Monday Motivation

Some motivation to begin your week:

"If you want to be a writer, stop talking about it and sit down and write!"

—Jackie Collins

Have a wonderful week!

"Giddy Up, Eunice" by Sophie Hudson

Hudson’s latest is designed to show that while women need Jesus in their lives, they also need other women. She intends to showcase in this book that “what we have in common far exceeds any perceived generational differences.”

In her latest book, Hudson brings a biblical approach to female relationships by using Elizabeth and Mary, Naomi and Ruth, and Lois and Eunice. In addition to incorporating Scripture throughout, the author shares personal tales, as well. She uses cross-generational mentors to show that older and wiser women have a number of things to share with younger women, and vice versa. The pairs deal with heartbreak, redemption, legacy of faith, and finding your calling. The author is likely to have the reader laughing and crying throughout this thought-provoking book. This book would work well for a small group study, too.

It is apparent that Hudson has a heart for God and other women. She incorporates a number of modern references (television shows, cell phone apps, etc.) to keep things relevant for today’s reader.

Hudson has a southern wit to her writing which is very engaging. If you want to try out some of Sophie’s writing before buying one of her books, you can check out boomama.net  This is a blog she’s had for over ten years.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy as part of the B&H blogger program in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon link for purchase:

http://amzn.to/2bqoqyI

Family Christian Stores

http://bit.ly/2aKa8en

Music, books, and jewelry…oh my! What can I say about familychristian.com? They have so many great products to choose from. I was given the opportunity to check out their deals, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

Family Christian is a Christian retailer, operating in 250 stores across the country. They offer a wide variety of Christian books, music, Bibles, DVDs, clothing, gifts, and more. You are likely to find something here to meet any need. There is a place on their website where you can search to see if you have a store near you. If there is not one in your local area, it is extremely easy to order off their website, which is what I did.

Family Christian has a wonderful summer sale going on at the moment. It is a Buy 1, Get 1 50% off sale on ALL books, movies, and music. You can even mix and match within the departments. This sale ends on August 25, 2016, so you still have time to take advantage of the great deals.  It was wonderful to see that when you shop with Family Christian, all purchases support their efforts to unite with ministries which help children and families in need all around the world.

I had a hard time deciding what to purchase, as there are so many great items. For instance:

·         Select Bibles are 30% off through August 25. Journaling Bibles are the latest trend, so to speak, as they offer space for the reader to jot notes right in the Bible. Some even include illustrations to be colored. They have a huge selection available.

·         Author Dee Henderson has a new book out entitled Traces of Guilt. This novel appears to be full of suspense and the first in a new series for Henderson.

·         The band NEEDTOBREATHE has a new album which just came out on July 15, 2016. It is the sixth album for the band, and the tracks I checked out sound great!

·         They have a new line of products called Active Faith. Family Christian is the exclusive retail partner for this line of clothing. It was formed by a group of Christian athletes, and the apparel offers Christian-inspired designs and messages for encouragement.

After careful consideration, I decided to order the following:

·         How Can It Be (Deluxe Edition CD) by Lauren Daigle (http://bit.ly/2bfKomV)

·         The Illustrated Words of Jesus for Women: A Creative Daily Devotional (http://bit.ly/2aReMT9)

Once I figured out what I wanted to purchase, it was so easy to place my order (and I received my items in less than a week!). Family Christian even offers a Norton shopping guarantee to protect online purchases, which is a bit unique to their site. I’m pretty sure I’ll be ordering from Family Christian in the future!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): I did receive a sample of one of their products in exchange for this review and post.

Dana Mentink’s Sweetness Unleashed Pack Giveaway ("Fetching Sweetness" by Dana Mentink - Litfuse blog tour)

My Review...

Stephanie Pink believes that her meeting with reclusive author Agnes Wharton will be the big break she needs to fulfill her dreams of becoming a literary agent. However, her plans are put on hold because of a dog named Sweetness, who has run off. Until Stephanie finds Sweetness, she will not be receiving the long-anticipated sequel from Agnes. Stephanie meets Rhett Hastings, and he reluctantly agrees to help in her search. Rhett and Stephanie have different views on God and His plan in their lives. Will they be able to work together to find Sweetness, as well as a happy ending?

This book is second in Mentink’s “Love Unleashed” series. While there are some amusing scenes, particularly with a dog, this book is not quite as engaging as the first one. Sweetness is a bit overshadowed by the human characters in this one, which was not the case with the canine star in book one. There are some surprises along the way, even though it is a bit predictable at times. If you are looking for a quick, easy read, this is one to pick up.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy as part of the Litfuse Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.

