Craving the Supernatural

I can't believe we're launching 2009 already! How on earth did that happen so fast? It seems only yesterday...Okay, okay. I'll spare you the boring details. You know the gig. :-D But i do want to take a moment to reflect on this amazing year. In November of 2007, I felt that 2008 would be a "year of promise." And it was!

• Brian got a great new job that helped get us back on our feet both financially and emotionally (nothing like feeling like major losers after six years of financially struggling and battling to get your life "back," only to have your feet swiped out from under you again).
• We moved back to the metroplex and found a beautiful new home to rent. God closed the doors to purchasing a home, but we are hopeful that in 2009 we can realize that dream.
• And also this summer, my awesome agent Steve Laube negotiated my first book contract. I am so delighted to be a part of the Abingdon Press fiction line and working with Barbara Scott, the awesome acquiring editor. I am so blessed! Watch for the book cover sometime in the next couple of months!
  

Howdy, folks!! Well, I have the delight today of lending my blog to my daughter Kira so she can review a book (yes, this review is WAY overdue...shame on both of us). So, without further ado, here is my daughter.


Back cover blurb: When the mysterious Jesmet, whom the authorities brand as a Magician of the Old Order, begins to connect with Orianon, he is banished forever to the shadowside of their planet Corista.

Kira here: I liked Trion Rising because it is like what Jesus went through with all those who hated him and when he was crucified, except with a futuristic twist to it. Robert Elmer is an amazing writing as well, trapping you in the story.

One of my favorite things in the book is a little earpiece that two people have and can hear each others thoughts, but only the thoughts that you want each other to hear.

I would recommend this book to people who love sci-fi and want a story with excitement, adventure, and a teenage girl who remembers everything she sees and hears.




Ronie here -- Wow, I am a proud Mom! Didn't my daughter do a great review. She really enjoyed this book--so much that she could recall the details from many months ago (I alluded to the fact that we're "late" posting this review). LOL Kira has already said she's looking forward to the next book! YAY!

From September 17-21, 2008, more than five hundred writers, agents, and editors converged on the Sheraton Bloomington in Minneapolis, MN for the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference. I worked throughout the conference in a few different capacities, but it was still a superb time! I met with the incredible Barbara Scott, my editor (hey! I actually have an editor now!!) from Abingdon Press. In all honesty, I didn't expect her to remember much about my story since I knew she was working on the macros for multiple other books at the moment. But she had an uncanny recall! And it was so clear to me that she caught the vision and passion for Dead Reckoning. I'm absolutely amazed and even more thrilled now about working with her!

Here are some photos from the conference. Hope you enjoy them--they'll keep me smiling for years to come.

Me presenting during the Book of the Year Awards













Me and awesome friend Sara Mills














Me and my fabo Agent-Man, Steve Laube












Me with Robin and her boas (yes, there is a story behind that, and no, we're not telling. LOL)












Me with "big brother" John Olson...he was humming (im)patiently while Dineen lined up the photo *just right*...I couldn't stop laughing.













Me with the amazing Sharon Hinck!











I'll have more photos later. First, have to get caught up on schtuff. :-D

Today, I'm delighted to promote Lena Nelson Dooley, Tamela Hancock Murray, Susan Page Davis, and Darlene Franklin for the release of their new anthology, Snowbound Colorado Christmas. I know two of these ladies, and I have to say they're both very talented and sweet women!

What is the name of your novella, and where in the collection does it occur?

Tamela: My novella is FIRES OF LOVE, and takes place first.


I know that working on a collection that weaves together takes a lot of work. How did your team schedule the work?

Lena: Working with this team was a joy. We set out our various storylines. Tamela’s and mine were more closely connected, so we had to work more closely together. That wasn’t a problem for me, because I really like Tamela, and we both wanted the best story possible. So we ironed out any inconsistencies rather well.


When you aren’t writing or spending time with your family, what is your favorite activity?

