Monday, September 29, 2008

Two Tours

As I've shared recently, I'm preparing for a book tour of the west coast with seven other Christian authors. You can find out more about the Motiv8 tour here.

But I'm also releasing my new women's fiction novel in October, and various friends are blogging about it.

So I invite you to have fun following both tours - visiting blogs that are chatting about Stepping Into Sunlight, and watching live video feed from the in-person Motiv8 events in Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California where I'll be highlighting The Restorer books. Better yet, if you live near any of the cities I'm visiting - please come out and visit with me in person!

Amazing blogger Deena is featuring my books all of October on her site, with games, prizes, challenges, interviews, and loads of fun. Be sure to visit her site often.

The effervescent Jill Hart did a radio interview with me about the book that you can listen to here.

And I've already posted excerpts from the television interview on The Harvest Show on the media page of my website.

My Down-under buddy, Rel, posted here.

Dear friend Amy Wallace posted a review of Stepping Into Sunlight here.

My friend Susie Meissner is doing a give-away.

Camy Tang had an early post about the book here.

Katrina Wampler and several of her blogging friends are posting about the book, and sharing an ongoing interview with me.

Cara Putman posted about "Penny's Project" (the interactive way to get involved in the story) here.She'll be doing more posting soon, so stop back at her site.

My friend Jeanette Hanscome wrote about her adventures with "Penny's Project" at her blog.

Those are just a few of the corners of the cyberworld where you'll find me. There are other bloggers who've been participating in "Penny's Project" during September and you can see them all in my list of links there.

You can find all sorts of bonus goodies about Stepping Into Sunlight here.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

More Photos

Here are a few more fun moments from the ACFW conference in Minnesota last week.

Booksigning at Mall of America:

The jumbo-tron screen at the main rotunda - featuring my new release, Stepping Into Sunlight.








And then a fun moment - seen in the lobby of the hotel. Yes, that is "The Restorer" being read. :-)



















And a friend caught a better picture of my thank you speech after The Restorer's Son won Book of the Year in Speculative Fiction.

Today I'm doing a lot of the Mary thing - "keeping all these things and pondering them in my heart." I met so many dear, gifted, amazing, precious people, had so many fantastic conversations, and absorbed so much, I think I'll be processing it for the next several months.

Monday, September 22, 2008

ACFW Book of the Year

Saturday night at the national American Christian Fiction Writer's Conference, my novel The Restorer's Son was honored with the award for Book of the Year in the Speculative Fiction category. I was so touched and honestly so bewildered as they read the opening line "Hills of Hazor take you . . . " that I don't remember much of walking up to the podium or what I said. Ted's photo didn't turn out well, but I decided to post it because it's a good representation of how surreal I felt. I'm so incredibly grateful that I got to spend time with the characters in this book, see the book in print, and get such great feedback about the story.

For a slightly more "in focus" photo, below I'm with my friends Amy Wallace, Vicki Tiede, and Ginny Smith.




The whole conference was a joy -- including the wonderful folks who took my class on the Healthy Habits of the Christian Writer (about spiritual, emotional, and professional health). I enjoyed seeing many old friends, and making new ones. The Mall of America booksigning was huge and exciting. I did hear from several friends who never found me (I was with a group tucked down by the Bloomingdale entrance), but I loved seeing those who came, especially for our panel discussion on the fantasy genre.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (2007 ACFW Book of the Year - 2nd place, Lit category)
Renovating Becky Miller
(2008 Audie Award Finalist, ACFW BOTY finalist)
The Restorer
(2008 Christy Award Finalist, ACFW BOTY finalist)
The Restorer's Son (Romantic Times 4.5 stars, Reviewer's Choice Award - Road to Romance, ACFW BOTY winner)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets

Brand New Release:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Friday, September 12, 2008

My Schedule

Greetings dear blog readers!

I won't be posting much during the next month, so I wanted to leave a schedule of where I'll be. IF I did it correctly, my blog will post the live video feed once we start the Fantasy Fiction tour on October 3rd, and you can check in here to view our book signings and speaking events.

In the meantime, here's what I'm up to.

