Stories for the hero in all of us

So Many Ways to Measure...

2012-01-11T06:35:00.001-08:00

...and not measure up.

It began innocently enough. When my first book was published in 2006, I visited the amazon page, just to see the book at the same site with so many of the books I've loved over the years. There was a number posted by the listing. 50,000. Wow! I'd sold 50,000 copies? What an adrenaline boost.

A closer look showed me that the number actually meant I was 50,000 spots from the top. 50,000 other books were selling better than mine. For months, watching that number rise and fall became a daily habit.

Seeking to build community with readers, I began a blog. Stat Counter cheerfully informed me on a daily basis how few people were interested in what I wrote. Oh, it was fun seeing the IP addresses from various countries who dropped by, but Stat Counter also told me how few seconds they spent visiting. And when I visited the blogs of friends, I saw dozens of animated comments. My sense of inadequacy built.

I also began sending out regular Book Buddy newsletters. The double-opt-in service I use is able to inform me exactly how many people on my list actually open the email, and how many click through a link in the newsletter.

I became an affiliate at a couple online bookstores, and was given the information of exactly how few people actually clicked through from my website to order books.

Information is power...but for me, it simply had the power to discourage me.

Now, following advice of industry professionals I trust, I've migrated my facebook profile to an author page. One of the "benefits" is that facebook now inserts little graphics of down-trending arrows and percentages - showing me how "less friended" and "less talked about" and "less shared" I am week by week.

Yikes!

Our culture is sure skilled at measuring. Digital scales, financial analysis, social media "likes," clicks, comments and shares. Useful tools, perhaps. But most of those measures just keep telling me I can't measure up.

I'm so grateful for the love of God. He measures so differently.

^"...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

What a gift to know that we don't have to struggle to measure up to earn God's love. Through Christ, we have forgiveness, grace, and love beyond measure.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Ask and Imagine

2012-01-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, dear blog readers!

Our family has had a tradition of spending New Year's Day in a sort of at-home mini-spiritual-retreat. We worship, share, talk about the past year, go off for quiet time alone with our Bibles and ask God for a theme or direction for the coming year... perhaps an area of our character He is working on, or a new direction for our focus.

With our children grown, this year Hubby and I held our mini-retreat as a couple. It was fun looking back over the year and remembering our themes.

My word for 2011 was HOPE. That wasn't an easy theme for me. I entered the year feeling rather hopeless. Health setbacks had been discouraging for several years, which also led to career and ministry being on the shelf, and also brought a lot of isolation and loss in relationships. However, nudged by God, I agreed to write bonus material for the three Restorer books in preparation for new releases - so I was leaning on God as I hoped to be able to do the work.

Then in the spring, God also led me to an opportunity to write devotions for Mornings with Jesus. Each day was difficult. There wasn't energy or strength to spare. But somehow as I kept hoping in Him, He enabled little steps each day that would have been impossible without His grace.

For 2012, the theme that He brought to mind is "Ask and Imagine." I remembered how Jesus told the disciples that ,"You have not, because you do not ask." And also how He delights in giving us beyond what we ask and imagine. Since I'm beginning work on full-length fiction again after several years away, I'm also praying for God to enliven my imagination. So there are several ways the theme applies to my life.

Here's my verse for the year, and I share it also as a prayer for each of you reading this:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." --Ephesians 3:20-21

Blessings in 2012!
His,
Sharon Hinck

New Contest for Readers in 2012

2012-01-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

A new contest to celebrate the re-release of the award-winning Sword of Lyric series!

The first book, The Restorer--Expanded Edition, released in October 2011 and The Restorer's Son--Expanded Edition, releases in April 2012.

In thanks for your support for these books, we are holding a giveaway to get a FIRST PEEK of the all new bonus material in The Restorer's Son--Expanded Edition!

And that's not all--ONE grand prize winner will receive a canvas Restorer Book Bag full of goodies like: 4 other Sharon Hinck books, a Restorer t-shirt transfer, clavo tea, and other treats.

Sounds great, right? So how do you enter?

1) Post a review of The Restorer--Expanded Edition to 3 major review sites (such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Good Reads, Shelfari, etc.) between January 2st and February 28th, 2012.

2) Email your review links to Sharon's literary assistant at jamie.words (at) gmail.com. For each review posted to a major site, your name will be entered in the drawing once.

3) On March 3rd, 5 winners will be randomly selected from the pool of contestants. And of those 5, ONE will be randomly drawn to receive the grand prize.

Put on your writing hat and enter the contest today!

* Please note that the contest begins January 2st and runs through February 28th. No reviews posted before or after those dates will be considered in the contest. The winners will be randomly selected from the pool of contestants who email their links to Sharon's literary assistant at jamie.words (at) gmail.com. Reviews that are not emailed to Jamie will not be entered in the contest. Once announced on the Facebook page, it is the winner's responsibility to contact Jamie with his / her contact information. In order to receive the PDF file of the bonus material in The Restorer's Son--Expanded Edition, the winner will also have to supply his / her email address. The grand prize winner of the Restorer Book Bag shall also have to supply a physical mailing address. Should any of the winners not respond to Jamie by March 10, 2012, new winners shall be selected. For any further questions, please contact Jamie at: jamie.words (at) gmail.com.

Speculative Fatih

2011-12-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

There's a wonderful group blog, made up of Christian writers and readers with a heart for beautiful, skilled, artistic fiction. It's called "Speculative Faith," because they particularly blog about "speculative" fiction that explores themes of faith - meaning the kind of stories that imaginatively ask, "What if?" These may be fantasy tales of amazing creatures and foreign worlds, or science fiction novels set in far off planets or the distant future. I know several of the bloggers personally, and they are faith-filled and thoughtful folk.

On Friday, I visited the blog to talk about The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

I even shared a secret about one character in the comments section.

Please stop by and feel free to post your thoughts, too!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Christmas Decor for Book Lovers

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I saw a great Christmas decorating idea that appealed to the "book person" in me, and decided to copy and adapt it.

Create simple jackets for books of various sizes, printing "titles" on 8 1/2 x 11 paper or cardstock.

Stack, and tie with a decorative ribbon.

I chose John 1:14, because as a writer, I love that one of Jesus' titles is "The Word."

May the Incarnate Word reveal His glory to you this Christmas season!
Sharon Hinck

Begonia Blossoms

2011-12-09T09:02:00.001-08:00

It may be close to zero outdoors, but inside, my begonia plant has two new blossoms!

The Prince of Peace

2011-12-09T06:30:00.001-08:00

Greetings!

I'm over at the Guideposts website today, sharing a devotion about peace.
Stop by and visit!

And may our Prince of Peace bring you peace like a river, and joy like a fountain today.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Starseeker Contest - Wayne Batson

2011-11-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

Not only is he a captivating writer, but after touring both the east coast and west coast with him, visiting book stores, schools, hospitals, and community centers, I can attest to the fact that Wayne Batson is an awesome guy who loves his readers.

One way he shows his love for readers is by holding awesome contests. Here's his current one:

Wayne:

Want to win a new Kindle Fire, Books-4-Life, your very own Star, or even have your name as a Character in a Future Novel??? Enter the Starseeker Contest, my biggest, most epic Reader Contest to date!

