Wisconsin Children's Book Festival

Wisconsin Authors, Illustrators Round Out Slate for Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival Oct. 12-14

The three-day festival features dozens of opportunities for book lovers of all ages to meet favorite authors and illustrators and attend readings, demonstrations, writing and poetry workshops, art-making sessions with illustrators, book signings and more.

Joining this year’s stellar slate of national and local authors and illustrators are:

• Jacqueline Houtman, author of The Reinvention of Edison Thomas, a Read On Wisconsin! pick and a book which one reviewer said “deserves a place on every elementary and middle school shelf” (Library Media Connection.) The Theater for Young Audiences in Sheboygan presented the world premiere of the stage version of The Reinvention of Edison Thomas in October, 2011. Ms. Houtman lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

• Ilsa J. Bick is a former child psychiatrist and the author of popular and award-winning novels for young adults (Draw the Dark, Ashes, Drowning Instinct) whose books have been praised for their pacing, action, and suspense and who “writes about dysfunction with a professional’s insight” (Booklist.) Ms. Bick lives in Kohler, Wisconsin.

• Lisa Albert has written biographies of Stephanie Meyer and Lois Lowry for the Authors Teens Love series and she is the author of the novel Mercy Lily, called “affecting and thought-provoking” by Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA.) Ms. Albert lives in Muskego, Wisconsin.

• Rebecca and Madelyn Spindler are the mother/daughter writing team and co-authors of the middle-grade book series, Tale of Two Sisters (Sarah Jane Is a Pain, Life According to Liz) featuring eleven-year-old Liz McCormick, a tomboy growing up on her family’s farm in the rolling hills of Wisconsin. Madelyn Spindler was eleven years old when she began writing the first book in the series with her mother, Rebecca. The Spindlers live in Madison, Wisconsin.

Previously announced authors and illustrators of acclaimed books for children and teens are Steven Kellogg (The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash, Pinkerton, Behave!), Sarah Weeks (Pie, Crocodile Smile), Nina Crews (The Neighborhood Mother Goose, One Hot Summer Day), Dan Yaccarino (Trashy Town, All the Way to America), Edward Hemingway (Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship; Bump in the Night), Brian Lies (Bats at the Beach, More), W.H. Beck (Malcolm at Midnight), Liz Garton Scanlon (All the World, A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes) and James Kennedy (The Order of Odd Fish.)

Kennedy will bring a special screening of his 90-Second Newbery Film Festival to this year’s Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival and children and teens can enter their own 90 Second-Newbery videos for a chance to see their video screened at the festival.

The theme for this year’s children’s book festival is Family, giving festival goers the opportunity to hear authors and illustrators speak about how family has played a role in their works. Authors and illustrators will sign books after their presentations and festival bookseller and sponsor Apple Blossom Books (Oshkosh) will donate a portion of book sale proceeds to support the Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival, helping keep the festival free to all.

About the Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival
The Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival is presented by community volunteers and these local organizations who believe in the transformative power of reading and the literary and visual arts: the Mead Public Library, the Eastern Shores Library System, the Sheboygan Area and Kohler school districts, the Kohler Public Library, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, and Bookworm Gardens.

The Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival is Wisconsin’s only free, public children’s book festival. Funding support comes from the Kohler Foundation, Inc., the F.K. Bemis Family Foundation, the Garton Family Foundation, the Mead Public Library Foundation, The Friends of Mead Public Library, the Sheboygan Service Club Foundation and other donors. In-kind support is provided by Dynamic Inc. and the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County.

LINKS:
Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival: http://sheboyganchildrensbookfestival.org
Mead Public Library: www.meadpubliclibrary.org
John Michael Kohler Arts Center: www.jmkac.org
Bookworm Gardens: http://www.bookwormgardens.org

Contact Information:

Jo Ann Dent, Co-chairSheboygan Children’s Book Festival
920-912-2309 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 920-912-2309 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
childrensbookfest@gmail.com
Karin Menzer, Co-chairSheboygan Children’s Book Festival
920-459-3400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 920-459-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 3404
karin.menzer@meadpubliclibrary.org

The Blessing Seer - Paul Mowery

NEW BOOK ALERT!!!

My friend, Paula Mowery, just released her debut novella--READ ALL ABOUT IT!

