ACFW Conference, Part II, Genesis Winners

St. Louis, 2011 ACFW Conference

It's always a little difficult for me to encapsulate what the ACFW conference is all about. Yes, it's a professional organization dedicated to benefit the members by instructing, providing services and a community of like-minded people - people who want to write books with an eye toward publication. It does all that, and every year it expands not only in numbers but also in the scope of what it does. And every September we stream in from all over the globe to laugh, learn, and overdose on Starbucks. 

ACFW has become an extension of who I am - a believer who writes books that I hope inspire and instill hope in others. ACFW is part of me, and after my sixth conference, I know that even if I never went to another one, the friends I've made along the way will be part of my life as long as I draw breath. We invest time, energy, and large doses of laughter and encouragement in one another. I've benefited not only from the rich learning environment, but also feasted on some of the best fiction in today's market.

Mary DeMuth (I owe her the world) and D'Ann Mateer

Many people befriended and encouraged me before I had an agent. Or a contract. Or any clue of what I was doing. They still do. Some have walked the pre-published path with me and have become soul mates, cheerleaders, advisers, prodders, and encouragers. They dole out the bitter with the sweet and share in the joy and the tears. And I return the favor :-)) That's just how it works. We give back because others have given so freely to us. And for most of us, ACFW has had a large part in that.  

Since I started by going backwards with these posts from this year's conference, I'll continue. Today, the Genesis winners. This is a contest for unpublished writers. It's very competitive and is considered one of the top contests in the world of Christian publishing. Editors and agents pay attention to the finalists and the winners. Other writers strive to make the cut every year, and it wouldn't surprise me to see some of these author's names on the cover of a book in the next year or two.

Camille Eide ~ Genesis Winner ~ Friend Extraordinaire

That said, I'm very proud of two special people on this list. Camille Eide, my critique partner who has tirelessly been the "iron that sharpens iron" for me the past two years was in the winner's circle. I'm not sure who was happier - her or me. She's talented, dedicated, and deserving. Way to go, Camille!

Matt Jones, the president of our local ACFW group, also won his category. Sadly, he wasn't there to accept the honor, but we brought the beautiful plaque home for him and are very proud just the same! Not only is he a great writer, but also very savvy in graphics and website development.

Genesis winners and their categories:

Contemporary Fiction
Katy Pistole

Contemporary Romance
Mary Curry

Historical Fiction
Johnnie Alexander Donley

Historical Romance
Sarah Ladd

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Dianna T. Benson

Romantic Suspense
Renee Ann Smith

Speculative Fiction
Matt Jones

Women’s Fiction
Camille Eide

Young Adult
Nicole Quigley 

Congrats to all the winners! 

ACFW Conference, Part I, Carol Award Winners

I'm just back from the annual ACFW Conference and will be sharing this week some of the highlights and lists of winners. I'm still getting organized so to get the wheels spinning, let's start off with the last event of the conference - the Awards Gala and the Carol Award Winners. I must admit I'm partial to some of the people on this list because they're dear friends, but they are all deserving - the best of the best! 

A special shout out, though, to Hillary Manton Lodge who was a finalist in the Long Contemporary Romance category. Her Amish romance, Plain Jayne, didn't take home the trophy, but Hillary's an amazing, sharp-witted writer who has a bright future, and I'm sure one day she'll be in the winner's circle.  

Hillary and Danny Lodge

Hillary with her editor, Kim Moore (Harvest House)

Hillary and me with our agent, Sandra Bishop

Now for that list of winners:

Debut Author

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers - Kathryn Olson, editor)

Long Contemporary

Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group - Dave Long, editor)

Long Contemporary Romance

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Natalie Hanemann, editor)

Long Historical

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press - Susan Downs, editor)

Long Historical Romance

Love Finds You in Homestead Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, editors)

Mystery

The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour Publishing - Rebecca Germany, editor)

Novella

A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour Publishing - Rebecca Germany, editor)

Romantic Suspense

The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs/Ellen Tarver, editors)

Short Contemporary

A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense

Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, editor)

Short Historical

Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical - Tina James, editor)

Speculative Fiction

König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press - Jeff Gerke, editor)

Suspense/Thriller

Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan - Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, editors)

Women’s Fiction

Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers - Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, editors)

Young Adult

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group - Lonnie Hull Dupont, editor)

Do you see any of your favorites here?

2011 Faith-Hope-Love Inspirational Reader's Choice Award Winners

Today at their annual meeting, the Faith-Hope-Love Chapter of RWA announced the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award Winners. My only regret is that I wasn't in NYC to celebrate with this great group of authors! I'm honored to be among them.
 
Women’s Fiction

1) Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

2) Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart (FaithWords)

3) The House on Sugar Plum Lane by Judy Duarte (Kensington)

Long Contemporary

1) Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale)

2) Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller (Summerside)

3) The Six-Liter Club by Harry Kraus (Howard)

Short Contemporary

1) White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter (Barbour – Heartsong Presents)

2) Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson (White Rose)

3) Tender Mercies by Mary Manners (White Rose)

Long Historical

1) The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House)

2) A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin (Revell)

3) Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)

Short Historical

1) A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher (Zondervan)

2) Walker’s Wedding by Lori Copeland (Harvest)

3) The Substitute Bride by Janet Dean (Steeple Hill)

Romantic Suspense

1) Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason (Revell)

2) Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze (Waterbrook)

3) Nightshade by Ronie Kendig (Barbour)


Novella

1) Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman (Summerside)

2) A Bodine Family Christmas by Marta Perry (Steeple Hill)

3) The Snowflake by Jamie Carie (Broadman and Holman)

In Good Company

One of the scariest aspects of writing (and there are many) is allowing your work to stand against other writers and books. It would be easy to simply say, "Okay, I have a book published; it's lovely to hold and look at; people are saying nice things," and just let it go at that. And yet, there is this tiny part of a writer's heart that says, "Yeah, but how does it compare to other books?"

There are numerous places to submit published works. Conference contests. National book awards. Regional prizes. Genre contests named after famous authors like Agatha or Bram Stoker. Either the author or publisher has to submit to these contests, and it is time sensitive in that most awards given in 2011 are for books published in the previous calendar year.

