The Next Big Thing - A Blog Hop Post

Today, I'm participating in a blog hop about "the next big thing". . . and telling you about the book I'm working on. In two weeks, we’ll blog hop to some other writers in to hear about their works in progress. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with a blog hop, it’s a series of posts linked to each other across the web. I’d like to thank Mary Denman for tagging me to participate!

In this particular hop, I’m answering ten questions about my latest WIP (Work in Progress). Feel free to post questions and comments!

Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:



What is the working title of your book?



For the Love of Ivy

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I had an idea for another book, and when I started working on it, I decided to split it into three books. I chose one of my three characters, Shannon, and as I wrote the first couple of pages, I realized her story was equally about her daughter, Ivy. The story keeps unfolding from there. 





What genre does your book fall under?

    

I’m not sure yet. It’s either Contemporary Women’s or YA. Maybe it'll be both!

Molly C. Quinn - My Ivy

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

 

I think Jennifer Connelly would pull off Shannon, and Molly C. Quinn could portray Ivy. 

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?



Shannon struggles to get beyond herself while Ivy wonders if her quest for perfection is enough to win her mother’s love. (Yeah, I’m still working on that one…)

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Only God knows the answer to that question. I hope it will be represented by an agency. In the meantime, I’d like to get the first draft completed.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?



It’s a WIP. My first draft has six chapters so far.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I haven’t started comparing it to others, yet. I am hoping it will cross the two genres I’m aiming it toward, that both mothers and their daughters will want to read this book.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?



The idea for the initial book I’d started was triggered by an author friend’s use of objects in his stories to make a greater and more meaningful point. The object has been removed, but my desire to write a meaningful and relatable novel remains. The elements of dealing with an eating disorder and the struggle to love a family member are ones I felt a lot of women/girls could relate to.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? 

Life doesn’t always have a happy ending. I wonder if my characters will…

Now I invite you to visit these next 5 blogs to meet more authors! They'll be posting their answers to the questions above on January 15th.

Mel Ann Morales 

Pepper Basham

(Please check back. I'm lining up the other three authors who will share.)

Reflections on God's Goodness

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

 All the days of my life;

 And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

 Forever."

 ~ Psalm 23:6

My pastor loves to preach on this scripture. Sometimes I would say it's his life verse. He lives by these words. He loves the truth they hold within them.

And some days, this is my life verse. God blesses me beyond my wildest imaginations. He gives me things my heart couldn't even dream up, and I am blown away by His goodness.

My husband loves Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

God - Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask or think...

I attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference two weeks ago. Feeling slightly unprepared (I rounded up and wrote a few potential articles and devotions with the hopes of selling them at the conference, but so last minute I wasn't counting on it.), I went only with the desire to serve and to attend a few classes I wanted to take. I would decide on appointments after I arrived and would say hello to all my writer friends who I love so much, like Jim Rubart...

For the first time in three years, I went with no agenda of my own...only God's. And boy, did I get blessed!


I won a contest, which allowed me to sit with the faculty member of my choice at the Awards Banquet. Considering I am friends with so many of the faculty members, that's an incredibly difficult choice to make. I wished I could have a long banquet table with all of them present. Alas, I had to select. I chose Chip MacGregor, agent extraordinaire. This conference is the first time I'd crossed paths with Mr. MacGregor, and I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him a bit. Without pitching or feeling a need to pitch. Bummer that I forgot to bring my camera to the banquet. Chip has a great picture of us on his phone, but I haven't seen a copy of it, yet...so this will have to do:

Photo Courtesy of Mary Denman, Conference Photographer

Can you hear me praying? "Lord, I hope I don't get anything stuck in my teeth. I hope I make a good impression. I hope I don't say something totally stupid that will ruin my career. I hope Torry doesn't make me spit sweet tea out of my nose..." I certainly chose a great table, though. Not only did I get to sit with Chip, I also got to sit with Todd Starnes of Fox News, funny man Torry Martin (he's written for Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey), another of my favorite novelists - DiAnn Mills, and the founder of the BRMCWC and novelist, Yvonne Lehman. We also had the pleasure of the company of Dan Case and Shannon Potelicki (Shannon is one of the agents who works with Chip). I had an all-star table meal. HUGE blessing for me.

I also won third place for my Flash Fiction piece, Remembering No More. This is the second time I've entered a BRMCWC contest, and I've won both times. That encourages me to keep writing...

Photo Copyright Mary Denman, Conference Photographer & Dear Friend

But here's where God truly blew me away and sent me into awe shock. I set up an appointment with Cindy Sproles, editor of ChristianDevotions.us. I mentioned to her that I am now editing books, as well as websites (I edit for DevoKids, another ministry under Christian Devotions). She said to be sure I mentioned that to Eddie, head of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. So I did. And he gave me the opportunity of a lifetime...