About the author:

Paula Mowery is a pastor’s wife and a homeschool mom. She has always been an avid reader of Christian fiction. She began writing in the area of nonfiction creating three Bible studies which were self-published. However, she crafted fiction stories which she shared with friends and family. When one of her readers encouraged her to pursue publication, she joined American Christian Fiction Writers, learning more about the world of fiction. Her debut work of fiction is a novella published by Harbourlight, a division of Pelican Book Group – THE BLESSING SEER.

Learn more about Paula at her blog – paulamowery.blogspot.com

About the book, THE BLESSING SEER:

When God sends Addy a special messenger who challenges her to step from her comfort zone, she isn’t sure she’s up to the job. She feels inadequate to take on the task of encouraging others, and when she starts seeing visions, she worries she’s losing her mind.

Yet, Addy wants only to be used by God, even if that means seeing visions and risking relationship with family and friends. By stepping out on a limb, can Addy really accomplish something significant for God? What affect will her surrender to His will have on those around her? And, what affect will it have on her own life?

1. Paula, what’s been a favorite work experience you’ve had so far in life?

Recently, I've enjoyed working with my editor at Harbourlight. She has taught me so much without trying to change my voice. She made editing enjoyable - that's a big deal.

2. If you could do anything you want, what would it be?

I would love the opportunity to write and speak full time spurring other Christian women in their walks with God. Writing and speaking/teaching is my passion.

3. What’s the most exotic place you’ve traveled?

As of June 16th, I have added Haiti to the places I have been. About 10 years ago I went on a mission trip to Africa where I had the opportunity to see the Indian Ocean - beautiful. On this recent trip to Haiti, I was once again seeing the ocean out one window and a mountain out the other. That view of Haiti seemed exotic until I went to the villages where the people live - what an eye-opener. We are so blessed.

4. That sounds fascinating! We just had some speakers in our church who were there. I love to get a feel for where you live. What do you see outside the closest window right now, Paula?

The closest window looks out onto my screened-in patio which looks into the backyard lined with trees. I have wicker pillow-padded rockers where my daughter and I love to sit and read.

5. What do you tell people when they ask “and what do you do?”

I usually start out with pastor's wife and homeschool mom. I am learning to say that I'm a writer and deal with the "really?" and surprised expressions.

6. That is a funny thing, isn't it? Where’s your favorite place to grocery shop?

I'm a one-stop kind of girl - I shop at Walmart where I can get everything including prescriptions and get out.

7. What, to you, is worship?

Worship is an attitude that I can engage in all of the time if I will. I can worship listening and singing along to my favorite contemporary Christian singers. I worship while interpreting my husband's sermons for our deaf members. I worship while reading a Christian-inspired book. I worship when God leads my hand to write a story.

Thank you, Paula, and best wishes with your work.

THE BLESSING SEER is available through the publisher at www.pelicanbookgroup.com as well as other ebook distributors like Amazon.

Book Sale

DawnSinger - buy today! - by Janalyn Voigt

Special Limited-time offer!

Buy DawnSinger Tuesday, July 3rd, to receive a gift from the author and other free e-gifts. As a thank-you for your interest, you're invited to enter to win some fantastic prizes. (No purchase necessary to take part in the drawing.)
Purchase eBook here.

With freedom as its central theme, DawnSinger is the perfect companion for the 4th of July holiday. Why not treat yourself or someone you love to a reading adventure?

About DawnSinger

Sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

The High Queen is dying… At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens. But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes. On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation he offers—into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

Praise for DawnSinger

“In DawnSinger, Janalyn Voigt has penned a novel full of surprises. With adventure, mystery, and an unlikely romance, this beautiful, epic fantasy debut will leave you scrambling for the next book in the trilogy.” Jill Williamson, Christy Award-winning author of By Darkness Hid

“DawnSinger is a delightful fantasy spun with bardic prose and threaded with danger and intrigue.” Linda Windsor, author of Healer, Thief and Rebel, Brides of Alba Historical Trilogy

“Janalyn Voigt builds an exciting world, tranquil on the surface but filled with danger, ancient enemies, and a prophecy yet to be fulfilled. DawnSinger leads you into a land only imagined in dreams. I can’t wait to read the second book in the Tales of Faeraven trilogy.” Lisa Grace, best-selling author of the Angel in the Shadows series.

Special Gift From the Author

~ A signed, personalized book plate (sticker to place inside the book)--one for each book you purchase!

Janalyn explains how she discovered books.

