The Next Big Thing

Quilts of Love author, S. Dionne Moore (Sandra) asked me to join in The Next Big Thing. Each author answers interview questions about their book and their next project. This one is a wonderful showcase for the Quilts of Love Books from Abingdon Press. Please enjoy!


Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing

NBT: What is the working title of your book?
Angie: A Healing Heart (as of this writing moment, it's on 50% off for pre-order on Amazon). I had no idea this special was happening ($6.98) until I accidentally hit a link to amazon and this popped up. Take advantage asap. I hope it's still happening when you read this post.



NBT: Where did the idea come from for the book?  
Angie: My agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, asked me if I knew anything about quilts. All six of my kids received a photo memory quilt for their high school graduation. Combine that with watching a Denzel Washington movie that sparked a brain storming conversation with my hubby about a woman sorting through photos of both regret and joy. What would she choose-joy or bitterness?

NBT: What genre does your book fall under?
Angie: It falls in a couple of genres, contemporary inspirational romance and women's fiction. But it has strong elements of humor as well.

NBT: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Angie: I'm delighted you asked! I chose Jeffrey Donovan as the inspiration for Joel Ryan and Kimberly Guerrero as the inspiration for Mara Keegan. I'd love to see this duo in a movie version! Anyone know them and a producer? We need more movies made in Montana :)

Jeffrey Donovan would be perfect as Joel Ryan

Kimberly Guerrero, Native American actress, perfect for Mara Keegan

NBT: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Angie: Mara Keegan, a workaholic, has to trust her business to Joel Ryan, the one man who nearly destroyed it, when she suffers a heart attack.
 
NBT: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Angie: My book is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She sold it to Abingdon Press for the Quilts of Love Books line. I'm delighted it releases on April 1st and shocked at how quickly that is coming!

NBT: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Angie: I wrote the rough in about three months. Then I polished (after a break for Christmas, a car accident, and pneumonia) for about five weeks.

NBT: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Angie: How about a few endorsements and a few paragraphs?

Opening Sample -- A Healing Heart

 “Why in the world did I agree to do this?”

Mara Keegan’s vision blurred as she stared at the old photo she’d picked from the box for the first block on Cadence’s memory quilt. David's arm curled tightly around her pregnant waist, his other balanced a precocious three-year-old Cadence, and one-year-old Toby grinned up into his mommy's eyes. Louie, the new family border collie/lab pup sat at their feet ready to catch Toby’s graham cracker.

A smile stole across Mara’s lips. Louie nabbed that cracker, and Toby wailed, right after the shutter clicked. But the picture captured the split second happy moment forever. The perfect family with so much promise. A promise broken off prematurely by a whimsical God.

Mara’s smile faded. She glanced over at her sleeping fourteen-year old dog curled up on one of his favorite oversized mutt mats. He’d been with their family since the early days. His black muzzle sported more white around his nose now. Louie seemed like the bridge from past to present as she looked back at the first picture. When would she be ready to try love again? Did she even need it? She broke out in a sweat in spite of the cold wind blowing the last of December past her windows. Not until she could trust God again. How could it have all gone so wrong? The wind gust whooshed against her office door and rattled the inset glass.

A burning sensation started in the center of Mara’s chest. She wrapped her ankles around the wooden stool legs and anchored her feet as she rubbed her midsection. This gift took more out of her than she thought. With less than five months to Cadence's graduation, she had to design and create a quilt full of memories. Memories Cadence needed as she left for college. Memories to wrap around her when she felt far from home and family. Memories Mara promised Cadence, and Mara never broke a promise.

More Praise for A Healing Heart

“A Healing Heart is an emotional story of learning to let go of the past and embracing the future. Angie Breidenbach deftly creates lifelike teenagers, a frazzled mother, and a caring hero you will love. This charming book tugs at your heart and encourages you to reevaluate what’s important in your life.”
—Vickie McDonough, author of 25 books and novellas, including End of the Trail

“Restoration and hope drive this emotionally charged novel by Angela Breidenbach. Mara Keegan’s healing journey will keep you turning the pages as she uncovers promises of a life she never thought she would have again. Family dynamics, made richer through the process of gathering photos for a memory quilt, come full circle as Mara learns to let go, let God, and let love into her heart; a truly healed heart.”
—Lindi Peterson, award-winning author of Her Best Catch and Summer’s Song.

“Angela Breidenbach's A Healing Heart is a compelling story of love and letting go and is a poignant reminder to follow our dreams. Novel Rocket and I recommend it as an immensely satisfying read.”
—Ane Mulligan, Senior Editor, Novel Rocket (www.novelrocket.com)

“Breidenbach’s latest novel, A Healing Heart, paints a knee-bending word picture of our Healer God. Whether the physical, spiritual, or emotional heart, the Big Guy can handle it. Laden with conflict, sweet romance, and humorous contradictions, the story propels the reader forward while giving her pause to wonder . . . ‘What places in my heart need healing? What wounds will I allow God to stitch?’ A Healing Heart sports an endearing and motley cast of characters, and the frigid Montana landscape contrasts nicely with the hero’s warm, sigh-worthy persona. It’s a unique and touching addition to the Quilts of Love series.”
—April W. Gardner, librarian and award-winning author

“Some stories provide pure entertainment, while others teach a lesson. A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach does both and is one of those books that every over-achieving, God-loving woman should read. Not only did I enjoy this book, I found myself reflecting on my own life and how much of myself I saw in the story.”
—Debby Mayne, author of Sweet Baklava, Waiting for a View, and the Class Reunion series

 

Great Gift for Writers-Florida Christian Writers Conference

Angie here: Welcome my guest, Eva Marie Everson, conference director, author, and speaker. We're going to chat about the upcoming Florida Christian Writers Conference. Feel free to pop in with a question and we'll do our best to get the answer.

