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Karen Hancock broke new ground writing Christian fantasy novels of exceptional quality when she released Arena in 2002 and The Light of Eidon in 2003. I have been captivated by her characters and their spiritual journeys in all her books and am looking forward to more of Karen's stories. Despite breaking her arm (yes, the writing one!) Karen found time to answer my many questions:~
ON WRITING...
Please share some of your writing/publishing journey with us
I've been making up stories for my own amusement ever since I can remember and started writing them down when I was about 13. I wrote an entire novel (western) in high school. After marriage and college, we had moved to northern Arizona and I had a lot of time on my hands - no car, no job, no children, my husband working long hours, few friends - and was complaining about a best seller I was reading at the time. My husband suggested I write my own book if I didn't like the ones I read (not knowing of my previous writing experience) and the next day I started doing just that.
I was a Christian by then, having been saved in college and decided to return to my western, but make it a Christian story now, because Christianity was what excited and interested me. About six months after that I saw the very first Star Wars movie, was impressed by the analogies to Christianity I saw in it, and scrapped the western for science fiction. That subsequently turned to fantasy, and became the four books in the Legends of the Guardian King, now nearly 30 years later.
I wrote the first two volumes in that series and got an agent in the general market, but the b
ooks were not taken, and I was told to write something entirely different. So I wrote Arena, which also was rejected from the general market. Then the Lord arranged for me to go to the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's conference where I met Steve Laube, then an editor for Bethany House. A year and a half later, at Steve's urging they bought it. When it came time for Arena to release in 2002, the reviews were so good on it, the Bethany House marketing department bought all four of the Guardian-King books - and published them, the last of the series, Return of the Guardian King, having come out last April (2007).
Why Christian fiction?
Firstly, Christianity is my passion and my life, and one is always supposed to write about what one knows and cares most deeply about. Secondly, I believe I've been called to illuminate in my books the reality of the unseen Angelic Conflict going on around us, and the character and nature of God as He relates to that conflict and to us. I don't think I could write something that wasn't explicitly Christian.
What kept you busy before the writing bug bit?
I started writing my stories down in the eighth grade, as I mentioned earlier, so I can't recall much of what kept me busy then. [smile] However, my other interests include or have included sketching and painting (watercolour), home schooling, reading, movies, hiking, camping, backpacking and our dogs.
What project or book are you working on now?
Currently I'm working on a standalone for Bethany House tentatively titled Black Box. Unrelated to Legends of the Guardian-King, Black Box is more like Arena in that it has a contemporary setting, but is a world within our world rather than a world outside of our world. It follows a young genetics graduate, Lacey McHenry, who accepts a prestigious research fellowship at a world-renowned longevity institute, seeing it as a new start on a life that's so far gone nowhere. But when a disturbing late night encounter with a psychopathic intruder leads to an unexpected cover-up by institute authorities, she soon finds herself in over her head, a lone mouse in an elaborate game of deception and seduction whose purpose she cannot begin to guess. The book is set in bizarre world that is part of our own, yet separate from it, and uses cults, cloning, ancient civilizations, aliens, and the nature of perception and deceit to explore the greatest mystery of all: human volition.
The first draft is due the end of March 08, with a Spring '09 release date.
What does a regular writing day look like for you?
Chaos! LOL.
Seriously, it's been a constant struggle. When I'm under deadline, I do pretty much nothing but write, eat, do my daily Bible class and sometimes exercise. Actually I've been under deadline for about four years now, so last summer when I broke my arm and could do nothing but lie on the couch, it was a vacation. And it's changed the way I look at things. I'm in the process of developing a new, saner routine. One that doesn't result in my house being consumed by dust and, in the summer months, mildew!
ON THE LEGENDS OF THE GUARDIAN KING SERIES...
Christian fantasy ~ why?
I've read fantasy pretty much all my life, and especially as an adult. Of all the genres, fantasy most leans toward illustrating important spiritual truths regarding why we are here and what life is about. Even secular fa
ntasies do so--in rather great numbers, surprisingly enough. Typically, epic fantasies depict great battles between supernatural forces of good and evil, an obvious parallel to the invisible supernatural war Christians fight on earth. Knowing about this battle and our place in it gives our lives meaning and purpose. Even if we must engage in mundane activities, we can know that they have great significance in the unseen war.
I've written an essay that develops this subject on my website. You can find that here.
Who is your favourite character in the series and why?
Abramm. He's my favourite character of all my books. I love his transformation, his strength, his honor, his persistence, and the ways his life and character echoes elements of the Savior.
If the series was made into a movie, who would you cast?
I'm not sure I could do it. I might have to let someone else do it, and then complain that the choice wasn't right! It would be kind of like casting someone to play your brother or your husband - you know them too well to accept someone “pretending” to be them.
