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Well, it's the end of March, and I promised to announce the winner of the Mission:Julia launch promotion for Dead Reckoning. The winner will receive an autographed copy of Dead Reckoning, an iPod Nano, and trinkets from India!!
The winner is....LYNN DEAN!!! Congratulations, Lynn! THANK YOU for participating in the mission to save Julia Jaxon, Reece's older sister.
And thank you for saving me. I really like being here, having friends, and breathing--that's a good thing. LOL
Here is the cover for Digitalis, Discarded Heroes #2, which releases January 2011 from Barbour Publishing! I am sooo excited about this one. What do you think?
I am so excited. Within the next couple of days, I hope to be able to reveal the cover of Discarded Heroes book #2, Digitalis. I got to see it last week and nearly exploded (*kersplat*). Barbour has done a fabulous job, and it's sooooo amazing to see the series unfold and come to life.
For now...my awesome friend Rel Mollet has a small feature on Nightshade (releases July 1st!) for your viewing pleasure on her blog, RelzReviewz. I'll hope you'll peak at it and leave a comment, just a small way of showing appreciation to Rel for featuring them--and she's the first, so how kewl is that!?!?
Blessings, y'all!!
Hey, everyone! I am absolutely delighted to share with you the release of a very dear friend, Lisa Harris. She and her husband serve as missionaries in Mozambique, and Lisa is multi-published and extremely talented. I am so happy for her with this release--a dream and passion of her heart!
Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Blood Ransom. (US & Canada only, please)
1. Why did you start writing?
I started writing because there was always a story in my head. It’s funny, because for the longest time, I assumed everyone’s mind was full of scenes and characters and stories. Then one day my mother-in-law asked me how I came up with my stories, and that no, she did not have characters and story lines running through her mind. I honestly was shocked. Because that why I started writing, to put to paper all the stories begging to be written down.
2. You are a multi-published author, with novellas and novels published through Barbour, Tyndale, and Steeple Hill. You also have titles with Summerside and now with Zondervan. Can you tell us how you juggle the writing life with all of your missionary responsibilities?
It’s not easy. When my kids were in the school system in South Africa, I had regular time to write and was more involved in ministry. Now that we are living in Mozambique and I home school, I’ve had to change how I do things. I don’t have a set time to write. During this phase of our lives, school has become a priority, which means I also support my husband in ministry, by going out to the villages, hosting guests, etc. but I don’t have regular, daily commitments. Writing is done in spurts during school when the kids don’t need me, an hour or two between school and fixing dinner, and after the kids are in bed.
3. Blood Ransom is very special to you. Would you please share that with the readers?
We’ve lived in Africa a total of almost ten years now, and it was always my desire to dra
w from these experiences and show the beauty of this continent. To me, Africa is the perfect setting for adventure with its diversity of terrain and people. To be able to write one of the stories of my heart, set in such a fascinating setting truly is a dream come true.
4. Why do you write?
For the most part for the same reasons of why I started writing. Every now and then I’m convinced I need to quit due to the business of life, but then I realize that writing is and always will be a part of me. So for now, I feel strongly that God is still calling me to write and will continue until He says stop. I’m also finding that a story can convey deep truths that I want to share with my readers. Words that will challenge, change lives, and bring hope
5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
I’d probably be lost. I would read more, spend more time at the beach (we live near the Indian Ocean) and definitely sleep more. LOL
6. What are you working on right now?
I’ve just started a book set in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia, Africa) and New York in the early 1920’s. This is for Summerside Press’s new romantic suspense line. It’s a change in pace from my Mission Hope series, but the strong suspense—and the romance—is still there which I love.
7. Tell us about the book you have out right now.
Blood Ransom:
Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever.
Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao, when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.
Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade—and a high-ranking political figure involved in it—disaster nips at their heels.
Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie and Joseph win their race against time?
Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare challenge it.
8. How important is faith in your books?
Very. I really believe that everything I do should be for His glory, so while I try to never “preach” in my stories, the spiritual themes run deep.
9. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
That’s simply not a fair question! As of this moment? I just finished book two in my Mission Hope Series (with Blood Ransom being the first). Blood Covenant comes out next spring and as with every book, you want your next one to be even better. I worked hard to up the stakes and the characterization to where parts of it were extremely emotional to write. No spoilers here, but it was a tough story I loved writing.
