Deep POV Class at Seekerville

Hi, Everyone:

Just a note to any writers among you. I am teaching my Deep Point of View class through Seekerville in May. The class starts on May 5 and runs all month long. Cost is a pittance ($25).


Here's the info:


Have you ever read a book that melded your mind with the main character’s psyche? At no time did you sense that an invisible narrator stood between you and the Point of View character. Line by line, scene by scene, you lived in that central character’s head. The hero or heroine’s every experience became yours, and your reading pleasure intensified. Why? How did that happen? What did the writer do to gain that affect? The technique is called Deep Point of View. Even a novice writer is familiar with the concept of “point of view.” Most of us even know the difference between first person and third person, as well as the concept of tenses: past, present, and future. Deep Point of View puts basic POV on steroids. The technique tightens, solidifies and strengthens your manuscript. As a stellar side-effect, many of those pesky problems with “show/don’t tell” will fade away like a bad memory. In this course, we’ll plumb the depths (pun intended) of this fun and fundamental skill.

Understand the difference between Basic Point of View and Deep Point of View.



Learn what Deep POV is, what it is not, and what it can do for your writing.



Grasp the methodology of Deep POV through simple, practical, and specific techniques.



Practice the application of Deep POV through guided exercises



Practice the application of Deep POV in your own manuscripts

Here's the link to the sign-up page:

http://seekerville.blogspot.com/p/night-classes.html 

Hope to "see" you there!

Blessings in Abundance,

Jill

Huge Sale! Books for Writers 99 Cents - Feb 28 Only!

Tomorrow, Feb. 28, a wide assortment of helpful books for writers goes on sale for 99 cents each, including my Deep Point of View handbook, Rivet Your Readers. 

Check out all the featured books for March to a Bestseller: A One-Day Sale on Books for Authors! Or http://www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com/march-to-a-bestseller.html Share this to your heart's content .

Happy Spring! Jill

 

 

 

 

 

How Cool is This!

http://suspensesisters.blogspot.com/2014/01/announcing-special-suspense-sisters.html 

How Can We Help Families Faced with the Tragedy of Suicide?

In light of the tragedy Rick Warren's family faces following the suicide of their son, it seems appropriate to post the following link to an excellent article on helping families cope. This article appears on cbn.com. Feel free to share the link.

http://www.cbn.com/SpiritualLife/BibleStudyAndTheology/perspectives/Arrington_Suicide.aspx

No Condemnation!

Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8: 1a (Amplified Bible)

When we spend most of our time looking at our shortcomings, faults, and failures, we short-circuit the grace of God in our lives. Yes, we should be sorry and repent when we sin, but we should not camp in our guilt. The precious blood of Jesus Christ was shed, not merely to cover sin, but to blot it out and remove it from the mind of God forever.

When we repent and ask forgiveness, we must go ahead and receive the forgiveness that is freely offered, and then walk on with no more consciousness of sin. The blood of Christ is that powerful! Let’s honor the shed blood by applying it to our lives and becoming more grace conscious than sin conscious.

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will he not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God who acquits us?] Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Romans 8: 31 – 35a (Amplified Bible)

The enemy of our souls would like us to wallow in our faults and failures, because then we have no confidence in ourselves or trust toward God. We feel He is displeased with us. When we listen to the enemy’s whispers of condemnation in our ears, we are less able to hear the voice of God. We become useless in the Kingdom of God, and the plans God has for our lives are hindered.

Allow God to show us the good things of Himself that He has placed within us and wishes to use for His glory. Let God maximize those things instead of concentrating on our shortcomings. Showing mercy and grace to ourselves when we’ve messed up will help us show mercy and grace to others. Self-condemnation leads to a judgmental spirit and condemnation of others in a vicious cycle that does not glorify God.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. Matthew 6: 12 (Amplified Bible)

Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out to you. Matthew 7: 1 – 2 (Amplified Bible)

Here are some Scripture-based thoughts to repeat aloud to ourselves daily, and especially when we need to appropriate the freely offered cleansing of our sins.

* I always look for the good in others.

* I refuse to judge or be judgmental; I leave that responsibility totally to God.

*I am righteous through the blood of Jesus and am able to stand in the presence of God without any sense of sin, guilt or inferiority, as if sin never existed.

* Grace and peace are being multiplied in my life through the knowledge of the God.

A Change!