Susan: I love to travel and have recently been able to do a fair amount of that on business. My three sisters and I also take a trip together, known as Sister Week, once a year. Last June we borrowed a beach house in Avalon, New Jersey for our getaway. My next excursion will be a week in Alaska to do research for some upcoming books.


What part of the country do you live it? And why do you like that part of the country?

Darlene: I’m the only one of the four of us fortunate enough to live in fabulous Colorado. Like Susan, I’m originally from Maine. After I left home, I felt restless and kept moving west (with stops in New Jersey, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma) until I arrived in Colorado. When I arrived here, I knew I had come home. The mountains do the same thing for my spirit that the ocean used to. Because my story is set at Denver’s Brown Palace, Mom and I treated ourselves to a weekend stay during last year’s Christmas season. As I said, how I “suffer” for my art! A beautiful, fabulous place.

Bios:

A native Virginian, Tamela Hancock Murray has been writing all her life. She interned on Capitol Hill and at the U.S. Department of State before graduating with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College in Virginia.
An award-winning, bestselling author, Tamela has over 20 fiction and nonfiction books to her credit. Upcoming releases include LOVE FINDS YOU IN MAIDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, and THE MASTER'S MATCH. She has discussed her work on radio and television. Her professional affiliations include Trois Riviere Fiction Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. Tamela enjoys being an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and she takes turns with her fellow agents writing a column for Christian Fiction Online Magazine http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/.
When she's not writing, Tamela spends wonderful times with her husband and their two daughters, as well as extended family and friends.

Lena Nelson Dooley holds a BA in Speech and Drama, and she completed many graduate hours as well. She has served as a drama director for several churches. In addition, she has been the administrative assistant to two different pastors.
Snowbound Colorado Christmas is her 18th book release. Four more books will release in 2009. She is often a speaker at women’s events, writers’ meetings, and conferences. She’s an award-winning, bestselling author. At present she serves as vice-president of DFW Ready Writers, the local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She has a website, http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . In the monthly newsletter, she gives away copies of her books and features reviews of her recent reads as well as what’s new that month in Christian publishing. Her blog, http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ , is popular with readers, because she promotes authors and their most recent works.

Susan Page Davis is the author of ten historical novels, six romantic suspense, and two young adult books. She has co-authored a cozy mystery series with her daughter, Megan Elaine Davis. Susan’s historicals have won awards in the Book of the Year and Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contests. She’s a homeschooling mother of six and grandmother of five. She and her husband Jim live in Maine, where Jim is a news editor.

Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin resides in the Colorado foothills with her mother and her Lynx Point Siamese cat Talia. She is the mother of two children. Her daughter has gone ahead of her to glory; her son lives in Oklahoma with his family. She loves music, reading, and writing. She is the author of five novels, and has contributed more than 150 articles to numerous magazines, anthologies, and devotionals. She has also written curriculum for children’s Sunday school.

Hey, y'all! Come on over and visit me at Kaye Dacus's blog today where I share about Spiritual Salves to Hot Spots during conference:

http://kayedacus.com/

Hey, y'all! Come on over to Seekerville and visit me while we talk about contest Aftermath!!

http://seekerville.blogspot.com/

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Okay, so I've been offered a contract by Barbara Scott with Abingdon Press (have I mentioned lately how thrilled I am??), and I already know they are working (or maybe that's done at this point) on setting up their outlets, like Amazon, etc. But one thing that has me a tad ... um... curious is what graphic designer or designers they will have. So...in light of my curiosity, I thought I'd post a copule of covers that have piqued my interest lately:

1. Shadow of Colossus by TL Higley -- ABsolutely love the cover. The colors are soothing and pleasant. The image of Colossus's foot gives it a powerful nudge. And the woman is just beautiful.

2. Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet - I love teh dichotomy of this cover. The title mentions color, yet it's almost a monochromatic scheme, with the only true hints

of color coming from the overcloak on the heroine. Very intriguing and mysterious.

3. Miss Fortune by Sara Mills - this book is releasing next week, and I think the cover is absolutely perfect for the genre and era of this book.




