The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins is a well-written sequel to The Brotherhood. In my opinion, this book was even more fast-paced than the first.
I'm pretty sure I heard that Jenkins is a "pantser" (as in writing by the seat of your pants) when it comes to plotting. As someone who utilizes outlines, I was impressed by how he tied the various subplots of the two stories together (things were set in motion in the first book that really fit and connected with the second). Jenkins also did a good job of interspersing narrative with dialogue.
Men and women of all ages who enjoy a quick read should like this novel (suspense action, romance--it's all in there). In this book, as well as in most of his other stories, Jenkins provides backstory, so conceivably, each story can stand alone. Still, I'd suggest reading the first book because it gives you greater insight into the main character, Boone Drake.
In this sequel, Boone faces a new set of challenges (as if he hadn't already been through the wringer in the first book). Haeley is in trouble, and there are hints of a dirty cop or two on the force. In a race against time, Boone must collect evidence to find out the truth, even if it hurts.
*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Review of Deception
A mysterious phone call from a little girl sends Patti Jakowski packing and on a flight out of town. Soon after, with the help of a friendly cop, Patti sets out to find her missing twin sister. A dangerous game of deception ensues.
Deception truly is the perfect title for this fast-paced romantic suspense novel written by Lillian Duncan and published by Harbourlight Books. A quick read, it was hard to put the book down.
Lillian did a good job of describing the scenes, and there were several settings in this story. Having lived in each of the states mentioned, it made the story all the more interesting.
This novel should appeal to women of all ages and men who like to read suspense with a touch of romance.
This book is available from Pelican Book Group on 12/30/2011.
*Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
This book is also available on Amazon.
**The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
This book is also available on Amazon.
**The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Review of The Joshua Covenant
Are your favorite movies and TV shows military themed, or do you enjoy reading spy novels? If so, then you might enjoy reading The Joshua Covenant, published by Micah House Media and written by David and Diane Munson. David is a former NCIS agent, and Diane is a former Federal Prosecutor.
The Joshua Covenant centers around the life of CIA agent Bo Rider and his quest to stop a dangerous and powerful mole. Not only is Bo’s life at stake, but the lives of those he cares about. As he races to stop the mole, Bo must face a myriad of obstacles, both internal and external, including a secret from his past.
Though the Munsons have written other books about Bo Rider, readers could pick this book up and follow it without having read the others. The authors did a good job of making the story seem believable.
If you’d like to watch the book trailer, please visit http://www.dianeanddavidmunson.com/books/joshua-covenant.shtml
*Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
**The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
The Joshua Covenant centers around the life of CIA agent Bo Rider and his quest to stop a dangerous and powerful mole. Not only is Bo’s life at stake, but the lives of those he cares about. As he races to stop the mole, Bo must face a myriad of obstacles, both internal and external, including a secret from his past.
Though the Munsons have written other books about Bo Rider, readers could pick this book up and follow it without having read the others. The authors did a good job of making the story seem believable.
If you’d like to watch the book trailer, please visit http://www.dianeanddavidmunson.com/books/joshua-covenant.shtml
*Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
**The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My Story
Sometimes, we discuss fictional stories.
But if you'd like to read about a true story, that is "my story," as is my personal testimony, please hop over to Anne Baxter's blog, A Pew Perspective.
But if you'd like to read about a true story, that is "my story," as is my personal testimony, please hop over to Anne Baxter's blog, A Pew Perspective.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Interview with Barbara Early
PLEASE TELL ME A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOURSELF
I have a degree in Engineering--which I never really used. After college, I was attracted to Christian service. I worked in a Christian school office for a while. Later, I taught at another fledgling school. At first I taught English because that was what was needed. I was fairly literate, so I figured, “How hard can it be?” Well, the program was pretty advanced and it was a stretch for me. I was learning advanced grammar the night before I had to teach it. (Now I see that God had a plan in that.) But when they needed someone for science, I stepped into that a little more comfortably. Later I homeschooled my daughter through high school. When I'm not writing, I’m on Facebook way too much. I also like to play Scrabble and other games--both online and in person. I enjoy old movie musicals. I enjoy cooking and baking. Cleaning, not so much. But I do it anyway.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
I was a late bloomer. I'm awed by writers who say they wanted to be a writer ever since they could read. For me, when my daughter went to college and I was done homeschooling, it left a time void. I began to play with fiction. And I do mean "play." I wrote some fan fiction, and fell in love with writing. From there, I worked on craft, and after a few hundred thousand words of practice fiction, worked on something original. Perhaps because it began with play, it took me such a long time to call myself a writer.
