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In October, I wrote a piece of the Afictionado e-zine about Fiction Finder, a magnificent website whose design and implementation were chaired by my big "brother," John Olson. If you are ever looking for an awesome book to read, but don't know the title or the author, check this out. Or if you're just in the mood for a good action-adventure flick (after you've read my books, of course) you can find one with this amazing site.
Here is ACFW's Official Press Release:
FictionFinder.
PALM BAY, Fla. — With over 500,000 books published each year, it is harder than ever to find a new book that’s just right. A simple Amazon search in the Christian literature and fiction category yields more than 17,000 results. Consumers wading through the exhaustive, seemingly endless list of choices now have a more manageable resource to help them purchase their next book.
American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the nation’s leading Christian fiction writers’ organization, is launching FictionFinder.
Cynthia Ruchti, president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), believes this trusted, easy-to-use resource is a significant development in the search for Christian fiction authors and new titles.
”The idea rose from a roundtable discussion between the ACFW leadership team and Christian booksellers looking for a better way to connect their customers with great Christian fiction,” says Ruchti. “ACFW responded by rolling up our sleeves and creating a comprehensive database to serve readers, booksellers, publishers, authors, book club coordinators, librarians and others on the hunt for information and inspiration.”
The site also allows readers to learn about the nature of the content of each book. Each title is rated for action, conflict, humor, mystery, romance, spirituality and suspense, in addition to more sensitive issues like language, sensuality and violence. Users can also post reviews to the site and learn more about soon-to-be-released titles.
The database is the first of its kind and is not limited to books written by ACFW members. The organization is also working with publishers to ensure Christian novels by other authors are incorporated as well.
ACFW’s presence as the voice of Christian fiction and its industry prowess has long been recognized, and its authors are a mainstay on bestseller lists. FictionFinder.
Quick facts about fictionfinder.
* Book information pages include facts about the publisher, main themes, setting and the author’s other titles.
* A special “similar books” section offers other titles the user may be interested in reading.
* Users can create an account with their preferences, making it easier to find new favorites.
With nearly 2,000 members and 19 chapters in 14 states nationwide, ACFW seeks to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry. Founded in 2000 under the banner of American Christian Romance writers, in 2004 the organization was renamed American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) to reflect its dedication to Christian fiction writers of all genres.
ACFW is headquartered in Palm Bay, Florida. Their advisory and operating boards work to give writers the tools they need to develop their craft, grow ACFW’s extensive publishing knowledge and secure relationships with industry professionals. To learn more about ACFW and their authors, please visit www.acfw.com.
Hey, y'all. Do you love stories with intriguing twists on history? I confess they're one of my favorite genres. Today at International Christian Fiction Writers, I am featuring the awesome 
TL Higley and her Seven Wonders series.
The newest release, Guardian of the Flame, is a book that forced me to squander my time and abandon my kids to mac 'n chz. Heart-wrenching romance and gut-torturing action! You won't want to miss this one, y'all!!
Guardian of the Flame: A woman guarding the lighthouse at Alexandria is caught between her loyalty to Egyptian queen Cleopatra and her love for a Roman soldier in Julius Caesar’s army.
About Tracy: T.L. Higley holds a degree in English Literatur
e and has written three previous novels and more than fifty drama productions for church ministry. She is especially passionate about "breaking down emotional and philosophical barriers that people have put up between themselves and Christ."
Purchase Guardian of the Flame now!
Check out my latest article at NovelJourney! This month I explain a bit about guilt and how it can harangue our characters. Does your character suffer from true guilt, false guilt, or maybe survivor guilt? Find out at NovelJourney!
Check it out, y'all. NIGHTSHADE, book 1 of the Discarded Heroes, has made its debut appearance--on the Barbour Publishing website. (if hte link doesn't work, cut/paste this: http://www.barbourbooks.com/%28S%28tzasczufy4hiv255sllqan45%29%29/product/Nightshade,7952.aspx?Tab=Books )
I love the copy they have for Max. Of course, all this "attention" has me quite antsy to see what Barbour's amazing design team comes up with for the cover. Back in late September, I received the design set instructions that the team had signed off on. A few of the details will be the Nightshade team logo (see image below--designed by long-time family friend Andrew Kendall), Max in full dress (Navy), and Sydney (his wife) in the background. Possibly a burning village or jungle scenery.
ACK! I shouldn't be thinking about this. It just knots my stomach up more. LOL
I am giddy (hey, I'm a girl, it's allowed) to promote John Olson's latest release POWERS!! I have to tell you, I think this is his best book yet. It has a break-neck pace and leaves you absolutely breathless. It's been a while since a book had me reading this fast and this immersed.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN A COPY OF POWERS!!!**
Here is the official information on POWERS:
“Bury me standing. I must be buried standing.”
Powers, the follow-up to John Olson’s Shade (“a must-read for those who enjoy Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti” —Publishers Weekly), introduces a sheltered Gypsy girl named Mariutza. Her grandfather utters a mysterious last request before dying in her arms after being shot by ten cloaked men.
Those same men die before her eyes, but strange powers continue to pursue Mari through the swamps of southern Louisiana where she has always hidden from “the Badness.”
