J is for ...

Indie Author Lee Carver presented information about
Self-Publishing at the recent DFW Ready Writer meeting.

JOIN!


I have a writer tip. When I first started this gig almost 10 months ago, one of the first things I did was do a search for local writer groups. I knew there had to be some out there! And I found several in and around the metroplex. Yea!

DFW Ready Writer president, Janice Olson

Then I looked at when they met, boo. I'd barely missed every meeting and had to wait several weeks for another chance. My first was a critique group on the east side. It was nice, but not social, so I kept looking. I wanted to find that unique group of folks that I could not only grow with, but connect with, too!

Authors Lena Nelson Dooley, Leann Harris, and Margo Carmichael

I found DFW Ready Writers. They're the local chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. At the first meeting I met highly successful authors who were kind and encouraging. I even found not one, but two critique groups, each with it's own flavor of focus. I don't always get to go to both every week, but I never regret going when I can. They have stretched me so much!

Authors Lynne Gentry and Jane Thornton

And taught me. Not only writing techniques - just listening to their mastery does that - but also publishing insight as many are well-published authors.


And the best part about them is the connection. I really like these gals (mostly gals) and they like me right back and miss me when I'm not around. How cool is that?

So my tip is this. Find a group of like-minded writers. You don't have to share a genre to be like-minded. The groups that I'm in write in all types - Amish, fantasy, YA, historical, suspense, contemporary romance, even children's books. We don't all write the same genre, but we all share the same goal of glorifying the Lord. 


And once you've found that group, join them. Both feet. Be willing to put yourself out there and maybe even get your nose tweaked a bit. You'll grow as a writer and as a professional. 


Oh, and if you're anywhere near the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, I hope you'll consider visiting our next meeting. You can find out more information at this link!


Your turn! What's the best writer tip, or life tip, that you've ever gotten?

Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry

I know this isn't a new book, but I've had it on my e-reader for months and have been DYING to read it. Well, not dying, but anticipating it in a big way!

And I'm so glad I didn't put it off any longer! This is just the type of book I love. Sweet romance. Strong mystery. Elements of suspense.

Marta Perry weaves together an intriguing cast of characters through the Pennsylvania Dutch vicinity of the Amish. Using that peaceful backdrop, she plops an unwilling leading lady into a nest of impossibles. A grandmother who doesn't listen to her advice, a sister who is almost killed, and a temporary visitor who seems to be planning to stay. Add to that the doomed opening of a bed and breakfast and a rash of burglaries and prowling, and the poor heroine doesn't have a chance!

From the initial pages, the characters gripped me. Andrea Hampton races to her injured sister while trying to explain the concept of family to a demanding boss. Her animosity for the home she's left behind creeps out. Maybe animosity is too strong, but there are definitely squelched feelings of hurt there that she hopes to avoid revisiting. The fact that her sister and grandmother plan to transform the old homestead into an inn goes against her advice, but her sister's injuries means Andrea has to pick up the slack and attempt what she is sure will fail.

Calvin Burke, a tenant who has claimed Grandmother's barn is another well-drawn character. Though he spends his time making furniture and claims he's nothing more than a handyman, Andrea can tell there's more. His secrets are thick and can be felt from first meeting. Something about him draws Andrea, but can she really trust him?

The characters dance along through a twisted plot of romance, betrayal, and questions. (Lots of questions.) Who is lurking in the dark and why? Who hit her sister on a country road and drove off without offering help? What possible reason could someone have to scare her? Though the peaceful life of the plain people surrounds this juicy mystery, there is certainly no down-time through the story and few places to put in a bookmark either!

All that said, I give Hide in Plain Sight five chocolate kisses! And I'm so excited that it is only book one of the Three Sisters' Inn series! You can bet I'll be visiting the others! Hide in Plain Sight is free right now at Amazon for your Kindle. Oh and if you don't have a Kindle (I don't.) you can download Kindle for PC at Amazon for free. I know you have a PC! They even have an app for phones and pads, so by all means add it!

Interview with Author Steve Biddison

Okay, this story grabbed me from the first sight of the cover, but then when I learned what I did about the author, Steve Biddison, I was drawn right in.

Marji - What is your ultimate goal for writing in general?