WHAT AUTHORS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
I think any book you read influences your style in some way--which is why it's important to read good books and to read critically. The authors who have probably had the most influence on my style are Donna Andrews, Rhys Bowen, and Anne Perry.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RECENT RELEASE.
Gold, Frankincense, and Murder is a holiday novella--or novelette, I guess they're calling it. It's a pairing of a cozy mystery and a romance. Donna Russell, the protagonist, is a smart, slightly older heroine. Romance has passed her by as she's pursued her career as geometry teacher. She meets a nice guy volunteering at the local food bank. They become friends, and just when Donna is wondering if they could be more than friends, he disappears. When she starts looking for him, she meets his neighbor, Sam. Sam is a muscle-bound EMT and a friend of the missing man, and he tries to help her look--not that Donna wants his help. At least at first.
AS A CHRISTIAN AUTHOR, HOW DO YOU VIEW WRITING AS A MINISTRY?
I believe all writing is teaching. Whether it's a parable, an allegory, a highly thematic novel, or just pure entertainment, everything we read teaches us something--and stays with us to some degree. That's a huge responsibility for all writers.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN RESEARCH BEFORE YOU WRITE A STORY?
Research for a mystery writer is a little different. While many of my friends who write historical fiction really immerse themselves into their respective time periods, I try to learn as much as possible about police procedure, forensics, and crime. I've been to a writers police academy, toured a morgue and jails, and attended a number of workshops about how detectives really work. And I have a retired police investigator in my critique group. I really think it's good to get those details right, as much as possible. Other than that, I tend to research as I go along. A scene I wrote last week involved a circuit court judge, so my research involved lots of Googling, and then reading transcripts and even streaming some proceedings. With all the tools available to us these days, there's really not much excuse for not doing the research.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
Study craft, and then get feedback. Join (or start) a critique group. Go to conferences. Enter contests, especially when you get a detailed critique in the process. And when you get the coveted feedback, learn how to evaluate it. Writing is subjective. You will get some advice that just doesn't work for you. And you will get advice that does work, but it may not be what you want to hear. Learn how to accept it all graciously and glean from the criticism of others. It takes humility and wisdom, but yields fantastic results. Oh, and that doesn't stop once you've been published.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR RESEARCH?
How to kill someone with a large, inflatable advertising balloon. Enough said.
HOW CAN READERS CONTACT YOU AND/OR LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WRITING?
Probably the best way is through my web site: www.barbaraearly.com.
Thanks so much for having me!
Barbara's novelette is available from Pelican Book Group on December 1st.
I have a degree in Engineering--which I never really used. After college, I was attracted to Christian service. I worked in a Christian school office for a while. Later, I taught at another fledgling school. At first I taught English because that was what was needed. I was fairly literate, so I figured, “How hard can it be?” Well, the program was pretty advanced and it was a stretch for me. I was learning advanced grammar the night before I had to teach it. (Now I see that God had a plan in that.) But when they needed someone for science, I stepped into that a little more comfortably. Later I homeschooled my daughter through high school. When I'm not writing, I’m on Facebook way too much. I also like to play Scrabble and other games--both online and in person. I enjoy old movie musicals. I enjoy cooking and baking. Cleaning, not so much. But I do it anyway.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
I was a late bloomer. I'm awed by writers who say they wanted to be a writer ever since they could read. For me, when my daughter went to college and I was done homeschooling, it left a time void. I began to play with fiction. And I do mean "play." I wrote some fan fiction, and fell in love with writing. From there, I worked on craft, and after a few hundred thousand words of practice fiction, worked on something original. Perhaps because it began with play, it took me such a long time to call myself a writer.
WHAT AUTHORS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
I think any book you read influences your style in some way--which is why it's important to read good books and to read critically. The authors who have probably had the most influence on my style are Donna Andrews, Rhys Bowen, and Anne Perry.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RECENT RELEASE.
