Thursday, June 27, 2013

A Genuine Question for LDS Readers

I have a genuine question that I'd like to pose to LDS readers - not because I'm trying to start a debate or anything, but because I'd like the answer.

I really enjoy Christian authors Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, Karen Kingsbury, and Lynn Austin. These ladies write fantastic stories with dimension and plot and great characterization. The tension in the suspense novels is awesome - I loved The Negotiator by Dee Henderson for that very element.

Because these ladies are Christian authors published by a Christian publishing company, it's no surprise that the characters are Christian. They go to church, they share their beliefs with others, and they pray when they get into tight spots. For the most part, it's not overdone - these are just Christian characters reacting to the trials in their lives in the way a Christian would.

LDS authors, though, don't have that ability. When we write a book, we have to be careful how much of our religion we include or we're told that we're being "preachy." If one of our characters bears their testimony to another character, our readers tell us that they feel uncomfortable.

The crux of my question is this. We believe that we belong to the restored gospel. We have testimonies of Jesus Christ. We seek to follow His will in our daily lives. Why is it, then, that LDS readers shy away from these things in LDS fiction? If a Christian reader can pick up a Dee Henderson and enjoy a conversation in which a character bears their testimony to another character, why do LDS readers feel that's inappropriate?

Again, I'm not trying to start a debate - I truly want to understand this. As an LDS author, I have often wanted to include more religion in my books only to be told by a beta reader or my critique group or my editor that I need to take things out because the LDS readership will find it too preachy. And they're right - the readership will complain. Why?

If we believe we belong to the true church, why is it bad to talk about it in the books we write?

So I open the floor to you. Help me understand this.

Monday, June 24, 2013

The Book of Horus: Breathings by IC. Fisher

The Myth 
The Man 
The Memory of their love .....

Separated by tragedy, the hawk-headed god Horus will stop at nothing to rejoin with the woman that he loves. The bonds of their love transcend all time and space. Even death could not extinguish the flames. Any sacrifice was not too great. 

All that mattered is that they could live their immortal lives together.


IC.Fisher is an Honors Business Graduate from Southern Virginia University. Her hobbies include writing, producing and acting in skits and plays; reading fictional novels; and baking brownies. 

As a manager in an international transportation facility, IC has developed an acute sense of scheduling which she applied in her debut novel with non-linear narrative prose. She has developed a strong awareness and respect for many cultures during her career. 


You can purchase her novel by clicking here.

Friday, June 21, 2013

I Miss Blogging

I've been a blogger since 2006. That's a pretty long time, especially for me - I'm the type who gets bored and moves on to other things after a while. I love having a place to share my thoughts and feelings and vent my frustrations - politely, of course - and I love changing my blog backgrounds (as I'm sure you've noticed) and making it really feel like it's mine. I used to post about three times a week, sometimes with words of wisdom and sometimes with goofy jokes or pictures. As of late, though, my posting has really petered out, and I came to a realization tonight.

I miss blogging.

I've been so crazy busy lately that I haven't made the time for it. My freelance editing business has really kicked up, and then of course those four kids I have, plus a husband, and writing my Write It Right series, and writing a few other books as well, plus several other projects I've had going on ... Blogging has taken a back burner, with the exception of helping friends out with book promotions. I've been using Facebook as the outlet for the snarky comments I used to post here, but you can only ramble so much in a Facebook status, and sometimes I want to ramble for pages and pages and pages ...

I miss blogging.

I miss sitting down and immersing myself in my stream of consciousness and just saying whatever floats to the top, knowing you guys will understand me. And I miss feeling awesome when I get two or four or six comments, knowing that you chose to take time out of your busy day to come and visit me - that's hugely validating.

So I'm going to shoehorn in a minute here and there to start blogging again. It makes me happy - it really does. And if I don't really have a topic and I'm all over the place and kind of random, I know that's okay because you've come to expect that from me and that's part of why you're here - you enjoy my quirkiness.

So I don't have to miss blogging anymore. And that feels great.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Free Book! Free Book!


As some of you know and some of you don't, I've been writing a series of short reference books for beginning writers. I now have four out, with another one being released in about two weeks, and two additional books to help you track your writing progress. You can see the whole line, including those that are upcoming, by clicking here.

I'd like as many people as possible to give this series a try, so from now until June 23rd, the first book in the series, Dialogue Dynamics, is free for your Kindle. Dialogue Dynamics helps you identify some of the most common mistakes authors make in writing dialogue, punctuating it, and presenting it.

What are people saying about Dialogue Dynamics? Click here to take a look.

To get your free copy of Dialogue Dynamics, click here!!

If you don't have a Kindle, you can still read Kindle books on your computer. Click here to get the download for free!!

And of course, if you happen to enjoy this free download, you can check out the other books in the series at very reasonable prices. 