The whole world seems to join in the chase—helicopters, soldiers, government agents, and the police are all trying to kill her. Mari’s only hope of survival is to find Jaazaniah the Prophet, the mythical hero of her grandfather’s bedtime stories.
But she has never been outside the swamp or known other humans besides her grandfather and one teacher. How can this lone girl survive the bewildering world of men long enough to find a prophet who might not even exist?
Let me tell ya a bit about John--he's one of the strongest, most brilliant writers I know. And he's also one of the most humble. He gives of himself tirelessly--proof of that lies in the recognition he received at the American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference in Denver this past September. John was honored among the nearly two-thousand members for the Member Service Award.
John is also the chair of the FictionFinder.com committee--have you checked that out lately? It's *the* place to find Christian Fiction.
Oh, and to satisfy the new rules--yes, I received an ARC of John's book, but no, that did not influence me other than to make me very happy I got to read the book.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN A COPY OF POWERS!!!**
**disclaimer: Only US-based addresses eligible! Drawing held Dec 1, 2010!
Here's an image of the cover flat. Gorgeous, isn't it?? They did an absolutely fabulous job. I love it!!
I thought this Wal-Mart Christmas commercial was very sweet. I am glad to see a major retailer honoring our troops!
God, bless and protect our soldiers!!
Okay, I had to share this review with y'all--it's the first that's come since the ARCs went out. Revel in the moment with me, please! :-D
I just had to write to tell you what a FANTASTIC book you've written. I lov
ed how it held my interest from beginning to end. I told myself one chapter a night, and it was so hard to stop reading at just one chapter. I was impressed with how you kept the story moving, as the romance began to unfold. Most books of this nature tend to forget to keep the story going once the romance hits and focuses solely on the romance, I find that annoying. I loved the spy aspect and found myself visualizing every scene as though I was watching an action-packed movie. Such a great read!
~Alyice Edrich
Freelance Writer & Artist
Aha!! I just got an update from this fabulous writer/artist (I'm biased now, I know...) but she has put up a "teaser review" on her site. Check it out: http://thedabblingmum.blogspot.com/2009/11/dead-reckoning.html
Deepest Appreciation to all who have fought for our country and freedom. Some of the men and veterans I know: my husband, my father, my father-in-law, my husband's grandfather ...and generations all the way back to General Washington himself. So many friends we met while at Ft Hood/Killeen. To friends now (I'll get in trouble trying to remember everyone, I'm sure). THANK YOU ALL!
This video is a tad longer than most tribute videos, but it's moving.
Well, it didn't take me near as long as it usually does, but as you can tell, I've updated the site. What do you think?
I really wanted to trick...er, convince people that I'm a professional, so this is the new 'do' for the blog. There are still some tweaking and perfectings going on--like, there's supposed to be a red "splash" behind the titles on the left, but they aren't there. Not sure why.
Anywhooo...let me know what you think!
Blessings, y'all!
*edited: Thanks to Heather for helping me figure out what was wrong. Silly little endquote.
Hey everyone! If you've hung around my blog for a few years, you'll know I'm a big Tricia Goyer fans. Her stories are engaging and entertaining--and they tug on your heart strings!! So, I was absolutely thrilled to find out she was doing a book with a spy in it. OORAH!
Let me say straight out: due to a glitch, I didn't get a copy of the book. That's disappointing, but I would never skip out on promoting one of Tricia's books--especially one with spies (since that's what I write too!). And since she teamed up with Mike Yorkey, I know this book is going to be extra awesome! Yea!
About the book!
It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. When Joseph Engel, a German physicist working on the atomic bomb, finds that he is actually a Jew, adopted by Christian parents, he must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland. Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely "courier" Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way? This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating--and deadly--time in history.
About the authors!
Tricia Goyer is the author of several books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Montana. To find out more visit her website: www.triciagoyer.com
Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California.To find out more visit his website: www.MikeYorkey.com
Watch the video:
BUY THE BOOK!
BLOG TOUR!
Howdy, y'all! I'm honored and thrilled to participate in the blog tour for ATHOL DICKSON's newest release, LOST MISSION. Below, you'll find some juicy details about the book and Athol.
Since I received the book only last Friday (yes, that's to let you know, per FTC regs, that the book was free), I have not read the book yet as I had family commitments over the weekend and homeschool co-op and sick twins today. But never fear! I will post the review when I'm done reading it. Oh--just a teaser: I've already started reading, and I have to say that I love Athol's literary voice. Fabulous!! But have you seen the cover? I confess, it captured my interest immediately. Then, I read the back-cover copy, and decided--definitely! This is a must-read!
Okay, so on to the vitals:
About the book:
What haunting
legacy awaits deep beneath the barrios and wealthy enclaves of Southern California?
A billionaire driven mad by grief.
A pastor in love with the wrong woman.
An illegal immigrant desperate to feed his family.
Only Lupe de la Garza can save them from the ancient evil lurking in a lost mission's ruins, but it will take an act of faith beyond all human power.
An idyllic Spanish mission collapses in the eighteenth century atop the supernatural evidence of a shocking crime. Twelve generations later the ground is opened up, the forgotten ruins are disturbed, and rich and poor alike confront the onslaught of resurging hell on earth. Caught up in the catastrophe are...