Gold, Frankincense, and Murder is a holiday novella--or novelette, I guess they're calling it. It's a pairing of a cozy mystery and a romance. Donna Russell, the protagonist, is a smart, slightly older heroine. Romance has passed her by as she's pursued her career as geometry teacher. She meets a nice guy volunteering at the local food bank. They become friends, and just when Donna is wondering if they could be more than friends, he disappears. When she starts looking for him, she meets his neighbor, Sam. Sam is a muscle-bound EMT and a friend of the missing man, and he tries to help her look--not that Donna wants his help. At least at first.
AS A CHRISTIAN AUTHOR, HOW DO YOU VIEW WRITING AS A MINISTRY?
I believe all writing is teaching. Whether it's a parable, an allegory, a highly thematic novel, or just pure entertainment, everything we read teaches us something--and stays with us to some degree. That's a huge responsibility for all writers.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN RESEARCH BEFORE YOU WRITE A STORY?
Research for a mystery writer is a little different. While many of my friends who write historical fiction really immerse themselves into their respective time periods, I try to learn as much as possible about police procedure, forensics, and crime. I've been to a writers police academy, toured a morgue and jails, and attended a number of workshops about how detectives really work. And I have a retired police investigator in my critique group. I really think it's good to get those details right, as much as possible. Other than that, I tend to research as I go along. A scene I wrote last week involved a circuit court judge, so my research involved lots of Googling, and then reading transcripts and even streaming some proceedings. With all the tools available to us these days, there's really not much excuse for not doing the research.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
Study craft, and then get feedback. Join (or start) a critique group. Go to conferences. Enter contests, especially when you get a detailed critique in the process. And when you get the coveted feedback, learn how to evaluate it. Writing is subjective. You will get some advice that just doesn't work for you. And you will get advice that does work, but it may not be what you want to hear. Learn how to accept it all graciously and glean from the criticism of others. It takes humility and wisdom, but yields fantastic results. Oh, and that doesn't stop once you've been published.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR RESEARCH?
How to kill someone with a large, inflatable advertising balloon. Enough said.
HOW CAN READERS CONTACT YOU AND/OR LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WRITING?
Probably the best way is through my web site: www.barbaraearly.com.
Thanks so much for having me!
Barbara's novelette is available from Pelican Book Group on December 1st.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Winner of Thanksgiving Book Giveaway
Congrats to Katie McCurdy. She is the winner of the book giveaway.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :)
Friday, November 4, 2011
Book Giveaway
The Joshua Covenant...
"This international and political thriller is set partially in Israel as CIA agent Bo Rider takes his wife and family to serve in a diplomatic role at the U.S. Embassy. Biblical prophecy collides with Middle East conflict when Bo battles hidden enemies, challenging his loyalty. Will he survive the greatest threat ever to his family, his career, and his life?"
Would you like a signed paperback copy of The Joshua Covenant?
It's easy.
Between now and November 23rd, post a comment telling us what you're thankful for, for a chance to win this book. You may enter daily. One entry per day.
Random entry drawing to be held on November 23rd.
Open to U.S. residents only.
"This international and political thriller is set partially in Israel as CIA agent Bo Rider takes his wife and family to serve in a diplomatic role at the U.S. Embassy. Biblical prophecy collides with Middle East conflict when Bo battles hidden enemies, challenging his loyalty. Will he survive the greatest threat ever to his family, his career, and his life?"
Would you like a signed paperback copy of The Joshua Covenant?
It's easy.
Between now and November 23rd, post a comment telling us what you're thankful for, for a chance to win this book. You may enter daily. One entry per day.
Random entry drawing to be held on November 23rd.
Open to U.S. residents only.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Review of The Brotherhood--A Precinct 11 Novel
In a fiction writing class, I learned that plot is different from story. Plot is more the physical sequence of events that take place in a novel, while story is more the emotional journey that characters travel. The Brotherhood, published by Tyndale and written by Jerry B. Jenkins, contains a plot that is engaging, but the story is what really hooked me. From the start, I cared about the characters.
If your life is rosy, you may not feel as much for the characters in this story, but for anyone who has ever experienced loss or dealt with grief, this book is for you. The novel follows the life of Chicago police officer Boone Drake--an exciting tale of cops and gangs, of death and love--this story will appeal to men and women alike. To sum it up in two words, this book is “real” and “hopeful.” The main character’s life is messy, not perfect--the kind of people I like to read about.
