CFBA Book Review - Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love's Pursuit
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Siri Mitchell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

A Constant Heart was her sixth novel. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. She has been called one of the clearest, most original voices in the CBA.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's Pursuit, go HERE

Inspiration Equals Motivation

In my blog hopping recently, I have come across some new (to me) blogs and thought I'd share them as I come across them. The first one, Conversion Diary, belongs to Jennifer, is mentioned in the previous post.

Another one that is fairly new to me is Rants & Ramblings - On Life as a Literary Agent. This one belongs to Rachelle Gardner.

One that I have visited today belongs to Michael Hyatt, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Nelson, Inc. If you haven't checked it out, be sure to stop by.

I write all this to say, that after reading through posts on these blogs, following a couple of these people on Twitter, and reading or skimming blogs belonging to other writers, I have been inspired once again.

The inspiration to write has produced some motivation in me. I recently read through part of the novel I am currently working on (a scene from near the end) and have felt the inklings of the writing mojo return.

Right now, the novel seems to be all over the board. I have several portions of chapters written, and some I have decided to scrap because I don't feel they lend to this story. These chapters may turn up for another novel later on, but for the time being, they will be released from the bondage of this novel.

I guess part of my lack of writing mojo may stem from the fact that had so many ideas for situations in the novel floating around my mind and I didn't want to lose them. Therefore, I worked at those, never finishing the previous chapter or scene. Now, looking back on it all, it seems daunting to have to piece it together and work from those points. In some situations, I don't remember where I was going with a scene, so I'll have to either start over, or take it down a different path.

My questions regarding the haphazardness of my novel, is this: how do writers keep their work in order? How can a writer write continuously from chapter one until the end without veering off and working on chapter five before all of the first four are completely finished? Is it OK to write a little for each chapter, go on to another chapter, and later on write more for the previous chapter to help it flow smoothly into the next chapter?

I have a long way to go with my writing. That's why I'm perusing writing blogs - to help garner some advice and tips...and inspiration. Needless to say, I've got a long way to go with my writing. But, on a positive note, I've found some inspiration and motivation to work at my novel again!

So, if you have any thoughts, ideas, help, advice, and/or tips, please make use of the comment section. I'd love to hear from you!

Got Traffic?

Rachelle has a guest blogger today with some great hints and tips for getting readers/commentors to your blog. This is something I need to do - since I've got lurkers (people who read but don't comment) or no one stops by...

Check out the post I am referring to here.

CFBA Book Review - Shepherd's Fall by Wanda Dyson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Shepherd's Fall
WaterBrook Press (April 14, 2009)
by
Wanda Dyson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda Dyson lives with her severely autistic teenager on a busy farm with horses, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and the occasional fox, deer, groundhog, and snake. She could seriously live without the snakes, but that's life in the country.

After writing three critically acclaimed suspense novels, she was asked to write the true story of Tina Zahn (Why I Jumped), which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riviting" and "Packed with twists and turns."

Wanda serves on the board of several writers conferences across the country including the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

Wanda has finished the second in this series called Shepherd's Run,that will come out in 2010. And she's hard at work on the third and final installment of the Prodigal Recovery Series - Marti's story -- tentatively called Shepherd's Quest.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Bounty hunter Nick Shepherd is fearless when it comes to chasing down criminals. It's his difficult ex-wife, rebellious teenage daughter, and dysfunctional siblings that keep him awake at night. In charge of the family business, the Prodigal Recovery Agency, he thinks of himself as a shepherd of sorts. When his "flock" is out of his control, Nick's well-ordered universe falls into chaos.

Prodigal Recovery's search for Zeena, a prostitute on the run, leads to a faulty arrest, complicating Nick's business. He is thrown together with Zeena's twin, the beautiful Annie, and the two find themselves on a desperate search. The stakes significantly increase when Nick's daughter is kidnapped. Now, to save someone he loves, Nick must risk everything.but will it be enough

If you would like to read a Prologue excerpt from Shepherd's Fall, go HERE

Nudge, Nudge

So, today I have felt a little pull to work on my writing. I don't know if this nudge is from the Lord or simply from me reading various writing blogs, though I felt the nudge before reading the blogs. I thought I might find more inspiration from parousing blogland for hints and tips and whatnot from other writers.