It happened over time. My father instilled a love of literature in me at an early age when he read chapters from "The Wizard of Oz," "Robinson Crusoe" and other classics as bedtime stories. When I grew older, and he stopped reading bedtime stories, I put myself to sleep with tales I "wrote" in my head.

As a precocious reader, I soon graduated to the novels in my parent's bookcase. I'm sure those books contributed to my growth as a writer. Eventually, I scribbled my own stories on paper. A teacher noticed my ability to tell a story when I was twelve. As a result of his encouragement, I identified my desire to write novels.

DawnSinger is my debut novel and the first offering in Tales of Faeraven. I've already begun work on WayFarer, the next book in my epic fantasy series.

I live in a beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and finding adventures in the great outdoors. I dream of owning a horse, exploring all the national parks, and visiting European castles.

Steps to Receive Your Thank-You Gifts

Step 1: Buy DawnSinger on July 3rd on Amazon; then proceed to Step 2 below with your Order # to claim your FREE GIFTS.

PURCHASE DAWNSINGER!

Note: If Amazon indicates a low supply or “out of stock” status, ORDER TUESDAY ANYWAY so that you can receive the bonus gifts. Their supply will restock immediately and you should not have a long wait for your book(s).

Step 2: Entering your information in the form below will take you to a page where you can request your author gift and that will redirect you to your other e-gifts. (Preview additional e-gifts below my launch celebration drawings.)

ENTER THE DAWNSINGER LAUNCH CELEBRATION DRAWINGS!

(No purchase necessary)

Giveaways include a $20 Starbucks Card & Free Copies of Tales of Faeraven, book two

DRAWING 1: ONE winner will receive a $20 STARBUCKS CARD and a signed print copy of WayFarer, BOOK TWO of Tales of Faeraven, available upon its release.

DRAWING 2: TWO winners will receive a signed print copy of WayFarer, book two of Tales of Faeraven, available upon its release.

DRAWING 3: THREE winners will receive a free kindle copy of WayFarer, book two of Tales of Faeraven, available upon its release.

Giveaway and Contest Rules

Post to Facebook about these great drawings!

Copy and Paste:

Today only, author Janalyn Voigt, is launching her debut novel, DawnSinger, book one in the epic fantasy series, Tales of Faeraven. She's giving away gifts and offering some amazing prizes, including a $20 Starbucks card, in three different drawings!!

http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2

Tweet about this amazing offer!

Copy and Paste:

Buy the epic fantasy novel, DawnSinger, today and enter three amazing drawings! #fantasy #fiction #drawings http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2

Join the Party!

Besides the author's gift of a free signed book plate, when you purchase DawnSinger at Amazon.com on July 3rd, you will also receive free bonus gifts from Janalyn's generous supporters. Learn more at http://janalynvoigt.com

Irrepressible Grace Bridges and new Splashdown books

News from Down Under---Grace, in Uniform, with Tribbles.
Now--what can get cooler than that?

Kia Ora!

Whew! Where did May go? No matter. June brings new and exciting events to Splashdown waters. Read on!

New Release

Book Three of The Reality Chronicles

The Day shall declare the reality revealed by fire...

Destinies are forged in the dark night of the soul. Kaylee and Nathan pursue a zombified Crystal to rescue her soul if they can. A vision of death propels their mother, Gabrielle, to chase them in order to prevent its fulfillment. Her wizard friend, Josh, accompanies her to keep his promise to protect her. A mysterious religious leader wants to seduce Kaylee to violate her morals. And a demonic being seeks to bury the reality of the ring through temptation and deceit. Through their twisting journeys, each encounters their destiny. Including the ring.

...Reality's Fire is revealed, and no soul can hide from its judgment.

Reality's Fire is currently available for purchase at the usual places. Click over to Splashdown Bookshop for more information and links.

Now Available

She joined the knighthood for the scholarship program.

A thwarted assassination attempt drags Caissa Ocren into a secret war between elemental spirits and dragon worshippers. More accustomed to solving puzzles than wielding swords, she undergoes a crash course in survival from a mercenary minstrel, a shape-shifting druid, and a legendary spirit warrior. An ancient book may hold the answers she seeks, but understanding requires the memories of a wizard. With time against her, Caissa faces the hardest lesson of all—how to serve when the cost is her life.

Available for purchase at Amazon, Kindle Store, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. Click over to Splashdown Bookshop for more information and links.

Bragging Rights

Two Splashdown releases took silver medals in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards: the speculative anthology Aquasynthesis and YA fantasy Finding Angel.