The cover mentions that this is a Precinct 11 novel. I sure hope that means Jenkins plans to make this a series, because I finished the last page, satisfied with the ending, yet wanting more.
The book is available in paperback, hardcover, audio formats, and Kindle. Hurry, Kindle users, right now, the Kindle version appears to be free on Amazon! :)
The book is available in paperback, hardcover, audio formats, and Kindle. Hurry, Kindle users, right now, the Kindle version appears to be free on Amazon! :)
*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Interview with Irene Hannon
I recently shared how much I enjoyed reading Deadly Pursuit. Join us today as we talk to Irene Hannon.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hmm…where to begin? I could talk about some of the fun stuff I’ve done—like attending the monkey dance in the moonlit jungle on Bali, or gliding over the Alaskan glaciers in a float plane at sunset, or winging down to the Caribbean for lunch on a cruise ship with the CEO and chairman of the board of a Fortune 500 company—but I’ll stick to the basics! I have a B.A. in psychology and a master’s in journalism. I worked for the aforementioned Fortune 500 company for 20+ years in corporate communications, writing fiction on the side. After rising to the executive ranks…and finding myself on call 24/7…I left the corporate world a few years ago to write full time—and never looked back. I’m also married to my very own romantic hero!
When and why did you begin writing?
I can’t remember ever not being a writer. I really believe people are born writers. It’s a gift, just like any other talent. I did toy with the idea of becoming a psychologist, but in the end, writing won out. However, my psychology degree is a great background for writing about relationships—a key ingredient in romantic fiction! As for when I officially began writing—I was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine at the age of 10, and I’ve always considered that my “professional” debut!
Your current series, Guardians of Justice launched in January with Fatal Judgment and you’ve just released Book 2, Deadly Pursuit. Tell us about the series and this book in particular.
Guardians of Justice features three siblings bound by blood and a passion for justice. I’ve loved writing about the two macho, overprotective big brothers and their very independent sister. Zingers fly—yet you’ll never meet a more loyal bunch. Capturing the sassy-but-loving dynamic in the Taylor family has been a blast.
Here’s a quick recap of Deadly Pursuit: Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor’s attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements—her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.
Reviews have been very flattering, including one from Booklist that said Deadly Pursuit has “compelling characters and an emotionally engaging plot powered by a surfeit of nail-biting suspense.” Can’t do much better than that!
Do readers have to read the first book in the series to follow the story in this one?
Absolutely not. I never carry plot threads from book to book. The stories do occur in chronological order, so it’s fun for readers to follow along, but each book can be read as a stand-alone, single-title novel.
How many books have you written?
Deadly Pursuit is my 5th suspense novel (with five more in the pipeline), but it’s actually my 37th published book. I also write contemporary romance.
Why did you expand into romantic suspense two years ago?
Blame it on Nancy Drew! I fell in love with those books as a young girl. In fact, my very first novel (really more of a novella) was in that genre—but it was terrible, so I consigned it to the deepest, darkest corner of my closet where it shall forever remain. I just didn’t have the law enforcement background to do justice to that kind of story, and twenty-plus years ago there was no internet. I didn’t have any connections to the military or law enforcement, either, which is absolutely essential if you want to write credible suspense involving either.
I take it your suspense books require a lot of research?
Tons. Only a fraction of that research actually makes it into the book, but it forms the foundation for the story and gives it the extra ring of authenticity that readers and reviewers have appreciated. For a suspense book, I generally end up with 75-100 single-spaced pages of research notes and website links. I also rely very, very heavily on authoritative sources—true experts in their fields—to ensure that every situation in my stories reflects real-life protocols. I’ve worked with FBI agents, U.S. marshals, police detectives, private investigators, academics, paramedics, doctors, nurses, police officers…the list goes on. I also enrolled in our local citizens police academy, which was fascinating.
Has branching out into suspense worked out well for you?
It’s been amazing. Every suspense book so far has hit the bestseller list, and the books in my debut Heroes of Quantico series have done very well in the awards department. Against All Odds won a Daphne du Maurier and an RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice award. Book 2, An Eye for An Eye, was a RITA award finalist. And the last book in the series, In Harm’s Way, just won a RITA award last summer. All the suspense novels are also being made into audio books. It’s been a thrilling ride!