NOTE TO READERS: 

You may have noticed a cessation of posts for a couple of months. I have moved my writing-related blog posts and giveaways to the Suspense Sisters blog. 

http://www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com/ 

At this blog you can learn about suspense and mystery from some of today's top inspirational suspense and mystery authors. The Suspense Sisters are Margaret Daley, Sharon Dunn, Lynette Eason, Elizabeth Goddard, Nancy Mehl, DiAnn Mills, Gayle Roper, Roxanne Rustand, and me. (I'm honored to be numbered among this group.)

Members contribute entertaining and informative posts twice weekly, and on Fridays we feature an interview by another suspense author. Today you can drop by and learn about Jillian Kent and be entered to win an entire set of her Ravensmoore mystery series! 

When you pop over to the blog, be sure check out prior interviews and posts that are sure to be of interest to you.

Now for what shall become of this blog. A while back I renamed it the Art and Life Blog. In keeping with that theme, my blog posts will focus primarily on the art of living, specifically the art of living a wholesome Christian life. It's long been in my heart to share God's word with others. 

My posts will be more occasional than regular (particularly right now when I'm nearing deadline for a book), and I hope you will continue to follow the blog for occasional encouraging, uplifting, and sometimes challenging devotional thoughts. You may even hear book recommendations for the enrichment of our Christian walk.

On Monday, you will find here my first post along those lines. 

God's best blessings to you!

Jill

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

Abingdon Press (November 2012)

by

Jennifer AlLee


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!




ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.


Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.


What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?



If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Click Here to Buy the Book Now!

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

I'm so happy to introduce Margaret Daley's new novel. She's an awesome author, and she addresses a timely and sensitive issue in Shattered Silence.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Shattered Silence

Abingdon Press (September 2012)

by

Margaret Daley


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.


Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.


Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.


On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.




ABOUT THE BOOK

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.

While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.

Click here to buy the book now!

Judge by R. J. Larson

Happy day after Thanksgiving! Hope you all had beautiful days of peace and plenty of love!

Yes, I have a giveaway copy of this book, so leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Judge

Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)


by

R.J. Larson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.


The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.


Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts. The wise will hear Me.


But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading...and hope He will reunite them again soon.


Child of dust, will you be My servant?


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

Click here to buy the book now!

Starflower by Anne Elizabeth Stengl

Yes, I have a giveaway copy! Leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win!

Don't forget to stop regularly at Suspense Sisters blog for more book updates, awesome interviews with favorite suspense authors, and great book giveaways! CLICK HERE TO GO TO SUSPENSE SISTERS BLOG

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Starflower

Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)

by

Anne Elisabeth Stengl


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?


When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.


But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE.



CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!

Too Far to Say Far Enough by Nancy Rue

A new one out by one of my favorite authors! Leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy. :-)

Also, bop over to  Suspense Sisters blog for some timely thoughts on bullying from Margaret Daley, author of Shattered Silence.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Too Far To Say Far Enough

David C. Cook; New edition (October 1, 2012)


by

Nancy Rue


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In 1980, Rue took a leave of absence from teaching and took on writing as a nine-to-five job. Although it quickly became apparent that she could starve to death that way, that didn’t stop her: she spent fifteen years getting up at 4:00 a.m. to write before going off to teach school, until she was finally able to pursue freelance writing full-time in 1995.


“I am living a God-directed life,” says the author: “doing what I was meant to do, what I love to, what allows me to give what I’ve been given. I spend as much of my time teaching, filling my well, hanging out with the people I love, as I do writing, and that has made all the difference."


Rue has become a successful, best-selling author of books for ‘tweens and adults. Over her career she’s written more than 100 books. For a complete list of adult fiction, click here. For ‘tween books, click here.


Nancy travels the country speaking and teaching at schools, churches, home school groups, and for groups of ‘tween girls and their moms. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Jim. Their daughter, Marijean, son-in-law, Brian, and baby granddaughter Maeryn, live in nearby Nashville. The Rues’ two yellow Labs share (and eat) Jim and Nancy’s home.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Allison Chamberlain has done everything God required of her—but as He continues to nudge her in the third and final book of The Reluctant Prophet series, she is ready to say, “Enough!”