Like I said, it's a scary business, and yes, I've thrown my debut book, Chasing Lilacs, out there with a few prayers. The Oklahoma Center for the Book is the organization that presents the premiere Oklahoma Book Awards, choosing winners from finalists in five published categories. The criteria is specific: books must be set in Oklahoma or the author must be an Oklahoma native or resident. And as you might have guessed by now, this Oklahoma girl's Chasing Lilacs is a finalist in the fiction category along with five others. I'm honored and humbled.

How will my little coming-of-age story stack up against the others? I have no idea. I did check out the other finalists in fiction. The stories all sound fascinating and it makes me a little nervous. I think the competition will be tough, but come what may, I'm already honored to just be a finalist.

You may see a list of all the finalists here or here. Also I found this new review at Okie Reads last week.

The award ceremony is April 9 in Oklahoma City. Will I be scared? Probably.

But I'm glad I entered.

Calling All Teen Writers

If you're under 25 years old and want to have a ton of fun with your writing, Stephanie Morrill at Go Teen Writers is running a contest this year. Every other week you get a writing prompt to get you started and can submit up to 100 words. The judges rotate with each round of competition. Yours truly will be judging this round, and I'm looking forward to reading your submissions.

Complete rules here -

This week's prompt here. I'm so excited that I will be judging for Valentine's week. Hurry on over and get writing.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope your day is filled with all the things you love!

ACFW Carol Award Finalists

ACFW has just announced the finalists for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year). These awards recognize excellence in Christian fiction in a variety of categories, and represent fiction titles released in 2009.

Here are this year’s finalists:

Debut Author

Bonnie Grove - Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)
Liz Johnson - The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (Steeple Hill)
Kirk Outerbridge - Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)
Jill Eileen Smith - Michal (Revell)
Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Contemporary Novella
6 Finalists due to a tie

Barbara Cameron – One Child (Thomas Nelson)
Barbara Cameron – When Winter Comes (Thomas Nelson)
Debra Clopton – A Mule Hollow Match (Steeple Hill)
Susan May Warren – The Great Christmas Bowl (Tyndale House)
Beth Wiseman – A Change of Heart (Thomas Nelson)
Beth Wiseman – A Choice to Forgive (Thomas Nelson)

Historical Novella

Victoria Bylin – Home Again (Steeple Hill)
Vickie McDonough – A Breed Apart (Barbour Publishing)
Vickie McDonough – Beloved Enemy (Barbour Publishing)
Janet Tronstad - Christmas Bells for Dry Creek (Steeple Hill)
Carrie Turansky - A Shelter in the Storm (Barbour Publishing)

Long Contemporary
6 Finalists due to a tie

Christina Berry - The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers)
Mary Ellis - A Widow's Hope (Harvest House Publishers)
Joyce Magnin - The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Abingdon Press)
Susan Meissner - White Picket Fences (Waterbrook Press)
Marlo Schalesky- If Tomorrow Never Comes (Multnomah)
Susan May Warren - Nothing But Trouble (Tyndale House)


Long Contemporary Romance

Candace Calvert - Critical Care (Tyndale House)
Denise Hunter - Seaside Letters (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones - Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson)
Beth Wiseman - Plain Promise (Thomas Nelson)
Cindy Woodmsall - The Hope of Refuge (Waterbrook Press)


Mystery

A.K. Arenz - The Case of the Mystified M.D. (Sheaf House)
Mindy Starns Clark - Under the Cajun Moon (Harvest House Publishers)
Darlene Franklin - A String of Murders (Heartsong Mysteries)
S. Dionne Moore - Polly Dent Loses Grip (Heartsong Mysteries)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Pushing up Daisies (Heartsong Mysteries)

Long Historical

Deeanne Gist - A Bride in the Bargain (Bethany House)
Robin Lee Hatcher - Fit To Be Tied (Zondervan)
Maureen Lang - Look to the East (Tyndale House)
Siri Mitchell - Love's Pursuit (Bethany House)
Allison Pittman - Stealing Home (Multnomah)

Long Historical Romance
8 Finalists due to a tie

Amanda Cabot - Paper Roses (Revell)
Mary Connealy - Cowboy Christmas (Barbour Publishing)
Mary Connealy - Montana Rose (Barbour Publishing)
Laura Frantz - The Frontiersman's Daughter (Revell)
Ann Gabhart - The Believer (Revell)
Julie Lessman - A Passion Denied (Revell)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas (Summerside Press)
Kathleen Y’Barbo - The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper (Waterbrook Press)

Short Contemporary

Debra Clopton - His Cowgirl Bride (Steeple Hill)
Myra Johnson - Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents)
Vickie McDonough - A Wagonload of Trouble (Heartsong Presents)
Mae Nunn - A Texas Ranger's Family (Steeple Hill)
Glynna Sirpless writing as Glynna Kaye - Dreaming of Home (Steeple Hill)

Short Contemporary Suspense
6 Finalists due to a tie

Jill Elizabeth Nelson - Evidence of Murder (Steeple Hill)
Sandra Robbins - Final Warning (Steeple Hill)
Virginia Smith - Murder at Eagle Summit (Steeple Hill)
Virginia Smith - Scent of Murder (Steeple Hill)
Jenness Walker - Double Take (Steeple Hill)
Lenora Worth - Code of Honor (Steeple Hill)

Short Historical

Lyn Cote - Her Patchwork Family (Steeple Hill)
Laurie Alice Eakes - The Glassblower (Heartsong Presents)
Laurie Kingery - The Outlaw's Lady (Steeple Hill)
Lynette Sowell - All That Glitters (Heartsong Presents)
Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Speculative (includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Allegory)
6 Finalists due to a tie

Kirk Outerbridge - Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)
Donita K. Paul - The Vanishing Sculptor (Waterbrook Press)
Steve Rzasa - The Word Reclaimed (Marcher Lord Press)
Stuart Vaughn Stockton – Starfire (Marcher Lord Press)
Fred Warren - The Muse (Splashdown Books)
Jill Williamson - By Darkness Hid (Marcher Lord Press)


Suspense/Thriller

Terri Blackstock – Intervention (Zondervan)
Colleen Coble - Lonestar Secrets (Thomas Nelson)
Brandilyn Collins – Exposure (Zondervan)
Harry Kraus - Salty Like Blood (Howard/Simon & Schuster)
DiAnn Mills - Breach of Trust (Tyndale House)