Congrats to the authors of Splashdown Books and Kat Heckenbach!

...and speaking of bragging rights...

Two Splashdown authors are engaged in a Brag-Off this very moment. Who will win and who will dance and sing the wonders of the other on YouTube?
You can just bet that link will be posted here. Stay tuned...

unConventional

Splashdown Books publisher Grace Bridges attended the unConventional Speculative Fiction conference in Auckland last weekend and got herself elected Padawan to the President of writers' group Speculative Fiction New Zealand.

We always knew she was going places. Weird, weird places. And her Tribbles are going with her.

Coming Soon

Keep your eyes open. New book releases coming all year, including Splashdown's first non-fiction book (shhh. It's still a secret)! But before that, look for something new from our Darkwater paranormal line, plus another exciting anthology.

That's it for June, folks. Busy, busy, busy down here at the bottom of the world and everywhere a Splashdown author writes, but we plan to keep you on top of it all.

God's blessings.

Fruit of My Spirit, with Deanna Nowadnick

Welcome author Deanna Nowadnick, who shares about her book, Fruit of My Spirit.

Book Description:
Paperback: 114 pages
Publisher: Rhododendron Books
ISBN: 978-0983589723
EBook: 2438 KB

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Barnes &Noble


Hi, Deanna! Tell us what you love about this book

I love that I got to tell my story. I did not intend to write a book. I just wanted my sons Kyle and Kevin to know how I met their father. One story became two stories, two stories became four stories, and suddenly I was announcing to anyone within earshot, “I think I wrote a story.” Now I love that I get to share my story. It’s been an absolute joy and delight to hear back from readers and reviewers, to learn how they have connected to my tales of challenge and hope. We laugh over camping fiascos. We wonder about those plaid pants from 1973. We mourn losses. Without ever meeting, without ever sharing a latte, we’ve bonded in ways that I have truly treasured.

That's great! Can you share something unique that you learned during the writing and publishing of this book?

I learned that there is nothing as cathartic as sharing our experiences in writing. Words, sentences, and paragraphs give order and meaning to so many things that get thrown into our mental box of memories. We all have a story to tell. During my first book signing, the single most repeated comment was, “I have a story to tell.” I quickly began to focus on ways to empower and encourage others to share their own story in a way that is most meaningful to them. For Christmas, my aunt sent me a wonderful cookbook of favorite family receipts. I don’t cook. I’ll probably never use a single recipe, but open opening the package, I sat down and read the book cover to cover. You see each page had a paragraph or two about my aunt, most stories unbeknownst to me. Not everyone will write a book, but everyone can share their story.

What's coming down the road for you?

The first draft of Book 2 is done. Signs in Life: Meeting God at the Corner of Grace and Mercy tells of those times when God has come alongside and guided, directed, and turned me. This book is another collection of short stories, this time recounting when God has met me at life’s crossroads, when I’ve been “on point” with God, not because of anything I’ve done, but because a loving, gracious, merciful God has been there time after time, again and again.

 I love that title. Thank you, Deanna, for sharing yourself today.

About the Author:

Fruit of My Spirit is my first book. My “day job” is with The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington State. The boss and I have been together for 22 years. Today I’m his Client Service Coordinator. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of his practice and working with his clients. And since I telecommute, I have even more time to write! I live in Monroe, Washington in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I’m the mother of two delightful young men, one who has read the book and one who has decided it’s just way more information about Mom than he needs at this point in life. I’m active in my church, editing the monthly newsletter and playing the violin during worship services. I love to knit, I adore chocolate, and most important I enjoy a blessed marriage to my best friend, Kurt.

Want to connect with Deanna?

·         Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FruitofMySpirit

·         Twitter: @DeannaNowadnick

·         Blog:http://fruitofmyspirit.com/blog/

The Christian Olympics, and free gifts

Today Only you can get a copy of S.E. Gregg’s
Kindle book: The Christian Olympics for only
$3.99 and a bundle of free gifts and prizes. Hurry,
a special prize for the first person that buys a copy.

S. E. Gregg’s book The Christian Olympics-Going
for the Gold Crowns,the unveiling of the Bible’s
comparison of the Christian race/life to
the Olympic Games, has been “Enthusiastically
recommended as inspirational reading for all practicing
Christians “ by Midwest Book Review

Take a look and see what we have to offer you:http://www.christianolympics.org/index_2.html

About the Book: The Christian Olympics: Going for the Gold Crowns, the unveiling of the Bible's comparison of the Christian race to the Olympic Games, is the spin-off from the newspaper article titled "The Christian Olympics are still going on!" written by the author.