Wow, I realized I could go on and on listing book covers. And my favorite graphic designer, Dineen Miller, has such a knack for stuff like this (see my header on my website!!). LOL What about you? What covers have gripped you lately?

Hey, everyone! Hope you're having a great week! Our kids start school next week, and I'm looking forward to everyone being in a solid routine again.

It is with trembling and shaking that I review this next book. My big brother and friend, John Olson, has Shade releasing next month! John's latest masterpiece is a work that is creepily chillifying! Doctors say Hailey Maniates has paranoid schizophrenia. Melchi, the hero, warns her that what she's seeing is supernatural! I'm telling y'all--this is a story where you have to trust. You know the kind like Sixth Sense and The Others, where you have to just enjoy the ride...then again, is it safe enough to trust? Who knows what portals that trust might open. :-D


Here's the official blurb about Shade (coming Sept 08 from B&H):

Graduate student Hailey Maniates is injured as she tries to escape a waking nightmare. The doctors diagnose her as having paranoid schizophrenia and urge her to forget about the hallucinations, but she can’t rest. Too many unsolved mysteries surround the attacks. First and most perplexing is the giant homeless man who rescued her. He seemed convinced that some kind of Gypsy vampire is pursuing both of them. Is he suffering from the same condition she has?
Against all reason, Hailey finds herself becoming more and more attracted to this strange young man. But can she trust her feelings? What if they’re part of her delusion? What if the vampire is real after all? What if the homeless man is the vampire?


Look what John had to say about his first writer's conference and this book:

I am *so* thrilled to tell y'all that my awesome friend and crit partner, Lisa Harris, has her first book with Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense coming out in Septmeber. Final Deposit is a fabulously unique story, and I absolutely love the way Lisa weaves this story together. Here is a blurb of the book:

In 2006, the Internet Crime Report showed growing criminal activities targeting Americans had resulted in an estimated loss of almost two hundred million dollars. Thousands of people were scammed in such infamous con games like the Nigerian scam, fund transfer scams, and mail-order-brides.

Imagine finding out that your father has fallen victim to one of these long cons. After disposing of all his stocks, mortgaging his house, and maxing out his credit cards, George Taylor flies to Europe to meet with the man who promised him millions for his help in expediting funds out of West Africa. It’s a fortune he will never see.

When Lindsey Taylor tries to save her father from losing his life savings to the Internet scam, she discovers that losing everything you have isn’t the worst thing that can happen.

First - before I do the meme, I *have* to rave about a new book put out by B&H Publishing. The day I received Shadow of Colossus by TL Higley in the mail, I gasped. I'd been at the B&H website the week before absolutely drooling over the cover and story synopsis for this book. I was THRILLED to read it, but realyl nervous, too--ya know how it is. You see a book and think it's going to be fantastic, but when you read it... So, my fear of being let down kept me from reading it for a few days. THEN! I finally caved to my HUGE curiosity, and started reading.

Go HERE to see the trailer for Shadow of Colossus.

YAYAY!! I'm so excited--I've waited for this final book in the Noble Series for a loooong time. Okay, maybe not loooong, but definitely loong. :-D I was especially intrigued after reading Taming Rafe about Stephanie, and really hoped to see Lincoln Cash return as the hero. With two powerhouse brothers, I knew Stephanie would have to really pull off a strong, emotionally riveting story--living up to such hunky, heroic brothers is tough, but Stephanie holds her own. I loved this story, and found it very fulfilling and extremely satisfying!



About the book: When she put her dreams on hold to help run the family ranch, she never imagined they would slip out of sight. Luckily for Stefanie, those dreams are about to come knocking at her door.
Lincoln Cash has gained fame and fortune on the big screen, but a crippling secret leaves him one last chance to make his mark on the movie industry. With dreams of hosting a new film festival, Lincoln intends to remodel a sprawling ranch in eastern Montana to make it the new Hollywood hot spot.
Unfortunately, a house fire threatens his plans. So does opposition from his new neighbor Stefanie Noble, who's not thrilled about his Tinseltown changes. What Lincoln and Stefanie don't know is that the fire won't be the last disaster to threaten Lincoln or his future. Someone is out for revenge... but who? And who is the real target?