Steve - My perfect dream world ultimate goal for writing would be to someday be able to make a career out of it. In other words, if I could write full time, that would be the ultimate goal in writing. As far as more realistic and reachable goals, I love to get my works in the hands of people who want to read it. I go from the idea that there are people out there just like me who love to read the same things I love to read. I have such a wide array of interests that my reading genres vary. Therefore, my writing genres vary as well. I don’t know if the fact that I write different genres is a blessing or a curse. To date, my bestselling book has been, Coaching From the HEART, a book I wrote about my philosophy of coaching basketball. Being such a small target audience, I have been very happy with its success. Even though I will continue writing other genres like coaching books and devotionals, my dream is to find success writing fiction series.

Marji - Lofty goal. I sorta get to write full time, but am still looking forward to the day when my words earn money! So how does The Center Circle satisfy that goal?

Steve - The Center Circle is my first published novel. It is Book 1 of a young adult fantasy trilogy. But don’t let the term Young Adult scare you off. My readers range from teenagers to retired people. I am very satisfied with the reviews I have received so far and am now working on the sequel.

Marji - What inspired this particular story?

Steve - It’s kind of funny. The basis of this story began in English class my junior year in high school. We were assigned to write a short story. I think it was supposed to be 2-3 pages long. Being that I had been writing novels (albeit, they weren’t really that good) for several years, I had no idea how to write a short story. Honestly, I didn’t even care about short stories. But I tried. I ended up writing 10 pages on that assignment. The characters in the story were my fellow students in that English class, but it took place in another medieval type world. And it became chapter one of my series of novellas I wrote over the next few years.

Maybe it was because it was a series I had actually written and finished, and the characters were based on friends of mine, but for some reason, I always loved that story and dreamed of one day revisiting it and writing it over. This past summer, after having a couple of non-fiction books published, I decided it was time to revisit the novel I wrote 25-30 years ago. I started referring to this new version as the reboot of The Center Circle. But honestly, more changed in the new book than remained the same. But the basic timeless tale of good vs. evil is still at the forefront.

Marji - Since the characters started out as real people, it might be hard to think of them as actors, but dream a little. What actors might play your main characters if they made a movie of this?

Steve - To answer that question, I actually took a survey in one of my classes. When it came to the lead role of Landru, the girls offered their suggestions which were met with boos from the guys in the class. Of course Zac Efron and Taylor Lautner topped the list. I had a hard time seeing Zac in the role because I can’t picture my character, Landru, breaking out in song and dance. And Taylor seemed too much of a pretty boy to me. So after a little more thought, I decided to capitalize on the release of the movie for The Hunger Games and chose Josh Hutcherson.


As for some of the female characters, I could definitely see Miley Cyrus playing the role of the leader of The Center Circle and Landru’s nemesis, Callitha. I realize she always plays the lead role and is usually romantically involved with someone in the story. Playing Callitha will help her expand her acting abilities. Callitha is a complicated character. She is one of the good guys, yet she doesn’t even try to (hide) her disdain for Landru and Brenlee.


Brenlee is kind of the outcast of the group. Callitha has no need for her and let’s everyone know it. It is Brenlee’s land that the Center Circle must defend and we see that even though she was a shy outcast as a child, she is a very capable warrior princess as a young adult. She has a special relationship with the Landru, but it has not quite developed into a romantic one. I think Victoria Justice could be a good fit for this role.


Theophania, a young priestess, or almost priestess, for the Center Circle is actually one of my favorite characters in the book. She was not originally a character in the story, but just showed up in a scene that was supposed to be kind of a stop gap to keep Landru away from the action of the story for a 24 hour period. But once she came onto the scene, the chemistry between her and Landru became obvious, and the story had to take a slightly new angle. Being that she was not in the original plans, Theophania does not have a major role in over half the book, but even after her disappearance, she still is felt in the story and she has made me promise that she will have a much bigger role in Books 2 and 3. She is one character that as I wrote her into the story, my mind formed an image of what she looked like – someone I actually know. But since I have to choose an actress, the closest thing I could come up with for her character is Selena Gomez. I think Selena could play the part very well.

Marji - I love the way you took it to the kids. Extra inspiration! What's a lasting line from your novel - like the "Frankly, dear ..." from Gone with the Wind, or "You had me at hello," from Jerry Maguire.