Even with two Sacrament Houses open, the Sisters’ second hand clothing boutique making its debut, and the orphaned Desmond legally adopted, Allison Chamberlain receives the divine Nudge to Go another mile. Eventually responding with her usual reluctant obedience, she finds herself caring for a very young prostitute and facing the deepest roots of evil. Despite the adversaries who threaten those closest to her, Allison finds that she has not gone far enough until she conquers hate and learns to love as God does. No matter what the consequences.    




If you would like to read the first chapter of Too Far To Say Far Enough, go HERE.




Click here to buy the book now!

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

I'm so pleased to announce this new release from one of my favorite authors and a fellow Suspense Sister over at our new blog. (Check us out at http://ow.ly/eVDVv.) If you want a teeth-gritting, edge-of-your-seat read by an author with a heart for Jesus, snag this one.

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders. 



While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn’t what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana’s faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

Review of Shattered Silence:

"The second installment in the Texas Rangers series skillfully tackles difficult topics (domestic abuse and bullying). The characters are easy to relate to, and the action is intense and fast paced. The second installment in the Texas Rangers series skillfully tackles difficult topics (domestic abuse and bullying). The characters are easy to relate to, and the action is intense and fast paced." 4 ½ Stars, Reviewed by Leslie L. McKee at RT Book Reviews"

READ AN EXCERPT:

No one sees me. They walk right by me and don’t even know I am here. I’m invisible.

But that’s all going to change today. The woman who has agreed to marry me will be here soon. The world will finally know someone cares about me. It was worth all my savings to bring her across the border. I’m tired of being alone. Being nobody.

I’m getting married. I won’t be invisible anymore—at least she’ll see me.

***

Maria Martinez lay flat on the dust-covered wooden planks, her right eye pressed against the hole in the floor of the abandoned house. Pedro won’t find me here. I’ll win this time.

A sneeze welled up in Maria, and she fought to stop it. She couldn’t. Quickly she looked through the small opening to make sure Pedro hadn’t come and heard her. Her older brother always thought he could do everything better than her. Not this time. He’d never think to look here. He’d think she was too afraid to hide here. A rattling behind her sent a shot of fear through her. She went still. Her lungs held her breath and wouldn’t let go.

There’s no such thing as ghosts. He just told me that to scare me. I’m not a baby. I’m eight.

Her words fueled her courage, and she popped up to look over her shoulder. Nothing. Just the wind blowing through the broken window. Maria sank to the floor in relief and took up her post again. Watching through the hole. If Pedro came into the house, she’d be ready to hide. He was not going to find her. For once, she would have the last laugh. He was just two years older, but the way he acted, you’d think he was Papa.

Another sound caught her attention. Down below. Footsteps. She started to hop up and scramble to her hiding place nearby, but a gruff, deep male voice stopped her. Not Pedro.

Who?

With her eye glued to the hole again, she waited to see who it was. Another voice—a woman’s—answered the man, then she laughed. A funny laugh—like Pedro when he made fun of her.

“Dumb. Evil eye,” the woman taunted in Spanish.

The man raised his voice, speaking in the same language so fast Maria had a hard time keeping up. Mama insisted on only speaking English at home. Now she wished she was better at Spanish. But she heard some words—the ones he slowed and emphasized, repeating several times in a louder voice a few cuss words that got Papa in trouble if he said them at home. The deep gruff voice ended with, “You will pay.”

The woman laughed again, but the sound died suddenly. “What are you doing?” she said in Spanish.

Maria strained to see the two people. The lady moved into her line of sight as she stepped back, shaking her head, her long brown hair swirling in the air. Maria glimpsed the top of a tan cowboy hat that hid the man’s face from her.

The beautiful lady held up her hands. “No!”

The fear in that one word chilled Maria.

Before she could think of what to do, a gunshot, like she’d heard on TV, blasted the quiet. The lady jerked back. She glanced down at her chest, then up, remaining upright for a few heartbeats before crumbling to the floor.

Maria froze. Her mind blanked.

The man came closer to the still lady on the floor, her unseeing dark eyes staring right at Maria, pinning her against the wooden planks. She saw the gun as he lifted his arm and aimed it at the woman. He shot her in the stomach then the forehead.

Maria gasped.

The man must have whirled away. Suddenly he wasn’t in her line of vision. She bolted to her feet as the sound of heavy footsteps coming up the stairs echoed down the hallway.

Terror locked a vise about Maria and held her in place.

Then her gaze latched onto her hiding place—one she’d found when she’d first come to the house. She’d laughed out loud that her brother would never find her there. Now she wasn’t so sure it was perfect.