How do you come up with place/people names when creating a fantasy world?
Generally I have an idea of what flavour I want a culture to have, based on one of the cultures from our own world, and try to make the names echo that flavour. Sometimes I use Greek or Hebrew words from the Bible. Kiriath is Hebrew for city, Chesedh means grace. Elpis is Greek for hope or confidence… They have to sound right to me, too. Some of it's sensible and rational, I guess, and some of it's purely personal delight.
What impact do you hope these books have upon the reader?
It's my hope that my books will awaken and inspire readers to how cool God really is, how utterly trustworthy and reliable, no matter what sight might tell us. I also hope they'll be enlightened with regard to God's plan for our lives as believers, and that unseen spiritual battle I mentioned earlier, where things are seldom as they seem on the surface.
ON MATTERS PERSONAL...
Do you read Christian fiction yourself? If so, some favourite authors or
books both Christian and/or secular?
Actually I read more general market stuff than Christian, but I have enjoyed Kathy Tyers's books, Lord of the Rings, Stephen Lawhead's books. Recently I enjoyed Sharon Hinck's The Restorer. I also like books by Robin Hobb, Connie Willis, Michael Crichton, Dean Koontz, and C.S. Forester (if you're familiar with these you can see I'm all over the map.)
What are you reading at the moment?
Intuition, by Allegra Goodman. Contemporary novel about a cancer research lab that seems to have come up with a cure for cancer and the negative consequences of jealousy, bitterness and a rush to judgment… It's very good.
Favourite movie and favourite line from a movie?
Gladiator.
Who inspires you?
The word of God is my biggest inspiration, but I've also been moved by the Hornblower stories/films, Dean Koontz, Robin Hobb and various musical CDs and soundtracks like Gladiator, The Man in the Iron Mask, Handel's Water Music, Secret Garden's Once in a Red Moon and currently, the soundtrack to Transformers.
Please share some of your faith journey...
More than 25 years ago I left my college area apartment to go to a meeting with a man who would supposedly answer all my questions about the Bible and Creation versus the theory of Evolution, which I passionately supported. As I locked the front door, I remember saying to myself, "Those people think they're going to convert me, but they're wrong. No one can know for sure which explanation is right because no one was actually there back when whatever happened happened."
The man did answer all my questions -- every one of them. I just didn't understand any of his answers. What I did understand -- suddenly, stunningly -- was the reality of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fact that I deeply desired to know Him. Without understanding much of anything about what sin was, I acknowledged I was a sinner and believed that He died for me on the cross some 2000 years ago.
I came home utterly changed. Family members couldn't figure out what was the matter with me. "What happened?" one asked. "Did they give you some sort of injection over there at that church?"
I was one of those wildly enthusiastic, intensely emotional converts. Evolution flew out the window and I've never looked back, concentrating instead on learning what the Word of God has to say about life, the world, God himself and everything e
lse.
Some essential Aussie questions...
When/if you make the trip Down Under what do you want to see first? A platypus or a koala?
It's a draw. I'd be equally delighted to see either of them!
Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?
Barrier Reef - I've read too many stories about it and the Great White sharks, etc…
Would you taste Vegemite if given the opportunity?
For some reason this word makes me think of fertilizer… which isn't terribly appetizing. I have no idea what Vegemite is. Is it cheating to go look it up on Google?
Any last words...
Ooh. Having taken SOOO long to get back to you with the answers to your Interview questions, Rel, I'd like to say thank you for your patience and for the opportunity to visit your blog!
Thanks so much Karen ~ hope the healing process speeds up for you. It has been a pleasure :)
My review of Karen's most recent book, Return of the Guardian King can be found here.
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Interview with Karen Hancock
Friday, 7 December 2007
Coming in 2008 from Revell...
Skizzer by A.J. Kiesling
Description: Claire Trowling is on a quest. After receiving news of her sister Becca's abrupt disappearance, Claire must piece together the shadowy remnants of a past she's long forgotten in order to find her. A cryptic note scrawled in Becca's handwriting leaves more questions than it answers: "Something both terrible and wonderful has happened. I can't explain now..." When a stack of mysterious letters bound by a rare necklace is found, Claire heads to England--the source of the heirloom--for answers. With the help of a rectory gardener she remembers from her childhood, Claire races to discover the secrets that hold her family captive. Suspenseful and full of intrigue, Skizzer takes readers on a transcontinental hunt for answers weaving seamlessly between the distant past of childhood and the urgency of the present.
A. J. Kiesling is the author of more than a dozen books and has worked as a writer and editor in the Christian publishing industry since 1985. She is a former religion writer for Publishers Weekly and a former news editor for Christian Retailing magazine. 