So what’s next?
The final book in the Guardians of Justice series, Lethal Legacy, is now in production. That will be released next summer. And I’m hard at work on a new series that features three ex-law enforcement operatives who join forces to form a private investigation firm. Without giving too much away, I can say they handle some very interesting cases that fall between the cracks of official law enforcement.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
I did an article on the road to publication not long ago. Here’s the link to a copy of it on my website: http://www.irenehannon.com/extras.html. But first and foremost--don’t give up your day job until you’re well established and selling consistently!
Your website mentions that you love to perform in community musical theater productions. Do you your experiences in theater have been beneficial to your writing?
I think they’re very complimentary. Stage work has given me a better understanding of the nuances of language, inflection and gestures, which helps me create realistic dialogue. And playing different roles requires me get into the mindset of a variety of characters, which is a plus as I develop my own characters. Theater experience comes into play with pacing, too, because there’s no inner narrative in stage work—everything is communicated by action and dialogue. Seeing how that’s done—and living it—helps me keep the action moving in my stories.
Any final thoughts?
For those who’d like to keep up with my latest news, I invite you to follow me on Twitter. You can sign up at my website, www.irenehannon.com, where I also post news updates as well as info on all my books.
Thanks for joining us today, Irene!
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA awards (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier award and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Her website is www.irenehannon.com.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Deadly Pursuit
Deadly Pursuit begins with a phone call from a heavy breather and the suspense climbs from there.
Alison Taylor is a social worker devoted to protecting children. Soon she becomes the one who needs protection as her life becomes endangered.
Her detective brother, Cole Taylor, and his new partner, Mitch Morgan, come to her rescue.
Mitch is an ex-Navy SEAL who has no intention of falling in love, but Alison captures his heart.
As Alison's stalker increases the threats her romance with Mitch grows.
Irene Hannon weaves together a good story of suspense and romance.
I'm sure by the time you finish this book you won't be disappointed.
*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
Alison Taylor is a social worker devoted to protecting children. Soon she becomes the one who needs protection as her life becomes endangered.
Her detective brother, Cole Taylor, and his new partner, Mitch Morgan, come to her rescue.
Mitch is an ex-Navy SEAL who has no intention of falling in love, but Alison captures his heart.
As Alison's stalker increases the threats her romance with Mitch grows.
Irene Hannon weaves together a good story of suspense and romance.
I'm sure by the time you finish this book you won't be disappointed.
*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Board to Death Book Promotion--Authors are Giving Away Eight Copies!
To celebrate the release of Board to Death, a book of mystery novellas written by Amy Barkman, Debbie Roome, and Tracy Ruckman, the authors are giving away eight digital versions of the book. You'll find more information on Tracy's Web site.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Interview with Amy Barkman, Debbie Roome, and Tracy Ruckman
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR LATEST RELEASE?
Board to Death is a trio of mystery novellas centered on a theme of board games. Amy Barkman (AB) wrote Victim, Debbie Roome (DR) wrote Mind Games, and I, Tracy Ruckman (TR), wrote Sentenced. It is Christian fiction, and our stories could be called “cozy mysteries” – clean, wholesome fun. It is published by Write Integrity Press.
DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING IN YOUR RESEARCH THAT SURPRISED YOU?
AB: Yes, something surprised me, not in the research itself but in the writing. For the first time ever I got a hint of how God must feel - I created these characters, and then they surprised me by taking over their own lives and doing things I didn’t plan for them!
DR: I interviewed a policeman and learnt that a body may be left at a crime scene for two days or more while they conduct their investigation.
TR: Ewww, Debbie. I'm going to have to check into that here now, to see if that happens here. I sure hope not! Actually, I learned something specific during my research too, but I can’t share it. It's a spoiler! LOL!
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU’RE NOT WRITING?
AB: I love to read, travel, and study, but I’m in full time ministry, so there’s not a lot of extra time after ministry work and writing. But since writing is pure joy to me, that’s okay.
DR: I read a lot, travel extensively around New Zealand, and am involved in my church worship team. I play piano mostly but also guitar and bass guitar. I also enjoy riding quad bikes on the beach with my husband and dog.