But the approaching footfalls prodded her into action. She had no other choice. She clambered toward the couch as qui- etly as she could. She ripped the seat cushion off and squeezed herself into the small place someone must have used before. The pounding of her heartbeat in her ears drowned out the sound of his footsteps.

The man threw open a door at the end of the hall. The slam of it against the wall startled Maria as she set the cushion over her like a shield a knight used in a movie she’d seen. When he’d stormed a castle, hundreds of arrows rained down on him. He had survived.

Could she?

The scent of mold and dust threatened to set off her sneezing. She held her hand over her mouth and nose praying that would stop her from making any sound.

As the man’s footsteps came nearer, her heartbeat reverberated against her skull, again overriding all other sounds. Surely he could hear it. Find her.

Please, Lord, help me. Mama said You protect children.

But not her prayers or her fear calmed her thundering heartbeats. The racket grew louder inside her chest and clamored in her ears. Her head spun. She uncovered her mouth to try and breathe deeply. She couldn’t get enough air.

The door opened, crashing against the wall. She flinched, hoping the seat cushion hadn’t moved. Please. Please, Lord. I’ll be good. The footsteps approached the center of the room. Lightheaded, Maria closed her eyes as if that would hide her from the bad man. Something scurried over her leg. Something big. A rat? The urge to flee her hiding place robbed her of any thoughts. She curled herself into the tightest ball she could and prayed, her chest rising and falling so rapidly. The darkness continued to swirl behind her closed eyelids.

An eternity passed. A brush of whiskers reinforced her fright. She tensed, expecting any second the cushion being plucked off her hiding place or sharp teeth sinking into her. A warm gush between her legs and the odor of pee heightened her terror. He would smell it and . . .

I’m going to die. Mama . . .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-three books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

An outstanding book by an outstanding author! Leave a comment at the end for a chance to win!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Breath of Dawn

Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)


by

Kristen Heitzmann


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From the time my dad taught me to read at sit-on-the-floor school when I was four—launching me past kindergarten into 1st grade—I have loved learning and expressing what I know through art, music, and especially writing. Education came easily, and I grew accustomed to having my work read and displayed. But breaking out of the family mold, I left college to marry my husband Jim (celebrating our 29th this year.) Since then, life and all kinds of research have provided the grist for my stories. We have three awesome adult kids, and one incredible teenager. (You might think I’m biased, but ask anyone who knows them.)


While home schooling my four kids, I wrote my first novel. I pitched it for publication, and it became the first of a five book historical series. Since then, I have written three more historical novels and nine contemporaries. The Still of Night was nominated for the Colorado Book Award. The Tender Vine was a Christy Award finalist and Secrets won a Christy in 2005.


People often ask why I started writing, and I say to get the stories out of my head. Some say they’d like to write a book, but I say if you’re not wracked with labor pains, there are easier ways to express yourself. Being a writer is a solitary, eccentric, and often compulsive path. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Kristen Heitzmann Delivers Powerful New Romantic Suspense


Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother's Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.


Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a "chance" first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family's warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.


The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.


Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan's solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Breath of Dawn, go HERE.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!

Suspense Sisters Off and Running!

Hi, Dear Friends:

I’ve hooked up with some awesome mystery and suspense writers to form a blog tailored for readers of Christian suspense and mystery. We call ourselves the Suspense Sisters. I'm so excited to announce that the Suspense Sisters blog and Facebook page are up and running, and we have an awesome contest going for great prizes! Please drop by and check us out.

Here's the blog link: http://ow.ly/eVDVv

Here’s the Facebook link: : http://ow.ly/eVFLR

My fabulous Sisters are Margaret Daley, Sharon Dunn, Lynette Eason, Elizabeth Goddard, Nancy Mehl, DiAnn Mills, Gayle Roper, and Roxanne Rustand. Some of you may already be fans of theses authors’ writing, but if you haven’t read their books, I invite you to check them out for some great reads!

Abundance of Blessings!

Jill Elizabeth Nelson

~~Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth~~
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com 

Show/Don't Tell drive you nuts? Save your sanity: Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View 
 
Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil. 4: 4 - 5

A Thousand Sleepless Nights by Michael King

What a wonderful ministry tool, and a poignant read by an excellent author! If you don't win this one, you need to pick up a copy for yourself and anyone whose heart will be comforted and encouraged by the themes of this book. Leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Thousand Sleepless Nights

Realms (October 16, 2012)

by

Michael King


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When Mike Dellosso won a one-year battle with colon cancer he set out to help readers of his books discover it before they had to go through what he experienced.


