Monday Motivation

Some motivation to begin your week:

"If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just sit there scowling at the problem."

—Hilary Mantel

Have a wonderful week!

"Roadtrip to Redemption" by Laurie Larsen ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Laurie has graciously offered to give away a copy of this book (US ONLY), as well as the companion book, "Pawleys Island Paradise." To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends September 16, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

A Word from Laurie...

I was sort of at a crossroads in my writing career. I had written and published nine books. I jumped around genre-wise, trying to find my niche. My backlist included contemporary romance, family saga, and young adult romance. I'd worked hard on all my books, learned a lot along the way, and some were better than others. Most readers enjoyed the books while they were reading them, but (I imagine) quickly forgot them after the last page was turned. Sales were, in general, minimal. So, being a woman of faith, I prayed to God for guidance. I wanted to know where HE wanted me to take my writing career. I could either continue writing forgettable fiction that didn't share God's message, or… did He have something else in mind for me? Could He and I partner together to create meaningful, heartwarming stories that touch the hearts of people searching for God in their lives? And once those stories were published, could God get those books in front of the right people who needed to hear the message? In other words, could He help me find a readership? I figured I had nothing to lose. So I ventured off on a new way of writing. At each writing session, I would bow my head and pray for God's guidance to take this story, these characters, where He wanted them to go. That way, I knew these stories were anointed by Him. I didn't fear away from story choices, such as prayer and Bible study. And guess what? God found readers once the book was published. Hundreds of thousands of people have read this book, and although there are some critics, my overall reviews are extremely positive. These books (starting with Roadtrip to Redemption, continuing on with a full series of six related books) mean something to people. The characters, the series, the inspired message—they're hitting the mark with so many more readers than I ever had with my non-inspirational fiction.  God put me where He wanted me. And that's all I ever wanted.

Q & A with Laurie...

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

A:   Beach bum

Q:   How did you start writing?

A:   I was touring the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, Georgia, and I got inspired. I figured if she could do it, so could I.

Q:   What do you consider the hardest part about being a writer?

A:   Saying no to other activities in my life so I can keep my butt in the chair.

Q:   What are your thoughts on the publishing industry in general? In relation to self-publishing?

A:   We've survived revolutionary changes in the publishing industry. Now we're out on the other side, and things need to normalize.

Q:   What advice do you have for new authors?

A:   Don't expect it to be easy. Don't expect instant success. Keep writing. Every book teaches you something.

Q:   What is your favorite writing-related book?

A:   On Writing by Stephen King

Q:   What can you tell me about your next project?

A:   It's the finale of my bestselling series. I've got the pressure of figuring out what everyone loved about the other books and making sure I include lots of that in it!

Q:   Who are some of your favorite authors or what are some of your favorite books?

A:   My all-time favorite author is Pat Conroy, who we tragically lost to cancer this year.

I've never read any of Pat's books, but I'll have to look them up! Thanks for stopping by, Laurie. I'm sure my readers enjoyed getting a chance to know you a bit better.

My review...

Leslie Malone is contemplating her purpose. School is out for the year. Her marriage is over, and her daughter will be in Paris for the next few months. For the first time in many years, Leslie will no longer be a wife/mother/teacher, so she decides to take a road trip.  Destination?  Pawleys Island.  Along the way, Leslie feels God leading her. She is provided with many opportunities to reflect God’s love and light into the lives of others. One of the people she meets on her journey is Hank Harrison. He soon comes to realize that Leslie is the answer to his prayers. Could Hank be the answer to hers as well?

Larsen’s book is a beautiful contemporary romance, filled with stories within the story. There are scenes which will have the reader laughing and crying. The faith element in this book is strong, as the characters base their decisions, large and small, on prayer. At times, it feels a little unrealistic that someone would stop and pray as often as these characters do, but it is heartwarming to believe that people do turn to God in every situation. On occasion, some parts seem a bit rushed, but it is an enjoyable, pleasing read overall.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2bTqWvt

About Laurie...

