I am
writing Revolutionary Faith Book Four, Draw
Me to Your Side. I’m busy and love it. In the fall, I will add teaching to
my agenda, which I have done for over 25 years.
Thank you for your time. I hope your summer
is productive and inspiring.
Enjoy the journey.
About Marguerite...
Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close: Revolutionary Book One and
Surround Me: Revolutionary Faith Book
Two. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and
reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and journalism
from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from
Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American
Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and the Preservation Society of
Charleston. Recently, she moved from
Abilene, Texas to North Louisiana with her husband.
Where to find her online...
Website: http://margueritemartingray.com
Instagram: marguerite.gray
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Tuesday Tip: Online Writing Communities
This week, I want to highlight some online writing communities which may be useful resources. There are many of them, so I'm only listing three this week.
- Figment (http://figment.com/): This site was founded by two former staff members of the New Yorker. This is a place where writers can share their stories or poems, as well as collaborate with others and receive critiques. There is also a chat section available where you can ask questions of industry professionals.
- StoryADay (http://storyaday.org/): This is a site to promote creativity, and there are challenges to write a short story every day for a month. Accountability groups and the option to subscribe to a podcast are also available.
- WritersNet (http://www.writers.net/): This is a place where you can find directories of writers, editors, publishers, and agents organized by industry.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
"Get out of that Pit" by Beth Moore
Everyone likely knows that life is full of pits, and
Moore points out the three ways we end up in one: pushed in, fall in, or dive
in. With down-to-earth and relatable stories, the author sets out to show the
reader how to tell if they’re in a pit, as well as how to get out of them. It’s
obvious that Moore has “been there, done that” before. Since we all get stuck
at times, this book is a good resource for when you’re struggling. The key is
learning that we can’t get out of the pit on our own. I’ve heard some of this
content before, but the book still contains some good reminders. Relevant Bible
verses are woven throughout.
Disclosure:
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the BookLook Blogger
program. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Writing Prompt Wednesday
If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:
Do you remember the time we...?
Happy writing!
Monday, July 17, 2017
Sunday, July 16, 2017
"The Writing Desk" by Rachel Hauck
My review...
Tenley Roth’s debut book was a bestseller, and she
fears that she will be unable to replicate that success…especially as she is
dealing with a massive case of writer’s block and a looming deadline. Her
estranged mother throws another kink in Tenley’s plans by asking her to come to
Florida to help her get through chemotherapy.
Birdie Shehorn comes from a privileged background. As
is commonplace in the Guilded Age, her parents have arranged a marriage for
her. Birdie longs to be a writer, but she feels that her dreams no longer
matter.
Though decades apart, Tenley and Birdie are tied together
in unexpected ways as they both search for their purpose and way in life.
This story uses a dual timeline to focus on two female
writers. The spiritual message is seamlessly woven in. The historical details
add to the enjoyment of this thought-provoking, entertaining, and engaging tale.
The paralyzing nature of fear is one which may resonate with many readers, as
well as cause them to consider how life’s failures can be something God uses
for His good.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. I was
not required to leave a positive review.
About Rachel...
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, bestselling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly in Tenderly," one of 2011's Top 10 Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy and a conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
You can find Rachel online at:
Website: www.rachelhauck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/
Twitter: @RachelHauck
Link for blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Takeover Thursday with Carol Kinsey ... and a GIVEAWAY!
I want to extend a warm welcome to Carol Kinsey. She's here to talk about her writing journey. Carol is giving away a hard copy of her book, Greater Love. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends July 20, 2017. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) Now, here's Carol...
Teenagers
can be life changers. Never underestimate the power of sixteen year olds.
I was
leading a high school girl’s Bible study. Every week, eight girls gathered
together to learn more about their relationship with Jesus. It was a wonderful
time of fellowship and learning. One afternoon, a couple of the girls started
discussing an exciting new novel they’d read. As I listened, I grew weary. This
“exciting new novel” went against everything I’d been teaching them from the
Word of God. In their quest for entertainment, these young ladies were filling their
minds with smut, worldly thinking, and trash talk.
We looked
at Philippians 4:8: “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any
excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (NASB). I
asked them, “How does this ‘exciting new novel’ hold up to Philippians 4:8?”
They were
smart enough to know the answer. “It doesn’t. But what else can we read?”
I explained
that there was a whole world of Christian literature out there, but I could see
I’d hit a brick wall. This book was cool. It was fascinating. Everyone was
reading it…
It really
started there. I remember it clearly. I’d always had stories in my head. I
loved writing. I’d studied journalism in college and had a far greater love for
words than numbers. So, I sat down at my archaic laptop and wrote a novel for
those girls.
My husband
encouraged me through the all-nighters I pulled in order to crank out that
first book. I printed it out—typos and all, and put it in a three ring binder.
It was a
Christ-centered, teen, suspense novel that held to Philippians 4:8. I’m not
sure who was more surprised that they loved it. Them or me. They devoured it.
After that, they wanted more. So I wrote more. And for the next two years with
that group of girls, I realized I loved writing novels. I loved creating
stories that showed God at work in the lives of people—stories that showed
struggles, faith, purity, the power of prayer, godly relationships, and pointed
to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
From there,
my writing continued. When my husband took a job as a youth pastor a few of the
teens found out that I wrote and once again, I was given the opportunity to
point people to Christ through writing. But these teens wanted more. They
wanted to be able to share my books with their friends. They wanted my books
out there in the world. They encouraged me to take my books one step further
and get published.
Every one
of my novels has been touched in some way by one of the teens in the youth
group. Whether it’s through cover design, proofreading, social media, or
encouragement, God has used those teens in my life just as I pray He is using
me in theirs.