“I want others to avoid what I had to go through,” he says. “It was an experience that taught me a lot about myself, others, and God, but one I wouldn’t want to repeat. If I can help even one person battling this disease, it would have been worth it.”


Mike set about writing a novel quite different from what his fan base had come to expect from him. Not a thriller, but a character-driven novel, so he wrote it under a pen name, Michael King, and entitled it A Thousand Sleepless Nights. His publisher, Charisma Media, went for it and the first copies went on sale in October.


Mike’s next step was to determine whether a partnership between him, Charisma Media, and the Colon Cancer Alliance was possible. This month both announced their cooperative fundraising venture, with Charisma Media making a significant contribution to CCA and Mike committing a portion of the proceeds from the book through December to CCA.


Speaking about A Thousand Sleepless Nights Mike says, “I want people to see colon cancer (and all the other cancers) for the monster it is, but also to show it does not need to defeat us. There is hope, there is strength, and there is courage and love. And though cancer may rob us of our physical vitality, it has no power over our spirit.”


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the 1970s, escaping a home where he knew nothing but violence and hate, Jim Harding found work, and love, on the largest horse ranch in Virginia. The object of his affections, Nena St. Claire, is the daughter of the owner—a man who ruled his ranch with an iron fist and would do whatever it took to keep Nena and Jim apart.


Against the wishes of her family, Nena marries Jim, and after her father dies, she sacrifices everything—including her family—to keep the ranch alive. Now their three grown children have lives of their own and want nothing to do with Nena. She was never the mother they needed.


When cancer strikes and Nena is given a devastating diagnosis, can Jim reconcile the family before it is too late?


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Thousand Sleepless Nights, go HERE.

Click here to buy the book now!

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

No Safe Harbor

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Ludwig


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.


In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.


Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.


Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America


Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.


Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.


If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.

Click here to buy the book now!

Swallowed by Life by Ada Brownell

I don't often post about non-fiction, but I wanted you to know about this book.

WHY I WROTE SWALLOWED BY LIFE:
 Mysteries of Death Resurrection and the Eternal
By Ada Brownell

Swallowed by Life will be free Oct. 19-21 at Amazon.com

God warned Adam and Eve if they disobeyed Him, they would die.

 Satan opened his fangy face and guffawed. “You won’t die.” He crawled up the tree trunk, curled around a branch, and nudged a sun-blushed fruit from the forbidden tree. It landed at Eve’s feet. Satan said, “Eat it. It’s delicious!”

 Eve picked it up, ran to Adam, and offered him a taste. Soon the couple bit in to the sugary food, juice dripping from the edges of their mouths as they watched one another change from immortal to mortal beings that would become ill and die.

 Satan’s venom fills every earthly body and grave since that time.  Read about it in Genesis 3.

But God had compassion and promised a Redeemer who would bruise Satan’s head, although the Redeemer’s heel would be bruised by the serpent when the Savior came to redeem and free every man who wanted to be saved from eternal death. We know the Messiah was crucified and Satan thought he conquered. But death could not hold him!

 Although we know the story, yet when Satan whispers, “Don’t even think about it. You won’t die,” we avoid putting that faith deposit in the bank, because when someone we know has a troubling diagnosis or passes away, we’re deceived into thinking he or she is the only one going. Fear becomes a factor, but if we believe John 3:16, we can think about the eternal with joy.

 Being filled with faith is the reason I wrote Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal.

 When we lost our beautiful 31-year-old daughter, Carolyn, only two months after the cancer diagnosis, I was in shock. Did I believe what I thought I did about the eternal?  So I went through the entire New Testament and underlined every verse that had to do with eternal life.

Oh, what joy! I learned faith is a force that must be fed, and the Word brings faith to life.

 Armed with strengthened faith from the Word, I thought about what I learned as a medical reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. I noticed obvious things about our bodies that tell us we are more than our flesh: beginning as a fertilized egg as small as the period at the end of this sentence; growth; weight gain and loss; constant cell death and regeneration (our skeleton is completely rebuilt every seven years); removal of body parts and sometimes replacing them with a mechanical device or transplants from others—even another person’s heart; and all the other changes that occur, and we’re still the same person we were in our mother’s womb.