Please share this information with any friends who might be interested. The more free books I can give away, the merrier!!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Book Review: Simply West of Heaven by Monique Bucheger

I should start out this book review by divulging that I edited it, and so I might be a little partial. I mean, if I can't be extra proud of books I've edited, I shouldn't be an editor, right?

Monique Bucheger has written a series of books called The Ginnie West Adventures that are geared toward a middle-grade audience, but address hard, real-life issues. Kids today are facing tough dilemmas, and Monique manages to show kids how they can be heroes in their own lives while always remaining appropriate for her readers.

In this book, Simply West of Heaven, best friends Ginnie and Tillie's efforts to play matchmaker are bearing fruit, and it looks like Ginnie's dad and Tillie's mom are going to tie the knot. But Ginnie's dad is hiding something from Ginnie, and he won't tell her what. She has just found her deceased mother's journals, but he takes them away and won't let her read them. Tillie feels hesitant to help Ginnie get them back. After all, if everyone's talking about and remembering Ginnie's dead mom, won't that make the wedding plans go south? And Tillie desperately wants a new dad.

This book shows the very real feelings children have when their parents are getting ready to remarry, and it also demonstrates how families can pull through the toughest of trials. Principles of honesty and respect are addressed, and the characters learn and grow in a way that also educates the reader without feeling like a lecture. I highly recommend this series for your middle-grade reader ... ah, never mind. For a reader of any age!

Okay, now that you're all set to buy this book, hold on one second. If you buy it on Thursday, June 20th, instead, you will be able to access some amazing prizes as a thank you for your purchase. Go to Monique's blog for more information!



Sunday, June 16, 2013

Simply West of Heaven Cover Reveal - And Amazing Deals!!

Author Monique Bucheger is throwing a party to celebrate new covers for her books! Let me tell you how this is going to work. Read this blog post and all about her great books. Tomorrow, I will be reviewing one of her books. Then, on Thursday the 20th, participate in the book bomb - buy her book for $5.99 and get 27 books either free or .99 - most are free. You can check them all out on the rafflecopter below. So learn about them now and purchase on Thursday, and have fun!! Visit Monique's blog for all the details on how to get these great deals.

The Ginnie West Adventure series gets new covers! 
To quote Ginnie: "They are totally awesomesauce!"



THE SECRET SISTERS CLUB: A GINNIE WEST ADVENTURE (Book 1)

Twelve-year-old BFFs—Ginnie and Tillie—want to be sisters. Tillie's divorced mom plus Ginnie's widowed dad could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk and slumber parties. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie form a secret club and come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: ‘Operation: Secret Sisters’.

 Before long, Tillie seems happier about gaining a dad than a sister. Ginnie suspects that Tillie has turned ‘Operation: Secret Sisters’ into a scam called ‘Operation: Steal My Dad.’ Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her real mom’s hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn’t remember and Dad doesn’t talk about. When Dad discovers she has the journals, he takes them away. Ginnie needs to figure out why before her relationship with her father and her best friend are ruined forever.

As a writer of fantasy, few stories set in reality succeed in capturing my interest so thoroughly that they leave me wanting more. With her spirited personality and flare for fun, Ginnie West does just this as she draws the reader into her unique world from the start and never disappoints. An engaging read that entertains the young as well as the young at heart, this novel manages to become what most rarely do--memorable. ~~ S.E. Gerard, A Fracture In Time

I LOVED this book! I didn’t know a book without zombies could be good! ~~15 yr-old Amanda

TROUBLE BLOWS WEST: A GINNIE WEST ADVENTURE (Book 2)

Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong. She quickly figures out that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Pierce likes being knocked down by one. 

When Pierce seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a playback prank at Pierce’s house. Sadly, Ginnie learns that Pierce has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a rag doll. Realizing he's a boy in big trouble, Ginnie decides to be his ally, even if he won’t let her be his friend.

If you like farms, friends, horses, and secrets, you’ll love: Trouble Blows West: A Ginnie West Adventure. So saddle up and be ready to ride with Ginnie as she explores the true meaning of friendship. ~~Debbie Shakespeare Smith, middle-grade author of The House of Chicken

An excellent book that deals with the sensitive topics of bullying, abuse, and forgiveness. It is action packed and full of raw emotions. Bucheger does an amazing job of writing this story, without giving a cookie cutter answer to the problems Ginnie faces. The characters are full and rich—which makes me wish I could be part of the West family as well. ~~ Karen D. 

SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN: A GINNIE WEST ADVENTURE (Book 3) 

Twelve-year-old BFFs schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom. When their parents go along with the matchmaking, the girls are stoked. Sweet! Not long after though, Ginnie stumbles upon her late mom's journals, making life even more awesome sauce … until her dad confiscates the journals, determined to protect Ginnie from a danger he won’t name. Ginnie is counting on her future sister's help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie's not so sure the ghost of Ginnie's mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. 

