Meet Nike Chillemi!

If you’re active on any writing group on the internet, you’ve probably run into Nike on several of them! Nike loves to encourage fellow authors and quite frankly, I don’t know how she keeps up with herself.

Nike’s first novel, Burning Hearts, a historical romance thriller, released this past year, and the second book in the Sanctuary Point series has just released. The book is called Goodbye Noel, and it’s New Year theme is especially appropriate today as we prepare to say goodbye to 2011 tomorrow night! Nike’s here to tell you all about it:

Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog. I’m thrilled, especially at this time of year. So much of Goodbye Noel has to do with the New Year. Of course, it’s the New Year 1947.

In fact, the novel’s New Year’s scenes are quite important and move the story forward on several levels. Through these scenes, we get a more well rounded and deeper view of Katrina Lenart. She’s considered to be the most beautiful young woman in the village, yet believes she will never marry and has plans to be a career woman. World War II left a dirth of eligible men, as many didn’t come home. Katrina’s not only beautiful, she’s got brains and is highly independent which puts some fellows off and she’s bored with the village idiots, so to speak. Until New Year’s Eve it never occurred to her Det. Ian Daltry, a widower ten years her senior might be interested. She gets her first kiss ever on New Year’s Eve from him. She also incurs the wrath and jealousy of a catty young woman who might be the killer.

A fun New Year’s scene occurs on New Year’s morning when the village has its annual Polar Bear Dip. Residents of Sanctuary Point follow after its fire truck to the cove where a few brave men jump into the icy water. Here we get a picturesque glimpse of a small romance between Det. Daltry’s four year old daughter Amy and young Billy Norbit, who’s father will brave the frigid water. However, two crime syndicate thugs join the parade of villagers and Det. Daltry resolves to carry his pistol from then on, fearing these men will bring murderous violence to the sleepy little village.

The underlying New Year’s theme is of hope, especially when ordinary people stand up, perhaps against great odds, and do what is right. That is how I try to portray Katrina and Ian, as two citizens who in the face of henious murders and a kidnap attempt feel they must rise up and protect the orphaned infant who is in danger, to seek justice for the victims, and comfort those left behind who are in deep mourning. It is ultimately a story of hope and new beginnings.

Nike has also agreed to answer the three questions I love to ask my guests!

 Who are you?

Well, I’ve been called a crime fictionista and I guess that suits me. I’m passionate about crime fiction (mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense, detective novels, police procedurals). That’s what I read. What I write are historical romantic thrillers. But I also have another side, or many sides. I certainly hope I’m multi-faceted. I’m a wife, a mother of a teenage daughter. I’ve been a pet rescuer for years. I love the seaside and have to live somewhat near the ocean.

 Where are you now?

I’m enjoying researching and writing my historicals. I love the 1940s era. Americans had such class and dignity then, as well as tons of get up and go. Of course, I write for Desert Breeze Publishing. I’m contracted for the four book Sanctuary Point series. Burning Hearts was the first (released May, 2011), Goodbye Noel is second and just came out in time for Christmas/New Years. The next in the series will be Perilous Shadows which will release in the summer of 2012. The next thing on my plate is the 2011 Grace Awards which is a reader driven faith-based awards. Reader voting starts on December 31^st. We’re going to be having a cyber New Year’s Eve party at the Grace Awards Facebook group and on its page.

Where are you going?

I’m working on a contemporary novel now. Its heroine is a detective in the Brooklyn Special Investigations Unit (NYC). This novel is a romantic thriller, but there’s quite a bit of humor. Think Janet Evonovich’s Stephanie Plum series without the vulgarity. I’ve also started on a 1950s era female private detective novel, also a thriller, where a number of characters speak much like the Fonz. So, I’m quite busy.

About Nike:

Nike Chillemi has been called a crime fictionista due to her passion for crime fiction. She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and its Chairman, a reader’s choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. Burning Hearts is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze. Goodbye Noel, the second book in the series released in December 15, 2011.Nike is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning).

You can find Nike on the web here. 

 

 

 

A Day Late…

It’s Christmas!