Evidence shows we’re more than a body and we’ll live even if it turns to dust. I knew I should share it. When Carolyn became ill, she fed her soul on the Word and songs such as It is Well with My Soul sung by Sandi Patti. She died with her confidence in God. Yet, she wondered what happens when you die. The journey, the eternal, the resurrection and heaven. So I wrote this book for those who want to increase their faith, those who are curious about their eternal future, and those who give them counsel. The Q and A sections make the book ideal for a study guide. ©Ada Brownell 2012

ADA BROWNELL is the author of Swallowed by LIFE: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal, and Confessions of a Pentecostal (Gospel Publishing House, out of print but recently released as an e-book. She has been writing for Christian publications since age 15 and sold approximately 275 articles and fiction stories to 45 Christian magazines. She also is a retired journalist for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. She and her husband, Lester,have five children—one in heaven.

Swallowed by LIFE: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal 
Available:
At Barnes and Noble
at Booksamillion.com
at GoodReads

Ada's Website/Blog: http://ow.ly/cOj0Z
Ada's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries
Confessions of  Pentecostal: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088OP460

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Historical readers, come running! I do have a giveaway copy, so leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Against the Tide Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Elizabeth:

I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it. Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden's Latest Offering

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!

Massive Book Giveaway - Including Copy of My December Release!

The Book Club Network has gathered over 100 authors to celebrate the launch of their new digital magazine. The celebration is being called “The Signature Library Contest” and they are going to be awarding over 150 books to people chosen at random from their new subscriber lists. The interesting aspect of the contest is that the winners will be picking out their books from an impressive list of new releases. The first place contestant will have their choice of 30 titles from this impressive list; second place will pick 20 titles; 5 third place winners will pick 10 books from the list and there will be many runner up books awarded. All of these titles (that will be listed in the magazine in November) will be signed by the author and mailed to the winners. More details will be in the November issue of Book Fun Magazine that will be out October 27th 2012. How does one enter into the contest? It is a simple matter of subscribing to the magazine at www.bookfunmagazine.com and this is a FREE subscription. There are well written articles and links to author pages in the current magazine, so read the magazine and enjoy, while entering for the chance to choose your own library of signature editions. The winners will be chosen before the end of November and will be listed in the December issue, of the magazine which will be released the last weekend of November. Look for more contests and giveaways at Book Fun Magazine, published by The Book Club Network (TBCN) where book fun begins!

Jewels for the Kingdom by Delia Latham

A dear writer friend has a new e-book romance releasing this week. The premise sounds awesome! Read on to find out more!

Jewels for the Kingdom is an e-Book novella, the first of FOUR books in the Heart's Haven collection, from White Rose Publishing. Authors who contributed to the collection include Marianne Evans (Operation Breathless), Tanya Stowe(Leap of Faith), Mary Manners (Dance with Me) and Delia Latham (Jewels for the Kingdom). The authors are all very excited about Heart's Haven, and truly believe God had a very decisive hand in its creation and publication.

A bit about Heart's Haven: Heart's Haven is a one-of-a-kind apartment complex located just outside the fictional town of Angel Falls, TX, on the outskirts of the Angelina National Forest. It's owned by Andrew Hart, a crusty old guy who is rumored to have the ability to see and speak with angels. Does he? Well, who knows? But there is, without a doubt, some kind of divine presence that makes itself felt by every tenant. The complex consists of eight small cottages, each with its own tiny yard and trellised gate. Over each gate, a hand-carved sign proclaims: May love find all who enter here. And it usually does... About Jewels for the Kingdom Pia Peretti’s past could destroy her future. Thanks to her pre-Christian lifestyle, she can’t marry a believer, and she won’t marry a non-believer. Minister David Myers wants to help Pia release her guilt and trust that God has forgiven her...but the young minister is working through his own trial of faith. After a failed counseling session with a wounded soul, David's confidence is shaken. He accepts a new pastorate, and moves to Angel Falls to find a haven for his wounded heart. Is it possible these two hurting hearts are meant to mend each other’s brokenness with some divine intervention? If you're interested in learning a little more about Heart's Haven, you're welcome to VISIT THE FACEBOOK PAGE. Each of the heroines from the four Heart's Haven books also has a page, as does Mr. Hart. Please...take a stroll through Heart's Haven and visit all of its character pages, as well. You'll like what you find!