· A humble shopkeeper compelled to leave her tiny village deep in Mexico to preach in America
· A minister wracked with guilt for loving the wrong woman
· An unimaginably wealthy man, blinded to the consequences of his grand plans
· A devoted father and husband driven to a horrible discovery that changes everything
Will the evil that destroyed the Misión de Santa Dolores rise to overwhelm them? Or will they beat back the terrible desires that led to the mission's good Franciscan founder's standing in the midst of flames ignited by his enemies and friends alike more than two centuries ago?
From the high Sierra Madre mountains to the harsh Sonoran desert, from the privileged world of millionaire moguls to the impoverished immigrants who serve them, Athol Dickson once again weaves a gripping story of suspense that spans centuries and cultures to explore the abiding possibility of miracles.
Ronie here, again. Doesn't that sound intriguing? I thought so. Well, what are you waiting for? BUY LOST MISSION NOW!!!
A
bout the author:
Athol Dickson is an award-winning author of several novels. His Christy Award-winning novel River Rising was name one of the "Top Ten Christian Novel of 2006" by Booklist magazine. He lives in California with his wife. Find out more about Athol and his books by visiting his website.
BUY LOST MISSION!!
Follow the rest of the blog tour:
10/20
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life
http://kaytebug2002.blogspot.com
Tina at Mad Hatter Mom
http://www.madhattermom.com/
Ronie at Craving the Supernatural
http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
10/21
Annette at A Well Watered Garden
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/
Amy at Amy Letinsky
http://amyletinsky.wordpress.com
10/22
Erin at Connected to Christ
http://www.connected2christ.com/theblog
Robin at Robin Merril
http://robinmerrill.blogspot.com
10/23
Deena at A Peek at My Bookshelf
http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com
Peggy at Sips & Cups Café
http://www.sipsncupscafe.com
10/24
Scott at Rivene
http://www.rivene.com
Janice at The Nearsighted Bookworm
http://www.thenearsightedbookworm.blogspot.com
10/26
Virginia at Ginny Smith
http://www.virginiasmith.org/index.html
Lynetta at Open Book
http://www.lynetta.blogspot.com
Revka at Our Family Porch
http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com
10/27
Anna at 4 Kiddos at Home
http://4kiddosathome.blogspot.com
Tina at O Joy of My Life
http://ojoyofmylife.blogspot.com/
Pat at Why Didn't You Warn Me
http://www.whydidntyouwarnme.com
10/28
Jessica at Farm Fresh Iowa
http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.com/
Amy at Girlfriends Get Real
http://girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com
Suzanne at There's No Place Like Home
http://clickingherheels.blogspot.com
10/29
Katrina at Callapidder Days
http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/
Nicole at Gidget Goes Home
http://gidgetgoeshome.com
10/30
Melody at Kids, Cakes, Dishes, Laundry…In That Order
http://www.kidscakesdisheslaundry.blogspot.com
Margaret at The Cappuccino Life
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom/profile/
10/31
Leticia at My Daily Trek
http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com/
Jarrod at Jarrod Haggard
http://www.jarrodhaggard.blogspot.com
11/2
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
http://blog.cwahm.com
Jennifer at Rundpinne
http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com/
Marta at Marta's Meanderings
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com
11/3
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
Laura at Lighthouse Academy
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/
11/4
Michelle at From His Heart to Mine
http://www.chelled.blogspot.com
Kim at Kim's Window to the World
http://berlysue.blogspot.com
11/5
Suzanne at Suzannesaphone
http://suzannesaphone.wordpress.com
Amy at The 160 Acre Woods
http://the160acrewoods.com
11/6
Christa at Christa Allan
http://cballan.wordpress.com
Sally at An Observation of Mercy
http://paraklesis.com/an_observation/
11/7
Tammy at Three Different Directions
http://threedifferentdirections.blogspot.com/
Cindy at Cindy Stamps
www.cindystamps.blogspot.com
11/9
Christine at A Dusty Frame
http://adustyframe.com/
Phee at Pix-N-Pens
http://www.pixnpens.com/
11/10
Rel at Relz Reviews
http://www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com
Jill Elizabeth at Artistic Blogger
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
11/11
Shauna at Shaunarumbling
http://shaunarumbling.blogspot.com/
MaryBeth at Four Silly Sisters
http://www.foursillysistersreview.blogspot.com
11/12
Michelle at My Semblance of Sanity
http://michellekemperbrownlow.blogspot.com
Michele at Dare to Live
http://www.michelecushatt.com/
11/13
Molly at Buuklvr81
http://www.buuklvr81.blogspot.com
Kelly at Scrambled Dregs
http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com/
11/14
Tyora at FaithWebbin
http://www.faithwebbin.net/share/authors
Teresa at Joy in the Journey
http://teresaslack.blogspot.com/
I am soooo happy to help dear friend Cara Putman promote her book, TRIAL BY FIRE. Since our focus here at Craving the Supernatural is suspense (and supernatural/speculative, on occasion), I asked Cara to share her heart with you about writing in two genres: suspense and historical. (and to comply with the new FTC rule, yes, I received a free copy of Cara's book to review, which I haven't done yet but am working on).
Please give Cara warm welcome!!
To brand or not to brand…
A brand.
That’s what every author needs.