Steve - The line that stands out to me right now is never actually said in the book. But it is kind of the byline of the story. “When Discovering Who You Are Is Just the Beginning.” It is kind of the underlying theme. At the beginning of the book, Landru does not not know his destiny. He thinks he is Landon, a normal college student. But soon discovers that he is an heir to the throne of Orion and member of the Center Circle.

Marji - I don't read fantasy very often, but I love it when a good one comes along and this one sounds creative. How does writing fit into your regular day-in-the-life?

Steve - It’s really tough. I have a full time job teaching at an inner city high school. So I don’t really get to write much during the day. And with a wife and son, I try not to write in the early evenings. They go to bed fairly early so I try to catch an hour or so of writing then. But quite frankly, I am often times too tired to write at that time. I do write quite a bit on the weekends and during breaks from school. Spring break is coming up and I will be writing then.


I really appreciate Steve visiting today. His books are available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon,

A little about Steve Biddison:

In introducing myself to my readers, it would be easy to give you just the short bio of who I am. I am a teacher and a basketball coach who is married to my wonderful wife, Amy. Together we have one son, Landry. But I have come to find out that in this digital age, readers now want to be able to get to know more about the authors of the books they read. They don’t want just facts, they want to know what motivates them. What are their loves? In a world full of facebook, twitter, and email, people want to be able to communicate with others and see them as real human beings. With that thought in mind, I decided to write a little bit about how I came to be a YA author.

You can read his full bio HERE! 

Interview with Author Fay Lamb

This story sounds intriguing and I love the fact that the author, Fay Lamb used her oldest grandson on the cover! So precious!

Marji - Every author has a diverse background, and just like the characters they write about, their own goals, ambitions, dreams and values. So before I ever get to the story itself, the burning question that I have is: what inspired you to become a writer?

Fay - For me, inspiration seems to say that I had a choice. As far as my writing, I don't believe I ever had a choice. I am a miserable human being when I cannot create with words, and from a very early age, I have been a storyteller.

Marji - What is your ultimate goal for writing in general?

Fay - My ultimate goal is to glorify God with what I write. For me, that means ministry--meeting a need, reaching out to hurting people that I could touch in no other way except through the stories I write. Most of the issues my characters face, I have faced, and the lessons my characters learn are lessons that I have been taught through God's loving hand.

Marji - And for some folks who don't read non-fiction, it is the only way to reach them. I love the ministry aspect of that. How does Because of Me satisfy that goal?

Fay - In Because of Me, promising young investigative reporter, Michael Hayes, allows ambition to blind him. He leads his fiancée, Issie Putnam, into a dangerous situation that changes their lives forever. Michael is sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit, and Issie is left alone to face the consequences of his actions. When Michael returns to protect Issie from the man who attacked her that night so long ago, he finds Issie isn't alone. She has a seven-year-old son. While the boy does not belong to Michael, he is definitely on this earth because of him.


Because of Me is a vivid showing of Romans 8:28, in that all things do work together for good to them that love God. Michael doesn’t expect a blessing to come from Issie’s choice of keeping her son, but he receives one just the same—and in the end, they both realize that had things happened any other way, something precious would be missing from their lives.

Marji - What a deep and moving theme. What inspired this particular story?

Andrew-Lee Potts as Michael Hayes

Fay - The story actually began when Michael Hayes stepped onto the stage of my imagination and told me about the little boy he knew. He told me that Cole wasn't his son, but Cole was born because of him. That gained my attention, and as I wrote the story, I realized it was a love letter to my husband and to my sons. Not only do they love and support the crazy writer in their midst, but they are found within the pages. There’s something irresistible about a man who can love children that he didn’t bring into this world. The hero, Michael Hayes, and my husband have a lot in common. And Cole Putnam has a bit of both our boys woven through him.

Marji - Books are especially meaningful when they hold such a huge piece of our hearts. So while your husband inspired Michael Hayes, what actor might play him if they ever made a movie out of your book. And who would you wish to play Issie?

Fay - Michael Hayes is most definitely an English actor named Andrew-Lee Potts. I always saw Alicia Silverstone as Issie Putnam. Cole Putnam, well, the little boy on the cover--his name is Jacob Johnson, and he just happens to be my adorable oldest grandson.

Alicia Silverstone as Issie Putnam

Marji - I just think that's the sweetest thing. So what line might grab readers and last in their memories?