Angie: Tell me about the Florida Christian Writers Conference-

Eva: Florida Christian Writers Conference has been around for--in 2013--26 years! This is my first year as Director, and praise God, I'm not doing it alone! Mark Hancock, who was a past president of Word Weavers International, Inc. (Volusia County) and is the VP of WWI, Inc., agreed to be a director with me. We're not Director and Co-Director, however. We're in this together!

FCWC is often referred to as the "conference that feels like home." We think so. It's held at the relaxing and lovely Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Lake Yale, Florida. The conference starts on Wednesday this year (in years past, it has begun on Thursday) with a few "early bird" specials, workshops, and classes. It concludes on Sunday. And, this year (unlike the past few years), we have brought back the awards banquet.

Angie: What makes it a "don't miss" event?

Eva: Girl, please! Go to www.FloridaCWC.net and look at the lineup of agents, editors, writers, and others we have managed to talk into coming to be a part of our illustrious faculty! We've also added a few things we always said we'd like to see if we were directors:

1) a massage therapist to not only take 15-minute appointments but to give a workshop on proper posture and stretching for writers, 

2) a tax expert to talk to us about what kind of tax issues writers need to know about, 

3) we have someone who will talk about book graphics, 

4) we have someone who will help our conferees set up the BEST website for themselves (they created our awesome website). In addition to this, we have Kim de Blecourt and Kathy Bruins coming in to give a 3-hour workshop on building proposals. Not only will they show conferees how, but when the conferee leaves the class, they'll have a proposal in hand, and another workshop on pitch that will give conferees what they need to pitch to the agents and editors. Finally, we will have a photographer on hand to take head shots for book proposals and promo materials. She will also take photos at the banquet when we're all cleaned and pressed. :)

Angie: How many people attend? 

Eva: Minus the faculty, I'm praying for no less than 150 conferees and I'll be over the moon with 200, seeing as we got such a late start. More than 200 and I'll just go ahead and fly to Mars! Without a rocket!

Angie: What budget should be planned?

Eva: For the conferees, we not only reduced the conference by $150 from years past, but we have a lot of Early Bird specials and options for everyone. Word Weavers (www.Word-Weavers.com) get a $50 discount.

For more information on those options, go to: http://www.floridacwc.net/registrationcosts

Angie: Do you have materials writers can buy from previous years?

Eva: Not this year, no. We're basically starting fresh. And, while we loved what our former director did with FCWC, we're hoping to breathe fresh life into the conference so we can honor her by making it our best, rather than her best.

 Angie: Share how to find your conference online and where it's held: www.FloridaCWC.net !! 

To know more about Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center: http://www.floridacwc.net/accommodationstravel

Thanks so much for being with us, Eva. Friends, if you'd like to know more about Eva, please see the information below:

Eva Marie Everson

President, Pen In Hand, Inc.

President, Word Weavers International, Inc.

Director, Florida Christian Writers Conference
Tova ha'aretz me'od me'od! 

New Website: www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com

Behind-the-scenes of Madily in Love with Lynda Schab

Fun new release from Lynda Schab inspires a few questions and answers! Come join us as we tour the behind-the-scenes of Madily in Love with Lynda.

All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again…with her husband.

ON WRITING:

What is the writing process like for you?
I honestly don’t have a process. I admire writers who can set word-count goals and stick to them, but that’s just not me. It really just depends on the day. Of course, deadlines are a huge motivator!

The main thing that gets me writing is knowing where I’m going with the storyline. I find that when I take the time to sit and think about what comes next, my fingers fly much more effortlessly across the keyboard. When I’m stuck, I’m much more likely to click on over to Facebook and play a few hands of Solitaire Blitz. Self-discipline doesn’t come easy for me.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?
Favorite: The creative process. Thinking a story through from beginning to end and then seeing my vision come to life through the characters and situations I create.

Least favorite: Definitely the self-discipline it requires. As I mentioned above, time management is something I’ve always struggled with. Making myself sit down and focus when I know the basement needs cleaning, laundry is piling up, my office needs to be organized, or I want to watch the episode of Survivor I missed the night before is my biggest challenge.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue and just write. In spite of my battle with discipline, that book won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One of my favorite quotes on writing is, “You can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”

ON MADILY IN LOVE:
What is Madily in Love about? Tell us a little about the plot.

About the book: Madi McCall is just coming out of a marital rough patch (you’ll have to read Mind over Madi for that whole story) and she’s trying to get her marriage back on track. But that’s easier said than done, especially because her mother-in-law has moved in, Madi’s recently started working again after years of being a stay-at-home-mom, and her kids seem determined to do everything they can to turn her hair even grayer than it already is. Madi attends a Revitalize Your Marriage with Romance class at church and gets some great tips…that fail miserably. All she wants is some peace among the chaos. And some quality time with her husband would be nice, too.

Your publisher tagged this series as “Delightful. Witty. Entertaining. Real. Poignant. Light-hearted Women’s Fiction at its best.” Can you expand on that at all? How does the Madi Series live up to this description?
While I certainly hope my stories are delightful, witty, entertaining, and poignant, the word in that description which I feel is most fitting of this series is, “real.” Women can relate to Madi because she battles with the same things we all do. No, not just chocolate, although that’s one of them! Madi has insecurities that affect her relationships – with her husband, her kids, her mother, her best friend, and God.

If there’s one thing I know is that we all have “stuff.” Maybe not exactly the same stuff as everyone else, but “stuff,” nonetheless. Madi helps us realize there are others out there who probably deal with their issues just as poorly as we do sometimes. But God’s grace is enough to cover our insecurities, our faults, and weaknesses, even when we mess up and our lives feel insanely out-of-control.