Be sure to check it out - and all his books!
Sharon

Mind Poison

2011-11-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Devotion Guide #3 (Excerpted from The Restorer-Expanded Edition)

Read: The Restorer chapters 7-8

Read: Romans 12:2, I Peter 1:13

Mind poison. We live in an age where we’re exposed to non-stop clamoring voices. Marketing experts do all they can to stir discontent and a perceived need so we’ll purchase their products. Television commercials sing a siren song promising us the world if only we’ll buy a cheeseburger, a cleaning product, or a shiny new car. Magazine ads remind us that we haven’t yet accomplished the goal of being one of the world’s “beautiful people” – but would be a step closer if we use their makeup, hair color, or fashion accessories. A million “how-to” books remind us that we are never enough. Never smart enough, thin enough, rich enough, popular enough.

Meanwhile, we battle with our own sinful nature that murmurs lies in the background of our thought life – sometimes just below the level of our awareness. And fellow flawed people, sometimes well intentioned, say things that pierce like splinters and remain beneath the skin to fester. All the while, the enemy of our soul, Satan, also tempts us by twisting and distorting the truth.

Is it any wonder that the onslaught of messages we face each day can leave us reeling?

Catch a few of the thoughts that have drifted through your mind in the past day. Look at them closely. Do you spot any lies?

Ephesians 5:19-21 gives us a glimpse of one powerful way to protect our minds and hearts from lies. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs can change our perspective, drawing our eyes off the false picture that mind poison can paint – and back to God, the source of all that is good and true. Think back to the lies you’ve battled recently. Can you find a verse of scripture that speaks specifically against that lie?

Can you find this scripture set to music? Many hymnals include an index that will help you find a hymn based on the verse. A Google search might also uncover a contemporary scripture song melody. You can also form your own simple melody to help you memorize and internalize the verse and carry it with you throughout the day.

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank You for the gift of your Word, the Truth that drowns out the clamoring lies around us. Please transform our thoughts, our minds, our deepest motivations. Thank You also for the gift of music. Help us remind our own hearts of Your goodness through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Guide us to specific verses and songs that will help us hold to truth in the specific area where we are most tempted today. Amen.

Podcast Interview

2011-11-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed at Rick and Amy Moyer's "Take Him With You" podcast, and you can listen at their site here.

We chatted about faith, arts, inspiration, our love of fantasy and sci-fi, and The Restorer - Expanded Edition.

And if you're a fan of Star Trek, be sure to check out Rick's links to his Star Trek parody songs. They gave me lots of giggles.

Sharon

Black Friday Book Specials

2011-11-24T19:17:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited to be holding a shiny new copy of The Restorer - Expanded Edition. And I'm excited that I figured out how to use "photo booth" on my computer to take this picture.

If you want to treat yourself or others to a book (which is still one of the best, most enduring entertainment values around in my humble opinion - hooray for books!) I wanted to alert you to some "Black Friday and Beyond" specials.

Be sure to check out Marcher Lord Press - If you order The Restorer-Expanded Edition (at their discount price!) you'll get two free gifts. But visit soon, since it's a limited time offer. And check out all their other books by terrific authors. Huge discounts for two days only.

*****************************************************************************************

AND if you want a gift under $5 - take a peek at . . .

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (a would-be super mom struggles with her spouses job loss)
Renovating Becky Miller (coping with a disability while juggling a home remodel and more)
Symphony of Secrets (musical mystery with a touch of romance)
Stepping Into Sunlight (inspiring novel of a woman's emotional healing)

Those aren't used books, either. Those are new, autographed, and will be personalized to you, or whomever you wish to give the book to.

Happy gift giving and happy reading!

Sharon Hinck

Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

2011-11-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

"All good gifts around us...are sent from heaven above...so thank the Lord, O thank the Lord... for all His love."

Blessed Thanksgiving everyone!

I'm thankful you are in my life.

By the way, several writers (including me) shared why we're grateful to be writers over at the "Working Writer" blog.

Hugs,
Sharon

Book Give-away

2011-11-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

What's better than a brand new, shiny, ink-scented book full of adventure?

Getting that book for free!

Visit Lena Nelson Dooley's blog today to learn about her give-away of a copy of
The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

And feel free to spread the word to other friends who might be interested!

Blessings, Sharon

Visiting Novel Rocket

2011-11-19T09:05:00.001-08:00

One of the few blogs I subscribe to is Novel Rocket. Today, I'm honored to be their guest, as I'm interviewed about The Restorer Expanded Edition.
Check it out!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Tips: Treating Writing as Your Business

2011-11-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Some writing friends recently compiled their top tips on treating your writing as a business. Loads of great ideas for writers – and probably other freelance professions, as well!

Just as you take your writing business seriously, take your publisher's business seriously as well. Never, never blow a deadline (unless it's a matter of life and death). Respect your relationship with your publisher and they will respect their relationship with you.

--Melody Carlson, author of River's Song from Abingdon

Christian publishing is a small industry. Be kind and professional in your dealings. A reputation lost or a bridge burned will never be re-established.

--Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Shadows on the Sand

When it's writing time, I set my email preferences so that no email is delivered unless I do it manually. That eliminates that delightful little "ding" that tells you a new message has arrived in your Inbox. When I reach my word count for the day or my writing time is finished I reset my preferences and turn it back on. This has helped me focus during my writing time and get more done.

--Carrie Turansky, award winning author of Christmas Mail-Order Brides

Invest back into your main employee (you, the writer!) with occasional classes, retreats, or gatherings with other authors. Always keep learning!

--Sharon Hinck author of The Restorer-Expanded Edition

Using a system of trial and error, discover the time of day when you are the most creative and use that block of time for your writing. Use the remainder of your workday to take care of accounting, answering email, interacting on blogs and so forth.

--Judith Miller, author of the Daughters of Amana series

Keep it in perspective. Writing, while rewarding and often seen as one's ministry, is still your JOB. It shouldn't become the fulfillment of your life. That place of honor belongs to your relationship with God first and family second. It can be easy to ignore the relationships when the accolades and excitement of a book in print arrives. But everything suffers when we put something besides our heavenly Father in "first place." So keep a watchful eye (and heart!) on your priorities. Your life will be in better balance because of it.

--Kim Vogel Sawyer, author of A Whisper of Peace

Treat your business like a business. Have regular work hours and exercise discipline. You will have to train your family and friends to respect your work hours––this is part of working at home. But they will never take your job seriously if you don't.

--Denise Hunter author of A Cowboy's Touch

Make sure you are spending the majority of your time on income-generating endeavors (like actual writing!). Facebook, blogging, promotion, twitter, are all helpful, but only after you've spent most of your working time doing what actually makes the money––writing! Log your time so you know where it's being spent.

--Marlo Schalesky, award-winning author of Shades of Morning

Perseverance is sometimes the only thing that keeps us going, but if it's bathed in prayer, it's enough for the moment.

--Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Shadows on the Sand

While its important to understand the business of writing, don't let it consume you. Remember why you started writing in the first place: because you love it. You are called to do it. It's easy to lose sight of that when mired in the business end of publishing. Don't ignore business matters, but don't put them above writing and creating the best work you possibly can.

--Kathleen Fuller, author of What the Heart Sees

Track your time or word count. That’s how you treat writing like a business. I use an excel spreadsheet that lets me see where I am in relation to overall word count, in each chapter and on a daily basis. Even before I had a contract, I used this system, and it helped hold me accountable like a time clock.