Since I'm a Christian writer, and my work has Christian themes, I pulled out my Bible and read the passages my current work focuses on (the Armor of God). To be honest, my walk hasn't been the best for awhile - ever since I was in Korea. It was hard to get to a church that had English services, since the ones in my area were all in Korean and I don't speak or understand the language. I've been back in Canada since last August, and I still haven't gotten back into a decent walk. I pray, though not often and usually quick short prayers. I don't read my Bible as often as I should. I will start, and then it gets put to the side only to not be picked up again for several days or weeks (other than when I'm at church).

I really think, upon reflection, that this is part of the problem I am having with my writing. I look to the Lord for guidance, inspiration, and the words to write. However, since my walk has faultered, and I haven't been turning to the Lord as often as I should, how can I expect His guidance in what I write? Yes, I know He can still help and give me the words to say, but I want Him involved moreso in the process. I want to pray and seek His wisdom, ask Him to give me the words to write, ask Him what He wants me to write about, etc.

So, I will begin writing once again by turning my eyes, my focus, and my pen (or should I say computer) to the One who is all knowing - Jesus. I am writing for Him and I want it to be the best I can make it; therefore, I need to seek Him first. He needs to come before everything - even my writing.

I am off now to read a little more in my Bible, do some praying, and hopefully a little writing tonight - if not, tomorrow.

Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

P.S. I think I will hold off on trying a new genre for awhile and concentrate on the work I've started.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

I finally had the chance to finish this book. I had started reading this book in Korea, a little over a year and a half ago. Unfortuantely, the lady I borrowed it from (another foreign English teacher) was leaving and I had to give it back before I had the chance to finish it. I got my own copy this past Christmas, but didn't get to start into it until recently.

The story is about a girl, Anna, who is taking her parents to court to sue for medical emancipation. She doesn't want to be used as a means to keep her sister alive. She wants to be a normal girl, one who has her own life.

I really enjoyed this book. I was totally wrong on why Campbell Alexander (Anna's lawyer) had a service dog. I knew he wasn't blind or deaf, and figured (due to the dog's nuzzling) that it might have had something to do with a bad kidney or bladder or something. I was totally wrong - not even close. I won't mention why, in case someone reading this hasn't had the chance to yet read this great book. I will say that I didn't know they had service dogs for this type of situation.

Also, I won't give away the ending. I hate when people do that. but, I will go so far to say that I wasn't expecting this ending.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and do recommend it to others. The book is well written and made me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.

A couple of weeks ago, in the teacher's lounge at the school where I was doing my teaching internship, a couple of the teachers were talking about Jodi Picoult's books. I was trying not to listen because one of the books they were discussing was this one, and since I hadn't finished it at that point, I didn't want the ending spoiled for me. At any rate, one of the teachers said that she finds that the endings are never what you expect, and you either like it or you don't. Still, I think I'd like to read some of Jodi Picoult's other books anyway and form my own opinion.

The next book I've picked up to read is Eyes of Elisha by Brandilyn Collins. I won this book in a contest (well, you just submit your name and the person running the contest drew one out of a hat or used a random generator or something) a short time before heading for Korea. I didn't get to read it before leaving, but I'm picking it up now. I'll let you know what I think when I've finished reading it!

Bit of a Dilemma

I have come up with a new character - not fully developed yet. I don't know if I should try to work him into my current novel, or if I should begin a new novel/story for him, or just write down some his details and shelve him until a later date.


My novel is currently at a stand still. I haven't felt inspired to work on it or develop it further than where it currently is. I still like the idea and think it is a great one, but it's just not going any place at the moment. I am unsure if I should begin something totally new or just hold off writing for awhile...or trudge through anyway. I have a feeling if I trudge through the current novel (still unnamed) it wouldn't be the best it could be and I would probably end up scrapping the "trudged through" part (if that makes any sense). Maybe I just need to sit down and start working on it again and the inspiration/desire for this novel may return...