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Description: Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page. Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.
Julie Lessman is a new and exciting author with a bright future ahead of her. Even as a debut novelist, Lessman has already garnered writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards, and developed a fan base. 
Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith
Description: Joan Sanderson's life is stuck. Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is living at home with Mom and looking after her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement. That is, until a hunky young doctor moves in next door. Suddenly Joan has a goal--to get a date. But it won't be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly with him and Joan is sure that she can't compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, maybe Joan can find her way out of this rut.
Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, spiritual searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.
Virginia Smith is a freelance writer, a speaker, and the contemporary worship leader for Voice of Joy Ministries in central Kentucky. She is the author of Just As I Am and her articles have appeared in a variety of Christian magazines. She is a member of the Christian Writers Fellowship International and the American Christian Fiction Writers and splits her time between Kentucky and Utah.
As High as the Heavens by Kathleen MorganDescription: It is 1568 and Mary, Queen of Scots, is imprisoned in Lochleven Castle. But her supporters, including noblewoman Heather Gordon, are planning a rescue. Heather travels to a cottage in the frigid Highlands to teach a simple man--who just happens to resemble someone with access to Lochleven--how to act the part of a nobleman in order to gain entry to the castle. But in the close quarters of the cottage there is more stirring than political rebellion. A suspenseful story of deceit and betrayal, love and secrets, As High as the Heavens will capture readers' hearts.
Kathleen Morgan is the author of the bestselling Brides of Culdee Creek series as well as Child of the Mist, Wings of Morning, and A Fire Within, all part of her newest series, These Highland Hills.
I am looking forward to reading each of these books, two are authors I love to read and two will be new ones to me :) I'll let you know what I think in the new year.
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Interview with Donna Fleisher & Giveaways!
Donna Fleisher has become a dear friend to me and has the auspicious honour of being the first person to explain to me (from her website) what "blog" actually meant - LOL!!!! Didn't know that D, did you?!
Hosting Donna here is a total delight and I know you will enjoy reading about this special lady. Not only has she given of her time for this interview but if you keep reading you will find a fantastic giveaway that ALL my readers can enter!
Without further ado, here's Donna....
ON WRITING...
Please share some of your writing/publishing journey with us.
My journey has definitely been one of ups and downs, starts and stops. Eleven years ago I first put pen to paper (literally, I didn't have a computer), seven years ago I put it all away, four years ago it all came back, and now it's all done. But truthfully, I wouldn't trade one moment of these last eleven years for anything. I firmly believe God cares more about the journey we walk with Him than the destination. And besides. Any destination short of where He wants us to be is a lousy destination.
You have said that Standing Strong is your last novel at this point. Any chance Donna the Author will reappear?
Well, I'll tell you what. If she does, I certainly will not chase her away. If a new story and a new set of characters ever show up on my doorstep like the last story and the last set of characters did, I'll give it a go. Until then, I'll be content with staying active in the industry from the other side of the pen, so to speak, as a freelance editor.
You provide editorial services - how does that differ to writing your own novel?
Honestly, it's not near as much fun as creating something new and seeing your own imaginary friends come to life in your mind's eye. The time spent writing and editing my own novels has been some of the most exciting and enjoyable years of my life. But one can only continue to be a novelist if fresh story ideas continue to flow. For me, that flow dried up and withered away. I have no doubt that God gave me the secondary task of writing novels for a season to prepare me for the primary task He now wants me to do: to provide editorial servic
es to new novelists just starting out in the industry--my brothers and sisters who do have fresh story ideas flowing like crazy. To be able to help them get started on the right path is exactly where I believe God wants me to be. So, on that note, it's almost as much fun as writing my own stuff.
What did a regular writing day look like for you?
When I was caught in the undertow of looming deadlines, my writing days were full. They would usually start around 2 p.m. and not finish until around 2 a.m. Sitting in my recliner, alone in my apartment, I would plunk away at my laptop until my eyes and fingers couldn't take any more. On good days I could crank out about 7000 words. On not so good days I was lucky to write 3 new words. Usually, though, on those days I would edit, so the time wasn't totally wasted. I edit as I go, which is different from the way most writers do it. Just about everything I do is different from the way most other writers do it.
What has been the best experience you have had as an author?
I'm hoping my best experience is still yet to come. Hearing from readers is always amazing, and building awesome friendships (like ours, Rel!) is a blast. Maybe someday, after we've had time to relax in Heaven, I'll be given a glimpse into how this story the Lord has given me to tell has played a part in bringing people closer to Him. That will be the best. In the meantime, I have to say that getting to know Chris McIntyre and Erin Mathis has been the best. True, they are imaginary, but I've learned so much from them and have grown so much since they have entered my life. For this, I will always be grateful.