Read an excerpt: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/c1_findingStefanie.html


About Susan: Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

Link to buy the book: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1028342&item_no=310190


Link to Susan’s website: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/


Link for blog tour schedule: http://susanmaywarren.typepad.com/scribbles/2008/07/finding-stefani.html


Grab your magnifying glass and join me on a Fact-o-Find!




Answer these questions about the bloggers on the tour and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theater of your choice (you know so you can see some of Cash's great movies *G*)! Email Amy your answers (amy@susanmaywarren.com) Ready, get set, giddy-up!







1. Which blogger is adopting a girl from China?
2. This word 'featherbunkle' is found on which blog?
3. Which blogger is supporting the 'Pickens Plan'?
4. Which blog is "The Cutest Blog on the Block"?
5. Which blogger is a S@HM and also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, nursery director, and woman that is just trying to keep it all together?
6. Which blogger is taking the Southern Reading Challenge?
7. Which blog asks 'How may we serve you'?
8. Which blogger refers to her son as 'super good big guy'?
9. Which blogger is a self-proclaimed 'Starbucks Addict'?
10. Which blogger is a big Trekkie?


8/4
Martha at Our Family’s Adventures
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha/

Trish at Books for Moms
http://www.booksformoms.blogspot.com/

Sunny at Life in the Estrogen Ocean
http://estrogen-ocean.blogspot.com/

8/5
Deborah at A Cup of Joy
http://acupofjoy.wordpress.com/

Julie at Waves of Grace
http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/

Camy at Camy’s Loft
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

8/6
Amy at Amy’s Random Thoughts
http://amychristopher.blogspot.com/

Gina at Portrait of a Writer
http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com/

Lena a Christian Writer’s World
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

8/7
Leticia at My Daily Trek
http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com/

Laura at Lighthouse Academy
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

8/8
Melissa at Breath of Life
http://breathoflifeministries.blogspot.com/

Lori at Laurel Wreath’s
http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/

Ronie at Supernatural Craving
http://www.supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/

Erica at On the Right Path
http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/

8/9
Deborah at Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

Heather at Fresh Sweet Peas
http://www.freshsweetpeas.blogspot.com/

Christy at Christy’s Book Blog
http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/

Beth at The Writing Road
http://thewritingroad.blogspot.com/

8/11
Cee Cee at Book Splurge
http://booksplurge.blogspot.com/

Kate at A Simple Walk
http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com/

Dineen at Kittens Come From Eggs
http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com/

8/12
Joy at Five J's
http://fivejs.wordpress.com/

Paula at Grace Reign
http://www.gracereign.blogspot.com/

Rel at Relz Reviewz
http://www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com/

Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/

Patty at Girlfriends in God
http://patty-girlfriendsingod.blogspot.com/

8/13
Peg at Sips & Cups Cafeteria
http://www.peggyblannphifer.blogspot.com/

Cara at Cara’s Musings
http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/

Pattie at Fresh Brewed Writer
http://www.freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/

Amy at My Friend Amy
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

AnnMarie at More Than Just A Mom
http://afriedrick.blogspot.com/

8/14
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
http://thenearsightedbookworm.blogspot.com/

Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood
http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com/

Teresa at Joy In the Journey
http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com/

8/15
Lynetta at Open Book
http://www.lynetta.blogspot.com/

Betsy at Betsy Ann…Writer At Large
http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com/

Susan at His Reading List
http://hisreadinglist.blogspot.com/

8/16
Tiffany at A Fiction Filled Life
http://ambermillerauthor.blogspot.com/

Pamela at Pammer’s Ramblins
http://pammer.blogspot.com/

Lauren at Baseballs and Bows
http://baseballsandbows.blogspot.com/

Brittanie at A book Lover Forever
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/

Jack & Kit's Wedding

Kit Keane 1941

(interesting note: my mother (in teal)worked at this hotel as a teen)