I've also been toying with the idea of trying something from a different genre - say, maybe Christian romance. My new character could very well fit into a romance novel. I might do a little research into that particular genre and see what the publishers look for and try my hand at that type of book.

Any thoughts/idea/suggestions/hints, etc. on how to deal with my current situation?

Sad News

Such a sad day. I found out that our local Christian book store (the only one remaining in our city...another chain Christian book store closed down a year or two ago) is closing down! Now the onlyh way we will be able to get Christian books here is to either travel a couple of hours away to another city, or order them online.

There is a sale starting tomorrow until the end of the month - 25% off everything. I'm going to go and see if I can get some books and/or CDs while I can.

Hopefully at some point in the future someone will open up a Christian book store in our city again...

CFBA Book Review - The Deliverer by Linda Rios Brook

**** This books sounds really good! I am going to have to get myself a copy of this one!

*********

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Deliverer
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Linda Rios Brook


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda Rios Brook, President of the RiosBrook Foundation, believes the answers to issues of social justice and righteousness lie in the proper alignment between the church, the marketplace and media and entertainment. She is a sought out speaker and teacher on matters relevant to cultural restoration. Linda worked as a media executive for over 20 years in the field of broadcasting serving as President and General Manager of television stations in Texas, Florida, and Minnesota and was President and part owner of KLGT-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.

Linda has served on several national boards and community organizations and is listed in Who's Who of American Women. She is an ordained minister and has a Doctorate of Practical Ministry from the Wagner Leadership Institute.

Linda is also the author of Lucifer's Flood.

Linda is also a teaching Pastor at Covenant Centre International in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Linda is married to Larry Brook, who is the Executive Director of the RiosBrook Foundation.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ancient language expert Samantha Yale returns to translate a new batch of scrolls written by the fallen angel from Lucifer's Flood.

Samantha Yale has taken on a daunting translation project. A set of scrolls, delivered by a man she knows nothing about, tells a fascinating and frightening tale of what went on behind the scenes of biblical history. What is even more incredible is who is telling the tale--a fallen angel who immediately regretted his decision to side with Lucifer.

With The Deliverer, Linda Rios Brook brings new depth of imagery into the spirit world. It is a story about rebellion and consequences. It is about demonic strategy to disrupt and destroy the people of God. But ultimately, it is a story about the unrelenting love, grace, mercy, and determination of a sovereign God in pursuit of His children.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Deliverer, go HERE

A Little Rambling

I stopped by the FaithWriters site yesterday. I checked into the latest challenge topic, Empty and Full, and have been thinking of a story for it. I have a little something in mind, and I plan on developing it. Hopefully it will pan out and I'll get it written in time to submit!

I wanted to wander through the message board at FaithWriters, but it seems to be down. I don't know if it's just my computer, if they are attempting to fix/change something, or they have removed it. I think it would be quite sad if they had to remove it; it's such a helpful and friendly community there! I hope it's just a temporary setback.

I've not been doing a whole lot of reading (or much of anything for that matter) lately. I've been doing all the teaching for the last two weeks (for my internship), and next week is my last week of teaching everything. The following week my host teacher will take over again, but it's the last week of school so there isn't much of anything going on with regard to having to teach.

I've read a little today in "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. It's a great book - one that I had started when I was in South Korea. I think I am about at the place I had left off, or very close to it. Things aren't sounding too familiar with it right now, so I think I must be where I left off.

I'm enjoying the book, and I like how the chapters are written from a particular character's view point. I want to know how the book ends - what happens with Kate, Anna, and the rest of the characters. I want to know why the lawyer Anna hired has his "guide" dog with him (he's not blind)...though I expect it has something to do with a medical condition, possibly his kidneys from what I've tried to piece together so far.

I haven't read any other of Ms. Picoult's books, but I hear they are a good read. I picked up my copy around Christmas at Costco, and at that time they had several of her other books. I'll have to stop in some time (like when I am actually working and have money - which won't be until some time after I come back from Australia) and check them out.

So, my question to you - have you read any of Jodi Picoult's books? If so, which ones? What did you think of them? Which one(s) would you recommend for me to get?