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Thirsty for the latest releases in Christian fiction? Ready for a peek into the world of publishing and writing conferences? Hungry for spiritual and real-life nourishment? Pull up a seat; you're in the right place, and I'm so glad you've stopped by.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Myra Johnson's ONE IMPERFECT CHRISTMAS on CFBA with a Giveaway

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
One Imperfect Christmas
Abingdon Press (September 2009)
by
Myra Johnson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Making up stories has been second nature to me for as long as I can remember. A select group of trusted friends back at dear old Mission High waited eagerly for the next installment of my "Great American Spy Novel" (think Man from Uncle) and my "All-American Teen Novel" (remember Gidget and Tammy?). I even had a private notebook of angst-ridden poetry a la Rod McKuen.

The dream of writing persisted into adulthood, although it often remained on the back burner while I attended to home and family and several "real" (read paying) jobs along the way. Then in 1983, while recovering from sinus surgery, I came upon one of those magazine ads for the Institute of Children’s Literature. I knew it was time to get serious, and the next thing I knew, I'd enrolled in the “Writing for Children and Teenagers” course.

Within a year or so I sold my first story, which appeared in the Christian publication Alive! for Young Teens. For many years I enjoyed success writing stories and articles for middle-graders and young adults. I even taught for ICL for 9 years.

Then my girls grew up, and there went my live-in inspiration. Time to switch gears. I began my first women's fiction manuscript and started attending Christian writers conferences. Eventually I learned about American Christian Romance Writers (which later became American Christian Fiction Writers) and couldn't wait to get involved. Friends in ACFW led me to RWA and the online inspirational chapter, Faith, Hope & Love.

So here I am today, still on this crazy roller-coaster ride. Still writing. Still hopeful. Writing, I'm learning, is not about the destination, it's about the journey. My current projects are primarily women's fiction and romance . . . novels of hope, love, and encouragement. Novels about real women living out their faith and finding love in the midst of everyday, and sometimes not so everyday, situations.

ABOUT THE BOOK


Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she's allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves-most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she's one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit's end. Nothing he's done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa's adolescent rebellion isn't helping matters. As Daniel's hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Imperfect Christmas, go HERE

NOTE FROM CARLA: Myra is my fabulous critique parner, and I'm a little prejudiced here, but this really is a great book!! Read my my previous interview with Myra and a review here.

BONUS: BOOK GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment on this post to be entered in a drawing for an autographed copy of Myra's book. Rules: Leave contact info. US entrants only. Chances of winning dependent on number of entries. Drawing to be held at noon on Friday, Oct. 2.

11 comments:

Carmen said...

Bio information was very interesting. Love to hear how people get the urge to start writing. Not sure urge is the right word. Your book sounds very interesting, as stroke victims can drain one, if no boundaries are set. Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Sandee61 said...

Enjoying your blog and email news. I'd love to be entered in your giveaway for Myra's book. It looks like a really good read. I like the cover too...so pretty. Thanks!

Blessings,
Sandee

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Jewel Sample said...

Great trailer. Sure made me want to get your book. Please toss my name in the drawing for a copy.
Blessings to you in your writing and promoting endeavers,
jmsample[at]aol[dot]com
jewelofabook.com

Camille Eide said...

Please count me in for an autographed copy! I've been looking forward to getting my hands on this book.

Camille Eide

camilleeide[at]verizon[dot]com
www.camillecannon.blogspot.com

carla stewart said...

Thanks for your comments, ladies. Lovely author, great book. I appreciate all of you who stop by.

Cheryl Barker said...

Congrats to Myra! Throw my name in the hat, Carla. I'd love a chance to win the book!

Myra Johnson said...

Thanks so much for featuring my book today, Carla! I continue to be amazed and thrilled at how much interest the book has been generating. I so appreciate all the kind comments!

Carole said...

Congratulations on being published, Myra! I know you're thrilled and I wish you much more success in your writing. One Imperfect Christmas is already on my wishlist and I appreciate the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

windycindy said...

The trailer has made me want to read this holiday book even more!
Please enter my name in your delightful book giveaway drawing.
Many thanks!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Cherie J said...

Love Christmas stories so I would love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jo said...

I love reading christmas stories and this sounds like a very good read. Would love to read this book.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com