At least that’s what we’re told as authors almost from the moment we first tap out a word on a keyboard. From some perspectives, people take it to mean you need a tagline. A pithy phrase that defines you to readers and publishers. Others say it means identifying those elements that are consistent in every book you write. The general experience a reader can expect anytime they pick up one of your books.
That sounds good. Really good. So where did I go wrong?
I write in two primary genres: World War Two home-front romance and romantic suspense. On the surface, there isn’t much pulling those two genres together. Let’s face it: one occurred decades before I was born and my life doesn’t exactly read like those of my heroines who are trying to stay a step ahead of the shadows chasing them.
But I love both. And as I’ve spent the last month praying about who I am as a writer, I’ve found some common strains. For example, the heroines all have a core of strength – sometimes a trait they can’t identify in themselves – that sees them through their challenges. These are women who could be broken by their experiences, but somehow they come through the experiences with resilience and a stronger faith on the other side.
The setting also tends to play a strong role. If you’re reading one of my romantic suspense, there is no doubt they are located in Lincoln, Nebraska. From the major university to some of the restaurants highlighted, you’ll only find those things in Lincoln.
And there’s a strong thread about God’s faithfulness whether we can sense it.
And after eight novels, I’m still young. I’ve got a lot to do, a lot to explore. But maybe, just maybe, I’m taking baby steps to identify my core identity as a writer.
About the book:
Her mother’s house was fist. Then her brother’s. County prosecutor Tricia 
Jamison is sure she’s next on the arsonist’s list. But who is after her family? And why does every fire throw her in Noah Brust’s path? Noah can’t forgive Tricia. Her failure to protect him on the stand the previous year meant his father’s reputation was ruined. Yet every time the firefighter is near her, he’s drawn to her again. The vulnerability she hides under her confident veneer surprises and moves him. Torn between Tricia’s safety and his own bitterness, Noah belatedly remembers the first rule of firefighting: don’t get burned.
BUY Trial by Fire at CBD.com now!!
Okay, yep, I'm jumping up and down, and dancing! My book, DEAD RECKONING, is up on Amazon now. I'm soooo excited. This really made it feel real (wonder how many "this made it feel real" it will take to make this REAL to me LOL).
So...you can PRE-order it now at Cokesbury (40% off!), Amazon, and CBD.com!! Of course, we'll have a big push on the March 1, 2010 release date to see if we can't skyrocket through the ranks.
BookPreview is doing my trailer, and I am anxiously awaiting that. Stay tuned so I can share it with you when they're finished. You *have* seen some of their trailers, right? I think they're top-notch.
********************************************************
In other writing business, I'm working steadily on my new military series, since DR is heading toward the ARC (yay!). Book 1, NIGHTSHADE, is written and I have an awesome guy combing through it for military-related errors (yeah...it's painful, but good. Anything that makes the story stronger/better, ya know?). Interspersed with the editing, I'm working on book 2, DIGITALIS. That book...it's daunting. Of course, so was book 1 since Max was so intense.
Oh, oh, oh! I want to share with y'all the awesome Nightshade emblem my husband's best friend designed for us. He did such an awesome job that Barbour is going to use the emblem on the cover. YAY!!! Here it is.
What do you think? I am so impressed!!
Well, y'all, it's that time again--for my monthly post at Novel Journey. This time I'm talking fear. Or maybe NO FEAR!?!? LOL
Take a gander at the article. Hope it helps someone!
I'm up to my eyeballs in research and reading books. I am so glad God's keeping me humble, and reminding me that I still have so very much to learn. But really...sometimes it's quite daunting. I wish I had a "thinking" persona the way my husband does. Well...maybe not. I really like my ability to detect and understand what people are feeling. I think that's what makes me a strong writer.
So, I'm digging into book 2 of the Discarded Heroes, DIGITALIS. This time, it's Colton's story. And the poor guy is having a rough go of things. I'd ask you to pray for him, but I guess that wouldn't help much since he isn't real. *grins*
I love this commercial made by Budweiser and aired once during the 2002 Superbowl. I remember crying back then, and I cried again today watching. Crying's good--it reminds us of the hurt but that there is also healing, making us (please, God!) a stronger (more aware) nation.
I am so very honored to highlight my dear friend KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE and her amazing book:
Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy
I had the great pleasure of reading this book--and let me just say, this book changed my life! I fou
nd Kim's approach to problems, interruptions, and "complaints" refreshing. She views them as adventures and tackles them with God's joy. I know she's not perfect, but the way she's pushing to always honor God has challenged me to be better about tackling those things. And considering all the trials she's been through, talking and hanging out with her prove that she puts her life where her "mouth" is. Kim lives this!If you have not bought a copy of this book, it's an absolute must! It's definitely worth the cost, and I've heard this book has already gone into its third printing! Woo-hoo!!!
From the Back Cover:
Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.
Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?
How the Wo
odhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!). Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.
*****************************************************************
Normally, I don't do give-aways but I believe so strongly in Kim and WELCOME HOME: OUR FAMILY'S JOURNEY TO EXTREME JOY that if you leave a comment about why you'd like this incredible book, I'll host a drawing before I leave for the ACFW Conference in mid-September (drawing will be combined between Shoutlife, Blogger, and Facebook--one entry per person).
LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS AWESOME BOOK!!!!
Today, the book I ordered from Amazon on the recommendation of Colonel Hall, a chaplain who works for the VA in counseling PTSD victims, arrived. It's called DOWN RANGE: to Iraq and Back. I'm really looking forward to reading it. Another book I've been working my way through (and I do mean *working* because it's very emotionally wrenching) is WHAT WAS ASKED OF US: An Oral History of the Iraq War by the Soldiers Who Fought it. I've cried (a lot) and laughed (with the guys), and learned so much. I'll keep you posted on my reading.
Well, I have completed 2.5 rounds of edits and have received the first proofs for my s
py thriller DEAD RECKONING. I have to turn those around by September 8. And I have to admit, this is crossing my eyes. LOL But it's also very thrilling to see my manuscript in copyflow--the book layout format. TOO KEWL! Reading it like this has actually made it easier for me to find the mistakes. *cringe* Naturally, I want the book to rock.
Don't forget--you can Pre-Order DEAD RECKONING now and save 40% off the cover price!
To my surprise, I got an email yesterday from my editor at Barbour, Becky Germany. Not surprised that she would email, but surprised to find out it's time to get moving on the DISCARDED HEROES SERIES. Can you say OORAH!?!?!
She sent me the Publication Plan for the series, and the art fact sheet for the first book, NIGHTSHADE. I am so very excited to get back to work on this series to make it the absolute best it can be.
Trying to find covers that are similar to this book that I like is very difficult because I don't like massive faces on the cover (not for the military series), and I can't find one that is a good emulation of the story and what I want.
Do you have a favorite military action book cover you like? If so, share it with me!
Hi there! This is Camy Tang, and today I get to guest blog on Ronie's blog!
Ronie wanted me to talk a bit about my suspense writing. Many of you know that my first three books are humorous contemporary romance, the Sushi series. So how did I go from crazy extended families to dead bodies?
(Although some could argue that crazy extended families can be the cause of the dead bodies—I'm sure there has been more than one homicidal thought during a family get-together!)
While I admit that writing humor has always come naturally to me, I tend to read a lot of suspense. So when I first started writing seriously, I wrote one humorous manuscript (my ill-fated "The Corinthian Rules" manuscript which was truly barf-worthy looking back at it). But then I wrote a suspense manuscript.
Yup! It was called "Furious Dragon," later changed to "Bitter Dragon" (slightly less violent choice of words). Not many people know about it, but the blurb was up on my website for a while.
"Bitter Dragon" was the first book in a proposed "Fists of Legend" suspense series (a play off of a Bruce Lee movie). Here's the series blurb:
When their unscrupulous aunt dies, three sisters trained in Chinese martial arts are embroiled in the illegal human cloning operation of a powerful international Asian group called the Septet. Only Erika, Lena and Miriya Fong have the inside knowledge and physical prowess to survey, infiltrate and destroy this corporation harvesting fetal tissue for disease therapy.
Here's the little-known blurb for "Bitter Dragon":
Although trained in Chinese martial arts, physical therapist Erika Fong prefers sparring at the kickboxing gym, where the competition allows her to prove her personal worth. She’s not ashamed to admit relief when her despised Aunt Alice slips in the bathtub and dies, but her aunt’s lawyer reveals a surprise inheritance for Erika, her most hated niece—a large sum of money no one knew Alice possessed.
Erika discovers her aunt’s death wasn’t an accident, and that Alice had been in negotiations with Bram Thorson of Thorson Therapeutics, an illegal human cloning company. She narrowly escapes attempts on her life as she races to expose the operation. She is first protected, then betrayed by a mysterious man named Braden, who is somehow embroiled in Thorson’s agenda.
Bram Thorson will stop at nothing to acquire the money that should be his, and unknown to Erika, he has an ace up his sleeve . . . one of her sisters.
Camy here: "Bitter Dragon" won first place in the suspense category of the ACFW Noble Theme contest, now called the Genesis contest, which I coordinate. :) I started coordinating the contest the year after I won the Noble Theme.
I ended up selling my chick lit Sushi series to Zondervan, and so "Bitter Dragon" was relegated to the dust bunnies under my bed.
So when I had a chance to submit a romantic suspense to Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense line, I jumped at the chance. I did my homework and studied the line, so I knew that the storyline of "Bitter Dragon" was not appropriate for Love Inspired Suspense, but I came up with another three sisters—Naomi, Rachel, and Monica Grant, whose father owns the Joy Luck Life spa in Sonoma, California. And while there isn't an Asian triad or fetal organ harvesting, there are a few dead bodies to liven the party up.
Funny how things come full circle, isn't it?
Thanks for having me on your blog, Ronie!
Camy
DEADLY INTENT
SCENE OF THE 
CRIME
The Grant family’s exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! Then Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, and everything falls apart. The salon’s reputation is at stake...and so is Naomi’s freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim’s ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn...and whom can she trust?
About Camy:
Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every week, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away fourteen boxes of books and 24 copies of her latest release, DEADLY INTENT.
Okay, I'm still trying to get caught up on reviews of books that I've received and read, so thanks for being patient. Without further ado....