ON STANDING STRONG...
The basis of your series is the close friendship of two women, Chris and Erin - in a world where romance sells so well, what made you choose a friendship as the crux of the stories?
They say to write about what you know … or, in other words, don't write about what you don't know. If you know me, you know I'm not normal. I'm single, have always been single, and will always be single. I believe with every fiber of my being that my Father God has set me apart to be totally His. One day I hope to be, but until then, that's my journey. So, because of this, what do I know about romance? Most of the romances I've read have left me feeling lonely. It's strange, cuz I don't usually feel that way any other time.
I knew from the mo
ment I started writing that I wanted to explore friendship, and that I wanted to write stories that honored my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The more I witnessed Erin's concern and pure love for Chris, the more I understood the depth of Jesus's love for me. His love is that of true friendship, clean and pure and real and intensely powerful.
How much of the military action in the books is based on your experience in the Air Force?
Almost none. In the late '80s, there wasn't much going on in the world. My three years of active duty and the two I spent in the Guard were quiet. Sure, we played all the war games, but I never, and I repeat, never, experienced anything like Chris and Erin faced. I did come away from my time of service with that ever-present feeling of belonging, as if I knew (and still do) that I had been a part of something special. But the only details I was able
to speak of firsthand in my stories were about the clothes Chris and Erin wore (BDUs - Battle Dress Uniform), one of the places where they went to get hot food (MKT - Mobile Kitchen Trailer), the food that kept them from starving when they didn't have the MKT (MREs - Meals Ready to Eat), and the state of life unique to all military experiences (boredom and terror, hurry up and wait, and illogical military logic).
Kimberley Square seems a pretty unique community. Have you experienced that level of relationship amongst neighbours?
I am totally not a city girl. If I had to live in a city, I probably wouldn't last more than a week. But where I'm living now, in a small beachfront neighborhood in a medium-sized town on the Oregon Coast, I have been fortunate to have developed good relationships with my neighbors. Sometimes it feels as if I'm living in a fishbowl, but other times I know it is good to have so many people around me that I care about, and who care about me. We look out for each other. They all take good care of me. It's a great feeling.
What impact do you hope this book has upon the reader?
Even though the main thread of the entire series is the friendship between Chris and Erin, this last book continues to explore the romantic relationship between Chris and Jason. Some of my favorite lines in the book are when Chris says, “Bit by bit, Jason. If we get married and start a life together, we'll be as one. But unless you walk with me closer and closer to Christ, I'll walk with you farther and farther away from Him. If I marry you, and you don't want to follow Him, you'll pull me away from Him. If that happens, bit by bit … I'll die.”
A friend of mine told me about this quote by Maya Angelou: “A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.”
The beauty is when we are so hidden in Christ, He still gives us friends to love--friends that He can love through us. On the last page of the book, Chris realizes this because of how His loved flowed through Erin to reach her. She wraps up this realization by repeating one line she heard spoken to her eight months before. I hope readers will be able to make the connection to enjoy the full impact of Chris's words. I really hope readers will come away from reading the entire series more in love with their Savior than ever before.
Why was it important for you to portray Chris and Jason's struggle with th
eir relationship, due to their difficult pasts?
Part of that was because I did not want to write a romance. Chris's story was never about finding physical love and contentment with a man. That would come later, yes, but in the first few months of her new life as a believer in Christ, she and I both knew her story was about her journey to finding true love and contentment in Jesus Christ. Once that relationship was strong and secure, then she could move forward in a relationship with Jason.
Of course, Jason doesn't care for this, but he did at one time love the Lord Jesus as his Savior, so deep down, he understands. This forces him to face his own ugly past, and to choose for himself if he will once again trust in Jesus.
If this series was made into a movie, who would you cast?
I had a sneaky feeling you would ask me this question, so I've been thinking about it for quite awhile. However, the sad thing is that I watch very little TV and I go to probably one movie a decade, so my list of actors and actresses to choose from is limited at best. So I'll just politely refuse to answer this question, thank you. Or … does anyone have any ideas? I'm open to suggestions. Oh, and Chris wants me to tell you that she looks nothing like the beautiful girl on the covers of the books. That girl actually looks more like Erin. Though, at this point, neither of us are complaining about it.
ON MATTERS PERSONAL...
Do you read Christian fiction yourself? If so, some favourite authors or books both Christia
n and/or secular?
This too, is sad. Except for my clients' manuscripts, I read very little. It's almost embarrassing to say this. How in the world can I write and edit novels when I don't read them? This makes Camy Tang crazy. I hate to make her crazy, but what can I say? Well, I did read her debut, Sushi for One?, and I enjoyed it very much. I know I'm missing out on some good stories, so I'll try to do better.