Women’s Fiction
7 Finalists due to a tie

Julie Carobini - Sweet Waters (B&H Publishing)
Kathryn Cushman – Leaving Yesterday (Bethany House)
Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck - Sweet By and By (Thomas Nelson)
Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay - Never the Bride (Waterbrook Press)
Deborah Raney - Yesterday's Embers (Howard/Simon & Schuster)
Deborah Raney - Above All Things (Steeple Hill)
Lisa Wingate - The Summer Kitchen (New American Library/Penguin)


Young Adult

Shelley Adina - Who Made You a Princess? (Hachette FaithWords)
Brandilyn & Amberly Collins - Always Watching (Zondervan)
Jenny B. Jones - I'm So Sure (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones - So Not Happening (Thomas Nelson)
Booker T. Mattison - Unsigned Hype (Revell)

The Carol Awards will be presented at ACFW's Conference in Indianapolis, September 17-20. There's still time to register at www.acfw.com/conference.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS!!!!

Winner of A SLOW BURN

CONGRATULATIONS

"Jo" is the lucky recipient of Mary DeMuth's book, A SLOW BURN. For those who stopped by, thank you. And if you get a chance, pick up Mary's book. You're in for a treat.

ACFW Winners - Congrats!!!

I've just returned from the ACFW conference in Denver. Two of my friends from Tulsa won their Genesis categories!! I am so thrilled for LACY WILLIAMS and JAN WARREN. Major kudos! The complete list of winners is below the pics of Lacy and Jan.

Lacy Williams, Genesis Winner, Historical Romance

Jan Warren (left) with me and Cindy Hays
Jan was Genesis winner in Romantic Suspense

The American Christian Fiction Writers Awards 2009

2009 Mentor of the Year- Donita K. Paul
2009 Membership Service Award- John B. Olson
2009 Editor of the Year Award- Ami McConnell, Thomas Nelson
2009 Agent of the Year Award - Steve Laube, The Steve Laube Agency

2009 Book of the Year Contest

Debut Author- A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Lits- Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck
Long Contemporary- Symphony of Secrets by Sharon Hinck
Long Contemporary Romance- Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White
Long Historical (tie)- My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke
Mystery- For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls by Nancy Mehl
Novellas- Stuck on You in A Connecticut Christmas anthology by Rhonda Gibson
Short Contemporary- Family Treasures by Kathryn Springer
Short Contemporary Suspense- Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy
Short Historical- Family of the Heart by Dorothy Clark
Speculative- The Restorer’s Journey by Sharon Hinck
Suspense- Fossil Hunter by John B. Olson
Women’s Fiction- The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
Young Adult- The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones

ACFW 2009 Genesis Contest

Contemporary Fiction- Jennifer Griffith, Magpies in Trees
Contemporary Romance- Christy LaShea Smith, The Bridge Between
Historical Fiction- Christine Schmidtke, Unveiled
Historical Romance- Lacy Williams, Marrying Miss Marshal
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller- Alan Schleimer, Q.doc
Romantic Suspense- Jan Warren, Katherine Octavia, C.I.A.
Science-Fiction/Fantasy/Allegory- David Fry, Lies To See
Women’s Fiction- Cathleen Armstrong, The Church of Last Chance
Young Adult- Gretchen Hoffman, Rewind

In addition to Lacy and Jan, who attend our local group, I have the privilege of knowing several others who won awards: Rhonda Gibson, who lives in another state, but calls our local chapter home. My amazingly gifted friend, Susan Meissner - wow! Julie Lessman, one of the perkiest women on the planet - love this girl. Jenny B. Jones - a funny girl with a passion for story telling. Rachel Hauck, a lovely mentoring writer. Another friend and prayer warrior - Kim Vogel Sawyer. A new friend who bubbles with enthusiasm - Christy LaShea Smith.

I was doing a lot of cheering at the banquet. One of the most exciting moments, however, was the announcement of the Contemporary Fiction category of the Genesis. I had judged in the preliminary round of this category and was blown away by one of the manuscripts. Such joy to see Jennifer Griffith win this. Lovely writer who I had the privilege of visiting with after the awards.

Major congrats to ALL the winners!!

Welcome to Jenny B. Jones - Fun Interview and Book Giveaway of JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Welcome, Jenny! First off, let me say, I loved Just Between You and Me. Before we get started, I need to tell my readers that you need to read all the way to the end. There you will find my review of Jenny’s book AND a chance for you to win the book!!!

Café: Jenny, you have a gift for writing quirky, fun stories with strong messages of faith. Thanks for stopping by the Café for a pop quiz.

JBJ: Thanks for having me! And I’m so glad you enjoyed Just Between You and Me. Otherwise. . .this visit might be a bit awkward.

Café: You’ve written several books for young adults. Why the change to Women’s Fiction?

JBJ: Not a change, but an addition. It’s funny, but one thing I learned in writing about a single 30 year old with a crazy life, is that she wasn’t THAT much different than a single 16 year old with a crazy life. Still has boy issues, still has confidence issues, both struggle with surrendering things to God. Thirty year olds just have a later curfew.

Café: Will you continue to write in both genres? (I know your teen fans are hoping the answer to this is YES.)

JBJ: Yes, I intend to. I hope so. Totally up to God. Both genres have something a little different to offer me as a writer, so it’s fun to switch hats. Keeps me on my toes. And when I’m writing YA, I’m usually stumped for a plot, yet a women’s fiction is growing in my head. And definitely when I’m writing women’s fiction, a million YA novels are demanding my attention. (Granted, 98 percent of these ideas become useless, but still—it makes for a crowded head during a deadline.)

Café: Have any of the things in your books happened to you or do you just have an overactive imagination? How much of Jenny B. Jones do you write into your stories?

JBJ: Oh, wow. I dunno. I think my voice is pretty evident in the books. Friends and students who read my books always say, “It was like you were in MY HEAD reading the book to me.” I don’t know that they think that’s necessarily a good thing.

My first series, A Katie Parker Production, about a foster kid who finds her calling on stage, was loosely based on two students I had—one who blossomed and found her place when she discovered drama and one who totally evolved into a different person when she finally found a loving home after a lifetime of being unloved and unwanted.