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Ronie!! I love to hear from my readers so please visit my blog and website for more information on my books and life in the heart of Africa.
www.lisaharriswrites.com
http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/
Today through Wednesday, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, founded by the amazingly brilliant Bonnie Calhoun, will be featuring Dead Reckoning for a blog tour. Take a minute to read a chapter, watch a video, and on a site or two, they're giving away a copy of Dead Reckoning!
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
About the Book:
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they'll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she'll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.
Sons of Thunder launches the new Romantic Suspense line for Summerside Press. Also, its uniquely written--an epic suspense story written as three novellas - 3 points of view, 3 settings.
Ronie's Review:
What an epic story! Sons of Thunder has the perfect blend of suspense, action, and historical content to make this a very satisfying read. My heart ached and rooted for the characters. This is one of the stories where painful scenes tear at you, and where you accidentally find yourself talking to the characters, chiding them, cheering them, and even crying with them.
A review copy was provided for me.
About the Author
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. Learn more about Susan here: www.susanmaywarren.com 
Link for the book: http://brothersinarms.susanmaywarren.com
CONTEST!
Be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: Each one of us has a wealth of stories from the past – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sons of Thunder’s Sofia and the Stravos brothers (swoon), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.
Well – let’s hear them! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story HERE! (click on the SHARE button)
One grand prize winner will receive:
• Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
• 6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
• Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!
5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!
You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!
TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM
This trailer was made for Dead Reckoning. What do you think?
BTW: If you've read Dead Reckoning, would you be willing to post a review at Amazon, B&N.com or Christianbook.com? I would appreciate it.
There's been a glitch. Reece contacted me and said they seem to have lost her trail. Part of the problem was the video he'd sent me. The low quality, low visibility and rough audio (no doubt done to protect his identity and Shiloh's) forced many on the mission to abandon the hope finding Julia.
Reece has forwarded me the transcript from the video. I can only hope we aren't too late.
SHILOH: Hey – we’re at the house. Julia’s not here but we can tell she was. She left a clue behind. But . . . it’s not making sense. I think we’re close though. Might not have to kill Ronie after all.
REECE: Easy, Shi.
SHILOH: Fans of Ronie? Who wants to be Ronie’s fan.
REECE: Shi—think! Does Ronie have a fan page somewhere?
Hey, y'all! I think we're really close to the end of this mission. Reece & Shiloh haven't come back, so I guess y'all have done a good job of saving my life (thank you!) and Julia's.
I got to see the latest clue--a video. I think Reece said something about a fan gauge or something. Have you figured it out yet?
Hey, everyone--Have you been tracking the clues for Mission:Julia? I think we've hit on something good because Reece & Shiloh all but flew out of here after that last clew. I have a feeling they knew something I didn't--I'll guess they already saw the next clue. Have you seen it?
Anyway, be sure to let me know what you figure out.
In case you need a refresher, check here for what happened in the first place!
And all the clues are dispersed among these blogs:
Ane Mulligan Southern-Fried Fiction – http://anemulligan.blogspot.com
Beth Goddard – http://bethgoddard.blogspot.com/
Camy Tang/Story Sensei - http://camys-loft.blogspot.com
Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
Cindy Woodsmall – www.cindywoodsmall.com
Dineen Miller – http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com
Kim Woodhouse – http://kimberleywrites.blogspot.com
Lynette Sowell – http://myslicesoflife.blogspot.com/
Mindy Obenhaus – http://mindyobenhaus.blogspot.com/
Robin Caroll – www.robincaroll.com
They've told me the next clue got posted. Have you found it? I think whoever has Julia is getting a bit scared. Reece & Shiloh are a relentless pair. And now that they've got your help, I think we've put the bad guys on the run. We're getting close!!!
Wow, y'all are figuring this out fast. I'm so relieved (I like breathing...and living). The first clue posted here should've led you to Cindy Woodsmall's page (notice the "wood" was small compared to the rest of the clue).
So, if you haven't already, head over to Cindy's page and see what the clue was. I've heard from Reece that he's already seen activity shift. Each clue brings us closer to finding Julia--and closer to you claiming the reward package and me getting to live (a good thing)!
The first clue arrived from Reece. it came in the form of an email. No location embedded. We're at a loss. Can you help us out?