--Cara Putman, author of Stars in the Night

Make a commitment to show up or "assume the position of a writer." A certain number of words or a certain amount of time is less important than making the commitment to appear. My earliest novels began with the alarm going off at 4:00AM and my commitment was to be at the computer by 5:00AM. Some days the writing went well; some days not so good. But every day I showed up was a winning day and gave me energy to keep writing.

--Jane Kirkpatrick, best-selling author of Barcelona Calling from Zondervan

It's amazing how little things can turn into big things. For example, I spoke at a library event that had a very tiny audience, yet a woman in the audience enjoyed the talk. She asked me to speak at a hospital benefit luncheon of over two hundred attendees! I try to look at each event or signing with the perspective that size isn't important. Individuals are.

--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Lancaster County Series

Keep a close eye on how much money is coming in and how much is going out. Managing cash flow is tough for writers because we don't know when a manuscript will sell, how much it will sell for, or what royalties a book will earn. Set up a business checking account and get a business debit or credit card. Track spending, and avoid spending money you don't have.

--Judy Christie, author of the Green series, including Rally 'Round Green

Use email as a reward for meeting your first daily word count goal. The Internet can suck up hours of your day, but if you delay opening your Inbox until after you begin working on your book, you will establish your priorities for the day and you’ll accomplish far more. Focus first on writing, and then on communicating.

--Virginia Smith, author of Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith.

Work hard at separating your personal, sensitive, creative self from your business self. Train yourself early on to understand that rejection, critiquing, editing and negotiations are not personal. NOT PERSONAL. They are business.

--Charlene Ann Baumbich, author of Divine Appointments from WaterBrook Press/Random House

Set up a business account to keep professional expenses separate from personal/family ones. It makes doing your taxes much simpler.

--Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Shadows on the Sand

Always remember that your number one customer is not the end reader nor the bookstore owner nor even the head buyer who makes the big book-ordering decisions. Your number one customer is the publisher, and you should direct most of your marketing and promotional efforts toward supplying them with what they need to get your books into the hands of readers. The easier you make their job, the more they can do for you in return.

--Mindy Starns Clark, co-author with Leslie Gould of the #1 bestseller The Amish Midwife

Get a good accounting program and USE it!

--Marlo Schalesky, Christy award-winning author of Beyond the Night

Keep an Excel or Word spreadsheet of your research resources and divide it by series or book so that when you need to produce authority for your novel, it is readily available. In addition, it becomes an excellent resource when you need to locate some of that same information for another book. Someone (I don’t remember who) told me to keep a file with the names of characters I had used in my books. Otherwise, you may use the same name several books and readers notice such things.

--Judith Miller, author of the Daughters of Amana series

Put fingers to keyboards no matter how little you can think of to say. Set a timer for thirty minutes and write as many words as you can in that thirty minutes. You'll be amazed how may pages you can write with that timer ticking.

--Hannah Alexander, author of The Wedding Kiss

Marketing your book isn't just important for an author these days, it's imperative. Yet never forget that the best marketing tool of all is to write the best book you can as quickly as you can, then get it to your readers. A well crafted story beats a thousand clever tweets any day.

--Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of A Lasting Impression, a Belmont Mansion novel

Make an annual plan with your top priorities and the dates by which you'll tackle those priorities, including writing projects, professional development and marketing. Take a fresh look at your goals at least once a quarter to make needed adjustments. Don't let distractions, which seem to come out of the woodwork, draw you off course.

--Judy Christie, author of the Hurry Less Worry Less series, including Hurry Less Worry Less at Work

I sit down with every book and figure out how long it will take me to finish the it and then, on my computer calendar or paper calendar, write down how many pages I need to write every day. I try to focus on the work for JUST that day. If I look too far ahead, the project can be daunting. If I don't meet the goal for the day, those pages get added to the next day.

--Carolyne Aarsen, author of Daddy Lessons, #2 in the Home to Hartley Creek series from Love Inspired

I work way ahead of deadline. Way, way ahead. So far ahead that it drives my editor a little crazy. But doing so helps me to stave off anxiety--which paralyzes creativity--and allows plenty of time for my favorite part of writing: polishing the manuscript. I think of that part as icing a cake.

--Suzanne Woods Fisher, award winning author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World

Expect your advance to be all that you make on the book. That way when a royalty check comes, you'll see it as a bonus and won't be disappointed as much if it's a low amount.

--Vickie McDonough, ACFW treasurer and author of the Pioneer Promises series

When you finish an article, make a list of ten markets in a folder. Send the article out to the first market. When the rejection letter comes back, read the article once and send it to the next market on the list within 24 hours. Identifying markets when we're feeling good makes it easier to have a next step when that rejection comes back. And resending with 24 hours keeps that work from dying in a forgotten file. To be published, we have to risk getting the work out into the world.

--Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of The Daughter's Walk from WaterBrook Press/Random House

Write your work hours in ink on your calendar at the beginning of each week or month, and treat them as you would an appointment. If you choose to take a day off, be sure and reschedule those hours of writing time back onto your calendar just as you would reschedule an important appointment.

--Deborah Raney, author of the Hanover Falls Novels from Howard/Simon & Schuster

Remember that you can't do everything. You will often have to say "no" to one thing to say "yes" to something else. Guard your writing time, but remember that you are unique. Assimilate all the tips you pick up and determine what works best for you.

--Judy Christie, author of Wreath, a young adult novel

This hint was given to me by Jane Jordan Browne after I first signed with her agency: "Remember, editors are not your friends, and you must never hold that against. them." I've gone back to that many times over the years.

--Charlene Ann Baumbich, author of Finding Our Way Home from WaterBrook Press

Be professional in all your dealings. Don't backstab other writers or badmouth editors or publishers, because this is a small world and your words will come back to haunt you in painful ways.

--Hannah Alexander, author of the Christmas novella Silent Night, Deadly Night

Maintain a sense of humor and a sense of distance. Focus on your projects, the things you like to write, and don't make it less or more important than the work of fellow writers. God called you with your own abilities and weaknesses and you know best what you should be writing. Find your strengths and be faithful with what you've been given.

--Carolyne Aarsen, author of The Rancher's Return, first in the Home to Hartley Creek series from Love Inspired

When you get a writing-related receipt, like from a restaurant or for gas on a research trip, be sure to circle the date and amount of purchase and write a brief note explaining what it is for. By the end of the year ink often fades on receipts making them hard to read and memory also fails if it's been a long while since you took the trip.

--Vickie McDonough, author of the Texas Trails and Texas Boardinghouse Brides series

One of the 'secrets to my success' took me some time to learn--that's to delegate chores and tasks to others (without going on a guilt trip). When I realized the actual value of my writing time, it became much easier to let someone else do the grocery shopping or mail books or clean house.

--Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Shoppe from Baker/Revell

Take the money-making/business aspects of writing as seriously as you would any other business, but learn to discern divine interruptions. After all, the freedom to rearrange your schedule is one of the best perks of being a writer, and no one ever wishes on their deathbed that they'd spent more time at work; however, many wish they'd spent more time with family and friends.

--Deborah Raney, award-winning author of A Vow to Cherish

My top two tips are:

1. Write.

2. See #1.

--Stephanie Grace Whitson, author of A Most Unsuitable Match

Change: A Call to Follow?

2011-11-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

I've been reading Mark 1: 16-20.