Fay - I tend to like the humorous lines the best, but my favorite comes from Ted McGillicudy, a crusty old man who looks out for Michael like a father would a son. When he sees Michael after a bit of an absence, Ted tells his wife, Roberta, "Well look a here. If it ain't the pain in my rear already returned. Roberta, where' my hemorrhoid cream?"

Marji - That's hysterical! And it would certainly stay with me. With so many demands on an authors time, how does writing fit into your regular day-in-the-life?

Fay - Well, my regular working day has been stretched to about sixteen hours each day. Writing is only a part of it. I do try to write 2,500 words a day, but I'm not always successful. If I find myself struggling to do that, I will usually work between 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. when my creativity is at its peak.

I really appreciate Fay visiting with us and hope that you are as curious about her book as I am! You can get  Because of Me at this link. From the back cover:

Because of Me:

Issie Putnam’s life took a detour the night she was raped at gunpoint in front of her fiancé, Michael Hayes. Instead of marrying Issie, Michael, a promising young investigative reporter, along with the man who attacked her, and the man who held the gun on Michael, are imprisoned for conspiracy to assassinate the local district attorney—a crime Michael was trying to expose but had no intention of committing. Issie’s name is ruined, she lost her perfectly-planned future, but she gained Cole, her son—born of that rape.

On the eve of her attacker’s parole, Michael, already released from prison, follows through on his plan to return to the small town of Amazing Grace and protect Issie from the madman who promised to seek revenge. There, he meets Issie’s seven-year-old son for the first time.

Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart? Will Michael be able to protect the woman he loves from the man who will stop at nothing to destroy them all?

About the Author:

Fay Lamb works as an acquisition/copyeditor for Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing and Harbourlight Books), offers her services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel is soon to be released by Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.

Fay has a passion for working with and encouraging fellow writers. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she co-moderates the large Scribes’ Critique Group and manages the smaller Scribes’ critique groups. For her efforts, she was the recipient of the ACFW Members Service Award in 2010.

In 2012, Fay was also elected to serve as secretary on ACFW’s Operating Board.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren.

Interview with Author Zeke Lam

My regular Friday posts are so much fun. I get to meet Christian authors who write all types of books. While my blog is Faith-Driven Fiction, from time to time a non-fiction author will grace me with an interview. Such is the case today.

I'm so excited to host Zeke Lam here today. His book, Submission, is available at Amazon. Connecting with him and learning about his book has been such a blessing.

Marji - Tell me about yourself.

Zeke - I am 27 years old and have been married to my beautiful wife, Kathleen, for 6 years. We have three children (4, 2, and 2 months) that we love very much. I have ministered since the age of 18 as a youth minister and evangelist. In addition to this, I operate a small business which constructs ornamental concrete such as flower pots, bird baths, etc. I also help out with the family furniture when time permits. 

Marji - What do you see as a purpose in your life.

Zeke - We are passionate to see Christ glorified through our lives, and constantly seek to use our lives to share the Gospel. This has led our family all over the world. Our most recent “adventure” involved us literally driving to a town in Texas, renting an apartment, and seeking the Lord. Although we knew nobody or anything about the place, God gave us an entire church fellowship in 2 days! This turned into an incredible 7 month stay that is surely not finished yet.

Marji - What motivated you to write Submission?

Zeke - Compromise is way too commonplace today. I have seen it in the church, in families, and in my own life. If revival is to take place in our society, God’s people must be willing to operate with the level of obedience and submission God requires. Mixing our opinions with God’s commands or desires is the very recipe for disaster. If we will fully release ourselves to Jesus Christ, and be willing to follow Him the way He commands, a shift will take place in our society! Ultimately, shortcomings in my own life with regards to submissions sparked this fire.

Marji - Oh wow! Yes, I've seen elements of this as well. What do you hope this book accomplishes?

Zeke - My hope and prayer is that Christians nationwide will be challenged to step into a realm of Scriptural obedience that will spark revival!

Marji - Did God show you anything particular as you were writing?

Zeke - I certainly experienced moments where I was convicted about the level of submission I lived under. God revealed to me the importance of denying any and all voices that seek to lure us from His presence. Submission to Him will position us for spiritual greatness!

Marji - Do you believe people struggle with the idea of "submission"?

Zeke - Yes, we all struggle with the idea of full submission. It means releasing our control and desires to the Lord. When we do not feel in control, it creates an emotion of insecurity. This insecurity is what makes us resists submission on many levels. When it comes to submitting to our Lord Jesus, we must reject these emotions, and faithfully surrender our lives.

