Woo-hooo!!!!!! I am ECSTATIC for my dear friend, Robin Caroll, and the release of her first full-length novel, Deliver Us From Evil (B&H Publishing). Robin really hit her stride with this release, and it's such an honor to host her here for an interview (of course, I know all her dirty secrets, but I won't be sharing those with ya--the whole trust thing, ya know. ::grins::).


Why did you start writing?
I’ve always had stories to tell. Even in lower elementary school, I would write out stories in my notebooks. I began writing toward publication in the early 2000s.

You have a number of books out with Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. But this is your first full-length fiction. Can you tell us what that means to you, and how it’s been a different experience working with the B&H team?
Just writing a category versus a single title is so different. The word count is much longer, so you have to adjust the pacing of the story. The conflict and tension can be spread out more in a single title length book. Several subplots can be woven into a single title. Working with the B&H team has been AMAZING. From the editing to the marketing to the art design of the cover and book trailer, to the sales team, as well as the assistants and administrators, I’ve had the most positive experience ever. I love the B&H family, and yes, we really DO think of each other as family.

Many of your books involve injustice scenarios. Why is that a passion for you? Injustice is something that truly stirs my passion. So many people deal with injustice on a daily basis—my own family included. I believe, as Christians, we’re called to stand up for injustices. I hope my stories reveal that despite injustices in life, God is always with us.

Why do you write?
Because it’s part of who I am. I don’t think I could ever NOT write.

What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Scrapbooking and spending more time with family and friends

What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m completing the last book in the “evil” trilogy.

Tell us about the book you have out right now.
Deliver Us From Evil is about a beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen. After a blizzard takes down a small plane carrying U.S. Marshal Roark Holland (already haunted by a recent tragedy), Brannon must save him in more ways than one and safeguard the donor heart he’s transporting to a government witness on the edge of death. Otherwise the largest child trafficking ring in history—with shocking links from Thailand to Tennessee—will slip further away into darkness along the Appalachian Trail.

How important is faith in your books?
Very important because my faith is important to me as a person. I don’t think you can pull out the faith element in a personality in real life, and I certainly don’t want to do that in my characters.

What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
Now that’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is! LOL Each book has elements that hold special places in my heart.

What is your writing schedule like?
Crazy? LOL I normally try to “work” between 8-2, to work around my children’s schedules. But life often interrupts, or deadlines sneak up on me, and then all bets are off! LOL

THE TRAILER:


BUY DELIVER US FROM EVIL:
CBD.COM
AMAZON


ABOUT ROBIN:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a Southern through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s books have placed/finaled in such contests as Bookseller’s Best, Book of the Year, and Reviewer’s Choice Award. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, and their four character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else? An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at www.robincaroll.com.

I am so excited! Today, NIGHTSHADE, Book#1 in the Discarded Heroes series I'm writing for Barbour Publishing, showed up on CBD.com. I've had a peek at the cover already, but I can't share it yet (doncha hate it when people do things like that? LOL). Hopefully soon!!

But take a look--and if you can, pre-order it now before it's sold out (hey, ya never know...)!!!!

here's the full link: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=607774&item_code=WW&netp_id=762158&event=ESRCN&view=details

And here's the Nightshade Blurb:

They’ve championed freedom, survived the cruelties of war

, and now these same heroes return home

. . .wounded and discarded.

Former Navy SEAL Max Jacobs is fighting a new war—a war for his family. Suffering from PTSD, Max is unable to control his anger and alienates himself from his wife, who files a protective order against him. Their lives are about to collide when Sydney Jacobs hunts down the source of a human interest story at her local newspaper. Will she uncover Nightshade, the elite team Max is covertly working with, and place their lives in danger?

Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?

I received a copy of CJ's Thicker Than Blood from Tyndale for this blog tour.

First, let me say I'm absolutely delighted and impressed that a young woman who was homeschooled has made such a great splash in Christian fiction with her debut novel. Thicker Than Blood weaves a poignant tale about the repercussions of hasty decisions and one woman trying to fight her way out of the world she's created. I love that controversial issues saturate the story but don't steal from it at the same time. Although I had objection to a few things in the book, they weren't things that ruined the read for me. CJ is in for a long, successful career.