Whenever I read this account in Mark, my heart beats a little faster. I stand on tiptoe, hoping to be ready to spring into action when I hear the call of my Savior asking me to follow Him. I’d like to think that if Jesus walked up to my fishing boat, I’d respond “without delay” and follow Him.

But in daily life, I tumble into situations or am confronted by challenges that invade unexpectedly and these situations and challenges don’t feel at all like God’s call to follow Him. They feel like accidents.

In The Restorer, Susan was listening for God’s call in her life. She wanted guidance in her choices about which committee to join at her children’s school, or where to volunteer at church. She would have loved a few insights into how to grow in patience when the needs of her household left her frazzled and exhausted.

Instead, change invaded. Dramatic, inexplicable, confusing change. It didn’t feel like God’s call to follow. For her it felt like being tossed into a place where she was lost to Him.

What changes have recently intruded into your life – whether changes that came unasked for, or changes you initiated?

When I wrote about Susan being pulled through a portal into a new place, I thought about women I know who faced sudden change. A child with a learning disability. A friend diagnosed with cancer. A parent who develops Alzheimer’s. At some point in all our lives, we are pulled into a new world where we don’t know the rules, and we just want to go back to the familiar.

Sometimes my response to change is to use all my energy trying to get things back to normal. Or I scream for others to fix the problem. Or I curl up in despair. Or I grit my teeth and plow ahead. But when I read this account in the Gospel of Mark, I hear Jesus' gentle call, and I ask Him to show me how to follow Him in this new place.

We aren’t here by accident. Even in this new place, we can trust Him to guide us.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, sometimes I don’t have much choice about the changes that hit my life. But I do have choices about how I’ll respond. I’ll admit that there are challenges in my life I’d like to run away from, problems I want to barrel through in my own strength, situations I’d love to berate others for. Instead, please give me the courage to take up my cross and follow You. Amen.

(Adapted from the devotion guide in the back of The Restorer-Expanded Edition, 2011)

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

Christmas Shopping Made Easy

2011-11-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea to save loads of time on Christmas shopping.

I love "Signed by the Author." It's a great site that connects readers and authors, and provides you a chance to have your book signed and personalized (makes a great gift!)

I love writing a birthday greeting, or confirmation blessing, or Christmas note to the person the book is for.

I've just added The Restorer-Expanded Edition to their site.

Not only that, but I've listed all my contemporary fiction novels from Bethany House at a huge discount - so they would make a super affordable gift. If you need recommendations for the people on your gift list, just email me with your questions. I hope you'll check it out.

Thanksgiving Gift for You

2011-11-03T14:03:00.001-07:00

I'm thankful for readers!

So from now until Thanksgiving Day, I have two free gifts (both developed by Stacy Oliver of Christian Book Preview) for readers who enjoy The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

1. FREE - A beautiful 36-page in-depth literary guide (great tool for homeschoolers who are using the book - or for book group discussions)

2. FREE - A fun party planner with creative ideas for a book club gathering or a Restorer-themed party.

Just share online about something that inspired or encouraged you about The Restorer, or something you particularly enjoy in the new expanded edition. Then email me through my website contact page with a link to where you've shared, and I'll send you the down-loadable booklets via email.

You can post at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

or at Goodreads or Shelfari, or on your own blog.

So jump on in! Post your thoughts online and send me the link, so I can send your gift. I’m giving thanks for every time God has used this new edition to inspire or encourage a reader…and giving thanks for the readers who share the land of Lyric and Braide Wood with me.

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck...

...stories for the hero in all of us

Restorer Recipe Included in Author Compilation

2011-11-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

NOVEL MORSELS is an e-book with contributions from over 80 Christian authors, sharing recipes that come from their storyworlds.

I'm delighted that Susan Mitchell's recipe for caradoc skewers (which she ate on a back street in Lyric on Feast Day) was included in the book!

You can check it out here.

Blesssings! Sharon

How Has God Amazed You Today?

2011-10-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

“God just did something amazing!” When is the last time you stopped in your tracks and spoke those words?

This past month, I’ve gotten a lot of emails and letters from readers letting me know that something I’ve written has been used by God to give them encouragement and hope. C.S. Lewis said, "We read to know we're not alone" - and I always hope for that connection in my books.... that readers will think, "Yes! Someone else GETS it."

Still, it amazes me when God allows that to happen.

In the past several years I've been grumpy, frustrated, lonely, despairing, and often hopeless.. Yet God has been faithful, patient, merciful, and creative in finding ways to comfort and guide me.

If anyone felt their spirit lifted or heart encouraged when they read one of my novels or devotions or newsletters, then it’s only because I’m a fellow sore-footed traveler on rocky roads, able only to point to Jesus.

When I read letters from folks grappling with difficult situations, I wish I could lift the load from other’s shoulders. I wish I could take away their struggles. I wish I could open the doors that have been closed to them. Time and again I’m faced with the truth that in myself I have little wisdom or power to offer. But I know the One who has complete love, total knowledge, and limitless power. And I know His purposes and plans are wonderful (although He doesn’t always divulge the specifics– hence my bouts of grumpiness).

So let’s watch for what God is up to in the coming days. I can vouch for the fact that He is able to do amazing things. More than we ask or imagine. Sometimes I’m so busy looking at what I wish He would do (based on my plans for improving the universe) that I miss the cool things He actually IS doing.

Back to my original question – how has God amazed you recently?

Sharon Hinck

NEW: The Restorer-Expanded Edition

Restorer Art from a Reader

2011-10-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

My heart was warmed recently by the gift of art work from some young readers of the Restorer books.

Tristan and Kendra walking - by Hannah Wallace

Kindle Version - Restorer--Expanded Edition

2011-10-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hooray! The Kindle version is now available!

For readers who prefer e-books, you can find the newly released expanded edition here:

Now Available - The Restorer-Expanded Edition

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to share the brand new cover for the brand new The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

The new book has the full original text of The Restorer plus so much more.

Bonus Scenes:
Ever wondered why Mark built the attic room? Some of his thoughts and motives are explored in a bonus scene. Learn how Tristan really felt after achieving revenge. Get a peek into Tara's impressions of the strange visitor to Braide Wood. Live through Kendra's experience as she's called back to awareness. Delve into Nolan's life as he is drafted to travel with the Hazor army. Other bonus scenes give insights into a first-year Council delegate, Wade, Linette, and even Cameron.

Devotion Guide:
Have you been curious about how the story of Deborah in Judges inspired elements of the book? The new ten-part devotion guide digs into the parallels as well as other themes found in the novel. The guide provides scripture, places to journal, questions with which to interact, and prayers.

Special Features:
New musical score for one of the songs, audio files, and links to recipes and other fun bonuses.

Last winter I spent many months developing all the extras for this book. It was a labor of love for the readers who have appreciated the Sword of Lyric series. I've completed and turned in all the bonus material for The Restorer's Son, which will also release with Marcher Lord Press, and am beginning work on the expanded edition of The Restorer's Journey next. Hooray!

Let me know what you think of the new cover. I was skyping with my daughter when the file came through and whooped and hollered with excitement. :-) I think they did a great job.

His,
Sharon

Fawns in the Garden

2011-08-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Even though I get exasperated at the damage hungry deer cause to my vegetable garden each year, when these twin fawns recently snuggled down next to my potato beds, I didn't have the heart to chase them away.

