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 and use this popular quote from Benjamin Franklin: "A penny saved is a penny earned."
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
Monday Motivation
"I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose."
— Stephen King
Have a wonderful week!
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Thursday Takeover with Cynthia Toney (and a GIVEAWAY!)
I want to extend a warm welcome to Cynthia Toney. She's giving away an electronic copy of her book The Other Side of Freedom. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends October 12, 2017. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) Now, here's Cynthia...
Back cover blurb...
In a U.S.
southern farming community in 1925, thirteen-year-old Salvatore and his
Italian immigrant father become involved against their will in a crime
that results in the murder of an innocent man and family friend. Will Sal keep
the secrets about that night as his father asks, or risk everything he and his
family cherish in their new homeland, including their lives?
Amidst bigotry, bootlegging,
police corruption, and gangland threats, Sal must discover whom he can trust in
order to protect himself and his family and win back his father’s freedom.
Sal’s family, their African-American farmhand, and the girl who is Sal’s best
friend find their lives forever changed as dreams are shattered and attitudes
challenged in a small community called Freedom.
Inspiration for the story...
“Possibly orphaned but definitely impoverished, one of my
great-grandfathers journeyed from Sicily to America as a young boy with a
family not his own, and he grew up with their children. He established the
strawberry farm that inspired the setting for this novel.”
Written for ages 10 to 17, but with appeal for adult readers, The Other Side of Freedom lends itself to discussions on immigration, segregation, Prohibition, and numerous other topics. The book includes thought-provoking questions for classrooms and book clubs.
The Other Side of Freedom releases October 9, 2017 in
both paperback and e-book versions through major online book retailers.
*Thank you, Leslie. I enjoyed my visit with you and look forward to sharing my new book with the winner!*
Endorsement for the story...
A wonderful coming of age story of learning hard lessons of
right and wrong, as well as love and loyalty as Sal Scaviano and his family
struggle to work their farm in Prohibition Louisiana. Join Sal as his world is
thrown off its axis. Will he ever be able to right it? As I read, I found
myself asking, what’s he going to do? I couldn’t wait to find out!
Cynthia Toney writes for young adult, but this is a must
read for all, young or not-so-young. This book belongs on your bookshelf.
Angela
Moody, author of YA Civil War historical novel No Safe Haven
About Cynthia...
Cynthia writes for preteens
and teens because she wants them to know how wonderful, powerful, and valuable
they are. The Other Side of Freedom is
her first historical novel. She is also the author of the Bird Face series, a
contemporary series for girls.
In her spare time, Cynthia
grows herbs and helps rescue dogs from animal shelters. She enjoys studying the
complex history of the friendly southern U.S. from Georgia to Texas, where she
resides with her husband and several canines.
Cynthia loves hearing from
readers, who can contact her through her website www.CynthiaTToney.com.
Where you can find Cynthia online...
Website: http://wwwcynthiattoney.com
Blog: http://birdfacewendy.wordpress.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/birdfacewendy
Goodreads: https://wwwgoodreads.com/CynthiaTToney
Twitter: @CynthiaTToney
Instagram:
@CynthiaTToney
Pinterest: Cynthia T Toney, YA Author
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Tuesday Tip: Book Proposal for Novels
A good fiction book proposal should include the following:
- Title: Be sure your title is one that will attract readers.
- Synopsis: This is a short summary (generally one or two pages) of the novel. If you're unable to describe the major plot points this succinctly, you don't have a clear enough vision of the story. You need to be able to describe it in order to sell and, later, promote it.
- Details: length, completion/delivery date
- Chapter-by-chapter outline
- Marketing: Who is your target audience? How do you plan to reach them? Do you have ideas on how to market your book?
- Endorsements: Who can you ask to read and review your book? Contact authors who have written similar books and ask if they'd be willing to endorse your book.
- Competition: Are there similar novels already in print? How are they selling? Is there room in the market for another one?
- Author information: This can include anything you wish to highlight, such as where you live, your family, education, other publications, etc.
- Sample chapters: It's standard to include the first three chapters.
Some authors may decide to include:
- discussion chapters
- future books in the series, if applicable
Sunday, October 1, 2017
"Hurt Road" by Mark Lee
My review...
This book gives an inside look at the guitarist for
the popular Christian band Third Day. Mark takes the reader through heartache
and hope, and he shows the importance of letting go of our own expectations to
embrace God’s plans. It’s about choosing “what’s now” vs. “what’s next.” This
book is a quick read, overall, and I found it to be thoughtful, funny, and well
written. I have followed Third Day for many years, but this book gave me new insights
on one of its founding members. There are numerous childhood memories and
pictures throughout. You can feel the emotions in this book, from pain to love
to joy. This truly is a story of Mark’s life, and not one about the band,
though that is mentioned, as well. In fact, singer Mac Powell provided the
forward for this inspiring book.
Some of my favorite quotes include:
- “God doesn’t show us the whole path, and what He shows is rarely clear. Yet He will show us the next step.”
- “We agonize over so many little decisions were faced with every day, even though so much was already decided for us before we were even born.”
- “… a lot of times when we feel like we’re completely off course is actually when God is putting us in a position where He can work on us. Only later, after the fact, can we really see what God is doing.”
- “So we’ve got to make the most of what God has given us for today.”
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy as part of the Revell Reads blogger program,
but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Friday, September 29, 2017
"Hold the Light" by April McGowan (and a GIVEAWAY!)
A word from April...
I suffer from a debilitating chronic illness called Common Variable Immunodeficiency, wherein I don't make antibodies and can't fight off colds or infections. I've always wanted to write about the grieving process of adapting to that, but in a way that would connect to a wider population. I chose a rare eye disease (my immune disease is rare) that had the possibility to connect with readers on a personal level. I think most people have worried about or wondered about what it might be like to lose their sight. Then I poured out my own steps in the process into Amber's process (although the rest of her story is completely fictionalized). It was very cathartic and personal and still brings me to tears.