Marji - Your subtitle mentions obeying only God's voice. What are some ways people can hear God's voice?

Zeke - God desires to interact with us in ways we could never imagine. The Holy Spirit is very much alive and active, but the question is, will we allow ourselves to get in position to hear Him. He speaks through the Scriptures, His written word. He speaks to our hearts as we intimately seek Him daily through prayer and fasting. He can speak through people and situations around us. God is not limited to anything and can therefore speak any way He chooses. The only real issue is that which restricts and hinders us from hearing.

I'm so glad Zeke came to visit with us today. Here is what folks have to say about SUBMISSION:

Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia  

In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas 

______________________________________________________________________________

What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.

• Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
• Is the presence of God evident in your life?
• Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
• Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
• Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?

Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
______________________________________________________________________________

Zeke with children from the Dominican Republic

ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

http://submissionministries.org/

Yea for the Almost Kiss Winner!

*guest post by Raquel Byrnes

The Almost Kiss clash has been a whirlwind of romance, breathless moments, and possibilities! Your responses to the excerpts were amazing.Both books were great examples of riveting Christian Fiction available out there, but there can be only one winner and I am happy to announce that book is...

A Thyme for Love by Pamela S. Meyers!

Pamela's winning Almost Kiss excerpt was full of sparks and surprises.  Here's a small snippet of the great scene:

...Marc tipped my chin up with his index finger. “April, you’re sweating.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed my forehead. I had nowhere to look but into his eyes and, once there, I couldn’t pull my gaze away. Good thing I didn’t want to. His eyes went to my mouth and he leaned closer. I lifted my chin in anticipation. So much for the boss’s orders... 

He brought his mouth closer, and the tiny elevator started to spin. Then everything went black.

If you missed it, drop by Clash of the Titles to take a peek at One Breathless Moment... We received positive reader response for this spunky romance. "Great tension! I was riveted to every word!" "Love the anticipation and butterflies in the almost kiss scene..." "The setting was marvelous, the tension leaped off the pages." A Thyme for Love is a wonderful example of the awesome Christian fiction available.  This week, an exciting new Unpublished Novel Clash begins. It's hosted by our very own April Gardner! Make sure you come by for another chance to vote and WIN a free book!

News. Previews. Reviews. And God is GOOD!

What an awesome week! I feel like a new woman. Seriously! After coughing my head off for a solid week, I get by with only about one to two coughs per hour and I'm finally able to sleep all night without interruption. Yippee! (Little things tickle the tar out of me!)

But there is more to cheer about. God is so good! His faithfulness never quits! I'm in awe. Several connections, family members and family of friends have had intensive situations, surgeries or illnesses. In every case, God not only gave His blessings but showered exceeding abundant on the families. I love it when I can see His intentions and watch Him work in the lives of people I love.

What a great week!

This weekender has:

• Awesome articles of faith and writing all hand-picked.
• A review of my blogs from the week.
• A preview of next week's articles.
• My ROW80 update.

NEWS

I love being able to put together this newspaper. I collect and search through hundreds of posts to find the ones I like the best for my headlines. Check them out!

REVIEWS

Inspired by other blogs and my F post I started my week with a post explaining what Faith-Driven Fiction means to me. I followed it up on Tuesday with a post about my family - they're what I'm mostly about. On Wednesday, I continued my Monday post with an article on Purpose along with my ROW80 mid-week review. Thursday I skewed from my normal writing tip and posted about Holiness. The song by Sonic Flood has been churning through my head for days! Then I rounded out the week with an interview with a debut novelist from Saint Lucia who writes Christian Thrillers.

ROW80 UPDATE

I'm so excited! I got a brand new idea last night and have been tapping away at the keyboard all day. Do writers really have to sleep? This new story pumps me up and drives me to my keyboard at every opportunity. Needless to say, I'm blasting my ROW80 writing goals off the charts. 

Surprisingly, I'm also keeping my balance well. In fact, I'm able to spend more and more time with my sweet hubby and kids. (Can't wait to go watch my boy in a Rugby match this weekend. Pictures to come!) The only thing I'm still working on is visiting other blogs. I'm visiting weekly, but not often seeking out new blogs to read. Oh, and now that my cough is subsiding, I need to get back to my exercise.