What do you want readers to take away from reading Madily in Love?Although this book has to do with the importance (and fun) of adding romance to marriage, the main thing I hope readers can take away is that even though life seems unmanageable, disorderly, and chaotic, God is always in control. One of the recurring phrases throughout the book—as mentioned by Madi’s counselor—is “Embrace this place.” In other words, no matter what you’re going through, recognize that it won’t last forever. And down the road, you might just look back and see just how that “unbearable” season was essential in moving you to a place of growth and necessary change.

Are you planning another book? If so, what is the story?I am currently working on the 3rd and final book in the Madi series, due out in the fall of 2013. It’s titled, Sylvie & Gold. Madi’s best friend Sylvie is preparing for her wedding (and if you’ve read Mind over Madi, you know who she’s marrying). With just a few weeks before the wedding, Sylvie is dealing with a lot: Her meddling and feisty soon-to-be mother-in-law, her son’s sexting issue, planning her mom’s sixtieth birthday party, and her fiance’s ex-wife, who has come back to town after a seven-year absence. Sylvie is normally pretty calm and collected. But her stress card is quickly getting maxed out. The question is whether she’ll completely lose her cool or find the happily-ever-after she longs for.
GETTING PERSONAL
Who or what inspires you?People in general inspire me. Whether it’s hearing a moving testimony or just witnessing someone’s positive outlook on life, I find inspiration to be a better person by various people I meet. A good message from my pastor, a pep talk from a friend, or a song I hear on the radio. Inspiration is everywhere. All that’s required is a heart to receive it.

What would be your dream job if you weren’t a writer?I would probably being doing something in the field of mental health, whether as a counselor or in research or something. Why people do what they do fascinates me and I love learning about human behavior. I’m constantly analyzing people and my husband is always telling me I should have been a psychologist. He’s probably right. In writing, I think this helps me in character development. Or an ice cream tester. Now that would be a dream job.

Is Madily in Love based on a specific portion of scripture?1 Corinthians 13 would be the chapter you’d expect me to respond with, right? Well, call me predictable. LoL. More specifically, Madily in Love is based on the 7th verse: “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” And Madi certainly has circumstances to endure.

Do you have a favorite personal Bible verse?My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” I recite this verse often! Because my mind is always so busy and distracted, I tend to stress out a lot. I need to keep reminding myself that God is God. He’s in control. And everything will be okay.

What do you do for fun and relaxation when you’re not writing?I escape to the movie theater with my refillable bucket of popcorn. I’m sort of a television/movie junkie, and I blame it on my need for a good story. I also enjoy just hanging out with my kids, playing board games or video games (although it’s been a while since I got crushed in Mario Kart).

How can readers connect with you?My website address is www.lyndaschab.com. I also have a blog with various writing and reading-related material at www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

 

What a delight to have Lynda with us today. Thank you!

Angie

 

Lynda Lee Schab

 

 LYNDA LEE SCHAB BIO:
 Lynda Lee Schab got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com). As a freelance writer, she works behind the scenes at www.FaithWriters.com and is a regular book reviewer for www.FaithfulReader.com. She is also the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com and a staff writer for www.SharedSorrows.com. 

 

Mind Over Madi placed second in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, chick lit category, received a highly commended award in the FaithWriters Page Turner contest, and was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest. Madily in Love was a semi-finalist in the 2011 ACFW Genesis contest. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

 

Lynda Lee Schab
www.LyndaSchab.com
www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com

MADILY IN LOVE now available!

Mind over Madi now available on Kindle!

Donald James Parker to Interview Angela Breidenbach

Feb. 12th, 2012 tune in by clicking this link: Wielding the Sword Radio Show

Times on Feb. 12th are 3pm Pacific, 4pm Mountain, 5pm Central, 6 pm Eastern.

Looking forward to being interviewed by Donald James Parker.

Thank you so much for the invitation to your show tomorrow!!

Meet Pam Hillman, Author of Stealing Jake

Please welcome my friend, Pam Hillman. We're going to have a fun time interviewing her and sharing the news aout her new book, Stealing Jake! See below for a Kindle drawing too!

About Pam Hillman: Award-winning author Pam Hillman writes inspirational fiction set in the turbulent times of the American West and the Gilded Age. Her debut book, Stealing Jake, won the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest and was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart contest. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and family. 

Angie: Pam, are there ever times or seasons in your writing life when things feel overwhelming? If so, how do you get through those times?

Pam: Almost every writer I know is overwhelmed. The best thing to do is to keep moving forward, accomplish one task at a time, and as often as possible, re-organize and re-group. And, in the end, I am so thankful for talent God gave me, and the opportunity to pursue my dream, especially in this day and age of computers and internet connections.

Angie: What part of your main characters would you say was most like you?

Pam: Tenacity and dogged determination will see my characters through a lot of trials and tribulations. In Stealing Jake, former pickpocket Livy O'Brien is determined to help the street kids even at the risk of her own reputation, even her life. Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell is just as determined to rid his town of the group of street urchins, while young Luke puts his life on the line searching for his little brother. None of them are willing to give up or walk away.

Angie: What life or faith concept do you hope readers "catch"?

Pam: I write to entertain, but several of the reviews have just blown me away with what the reader has taken away from the story. One reader said the street kids were without hope, but went on to add,
"And yet God never leaves us that way, does He? Because He brings Jake and Livy together at His perfect time, not only to discover a future together, but so they can intervene in the lives of kids who have no one to fight for them."

Angie: Have you had any surprises from readers on something they connected with in your book that you didn't intentionally put there?