Sept. 13- speak to Southwest Christian Church of the Nazarene women's luncheon
Sept. 16 - 7-8 pm booksigning at Northwestern Bookstore, Edina, MN
Sept. 19 - teach ("Healthy Habits of the Writer - Spiritual/Emotional") at American Christian Fiction Conference, Bloomington, MN
Sept. 20 - teach ("Healthy Habits of the Writer - Professional") at ACFW
Sept. 20 - 1-3 pm multi-author book event at Mall of America & panel discussion on fantasy genre
Sept. 20 - 7:30 pm Book of the Year Awards (three of my titles are finalists)
Sept. 23 - speak at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins, MN
Oct. 3 - 1-3pm Mennonite Education Institute, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Oct. 3 - 4-6 Meet the author dinner, BC Canada
Oct. 3 6:30-8:30 - speaking event, BC Canada
Oct. 3 8:30-10 - book signing, BC Canada
Oct. 4 noon - TBN interview, Seattle Washington
Oct. 4 3-5 - Harvest Logos Bookstore, Seattle, WA
Oct. 4 6:30-8:30 - Salt Shaker bookstore, Enumclaw, WA
Oct. 5 - lunch with readers, Portland, OR
Oct. 5 - 6-8 pm Evangel Family Bookstore, Medford, OR
Oct. 6 - 1:30-2:30 Trinity Christian School, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 6 - 6pm-8pm Barnes and Noble, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 7 - 11am-noon - Children's Hospital, Madera, CA
Oct. 7 - 3-4 pm FresnoREAD charity event, Fresno, CA
Oct. 7 - 6-8pm Berean Christian Stores, Fresno, CA
Oct. 8 - 9am -3pm Reedley High School events, Reedley, CA
Oct. 8 - 6-8pm Cultural Arts Night, Reedley, CA
Oct. 9 - 9-11 am St. Genevieve High School, Panorama City, CA
Oct. 9 - 1-2:30 pm Bethany Christian School, Sierra Madre, CA
Oct. 9 - 5-7 pm Valley Book & Bible Bookstore, Van Nuys, CA
Oct. 10 - 8:50am-1pm Village Christian Schools, Sun Valley, CA
Oct. 10 - 2-4pm West Covina Christian School, West Covina, CA
Oct. 10 - 7-9pm Calvary Chapel Church, Huntington Beach, CA
Oct. 11 - 11am-1pm Library Event to be confirmed
Oct. 11 - 2-4 pm Barnes and Noble, San Diego, CA
Oct. 11 - evening event TBA, San Diego, CA
Oct. 20 - Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN
Nov. 6 - CAN retreat, Bloomington, MN
Nov. 7 - 7pm Northwestern Bookstore Booksigning, Maple Grove, MN
Nov. 8 - 9am - Panel discussion, National Church Library Conference
Nov. 8 - 2:15 - Class on Book Groups for NCLA conference
Nov. 20 - MN Library Association - speaking on "Genres in Christian Fiction"

I hope to see many of you at these various events.

May I humbly ask for some prayer? This schedule would be tough on an Olympian, and I'm still recovering from some serious health issues. I KNOW it looks crazy. All I can say is that when we began planning this west coast book store, God continued to impress on my heart that I should be part of it again. So I know I can trust Him to protect me. But I do value your prayers!

Thank you so much!

Huge blessings to you, in the name of our Lord who is our Shepherd, our Healer, our Sustainer, and our mighty Deliverer!

His, Sharon Hinck

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Northwestern Bookstore Signings

In addition to the HUGE booksigning at the Mall of America on Saturday,
September 20, from 1-3 p.m. with 125 Christian novelists, there will be
multiple signings at the Northwestern Bookstores in that area next week.
Here are the details:

  • Judy Baer and Jill Elizabeth Nelson will sign books on Saturday,
    September 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverdale Crossing, 13040 Riverdale
    Dr., Coon Rapids, MN, and from 2:30-4 p.m. at Ridge Square North, 13029
    Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka

  • Cathy Marie Hake and Julie Klassen will sign on Monday, Sept. 15,
    from 3-5 p.m. at Valley Creek Mall, 1750 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN; Tuesday
    Sept. 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek
    Blvd., Maple Grove, MN; and from 6-8 p.m. at Cobblestone Court, 14150
    Nicollet Ave., S., Burnsville, MN 55337

  • Robin Caroll, Rachel Hauck, Cara Putman, and Susan May Warren will
    sign books Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm
    Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, MN

  • Patti Hill and Sharon Hinck will sign
    books Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at Yorkdale Shoppes, 6819 York Ave.,
    South, Edina

  • Colleen Coble, Gail Gaymer Martin, and Deborah Raney,
    will sign books Wednesday, September 17 from 11 to noon at the Arbor Lakes
    Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, MN and from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at
    Yorkdale Shoppes, 6819 York Ave., South, Edina

  • Elizabeth Musser will
    sign books and participate in a bookclub meeting Wednesday, September 17
    beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple
    Grove, MN

  • Brandilyn Collins will sign books on Sunday, September 21,
    from 2-4 at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove,
    MN
If you love Christian fiction, this is the week to be in
Minneapolis for booksignings!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

A Favorite Store


Today I visited several bookstores in the Twin Cities. I wanted to let them know about my new release, Stepping Into Sunlight, and also help spread the word about the HUGE Mall of America book signing with over 100 Christian fiction authors on Sept. 20, 1-3 p.m.