I think the people around me find their way into my books more than I do. But there are definitely pieces of things I’ve experienced or dealt with in every book—some good, some not so hot. We all have dysfunction. Might as well use it. ; )

Café: I know you’re a teacher by day and yet have written several books in a short time. How do you find the balance between the two?

JBJ: Food, caffeine, stretchy pants. I have really struggled with balance the last few years. Mostly I only do school at school and only do writing at home—and the two never shall meet. This year I am blessed with a modified schedule and only teach ‘til noonish and then I get to go home and write, hopefully leaving my evenings free for a life. Or at least some good TV.

Café: The new schedule sounds like it’s working out for you. When you do write, how do you develop your characters? Charts? Interviews? Or do you just start writing and let them have their say?

JBJ: I am very character driven. I see the characters before I ever see the plot, and so I create that plot around the quirks of the characters or where I see them going or being funniest. I wish I did do charts or interviews or something organized. But I don’t. I never know really where my plot is headed. (This is a very, very comfortable feeling. NEVER keeps me up late night. Never makes me eat empty calories to numb my acute anxiety. . . I would love to be more of a planner/plotter. But I’m not. I am quite poopy at plotting.

Café: Now, for a few fun questions:

JBJ: YES! These are my favorite!!!!

Café: What is your favorite food?

JBJ: Mexican (fajitas and quesadillas are my favorite. And I have the local Mexican place on speed dial), cereal (it’s like crack—CANNOT get enough. It’s like a meal AND dessert), and ice cream. I used to not really care that much for ice cream. I could take it or leave it. In the last 5 years I can’t get enough. Why couldn’t that have happened with green beans or something healthy? I hated green beans five years ago. I hate them today. But ice cream? Double scoop!

Café: Favorite movie?

JBJ: In order. . .
1. Princess Bride
2. Charade
3. Sweet Home Alabama (leading guy is originally an Arkansas boy!)
4. Nacho Libre
5. Chocolat (Actually I don’t even know what this movie is about. But the title—it speaks to me.) (kidding.) (mostly)

Café: All time favorite book?

JBJ: Ew, tough one. I have a rotating list of favorites, but I love A Year Down Yonder, a YA novel by Richard Peck. Though it’s YA, adults will love it. I read it to my grandmother years ago who adored it. I cannot recommend that book enough. I also love Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. There’s a secular romance novel that I just think is the best romance ever, but I’m not going to tell you because it’s not rated G, and I don’t want to be responsible for leading anyone to the temptation of a book with lots of kissing. I also ADORE A Girl Named Zippy. It’s nonfiction, but reads like fiction. It had me laughing out loud, something a book rarely does. It’s one of those books that you give to every friend you have.

Café: Billie Letts is one of my favorite authors. Who knew? I’ve met her a few times, and she is a wonderful person, too. She just tells it like it is. Any particular author who has influenced your writing?

JBJ: Meg Cabot, Kristin Billerbeck, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, God. Anyone with humor, romance, and quirky characters. Authors whose writing doesn’t take itself too seriously. (Except for God on that one. God can take Himself seriously all He wants I guess.)

Café: Coffee? Tea? Sparkling mineral water? Or . . .

JBJ: This question breaks my heart. I don’t know if I love anything in this world more than ice tea (strong, no sugar as the Lord intended). But caffeine makes me comatose for days, so I really try to stay away from it. But I fail. Often. And I always say, “I’ll never drink tea again!” But I do. Because I love it so. It’s quite a toxic relationship really.

And I love a good Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke, but I’m two months free of the stuff! Cold turkey. No mas. If even 1/10th of the information on the internet is true about that stuff, it’s bound to have eaten a good chunk of my brain cells. And I’ve decided Diet Coke cannot have any more. I have a hard enough time finding my car in the Wal-Mart parking lot as it is.

Café: Jenny, you are a delight. I promise not to base a character in my next novel on your answers (maybe). Thanks for sharing your wisdom and wit here at the Café. Any exciting news or closing thoughts you’d like to share?

JBJ: We have a great time over at my blog on my website. Stop by and see me. Lots of giveaways and random attempts at the occasional joke. And stay tuned for November when the second book in the YA series A Charmed Life hits the shelves.

Café: That’s it folks. Remember you can find Jenny’s books here .

I don’t think you need to read my review to know you’re in for a treat with Jenny B. Jones’ debut women’s fiction, but allow me:

CARLA’S REVIEW:
Jenny B. Jones debut into women’s fiction, Just Between You and Me, has been chosen as a 2009 WOMEN OF FAITH novel. In a departure from her quirky, action-filled Young Adult books, Jenny brings the same fun style to an adult audience.

Ivy, Texas is the last place Maggie Montgomery wants to go, but at the urgent request of her dad, she returns to her hometown. She’d rather be skydiving or rappelling or any number of other things in her adventurous life as a cinemaphotographer. Once back in Ivy, getting away is not as easy as Maggie hoped. Neither is facing the fears from her past and the people she’s hurt growing up in Small Town, America.

The story is one fraught with mishaps and filled with tenderness. Maggie’s niece, Riley, has experienced more than any ten year old should, and it is only to save her that Maggie agrees to stay. A budding romance with the local vet, a sister (Riley’s mom) with a drug addiction, and a haunting memory give Maggie’s story layers that kept me guessing and reading until the last page. The author packs a lot of humor into the pathos for a light, faith-filled book with a message for young and old alike. Only by reliance on God can we embrace and conquer our deepest fears.

Highly recommended for a summertime read . . . or anytime you need a pick-me-up!

BOOK DRAWING: Jenny has graciously offered a book giveaway, and I know you want to read this one, so please leave a comment AND your contact information. I’ll put your name in a “cereal bowl” in honor of Jenny’s craving and draw for a winner at noon Friday, September 11.

WINNER OF THE SHAPE OF MERCY

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

CHERYL BARKER

YOU ARE THE WINNER
of
Susan Meissner's Book

THE SHAPE OF MERCY

I know you will enjoy this book a lot. Thanks to all of you who left comments. I'm sorry you couldn't all win this beautifully written masterpiece. I hope you'll stop by the Cafe again to see what's going on, enjoy the latest in new releases, and who knows? There might be another giveaway soon.