I am now the Senior Editor of Inspire a Fire. Inspire a Fire is a website full of articles for those who want to ignite a flame in their world. It only takes one person to make a huge difference. Will you be the one God chooses to use to advance His kingdom here on earth? How far are you willing to go for the One who chose you? This is the heart of our website. And it's AMAZING.

If you don't know Gina Holmes, she's the author of the award-winning novel, Crossing Oceans. She's also the founder of Novel Rocket, a major website for Christian writers. Not only that, but she is the founder of Inspire a Fire, along with her friend, Jessica Dotta. It is truly an honor to have been blessed with a warm welcome from Gina, and I am still in awe that God would hook me up with one of my favorite authors to take over something she'd planted and watered the seeds of.

I'm still adjusting to the knowledge that God has given me such a wonderful opportunity and responsibility. I am humbled at His confidence in me. I am in tremendous awe of His goodness, which is exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask or think! So, while I stand looking toward the heavens with my mouth agape, let me introduce you to the faces behind this little story:

Eddie Jones, Cindy Sproles, and Me Shooting for the Stars

Me with Gina Holmes

And there you have it. My testimony of God's awesome, amazing wonderfulness. Sometimes He's so good, it's hard to put my heart into words. So I remain still and silent before the Lord. Like now.

I hope you'll join me and the staff of amazing writers I have over at Inspire a Fire. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. Feel free to like us, subscribe to our posts, and follow us to your heart's delight. I pray you will find inspiration to ignite a fire for the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose and a call for each and every one of us that is as unique as we are! Be blessed as you spend time with the Creator of all today!

Book Review - The Queen by Steven James

Synopsis:

FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers is sent to a small town in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin. While investigating the murder of one man, he is called out to investigate the double homicide of a woman and her daughter - the husband is nowhere to be found - or at the bottom of an icy lake.

The Queen follows Pat as he begins to uncover a high-tech conspiracy, chases down suspects, and deals with his own personal life all at the same time.

My Review:

The Queen is part of a series, preceded by The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, and The Bishop. I confess that I haven't read any of the previous Patrick Bowers thrillers. BUT, after reading The Queen, I will be going back and reading through the entire series. I love a good crime-related suspense, and Steven James delivers with The Queen. 

It took me a few chapters to enter into the thrill of the story. Although James opens well, I struggled to figure out who was who until around the sixth chapter. This is probably just me, and if I'd read the previous books, I might have known sooner. Once I figured it out, the story took off, and I couldn't put it down. He had me guessing who the mysterious Valkyrie was all the way to the very end.

I had the honor of meeting Steven James at the 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. I admire his enthusiasm for the craft of writing, and it shines through in his novel. He masterfully switches from Special Agent Bower's first person view to the third person view of his criminals and his loved ones. It makes the character-filled story easier to navigate.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

To purchase The Queen, please visit:

Revell

amazon

Barnes & Noble

CBD

Please note: I was provided a free copy of The Queen from Revell for the purposes of this review. I was not required to provide a good review, and I believe by crafting a great story, Mr. James has earned the five stars I've awarded him.

Overcoming Journaling Jitters

The blank page stares at you, and you wonder what it is you should place upon it. Your mind has a thousand things to say, but you can't seem to pull one thought to the front of your mind.

Is it the fear of someone reading what you put in the privacy of your journal? Is it the fear of saying something that might offend another? Is it the fear of writing itself? Or maybe you don't like your handwriting...

Whatever the phobia is, here are some suggestions to getting past the journaling jitters and starting to write out the stories of your life:

1. Start simple. Write down what is important today. What do you have to do? What has been accomplished? What are you worried about? What are you excited about?

2. Write down what God is doing in your life. Testify of His goodness in your day.

3. Write down what God is saying to you. Did a scripture verse jump out at you during your morning reading? What struck you about it?

4. What do you have to be thankful for? Did God make a way for your electric bill to be paid? Did your father overcome a battle with cancer? Did your husband get that promotion he'd been trying for? Did you get sleep last night after a week of tossing and turning? Write it down.

5.  Write down a memory from childhood that you'd like to share with your kids one day.

6. Write down something you've learned from someone else that you'd love to share with someone else some day. Testify to their impact on your life.

7. Make a list of your favorite foods, movies, songs, etc. If you have a memory associated with them, write that down, too.

8. There are books like Natalie Goldberg's Old Friend from Far Away that are written to get you thinking about writing about your life. Pick up a copy of one from your local bookstore and use the prompts for journaling.