Some stores had a few of my books.

Some stores had none.

But one store had almost all of my titles, multiple copies, and the entire set of Sword of Lyric books!

On top of that, Margaret, the supervisor, was so warm and gracious, and the two young sales clerks who also chatted with me were delightful.

So if you are anywhere near Ridgedale, in the Twin Cities, please stop in at the Minnetonka Northwestern bookstore at Ridge Square North and do some shopping! And thank them for carrying a great selection of Christian fiction!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Books for a Penny!

There was a Gamble Folk song I loved in high school, based on the scripture, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing . . . "

I've been thinking lately about the way God values things differently than our society does. One lost sheep, tiny birds, lilies of the field -- they are offered as metaphors for things that sometimes are considered of little value, or not productive. And He reassures us that even when we feel of little value, He treasures us.

Lately I've noticed several of my books are selling for one penny at amazon.

Initially it can be demoralizing. Years of effort - long days of writing all day, then rewriting, studying the craft, traveling to writing conferences, critiquing other manuscripts for writers in trade as they critique mine, working with editors, honing again. Rewriting again. Weeks, months, years of saying "no" to other activities in order to dedicate full time effort to creating a book. Then comes the joy of holding it in published form and hoping people will find it, enjoy it, be blessed by it.

And in only a year, stores pull it off the shelves. It didn't become a best seller, so, like a sparrow, it's sold for a farthing.

At first, it's a depressing feeling. But I take to heart God's reassurance. "Not one falls to the ground without the Father knowing."

He knows where each copy of my books are. He can still steer them into the hands of those who might need a giggle, an encouragement, a bit of inspiration and courage.

So now I'm joyful and excited. I want to tell the world. Books for a penny!!! What a great deal!

Go to amazon.com and type in Sharon Hinck. It will list all my books. Find some that are selling for a penny and buy a few. Use them as door prizes at church events. Get some for friends (if you want them autographed, just email me and I"ll mail you an autographed bookplate).

And if you feel like your efforts are valued at a penny's worth, celebrate the truth that in God's kingdom, you are priceless and treasured. It's the world that gets it upside down.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Sharon on The Harvest Show

My Book Buddies (who subscribe to my quarterly ezine) got the first opportunity to see this clip from my recent interview on The Harvest Show.

Remember, you can be on my Book Buddy list for exclusive info, contests, etc. by going to my webpage and signing up in the right-hand column.

Here is the interview . . . where I share my heart about Christian arts, Christian fiction, and the way God can bring healing through small kind acts....

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

A Little Fun

Amazing blogger Becky Miller (no, not my character...the living breathing woman behind A Christian Worldview of Fiction) tagged me for a meme. I don't usually make time for them, but this one looked fun.

What is your favorite word?

compassion (I love the word "passion" and I love the tenderness of coming along someone else evoked in this word)

What is your least favorite word?

bitterness (scares me - one of my fears is letting hurts and wounds turn into this)

What inspires you (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)?

nature, music, dance, great conversations, praying with someone

What dampens your enthusiasm (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)?

sneering responses, apathy from others, loneliness (and ironically also too much interaction with others - I'm SO conflicted! LOL!)

What sound or noise do you love?


the near silent breath of a sleeping baby, my husband's heart beating beneath my ear, my children's laughter

What sound or noise do you hate?
certain kinds of angry-toned rap music full of harsh language

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Being a midwife

What profession would you not like to do?
Taxi-driver (I have no sense of direction and HATE driving)

What one book, other than the Bible, do you read again and again for inspiration?
I've re-read books by Philip Yancy, John Eldrege, C.S.Lewis, Madeline L'Engle, Calvin Miller, Richard Foster...to name a few

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive in Heaven?
Welcome home, dear one.

Now I'm tagging some other friends to play:

Camy Tang, Jonathan Friesen, Amy Wallace