TR: I’m currently a fulltime student, and publisher of two companies, so there’s not much time when I’m not writing or editing something. But other than school and work, I like to cook, travel. I love exploring new things – in person or online, so I’m always into something. I think I'm going to have to plan a trip to New Zealand pretty soon!
HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
AB: My mid-grade novel, Which Witch?, releases later this month, and my non-fiction book, Everyday Spiritual Warfare, came out in September. In addition to these, and Victim, I've completed a full-length mystery, a full-length women’s fiction, and a children’s historical fiction (1987). I've also written one musical play, which was produced in 2009, and several short stories. I’m in the process of writing another mid-grade book, another nonfiction, another mystery, and in the planning stages of a second novella (for Hands of Death, the second book in The Dangerous Games Series).
DR: I wrote the history of our church by going through record books dating back to the early 1950s. My novel, Embracing Change, took first place in the Rose & Crown novel writing competition in 2009. Magnitude 7.1 & 6.3, releasing this month, is my story of the Christchurch earthquakes and includes contributions from 40 other writers. I also have stories published in over a dozen anthologies.
TR: I’ve completed two full-length novels, one novella, one full-length script, one short script, and have two novels in progress. One or both of those may also be turned into a script – but we’ll see. One of the novels in progress should be completed by the first of the year, and the next book in the Dangerous Games Series will be released early next summer.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
AB: Don’t give up, even if you have to lay your dreams and your books on the shelf for a while. Keep believing in their message and ability to enrich people’s life, and their time will come.
DR: Writing is a way of life. Everything I see and experience has potential to end up in a story one day. Try carrying a notebook wherever you go and write down flashes of inspiration. Remember also that you can learn to write on demand. You don’t have to wait for an entire story to fall into your mind. It may come bit by bit.
TR: Write every day. Even if it’s only 100-500 words, write something. Make it a routine so that writing becomes a natural habit. Realize and admit that your writing now will not, hopefully, be as good as your writing in five or ten years - you will grow, improve, and discover your voice. Keep writing, keep improving, keep submitting your stories.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START WRITING?/WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
AB: I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be a writer, actually I can’t remember when I wasn’t a writer. I’ve written poetry, booklets, humor columns for a newspaper, won several short fiction contests, devotionals for radio, skits for live performances. I wrote regulations and forms for state government, sermons, radio shows, workshop materials, retreat materials. It seems that no matter what situation I’ve found myself in, writing was part of my lifework.
DR: I wrote my first ‘book’ when I was six. It was about a pixie named Agarel and filled a spiral bound notebook. I sold my first story to the children’s section of a major Johannesburg newspaper when I was eight. At school I won many awards and certificates for poetry and creative writing and went on to do freelance work for newspapers and magazines in Zimbabwe and South Africa. I moved to New Zealand in 2006 and determined to make writing my full time career. I write everyday and have never been more fulfilled.
TR: Back in the 80s, I sent a letter to the editor of a Christian women's magazine. A year later, I got a letter from the editor, apologizing for the delay, and offering me money to publish my words as an article rather than as a letter. That started a lifelong pursuit of publication, even though I was part-time for many years. I wrote fulltime for a few years in-between, and have published hundreds of articles in newspapers, magazines, and online markets. In 2009, one of my stories was published in the Christmas Miracles book. This summer, I started writing fulltime again.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS?
AB: Agatha Christie - all her mysteries and novels, I love cozy mysteries. Kate Kingsbury’s Pennyfoot Hotel series keep me laughing. C.S. Lewis: I’ve read The Chronicles of Narnia at least twelve times each, his space trilogy four or five times each, The Great Divorce, Til We Have Faces, and Mere Christianity at least four times each and all his other books once. Rosamunde Pilcher’s The Shell Seekers and Coming Home, also re-read. Elizabeth Goudge’s The Scent of Water - read at least ten times. Virginia Smith’s Just As I Am and the sequel Sincerely Mayla, The Sister-to Sister trilogy along with all her other books and her new books co-written with Lori Copeland, especially Lost Melody. Ann Gabhart’s Holly Hill and Shaker series, Angel Sister and her other books. Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
DR: I read widely, but current favorites are Richard Paul Evans, John Grisham, and Nicholas Sparks. I like some of Ted Dekker’s books and also enjoy Robin Cook’s medical thrillers.