Landing page link for tour...

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dmentink

Tuesday Tip: Breaks

Tuesday Tip

There are three types of breaks commonly used in fiction. These include:

1. Chapter break: A chapter break comes at the end of each chapter. This indicates the start of the next chapter on a new page. It is best to use a page break to indicate a chapter break, as this will keep the page numbering continual without having to change anything.
2.  Soft break: These occur when you need to break a scene into separate sections. These breaks are used when there is no lapse in the time, but the author switches from one character's POV to another. This may also be used to continue the same scene and character, but with a bit of a time lapse. In a book, these are often designated by an empty line between sections of a scene. To indicate this in your manuscript, (space) would be centered on a blank line between the sections to be broken up.
3. Hard break: This break occurs when a large amount of time has gone by in the action or when starting a new scene in a different place within the same chapter. Hard breaks are often used when switching POV characters when they are in a different place than they were in the prior scene. These breaks in a manuscript are generally shown by centering no more than four characters on a blank line, such as #### or ~~~~.

"Deep Shadows" by Vannetta Chapman...and a GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of her latest release, Vannetta has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US ONLY). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends August 12, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

A Word from Vannetta...

My editor at Harvest House asked me if I could write anything I wanted, what would it be? I’ve always loved the dystopian/survivalist genre, and I’m a news junkie. I’d recently come across a news article about NASA scientists warning Congress about the possibility of a massive solar event. That was all it took to spur my imagination on, and Deep Shadows was born.

Q & A with Vannetta...

Q:  What would you be doing if you were not an author?

A:  I adore teaching. If I could do both things at once, I would! So yes, I’d return to teaching in some capacity.

Q:  I used to be a teacher, and I really enjoyed it, too! What are your thoughts on publishing/self-publishing?

A:  I think publishing in general is a difficult thing, as it has always been. There’s a lot of criticism and rejection and hard work involved! That said, writing is a job I absolutely adore, and it is a passion as well as an occupation. As far as self-publishing, I think it’s a valid means of getting your work in front of readers.

Q:  What advice do you have for new writers?

A:  Keep writing. The 9^th book I wrote was the 1^st book published.

Q:  What are three books in your TBR (to-be-read) pile? 

A:  Charles Martin, The Mountain Between Us

      C.J. Box, Off the Grid

      Deb Raney, Finally Home

 Q:  Those sound good! I think my TBR pile will soon be a bit larger :)  What are three things about you that would surprise your readers?

A:  I have a phobia about driving over tall, tall bridges.

      I don’t eat most white foods.

      I love hiking, gardening, and playing the piano.

Back cover blurb...

All It Takes Is One Night

to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology.

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos.

I rated this story 4/5 stars in the August 2016 issue of RT Bookreviews Magazine.

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2auvZ9e

About Vannetta...

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. 

Readers can find Vannetta online at:

http://vannettachapman.com

https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

https://www.instagram.com/vannettachapman/

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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:

Write a story centered on a song or a memory associated with music.

Happy writing!

Monday Motivation

Some motivation to begin your week:

"Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on."

                                            

              — Louis L'Amour

Have a wonderful week!

The Illustrator's Notetaking Bible for Teens

Do you like to take notes in your Bible? Are you a fan of coloring? If you said "yes" to both of these questions, then this Bible is for you! It is perfect for Bible journaling.

What was my first impression of this Bible? I loved it! There are over 600 illustrations to color, as well as wide margins for taking notes (or adding your own illustrations, if you're inclined to do so!). 

This Bible is the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation, which is very easy to read and understand. At the beginning of the Bible, there is a description of the HCSB translation, for those unfamiliar with it. There are questions throughout the Bible which help the reader in their study. These include: 

• How to read and study the Bible
• What makes the Bible so special?
• If I can't see God, how do I know He's real?
• Why does God allow evil?
• What's your worldview?

The Bible lays flat, making it very easy to read, color, or take notes. It contains twelve pages of "study helps," which includes the bullet notes (something specific to the HCSB Translation). A yearly study plan is listed in the back, as well as numerous colored maps. There is also a beautiful ribbon marker. It is written in 8-point text and contains 1376 pages.  It is the perfect size to allow creativity, as well as be a functional Bible for everyday reading and study.

While this Bible is labeled for teens (ages 11-18, or grade level 6-12), I feel it is appropriate for adults, too :-) It would be a perfect addition for someone wanting to share the Bible journaling experience with their daughter, sister, etc. If you are looking to deepen your spiritual walk, this is certainly a Bible to check out.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher as part of the B&H Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.