I was supposed to post yesterday, but I didn’t. Time got away from me. Life took over. And I’m okay with that. I know a lot of blogs have regimented schedules and their writers are extremely good about sticking to them. I’m probably not going to be one of those writers. I’m not perfect. And I’m okay with that.

I’ve been reading a book that was given to all of us at the ACFW conference in September.

I can tell that for me, it’s going to be one of those life-changing reads. The kind of book you have to put down every few pages and just chew on. It’s inspired me already. I’d love to share some thoughts with you  today.

What is it about this world, about our faith even, that whispers to us daily through the shadows of our subconscious, “You failed. You screwed up. Again. You’re nothing but a loser.” These words, these accusations, only audible to us, drive home the truth we run from.

We will never measure up.

The email that tells you the book of your heart is not going to be published. “It’s just not right for us.” The pot roast left in too long, you distracted by things, inconsequential things perhaps, resulting in a ruined meal and nothing but burnt offerings. The parking ticket. The unpaid bill you forgot about. The broken vase that belonged to your great-grandmother. All these things, these little things that happen so easily, pile up like refuse in a dumpster. And soon we just can’t get away from the stench.

How then do we live, always trying to do better, to be better, trying to be perfect. And failing. Always failing. It is almost not even worth the effort. Almost. But wait. Listen.

I believe we have been given a gift. A gift wrapped so carefully, given with more love than we can comprehend. A gift more expensive than we can imagine. A gift that is freely given, ours, should we choose to accept it.

A gift we can take in trembling hands, questions poised on our lips, tears pooling as we feel the first twinge within that says our lives will never be the same. And we wonder, can this really be for me? All mine? As we peel back the layers and reveal what lies within, this awe-inspiring incomprehensible gift, we are flooded with it. Warmth that rushes through us and sends us to our knees. Holy inexplicable warmth. Joy. It is joy. Unspeakable joy. Found only in the very truth that we have a God who loves us. No matter what. 

We will never measure up.

He doesn’t care. He loves us just the way we are. Where we are. And He will inspire us to take the next step. In faith. We will still fail. Still stumble. Still fall. But He will pick us up again, brush off the dirt with tender loving hands, patch up our scrapes and clean off the blood. And then He will turn us back around and gently push us onward, down that winding road that takes us on the journey He has designed especially for us. This is faith living.

It is not the perfect way. It is the best way.

Wherever you are this Christmas, I hope you’ll take a moment to unwrap that precious gift. I hope that in the coming year, you will live intentionally. Not perfectly, but intentionally. Knowing that you are loved. That you are equipped with more power than you know. Joy abounds, my friends. It’s ours for the taking.

Merry Christmas! 

I watched this video this morning on Rachelle’s blog. I just have to share it with you. May you be blessed today, and every day.

 

So Many Books, So Little Time…

 

Is anyone out there besides me NOT ready for Christmas? I feel like this year has zipped past me at the speed of light. I honestly don’t know where the time went! I do know that this year has been a great one for me. I feel as though I accomplished a lot. Among other things, something I’m really happy about is that I read a lot of books this past year! 

I can honestly say that if I did not have an iPad, the sad truth is, I wouldn’t have read half the books I did. The sheer convenience of being able to download a book and begin reading it in twenty seconds is just something amazing. My days of placing huge orders from Amazon or my local bookstore and waiting weeks for the shipment are long past. As much as I love and respect the paperback, I admit that these days I do most of my reading on my iPad. I even downloaded my own book! That was actually really cool…but I digress…

Here are some of the books I’ve read this past year, in no particular order:

The Preacher’s Bride – Jody Hedlund

The Doctor’s Lady – Jody Hedlund

Always The Baker, Never The Bride – Sandra D. Bricker

The Big 50! – Sandra D. Bricker

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins

Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me – Ian Morgan Cron

The Homecoming  - Dan Walsh

The Swan House  - Elizabeth Musser

This Fine Life  - Eva Marie Everson

Winter Garden – Kristin Hannah

Blood Ransom – Lisa Harris

Dry As Rain – Gina Holmes

Are You There Blog? It’s Me, Writer – Kristin Lamb

We Are Not Alone – The Writer’s Guide To Social Media – Kristin Lamb

A Hope Undaunted – Julie Lessman

The Apothecary’s Daughter – Julie Lessman

Heiress (Daughters of Fortune) Susan May Warren

The Mountain Between Us – Charles Martin

Wrapped In Rain – Charles Martin

The Shape of Mercy – Susan Meissner

The Beach Trees – Karen White

Nightshade – Ronie Kendig

Save The Date – Jenny B. Jones

Her Best Catch – Lindi Peterson

Sarah’s Key – Tatiana D’Rosnay

I know a lot of you voracious readers have probably read twice that many!! For me, this isn’t too bad for also editing two novels and writing a full-length book myself this year – there are also several books I didn’t list here, some I started and just didn’t finish for whatever reason. And then there are all those books I WANT to read…that list is endless! At the moment I’m reading Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan, and I just started While We’re Far Apart by Lynn Austin.

As you can tell, I do tend to choose a lot of CBA authors – some because I know them, others because I’ve heard good things about their books. My stable of mainstream authors pretty much stays the same unless its a book people are raving over. So I guess if I have to narrow it down, I choose my books by word of mouth first over cover and back cover copy. And I also read the reviews, which I guess is word of mouth, duh. I enjoy books that make me laugh. Books that make me cry. Books that make me think. And I love, love, love those rare stories that stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.

So how about you? What determines whether or not you buy a book? What have you read this year and what books do you want to read?

Meet Katie Ganshert!

I had the pleasure of meeting my friend Katie in person two years ago, after following her popular blog for a while. I soon realized that she’s just as nice in real life as she is on the ‘net! We’re now agency mates, conference hooligans and we also received our first contracts around the same time, so we’re enjoying the journey together. Katie’s first novel, Wildflowers from Winter,  is scheduled for release in May 2012 through Waterbrook. You can be sure I’ll have her back once the book is out!

But for now, I’m going to let her tell you a little about herself and her book:

Who Are You?

I’m a slightly-frazzled, ever-inquisitive Midwest author who loves Jesus, my family, writing, and romance! When I’m not busy plotting ways to make my hero and heroine fall in love, I like being silly with my husband, playing make believe with my wild-child of a son, and chatting with girlfriends over coffee and bagels (even though I don’t like coffee).

Where Are You Now?

Right now, I’m sitting in my computer chair…..oh wait. You don’t mean physically, do you? I am four and a half months away from the release of my debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter. It’s coming out May 8, 2012, with Waterbrook Press. So I’m in marketing mode and freak out mode. I’m also in I’d-love-to-finish-this-current-rough-draft-sometime-before-I’m-fifty mode.

Where Are You Going?

Well, I’m on my way to published author. Meaning, my book will be out. On shelves. For all the world to see. (Insert hyperventilation here). My second novel, Wishing on Willows, will release with Waterbrook Press in the spring of 2013.

About Wildflowers From WInter:

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.

Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?

It sounds like a great book, with an awesome cover, and I can’t wait to get my copy!!

If you’d like to connect with Katie, here are some ways to do that:

Her really cool WEBSITE

Twitter – @KatieGanshert

Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorKatieGanshert

Thanks for stopping by, Katie!

The Birth of A Book

As you may know, my first novel was published this past March. Yesterday’s Tomorrow was truly the book of my heart. There were times when I thought I would never see it published. Times when I thought I’d never get an agent, let alone a book contract. Times when I just wanted to give up. Stay on the couch, watch soap operas and eat Doritos. All day.

On Monday, December 12th, 2011, at around 3:30 in the afternoon, I was reminded once again why it is so, so important to never ever ever give up on your dreams.

Yesterday’s Tomorrow was awarded The INSPY for the best in romance in 2011. (“Recognizing the need for a new kind of book award, the INSPYs were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.”)

To say I’m floored, humbled, amazed and shocked doesn’t really even begin to describe my feelings. For an author who was once told by an agent (not mine!) that this book ‘would never sell’, I’d say we’ve come a long way, baby.