New Devotion Book

2011-07-11T14:50:00.001-07:00

Last spring, I was invited to write 45 devotions for an upcoming book:

Mornings with Jesus: 365 Devotions to Start Each Day

These short, heartfelt devotions were a blessing for me to work on. I know some of the other authors who were involved, and they are terrific, so I'm sure the book as a whole will be great.

This would also make a great Christmas gift, for folks who want to have a daily devotion book for 2012. You can pre-order now at the link above. Enjoy!

Happy News

2010-12-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been able to blog much this past year, but for those who still pop by occasionally to see what's new, I wanted to share some happy news.

I've signed a contract with Marcher Lord Press to release new editions of the Sword of Lyric series books. While it's great to get the books back in print, I'm especially excited about adding some bonus scenes, behind-the-scenes notes, and other surprise features that will make the new editions extra special.

And - to answer the question I find most frequently in my emails each week - yes, I have been working on a fourth book, as well. I had several chapters of the fourth book written a few years ago before health issues sidelined me. Whenever I'm able, I do a bit more work on it, and have made a tiny bit of progress. It's slow going, but I'm not giving up. :-)

Meanwhile, have a blessed Christmas, and may you feel the presence of Emmanuel - "God with us" - throughout each moment of every day.

His,
Sharon Hinck

Mom Hinck

2010-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

I met her first when I was about fourteen, and a gawky mess of braces and braids and nervous energy. I was applying to join "Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ" and she was volunteering with the organization and doing interviews with each teen applicant.

I was also sweet on her youngest son, Ted. Perhaps that added to my nerves.

I remember how calm, warm, and strong she was. How safe she made me feel as we talked about some tough theological questions. She approved my application, and in all the years since, I've treasured her approval, because my respect for her was so deep.

Once in college, Ted and I fled to his home to talk with his mom and dad about some upsetting things happening on campus. She made cocoa - with real milk - and listened, and cared, and reassured.

She had a gift for reassuring, because her own assurance was so strong. Assured of her Savior's love. Assured of where she was heading.

Yesterday, Mom Hinck finally got to meet the Savior she served all her life - for 92 years - face to face. What a glorious meeting that must have been.

She touched so many lives - as a Lutheran school teacher, as a church organist, as the co-manager of a Christian bookstore, as a member of many boards and organizations, as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has been one of my dearest role-models of what a Christian woman can be.

In recent years, her memory became confused. Yet, her spirit was so firmly cast in a path of sweetness, that the sweetness still showed through. If there were times she was a little fuzzy on who I was, it didn't matter - she still opened her arms and welcomed me with a delighted smile.

I hope that my spirit can learn to be as firmly entrenched in a place of faith, trust, joy, and love as hers was, as I walk out my remaining years.

What a beautiful celebration she is enjoying today - in the presence of our Lord.

Mom-casting

2010-02-19T05:43:00.001-08:00

I am glued to the Olympics. So much so, that I create my own running commentary. "She caught too much air there. She needs to hold her line. He nailed his quad, but his musicality just isn't up to the other competitor."

My patient hubby shakes his head and says, "You should be a broadcaster."

Which makes me imagine what perspective a "mom-caster" would bring to sports commentary.

What would I say during the half-pipe?

"Jim, I wish he'd tighten that helmet a little more. That's a dangerous drop."

Or short-track speed skating?

"Korea is favored, strong team this year -- OOH, the Australian just cut in front. Where are her manners?"

Figure skating?

"Oh, his lace came untied. I told him a million times to check that before he goes out."

Ski jumping?

"I can't look. Tell me when it's over."

And of course for all the sports, and all who don't medal:

"It's okay, honey. You gave it your best. We'll always love you."

And that's pretty much how I feel about all the Olympians. Thanks for your passion, commitment, and sharing your talents with the world.

Gotta go. Biathlon is about to start and I need to remind the athletes not to point guns at people.

Mom-caster Sharon

www.sharonhinck.com

Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices

2009-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

I recently rediscovered a hymn that spoke to my writer's heart.

When our lives are transformed through Christ's relationship with us, there aren't enough ways to express the wonders, challenges, and new discoveries.

Artists search for ways to convey something that often seems to transcend normal communication--to utter the un-utterable. This hymn captures that longing and is the song of heart these days:

"Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices"
by Johann Mentzer, 1658-1734
Text From:
THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)

1. Oh that I had a thousand voices
To praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices,
Would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be,
What great things God hath done for me.

2. O all ye powers that He implanted,
Arise, and silence keep no more;
Put forth the strength that He hath granted,
Your noblest work is to adore.
O soul and body, be ye meet
With heartfelt praise your Lord to greet!

3. Ye forest leaves so green and tender,
That dance for joy in summer air;
Ye meadow grasses, bright and slender;
Ye flowers so wondrous sweet and fair;
Ye live to show His praise alone,
With me now make His glory known.

4. All creatures that have breath and motion,
That throng the earth, the sea, the sky,
Now join me in my heart's devotion,
Help me to raise His praises high,
My utmost powers can ne'er aright
Declare the wonders of His might.

5. Lord, I will tell, while I am living,
Thy goodness forth with every breath
And greet each morning with thanksgiving
Until my heart is still in death;
Yea, when at last my lips grow cold,
Thy praise shall in my sighs be told.

6. O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee,
To listen to my earthly lays;
A nobler strain in heaven shall reach Thee,
When I with angels hymn Thy praise
And learn amid their choirs to sing
Loud hallelujahs to my King.

Amen!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Restorer Farewell Party!!

2009-11-02T07:27:00.001-08:00

All three Restorer books are going out of print in two weeks.

Although I feel sad of course, I'm also using this time to remember the stories, reread all the precious letters from readers, and be grateful that the stories had such a great run.

So let's celebrate! Share your favorite moment from one of the books, or something that made an impact on you, or a favorite quote.

More than any of my other books, I've received the most heartfelt mail for these stories, so I know God used them.

I remember walking with a friend week after week during the time I was writing the books. She listened to my angst as I talked about how much the stories burned in my heart, and how frustrated I was that the odds of this strange genre-blending story finding a publishing home were near impossible. She reminded me that if God had called me to write the stories, I could trust Him with what He planned to do with them.

I also remember the moments that certain plot twists just "happened" as I was writing, and took me by surprise.

The second book is my favorite. I loved watching the characters develop and deepen, and loved catching a glimpse of how the One was steering events to bring grace, hope, and help to the characters. But all three touched my life.

The stories also led me to plenty of interesting places...the Christy finalist's dinner, book tours, book clubs, college classrooms, the ACFW awards banquet...and to precious new friendships. What an adventure!

I have a limited number of books on hand, so if you want autographed copies, you can order those at Signed by the Author. They are also still available at CBD while supplies last. You can do some online Christmas shopping. :-)

Now, please share a farewell thought for the books!

I Love When God Shows Up

2009-11-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

God is omnipresent. He is always here. Yet sometimes He opens my eyes to become more aware of Him - of specific ways that He is "showing up."

I love when God shows up.

This morning I made it to church. During the past two years of health challenges, that has been a rare treat for me. Then our pastor sheepishly shared with the congregation that he had accidentally mixed up the planned dates for sermon outlines and prepared a sermon on Romans 8, which was supposed to be next week.

Hooray! Romans 8 is absolutely PACKED with strength and comfort.