TR: Both Amy's and Debbie's lists prove my own point - there are just too many good authors, too many good books to name, so I change my mind about favorites frequently! With school, I'm spending most of my reading time in textbooks. My absolute favorite right now is the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, by Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid. Yes, I'm one of those people who love reading dictionaries and encyclopedias - I started that when I was a little girl!
OUR WEB SITES:
http://www.AmyBarkman.com
http://www.DebbieRoome.com
http://www.TracyRuckman.com
You can find all of us on Facebook too - we'd love to meet you there.
Baby Boomers Polly Nichols, Lindsay Wilson, and Gretchen Anderson may live worlds apart, but they have one common hobby – a penchant for board games.
Polly’s serene Kentucky campground turns sinister when the manager is a VICTIM of murder.
In New Zealand, Lindsay’s life is turned upside down when MIND GAMES and evidence drag her into a murder case - as a suspect.
At the Kettle’s On Campground in Georgia, Gretchen matches wits with a murderous wordsmith intent on winning the latest game of SENTENCED.
You’ll love the games, the characters, and the stories – and we promise, you won’t be BOARD TO DEATH!
Board to Death is a trio of mystery novellas centered on a theme of board games. Amy Barkman (AB) wrote Victim, Debbie Roome (DR) wrote Mind Games, and I, Tracy Ruckman (TR), wrote Sentenced. It is Christian fiction, and our stories could be called “cozy mysteries” – clean, wholesome fun. It is published by Write Integrity Press.
DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING IN YOUR RESEARCH THAT SURPRISED YOU?
AB: Yes, something surprised me, not in the research itself but in the writing. For the first time ever I got a hint of how God must feel - I created these characters, and then they surprised me by taking over their own lives and doing things I didn’t plan for them!
DR: I interviewed a policeman and learnt that a body may be left at a crime scene for two days or more while they conduct their investigation.
TR: Ewww, Debbie. I'm going to have to check into that here now, to see if that happens here. I sure hope not! Actually, I learned something specific during my research too, but I can’t share it. It's a spoiler! LOL!
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU’RE NOT WRITING?
AB: I love to read, travel, and study, but I’m in full time ministry, so there’s not a lot of extra time after ministry work and writing. But since writing is pure joy to me, that’s okay.
DR: I read a lot, travel extensively around New Zealand, and am involved in my church worship team. I play piano mostly but also guitar and bass guitar. I also enjoy riding quad bikes on the beach with my husband and dog.
TR: I’m currently a fulltime student, and publisher of two companies, so there’s not much time when I’m not writing or editing something. But other than school and work, I like to cook, travel. I love exploring new things – in person or online, so I’m always into something. I think I'm going to have to plan a trip to New Zealand pretty soon!
HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
AB: My mid-grade novel, Which Witch?, releases later this month, and my non-fiction book, Everyday Spiritual Warfare, came out in September. In addition to these, and Victim, I've completed a full-length mystery, a full-length women’s fiction, and a children’s historical fiction (1987). I've also written one musical play, which was produced in 2009, and several short stories. I’m in the process of writing another mid-grade book, another nonfiction, another mystery, and in the planning stages of a second novella (for Hands of Death, the second book in The Dangerous Games Series).
DR: I wrote the history of our church by going through record books dating back to the early 1950s. My novel, Embracing Change, took first place in the Rose & Crown novel writing competition in 2009. Magnitude 7.1 & 6.3, releasing this month, is my story of the Christchurch earthquakes and includes contributions from 40 other writers. I also have stories published in over a dozen anthologies.
TR: I’ve completed two full-length novels, one novella, one full-length script, one short script, and have two novels in progress. One or both of those may also be turned into a script – but we’ll see. One of the novels in progress should be completed by the first of the year, and the next book in the Dangerous Games Series will be released early next summer.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
AB: Don’t give up, even if you have to lay your dreams and your books on the shelf for a while. Keep believing in their message and ability to enrich people’s life, and their time will come.
DR: Writing is a way of life. Everything I see and experience has potential to end up in a story one day. Try carrying a notebook wherever you go and write down flashes of inspiration. Remember also that you can learn to write on demand. You don’t have to wait for an entire story to fall into your mind. It may come bit by bit.