FIELD OF BLOOD
by Eric Wilson
First -- let me say, this dude can write! This is probably my biggest pet peeve in reading--picking up a book that doesn't ensnare my interest or captivate me. FIELD OF BLOOD had my interest from the get-go. The concept of the book is absolutely fascinating in and of itself. I mean, a storyline that connects the present day to Judas Iscariot's burial place? Amazing. I wish I'd come up with it. :-D
Beyond the story--there's craft. And let me just say, Eric Wilson can write. Sometimes it's a curse to be a writer and attempt to read books because you feel like a gear mechanism hasn't been well-oiled, and you get stuck and grind your gears on silly things like POV, dangling modifiers, GMC, etc. FIELD OF BLOOD reads smoothly and easily. Wilson immerses you so wholly in the story that you aren't distracted or pulled out easily. . . sorta like the thorns (sorry, you'll have to read the book to get that).
Probably the only CON is that FIELD OF BLOOD isn't for weak-stomached readers (and...if you have a gut of steel, this isn't a problem, and thus...no con). :-D I mean, really--the book's about vampires, and you have to expect some less-than-pleasant scenes.
Here's the official blurb for FIELD OF BLOOD:
1989: Scores of Romanian children contract a life-threatening virus. In Jerusalem, the same year, an ancient tomb is broken into.
Gina Lazarescu is a girl caugtht between an unknown past and a dark future. Will she stand in the gap against the rising evil? Or become victim to it?
Death is not a question. It is the answer. Welcome to a world that hides before your eyes.
Check out the JERUSALEM UNDEAD website for more information!
My latest article in the Psychology In Writing series is up at NovelJourney. This month, I discuss Emotional Impact.
But...take a peek and see how dead people play a role.
http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com/
Blessings, y'all! :-D
2009 American Christian Fiction Writers
Book of the Year Contest
Finalists
Debut Author
• A Passion Most Pure (Julie Lessman)
• Courting Miss Adelaide (Janet Dean)
• Every Good and Perfect Gift (Sharon K. Souza)
• Hero, Second Class (Mitchell Bonds)
• In the Shadow of the Sun King (Golden Keyes Parsons)
Lits
• Faking Grace (Tamara Leigh)
• Picket Fence Promises (Kathryn Springer)
• Single Sashimi (Camy Tang)
• Sweet Caroline (Rachel Hauck)
• Truffles by the Sea (Julie Carobini)
Long Contemporary
• Lookin Back Texas (Leanna Ellis)
• One Holy Night (J.M. Hochstetler)
• Stuck in the Middle (Virginia Smith)
• Summer of Joy (Ann H. Gabhart)
• Symphony of Secrets (Sharon Hinck)
Long Contemporary Romance
• Along Came a Cowboy (Christine Lynxwiler)
• Controlling Interest (Elizabeth White)
• The Convenient Groom (Denise Hunter)
• Finding Stefanie (Susan May Warren)
• Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black & White (Claudia Mair Burney)
Long Historical (6 finalists due to a tie)
• The Apothecary’s Daughter (Julie Klassen)
• Calico Canyon (Mary Connealy)
• Deep In the Heart of Trouble (Deeanne Gist)
• From A Distance (Tamera Alexander)
• I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (Cathy Gohlke)
• My Heart Remembers (Kim Vogel Sawyer)
Mystery
• The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (A.K. Arenz)
• Death on a Deadline (Christine Lynxwiler, Sandy Gaskin, and Jan Reynolds)
• Drop Dead Diva (Christine Lynxwiler, Sandy Gaskin, and Jan Reynolds)
• For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls (Nancy Mehl)
• Of Mice . . . and Murder (Mary Connealy)
Novellas
• The Cookie Jar (Janet Lee Barton in A Connecticut Christmas anthology)
• Dressed in Scarlet (Darlene Franklin in Snowbound Colorado Christmas anthology)
• Santa’s Prayer (Diane Ashley in A Connecticut Christmas anthology)
• Snowbound for Christmas (Gail Sattler in A Connecticut Christmas anthology)
• Stuck On You (Rhonda Gibson in A Connecticut Christmas anthology)
Short Contemporary
• Buffalo Gal (Mary Connealy)
• Clueless Cowboy (Mary Connealy)
• Family Treasures (Kathryn Springer)
• Her Unlikely Family (Missy Tippens)
• White as Snow (Janice Thompson)
Short Contemporary Suspense
• Bayou Paradox (Robin Caroll)
• Broken Lullaby (Pamela Tracy)
• Countdown to Death (Debby Giusti)
• Forsaken Canyon (Margaret Daley)
• Killer Cargo (Dana Mentink)
Short Historical
• Family of the Heart (Dorothy Clark)
• Masked by Moonlight (Allie Pleiter)
• Reckless Rogue (Mary Davis)
• Return to Love (Susan Page Davis)
• Sandhill Dreams (Cara Putman)
Speculative
• The Book of Names (D. Barkley Briggs)
• DragonLight (Donita K. Paul)
• The Restorer’s Journey (Sharon Hinck)
• Shade (John B. Olson)
• Summa Elvetica: A Casuistry of the Elvish Controversy (Theodore Beale)
Suspense
• Anathema (Colleen Coble)
• The Black Cloister (Melanie Dobson)
• Fossil Hunter (John B. Olson)
• Lonestar Sanctuary (Colleen Coble)
• Perfect (Harry Kraus)
Women’s Fiction (7 finalists due to a tie)
• A Month of Summer (Lisa Wingate)
• Every Good and Perfect Gift (Sharon K. Souza)
• My Sister Dilly (Maureen Lang)
• The Perfect Life (Robin Lee Hatcher)
• The Shape of Mercy (Susan Meissner)
• Stepping into Sunlight (Sharon Hinck)
• Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon (Debbie Fuller Thomas)
Young Adult
• The Big Picture (Jenny B. Jones)
• The Fruit of My Lipstick (Shelley Adina)
• It’s all About Us (Shelley Adina)
• The Owling (Robert Elmer)
• Trion Rising (Robert Elmer)
Hey, y'all! Awesome friend and crit partner, Robin Caroll has a wonderful trailer up and live for her book DELIVER US FROM EVIL from B&H Publishing (February 2010). Check it out!!