Encore Review of THE SHAPE OF MERCY by Susan Meissner plus a chance to win the book!

Today I’m happy to share with you an encore review that I did of Susan Meissner’s lovely novel, The Shape of Mercy. An extra bonus this time—you have a chance to win a signed-by-the-author copy of a Limited Edition Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) of the book. It’s gorgeous, folks!

To enter the contest please leave a comment on this post with your contact information before noon next Friday (June 5). If you’ve been itching to get your hands on this book, now’s your chance.

One last note before the review: The Shape of Mercy was named to Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2008 and the ECPA's Fiction Book of the Year for 2009. Well done, Susan!

The Shape of Mercy is set on opposite shores of America—California for the main character, college student Lauren Durough, and a village near Salem, Massachusetts for Mercy Hayworth, a young woman convicted in the Salem witch trials.

Two plots intertwine more than 300 years apart. I couldn’t imagine how Susan would accomplish this feat without having a character travel back in time. She did it, though, and both Lauren’s world and Mercy’s pulsed with urgency. I slipped easily from one world to the next because of Susan’s meticulous writing.

What worked for me and kept me turning the pages:

• The contrast of Lauren’s privileged modern day existence and that of Mercy’s meager colonial days. Mercy’s story unfolds from the pages of her diary, which is described as “the color of toast in some places and in others, the color of wet ashes. The ink . . . was so faint it looked as if I could blow it away if I leaned over it and merely exhaled.” The pages are described as whispers, too delicate to bear the weight of my (Lauren’s) fingers. In one short paragraph, the reader knows that whatever is found in this diary is hallowed. You can’t help but long to know what those words are and what Mercy’s story is.

• Mercy’s words. Her plain, everyday language with specific details of life in the Village, her dying father, and the increasing hysteria about witches in their midst, pull you in by their simplicity. Mercy’s words are set off by italics to signal the reader that you are once again in Mercy’s world. Details are minimal, but the tension grows with each entry as you fear what is coming.

• Lauren transcribes the diary in the library of Abigail, her employer – a daunting woman who lives a life of solitude in a massive Tudor home on the west coast. Lauren’s first visit to the library gives a clear picture not only of the room, but also what her relationship with the older woman will be like. The shelves are lined with books, but others are stacked throughout the library. In Susan’s words, “The rest were loose, unfettered, as if poised to attack. . . towers of pages stacked like scaffolding . . . I minded my ankles as if the books closest to me might nip at my feet.” This visual planted me firmly in Lauren’s world as she did her work.
• Contrasting the two worlds physically is only part of what I liked about this book. As Mercy finds herself accused in the late 1600s, Lauren examines her own life, and finds her twenty-first century values shaken. Her own journey unfolds with that of Mercy, and she finds in Abigail, not only a job opportunity, but an avenue of change that will affect both their lives.

The Shape of Mercy satisfies in so many ways – the rich writing, the storytelling, a hint of romance, and giving pause for reflection. The very cool thing that Susan has done is set up a blog so that the characters live beyond the life of the book. Ever wondered what happened after the last page? You can find out here. You can also read more about Susan Meissner here.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.

GENESIS 2009 FINALISTS

Today the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) announced the 2009 Genesis Finalists. This annual contest for unpublished authors is gaining more recognition each year and is a contest that's very close to my heart. The past two years I've been fortunate enough (thrilled and humbled) to final and then win my category. It's a nerve-wracking, exhilarating learning experience, but when I looked back over the past couple of years' finalists, I saw many names who've now been published or are contracted. Nice, huh?? The category winners will be announced at the ACFW conference in Denver this coming September.

So here they are: The 2009 Genesis Finalists:

CONTEMPORARY FICTION:

Sharon Ball
David W. Fry
Jennifer Griffith
Ane Mulligan
Patty Slack

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:

Cathy Bryant
Kathleen Haynes
Lisa Jordan
Christy LaShea Smith
Eileen Astels Watson

HISTORICAL FICTION:

Nancy Herriman
D'Ann Mateer
Christina Miller
Sandi Rog
Christine Schmidtke

HISTORICAL ROMANCE (six finalist entries due to a tie, but one is a
double finalist):

Jody Hedlund (double finalist with two entries)
Lisa Richardson
Connie Stevens
Gina Welborn
Lacy Williams

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:

David Fry
Anne Greene
Dineen Miller
Lynda Schab
Alan Schleimer

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:

Mary F. Allen
Wenda Dottridge
Danica Favorite-McDonald
Kelly Ann Riley
Janet Warren

SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY/SPECULATIVE FICTION:

Valerie Comer
Megan Ebba
David Fry
Suzanne Krein
Lisa Tuttle

WOMEN'S FICTION:

Cathleen Armstrong
Marie Wells Coutu
Candee Fick
Julie Garmon
Ashely Weis

YOUNG ADULT:

Kasey L. Heinly
Gretchen Hoffman
Susan Miura
Diana Sharples (double finalist with two entries)

Congrats one and all!

Here are some numbers for you to ponder:

• This year, the Genesis had a whopping 454 entries.
• That's a 43% increase from last year.
• Each of the 454 entries was given to three judges
• That translates to 1,362 entries to send back to entrants.
  

Camy Tang (the Genesis Coordinator) and her crew have done a phenomenol job. Next time you see her, you might tell her thanks. Also, if you recognize any names on this list, sent them a sweet note, okay?

The TRUTH Revealed

Today's the day to reveal which of the things about me is a lie from the game Two Truths and a Lie.

#1. Taking a private tour of the crown jewels. TRUE. Max had friends in New Orleans who were friends of Bob & Margaret Melling. Mr. Melling, a former Beefeater, was the curator of the crown jewels, by appointment of the Queen. He arranged a private tour with 3 other couples, so we were able to see the jewels and royal garb up close and personal. We later met with the Mellings in his office in the Jewel House to deliver the New Orleans Saints sweatshirts we had brought for their grandchildren from the states. The also invited us to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower that evening. We later joined the Mellings (who lived in the Tower apartments) at their private pub for a good time with the locals. One of the highlights of our time in London.

#2. Meeting Garth and Trisha at Starbucks. FALSE. This lie is based in truth for Garth and Trisha had visited the Starbucks I frequent the week before. The barista had a picture to prove it. But I did not meet them there.