With careful attention to detail, emotion, and scene-setting, C.J. Darlington scores with her debut effort. Here is a special writer you won’t want to miss.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best selling author

If you love a good read filled with adventure and ultimately redemption, I encourage you to brew the tea, settle into your favorite chair and pick up the page turner that is C.J. Darlington’s imaginative new novel of a modern day sisterhood that triumphs over separation and the raw challenges of life to find the real endurance of both family ties and God’s amazing grace.
--Rebecca St. James, Grammy award winning Christian singer and bestselling author

With Thicker than Blood, C.J. Darlington proves she's a novelist for the long-haul, a strong new voice in Christian fiction. This book speaks to the heart, from the heart, about the heart. Readers will not soon forget it.
--Sibella Giorello, Christy award-winning author of The Rivers Run Dry & The Clouds Roll Away




About the Author:
C. J. began writing the story that would become Thicker than Blood (her first novel) when she was a fifteen-year-old homeschool student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in the novel before cofounding her own online bookstore. Thicker than Blood was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel.

C. J. co-founded the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com for more info.

QUICK LINKS:

• The 1st chapter of Thicker than Blood
• The "Story Behind the Story" of Thicker than Blood
• More endorsements from Jenny B. Jones, James Scott Bell, Susan Meissner, and more!
• Our interview with C.J. at TitleTrakk.com
  
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Christianbook.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Amazon.com
• List of the other 85+ Thicker than Blood blog tour participants!

I'm screaming and dancing for my "twin"!!!!! Please join me in congratulating Dineen Miller (www.dineenmiller.com), graphic designer extraordinaire and amazing author, who has signed a contract along with her co-author, Lynn Donovan, for a non-fiction title with Regal Books. Wild Hope, a resource for those living in a spiritually mismatched marriage, is set to release January 2011.

Book blurb: Week after week, they sit in church and their faith…alone. They are the spiritually mismatched. Feeling abandoned by their spouse and forgotten by their church, they live out their faith in a mode of survival. Yet God wants them to thrive. Wild Hope presents ten Christ-centered keys to not just survive, but to thrive in a spiritual mismatch.

This book about unequally yoked marriages is the offspring of Lynn and Dineen's ministry through Spiritually Unequal Marriage website/blog. www.SpirituallyUnequalMarriage.com

Love you, Neen! I am so delighted for you my awesome and marvelous friend!!
Please take a moment to congratulate Dineen (dineenmiller@gmail.com)!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, y'all! I'm really excited to help my dear friend, Cheryl Wyatt, promote her latest book in the Wings of Refuge series. A Soldier's Devotion is in stores now! Cheryl's books carry a passion for the military and her flare for romance is great.

A Soldier's Devotion by Cheryl Wyatt (Steeple Hill Love Inspired, ISBN-0373875754) is IN STORES NOW.

About the Book

U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper Vince Reardon was headed to a lifesaving mission. Until a too-pretty lawyer crashed her fancy car into his motorcycle—sidelining him for two weeks. Vince can barely accept Valentina Russo's heartfelt apologies. Ever since his brother was wrongly convicted—and killed in prison—Vince has lost respect for lawyers. But wait—is that Val volunteering at his refuge for underprivileged kids? If Vince isn't careful, this lady of the law might just earn his respect and his heart.

BUY A COPY NOW!!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Devotion-Love-Inspired/dp/0373875754

Want to read an excerpt of A Soldier's Devotion? Click here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product_slideshow?sku=875757&actual_sku=875757&use_onix=1

About the Author

Born Valentines Day on a naval base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers and she is a Reviewers Choice Award nominee.

www.CherylWyatt.com

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.com: Finding Christian fiction the easy way
ACFW launches new free online resource to search for titles

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.com, a new free resource for retailers, readers, media and other Christian fiction fans to search for authors and books. The search engine allows users to sort by author, title, genre, topic, publication date, and target audience.

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.com is the organization’s latest effort to make finding the best in Christian fiction as easy as possible for fans around the world.

Quick facts about fictionfinder.com:
* 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.

CHECK IT OUT NOW: www.fictionfinder.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 Literature 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 loved 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!!!

About 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 found 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 Woodhouse 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 spy 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.

Underwater archeologist Shiloh Blake is consumed with passion for the water and inflamed at the injustices of life, blaming her secret agent father for her mother's death. When her first large-scale dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she flees for her life and is followed by an unknown man.

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,

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.

Their first mission is riddled with problems—and a set up. Max and the team must ferret a missionary family to safety before a deadly enemy can stop them. During the trek through the jungle something about the missionaries speaks to Max—and awakens the love for his wife he had long-thought dead.

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!!