Besides, Tillie is too busy trying to keep the memory of her abusive, no-good , rotten-excuse-for-a-birth-father from bubbling to the surface to worry about what's bugging Ginnie. He left six years ago and Tillie’s knows a better dad when she sees one … Ginnie’s dad. The girls' world gets flipped upside-down when a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers. Ginnie is torn between helping her best friend and what could be the answer to her prayers. Life gets complicated lickety-split in what is sure to be the most pivotal summer of Ginnie’s life. 

With the charm of The Little House books, and the courage of today’s American Girl, Bucheger has created a series that has staying power. ~~Mikey Brooks, The Dream Keeper

As a mother I couldn't put these books down. While they may be written for middle grade children, I was not only entertained, but inspired. ~~ Courtney W.




When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy
the journey that is her life. 



She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter,  a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works at: www.moniquebucheger.blogspot.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway This is the BLOG TOUR with Links:


MONDAY:
June 17: The Fictorian Era: Spotlight
June 17: Roseanne's Spot: Review of The Secret Sisters Club
June 17: J. Lloyd Morgan: Review of Trouble Blows West

TUESDAY:
June 18: Braden Bell: Spotlight
June 18: Tristi: Review of Simply West of Heaven
June 18: Tina Gower: (<--winner of this year's WOTF-- I'm so happy for her!)
June 18: Mikey Brooks: Interview

WEDNESDAY:
June 19: A Hero's Journey: Spotlight
June 19: Kimberly Griffiths Little : Review of The Secret Sisters Club
June 19: Jen Greyson: Spotlight

THURSDAY: (BOOK BOMB DAY)
June 20: In Brief: Blog Post
June 20: An Author In Progress: Overview of all 3 books.
June 20: A Book A Day: Review of Simply West of Heaven
June 20: Marathon Writer: Spotlight & Interview
June 20: Angela Carlie: Spotlight
June 20: David Farland: Shoutout

FRIDAY: REDEEM the FREE & Almost free books :)
June 21: Ordinary happily Ever After: Review of Simply West of Heaven
June 21: A Writer's Ramblings: Spotlight
June 21: Pauline Toohey: Author: Interview

SATURDAY:
June 22: James Duckett: Interview
June 22: Author Andrea Pearson: Spotlight
June 22: The Clan of the Stone: Spotlight




Monday, June 10, 2013

Book Review: I, Spy by Jordan McCollum

Take sure-handed writing, a great main character with a lot of snark, an awesome plotline, a romance on the rocks, and a possible Russian spy. What do you have? The recipe for a great book, and also an apt description of “I, Spy” by Jordan McCollum.

I’ll start off by saying that I did a little bit of editing (by little bit, read, twelve pages) on another project for Jordan, and I was very impressed. So when I heard this book was coming out, I knew I’d enjoy it. And I was right.

First novels tend to be a little timid. The author isn’t quite sure of themselves yet, they’re still navigating the market, they’re figuring out who they want to be as a literary artist. “I, Spy” started out with a bang and with the confidence that it takes some authors years to develop. If I didn’t know this was a first novel, I wouldn’t have guessed it.

Let me tell you a little about the story. Our main character is Talia Reynolds, an operative for the CIA. When the book opens, she’s creeping her way toward the target’s apartment via the ventilation shaft. The moment is tense, but the humor still shines through—the book is written in first person, and Talia makes great side comments to the reader. We see her pull off her mission and then we see her fight for the job of a co-worker, putting herself on the line by doing so. Right off the bat, we know she’s smart, gutsy, funny, and compassionate—all characteristics that make for a great heroine.

We also see her try to juggle a relationship—when you work for the CIA, you can’t tell your significant other what you do for a living until you’re ready to put a ring on it. Talia’s boyfriend, Danny, thinks she works for a law firm, but he’s beginning to think she’s keeping secrets from him.

Talia’s career dreams come true when she’s given the chance to track Fyodor Timofeyev, a Russian aerospace executive who might also be a spy. Talia lived in Russia and knows the language and culture. This case is right up her alley. But then she has to make some tough decisions—really tough decisions—and choose between her boyfriend and her country.

Not only do I praise Jordan for the quality of her writing, but I have to comment on the professional presentation of this book. It’s self-published, but everything about it is top notch. The cover is excellent, the typesetting looks very sharp, and the editing was great. I did think the commas and hyphens could have been tightened up here and there, but that’s nothing to squawk about. I think that all self-published authors should take their cue from Jordan and take the time to produce classy-looking books that are written well and full of great content.

You know you’re looking for a great read this summer—put “I, Spy” on your to-read list. 
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