Here's the link to the Bible on the publisher's website, where it can be purchased. 

http://bit.ly/2a7XSnM

"Fractured Memory" by Jordyn Redwood

In celebration of her latest release, Jordyn has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (print copy). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends August 5, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

A Word from Jordyn...

The beginning of Fractured Memory was actually inspired by a television murder mystery show (Dateline or 48 Hours) where police showed up at a woman’s door one morning and told her a hit had been put on her life and she needed to leave with them right then and there. Can you imagine? Putting your life in the hands of an utter stranger? Of course, I had to come up with my own plot with some medical thriller action thrown in. 

Q & A with Jordyn...

Q:  How did you start writing?

A:  I've always had a love of writing. I started writing short stories when I was in elementary school.  One of my very first stories was about a rabbit who had to go to the "hoppyital" because I couldn't spell "hospital." I guess I was always destined to be a nurse who writes medical thrillers.

Q:  I love that! Hoppyital :) What are your thoughts on the publishing industry in general? In relation to self-publishing?
A:  Hard question but an intriguing question. I'll boil it down to this. I think the most successful authors are consistently doing a lot of the same things. They both traditionally and indie publish. They write in different genres (fiction and non-fiction) and explore different niches within their own main genre (such as a thriller author doing romantic suspense and cozy mystery). They also write and publish novels of varying length — full-length, novella, and short story. James Patterson's recent release of a multitude of what he calls "BookShots" is a testament to this. Many successful authors are co-authoring books. These are my goals moving forward.

Q:  You certainly make some good points! I have seen Patterson's "BookShots," but I haven't picked one up… yet :)  What advice do you have for new authors?
A:  The first draft is your own. Do little editing. Just get the words on the page.

Q:  What is your favorite writing-related book?

A:  I pretty much soak up anything by James Scott Bell and Donald Maass. I also thoroughly enjoyed Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and have gifted it to several other authors.

Q:  I haven't read Gilbert's book yet. I will definitely have to check it out. What can you tell me about your next project?
A:  Currently, I'm working on my first indie novel called The Cipher's String that I hope to release before the end of the year. The plot surrounds FBI CARD agent Arabella Wright, whose job is to find lost children. When her own daughter is kidnapped by a serial murderer, everything in her life unravels. Of course, who is behind these crimes and why has some medical thriller thrown in.

Q:  Ooh, that sounds really good! I look forward to reading it. Fractured Memory is your first book with Love Inspired Suspense. How different was it writing this book than your previous ones?
A:  Very different. I came to Love Inspired Suspense via the Blurb to Book contest, which is set up in three stages. I didn't continue to write on the novel until I knew I made it through to the next round, so finishing and editing the book in about eight weeks was a challenge. Also, I don't consider myself a natural romance author, so I had a lot to learn. Still do.

Q:  I think you did a great job with the romance angle in the book! Now for a few fun questions. What's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
A:  I love to cross-stitch to relax.

Q:  Is there a book you wish you'd written?

A:  I would actually love to do a non-fiction book on teaching kids the necessity and importance of failure. That failure is not something to be feared.

Q:  That is a much-needed topic for a book. Which is harder: writing or nursing?

A:  Both are hard in their own way, to be honest!

Q:  Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

A:  Dean Koontz, Lisa Gardner, Harlan Coben, and Linwood Barclay

Q:  Good choices! Finally, what's something about yourself that would surprise your readers?

A:  I'm a definite pen fanatic. Take one of my pens and your life could be in danger! If your dying wish is to have my favorite pen — I might eventually have to stop and think about if I will give it to you. Isn't that terrible? :)

Not at all! I totally understand. I have a few favorite pens myself, and I have accumulated many pens over the years :) Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm sure my readers will enjoy the chance to get to know you a bit better.

Link to my review...

http://bit.ly/2a15zuf

(I rated it 4/5 stars.)

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2agy0a9

About Jordyn...

Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She hosts Redwood's Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Her first two medical thrillers, Proof and Poison, garnered starred reviews from Library Journal. Proof was shortlisted for the 2012 ForeWord Review's BOTY Award, 2013 INSPY Award, and the 2013 Carol Award. Poison shortlisted for the 2014 INSPY Award and the 2014 Selah Award. In addition to her novels, she blogs regularly at Redwood's Medical Edge and the WordServe Water Cooler. 

Readers can find Jordyn online at:

Redwood's Medical Edge blog:  http://jordynredwood.blogspot.com/

WordServe Water Cooler blog:   https://wordservewatercooler.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJordynRedwood

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JordynRedwood

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/jordynredwood/boards/

Email:  jredwood1@gmail.com

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