So how is an award-winning novel born? I have no idea. But I’ll let you see how mine was.

Summer 2006 – Got an idea to re-work an old story idea about a female journalist covering the Vietnam War.

Fall 2006 – I asked an online blogging buddy who happened to work in publishing for some feedback on my ideas. Encouraged, I began researching everything about Vietnam and journalists and all things from that era. Yesterday’s Tomorrow was born.

Fall 2007 – (Yes, you read that correctly. One year later). My blogging friend has now become a literary agent and expresses interest in the complete manuscript. She reads the manuscript and decides it’s ‘not quite ready’. She declines representation. I am crushed. Ready to give up and throw the story, along with my entire computer, into the garbage.

Thanksgiving 2007 – My agent friend has been thinking things over and decides that because I have potential, someone she thinks she can work with long term, she suggests some ways to move forward with the manuscript that might lead to eventual representation. I am overjoyed and there is much to be thankful for. And much Snoopy Dancing.

December 2007 – Revisions Complete rewrite on Yesterday’s Tomorrow begins. I decide to go the route of seeking help from a seasoned author/editor and hire award-winning author Susan May Warren of My Book Therapy.

December – March 2008 – There is great gnashing of teeth, wailing, loss of sleep and inspiration. I hate everyone. I finally complete the manuscript. Again. I love everyone. Especially my agent. I am now officially represented by Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary Group.

Spring 2008 – Yesterday’s Tomorrow starts making the rounds.

Summer 2008 – Yesterday’s Tomorrow starts receiving rejections. Many, many rejections. Things are said like,  “It’s really the setting— Vietnam is just not one that romance readers have found appealing…”

I begin drinking. I begin working on another manuscript.

Fall 2008 – Attend the ACFW conference to pitch new story, but still holding out hope for Yesterday’s Tomorrow. – Some promising appointments but no real interest in either story. Publishers begin tightening their belts. Oh, and did I mention while all this is going on, we are building a house, and it’s turned into a nightmare. I begin dreaming about murdering people and wonder if I should switch genres.

March 2009 – The extremely difficult and gut-wrenching decision is made to put Yesterday’s Tomorrow on the shelf. Maybe not forever, but for now. I begin revising my other manuscript and focus on that. My husband decides to take out stock in the local wine store.

Summer 2009 – Still not contracted. While there is hope for the new manuscript, I can’t stop thinking about Yesterday’s Tomorrow. I take it out and look at it again. I wonder, with smaller new publishers cropping up, whether it might still have a chance. Find a couple of small publishers and query them about Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Winter 2009 – Still working on other manuscript to improve it once again before it starts the submission process.

January 2010 – Send off new book to publishers.

Spring 2010 – I’m convinced there may be hope for Yesterday’s Tomorrow, but as I start reading the manuscript again, I realize just how much I’ve learned in the past several years, and just how crappy my writing was three years ago. I decide to seek some more professional advice on the story and this time I enlist the help of Meredith Efken of The Fiction Fix-It Shop.

Late Spring 2010 – Receive an email from one of the small publishers we queried months ago. It seems a glitch in communication has taken place. (dun, dun, dun…) they’ve actually been trying to reach us since November ’09 about Yesterday’s Tomorrow. They want the FULL. No, they didn’t mis-read Vietnam and think the story takes place in Virginia. They know it’s Vietnam. in the ’60′s. During the war.

But I’ve already started working on a re-write!! ANOTHER FREAKIN’ REWRITE!!! We very gratefully, humbly and with much drooling and groveling, (well, okay, that was mostly me. All me), thank them for their interest and promise to have the full new and improved manuscript headed their way just as soon as humanely possible.

I begin drinking. Heavily.  I pray and read the Bible. A lot. And ask others to pray too. And I wonder what God is really up to here or if He’s just messin’ with me.

Summer 2010 - More revisions  A complete, exhaustive re-write of the entire manuscript from start to finish takes place. I am entirely and utterly spent, but elated. But still an unpublished author.