What are you reading at the moment?
Right now I'm just getting started with a manuscript about a young woman who is a master piano player. Her fiancé has just been killed, and one of her students is an autistic musical savant. Should be an interesting read.
Favourite movie and favourite line from a movie?
By now, can't you see how culturally inept I am? I hate TV, don't even own one, and see maybe one, maybe two movies a decade. But, okay, if you must know, I love Fried Green Tomatoes (the movie, not t
he book). “How many of those hormones you takin', honey?” And Ed: “I just can't figure out how in the (heck) you can hit someone by accident … six times.” I've also seen Ghost at least eighteen times. “Have a nice life, have a nice death, good-bye.” And Always. “Girl clothes. You bought me girl clothes.” Hah! Guess I do have some favorites.
Who inspires you?
My spiritual teachers are Gayle Erwin and Oswald Chambers. My examples in this industry are Francine Rivers and Angela Hunt. The music that most centers me on Christ is usually written and sung by Margaret Becker. The place where I live, the central Oregon Coast, inspires me. People who truly allow Jesus Christ to live through them, and it's usually obvious when they do, inspire me.
You have a fabulous blog where you share not just your writing journey but also your love for Jesus - how did you get into that?
Blogging has been a lot of fun. Lately, though, I've toyed with the idea of shutting it down and calling it good. But can I? Am I addicted? It's not like eight million people stampede over to hear what I've got to say, but having that outlet to share ideas and hopefully just plain fun stuff with whoever shows up has been fun. So much of life is about things that really don't matter one wit in the larger scheme of things. No matter what, I want to continue to talk about things that really matter. Talking about Christ and encouraging others to be more fully His--that matters. That's what I hope to continue to share on my wee blog.
You are passionate about sport! What did you play during high school?
It would probably be easier to tell you what I didn't play. Chess. Synchronized swimming. And golf. Never played golf. My favorite sports were basketball and softball, but throwing the javelin was a blast. After high school I coached several sports, including several motley crews of javelin throwers. That I'm still alive to tell the tale after several close calls is a miracle. Now that I'm old and gray, I have developed highly lethal allergies to anything even remotely resembling exercise. So, to keep from dying, I avoid it at all cost. So far so good.
Tell us something about you we don't know.
Okay, if you must know … when I was coaching, I was once almost gored--square in the chest--by a javelin. If the young man who threw it had thrown his usual distance, I would have been a human shish kebab.
Please share some of your faith journey...
My faith journey began with my mom's spiritual quest. She took us from church to churc
h in search of the truth, and when we found it, she made sure we all accepted it. At the time, I was seven, so I didn't mind. Jesus was real, He loved me, and I knew it, even at seven. I asked Him to be my Savior, and He said, “I would love that.” He came into my heart and has never left. I wish I could say that I have always been faithful to Him, but I can't. Even still, the journey is about constantly following, constantly seeking Him. After everything I've experienced, it is still this journey that matters most to me. I know where it will lead me, and there is nowhere else I would rather be.
Some essential Aussie questions...
When/if you make the trip Down Under what do you want to see first? A platypus or a koala?
Hopefully when I make the trip, and ooooo, a koala. Are they really as cute and cuddly as they seem?
Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?
Whichever is nearest the koala.
You have tasted vegemite - describe it in one word (be nice, now!)
Aiyazawowza! How's that? Okay, next time I will definitely spread it on thinly.
Any last words...
Just one. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. I love your blog, Rel, and I love TitleTrakk! It has been so cool to see the exponential growth of Christian fiction in the last few years. For all you do to help it grow ….. thank you!!
And … for all of you reading this be sure to leave a comment to enter the contest to win one of three complete sets of the Homeland Heroes Series that we'll be giving away. A complete set would make a great gift! Here are the details:~
From now until 14th December, leave a comment here for Rel and let her know what books you would like to win. Do you already have Wounded Healer and Warrior's Heart? Then ask for Valiant Hope and Standing Strong to complete your set. Don't have any? Request the entire series if you think it sounds like something you'd love to read. Do you know a servicemember or veteran who may be interested? Request a book or books for them. You have until midnight December 14th, 2007, when Rel will randomly draw three winners from her list of names. If your name is drawn, whatever you asked for, that you will win! This contest is open to all Rel's readers whether in Australia or elsewhere :)CFBA Blog Tour of Bluegrass Peril by Virginia Smith
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker in the summer of 2005. Since then she has contracted eight novels and numerous articles and short stories.She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including her debut, Just As I Am (Kregel Publications, March 2006) and her new release, Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007). Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines.
An energetic speaker, Virginia loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Local police had tagged single mom Becky Dennison as their prime suspect. But she'd only been in the wrong place at the wrong time...admittedly, with her boss's lifeless body. Sure it looked bad, but Becky had no motive for killing...even if she had opportunity.