THEN, after the service, he shared that a visiting pastor with a spiritual gift of healing was available to pray with people.

(For some of you, that might be a common occurrence, but in our reserved, buttoned-up denomination it was a precious opportunity.)

As my teen daughter put it, "That was sure a God thing."

My hubby helped me forward for prayer. The words this pastor prayed over me gave me spiritual goosebumps. He specifically prayed in praise that God is able to heal that which scientists don't understand and doctors don't know how to fix. Those words of faith were exactly what I needed. More than anything, I needed the reminder that my life and health and future are completely safe in God's hands. But most of all, I'm rejoicing that God understands the cells of my body. They aren't a mystery to Him. And I know He will provide exactly what I need to accomplish His plans for my life.

Limitations have made my life very quiet and small in recent months. I've had to redefine what "my purpose" looks like. But God continues to show up. I love that about Him.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

A Novel Idea!

2009-10-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you are interesting in writing fiction, teaching fiction, or even interested in the role of the arts in a life of faith, this is a tremendous resource!

Last night a friend dropped by for a visit and brought her copy of

A Novel Idea: Everything You Need to Know about Writing Inspirational Fiction

I'd heard it had released, but my copy hadn't arrived yet. What a treat to see! The book is a compilation of articles by many different Christian novelists.

I was honored to be included with an essay, "Why Fiction?"

One of my passions is the value and purpose of the arts in a Christian's life, so this article is close to my heart.

It was a double treat to see, since illness has kept me from being able to write this past year. I miss the adventure of creating so much, and have an even deeper appreciation for the joy of story-telling since I wrote the essay a year ago. If you dream of writing and have the physical and mental ability--do it! And get your hands on a copy of this book. It will be a great resource and inspiration.

Take-away Value

2009-09-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

What is "Take-away Value?" And what happens when your life is full of TAKEN away, and it's hard to find the value?

Today I'm sharing a few thoughts over at Faithchicks.

Please pop by!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Three Books Final - and my weird realizations

2009-07-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

I was deeply touched yesterday to find out that my three novels that released in 2008 were each named finalists in the ACFW Book of the Year Awards. I felt so warm and grateful that the judges appreciated the stories, and that my books were in the company of so many amazing authors.

It also spurred a few realizations.

First, I had to shake my head at myself - because the books are nominated in three different categories. It just reminded me how totally inept I am at doing things the way you're supposed to. It really isn't practical to write in different genres while trying to build a reading audience. It wasn't my plan. I just wrote the stories I cared about, and they were very diverse stories. I hope one day to figure out where I best fit, but in the meantime I'm so grateful for each of the stories and that there even EXISTS such a variety of genres in Christian fiction.

Another realization I had was that a lot of my warm happy feeling about this honor came from being happy for my characters. I fell in love with the characters in these three books (Stepping Into Sunlight, Symphony of Secrets, and Restorer's Journey) - and I'm happy for those characters to get to stand up and wave and say "hi!" - for them to have a moment of recognition. Is that weird?

Oh, well.

At any rate, I'm also thankful for ACFW - an organization that is doing so much to support, educate, and NOURISH writers. If you aren't familiar with them, be sure to check them out here! Honors come and go (or often don't come at all) but the fellowship of other Christian writers is a treasure that remains on all the hard slogging days.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

All Quiet on the Western Blog

2009-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Writers probably don't say "Thank you" often enough to our readers.
I've treasured each person who has read one of my books, followed my blog, received my Book Buddy newsletter, or even wanted to follow my occasional Twitter updates.

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with this blog in recent months.
I have LOVED communicating with you through this forum. But sometimes life takes turns we don't expect.

Until I'm able to get back to sharing devotional musings here, if you miss hearing from me, please feel free to explore various posts from the past several years, and dig around on my website.

For those who have followed this blog - THANK YOU. Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here, God is faithful, and I hope to get back to this one day. :-)

HUGE blessings on your day! Thank you so much for visiting!

His,
Sharon Hinck

A Challenging Question

2009-04-27T06:10:00.001-07:00

I love chatting with various bloggers about the writing life. Blogger Annette Irby just posted a new interview she did with me at her site.

You can find a question no one has asked me before, that I found very challenging . . . and see how I answered it by visiting her post.

Thanks for letting me visit, Annette!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Why I Love Lent

2009-03-02T09:32:00.001-08:00

Many of my Christian friends don't come from a tradition that follows a church-year calendar, but in my denominational background I always loved the special seasons of Advent and Lent.

Over the years, my husband and I have prompted things to give up as a family during Lent, or other times encouraged our children to each chose something individual. (The kids sometimes offered to give up broccoli or homework, but I digress).

We've given up television, pop, candy, shopping (only buying necessary groceries and nothing else), and various other things...and added disciplines of more Bible reading time, prayer, and giving.

I find I'm so easily distracted by the bright shiny things of life, that I need times where I can focus more effort and attention toward my walk with God. Fasting of various kinds can really help.

This year, I decided on Ash Wednesday to give up something that I enjoyed daily - Facebook and Twitter. I had no idea that many folk around the country where doing this, too. After I posted my note saying "Stepping back from Twitter and Facebook for Lent - see you after Easter" I received a call from Molly Millet, who was working on an article for the St. Paul Pioneer Press on this topic. You can read it here:

Pioneer Press Article

I love knowing that so many people are interested in putting God about some of the treats or distractions of life.

And that's truly why I've always loved Lent. Because no matter how uncomfortable some days become (whether I'm longing for a can of pop, chocolate, or a game of Scramble on Facebook) there are so many blessings. The thing I'm missing becomes a trigger to remember all Jesus suffered on my behalf, and I learn that while I thought I was totally committed to God, He can draw closer still as I focus more time and energy on Him each day.

Anyone else giving up something during Lent?

Blessings,
Sharon

Unemployment

2009-02-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

Job loss is hitting several of my friends and their families. It stirs fears I've tried to bury - of the challenge our family has gone through several times with long stretches of unemployment. The experience is so potentially isolating and frightening, that when I wrote my first contemporary women's fiction story a few years ago, I chose unemployment as the major dramatic conflict for the family.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller is full of Becky's whimsical day dreams and desire to do something big for God as she tries to hold together her "super mom" ideal. But some of her bravest scenes involve quiet choices to support her husband after his job loss, instead of give way to panic.

If you have friends who have been "downsized" or are fearing lay-offs, or if you are job-searching and wondering if this journey means you've "missed God's will" somewhere, I suspect that The Secret Life of Becky Miller might provide some encouragement, and a fictional character you can relate to.

Right now, Christian Book Distributors is offering copies of the novel at their site for $2.99! Now that's a great gift in a time of tight family budgets.

Here's an excerpt:

We continued to pray as December moved along. I'd always been good at pinching pennies, but now I had to squeeze them and wring them out.

Selling the van brought in some money and lowered our car insurance. Kevin swallowed his pride and admitted to broader circles of friends that he needed a job. He called it networking, but I knew he believed it was begging. I saw the strain growing in him as each day passed.

My fear grew at the same pace as our pile of bills. Kevin swung between honest discouragement and a more frightening self-containment and withdrawal.

My attempts at cheerleading sometimes slipped into nagging. "Have you checked the bulletin board at the unemployment office again? Did you go through today's paper? What about the Internet? Did you submit your resume to companies that way?" No wonder he seemed more irritable every day. I hadn't realized how much strain his job loss could put on our marriage.