Today more than ever Christians are discouraged in their walk with God because of the multitudes of personal problems, suffering, and worldly events that have occurred. Some have given up, lost hope in their faith, and/or don't feel that living holy lives matters anymore. The Christian Olympics will stir up Christians, igniting their spiritual fires to look forward to what is ahead. When Christians see themselves as players in an Olympic game, it gives them a new understanding and exhilaration for the Christian life, as spiritual athletes. Readers will actually visualize themselves in a spiritual athletic competition which has never been done before in a Christian book.


About the Author:

A marathon runner in the Christian Olympics for several decades, S. E. Gregg is a Bible school graduate and the founder of Sound Doctrine Christian Ministries. An award winning author, gifted Bible teacher and Bible curriculum writer, Gregg has authored the best-selling books,"Evangelism Counseling- How to Counsel People About Salvation","The Christian Olympics-Going for the Gold Crowns" and the salvation tract,"God Became A Man". The salvation tract has been translated into the Burmese language and over 100,000 have been printed. Gregg lives in the Philadelphia,PA area.
www.Christianolympics.org

Follow the Blog: The Christian Olympic blog is a list of articles about worldly events that are happening along with sports and how they relate to the Christian marathon.
http://christianolympics.blogspot.com



RUN THE RACE WITH ENDURANCE !!
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT !!
KEEP THE FAITH !!
PRESS TOWARD THE MARK !!

FINISH THE COURSE !!
REACH FOR THE FINISH LINE !!!

RECEIVE CROWNS OF GOLD !!!!!

THE CHRISTIAN OLYMPICS-GOING FOR THE GOLD CROWNS" BY S. E. GREGG
The unveiling of the Bible's comparison of the Christian race to the Olympic Games.
WWW.CHRISTIANOLYMPICS.ORG
VICTORY@CHRISTIANOLYMPICS.ORG

Introducing Tim Fox's new book

Journeys: An Ice-Age Adventure

About the Book

Twelve year-old Mark Jamison is a thinker and a worrier. Ten year-old Barry is attuned to nature, but his focus quickly shifts from one item to the next. The brothers’ lives are further complicated by family tragedies. Their dad’s deployment to Afghanistan and their mom’s illness both ended badly. Rather than a wonderful journey, life has been hard. But when the boys discover a mastodon tooth and a spear point in the Baraboo Hills, powerful forces are unleashed that carry them across ages and propel them onto the adventure of two lifetimes. The brothers journey with mastodons and Paleo-Indians amid the landscape of Ice Age Wisconsin. They face giant predatory mammals, as well as predators of the human variety. They witness acts of courage and sacrifice. And through it all, the boys gain more of the strength, wisdom, and hope needed to face the obstacles of life’s journey.

Journeys; An Ice Age Adventure is a story that inspires excitement, laughter, and tears. Above all, it reminds us of the importance of hope and a sense of wonder.

Links

Journeys; An Ice Age Adventure website

ISBN 978-0-9856411-0-8

*teacher guide available here  

Nook

Kindle

About the Author:

After a fourteen year teaching career, I had a fierce desire not only to write, but to pass on something special to my own kids. I love the Wisconsin landscape and feel a strong pull to its Ice Age connections – glacially sculpted landforms, fossil finds, Paleo Indian artifacts. These fuel my imagination and are part of what impelled me to write Journeys; An Ice Age Adventure.

Tim Fox is a personal fitness trainer and “Olympic-style” weightlifting coach. He can’t resist picking up big, heavy things!

M E D I A R E L E A S E

Contact: Carolyn Howard-Johnson, publicist

E-mail: hojonews@aol.com

ISBN: 978-1468172362

Release Date: July 15

Author's Website: www.howtodoitfrugally.com/A_to_Z.htm

Coming to Book Expo America

World Traveler/Author Has Big Goal: To Help Others Understand America
Book Expo America, New York--Author Lance Johnson will sign the new English edition of his book What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z: How to understand crazy American culture, people, government, business, language, and more at the Independent Book Publishers Association booth #3044 at Book Expo America on Thursday, June 7, at 10:30 am. The famous tradeshow is at Javits Center in New York City.