I wear a lot of hats. I'm a 27-year wife of my husband who has been my partner in a life filled with ups and downs, just like anyone else's. I'm the proud mother of two accomplished adult sons. I'm an empty nester trying to figure out what I'm going to do next. And I'm a 34-year employee of a Fortune 50 company, where I spend my days managing big, huge, complicated Information Technology products, more often than not, pulling my hair out. At night and on the weekends, I'm the published author of fifteen novels, and I'm currently writing the final installment of my Pawleys Island Paradise series, Book 6: Return to Devotion. I'm also a major planner, and this year my husband and I made a life-changing investment into the next chapter of our lives—when we both retire from our day jobs and continue on with a life of leisure. We bought a beach house about five miles down the road from Pawleys Island, our favorite spot in the world. My dream has always been to live at the beach and write books, and that dream is now within sight.

Readers can find Laurie online at:  

Facebook:      www.facebook.com/authorlaurielarsen

Twitter:          www.twitter.com/AuthorLaurie

Goodreads:    www.goodreads.com/search?q=laurie+larsen

Amazon:        http://amzn.to/2cl1KlS

website/blog: www.authorlaurielarsen.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday Tip: Collective nouns

Tuesday Tip

Collective nouns name groups of people or items, such as committee, team, club, bunch, or herd.  If the group is viewed as acting as one, the noun is treated like a singular noun. However, if the members of the group do not act in unison, the collective noun is treated like a plural noun.

Examples:

• The committee has decided to have the dance at the local country club.
• The committee are in disagreement about the band chosen to perform at the dance.
• The class listens to the teacher give directions.
• The class start their projects while the teacher grades their homework.

"The Lady and the Lionheart" by Joanne Bischof

A word from Joanne...

A few years ago, I got the idea for the story and it was a whirlwind writing time that produced a finished novel in just four weeks. I've never written a book that quickly (not even close!), But the inspiration for the story came so fast, I typed as quickly as my fingers could move. The Lady and the Lionheart began as a reflection on Beauty and the Beast and along the way, it morphed into an allegory of the Gospel. Writing that book was an adventure through and through and some of the most worshipful writing I've ever done. It was a truly incredible experience and in the years since, God's really helped me shape and polish the novel into what it is today. My prayer is that the book will point to the cross and touch hearts that might need that extra dose of encouragement as told through a tale of grace and sacrifice.

Q & A with Joanne...

Q:  What do you consider the hardest part about being a writer?

A:   The hardest part is probably balancing it all. As a mom of three kids, all of whom are homeschooled, I find that it's sometimes hard for my brain to be in two places at once. There's the real world: dishes, laundry, scraped knees, adventures at the park… And then there's the pretend world: the lives of my characters and the wondering of how I'm going to pull it together in a finished, enjoyable novel. Sometimes my brain gets a little overloaded. Whenever that happens, some quiet, a little prayer, and extra time spent with my family is always the ticket to reboot and recharge and feel strengthened to balance both sides to my life and brain space. I love getting the chance to be in both worlds, and being an author really has been a dream come true.

Q:  What are your thoughts on the publishing industry in general? In relation to self-publishing?

A:   The publishing industry is very complex!  There are benefits to traditional publishing and also to independent or self-publishing. Each one has complications and also advantages. As an author, I think of myself as a hybrid author — one who writes and publishes through both outlets. I think it's been neat to see how both sides of the process have been more and more in harmony the last few years in the Christian writing community. As more authors branch out in different avenues, it's clear that we're all in it for the same purpose, and the absolute bottom line is God's message being spread and the glory and honor going to him. Regardless of the avenue that it's done, I truly believe He's there to bless the projects that are crafted to bring Him praise. And by that, I don't mean high sales or even notable success — but that the stories will reach the hearts that He's readied and that they'll touch the lives in need of His promises and truths.

Q:   What advice do you have for new authors?

A:   Take deep breaths and take each step at a time. Remember that there is no arrival point. A book contract will not be the pinnacle of success that it can sometimes seem like. The road is just as rocky on the other side. But that just like with any phase of life, God is there to walk with us through them. He is there in our valleys and there on the mountain tops. By keeping your hand in His, and trusting in the journey as being as much for your growth as for the success of your writing, He will use you in special ways.

Q:   That's wonderful advice, for authors and readers alike! What can you tell me about your next project?

A:   I'm currently working on a novella that I've been keeping top-secret for about nine months now. Soon, I'll get to leak what that's about and I'm super excited! I think readers are going to be excited too :-)

Q:   I can't wait to hear!  What are some of the books in your TBR pile?