No matter how much I reassured him, he admitted he felt like less of a man.

No matter how confident his swagger as he headed out for another interview, I worried we'd lose the house and end up in a cardboard box on skid row.

We both put our best faces on for each other, but the effort was pushing us apart.

---
Whatever job situation you are facing today, I pray that God will send you reassurance that He cares about you deeply and is absolutely capable of providing for you.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Minnesota Readers and Writers...

2009-02-18T09:11:00.001-08:00

...Come chat with me!

Saturday, February 21st, 11:00 a.m.
I'll be signing Stepping Into Sunlight at the
Northwestern Bookstore
Cobblestone Court, Burnsville, MN

I love visiting with readers and other writers, answering questions, talking about good books, sharing ideas, and connecting one-on-one. I'd love to see you!

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 (ACFW Book of the Year Winner, Romantic Times 4.5 stars, Reviewer's Choice Award - Road to Romance)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Now Available:
Stepping Into Sunlight

A Spoonful of Empathy

2009-02-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

Lately I've had a few challenges in my life. I've tried to be brave and patient, and I work on focusing on things I'm grateful for.

But today I mentioned my struggles in an email to a friend. When she emailed back she said, "I can't imagine how frustrating that must be!" Her empathy literally reached out of the email and hugged me.

As much as I have tried not to be a big sympathy-seeker, I confess I was about a quart low and needed a good infusion of compassion. Her words were exactly what I needed.

Lord, help me offer precious spoonfuls of empathy to my hurting friends today, as this precious friend gave to me. Help me stop myself before offering advice, explanations, or empty comparisons, ("at least your problem isn't as bad as XYZ. Could be worse.") Let me simply wrap my friends in love and say, "I can't imagine how painful that must be. I'm sorry it's so hard. I care." Thank you for my friend's example today, and how much it warmed me. Amen!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Opportunity for Three Free Books

2009-01-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

I was very honored when Janna Ryan named The Restorer's Son and The Restorer's Journey as her Most Entertaining books of 2008. She is currently offering a contest to win a copy of The Restorer's Son. You can read all about it here.

My most recent novel is Stepping Into Sunlight. You can enter a drawing to win a free copy at the Penny's Project blog here. That contest ends February 1st, so stop by to leave a comment before time runs out.

And beginning on Friday, January 30, Cara Putman will post a contest at her blog for The Restorer (the first in the Sword of Lyric series) - so be sure to stop by and leave a comment there, as well.

Curious about any of the books? Just visit my website to read about my

Stand alone women's fiction titles
and
The Becky Miller mom-lit series
and
The Restorer and other Sword of Lyric series books

I hope you have fun with each of these opportunities! Happy reading!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Free Book

2009-01-09T08:58:00.001-08:00

Happy 2009!

I'm welcoming in the New Year by giving away a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight . . .

with a twist.

It's a copy for YOU to give away to someone you want to bless!

To enter, visit my Penny's Project blog and read the post "Many Penny's"

Then leave a comment after that post about a small act of kindness AND an accurate email where I can reach you if you win.

Easy, yes?

Oh, and I'm getting ready to mail out my free quarterly ezine. If you aren't already a subscriber, you can sign up in the right-hand column of my website for devotional thoughts, insider info, etc.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

The Lutheran Witness

2009-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

More fun press. Oh, how I hope it helps people find out about my books!
The January, 2009 issue of The Lutheran Witness includes a blurb about me as part of an article on the various faces of Lutherans today. You can read the article here.

I love my reader mail, and got permission to share this one, because it was so inspiring to me:

Bernadette wrote:
Just wanted to say that I am currently reading (and enjoying) Stepping Into
Sunlight. I just had to stop and let you know that I just read one of the most
potent sentences of this year: "So your theory is that unless you can cure
cancer, you shouldn't bother holding the hand of the woman battling it?" What a wake up call to the Chrisian community. Those words are a powerful clarion call that I believe will combat our resistence to doing things at a grass roots level. Thanks so much! I will be sharing your words with everyone in my circle who uses the inability to do "great" things as an excuse to do nothing.

Thanks so much, Bernadette! We can all be encouraged by the way God uses our small, imperfect efforts to pour out His grace in big ways.

Blessings!
Sharon

Article in St. Paul Pioneer Press

2009-01-05T06:16:00.001-08:00

Newspaper reviews are rare and precious gifts for a novelist, so I was delighted when a friend told me that the St. Paul Pioneer Press had featured an article about Stepping Into Sunlight, as well as Julie Klassen's book The Apothecary's Daughter.

I appreciated the integrity of the reviewer who admitted that in the past she avoided fiction from Christian publishers because of her assumptions of what it would be. And of course, I was delighted that our stories rang true for her.

I continue to marvel at God's kindness. This was a wonderful treat on a cold winter morning.

I've had some challenges in my life in recent months, and it has been a season that has made me especially grateful of tender gifts from God that come like sips of water in a desert.

Stepping Into Sunlight has gone into its third printing and received some truly affirming reviews. But even better, I've been so moved by the letters I've received - from a reader with PTSD, a young wife whose husband is on his first deployment, a woman battling anxiety who was never able to put words to the experience before and read scenes to her husband.

It reminds me again that God can work His grace through us, even when we feel the most "useless." :-)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Blessings in 2009

2009-01-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

A dear friend who is already in heaven gave me a special birthday plaque the summer before she died. It says, "When we believe in God's plan for our lives, every age is the perfect age to be."

Seems like a good thought for a new calendar year, as well. God loves me. That means the coming year will hold something precious - even if it's woven among the painful challenges of life.

I'm grateful for the gift of a fresh New Year - and another new day, new hour.

May we all see more of Him in the coming days!

Blessings in 2009!
His,
Sharon

Cherry Street Books - Sharon on the Road

2008-12-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 13, 2008, I'll be at
Cherry Street Books
503 Broadway
Alexandria, MN
from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

I'll be doing a "book talk" at 11:00 a.m., sharing about the writing journey and doing Q&A, then visiting and signing books the rest of the time.

Please come on out! It's a GREAT time to do a little Christmas shopping.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Visit from Eric Reinhold

2008-12-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Each week since the Motiv8 tour in early October, I've been highlighting one of the Christian authors of fantasy fiction that I toured with.

This week it's Eric's turn. Here's a photo of Eric and I signing our books for the staff at the TBN studios in Seattle, right before the taping of an interview.

Eric is the father of three who took the bedtime stories he told his children and developed them into the imaginative book, Ryann Watters and the King's Sword.

Eric is the president of a financial planning firm, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and an all-around cool guy. He had non-stop energy, carting in and setting up signs, unpacking boxes of books, loading up the van, and helping in every way. Be sure to visit his website to read about his
first book as well as the soon-to-be-released second book. He has book videos to watch, artwork to enjoy, and plenty to read at his site. And if you are looking for a Christmas gift for the "Tweeners" on your list, be sure to order a copy of Ryann Watters and the King's Sword!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Visit from Donita K. Paul

2008-11-24T02:47:00.000-08:00

Last September, I was part of a huge Christian fiction author's book signing at the Mall of America.

The photo shows my friend Vicki Tiedi (on the left) who hosted the panel discussions in the Bloomingdale Rotunda. On the right of the photo is Donita. She and I did a panel on the genre of fantasy, and took questions from the crowd. It was so fun to share the stage with her, and we knew we'd have a good time together on the Motiv8 Tour, as well.