When the director of the retirement farm for thoroughbred champions is murdered, Becky Dennison teams up with the handsome manager of a neighboring horse farm, Scott Lewis, to find her boss's killer. Soon the amateur detective are hot on the trail of the murderer...even as their feelings for each other deepen.
The amateur sleuths uncover a trail of clues that lead them into the intricate society of Kentucky's elite thoroughbred breeding industry. They soon find themselves surrounded by the mint julep set - jealous southern belles and intensely competitive horse breeders - in a high-stakes game of danger, money, and that famous southern pride.
And for Becky and Scott, this race on the Kentucky tracks has the greatest stakes of all: life or death!
Romantic Times awarded Bluegrass Peril
* * * * FOUR STARS! * * * *
Virginia has written an interesting novel about horses, cloning and single parenthood. The suspense is good, the romance engaging and the mystery isn't resolved until the end. An enjoyable summer read (or winter for those of you in the northern hemisphere!).
The Rachel, Tricia & Camy Twelve Authors of Christmas Tour
Here's something you don't want to miss at Rachel Hauck's, Tricia Goyer's and Camy Tang's blogs! Read Rachel's intro below:~ 
Starting December 1st, I'm hosting " The 12 Authors of Christmas." Stop by each day to read Christmas memories and traditions of your favorite authors, and perhaps a few new-to-you authors.
I'll be hosting the first half of December with the lovely and gracious Tricia Goyer hosting the last half of the month and the sweet and smiling Camy Tang running overlap mid month on her site, commencing on 6th December.
We even have a few bonus authors* on the tour.
Look forward to celebrating cyber Christmas with you all.
Here's the line up
Dec 1 - Colleen Coble
Dec 2 - Kathryn Mackle
Dec 3 - Janelle Scheinder
Dec 4 - Deb Raney
Dec 5 - Gayle Roper
Dec 6 - Kristen Heitzmann
Dec 7 - Terri Blackstock
Dec 8 - DiAnn Mills
Dec 9 - Jill Nelson
Dec 10 - Donita Paul
Dec 11 - Marlo Schalesky
Dec 12 - Linda Hall
Dec 13 - Gail Martin*
Dec 14 - Tricia Goyer!*
On the 13th, hop over to Tricia's site for the next round. Here's the line up.
*Bonus* Mindy Clark
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Summer by Karen Kingsbury
Summer continues the Baxter family story that has enthralled readers since the Redemption and Firstborn series.
Dayne and Katy Matthews are blissfully married until their decision to participate in a reality show about their lives as they make a movie together. The paparazzi conspire to bring down their marriage and Dayne and Katy struggle to find comfort in each other as their acting commitments overshadow the time they need to spend working on their marriage.
Back in Bloomington, Bailey Flanigan continues to be drawn to Cody Coleman but her parents don't wish the relationship to develop any further as they know Cody's addiction to alcohol will continue to haunt him. Cody enlists in the Army, hoping to find his place in a world of discipline, a desire to defend his country and to put distance between him and Bailey, before he can ruin her life.
Cole Blake is beside himself with joy when he learns his mum Ashley has another baby on the way at the same time as his Auntie Kari and his heart overflows with love for his new sibling and cousin. When a routine visit to the obstetrician reveals terrible news all of the Baxters pray for a miracle with the exception of Brooke whose medical training leads her to advise an option which shatters her relationship with her sister.
Karen Kingsbury again tackles the hard issues with her signature sensitivity and insight. Her characters' responses to their dilemmas resonate with authenticity as the Matthews struggle with the price of fame, John Baxter wrestles with the possibility of a romantic relationship and the Blakes and Taylors try to cope with the joy and heartache their pregnancies bring. The spiritual issues Karen raises are blended beautifully in to the story line, including God's ability to heal, the sanctity of life and His sufficiency in all circumstances.
I am lo
oking forward to the development of Bailey and Cody's relationship and the impa
ct of Cody's decision on his sobriety and fledgling faith as he puts his life on the line and enters the stress and trauma of war. I appreciated the ending of Summer in many ways but be warned your emotions will become so entangled with the characters hearts, a tissue box will be required. In my view, Summer well exceeds Sunrise in its realism and poignancy and I look forward to the last books in the series, Someday and Sunset, continuing that trend.
As seen @ TitleTrakk.com
The winners are...