#3. All TRUE. I've lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri, but only lived in Missouri six months as an infant.

I appreciate all who played. From the commenters on this post and the previous one that featured the interview with Mary DeMuth, author of Daisy Chain, I've put your names in the hat and drawn for TWO winners.

CONGRATULATIONS to Keever Kids and Koala Bear Writer.
As soon as I get your snail mail addresses, I'll mail you your books.

Happy Reading. And remember the truth is stranger than fiction!

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE - Blog Tour Spot for Daisy Chain

Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth hit the bookstores last week. This intriguing book has a major theme of secrets. In keeping with that theme, I’m letting you in on three cool things about me. Only trouble is, two are true and one is NOT. It’s up to you, my dear readers, to figure out which is which.

Ready?

1. On our trip to England, Max and I had a private tour of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

2. On one of my recent trip to Starbucks, Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, stopped in at the same time. Garth’s not a coffee drinker but Trisha adores her Starbucks.

3. I was born in Oklahoma, grew up in Texas, and now call Oklahoma my home. The only other state I’ve lived in is Missouri.

Which one is a lie? Leave your answers in the comment section, and a couple of cool things will happen. If you’ve already entered my contest to win a copy of Daisy Chain, your name will be added twice by commenting here as well. Also, if you participate in the Daisy Chain Blog Tour, you may be eligible for a grand prize which included signed (and kissed) copies of all three of Mary’s novels and bragging rights for being the winner. To participate in the tour go here.

My review of Daisy Chain.
An interview with Mary.
Purchase Daisy Chain here.
Visit Mary’s website, blog, or Facebook page.
Follow other bloggers on the tour to see what their truths and lies are.

Next Monday, March 16th, I’ll reveal which one of the things about me is a lie. Take a guess now. I know you want to.

Interview with Mary DeMuth and chance to win her new book, DAISY CHAIN

It's quite an honor for me to have my friend and wonderful author, Mary DeMuth, on my blog today! She's in the midst of "release" mania with her newest novel, Daisy Chain, but has agreed to answer a few questions.

At the bottom of the post, you will find out how you can win a copy of Daisy Chain.

So, let's welcome Mary.

Thank you, Mary, for coming to the Cafe, and congratulations on Daisy Chain. I've been waiting forever it seems for it to come out. Ready for some questions?

How long have you been writing? And how long after you began writing before you were published?

Since 1992. I was first published in a magazine ten years later.

That's some serious writing. What did you do to hone your craft along the way?

I read a lot of craft books, networked with other writers, went to conferences, listened to critique and wrote miles and miles of sentences.

What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer?

Definitely a seat of the pants writer. My editor would like me to be a plotter. But I’m getting better at developing the plot as I write.

Plotting is tough for me, too, but you write character-driven novels. How do you develop characters? Charts? Interviews? Or do you just start writing?

I just start writing. As I do, the characters form.

Where did you get the idea for the Defiance, Texas series?

I had a friend who had a difficult story. He grew up in a Christian home. His father was in leadership in the Christian community. From the outside, all looked perfect. But behind closed doors, life was very, very hard. I wanted to expose that kind of abuse. That’s why the idea of family secrets plays heavily into all three books.

I didn't know the seed for your story came from a real experience. You have a growing reputation for awe-inspiring prose and taking the reader on a journey through deep, sometimes scary places. Does Daisy Chain continue in this tradition?

Wow, those are high words. I hope Daisy Chain keeps the reader on those journeys because redemption is much more beautiful in the midst of darkness. That’s my own personal testimony, so it can’t help but leak out on the page.

You are one of the most transparent writers I know. What do you want the reader to gain from reading Daisy Chain? Is there a particular take away you have in mind?

My hope is that folks will see the need to share their family secrets in order to be set free. I also want people to see that the Body of Christ is probably much different looking than they first thought. Some appear holy. Others, in distressing disguises, actually are.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

BOC, Butt on chair. You can’t improve if you don’t write.

The worst?

Write what you know. While I agree on certain levels, I wouldn’t have written any of my novels if this were the case. I’m not a native Southerner by any stretch. I spent most of my life in Seattle. So setting my novels in the South was not something I instinctively knew. But I love that they are set there.

I have an affinity for Southern novels. Now, let's get serious. Coffee? Tea? Sparkling mineral water? Or . . .

Pellegrino, all the way.

Daisy Chain is the first of three Defiance, Texas books. When will the other two books be released?

A Slow Burn releases in October.
Defiance (working title) should release May 2010.

I also have a memoir releasing called Thin Places next January.

You've been very busy writing. And yet, you maintain several blogs—and have launched a new one in conjunction with Daisy Chain. Tell us a bit about that.

I’m too busy! Yes, the newest blog is called My Family Secrets. You can see it here: It’s a place for folks to share their family secrets anonymously.

I also help writers at Wanna Be Published and you can read my personal blog here.

It’s your turn. Any closing thoughts or exciting news you’d like to share?

Just that writing is an amazing privilege, but the journey is very difficult and painful and wonderful and gritty. It takes more tenacity than you think you have. But it’s worth the sweat.

Wise words, Mary. Thanks so much for being my guest. I’ve loved having you and wish you all God’s best with this exciting new book and the blog project.

Carla here with a daisy of a contest. I'm giving away two copies of Daisy Chain. Please leave a comment with your contact information to be included in the drawing. Contest closes at noon on March 14. Mary is an amazing writer. You may also purchase the book here and read many rave reviews about the book.

MEET THE THERAPISTS at My Book Therapy

Please join me in welcoming once again the creators and geniuses from My Book Therapy on their LOVE TO WRITE tour.

Today, some personal thoughts from Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, and Sarah Sumpolec.

Thoughts from Therapist Susan May Warren: Writing the story of your heart

Q: Have you ever had a story that you wanted to write, a spiritual message you wanted to share, but it won't let you just yet?

A: Yes, I have a couple stories sitting in my heart that I haven’t had the opportunity or perhaps the divine timing to write yet.