Pam: The one thing that readers have connected with is Luke. One reader said that Luke's story was interwoven so much with Jake & Livy's story that she couldn't imagine one without the other. Luke's story wasn't part of the original idea, but he kept niggling at my brain, and once I added the thread in his point-of-view, I knew the story was complete. I am surprised that Luke and the other street kids get as much "airtime" as Jake and Livy in reviews, but I guess I shouldn't be. I was pretty passionate about the street-kids story, and I guess it came through in the writing.

Angie: Do you have a favorite fan-friend story?

Pam: Oh, yes. I have a couple of writer friends whose mothers read Stealing Jake and raved over it. One said her mother wouldn't read a bad book, that "excellence" is her standard. Her mother called and told her that she "absolutely loved" Stealing Jake. Her mother goes to bed at ten, but kept reading several nights in a row to see what happened. She said her mother was not a gusher, but that she came pretty close to gushing over Stealing Jake! The other friend took her mother to the dentist, and her mother raved about my book to the dentist and his assistants. That made me smile. There have been so many friends, family members, and co-workers who have gone out of their way to tell me how much they loved my book. Those emails, phone calls, and texts are near and dear to my heart!

Angie: I love those stories! They're the stories that keep us writers going in the lonely days before anyone sees a page. Thank you so much for being with us today! Folks, please check out the information on Stealing Jake below.
 

Pam on the web:

My website: www.pamhillman.com 

My personal blog: www.calicotrails.blogspot.com

My group blog: www.seekerville.blogspot.com 


About Stealing Jake:

When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.
Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.
Interwoven throughout is a group of street kids arrested in Chicago and sold as child labor. Leading this band of ragamuffins is young Luke, a scared, determined orphan intent on rescuing his little brother at any cost.
 

Kindle Giveaway Link: http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2011/07/pams-blog-tour-kindle-contest.html

Kindle Giveaway BUTTON (html code): http://calicotrails.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post_07.html

Stealing Jake Prologue and 1st Chapter: http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2007/11/stealing-jake-prologue.html

Stealing Jake Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Jake-ebook/dp/B0057Z87DK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309377471&sr=8-1

Stealing Jake B&N link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-jake-pam-hillman/1103995167?ean=9781414366616&itm=1&usri=stealing%2bjake

Stealing Jake CBD link:

http://www.christianbook.com/stealing-jake-ebook-pam-hillman/9781414366616/pd/19108EB?item_code=WW&netp_id=936169&event=ESRCG&view=details  

What's Your Message?

I was asked this weekend why I wrote my book, Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life. I said I'd been given a message, a mission. Then I was asked for the information again in a completely different situation, for the May 9th (today's) feature on Lindi Peterson's blog.

It's been a popular question. Have you been asked something similar? It may be phrased differently in different situations too. See how you'd answer these:

What message is most important to you to share?
What's your story?
What do you most want to accomplish?
How do you want to be remembered?
Tell me about yourself...

I'm sure there are so many ways to ask that deeper question, who are you and what do you have to give the world?, but the real question is how will you answer it?

Please come and enjoy these moments with me as the question is posed in many different forms, from many different people, and even in several different venues. But I'm curious about yours too, so please remember to share in the comments.
Today on the air
Zechariah's Song Internet radio show 4pm Mountain/5pCentral/6p Eastern. They'll be playing the Gems of Wisdom theme song too!! Directly, you can visit IShoutforJoy.com

Tomorrow on the air
4pm Mountain I'll have the honor of being interviewed by Zechariah's Song. They wrote the theme song for Gems of Wisdom and it hit #3 on internet radio! They'll be playing it on the air for you to hear!

Today on blogs:
Diana Brandmeyer hosts http://www.pencildancer.com/2011/05/gems-of-wisdom-for-treasuer-filled-life.html

Lindi Peterson hosts: http://www.lindipeterson.com

Janalyn Voigt hosts: http://www.bookreadercentral.blogspot.com

Amazon alert:
My publisher and distributor are working with Amazon to get books into them. It should only be a matter of a few days before it's resolved. In the meantime, or anytime, you can get an autographed copy quicker from my website, if you like. http://www.mygemofwisdom.com/products-page/

Fun Interviews for Gems of Wisdom new release

Sharing with you the interviews, guest posts, and blog tour stops for Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life. Please come and enjoy some behind-the-scenes info, snippets from the book, and other fun moments. ~ Angie


http://writespassage.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-blogger-angie-breidenbach.html


http://www.christylasheasmith.com/search/label/Angela%20Breidenbach


http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/search/label/Angie%20Breidenbach


Homekeepers on CTN (Christian Television Network) on Tuesday, May 3.
You can find it on Dish, Direct TV, or the CTN satellite channels.
http://www.ctnonline.com/Watch.html
Direct TV CH 376
Dish CH 267 & 9399
Sky Angel IPTV CH 136
Glory CH 117

Janice Thompson's blog on Monday http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?p=917

http://www.Encourageanauthor.blogspot.com May 2-6 book give away included.


May 3rd Kathi Macias hosts me at: http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/2011/05/gems-of-wisdom-from-treasure-filled.html

May 6th http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com/


May 9th http://www.lindipeterson.com/


May 9th http://www.zechariahssong.com/#!__radio-show


May 9th Diana Brandmeyer's www.pencildancer.com   (blog)


May 9th Janalyn Voigt's http://bookreaderscentral.blogspot.com/ digital book give away included.


May 10th, 2-3pm Mountain, KRKS 94.7 FM Denver radio. An hour long live interview with Stephanie Riggs Show, Divine Calling.


May 13, Christian Review of Books christianreviewofbooks.com

Shirley Connolly's blog May 13th-19th http://www.apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com

May 13-15, Inkwell Inspirations will be hosting an interview, book review, and missions focused post, one each day of the weekend. http://www.inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com


May 16th (with book give away May 20th) www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com


May 23rd, Missy Tippens blog.