My review...
Amber thought her life was on track, until it throws
her a curveball. As an artist, the news that she is facing blindness is almost
too much for her to even fathom. Amber feels like her world is falling apart:
loss of a relationship, career, and her independence. Her best friend tries to
show Amber that while things have changed, hope is not lost, despite her
ex-boyfriend’s attempts to make her believe she can’t survive without him. Will
Amber be able to recognize that the plans God has in store for her may be
different but still wonderful and fulfilling? Or will she continue to feel that
God has abandoned her?
McGowan does a wonderful job of capturing the feelings
Amber is undergoing due to a recent medical diagnosis, since fears of the
unknown are certainly relatable, as are the flawed characters. The reader is
educated on macular degeneration, a little discussed diagnosis. Scenes are
detailed and easy to visualize. There are numerous heartfelt, as well as
humorous, scenes as the reader is taken along on an emotional ride with Amber. There
is strong character growth, and I particularly enjoyed the development of
Amber’s relationship with her mother. This book made me consider what would be
on my must-see bucket list. I look forward to reading more books by McGowan.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to
leave a review. Opinions expressed are my own.
About April...
April McGowan loves to write inspirational fiction. She, her husband, and two teens live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is an award-winning author and member of Oregon Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not writing, reading down her book list, homeschooling her son, chasing her kitten, Saoirse, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she's on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.
Where you can find her online...
Website http://aprilmcgowan.
Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/
Wednesday, September 27, 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:
The best villain ever created...
Happy writing!
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Matt Redman: Glory Song
Matt
Redman teamed up with several of his worship-artist friends for this album,
first releasing the track “Gracefully Broken (feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard).”
Tasha Cobbs Leonard also released her own version of this song on the same day. The album also features Kierra Sheard, Guvna B, Madison Cunningham, and Kim
Walker-Smith.
As many of the songs feature collaborations with other musicians, this is quite a musically diverse album from Redman ... and that's a good thing. The songs cross genres, and one even features a gospel choir ("Gospel Song"). However, Redman's signature pop sound is still there.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard adds her powerhouse vocals to "Gracefully Broken," making this song the perfect choice for the first release.
You can learn the "story behind the story" for "Gracefully Broken": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LeKJYkhIo8
And here's the link for the the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__haUJns_b8
I'll highlight a few of my favorite songs, though it's certainly hard to narrow down the choices.
- "Greatest Hallelujah" is reminiscent of Redman's wonderful worship songs, though it may be a bit long for some listeners, as it clocks in at over seven minutes.
- "Gospel Song" has an infectious chorus, and it is hard to not clap and sing along.
- "It Is Finished" has one of the most powerful messages of any song on the album, in my opinion. Here are some of the lyrics: "Amplify Your anthem of grace within my soul. Let me hear the wonders of Your redeeming love, and let me hear those saving words You spoke upon the cross: It is finished. It is finished. O, what else is there to say? Shame is silenced. Death defeated. Hallelujah, God be praised."
If you are looking for a wonderful album to help draw you closer to God and showcase His majesty, this is certainly one to check out. It releases on September 29, 2017. Here are some purchase links:
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this CD from Propeller/FlyBy Promotions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Monday Motivation
"Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy."
— Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Have a wonderful week!
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Takeover Thursday with Sheri Yutzy
Here's Sheri...
Breaking the Block: How to move past writer’s block
When I first started writing, it was purely for fun. My
stories twisted and turned and often ended up in a tangled mess, but I loved
it. I didn’t struggle with what to write next. I rode the current of
inspiration wherever it took me.
As I moved into the world of publication, it didn’t take
long to realize that tangled messes didn’t make the cut here. I needed clear,
neatly woven stories if I wanted to share them with the rest of the world. My
method wasn’t getting me what I needed.
So I bought books on outlining, had my books professionally
edited, and learned lots in the process. But though I was learning the process
of writing, some days I stalled. Some days it was so hard, I forgot why I even
wanted to write. This forgetting sent me into a tailspin of despair and
confusion. What about all the time, effort, and money I’d expended on learning
how to write? Was that all going to waste?
The struggle intensified this summer when I became pregnant
and lost my energy and my will to
write. Finally, I came before God, broken. I knew He had given me this dream to
write. He’d given me a measure of talent, and it was up to me to hone it, no
matter how hard I had to work.
In that quiet space with Him, He reminded me why I am writing. It’s not so people
know my name. That’s part of it, so they know how to find my stories. It’s not so
I feel good about my skills. It is fulfilling to be able to weave a masterful
story with all the proper high points and conflicts.
I am writing because He has called me to worship and delight
in Him with my words. Even if I was only writing in my journal, never to show
it to anyone else, it would be worth it. Yes, I hone my skills because my
delight in writing deepens as I further understand its structure. My worship of
God takes on another sheen of glory as I see how my writing can turn others to
Him.
I am given the gift of writing. Not a burden, though it is
hard some days. It is a gift, and as long as I keep that knowledge before me,
I can push on after fading inspiration. I can trust God to reveal the
inspiration already inside me, so that I can write a story that touches lives.
About Sheri...
I'm Sheri Yutzy, and I'm a storyteller who believes that words hold unimaginable power. I'm passionate about writing life-changing literature for young people. I edit for Daughters of Promise, an Anabaptist women's magazine, and I am working to get my first two young adult fantasy novels published. In the meantime, I write short stories and articles for blogs and online magazines. I grew up as a conservative Mennonite and still practice that way of life. I live with my husband Dan in Huntsville, Arkansas attend a small church in town.
Where to find Sheri online...
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