As the title suggests, this book is for “foreigners,” which Johnson redefines as anyone not sufficiently familiar with American culture to meet their goals for success. They may be citizens from foreign countries who still lack sufficient knowledge to meet their travel or business needs. They may be among the multitudes of foreign-born, naturalized citizens who have lived in the U.S. for years and still struggle with everything from etiquette to language. They may be first- and even second-generation Americans whose immigrant parents did not fully expose their children to American culture—an all too common occurrence—and they now struggle with the mainstream. They may be students who are studying in America or those who would like to.

Originally published in simplified Chinese by Oriental Press in China, this unique book has been endorsed by U.S. and foreign ambassadors like Clark T. Randt and Zhou Wenzhong. Jay Gajjar, India language professor says, “The A to Z chapters are nicely written and informative. The language is simple and presented in a fine sequence. This is a realistic bible of modern America.” The new English edition has been updated and expanded. What many notice is that Johnson is willing to paint a picture of the America he loves—warts and all.

Lance Johnson has traveled in, taught in, visited, or lived in 81 counties and 49 of the 50 American states. His understanding of his own culture increased as he learned more about the cultures of others. He also began to understand why some foreigners throw up their hands at what they see as a crazy Americans and their crazy language. He brings this rare understanding to his new book.

Johnson will sign and give copies to publishing professionals at the famous Book Expo America where the publishing industry convenes .

Learn more about the book and the author at: www.howtodoitfrugally.com/A_to_Z.htm

Equation of life: Knowledge + Understanding +
Acceptance = A Better World for All.
~ Lance Johnson, author of What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z.

‘###

(Photos, book cover, media kit available electronically or by post upon request.)

Tammy Hill: Book Launch! Supernatural novel for Teens

Knowing: A Series of Gifts , a supernatural novel for teens is available today! Purchase your copy and enter to win a Kindle!

Visit:

http://www.tammyhillbooks.blogspot.com/p/knowing-launch.html

For the Skinny!

Buy the book

Maureen Lang: Why I Write, and Other Thoughts

Maureen Lang joins me this week. Welcome!

She is a reader who figured out at a very young age how to write what she wants to read. She penned her first novel at age ten, and has been writing ever since. In fact, she’d rather be writing or reading than doing just about anything else—but with a family and a dog depending on her for breakfast, lunch and dinner, she feels like she’s in the kitchen more often than at her desk or in her favorite chair with a book. Maureen is the author of a dozen books and has been nominated for a Christy, Rita and Carol. She’s won a Holt Medallion and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, but none of that compare to the day her daughter told her she was a good writer. Ah, recognition at home is rare indeed. Visit Maureen on the web at www.maureenlang.com

I asked her a few questions, starting with "Why do you write what you do?"

About why I write my books…

All of my books were inspired by something specific. My war books go back to my childhood, hearing my dad and uncles “discuss” the war (although that was World War Two and I wrote about the First World War). I was too young to follow most of that, but I knew all that war-talk came with great emotion. With my “disability” books—i.e., a book that includes a child with a disability—those came from my everyday life, being the mom and an aunt to handicapped children. Bees in the Butterfly Garden is the first book that came out of a title. Usually I’m title-challenged, but one day I was looking out at my garden, one I’d planted with the hope of attracting butterflies. All I saw were two huge bees. Feeling sorry for myself, I said “I don’t get butterflies; all I get are bees. Bees in the butterfly garden.” But hey! I stopped what I was doing immediately (writing another book, actually) and wrote that down, because I recognized that it would make a great title. All I needed to do was write a book to go with it. And I did.

1. What’s been a favorite work experience you’ve had so far in life?

Every time I write a book, no matter which one—and some have undoubtedly been easier to write than others—at some point the characters begin to take over. It’s all I can do to keep up with them, recording what would be a natural progression of events as designed by the kind of people populating the story. That, without a doubt, is the best moment I’ve ever had as a writer. I feel like a storyteller then, when I’m as caught up in the story as any reader would be. It’s hard for my typing fingers to keep up!

2. I love that, Maureen. If you could do anything you want, what would it be?

I’m sure I’m not the only writer who’s answered this question by saying I’d write! I guess if I could write anywhere, it would be with mountains in the background, perhaps a lake or ocean not far off . . . a garden full of flowers that never grows a weed, maybe a horse to ride (with a barn taken care of by someone else, of course . . . ).

3. One man's weeds are another man's flowers, you know. I'd like to be fed. What’s the most exotic place you’ve traveled?