September 2010 – I say goodbye to Yesterday’s Tomorrow and send it off to a magical place called OakTara. I know it’s a now or never situation. I am bereft. Still getting positive comments about my writing and the other manuscript from editors, but no contracts.

October 2010 – Weeks feel like years. I am about to pull out my toenails because I have already pulled out all my hair and chewed off my fingernails. The only person still talking to me is the dog.

October 26th, 2010 – Response from OakTara arrives in my inbox. It’s early afternoon, and no, I haven’t been drinking. The header reads, “We Love Yesterday’s Tomorrow!”

I am a pile of quivering mush. I have a contract. For the book of my heart. The story that grabbed hold four years ago and refused to let go. The story I believe—I know—God gave to me.

March 15th, 2011 – Yesterday’s Tomorrow is released to the world and my dream has come true!!

And the moral of the story today, children?

“Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” Winston Churchill.

Heiress – Let’s Discuss…

I just finished Heiress, (Daughters of Fortune Series #1) by Susan May Warren. If you have not yet read the book, you may want to skip this post, but I’ll try not to give too much away. This isn’t really a review so much as it is a reaction. (And I will try very hard not to make this a rant, but no promises).

Heiress. Wow. I loved the book. I was shocked by the book. I wanted to stand up and applaud after reading the book.

Honestly? My first thought was this: “This is not your grandmother’s Christian Fiction!”

A caveat: I have yet to read a book written by Susan May Warren that I did not enjoy. Susie could write out The Constitution verbatim and I think she’d find a way to give it a new twist and make it interesting. Another caveat: I read the reviews before I read the book. Yeah, I’m one of those people. I do actually find it interesting to see what people think about a book before I read it. I don’t let their thoughts influence me, but when I’m done I usually go back and read the reviews again, if only to agree or disagree inside my head. As it was, most of the reviews for this book were positive.

I’ve been a fan of the big story ever since reading Gone With The WInd. You know the kind I mean – lots of characters, lots of wealth, intrigue, lies and  lots of sex. Well…you know… I do read mainstream fiction and I have to say unfortunately, that comes with the territory. In a Christian novel of course you won’t find the same descriptions, but I venture to say that with the likes of Susan May Warren, Julie Lessman and perhaps other CBA authors I haven’t yet discovered, Christian fiction is taking a bold step forward in giving readers a glimpse into the real world. And yes, if you were a fan of Dynasty, Dallas or any of the old night time soaps, you’ll love Heiress. There is wealth, a ton of it, intrigue, deception and yes, sex, (without getting graphic). Infidelity. Betrayal. It’s all there, penned in such a fashion that you’re sucked into the world of The Gilded Age from the first page.

I’ve visited those Newport Mansions and I can tell you that Susan did an amazing job with her descriptions. The lives and attitudes of the rich and famous were completely believable. As one who has rubbed shoulders with some super snotty fabulously wealthy individuals, I related to these characters. I understood them. Money is their God. End of story.

So here comes the question. How is this Christian fiction? Should it be?

In light of Richard’s thoughts on Friday, I mulled over all this as I read the book. In Yesterday’s Tomorrow, my two main characters sleep together. They’re not married. They even have a child together. Does this mean I can’t call my book Christian fiction? Indeed, I have had at least one reader say so. Does God show up in Yesterday’s Tomorrow? Undoubtedly. Does God show up in Heiress? I believe He does. And keeping in mind that this is Book One in a series, I venture to say that the characters’ spiritual journeys are only just beginning.

Do we honestly believe that sin is an invention of the last century?

If we are going to decry books that dare to throw back the curtain and show readers the real world in all it’s glory, books that give us a taste of the grit and the grime and the complete depravation of the human condition, then I am drawn to conclude that you’d better put your Bible away under lock and key.

Sin has been in existence for as long as man has. Why is a book written today that deals with these things any different than the stories of sin, infidelity, immorality in the Bible? Is God not present in the Bible? Of course He is. Is God present in Christian fiction? If that author is a professed child of God, then yes, I believe He is, whether the author chooses to present Him up close and personal or not. He’s still there.