Journaling can be as simple or detailed as you want to make it. Start with easy posts and then work your way up to longer ones. Use the ideas above to get you started. Pick one topic for each day of the week, if you'd like. Start there. As you continue to be faithful to keeping your journal, it'll become easier as the time goes by. And soon you'll find yourself enjoying it!

Photo Courtesy of Ben Lancaster

The Joys of Journaling

An author friend of mine has been posting clips from the diary she kept as a little girl on her Facebook page. I've gotten a kick out of reading them, as it's helping me get to know her better. It's also caused me to think of what a great tool journaling has been in my own life.

Why do people journal or keep a diary? I can't tell you everyone else's reasons, but I can share why I've been journaling since I was eight or so.

1. It started as a way for me to say things on paper that I couldn't say out loud. I could write down anything I wanted to, and only my journal and I would know about it. I confided in my journal like I would to my best friend, only I knew my journal wouldn't repeat what I'd said - ever.

2. It became a way to put my life on a page. Who I admired. Who I couldn't stand to be around. Who said something mean that day. Who complimented me that day. What happened when I... you get the idea. I could keep track of my memories on the pages of my journal.

3. It became my artistic, creative outlet. I wrote poem after poem in the pages of my journals.

4. It became a place where I could take notes and learn. And relearn. Once I met Jesus and made Him Lord of my life, I began taking notes in my journals during church or leadership meetings or at conferences. I studied from my journals. To this day I can go back and learn some more from them.

5. It became a place of inspiration. Any time I read a scripture that inspires me, I write it down in my journal. Sometimes I expound. Others, I simply write the verse.

6. It became a place of prayer. Some days I have a difficult time focusing on my prayers. Distractions come at me from every angle. But if I sit in one place and break out my journal and pen, I can focus right in as I write out my heart's cry to God.

7. It became a place of testimony. I write down daily events and happenings as a reminder of what God is doing in my life. I can go back and read journal entries from five years ago and see where God has brought me from to where He's brought me to.

8. It became a place of thanksgiving. Looking back and reading about loss of loved ones, marital stress, step-family issues, etc. I can see where God's hand was in it all, where He never left me nor forsook me. I can take note and give thanks to Him for all He is to me and all He has done in my life. It's a place where I write down my thankfulness for healing broken children, restoring family relationships, providing financial relief, and simply just loving me for who I am in Him.

9. It's been a place for me to practice writing. And finding my voice. God called me into a ministry of writing two years ago. It's a call I knew was on my life years and years ago, since I was a little girl. But it's only recently God has stirred the desire up inside of me again. In order to be a writer, one must write, and so I do...

10. It's been a place of reflection. I am amazed at what I discover about myself as I go back and read entries from two, ten, or twenty years ago. I see who I was and who God has created me to be. Who I left behind and who I am now. I see the immaturity and the maturity. God shows me things, whispers, "See how far I've brought you?" and continues to love on me through the words.

What joy do you find in journaling? If you don't journal already, why not? And if you'd like to start, today's as good as any...

Photo Courtesy of Sanja Gjenero

Book Review - Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson

Kimberly Tucker doesn’t want her ex-husband, Charlie, to have more time with their two boys, Chase and Cody. The boys are her life, and it’s come to her attention they spend more time with their grandparents when visiting their father, who is once again enjoying the dating scene. What she can’t understand is why they divorced in the first place. Their life represented the picture-perfect American family.

When the judge awards Charlie the right to keep his boys over the summer, Kimberly is faced with coming to terms with the situation. At her father’s request, she heads for the beach house in Cedar Key, where she will work at finding a replacement housekeeper. Kimberly doesn’t want to be there, and she plans to return home, close to her boys, within a week or two.

What Kimberly doesn’t expect is to befriend the older woman next door, run into her first love, and have a second chance at the life and love she’s desired all along.

 

Eva Marie Everson shows us that love still prevails in her Cedar Key novel Chasing Sunsets.

Perfect for that summer beach read, Chasing Sunsets is filled with Eva’s wonderful descriptions and characters we can relate to and fall in love with. If you can’t make it to the beach, no worries, she’ll take you there!

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Find your copy of Chasing Sunsets here:

http://tinyurl.com/Chasing-Sunsets-Amazon 

http://tinyurl.com/Chasing-Sunsets-BnN

http://tinyurl.com/Chasing-Sunsets-CBD

If you desire a summer’s worth of great reading material, be sure to pick up copies of Eva’s novels Things Left Unspoken and This Fine Life, as well. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Please note: I received a free copy of Chasing Sunset from Revell in exchange for this review. However, I was not required to provide a good review. I love reading Eva's books, and I am grateful to have been selected to review it!

Friday Friends

~ My BFF Mary Denman and Me ~

Some days, I like to take a moment to spotlight others in my life for all of the wonderful gifts God has given them. I like to share the blessings they bring with others. Today is one of those days. Below, I've listed multiple links to various posts, blogs, and videos that have inspired me. Enjoy!