I’m a firm believer that God will work out the story in the right time, so I continue to collect ideas, impressions, do research and let those ideas soak, waiting for the right timing. But sometimes I’m not ready – emotionally, or even professionally to write it. Maybe I don’t have the skill level yet. And I certainly don’t want to waste my swan’s song on mediocre writing! So, in the meantime, I move onto the stories I have the ability to write right now.

This is what happened with my “Josey” series. The story of my hilarious happenings in Russia simmered in my heart YEARS before God opened the door to write it. And when he did, the timing was perfect. (My first book in that series, Everything’s Coming Up Josey was a Christy finalist). The same thing happened with “Nothing but trouble.” I cooked up my heroine PJ Sugar four years before I saw it come to publication. And I’m glad I waited – I hope I did Sugar justice! (Nothing But Trouble hits the stands May 2009! Read a preview at http://gotsugar.susnamywarren.com)

I think a lot of writers believe they have to write the stories on their hearts…but perhaps they’re also not ready to write that story yet. I think it’s wise to ask God if it’s time…or if there is another story that could hone your skills in the meantime, in preparation for that heart story.

So, don’t give up on your heart story. Wait on Him, and be open to working on something else in the meantime.

God Bless you on your writing journey!
Susan May Warren
Founder, www.mybooktherapy.com

A therapist thought: Writing in the midst of a busy life.
By Rachel Hauck

Early on in my writing life, I had to give up the notion that writing time would come easy, be ideal and full of inspiration.
When I signed my first book contract, I was working full time for a software company as a department manager. I’d recently become a worship leader at my church, adding that to my job as youth pastor’s wife. My husband and I also gathered with other area pastors to start a weekly multi-church prayer meeting and I’d become the Vice President of a national writers organization and was coordinating our second annual conference.

Writing? Yeah, like when? Where? And I didn’t even have children to raise. I felt pushed, pulled, torn, frazzled and on the edge. I’d never written a book to be published before. I’d not coordinated a conference and my committee was “out there” across America. If I failed, I’d let so many people down, including myself.

I lay in bed one night praying, trying to decide if I should just work up my courage and resign as Vice President and admit I couldn’t do it all. I didn’t need to be that kind of person. But as my final grasp for God’s grace, I whispered in the darkness, “Lord, you have a conference to coordinate, let me know what you need me to do.”

Peace washed over me. I didn’t resign. The Lord sent me a co-coordinator. The conference was a success.

And, I wrote my first book by June of that year and met my deadline.

A busy life seems impossible to avoid these days. We have so many options and opportunities available to us. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

1. Make sure the jobs or opportunities you embrace are really from the Lord. Don’t say yes out of guilt or even selfish ambition. Know that you know all you’re doing is right and good. Sure I had a full plate that one year, but I knew God had loaded me up for a reason.

2. Give it all back to Him. Ask for wisdom and grace, insight and help.

3. Let go of any and all concept that you have to be perfect. You’ll fail and it’s okay to fail. There were quite a few bloopers at that second annual conference, but we got past them. God’s grace was greater.

4. Get organized. Since I knew my book deadline, I wrote out my writing schedule on a calendar. I had a few extra vacation days so I scheduled them as mega-writing sessions. It’s not unholy, or ungodly to plan. Most of us fail in our sincerest desires because we live by the tyranny of the urgent. We don’t plan so our lives are governed by the moment. If we do plan, we allow ourselves to be knocked off course. Schedule writing time and STICK to it. If it’s one hour a week, then guard it with all your might.

5. Be confident before God. Know that He has good works planned for you to walk in. He loves you. He wants you to succeed.

In the midst of juggling my schedule, I worked hard to maintain my own intimate relationship with Jesus. It wasn’t always easy and I failed to reach my ultimate goal, but by having a goal, I found success. Otherwise, I might have drifted way away from the heart-to-heart relationship I wanted with Him.

There were a few tools I used to help me stay on track with my relationship.
1. I attended corporate prayer meetings.
2. I was faithful to all worship services.
3. I went early to youth church or main church to have prayer times.

Look for ways to fortify your spiritual as well as natural life.

1. Find a buddy to pray with or write with.

2. Ask your family to “do it with you.” As parents we spend time driving our children to school, music or dance, sports events. Wouldn’t they love to help mom or dad meet their writing goal? Bring them into the adventure with you.

3. Pray. Ask Jesus for grace. For help. If all else fails, use my prayer. “Lord, you have a book to write, let me know what I need to do.

If you find you just can’t manage it all, set is aside and wait. Maybe your season of writing is not yet. But keep taking notes, keep praying, keep learning.
God is faithful to keep us in His will. Even when we fail, He will not.
So exhale. Relax. Have fun.

Why I Love to Write YA

Sarah Anne Sumpolec

My first book idea grew out of my work with our church’s youth group. I tried going to Women’s Bible Studies and do all the grown up things, but I always felt called to care for the youth. So writing for them simply became a natural extension of what I already loved to do.

Even now, I spend more than twelve hours a week hanging out with eighty kids and teens at our local Christian Youth Theater. I like being around them. I love to encourage them. And I want to do all I can to help them as they grow in Christ. My own teen years were tough (whose weren’t?) and I didn’t have anyone to talk to or turn to. I simply want to be available to these teens. You just never know when you might get the chance to offer a few life-giving words from God.

So who I am as a person, and who I am as a writer are hopelessly intertwined. I’ve written five novels for teens and over and over, God has shown me how a simple story can affect the lives of teenagers. But they need more. I’ve lost track of how many letters I’ve gotten where a teen wrote, “I read all five of your books last week…” Teens are hungry for truth and stories that they can relate to. They need more great stuff to read that is written for them, by people who care about them.

The YA market can be tough. But we can’t write because a certain market is booming. We must write out of our God-given passions and that’s what YA is for me – a passion. So yes, I realize that Amish books sell really well, but I’m staying in high school. It’s where I belong.

Why I Love Being a Book Therapist

I love the whole concept of Book Therapy. Imagine! A place where you can get useful feedback? It could save people years of submitting. So often writers just get a “No, thank you” when they submit to publishers or agents. But that doesn’t help them improve or grow or discover what they can do to make their work better. When I first started writing, I had some precious people who offered me advice and help. They let me ask every silly question and answered each one with patience and love. So just as people gave to me so generously, I want to turn around and give back to others. My Book Therapy gives me a chance to do that. I think I was built by God to want to teach and encourage. I love looking for ways to strengthen a story or make the characters come alive on the pages. I love taking a good story to a great story by infusing it with layers and subplots and themes that will resonate with readers. I love seeing where a story can go when you give it wings.
I’m so glad I get to be a part of My Book Therapy, especially as a YA Specialist. Writing for Young Adults is something I am passionate about, so I have a vested interest in helping see that teens have great reading material in the years to come.