Each step
of the journey has been exciting. It’s still continuing. Through my writing
curriculum and homeschool conferences, I’ve been able to encourage other young
writers to use their pen to the glory of God with Philippians 4:8 as their
filter.
I’m excited
about the release of my newest novel, Witness
Protection, which is scheduled to come out this summer. It’s an action
suspense with a powerful Christ-centered message. There’s nothing in it that I
wouldn’t feel comfortable with one of my high school youth group teens reading.
I love
writing and I’m thankful that God has given me the opportunity to use writing
to honor Him.
- Carol Kinsey
Blurb for Greater Love...
Trey
Netherland is an FBI agent on a mission. Working undercover at a Christian university,
Trey tries to win the heart of Rainey Meadows, the woman who can help him solve
this case. What Trey didn’t expect was for her to steal his heart. Deceived by
the man she thought she loved, Rainey wants answers. Trey wants the bad guy.
Together, Rainey and Trey find themselves in the heart of Columbia searching
for different things. As Rainey struggles to learn who she is, Trey is torn
between the lies he’s told her and the Truth that is fighting to reach his
heart. Tangled in a dangerous plot, can Rainey trust the man whose lies put her
heart in turmoil? Will Trey finally cry out to the only One who can truly set
him free? There is only one Truth and it’s in Him they find Greater Love.
About Carol...
Carol Kinsey lives with her husband and their
two daughters on a farm in rural Ohio. She and her husband have been involved
in youth ministry for over twenty years and currently serve at a small country
church, which inspired her first published novel, Under the Shadow of a Steeple. She has also published Greater Love, Until Proven Innocent, and a writing curriculum, Creative Writing Through Literature,
which launched in 2016. Her next novel, Witness Protection, will be out in
2017. It is an action, suspense novel with a strong Christian message. Carol is
a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and co-founded The
Writing Family with
authors, Amy C. Blake and Colleen Scott. Together with Amy
and Colleen, Carol speaks
on developing the writer in yourself and your child at various homeschool
conventions, libraries, and author events. Along with her fiction, Carol is
also published in several nonfiction venues. She has a passion for writing
exciting, Christ-centered fiction that uplifts, encourages, and gives glory to
God.
Where to find Carol online...
·
www.creativewritingthroughliterature.com curriculum website which is tied
into my personal website.
·
Amazon
Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Kinsey/e/B00O537WFO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1477494871&sr=8-2
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Tuesday Tip: Websites for Mystery/Crime Writers
This week, I want to highlight some websites which may be useful resources for those of you who write mystery/crime stories.
- Jungle Red Writers (http://www.jungleredwriters.com/): This site has daily chats about suspense writing from eight crime fiction writers. There is a lot to investigate on this site.
- Elizabeth Spann Craig (http://elizabethspanncraig.com/): This is the site of a bestselling cozy mystery author. She offers advice on topics such as publishing, motivation, and self-publishing.
- Miss Demeanors (https://www.missdemeanors.com/): This set features six suspense and mystery authors who share advice on writing, research, reading, and much more.
Friday, July 7, 2017
"The Girl Who Could See" by Kara Swanson ... and a GIVEAWAY!
About the Book
Book title: The Girl Who could See
Author: Kara Swanson
Release date: June 1, 2017
Genre: Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy/Young Adult
All her life Fern has been told she is blind to reality—but, what if she is the only one who can truly see? Fern Johnson is crazy. At least, that’s what the doctors have claimed since her childhood. Now nineteen, and one step away from a psych ward, Fern struggles to survive in bustling Los Angeles. Desperate to appear normal, she represses the young man flickering at the edge of her awareness—a blond warrior only she can see. Tristan was Fern’s childhood imaginary hero, saving her from monsters under her bed and outside her walls. As she grew up and his secret world continued to bleed into hers, however, it only caused catastrophe. But, when the city is rocked by the unexplainable, Fern is forced to consider the possibility that this young man is not a hallucination after al—and that the creature who decimated his world may be coming for hers.
My review
Nineteen-year-old Fern would love to be normal, but,
instead, she’s struggling to survive and stay out of a psych ward. Tristan has
been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, Fern is
the only one who can see him, which leads doctors to believe she’s crazy. Are
they right, or is Tristan more than just a hallucination? Does he hold the key
to saving the world?
This book is a bit different than what I normally
read, but I’m glad I stepped outside of my “box” and took a chance on this one.
First off, the cover! It definitely grabbed my attention, and it’s a great fit
for the story, which combines fantasy and realistic elements. Both Fern and
Tristan are easy to relate to, and there is sufficient character growth. While
there are time jumps, they are not confusing to follow. There are even a few
surprises at the end. This certainly doesn’t feel like a typical novella, as
the storyline feels fully developed.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy
as part of the Celebrate Lit blogging program. I wasn’t required to leave a
positive review.
About the Author
As the daughter of missionaries, KARA SWANSON spent sixteen years of her young life in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped suddenly into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the speculative genre and was soon penning stories herself. At seventeen, she independently published her debut fantasy novel, Pearl of Merlydia. Her short story is included in Kathy Ide’s 21 Days of Joy: Stories that Celebrate Mom. She has published many articles, including one in the Encounter magazine, and she received the Mount Hermon Most Promising Teen Writer award in 2015.
Guest Post from Kara Swanson
Blog Stops
This giveaway is hosted by Celebrate Lit. Follow along with the tour for a list of tour stops!
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b7f6
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Writing Prompt Wednesday
If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:
I was anxiously awaiting the bus, but when it pulled into the terminal...
Happy writing!
Monday, July 3, 2017
Monday Motivation
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
— T. S. Eliot
Have a wonderful week!
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