May 31st, on Radio Blog: http://abookandachat.blogspot.com show airs 6:30 pm Eastern

Angie's on CTN's Homekeepers Show today!

I'll be on Homekeepers on CTN (Christian Television Network) on Tuesday, May 3rd.
Eastern times are 5:30 am and 1 pm. Mountain times are 3:30 am and 11 am. Oh yes, I recorded them. I'm a night owl, but I hit the hay a few hours before that time slot airs :-)

This particular interview is very open and transparent because Arthelene Rippy was very interested in a couple of specific topics:

Brain donation

My mom's last words

And was I angry with Jesus?

You're invited to hear the answers.

We taped last week while I was in Florida for Christian Retailing's Retailing Reboot conference. What an awesome experience, both the conference and the TV interview!

You can find Homekeepers on Dish, Direct TV, or the CTN satellite channels.
http://www.ctnonline.com/Watch.html (I have to admit on my mac laptop, I had to zoom to view this graph of the show line up.)

Direct TV CH 376
Dish CH 267 & 9399 
Sky Angel IPTV CH 136
Glory CH 117

Appreciatively,
Angie

Create Chatter TV Show Tonight

Come join us on http://createchatter.tv/ March 3,2011 8p.m. Central for a fun webtv show featuring Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance!

I'm excited to try this new television format on the web. We'll be using Skype. I worked on my connection today with my daughter-in-law and grandsons. Found out that I can't have my email running in the background because it slows down the camera and causes freezing. I'm so glad we had the time to figure that all out.

So all should be well for a show all about Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance: How to create simple, elegant, and inexpensive meals on webtv! It just blows my mind that this is possible.

Her Mother's Dream & Interview Questions with Francine Rivers

Q & A with Francine Rivers.

How has exploring the relationship between your mother and grandmother helped you understand yourself?

This is a question I would love readers to ask themselves at the end of Her Mother’s Hope. I realized early in the story that I have many of my grandmother and mother’s character traits, both good and bad. They both had tempers. So do I. They both had low self-esteem. I’m always striving to “measure up”. They both chose spouses who respected them. So did I. Both women had strong faith and servants’ hearts, something they encouraged in me. My mother extended grace to others -- a trait I want to cultivate to the end of my days. By holding onto her anger, Grandma lacked the peace and joy she could have had in her last years. I tend to relive past hurts. Writing about Marta made me decide to let go, forgive and move on. For whatever reason, Grandma couldn’t and missed out on so much joy in her last years. Sometimes people deeply hurt as children take offense where none was intended. 

Holding a grudge causes suffering, especially for the one who won’t let go. Jesus said to forgive one another as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness frees us, even if the other person refuses to join in the process of reconciliation. As I examine my own life, I see how much I’ve been forgiven. How can I not extend God’s grace to others? The best way to experience the fullness of God’s presence in my life is to surrender it to Him. And in that surrender, we are made more complete and joy-filled.

Mother-daughter relationships are often complicated and fraught with emotional land mines.

What was your approach to exploring the complexity of those relationships in a fictional setting?

Questions, lots of questions! Every time I told someone I was working on a book about mother-daughter relationships, people wanted to share their family stories. As I wrote Her Mother’s Hope, I wanted readers to see through each woman’s eyes, and understand how the past shaped each in the way she responded to her mother. Hildemara doesn’t believe her mother loves her, but it is out of Marta’s pain and loss that tough-love techniques were forged. Marta wants to strengthen her daughter for whatever lies ahead. Sometimes what we view as rejection can actually be an act of sacrificial love. We seldom know the experiences that shaped our mothers, the deep hurts, traumatic events, broken relationships. I hope women who read this book will want to share those things with one another.

Writing a novel is not for the faint of heart. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this family saga? What came the most naturally to you?

The most difficult part of writing any novel is getting out of my own way. I have to get rid of preconceived notions about themes and characters and plot. The first draft of this novel came in at over 1000 pages and was too biographical. I wanted the story to shift back and forth from present to past, trying to show what happened to create the rifts and valleys between Hildemara, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. I was too cautious, too afraid to harm to my grandmother and mother’s memory.

A wonderful editor wrote me an insightful letter in which she listed what she wanted to know about each the characters. Her letter got my creative juices flowing. She helped me look at the story in a new way. I set the first manuscript aside and started over. I found it better to move from one generation to the next in a linear story. This time the characters followed my grandmother and mother’s timeline, but took on a life of their own. They became unique individuals rather than the shadow of real people.

What questions and feelings do you want it to provoke on a spiritual and emotional level?

I hope and pray readers who have had difficult relationships with their mothers or daughters will let go of the pain and anger and allow God to work in their lives. God can work all things together for good for those who trust and love Him. Following Jesus’ example changes the way we see people. It changes the way we relate to one another. Even when the chasm is too deep to cross, we can decide to forgive. Some people wear grievances like a dirty coat. With God’s strength, we can strip it off and be free. When people finish reading Her Daughter’s Dream, I hope they will want to extend God’s grace and forgiveness. I hope they will tear down their walls and use their life experiences to begin building a bridge.

Who do you see as the audience for this story, and does that differ from your previous readership?

I am fortunate to work with Tyndale House. If a writer does well in one genre, publishers encourage the writer to continue in the same genre. Tyndale has given me the freedom to go wherever the story leads. I have done historical as well as contemporary. This two-part saga was intended to be one LONG book. Splitting the story into two parts made it more affordable for readers, and eliminated the need to delete entire sections. Hopefully, both women and men will enjoy Her Mother’s Hope and Her Daughter’s Dream. Men play a strong role in the lives of all four primary characters: Marta, Hildemara Rose, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. And both books have much to do with faith, how it presents itself, how it grows, often under difficult circumstances and in unexpected ways.

Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of HER DAUGHTER'S DREAM?

I would love for you to visit my web site at www.FrancinceRivers.com, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.

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Book Description

Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers (Tyndale House Publishers, September 2010)

In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.
Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.

College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.
Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.
Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.

Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then re-released by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

Angie's interview on Hope for the Journey

Fun radio interview! I enjoyed talking with Yvonne Ortega on her radio show this past Tuesday. Click on the link or the longer link below to hear the interview in full. Hope for the Journey is a radio show hosted by Yvonne Ortega with the goal of encouraging and bringing hope to women with breast cancer. She often asks guests that are medically related, have a message of hope, or are breast cancer survivors. For me, it was the message of hope.

Yvonne keeps the shows archived. I hope you'll enjoy it. It's a half an hour, but it felt like 3 minutes because Yvonne is so interesting and such a good show host.

Radio show long link: Just click and it will take you to the blogtalk radio page.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/show.aspx?userurl=hope-for-the-journey&year=2010&month=09&day=07&url=interview-27-angela-breidenbach

I'm just thrilled with the media opportunities our day and age provide! From internet to radio to internet radio. It's amazing!

If you listen in, leave me a comment. I'll do a drawing for your choice of the e-books (in full color) Creative Cooking for Colitis or Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance on Sunday :-)

Be sure to mention something from the show that you think will help someone else.
Also, please give me a way to contact you with your prize, should you be the winner. You can leave your email by breaking it up so the spammers can't read it or by messaging me on facebook too.

My facebook profile is AngelaBreidenbach :-)

Have a terrific week!
Angie

Radio Appearance with Yvonne Ortega

Inviting you to a radio show on September 7th, 2010. Yvonne Ortega hosts a blogtalkradio show called Hope for the Journey. It's live Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Eastern. Yes, those who know me know that this little night owl must get up early in Mountain Standard time to be ready for an 8 a.m. show :-) We'll be talking about overcoming cancer and my new books :-)

www.blogtalkradio.com/hope-for-the-journey

Do you have any questions you'd like asked? If so, you can send them to me here or call in during the show.

Thank you,
Angie Breidenbach

Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire & Interview!

Hi all,

I found out about this book and felt it was very important to share. It's so easy to be wooed or drawn into something that's not good for us. This is Kristine's story of how that happened to her. I hope you'll not only enjoy it, but think about how her story might parallel yours. How could you be knocked off course? How would you get back? How would that affect the people and relationships around you?


I recently had the conversation with a friend about her belief in fortune telling and the ability to predict the future. Look at how close that thought is to the concept of prophecy. How easy it would be to slide in the wrong direction.

Do I believe in prophecy? Absolutely! Do I believe in mediums and fortune tellers? I believe they have the opportunity to tap into the wrong power. The power that lies and does not have your best interest at heart. Can you hear the truth from someone like that? It's possible. But what motive is behind it? For me, prophecy is a word from the one true God that does not draw you away from Him and does not set you on a path of trusting in something other than God. It has to follow scriptural boundaries put in place to protect us. It's never in disagreement with scripture or the character of God. 

What about you? What do you believe?

Fascinating book and topic. Here's an interview shared with me and I have permission to share it with you.



God bless you and protect you on your journey too,
Angie

Welcome Kristine McGuire:

What is the book about? 

The book is part testimony of how I went from committed, albeit legalistic, Christian for twenty-nine years to witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years before God restored my faith and life. It details my personal struggle with trying to be "the perfect Christian" while being drawn to the Occult from childhood. The book is also a Biblical study that examines the current pop-cultural interest in the occult (in particular ghosts, hauntings, and mediums) and how this interest is affecting Christians as well as their beliefs about the supernatural.

Why call it Escaping the Cauldron?

This is actually the first book in a series, What Christians Need to Know about the Occult. It is a series of collections written from my former experiences as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. This book is primarily about ghost hunting, mediumship, and the paranormal but I chose "Escaping the Cauldron" as the main title because witchcraft was truly my entry into the arena of occult interest and exploration including such things as divination, psychic ability, spirit guides, mediumship, ghost hunting, etc.

What do you think is the most important chapter of the book?

I think there are many important chapters but "Spiritual Warfare" and "How Should Christians Respond?"are the two which take everything discussed in the previous chapters bringing it all together, helping the reader understand their authority in Jesus Christ and leading the way to a ready defense for any kind of paranormal or supernatural event they may experience in their life as a Christian.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hope to inform and equip Christians with information about the occult. Additionally I pray the church will begin to acknowledge the presence of the spiritual world around us and listen to people who come forward with stories or claims of paranormal experiences without dismissing them immediately. When the church refuses to listen or offer any Biblical assistance, many people are forced to seek help elsewhere. This generally means seeking out ghost hunters, mediums, and psychics. I also hope to encourage Christians who may be questioning their faith to seek a deeper relationship with God, especially if they are stuck in a form of legalism. Our answers truly can be found in Jesus Christ.

Where is the book currently available to purchase?

The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon. The book is also available in paperback and e-book editions at my blog site: Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com and Lulu Publishing.

How are you available to the Christian community?
I write a daily blog, Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com, on a variety of topics including faith, marriage, prayer, spiritual gifts, and the occult. I also work with my husband through Big Fish Ministries at www.BigFishMinistries.com, ministering through speaking with him at church and para-church events about marriage, facilitating seven day or special event prayer rooms, helping the homeless, etc. I am also available to speak at any youth, women's, or church events on a variety of Christian topics.