If we have no sin, we have no need of a Saviour. I’ve said this from the moment I started writing for the inspirational market. Yes, you can savor your sweet little romance all wrapped up neat and tidy in a big pink bow with nary so much as a chaste kiss between characters. Those books exist and they sell well. To Christians. Perhaps I’m generalizing, but I think a book that deals with reality has a far greater chance of speaking to the non-believer than a book where the characters are so good that Jesus doesn’t need to show up.

As an author who also happens to be a Christian, I’m continually faced with the question of why I write. Do I write to merely to entertain my readers, the majority of those being people of like-mindedness in faith or do I write with a hidden agenda, making sure every chapter whacks the reader over the head with the gospel message so that if that person who doesn’t happen to believe in God somehow picks up a copy of my book, they’re darn sure gonna be saved by the end of it.

Puh-lease.

I think what we’re seeing in books like Heiress is a creative balance between entertainment and faith. We’re seeing a new brand of fiction with a faith message. Fiction you can share with your friend who wants nothing to do with God for whatever reason. These books won’t appeal to everyone. There will be some who say it’s too much. Too much reality. And perhaps it is. But personally, I’d rather deal in reality than walk through the world with blinders on, stepping over the things that make me cringe along the way.

So yes, this isn’t your grandmother’s Christian fiction. But maybe it is. Because between you and me, I think our grandmothers knew a lot more than we gave them credit for.

What do you think? Should Christian authors embrace reality in our writing or shy away from it?

Feature Friday! Welcome Author Richard Mabry!

Every Friday I will endeavor to feature a new author. Yes, you can rub shoulders with some of the greatest authors out there today right here, folks! At least I think they’re pretty great. Hope you meet some new friends and find some new books to read!

To kick off our first Feature Friday, I’m excited to have Dr. Richard Mabry as our guest. Richard and I share an agent, and you may also recognize him as the current VP of American Christian Fiction Writers. Richard writes wonderful medical suspense novels. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you need to. He’s a very supportive friend and encourager to many, myself included, in our writing community.

Today, Richard has a few things to share about being an author and how to handle criticism when it comes.

Take it away, Richard!

“My introduction to less-than stellar reviews occurred shortly after the release of my first novel, and brought up the question of labeling fiction as Christian. I’ve seen it with all my novels since then. Sort of like a fire, rekindling itself from coals you thought were dead, it continues to flare up.

Every writer expects criticism of his or her work. It’s part of the human condition. Something I heard years ago has stuck with me through times like these: “I cannot expect to be universally loved and respected.” And that’s a phrase I’ve had to repeat like a mantra since I first read a one-star review of my debut novel, Code Blue. The reviewer’s complaint? It was a “Christian novel.”

Just before the review appeared, Code Blue was made available as a free download as an ebook at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. That’s when several people took advantage of the free download, only to give the book one star because the novel is “Christian fiction.”

I’m prepared to have my writing style criticized. Perhaps the reader doesn’t like medical novels. Perhaps I don’t pack my work with enough suspense. Maybe the characters are one-dimensional. All these are valid criticisms. But I was crushed to have my writing criticized because it was written from a Christian worldview.

My latest novel, Lethal Remedy, has been getting some good reviews so far. But I’m holding my breath until it’s made available as a free download—something publishers do as a marketing tool (not to proselytize readers to Christianity). Undoubtedly, there’ll be criticism because of its Christian content. Go figure.

What is “Christian fiction” anyway? I went back and copied what I said in an interview on Writer Unboxed some time back. I think it’s as good a definition as I can give for my own version of “Christian fiction”:  The primary difference I see is that (these novels) don’t have cursing or explicit sex, and portray a Christian worldview… The books portray characters that are flawed, as we all are, and who struggle with their relationships, both with God and their fellow man…What I’ve frequently said is that the only difference I really see is that these novels are written from a Christian worldview and don’t contain anything I’d hesitate for my mother, wife, or daughter to read.