I'm adding a new goal. I have several books that I wanted to read before their debut. I WILL find a way to get those read. (Four in all) I want to have at least one of those read before March 1st. 

PREVIEWS

Monday's post will hold the latest winners for Almost Kiss at Clash of the Titles. What a fiery excerpt! On Tuesday, is my post for Patty Wysong's A2Z blog hop. This week the letter is G, and my post is ... well ... unique to say the least. My ROW80 update will detail where I am on my writing goals on Wednesday. Synopsis writing earns the highlight on Thursday. I'm told that is the hardest writing I'll do. On Friday, I'll be hosting author and founder of Submission Ministries, Zeke Lam. This guy is amazing! By all means come back next week!

So what did you do this week and what are you looking forward to?

Interview with Author, Joana James

Joana James is a young author that I've recently met through the Facebook group Grace and Faith Author Connection. You can find their blog HERE! It's a wonderful group that brings together authors and bloggers who support, encourage, and promote one another. Joana is fairly new to the group, and I'm delighted to welcome her to Faith-Driven Fiction today!

Her new Young Adult novel is available at Amazon for only $3.99.

Interview with Author Lee Carver

Sample and buy it here!

Happy Anniversary, Lee! Hope you and your hubby have a GREAT day and a super-blessed weekend!

Lee Carver and I met at a meeting of the DFW Ready Writers, a chapter of ACFW. I've had the pleasure of working with her in a critique group that Lena Nelson Dooley hosts. What a hoot! This lady makes me laugh!

However, her dedication to her craft is anything but funny. Focused and thoroughly researched, her writing is a delight to critique. Her attention to detail also makes her a fabulous

Interview with Author Lillian Duncan

Deception by Lillian Duncan is bound to be my next read! I'm that intrigued and SO GLAD I set up this interview with her! First, I LOVE the cover. So stinking cool. Second, it's about identical twins, just like my dinky twinkies! Sold!

I "met" Lillian through a group of authors and blogger who support each called Grace and Faith Author Connection. They can be found on Facebook and Twitter, and all of their links are available at their WEBSITE.

I have to tell you, I'm loving these interviews more and more! Not only do I get to know the different folks involved better, but I get a first hand look into their books. So if you have a book - especially a new one or one coming out soon, contact me to host you on my blog! My email is at the top left just under the picture of my family.

Marji - This book gets me all excited, but before starting in

Interview with Author, Staci Stallings

Staci Stallings, author of The Harmony Series books Cowboy and Lucky, is the founder of a group of authors and bloggers who support and promote each other on blogs and social media. A couple of months ago, I "met" Staci and did a character interview about her book Cowboy. The story intrigued me and I soaked it in over a weekend. I've since done a review of the delightful book and now Staci is back to share a little about herself.

Staci - Since second grade, I have always loved to write.  In fact, even before that I loved words.  When I was four, I told

Author Interview with Philip M. Bryant

Philip M. Bryant is my guest this week. His historical novel, They Met At Shiloh is available for only $1.99 at Amazon.com. The following is a description of his book from his website:

Pittsburg Landing was a place at peace—one that never expected to be the site for one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Peace is shattered as Confederate and Federal troops meet on the fields and farms surrounding a tiny Methodist church. In the midst of death and destruction, friendships form as four soldiers struggle to survive the battle.

Forced to leave his position as minister, Phillip Pearson knows his life is in danger, but not just from the Confederates. The Harper family, incensed at Pearson’s

Review - Songbird Under a German Moon

I'm really not a historical fiction reader. Really. Not. And yet, there's just something that keeps drawing me to them. Maybe I'm a closet historical fiction lover. (Or would that be a wardrobe historical fiction lover?) Either way, another one has captured my heart!

Tricia Goyer's book Songbird Under a German Moon not only delighted me with it's spunky characters of the 1940s, but the story intrigued me with a pressing mystery that kept me guessing. Set in a small German town with a rich heritage, the story surrounds a USO group performing for the area soldiers.

Betty Lake is a new singer on the tour. Dubbed "Songbird" by the manager, she's a showstopper that threatens the standing of the "real star" of the group. Being assigned to share a room with the woman

Author Interview with Mary C. Findley

Today, the author of The Baron of Larcondale is visiting. Mary C. Findley is another member of Grace and Faith Author Connection that I've been blessed to get to know. My first query, as always, goes for the big picture.