Check it out, y'all! My spy thriller DEAD RECKONING (March 2010) is now available for Pre-Order from Cokesbury, a partner with Abingdon Press. Below is the text of the back cover copy:
Dead Reckoning is the story of a young woman anxious to abandon the crushing effects of her father’s espionage career only to find herself tangled in the very web of mystery and intrigue that consumed his life.
Who is he? How is he always one step ahead?
Reece Jaxon is a former Navy SEAL, who now serves his country as a spy. His mission is threatened by the beguiling Shiloh Blake as he hunts down the sources to a nuclear dead drop in the Arabian Sea. The only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is for Shiloh to join forces with Reece. Will Shiloh violate her vow to never become a spy like her father?
Will she reconcile with her father? Will her trust issues destroy her chance for love? And will she allow God to help her through this ordeal?
First...I'm just stoked that the book is showing up on sites. HOW KEWL!!
But to realize you can actually get in line to order it right now makes me giddy.
By pre-ordering, you save FORTY percent off the cover price. That's just $8.49!!! How awesome! (okay, why did that sound like a cheesy late-night infomercial--my book is way kewler than that! LOL)
PREORDER DEAD RECKONING HERE!!
I am beyond delighted to announce that my fabulous agent, Steve Laube, has negotiated a 4-book contract for the Discarded Heroes series with Becky Germany at Barbour Publishing!! I am so honored that Barbour is allowing this series to come to life. It's a departure from what they've been publishing, and I'm thrilled to join the ranks as one of their authors!
They've championed freedom,
survived the cruelties of war,
...wounded and discarded.
Each of the Discarded Heroes books is a full-length (100k), action-packed story. The first book NIGHTSHADE will release July 2010, with subsequent titles DIGITALIS, WOLFSBANE, and FIRETHORN releasing every six months thereafter.
(and yes...this is the book that big brother John Olson promoted at Mt Hermon and the ACFW Conference last year--I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for so many things, including brainstorming and advocating for me. THANK YOU, JOHN!!):
For anyone still here and reading, here is the blurb for the first book, NIGHTSHADE
After a tour of duty in a war-torn country, embattled former Navy Seal Max Jacobs finds himself discarded and alienated from those he loves when he’s not able to cope with civilian life. His wife, Sydney, files a restraining order and a petition for divorce. Max is devastated.
Then a mysterious message arrives. A deep-six group known as Nightshade offers to help him find purpose in life once again by returning to the one thing he excelled at—war. Unable to resist the call of duty, Max signs on.
Celebrate with me! This is a dream come true, and I pray that God can use these stories to minister to the heroes who protect our lives and freedom!!
Humbly and with great respect
for all who have served and paved the roads of freedom
and the future...
THANK YOU!!
My awesome agent, Steve Laube, was nominated and selected as one of three finalists for the 2009 ACFW Agent of the Year!! This year, they revamped the judging and scoring process, so this is a big feat. Huge applause for my rockin agent!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS, AGENT-MAN!!!!
First, I have to admit that I didn't want to post.
Why, you ask?
Because...I don't want anyone to forget about BFF Sara Mills and her new journey. So, if you're stopping by for the first time in a while, please take a moment and read the previous post about how you can help my sweet, crazy, Canadian friend.
Okay--well, my biggest point for today is that I've got an article posted over at NovelJourney on Psychology in Writing. It's a subject near and dear to my heart since that's what I earned my bachelor's degree in (and hope to get my master's in some day!). I'm not a psychologist, but I believe God gifted me with understanding people, something I believe translates strongly in my writing. So hope on over there and check it out!
And this is just something I gotta share. Mother's Day is coming up, and yeah...we've had a ton of family drama (I'm learning that I've become the "strict" mother whose children are ready to ditch the nest...*sigh* Yeah, I need some ointment for that "burn"!), but it was so kewl when my mother-in-law emailed me the other day. They're celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary with a cruise of the Greek Isles (MAJOR DROOL here, right?!?!?!?).
And gue
ss what my precious MIL requested for Mother's Day--a printed and autographed copy of the Dead Reckoning manuscript(my book that will be released in 2010 by Abingdon Press) to take on the cruise with her and read. HOW KEWL and humbling is that?!?!?
Seriously, it put me to tears. It also scares me. LOL What if she reads it and hates it--or hates ME! (okay, I know that's irrational, but hey, I can't help it.) In reality, this is a good preamble to the reaction of readers at large. I'm nervous, but excited!