In the discussion that followed, a couple of people suggested that they wouldn’t have taken advantage of the free download if my novel had been labeled “Christian fiction.” My question, in turn, is whether some novels should be labeled “Smutty fiction” or “Fiction containing lots of cursing.” It just seems silly to me. If I don’t like it, I stop reading. I do the same with a TV program I don’t like. There’s no mystery to discovering what a book’s about. You can usually tell the nature of the book from the blurb (back of the book, or on the website of an online bookseller). Failing that, it’s possible to thumb through the book (in a store) or read excerpts (online at Amazon). Why have labels?

Some people will want to read what I’m comfortable writing, some won’t. But the question remains: Should Christian fiction carry a warning tag, so people who are uncomfortable reading it (and I wonder why that is…hmm) can avoid it? You tell me.”

You can learn more about Richard and his books on his website! 

Thanks for being with us today, Richard.

Have You Ever Waited For Something?

Of course you have! We all have something in our lives, perhaps daily, that we need to wait for.

Writing is all about playing the waiting game isn’t it? If you’d like to read about waiting and learn a bit more about me, please join me over at  The WordServe WaterCooler  today.

And now I’d like to do a bit of a roll call. Since this is a new blog, I’d love to know who’s stopping by. So introduce yourself and answer these questions if you would:

Reader or Writer or Both?

Favorite genre to read/write

Favorite author/s

Do you read exclusively in one market – ABA/CBA – or do you read from both.

If you’re a wrier, what are you working on right now?
And finally, what’s on your reading list a the moment?

A bit of housekeeping – on Fridays, as I stated, I’d love to feature our CBA authors. If you are an author and you’d like to be featured here on a Friday, please let me know!!

Happy Reading and Writing!

Check back on Friday for a visit with author Richard Mabry!

What’s On Your Christmas List?

Incase you need reminding, Christmas is just around the corner! I hope you’re excited, because I sure am. It is without a doubt, my favorite holiday of all. I’ve started decorating and we’ll probably get the tree up this week. My kids won’t be home until right before Christmas this year, so we’ll see if I can hold off on the tree decorating since they want us to decorate together, like always, but I may have to put at least a few ornaments up!

So, in light of the season which also means the giving of presents, I’m curious to know if you’ve purchased any books for anyone? Although I’m a confessed e-reader, I still LOVE the feel of a book in my hand. I love looking at the covers, flipping through the pages, and yeah, I even love the smell. E-books are convenient, but the real deal just can’t be beat. I have a pile of books sitting on my kitchen table right now. None of them are for me, but you can bet I’ve enjoyed looking through them. I miss the children’s Christmas books though. My kids used to bring home a big pile of Scholastic books around this time, and there were always a few awesome Christmas stories on the pile. In fact, I still have all our favorites and I put them out every year, even though my kids are no longer little. Here are just a few of the books you’ll find us reading again and again each Christmas!

 

But I’m especially tickled this year knowing that my book is out there too, and maybe it will find it’s way under somebody’s Christmas tree!

What about you? Do you have a collection of favorite Christmas books? Are you buying books as gifts? Tell us about it. What books do you love to give this time of year? Any books on your wish list for Santa?

Ho, ho, ho, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Program

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not exceptionally gifted in the area of organization. The fact that I’ve actually managed to come up with a focussed blog is nothing short of a miracle. However, I’ve realized that I also need to narrow down the focus. Blogging about books all the time might be fun, but I’m not sure I could keep up with myself. So in the spirit of forcing myself to become more organized, I’ve decided to try out the following schedule for this new blog, starting Monday, December 5th.

Mondays – Book Buzz – We’ll talk about books, what you’re reading, loving, hating. All things books will be blogged about here on Mondays.

Wednesdays – Write This Way – If you love reading, I figure you might have some interest in writing too. I could be wrong, it happens. But here we go. On Wednesdays we’ll talk about writing. How to, how not to, what’s a writer to do, the ins and outs and ups and downs of a writer’s life.

Fridays - Author Authority – Since I’m an author, I happen to think we’re pretty  cool people. On Fridays I’d like to feature my author friends and their books. If you want in on this, let me know!

So how does that sound? Remember, this is a work in progress. I’d love your suggestions or thoughts on future posts.

Join the conversation!