For Parents Only ~ Fiona and Naomi
When the Heart Cries & When the Morning Comes ~ Jen
When the Morning Comes ~ Ausjenny and Angela
My 4 year old chose these names out so I wasn't showing any favouritism to my sis in case anyone was wondering - LOL!! And no, despite our belief in her exceptional abilities, reading is not one of them just yet ;-)
Blog Tour of A Shadow of Treason by Tricia Goyer
| Book 2 in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series |
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Q and A with Tricia! Q: A Shadow of Treason follows A Valley of Betrayal. This is the first time you've written books as a series instead of stand alone. Which way do you like better?
A: I love writing in series. It was great to continue with the same characters. In my stand-alone books I fell in love with these people and then I had to say good-bye after one book. It was wonderful to be able to continue on.
Q: In A Shadow of Treason Sophie must return to the person who betrayed her in an effort to help the Spanish people. It makes the book hard to put down because the reader has to know how Sophie's heart will deal with it. Why did you decide to make this an element of the book?
A: There are very few of us who go through life without giving away a part of our hearts to someone who didn't deserve it. Even though Sophie had the best intentions, she gave away her heart and she was hurt-not only that she must revisit those emotions.
I wanted to include this element-to delve into the topic that emotions are sometimes as big of a trap as any physical cage. Emotions are real and they guide us -- even when we don't want to admit it. Poor Sophie, not only does she have to deal with a war around her -- she also has to deal with a war within herself. It's something I've battled, and mostly likely others have too.
Q: There is an interesting element that arises in this book and that is Spanish gold. I know you can't tell us what happens in this book, but can you give us a brief history of this gold?
A: Sure. When I was researching I came upon something interesting. The Spaniards, as we know, had taken much Aztec and Inca gold during the time of the conquistadors. Well, at the start of The Spanish Civil War much of this gold was still held in Madrid. In fact Spain had the fourth largest gold reserves in the world at that time. The Republican government was afraid Franco would take the city and the gold. They had to get it out of Madrid and this included transporting priceless artifacts. The element of gold does make its way into my story. It was great to include this little-known (and true!) element into my story.
Q: Another historical fact I learned about was the Nazi involvement during this time. Not only were the Germans active in Spain, but they had spy networks busy around the world. How did you find out about this?
A: I love reading tons of research books. Usually I find one little element that I dig out and turn into a plot line. This is what happened with my plot-line for the Nazi pilot, Ritter. I dug up this bit of research of Nazi involvement in Spain -- and the United States -- because a lot of people aren't aware of the Nazi involvement prior to WWII. The truth is they were busy at work getting the land, information, and resources they needed far before they threatened the nations around them. The Germans knew what they wanted and how to get it. And most of the time they succeeded!
Q: A Shadow of Treason is Book Two. When will Book Three be out? Can you give us a hint of how the story continues?
A: Book Three is A Whisper of Freedom. It will be out February 2008. The characters that we love are all still in the midst of danger at the end of Book Two. Book Three continues their stories as we follow their journeys in -- and (for a few) out -- of Spain. It's an exciting conclusion to the series!
Q: Wow, so we have a least one more fiction book to look forward to in the near future. Are you working on any non-fiction?
A: Yes, I have two non-fiction books that will be out the early part of 2008. Generation NeXt Marriage is a marriage book for today's couples. It talks about our marriage role models, our struggles, and what we're doing right as a generation. It also gives advice for holding it together.
I've also been privileged to work on the teen edition of Max Lucado's book 3:16. It was a great project to work on. What an honor! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
| Tricia's Bio: Tricia Goyer has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Today's Christian Woman, Guideposts for Kids, and Focus on the Family, and is the co-author of Meal Time Moments (Focus on the Family). She has led numerous Bible Studies, and her study notes appear in the Women of Faith Study Bible (Zondervan). She has written seven novels for Moody Publishing:
Night Song was awarded American Christian Fiction Writer's 2005 Book of the Year for Best Long Historical. Dawn of a Thousand Nights won the same award in 2006. Tricia has also written Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Zondervan, 2004), 10 Minutes to Showtime (Thomas Nelson, 2004), and Generation NeXt Parenting (Multnomah, 2006). Life Interrupted was a 2005 Gold Medallion finalist in the Youth Category. Also, coming out in the next year are: My Life, Unscripted (Thomas Nelson, 2007), Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah, Spring 2008), and 3:16-the teen version of the a book by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson, Spring 2008). Tricia and her husband John live with their three children in Kalispell, Montana. Tricia's grandmother also lives with them, and Tricia volunteers mentoring teen moms and leading children's church. Although Tricia doesn't live on a farm, she can hit one with a rock by standing on her back porch and giving it a good throw. |
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Saturday, 1 December 2007
FIRST Day Blog Tour of The Minor Protection Act By Jodi Cowles
It is December 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter!