A Therapist’s Thought

I spend most of my weekends working as a director with a Christian Youth Theater. A typical show will have eighty kids that range in age from 8 to 18. As a director, I get to look at the big picture of what we want to accomplish and then help each kid do their best work to make that big picture happen. But these aren’t puppets, these are kids. So directing them must be about bringing the best out of each one of them individually. And at the end of it all, I am dressed in black, hiding in the wings, watching them shine on stage. I get so much joy out of it. I know I played a vital role, but I don’t need the applause – all I want is to see them bring joy to that audience.

Directing is a lot like Book Therapy. You’ve got this story to tell and you want to tell it in a way that’s going to have the greatest effect on your audience. A therapist can come in and help you find ways to make the story stronger, ways to make the characters more real, and ways to explore all the possibilities. Just like an actor can’t always see what the audience sees, a writer can’t always tell what effect their story is having until a skilled writer comes along and asks the hard questions.

And really, it can be hard. It’s natural for us to just want praise. It’s harder when someone comes along and says, “We’ve got some work to do here.” But it’s worth it. It’s worth it when you take a story to the next level and realize that you can impact your readers in new and amazing ways. It’s worth it when you discover tools that can help you grow. And it’s worth it when you finally get to share that story with the world. And at the end of it all, it’s still your story, your moment on stage to shine. But I’ll be the one in the wings cheering you on.

Carla here: For more on how to win the book co-authored by Susan and Rachel, go to my previous post where you can find the information at the bottom. Hurry! The contest ends February 28.

Blessed writing!

WINNER OF Patti Lacy's AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE

CONGRATULATIONS to Doreen, who is the winner of Patti Lacy's wonderful Irish story, AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE. Thanks, Doreen and all the others who stopped by the cafe and entered the drawing. Watch for more giveaways in the future.

And a special thanks to Patti Lacy for sharing this haunting, yet heartwarming story with the world.

Review and Book Drawing for AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE

MY REVIEW

An Irishwoman’s Tale by Patti Lacy (see blog entry below) is based on a true story. The fact and fiction are woven together to tell Mary Freeman’s story—a delightful and sometimes haunting tale of her being torn from her mother’s bosom in a dingy Irish cottage and sent to live with a couple in Chicago.

Mary’s lifelong yearnings are to have a best friend and to understand why her mother let her be sent away. Living with a new mother who is distant and cold and a philandering father of prominent social stature who buries himself in the bottle, Mary’s bears her longings alone, unable to trust herself or others. Paul Freeman, a gentle, hardworking man gently guides and encourages her, both in their marriage and in the difficult relationship with her adoptive parents. But it isn’t until Mary opens her heart to Sally, a new acquaintance at the tennis club, that Mary really begins her journey to learning who she is.

The settings are evocative with detail and voice that put the reader in the wilds of Ireland, an American home where love is not expressed, a parochial school classroom, a farm in Indiana, and Mary’s own tortured heart. The prose is achingly lovely, and while the ending is satisfying and complete, there were times I wanted to know more about Sally, the friend, who gives unselfishly of her time and her presence to travel Mary’s road with her. In Sally, Mary does find the friend she’s always wanted and through Sally’s insistence, a trip to Ireland to unravel her past.

Friendship. The unseen grace of God. Deliverance. And hope.

An excellent read that I will be dwelling on for a long time.

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?
Leave a comment on this post before noon on Friday, November 7. In the post, tell me your all-time favorite setting for a book and your contact information.

Thanks, and may the luck of the Irish be wi’ ye!

Guest Blogging Today at Seekerville

I'm guest blogging today at Seekerville.

Drop by and see what I've been up to with my recent novel revisions.

See you next week!

HUMBLE PIE

For the past few months, I’ve spent nearly every writing moment finishing my Genesis entry which was fortunate enough to final in the 2008 ACFW contest. My preliminary scores were good—two very good and one so-so, but it propelled me into action. Top priority—finish the thing in time for the conference. I made it, pinging out at 72,000 words. Then the awards ceremony, and truthfully, I thought it could go either way. I wanted to win (the competitor in me), but if I didn’t, then I could live with that (not my time, other entries were better written or more compelling to the judges).

But, I did win. Gloriously. Took my bow. Brought home the trophy (okay, it was a plaque, but beautiful nonetheless) and basked in the victory. For almost a week.

Until.

Big breath.

I got my scores from the finals judge. Let’s just say, I have work to do.

Two things come immediately to mind:
1) Getting the opinions of two editors is extremely valuable. They gave of their time to read my entry (and four others) and rated my writing on twenty different points. This is a tremendous spectrum of information that I can use once I’ve brushed myself off and picked up my manuscript for revisions.

2) Winning is not the ultimate goal in a contest. Becoming a better writer is. I’ve put my work out there to be evaluated by others, subjected myself to the critical eye of fellow writers, and yes, even editors. Their opinions matter if I’m going to improve my craft.

And just in case you’re wondering, I had a Café Americano with my Humble Pie. I’ve printed off my manuscript and dug into the rewrites. I’ll let you know how it goes.

On another note, I’ve been tagged to write Seven Random Things about myself. I recall doing this a few months ago, so I guess it’s come around again. As usual, I’m not tagging anyone, but if you’d like to keep this thing going around the world and don’t want the wrath of the wrinkle fairy to assault you in your dreams, you can pick it up and run with it.

Seven Random Things About Me:
1) I saw Mama Mia (the movie) this summer—Loved it! Love the music. Love the drama.
2) I do not like cantaloupe.
3) Or squash.
4) My favorite color is animal print, but I am also partial to red.
5) I have delivered kittens, puppies, and human babies. Human mamas yell louder.
6) I have seen kittens, puppies, and humans take their last breath. They’ve all made me cry.
7) My Redeemer lives. And that makes my heart soar!

Blessings to you all.