Find Kristine McGuire on Social Media Sites:
Follow on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/kristinemac
Follow on Twitter at: www.facebook.com/kristinemac

Videos:
Ignite Radio – Intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwQ0rY1rLQI&feature=related
Ignite Radio – Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ_NQbU-rIM&feature=related
Ignite Radio – Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvsyQF91YFw&feature=related
Ignite Radio – Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVlMHJ3PQ20&feature=related

Download N Go Homeschool Curriculum

Hi all,
I love the opportunity to promote excellent education. I've had the chance to look over some of these materials for children and really enjoyed them. Having homeschooled 2 of my kids in junior high, I wish I'd had the opportunity to do it their entire school lives. I would definitely suggest reviewing the website and choosing the unit studies at the age level for your children. The cool thing? My grandson is going to be homeschooled and these materials are just right for him. Here's an interview with the author, Amanda Bennett, and The Old School House (TOS).
Angie

Unit studies . . . lapbooking . . . your mind goes back and forth as you try to figure out which homeschooling style will best fit your family. Aren't they sort of one and the same? What if you only want to try unit studies . . . no . . . lapbooking . . . yeah, lapbooking? Some of the curriculum choices seem to last for weeks! Why isn't there something complete but short?

TOS has teamed up with Amanda Bennett to create just that in an awesome new series that combines lapbooking and unit studies in one ready-to-use product. All you have to do is Download N Go!

TOS: Welcome, Amanda, we're glad you're here to tell us more about Download N Go. You already have a wonderful unit study series; how is Download N Go different from your other curricula?


Amanda: Thank you! Nice to be here and able to share about Download N Go. First of all, Download N Go is a brand-new series of unit/lapbook studies. They are weekly studies, written for grades K - 4. My other line of unit studies consists of four-week unit studies for grades K - 12, and that series continues to grow, alongside of Download N Go.
With Download N Go you don't have to wait for your order to be processed and shipped, and your children don't have to wait to get started having fun with learning!


TOS: Download N Go is a fun combination of unit studies and lapbooking! Why did you decide to combine the two?

Amanda: After so many moms kept showing me the lapbooks that their children had created while using my unit studies, I began to notice how much the lapbooks added to the memorable lessons of unit studies. When the opportunity came along to develop this next generation series of unit studies with The Old Schoolhouse®, it was the perfect time to merge these two educational products into one powerful learning adventure, Download N Go.

Would you rather learn about God's world by reading dry textbook snippets and fill-in-the-blank questions?

Or by. . .

Reading real books, going in depth on exciting topics, enjoying multimedia presentations, using imagination to demonstrate what was learned, experimenting with hands-on activities, and creatively producing a keepsake lapbook-with little prep time?

TOS: Lapbooking and unit studies are very popular among homeschoolers, and as you know, there are a lot of each to choose from. What makes Download N Go different?


Amanda: Download N Go was designed for the specific purpose of combining the very best features of unit studies and lapbooking into one study on one topic that was fun and interactive. The Download N Go series brings all of these concepts together in smooth fashion, maximizing the learning experience while minimizing the complication of preparation. Download N Go studies are fun, engaging, interactive, and simple to use--capturing the best of all of these.

Expedition AustraliaUnique Topics . . . Multi-Level Teaching . . . Hands-On Learning . . .

The first 19 weeks are packed with excitement and high-interest topics!
You don't want to miss a single one!


Click here to read more about Download N Go!

TOS: If a homeschool is in between subjects or would like a little detour on a certain topic, being able to quickly download one of the Download N Go subjects is perfect! How do you see parents using Download N Go?

Amanda: Good question, and I've been surprised with the many different ways that they use Download N Go. Many use it as their main curriculum, adding math in separately. Others use it for a break in between textbook sessions, while still others use the studies in addition to their regular curriculum to help the students pursue topics that hold their interest.

* Daily lessons and lapbook
* Complete instructions
* Eye-pleasing pages
* Interactivity
* Exciting themes
* Ready for immediate use
* Each week in the series delivers an exciting new topic to discover!

TOS: Unit studies and lapbooks can be a little intimidating for some homeschool moms. Just how easy are the Download N Go studies to use?

Amanda: Judging by feedback from parents, they are very easy to use, and they are very popular with both parents and students. The interactive web links and other interactive components help keep the study moving and focused and simple to use each day. A suggested reading book list is included with each study in case parents want to pick up a few books to complement the study.

Just one look and you'll see why parents love
Download N Go!

TOS: Another thing that tends to put some parents off from unit studies and lapbooking is the lack of an outlined plan of what to do each day to get through the unit on time. Does Download N Go have a schedule?

Amanda: Download N Go has been developed on a five-day plan, so that every day of these one-week studies is laid out for the parent/teacher. Each day will cover different facets of the topic at hand. Like any good unit study, they include science, history, geography, art, and other areas of curriculum where applicable.

TOS: That sounds perfect and so easy to implement! What other helps can parents expect to find in each Download N Go?

Amanda: In the feedback we've received for Autumn Treasures, many parents are telling us how much it means to their family to have this time to spend together, developing a strong relationship while they learn together. Another frequent point is that parents love just how simple these studies are--no preparation time--just download and go!

TOS: Autumn Treasures was the premier title in this series. Can you tell us what other exciting topics you have lined up?

Amanda: I am enjoying writing these, and the topics are so interesting! I learn so much when I write them. Some of the studies that we are working on now include Australia, Valentine's Day, Pizza, Davy Crockett, Whales, and many more.

TOS: Thank you so much, Amanda, for taking time to talk about your latest project and venture with The Old Schoolhouse®! We are excited to be working with you on Download N Go because we know it's just what homeschoolers are looking for--a quick and easy way to go for learning, go for fun, and go for adventure!



THE PRIZE:

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and Amanda Bennett Unit Studies have teamed up to celebrate the successful launch of Download N Go™ with a Sweet Treat Prize Package in The Adventure Begins ... Giveaway!