and her book:
The Minor Protection Act
Musterion (December 1, 2005)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jodi Cowles caught the travel bug when her parents took her on her first international flight at six months of age. Since then she’s been in over 30 countries. Along the way she’s gotten locked out of her cabin on an all night train to Kiev, helped deliver a baby in Indonesia, taught English in South Korea, gone spelunking in Guam, hiked the Golan Heights and laid bricks in Zimbabwe. Her interest in politics stems from hunting Easter eggs on the south lawn of the White House as a child. For her 30th birthday she ran the LA Marathon and promised to get serious about publishing. Jodi resides in Boise, Idaho and this is her first novel.AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
If the politically correct set was searching for a poster couple, they would need to look no further than Erik and Roselyn Jessup. In college they lit up doobies while attending passionate speeches about legalizing marijuana and freeing Tibet. Erik was even arrested once for helping break into an animal research center. Roselyn bailed him out. After five years of dating they decided to tie the knot. Seven years later, after Roselyn had enough time to get established in her career, she gave birth to their pride and joy, Jayla Lynn Jessup.Both had satisfying full-time jobs that left them only enough time to pour themselves into Jayla. They attended every event at school, even if it meant working overtime and paying the after school program for a few extra hours. When Jayla made the principal's list or won a spelling bee, they were cheering, and filming, from the front row.
Jayla began junior high at a brand new school with a brand new curriculum. It was being called "progressive" in the papers; the first program of its kind implemented in California with plans for a nationwide rollout over the next 10 years. Praise poured in from around the country, applauding the straight talk about sexuality and focus on tolerance.
Erik and Roselyn were thrilled to have their daughter in this groundbreaking program. Granted, it took several phone calls to district authorities to accomplish the transfer and Roselyn had to drive an extra 30 minutes each morning to drop off Jayla, but it was quite a coup to brag about in their circle of friends.
Jayla turned 13 two years into junior high. For her birthday she told her parents she wanted to order pizza and hang around the house – there was something she needed to tell them. Over pepperoni and Coke, Jayla calmly informed them that she'd been discussing it with her friends and teachers and had decided she was gay.
Though she had never had a girlfriend, or a boyfriend for that matter, Erik and Roselyn were quick to affirm her decision and let her know she had their full support. Roselyn applauded her daughter's honest, courageous move and told Jayla how proud she was. Erik was also supportive and went so far as to tease Jayla about her best friend Sara.
There weren't too many lesbians in her junior high and Jayla had a pretty average experience, but she attracted attention when she entered high school wearing the rainbow buttons specially purchased by her mother. Soon she was 15 and seriously involved with Carla, the 17-year-old senior who was President of the Gay Pride Club. When Erik and Roselyn saw the relationship deepening they sat Jayla down and had a heart to heart "sex talk," encouraging her to be responsible and safe, and only to have sex if she was truly in love.
She was. However, when the year ended Carla left for college on the east coast and broke off the relationship in a letter.
Jayla was heartbroken. Erik and Roselyn were quick to comfort, as any loving parents of a shattered teenager, but their answers seemed hollow to Jayla, their comfort cold. At 16 she began dabbling in drugs - a first for her.
By the time her senior year began the family bond that was once so strong had disintegrated to the degree that she seldom spoke to her parents unless it was to strike out in anger. She had not entered into another dating relationship, as much as they encouraged her in that direction. Rather, she seemed withdrawn from the world and spent endless hours either locked in her room or suspiciously absent. Finally, Roselyn had enough and took her to a doctor who prescribed an anti-depressant for teenagers that had just been released on the market.
By Christmas the medication seemed to be working. Jayla was coming around, spending more time at home. She seemed calmer and more at peace. They were even beginning to talk about college. But New Year's morning they found her dead, her anti-depressant bottle and a quart of vodka laying empty in the trash and a mass of journals and letters scattered around her in the bed.
Erik and Roselyn were devastated. Jayla had been their whole life. They dove into the letters and journals, trying to make sense of it all. What they found only served to inflame their anger. Some boy named Nick had been telling their daughter that she was a sinner, quoting Bible verses that said her sexual preference was an abomination before God. Jayla's journal was full of self-loathing, page after page about her relationship with Carla, page after page of rambling, agonizing pain. Why was she made like this if homosexuality was a sin? Why would her parents have supported her if it were an abomination? Why had she listened to the seventh grade teacher who told her experimentation was the best way to determine her sexuality? What was wrong with her?
They could hardly stand to finish it but they read every word. In the end their grief found relief, as it so often does, in bitterness and hatred. The day after Jayla's funeral, attended by hundreds of students from Jayla’s school, Erik and Roselyn met with the District Attorney. A year later, bitterness not yet assuaged, they went to see a lawyer. In the culture of America, where there is rarely tragedy unaccompanied by litigation, they found a willing law firm. Someone would pay.