A:   In my TBR pile are Melissa Tagg's Keep Holding  On, Dr. Jocelyn Green's Mark of the King, and Laura Frantz's A Moonbow Night. All of those are upcoming releases and I'm so excited for each one.

Q:   What is the book you wish you'd written?

A:   This is always a fun question. I'd probably have to say The Memoir of Johnny Devine. I read it recently and fell in love with that story. Camille Eide weaves a brilliant tale with a swoon worthy hero — my favorite kind!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting the chance to know you a little bit better.

My review...

Lion tamer Charlie Lionheart is used to living amid the fame and mystique found under the Big Top. However, he is at a loss when it comes to caring for baby Holland. Nurse Ella Beckley finds herself captivated by the pair and agrees to help care for the sick child. It is against circus policy for Charlie to associate with outsiders, but he finds himself drawn to Ella. Ella’s faith is scarred by her past, and it is difficult for her to open up to Charlie. He wants her heart, but he is unsure of whether or not she will be able to handle the secrets he keeps hidden underneath his costume. Can he help Ella regain her faith and open herself to love?

I’m almost at a loss for what to say about this unique, beautiful, and, at times, heartbreaking Victorian-era tale. It is a wonderful story of love and redemption, and it reflects Christ’s love for us. Parts are a take on Beauty and the Beast, but it goes even deeper than that. The faith element is seamlessly woven throughout.  Bischof gives the reader an insider’s look into life under the big top, which provides an interesting backdrop to the story.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

You can enter to win Joanne's Big Top Giveaway by going to the following link on her website...

http://www.joannebischof.com/extras/

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2c6pOcg

About Joanne...

A Carol Award and three-time Christy Award finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. She was honored to receive the SDCWG Novel of the Year Award in 2014, and in 2015, she was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Writer's conference. That same year, her historical novella, This Quiet Sky, broke precedent as the first self-released title to final for the Christy Awards. To Get to You, her 2015 release, was the second. Joanne's 2016 novel,The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Bookreviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of southern California with her husband and three children.

You can find her online at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/joannebischof/

Website:     www.joannebischof.com

Twitter:      twitter.com/JoanneBischof

YouTube:   www.youtube.com/user/JoanneBischof

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 skit about losing a winning lottery ticket.

Happy writing!

Monday Motivation

Some motivation to begin your week:

"Do be kind to yourself. Fill pages as quickly as possible; double space, or write on every second line. Regard every new page as a small triumph. Until you get to page 50. Then calm down and start worrying about the quality. Do feel anxiety — it's the job."

                                           

              — Roddy Doyle

Have a wonderful week!

"Crime and Poetry" by Amanda Flower...and a GIVEAWAY!

 

Amanda 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 September 2, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

A word from Amanda...

At the end of 2014, my editor at Penguin Random House expressed an interest in doing another mystery series with me. I had been writing the "Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries" for them since 2011 under the name Isabella Alan. She said the new series could be under my real name, so even though I was under contract to write for two other publishers, I jumped at the chance. I pitched her several ideas and even wrote a partial with one of those ideas. She said she loved my writing, but she wanted a magical bookshop theme to the book. I said I was willing to make that happen. I wrote three chapters and the series was sold.

Q & A with Amanda...

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

A:   Working as a librarian like I am. If I wasn't writing or doing my librarian thing, I'd most likely be traveling and possibly be a travel writer. I love to travel and have been to so many beautiful places. I'd love to share those adventures.

Q:   What do you consider the hardest part about being a writer?

A:   Lack of time. I never feel like I have enough time to get done everything that I must get done. I have the extra challenge of being a full-time librarian as well as being a full-time author.

Q:   What advice do you have for new authors?

A:   Don't give up. My analogy of getting published is beating your head on a closed door over and over and over again. Eventually the door will open enough for you to get your foot in there. When your foot is in the room you will be golden, because it's your chance to show them what you can do.

Q:   What can you tell me about your next project?

A:   My next novel to release is Prose and Cons, which is the sequel to Crime and Poetry. This time, Violet uses the works of Edgar Alan Poe to help her solve the murder. It's great fun, and I hope readers will love it as much as they did the first book. It releases on December 6, 2016.

Q:   I'll have to check that one out! What's something that would surprise your readers?