TR: Write every day. Even if it’s only 100-500 words, write something. Make it a routine so that writing becomes a natural habit. Realize and admit that your writing now will not, hopefully, be as good as your writing in five or ten years - you will grow, improve, and discover your voice. Keep writing, keep improving, keep submitting your stories.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START WRITING?/WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
AB: I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be a writer, actually I can’t remember when I wasn’t a writer. I’ve written poetry, booklets, humor columns for a newspaper, won several short fiction contests, devotionals for radio, skits for live performances. I wrote regulations and forms for state government, sermons, radio shows, workshop materials, retreat materials. It seems that no matter what situation I’ve found myself in, writing was part of my lifework.
DR: I wrote my first ‘book’ when I was six. It was about a pixie named Agarel and filled a spiral bound notebook. I sold my first story to the children’s section of a major Johannesburg newspaper when I was eight. At school I won many awards and certificates for poetry and creative writing and went on to do freelance work for newspapers and magazines in Zimbabwe and South Africa. I moved to New Zealand in 2006 and determined to make writing my full time career. I write everyday and have never been more fulfilled.
TR: Back in the 80s, I sent a letter to the editor of a Christian women's magazine. A year later, I got a letter from the editor, apologizing for the delay, and offering me money to publish my words as an article rather than as a letter. That started a lifelong pursuit of publication, even though I was part-time for many years. I wrote fulltime for a few years in-between, and have published hundreds of articles in newspapers, magazines, and online markets. In 2009, one of my stories was published in the Christmas Miracles book. This summer, I started writing fulltime again.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS?
AB: Agatha Christie - all her mysteries and novels, I love cozy mysteries. Kate Kingsbury’s Pennyfoot Hotel series keep me laughing. C.S. Lewis: I’ve read The Chronicles of Narnia at least twelve times each, his space trilogy four or five times each, The Great Divorce, Til We Have Faces, and Mere Christianity at least four times each and all his other books once. Rosamunde Pilcher’s The Shell Seekers and Coming Home, also re-read. Elizabeth Goudge’s The Scent of Water - read at least ten times. Virginia Smith’s Just As I Am and the sequel Sincerely Mayla, The Sister-to Sister trilogy along with all her other books and her new books co-written with Lori Copeland, especially Lost Melody. Ann Gabhart’s Holly Hill and Shaker series, Angel Sister and her other books. Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
DR: I read widely, but current favorites are Richard Paul Evans, John Grisham, and Nicholas Sparks. I like some of Ted Dekker’s books and also enjoy Robin Cook’s medical thrillers.
TR: Both Amy's and Debbie's lists prove my own point - there are just too many good authors, too many good books to name, so I change my mind about favorites frequently! With school, I'm spending most of my reading time in textbooks. My absolute favorite right now is the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, by Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid. Yes, I'm one of those people who love reading dictionaries and encyclopedias - I started that when I was a little girl!
OUR WEB SITES:
http://www.AmyBarkman.com
http://www.DebbieRoome.com
http://www.TracyRuckman.com
You can find all of us on Facebook too - we'd love to meet you there.
Baby Boomers Polly Nichols, Lindsay Wilson, and Gretchen Anderson may live worlds apart, but they have one common hobby – a penchant for board games.
Polly’s serene Kentucky campground turns sinister when the manager is a VICTIM of murder.
In New Zealand, Lindsay’s life is turned upside down when MIND GAMES and evidence drag her into a murder case - as a suspect.
At the Kettle’s On Campground in Georgia, Gretchen matches wits with a murderous wordsmith intent on winning the latest game of SENTENCED.
You’ll love the games, the characters, and the stories – and we promise, you won’t be BOARD TO DEATH!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Flash Fiction Contest
HIS Writers is holding a flash fiction writing contest.
First Prize--$50
Second Prize--$25
Third Prize--$10
Fourth and Fifth Prize--Honorable Mention
$10.00 submission fee per entry
The contest closes on October 15th.
For complete information, please visit:
http://hiswriters.acfwcolorado.com/flashfiction.php
First Prize--$50
Second Prize--$25
Third Prize--$10
Fourth and Fifth Prize--Honorable Mention
$10.00 submission fee per entry
The contest closes on October 15th.
For complete information, please visit:
http://hiswriters.acfwcolorado.com/flashfiction.php
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