TOO RISKY. YOU KNOW the DANGERS. GET HAMMERED THROUGH THE wood IF CAUGHT.
That should lead you to one of the blogs. Let me know if you figure out. Remember, Julia's life is at stake--so is the reward package that includes an iPod Nano!
Ane Mulligan Southern-Fried Fiction – http://anemulligan.blogspot.com
Beth Goddard – http://bethgoddard.blogspot.com/
Camy Tang/Story Sensei - http://camys-loft.blogspot.com
Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
Cindy Woodsmall – www.cindywoodsmall.com
Dineen Miller – http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com
Kim Woodhouse – http://kimberleywrites.blogspot.com
Lynette Sowell – http://myslicesoflife.blogspot.com/
Mindy Obenhaus – http://mindyobenhaus.blogspot.com/
Robin Caroll – www.robincaroll.com
Lost? Don't know what's going on? Check out this post on NovelJourney, then read the first post on this blog. Reece Jaxon's sister is missing. Help us find her!
Hey, y’all. Okay, I didn’t figure Shiloh would give you a full explanation. She rarely does. Reece is even worse. (If you haven't visited NovelJourney, then click on over there and find out what all the hub-bub is about--it's life or death!) Here's the rundown:
Reece's older sister is missing. Something I mentioned in my book must've exposed her (which is interesting--do you know what her career is *supposed* do to be?). Anyway. We have to find her.
Since time’s of the essence, let me give you some help in finding the clues. Use the blogs below--they're proven to be safe havens for characters, so I believe that's where we'll find the path that leads to Julia.
Ane Mulligan Southern-Fried Fiction – http://anemulligan.blogspot.com
Beth Goddard – http://bethgoddard.blogspot.com/
Camy Tang/Story Sensei - http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
Cindy Woodsmall – www.cindywoodsmall.com
Dineen Miller – www.dineenmiller.blogspot.com
Kim Woodhouse – http://kimberleywrites.blogspot.com
Lynette Sowell – http://myslicesoflife.blogspot.com/
Mindy Obenhaus – http://www.mindyobenhaus.blogspot.com/
Robin Caroll – www.robincaroll.com
A few tips I’ve learned in research. Okay, first—clues can be hidden in the forms of pictures, messages hidden within text. Once, I even saw white-on-white messages--easy to find when you use SELECT-ALL on a page. Wicked kewl. Clues can be videos with clues or links. Keep your eyes open. If you need help deciphering a clue, contact me at ronie [at] roniekendig dot com and I’ll do my best to help.
Reece insists that all the clues are out there; we just have to figure out how to put them together. Below are a half-dozen websites/blogs. Some have information; some don’t. Find the clue. Return to base (this blog). Comment in the comment section (all posts are moderated and will be held till we are certain Julia is still safe (IOW: so one person doesn’t do all the work)). Due to the severity of the situation, I will post each day to update everyone—and to let you know I’m still alive . . . hopefully.
To all who participate in the mission to save Julia, Here are the rewards:
- WINNER WHO SAVES JULIA first: An iPod Nano, 2 autographed copies of Dead Reckoning (one for you, one to share, and so you can read all about Shiloh and Reece and see that I did my best to do them justice), a sari from India, an assortment of treats from India.
- FIRST RUNNER UP: A sari, an autographed copy of Dead Reckoning, tastes of India and a trinket.
- 5 Second-place runners up: A copy of Dead Reckoning, a trinket from India.
The winner will be determined by overall participation (that the person has gathered all the clues and returned to base with proof) and the earliest time-stamp on the comment placed at SupernaturalCraving that provides the final clue.
I am waiting for Reece to share the email with me. I'm sure he's going to do everything he can before he sends us something for help. Until we get that clue (he promises me it will be later today), please be sure to login (leave your name in the comments) and let us know you're joining Mission:Julia to help find and save his sister. I'm sure that will go a long way in helping us gain his trust.
please note: this MISSION: JULIA (M:J) is entirely based upon a work of fiction, a novel entitled Dead Reckoning written by Ronie Kendig; no lives are in jeopardy, but if you thought so—imagine how awesome Dead Reckoning will read!
DEAD RECKONING RELEASED TODAY!!! BUY YOUR COPY NOW!!!