It'
s with a very heavy heart that I blog today. My best bud, Laube Sister (we have the same agent, Steve Laube), and business partner, Sara Mills, has been dealt a blow--her wonderful husband, Keith, died April 7, 2009 from a massive heart attack. I'd do anything for my beautiful friend and her precious children not to have to go through this, for Keith to be back full of life, laughter, and love.
Keith, I am so sorry we never met but thank you for what you did for your family, for my best friend. Thank you for loving Sara so completely. For all the nights I kept her up laughing and giggling...thank you for laughing right along. What a gift you were! Thank you.
Sara so didn't deserve this (I know that sounds lame, but that's what keeps rolling through my head!). Words fail me at a time like this. I keep wanting someone to wake me up and say it's not real, 
that Sara is just pulling a fast one on me. But it is real. Isaiah, Laura, and Julia are without their father. Sara is without the man she loves.
So grieved by our friend's loss, many of us are doing a blog tour to show our support and love for Sara. This isn't an attempt to trivialize Keith's death--I'd actually think he'd be thrilled to see so many throwing their support behind his beloved wife and the mother of his children.
So, if you haven't heard, Sara writes fabulous mysteries. Her books, Miss Fortune and Miss Match (released through Moody Press) are on shelves NOW! Miss Match, as a matter of fact, just released.
Please, take this opportunity to support a friend, a writer, a grieving family and order a copy of Sara's books! Visit her website or drop by Facebook and befriend her!
Miss Fortune, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #1
By Sara Mills / Moody Publishers
In 1947 Allie Fortune is the only female private investigator in New York City, but she's kept awake at night by a mystery of her own: her fianci disappeared in the war and no one knows if he's still alive. Until Allie finds out, she will have no peace. When there's a knock on her office door at four in the morning, Allie suspects trouble as usual, and Mary Gordon is no exception. Mary claims someone is following her, that her apartment has been ransacked, and that she's been shot at, but she has no idea why any of this is happening. Allie takes the case, and in the process discovers an international mystery that puts her own life in danger.Meanwhile, the FBI is working the case as well, and she is partnered up with an attractive, single agent who would be perfect for her under other circumstances-if only she knew whether her fiancee was still alive.
Miss Match, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #2
By Sara Mills / Moody Publishers
FBI agent Jack O'Connor receives a letter from Maggie, a woman he used to love, saying she's in trouble in Berlin. The FBI refuses to get involved, so Jack asks Allie Fortune to help him investigate. Allie and Jack pose as a missionary couple who want to bring orphans back to the United States. A child finds important documents that everyone in the city - Soviets and allies alike - want for themselves. Maggie refuses to tell Jack what the documents are, saying if things go wrong, they are better off not knowing. Through the course of the search, Allie's past is brought back to her, half a world away from home.
Sara...I'm so sorry, girlie. I know things aren't shiny right now...but I am praying for a bright future for you and your family. I love you.
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yea!! I'm so thrilled to share with everyone the cover for my spy thriller Dead Reckoning to be released March 2010 from Abingdon Press. I'm so pleased with how the design team captured the heart of my story and translated that into the cover, but of course, they couldn't have done that without the lead of the fabulous Barbara Scott, acquiring editor for Abingdon Press. (THANK YOU, BARBARA!!! YOU'RE AWESOME!!)
in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she is forced to flee for her life
into the streets of Mumbai, India. Is the man trailing her an enemy,
or is he sent by her CIA father to protect her? Whoever he is, the only way
to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is to
join forces with former US Navy SEAL Reece Jaxon.
Leave a comment and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Hey, everyone! A thrilling announcement: I've been invited to join the NovelJourney blog as a monthly columnist. This is a humbling honor for me. My posts will be the first Monday of each month--so be sure to bookmark this site, if you haven't already, and come back to visit!
Please take a moment to check it out:
http://noveljourney.blogspot.com
Well, as I said in an earlier post, I'm a tad behind in getting reviews done. My apologies to the authors whose wonderful books I've had the pleasure of reading. Now...on to the review...
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DiAnn Mills has crafted a fascinating tale of intrigue with Breach of Trust. I am so pleased to review a book by a lady I admire and respect. DiAnn Mills is an accomplished and award-winning author of umpteen-million books. LOL No, seriously. She’s written many, and I’ve greatly admired her efforts to bring attention and help to the Sudanese. To me, *this* is what writing is all about—making an impact!
Paige Rogers survived every CIA operative’s worst nightmare.
A covert mission gone terribly wrong.
A betrayal by the one man she thought she could trust.
Forced to disappear to protect the lives of her loved ones, Paige has spent the last several years building a quiet life as a small-town librarian. But the day a stranger comes to town and starts asking questions, Paige knows her careful existence has been shattered.
He is coming after her again. And this time, he intends to silence her for good.
Since I write spy stories, I was especially excited to review DiAnn’s Breach of Trust because the heroine, Paige Rogers (is that really her name?) is a former CIA agent now operating as a small-town librarian (what a cover. . .book covers. . . get it? Okay, okay, lame joke.).
Visit DiAnn Mills
Purchase Breach of Trust
Read the First Chapter!