Marji - What inspired you to become a writer?

Mary - I started out wanting to be an artist, but everything I drew was characters from a story. So around Junior High, with the encouragement of some teachers, I began to write the stories. God had a hand in this. I don't have the discipline to create the level of art required to be successful in that field, but I still use my artist's "eye" in the graphic designs I make for our books and videos.

Marji - So did you ultimate goal in writing stem from the artistic realm, or was it something else?

Interview with Dana Pratola

I'm so pleased to be able to interview author, Dana Pratola today. I've met Dana through a group of authors and bloggers called Grace and Faith Author Connection. Her newest book, The Covering, is intriguing!

Marji - What inspired you to become a writer?

Dana - God put the desire to write in me from the start. I can't remember a time BEFORE wanting to write.

Marji - So the Father would have something to do with your ultimate goal for writing in general?
Dana - The goal is always to bring glory to God, not just by not wasting the gift He's given me, but by using it to lead others to Him.

Marji - How does The Covering satisfy that goal?
Dana - The Covering shows a man's quest for God in a real light. He's loaded with anger, bitterness and unforgiveness

Dateline: Nashville ...

News From Nashville & Beyond

(Transcribed from a television interview with "The Music Plays... World Tour" featuring opening solo artist Kalin Lane and headliner Ashton Raines, both accompanied by their wives, Beth Raines and Danae Lane.) 
N&B: First of all, welcome to you all. Thanks for sitting down with us.
Ashton: Thank you for having us.
N&B: Let's start with what it's like to be on a world tour. What cities? What are the crowds like?
Kalin: Well, for me it's been an absolute dream come true. I mean, getting invited to be here with Ashton who, let's face it is the King of Country music right now. Standing on that stage every night, hearing the fans singing my songs, cheering, in all these different countries.... it's truly amazing.
Ashton: I have to agree. I stand down there as Kalin's playing, and

Karen Baney - Interview

I've gotten involved with a group of Christian authors at a Facebook site called Grace and Faith Authors. They're also on Twitter. It's been such a joy to interact with these gals and guys. I've learned about their books and their journeys, and I've tweeted about several of the new releases. 

One of the founders of the group, Karen Baney, is my guest today and her new book, Nickels, comes out next week! As with most of the authors I interview, I'm intrigued about their motivation, to write in general and how their current book came into being.

Marji: What inspired you to become a writer?

Karen: In early 2010, I went through some tough health issues.  Through that process, I re-learned to depend on God.  It was then that I asked Him one simple question:  I know you haven’t called me to be a mom, so what have you called me to do?

Do You Need Protection?

Perhaps you can hire new body guard, Tessa Lancaster. After years of working as a strong arm for her uncle, a leader of the Japanese mafia, she's become an expert in reading people, as well as several forms of martial arts.

Camy Tang has created a great new character for book one of her new series. Tessa is downright scary in the prologue, and though I committed to reading the book, I didn't identify with her at all. That is, until I reached the first page of Chapter One, where she led a game of

A PERFECT Gift!

A new genre for me, the military thriller, opens realms of delight. Ronie Kendig's Firethorn keeps action pouring over each page. The Discarded Heroes series encompasses four books in all. While I'm sure they all share many of the same characters, Firethorn stands alone as its own story.

I admit, I was a little concerned reading book #4 when I hadn't read any of the others. I shouldn't have worried. Ms. Kendig makes sure to cover all of the pertinent information about the characters, giving little bite-sized pieces at just the right times.

Shifting between two main story lines and at least 3 other sub-plots, movements are handled expertly. I never felt confused. Never had to turn back to recheck where I'd been. In fact, the stories weave together flawlessly. The varying points of view give insight to the characters, allowing easy understanding what the different people think, and why they take

Write Tip: It's a Process - New Goals!

I teach a high school writing class. Have had some of the brightest writers involved, but every year, I have to teach them the Writing Process. We spend a while discussing Planning tricks, ways to get their thoughts in order and collect some topics for their writing. They find out quickly that turning in a Draft is unacceptable. (I have a pretty high standard.) After only a few classes, they start taking advantage of sending their work to me for notes on Revision. I'll usually give them some Edit notes as well before they turn in their Final Work.

My students have figured it out. They now completely realize the benefits of each step in the process.

I've learned the benefits, too.