They're offering one lucky winner the SWEET chance to go EXPLORING this FALL!

The entire FALL curriculum lineup of Download N Go™ (Wow! That's 19 studies!).

A $25 gift certificate to Baskin-Robbins (yummy ice cream).

A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com (for those back-to-school supplies).

A $15 gift certificate to Starbucks Coffee (a special treat just for the teacher).

A full year's subscription to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine (encouragement and resources all year long).

A "sweet" blue and brown Homeschooling With Heart tote bag (THE must-have accessory for FALL!).

My Mother's Hope & Interview Questions with Francine Rivers

I'm thrilled to share this new book and accompanying interview questions from Francine Rivers. I've enjoyed her work and felt encouraged in my own writing because of studying hers. I hope you will also enjoy what you learn today :-)
Angie

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers-- Summary:
The first part of an unforgettable epic family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter and the very nature of unconditional love. On the eve of the First World War, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland and her difficult childhood behind, determined to find a new life on her own terms. Barely out of her teens, Marta is haunted by a devastating loss that fuels her ambition to one day own a hotel. From the cramped quarters of a French housekeeping school to the portrait-lined halls of a stately English manor, Marta becomes a hard working domestic who has little time to dwell on what might have been.  Instead, she draws her strength from what could be. Then, Marta meets Niclas Waltert, a man just as determined as she to forge a better life in a new place. Niclas captures her heart and together they endure the harshness of life as tenant farmers on the vast prairies of Winnipeg, Canada, before following the promise of the American dream and migrating to the agriculturally rich Central Valley of California.  Marriage and motherhood bring both joy and heartbreak, as Marta must surrender her long-held ambitions for the sake of her husband and children, including her daughter, Hildemara, upon whose shoulders her own hopes now squarely rest. Only the strong survive and Marta is determined to raise a daughter as strong as she.  But as Hildie reaches young womanhood and another war is fast approaching, those hopes become too heavy a burden for Hildie to bear. Born with a heart to serve others, Hildie pursues her calling as a nurse, something Marta can’t understand. Marta’s years of hardnosed parenting have left Hildie still hungry for her mother’s love…and now for her mother’s respect. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie falls in love and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter, Carolyn, never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow and the only person who can come to her aid is the person she remains so desperate to please: Marta, her mother. With hallmark touches of brilliant prose and gripping characterizations, Her Mother’s Hope is a rich, moving epic about faith and dreams, heartache and disappointment, and ultimately the resilience and tenacity of love.


Christian fiction continues to boom.  What would you like to see happen in the field?
I want to see Christian fiction speak to the hard and real issues that tear people’s lives apart.  We need writers who are willing to ask the hard questions and go through the soul-searching and agonizing to find answers – and present these stories with skill that surpasses the general market.  Some of the greatest works or art and literature were rendered by Christians.  I believe God is at work in these areas now.   I would also love to see more Christian stories make it to the big screen and into the world of television, and to have the Christian worldview presented fairly.  Much of what comes out of “Hollywood” appeals to the basest side of mankind and crushes the spirit.   Right now, with war and a failing economy, people are hungry for stories that inspire them, lift them and give them hope.  People need to know there are solutions and we can have peace and an abundant life -- even in the midst of trials.

What is your goal or mission as a Christian writer?
I want to whet the appetite for the real thing:  the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus.  I try to weave Scripture throughout the story so people receive the Word and see what it might mean in their lives – how the Lord is present and real and passionately interested in each of us.  He is not an idea.  He is real, all-powerful, all-knowing, the embodiment of love, deeply involved in our existence, and He created each of us for a purpose.
Are any of your novels going to be made into movies?
The Last Sin Eater was produced and directed by Michael Landon, Jr. and Brian Bird (They did an outstanding job.)  The movie was released in theaters in 2007 and is now available on DVD. You can see the trailer on IMDB.com.  Rick and I were invited to visit the set during filming in the mountains north of Salt Lake City.   We had a great time and there are pictures of our trip in the movie-edition of the novel. A film based on Redeeming Love is currently in development with Abba Productions/ Christy Lee Taylor.  She has partnered with producer Ralph Winter and they are trying to pull together funding to get the project off the ground.

Tell us about your current work. 
I have just completed the second in a set of two books about mother-daughter relationship over four generations.  This was intended to be one long novel dealing with the different ways generations have lived out their faith – but became so long it needed to be divided.  Her Mother’s Hope will be released March 16, 2010.  Her Daughter’s Dream will follow in September.  There are numerous family and personal details woven into both books and I plan to share those things on my blog.
What advice would you give to a new writer?
Write what you need to read.  Write from your heart.  Write truth.  Sometimes it hurts to peel away the layers of self-deception and see ourselves in the mirror, but it will also draw us closer to Jesus.  And your work may minister to others struggling with the same issues.  Read the Bible every day so that it will flow naturally into the story.  Study the Bible from beginning to end.  It is the most exciting reading in the world. It is also alive – and will help you recognize when you are entering into sin and need to realign yourself with the Lord.  Keep your focus on Jesus.

Tell us about your family life?
Rick and I met in the fifth grade.  We were good friends through school, and graduated together in 1965.  I went away to college and he joined the Marine Corps.  When the hometown newspaper carried the story of my brother’s capture in Hue during the Tet Offensive, Rick wrote to me from Vietnam and we began to correspond.  We married a year after he returned from Vietnam (1969).  We have three children and five grandchildren.   (Note:  My brother was seriously wounded, escaped from his captors when the Marines entered Hue, and is alive, well, happily married with two grown children and living the blissful retired life in the woods of Northern California.)

PLEASE NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided to the me as a blog tour host by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.