Alicia Bruxvoort - This is a post from a Mom whose children bless her with the things they say and draw her closer to God.

Glynnis Whitwer - Although I don't "know" Glynnis personally, I love reading her blog, Welcome Home. She is full of insight into the Word, and her honest transparency is refreshing. This article is about the importance of spiritual training.

Edie Melson - Edie is one of my close, personal friends. She is my encourager. Although her blog focuses on writing, she includes a weekly devotion. This post is also concerned with spiritual health.

Lynn Huggins Blackburn - One of my favorite things about Lynn is her candid sense of humor. She takes life and tells it as it is, and it's always funny. Here, she talks about being a hypocrite...

Mary Denman - Do you want to sit back and relax and take in some sites? Mary's photography is amazing! I wish she'd put more of her photos up for you to see...

Proverbs 16 - Committed

"Commit your works to the Lord, 
And your thoughts will be established."
~ Proverbs 16:3

This is one of my favorite verses. I have it stuck to the side of my computer. It tells me that as long as I commit all I do to the Lord, doing it in His name and for His glory, He will establish my thoughts. God will guide me in what to say and do.

It was January of 2010 when God called me to write "for Him." He gave specific instruction. For the first few months, I floundered, wondering what He wanted me to write. I went back to my journals and the few items I'd written in the past. I prayed, looked up information on Christian writing online, and signed up in March to attend the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference in May. I figured getting together with other writers would motivate me in the right direction.

I love Proverbs 16:9. "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." It ties in with verse three very well. I planned to go to Blue Ridge. I planned to take certain classes. I planned to spend time writing. But God had different plans for me when I arrived at the Lifeway campus. 

Before I ever arrived, He started working and directing. 

I planned to save money by acquiring a roommate. God directed me into a new-best-friend relationship.

I planned to take certain classes. God directed me to ask a question and gave me a writing mentor as a result.

I planned to meet with the authors/editors who critiqued my works ahead of time. God directed me into divine appointments outside of those. 

I planned to leave with a wealth of conference information. God gave me so much more.

As a result of the conference, God has moved me far beyond my own plans or expectations. In the year since, I've enjoyed a friendship I'd been praying for the past three years. I've learned so much from my mentor as she encouraged me along my writing career path. I've had four devotions accepted for publication online and just found out one has been selected to be included in a devotional book. I pitched an article at the conference that's been accepted for publication next month. I've edited a book. I've started writing a few books. And I've signed up to attend Blue Ridge again. Because I know God's got so much more in store!

As I commit to do His will, He will guide my steps. He will give me ideas. He will tell me what to write. I trust God and know that He keeps His word. It never comes back void. 

Are you putting your trust in God and His promises? Will you commit to His will for your life today? Abundant life is in store, if you do!  

Photo Copyright 2009 Alycia W. Morales

Just In Case...

...you've been wondering if I disappeared, I have not. I have been super duper busy over the past month, and against my will, my writing hasn't been as frequent as I'd like it to be. What have I been up to, you ask? Well...

I spent a week in NY visiting family and friends and moving stuff around again. During our stay, I took a lot of great pictures of my grandparents' farm, which Grandma has recently sold. I figured I'd better get the photographs of the memory-filled place before I didn't have that access anymore...

 The Farmhouse

 The Hill

Grandpa's Hill stands for cows grazing in hilltop pastures, casual walks up the path just because, deer hunting stories and many trophy bucks throughout the years (just ask my husband).

The Barn
Many childhood days were spent jumping from new heights in the hay mound, helping Grandpa milk the cows or bottle feed calves, and feeding the chickens...




On our return from NY, we decided to actually enjoy part of our vacation, and we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Our 16 hour trip turned into 20, but I was able to get some fantastic photographs, like these:

I had one day after our trip to NY to rest and get organized before I headed off on my own to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference. It's always amazing to me when God orchestrates something in my life. He set me up with the best roommate I could ever hope for, the best teachers a girl could want, and the encouragement that I desperately needed. I left from there knowing that I have a definite call on my life and with all of my questions answered. I also met the greatest people around - other wierdos like me...we're really not that wierd...unless we're milking each other. But, I don't have that picture...

Me with...Vonda Skelton, Edie Melson and Mary Denman, & Michelle Medlock Adams

 

Since my return, I have managed to write a little bit. I plan to do a lot more writing once the children are finished with school. In the meantime, I have been pouring myself into the education of my four lovely children. Some days are easier than others. Sometimes I see a hint of normalcy in our crazy life. But through it all, God's presence is in our midst. I couldn't be more thankful.