A:   I've always secretly wanted to work at Starbucks. I think it would be fun because you get to meet so many people, and they have coffee  :)

My review...

Violet Waverley is headed back to Cascade Springs for the first time in twelve years. Grandma Daisy told her she was in ill health and asked her to come home. However, when Violet arrives, it is apparent that she has been tricked. Daisy runs a magical bookstore, Charming Books, and she hopes to convince Violet to stay and become the next caretaker of the store. Violet, on the other hand, plans to return to Chicago as soon as possible. However, things take a turn when Violet discovers a dead man near the shop. The victim turns out to be Benedict Raisin, who was quite close to Daisy. Violet decides to extend her stay when her grandma becomes a suspect in Benedict’s murder. Daisy tells Violet to listen to the books in the store, as they will lead her to the killer. Is it possible that there is something magical about the books, or is Grandma Daisy losing her mind? And just how are Emily Dickinson poems connected to the case?

This is the first installment in a new series by Flower, who is also known for her Amish mysteries (written under the name Isabella Alan). It is a delightful mystery with well-crafted characters, human and animal. While there are clues along the way, the conclusion is a bit of a surprise. I enjoyed the use of Emily Dickinson poems throughout the story, which added an extra element to the mystery. The small town of Cascade Springs is the perfect location for this appropriately paced magical tale. As a book lover, I wish I could visit Charming Books, as Flower’s tale confirms that books truly are magical. This is a fun, quick cozy mystery which quickly engages the reader and keeps them guessing throughout. It was the first book I have read by Amanda Flower, but it will certainly not be my last.

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2bwohJc

About Amanda...

Amanda Flower, a national bestselling and Agatha Award winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she 'd found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is a librarian in Northeast Ohio.

Readers can find Amanda online at:

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/authoramandaflower
Twitter:       twitter.com/aflowerwriter
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/amandaflowerauthor/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday Tip: Malapropisms

Tuesday Tip

A malapropism is when a writer misuses words or phrases in a ridiculous way, especially by confusing words that sound similar. The word or phrase means something quite different from the word the writer intended to use. This results in something which is generally nonsensical. A few examples are:

I have no delusions to the past. (allusions)

You could have knocked me over with a fender. (feather)

You lead the way and we'll precede. (proceed)

Unfortunately, my affluence over my niece is very small. (influence)

A rolling stone gathers no moths. (moss)

It is important to remember that malaproprisms do not belong in the narrative portion of story, but characters can say just about anything. 

"The Last Time She Saw Him" by Jane Haseldine

Blurb...

A reporter searching for her kidnapped son must untangle the connection to her brother's long-ago disappearance.

Julia Gooden remembers nothing about the worst night of her life. 30 years ago, her nine-year-old brother Ben — the person who promised he would always protect her — was abducted from the room they shared. Try as she might to recall any clue or detail, there is a black hole where Julia's memories of that terrible event should be.

Now a crime reporter at a Detroit newspaper, Julia tries to give others the closure she's never found. But guilt and grief over Ben's disappearance have left her fearful that whoever took her brother is going to come back. Nowhere seems safe — not the city, not the suburbs, not even the secluded lake town where she plans to raise her children. And then, on the anniversary of Ben's disappearance, Julia's worst fears are realized when her two-year-old son, Will, is snatched from his bed.

Convinced that the crimes are related, Julia tries to piece together memories from her final day with Ben. Are the sudden reminders of her brother clues that will lead her to her son's abductor, or merely coincidence? Julia knows she has hours at best to find Will alive, but the deeper she digs, the more personal and terrifying the battle becomes, and an undying promise may be her only hope of saving herself and her son.

Link to my review...

https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/last-time-she-saw-him

(I rated it 4/5 stars.)

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2bhrIDm

Writing Prompt Wednesday

"Simple means getting rid of extra words. Don't write, 'He was very happy' when you can write 'He was happy.' You think the word 'very'  adds something. It doesn't."

— Scott Adams

Entire stories can be told with fewer words. It is rumored that Earnest Hemingway once wrote a short story with just six carefully chosen words: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." Even though there are not many words, the heartache is still evident. 

Try writing a story in as few words as possible, as though you were writing a tweet. Then, tell that same story with fifty words. You can try reversing this as well, starting with more words and reducing it to less than ten.

Happy writing!