I’m not sure it’s exactly exotic, but I went to Belgium to research my Great War Series, and it was absolutely wonderful. I walked the same streets my characters walked, saw the same historic buildings they would have seen. I loved every minute of it, and felt so affirmed by God that I was doing what He’d wired me to do: I’m supposed to make up stories He approved of. That’s my job.

4. I think that's pretty exotic - especially in the name of work. What do you see outside the closest window right now?

While I live in a very nice neighborhood, the scene out my window isn’t very scenic. I see other houses similar to mine, green grass, flourishing trees and bushes. My mailbox. It’s a neat, orderly scene, but not especially inspiring. It’s a good thing I have a vivid imagination, because most of the time I’m not seeing what’s around me anyway. I’m living in another century altogether.

5. A mailbox has so many possibilities! What do you tell people when they ask “and what do you do?”

I actually hope this doesn’t come up, for a variety of reasons. If it does, I say I’m a writer. They always seem both interested and skeptical—maybe a little impressed when I say I’ve had a dozen books published. But then they assume I make a lot of money, which isn’t the case (they sometimes ask how many books I’ve sold, which is the same as asking how much money I’ve made). Many times people admit they’d like to write a book, too, which I encourage, but then they sometimes expect that I can introduce them to an easy track to publication. Unfortunately, there isn’t one.

6. LOL - I hear you on that one. Where’s your favorite place to grocery shop?

Super Target, without a doubt.

7. My youngest daughter in law takes advantage of that store! I'd have to drive an hour, but I think I'd learn to love it too.  How about a new tack: What, to you, is worship?

I love two forms of worship. Although I don’t sing very well, I love my church and I love participating in the worship time. I love the words of worship songs, and they remind me of so many aspects of God’s presence in my life.

But I also feel very close to God when I’m in the revision phase of writing my books. I often don’t remember certain scenes or lines and sometimes when something seems just right, I think it must be a gift to have the right words fit into a story. I believe anyone who is following the way God wired them to be—musicians with a gift for singing or playing, or an accountant with a flair for numbers, or a teacher with the ability to convey knowledge—must feel that same approval from God. An affirmation that we’re doing what God designed for us to do. A connection to something that seems so right and fitting, accompanied by thankfulness to be able to do what God wants me to do. It’s a form of worship that I absolutely love to experience.

Thank you, Maureen. It's been a joy getting to know you better. Maureen's latest book, Bees in the Butterfly Garden, a light-hearted romance which releases June 13, is available for pre-order from several online book sellers.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Healing Grief: Hiking Through book review

Hiking Through

By Paul Stutzman

Revell

ISBN: 978-0-8007-2053

$13.99

May 2012

Inspirational Memoir

Healing grief is different for everyone: some try, some don’t, some make rash decisions or none at all. Paul Stutzman through-hiked the Appalachian Trail one summer two years after his wife’s death from cancer.

Leaving his career as a restaurant manager and taking the hike, Stutzman says he needed a greater purpose than simply making a drastic change in his life. His goals were twofold: “to remind men to appreciate what they have today—don’t take your family and your wife for granted.” Secondly, he wanted to write a book showing “that the Christian life doesn’t have to be boring.”

And boring this book is not. From the prologue where the author states he uses only trail names to identify his trail brothers and sisters so they can claim plausible deniability if ever accused of any of the stunts, to the rain, sleet, festivals, and fear, Hiking Through is a great journey book that’s more than a guide; it’s a quest for peace.

Taking the trail name Apostle, Stutzman begins his journey with a photo op, then hiking north from Georgia to Maine over four and a half months. Starting in April with thirty-five pounds of tent, bear bag, and notebook, Stutzman hoped to walk a thirty-mile leg one day, one of the few goals he never met. I’ve become addicted over the past few years to follow Interstate highways and freeways ever since accidently driving the entire length of I65, and I enjoy hiking, but Stutzman’s pictures helped me decide to continue to enjoy “through drives.” More photos are available on his web site hikingthrough.com. He’s begun a “biking through” adventure as well.

Walk with the author as he meets wonderful and exotic hikers with names like Sailor, Bubbles, Sir Entity, and Litefoot as they walk through fourteen states in all kinds of terrain and weather, beautiful scenery, and dangerous overnight conditions as well as enjoyable ones such as old stagecoach stops and hotels. I’m a sucker for the history and details Stutzman shares about the various places along the trail, such as Civil War sites, and general early Americana. The life-lessons Stutzman shares? Well, I’ll let you discover those as you read.

Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Finding Angel

Finding Angel

Kat Heckenbach

 c. 2011

Splashdown Books

ISBN: 9781927154137

$6.99 ebook

Speculative fiction, YA

An Angel appears out of nowhere…a young girl, wandering along a country path in Florida, in her possession, but no memory. When the Masons find the lost girl, they name her “Angel” for the letters on her bracelet and soon she becomes part of the family.

The Mason collect stray children, including a set of twins who are older than Angel, and a younger boy, Zack, who holds onto Angel’s heart and appreciates her fascination with magical creatures and her reading tree. Eight years pass, and at fourteen, Angel has made a new life, albeit one with a gaping hole.

As much as Angel is infatuated with mythical creatures, Zack loves nature and bugs, and shows her a beetle. Promising to help identify it, Angel visits the library and instead discovers that a new boy, Gregor, has come to town. Gregor unlocks the missing pieces of Angel’s life by taking her “home” to a place of myth and mist, like Glockamorra or Brigadoon. Toch Island is “sort of” in Ireland; “hidden” so it can’t be taken over by technological development, a place where the Empowered do not have to hide their Talents. It’s a place where the magical creatures are true, Elves live and make music, and dangers are real, so real that Gregor has lived as an orphan since the age of ten after the evil Dawric killed his family. Angel stays with Gregor while her memories gradually surface and she relearns her Talent. But Gregor harbors secrets. Is she safe with him? Where are her parents? And what about the new murders in the community?

Chapters are interspersed with scenes of concurrent events that build like pieces of a puzzle. Each chapter and segment has a title that hints at what’s to come.

Although the teens seem too young to live on their own, Heckenbach’s deft handling of the characters feels rich and fully alive. Gregor knows his duty and is ready to fulfill his destiny, and Angel reunites Toch as no one else can.

The author’s word choices are bright and succinct, in voice appropriate to age and magical world. There are instances of danger and murder and resulting emotions that children younger than sixth or seventh grade might find disturbing. Occasional long segments of description and internal thought, months spent relearning Angel’s identity, were sometimes slow but fascinating, and an end that flies up your face shouldn’t disrupt the great pleasure of immersing yourself in the world of Toch, the Empowered, and a future full of bright possibilities and dreams that will come true.

Spring Bible Study Expo! Online, Free

Save the Date for the 2012 Spring Bible Study Expo

Women’s Bible Study enthusiasts meet online this May to hear from the authors of 2012’s most popular Women’s Bible Study books. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend the live, free, online event, Thursday, May 17, 2012, from 1-5 PM Central Time, at www.BibleStudyExpo.com.

Every year, thousands of Bible Study leaders progress from one study to the next by visiting bookstores to check out options, getting suggestions from attendees or friends, and attending the spring Bible Study Expo full of interviews with the authors of the most recently released Bible Study books for women.

The Bible Study Expo features Women’s Bible Study authors Sheila Walsh, Pam Farrel, Cindy Jacobs, Mary Kassian, Renee Swope, Babbie Mason and many more from publishers including Harvest House, Thomas Nelson, Multnomah, Baker, Bethany House, Moody and others.

During the Expo, each author is interviewed for 15 minutes with the opportunity to share the story behind her most recent release. In addition, each will clearly define the target audience for her book and tell a little bit about herself.

“It’s a great way for Bible Study leaders to get to know the authors and to learn more about the newest Bible study books available to them this year,” explains Expo Hostess, Marnie Swedberg.

 ******************

The Bible Study Expo was founded in 2009 to support Women’s Bible Study leaders.  The Expo itself includes four hours of live-streaming online audio interviews with the authors, including one free book give-away during each segment.

It’s 100% free to attend and anyone is welcome to pre-register now at www.BibleStudyExpo.com.

“It’s such a fun format, because there is no need to travel, to find childcare or to spend money,” says Swedberg. “It’s just a great time online getting to know the Bible Study book authors as well as other Bible Study leaders from all over the world.”

To register to win free books or to attend the live, online event, visit www.BibleStudyExpo.com today!

Bible Study Expo is a subsite of www.Marnie.com, providing encouragement, practical help and God-focus to women since 1996. In addition to her role as Expo Hostess, Marnie is the online mentor to thousands of leaders from over 30 countries, the manager of the family restaurant and retail store, the author of 12 books and the host of a weekly radio talk show.

For more information about the Bible Study Expo, visit http://www.Marnie.com/media.php