On the tour, she kindly looked out for me when I was under the weather. It was fun watching throngs of children surround her at our events, bringing her pictures they'd drawn or sculptures of dragons they had made for her.

One day while riding in the car with a pile of stuffed animals for give-aways, her friend Penny said, "Donita, there are dragons blocking my line of vision." Not a sentence you hear in normal daily conversations. Just one example of the fun and adventure that is part of Donita's life.

Be sure to visit her website and learn about her books.

Now, in honor of Thanksgiving approaching, Donita shares ten things she's thankful for:

1.Jesus (of course!)
2.Family and Friends
3.Church
4.Business Associates—the WaterBrook Staff, the Alive Communications staff, especially my editors and my agent
5.American Christian Fiction Writers
6.The Internet social networks—Shoutlife, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkdIn
7.The Internet Read groups—GoodReads and Shelfari (Anytime I think everyone is watching Netflix and playing video games, I visit these reader spots and breathe a sigh of relief)
8.Living in USA
9.Finding my niche, professionally
10.The knowledge God has provided and still encourages me to pursue

Thanks, Donita! And blessings on all your upcoming projects!

His,
Sharon

A Little Too Busy

2008-11-18T05:29:00.001-08:00

Saturday I did a book signing at the Twin Cities Christian Community Fair. I had a ball meeting people, chatting, talking about books. I helped one fellow with info on where to find armor when he saw my sword on the table next to the Restorer books. And I got to visit with Susie May Warren whom I admire and always learn from. And I met the owners of ShoutLife and have a great chat with all they are doing to build the Christian online community. It was a fun event at the end of a string of events that have been spooling out since . . . well, probably July.

Preparing for the release of Stepping Into Sunlight, I began doing more speaking events, more store visits, more interviews, more teaching . . . so many events I had no time to update the events page of my website or blog about them all.

For someone who is a blend of extrovert/introvert like me, years of writing alone in my office take a toll, and I truly treasure the opportunities to spend time with real people instead of fictional characters. On the other hand, I always underestimate how much energy and time each event takes to prepare for and recover from. And how difficult it is to get back into the fictional world and actually WRITE during these too-busy stretches.

This Thursday I'm doing a workshop at the Minnesota Library conference, but that is the last in my long string of events. (Well, except for a December signing, some radio and blog interviews, and writing retreats that I host at my home . . . but those are spread out with plenty of open days between). I'm determined to be better about keeping margins in my life. I loved the book of that title (Margins) and have a whole library of books on simplicity, balance, rest. Yet somehow I've just gone through several months that got a little too busy.

It sneaks up on me. What about you? Are you a little too busy? Besides the problem of exhaustion, when I'm too busy plowing through my "to do" list, it's harder for me to hear God's gentle prompts to serve in an unexpected way that wasn't on my list. I'm not as patient with people who need me. I don't have time to NOTICE the needs of others, much less meet them.

Lord, teach us to order our days. And thank you for today. If it's okay with You, I'll start my tasks--but I'm listening for You to steer me if there are new directions where You want me to go. Amen.

Blessings!
Sharon

A Visit from Christopher Hopper

2008-11-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

Christian Community Fair Signing

2008-11-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

For anyone in the Twin Cities, MN area, I'll be at the Christian Community Fair
at RiverCentre in St. Paul on Saturday November 15th, 2008.
Sounds like a fun event, and admission is free!

I'll be signing books at the Northwestern Bookstore booth from 2-4 p.m.

Please stop by to chat! I'd love to see you!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Twitterpated

2008-11-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I own the music book from Bambi, which includes the song "Everything is Twitterpated in the Spring."

I'm humming it this morning, because I'm feeling twitterpated.

I follow quite a few blogs, especially those related to the Christian publishing industry, writing craft, or lives of friends. My hubby tends to avoid blogs. But there is one he really enjoys: Michael Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

He'll often mention a topic that Michael blogged about.

So when my hubby said that Michael encouraged authors to Twitter, I finally stopped digging in my heels and signed up. I enjoy Facebook, and try to stop by ShoutLife from time to time. I've recently blogged about my decision to continue "half-baked blogging." So why yet another internet "connection tool"?

I'm not entirely sure. I like that I could connect my Twitter with my Facebook. (I also am figuring out how to upload my blog posts to Facebook.) And Twitter forces me to be brief (a useful skill I still haven't mastered). And PERHAPS Twitter will be a bit more immediate and helpful if I'm doing an event and want to let friends know about it, or if I plan to run a contest at my website. We'll see.

So, if you are also twitterpated, you are welcome to "follow" me . . . (my oh-so-creative code name at Twitter is SharonHinck) although I have no idea where I'm going. I may yet decide to swing back toward my Luddite tendencies and unplug everything. But for now, Twitter is another part of the world of cyber-connection I'm willing to explore. I'll let you know how it goes.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

TitleTrakk

2008-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

As an author, I deeply appreciate sites that showcase art depicting themes of faith. Movies and music seem to get a lot of "air time" but when a site includes novels alongside other forms of art and entertainment, that site gets cyber-hugs from me!

TitleTrakk is a fun site that has posted reviews of several of my books, as well as an in-depth interview.

TitleTrakk also has frequent contests, fun features, and enough content to keep you happily exploring for hours.

They are currently running a terrific contest - so pop over there to enter!

Blessings!
Sharon

A Special Visit with the Motiv8 Authors

2008-11-10T05:48:00.001-08:00

This week, my cohorts from the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour (October 2008) are blogging about me. I hope you'll have time to visit their blogs and leave comments. It's great fun!

Bryan Davis
L.B.Graham
Donita K. Paul
Eric Reinhold

have their posts up already, (with some great questions or inside info you don't want to miss - hee hee!) and I'll let you know as others appear.

But Wayne Batson's blog is extra special.

He's featuring an in-depth discussion that we hope will offer help for the hurting. It's a lengthy post - and more about life than about our books. So pour a cup of tea, put your feet up, and click on over to Wayne's blog.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Kind Words for Stepping Into Sunlight

2008-11-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

I recently blogged about being okay with my half-baked blogging skills.

However, the casual approach doesn't extend to my work as a novelist. I've always had a passion for pursuing excellence in working at my art - whether that was in theatre, music, choreography, or writing.

Trying to capture an artistic vision sharpens the critical eye. That's good. It pushes me to keep working, honing, trying to get closer to conveying something with power and beauty.

The pursuit can also be discouraging, because I never quite reach it, and often grow hyper-critical and see my work falling far short of where I'd like it to be.

That's why I'm grateful when God sends encouraging words my way . . . when someone else applies their critical eye to the work and believes it captures something of value, and lets me know that. Today, a reviewer sent me this assessment of my new novel, Stepping Into Sunlight.

By the way, if you haven't yet picked up a copy, you can get one personalized and autographed by me at Signed by the Author.

Now, it's time for me to get back to work on studying, honing, reworking, doubting, and hoping.

His,
Sharon Hinck

A Visit from L.B. Graham

2008-11-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

I've always loved books. Growing up, authors were mysterious and amazing gifts to my little world. So once I became a novelist, one of my favorite perks was the opportunity to get to know other authors and spend time with them.

Each week for the next two months, I'll share a little about one of the authors from the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour. I toured with these authors from October 3-12, 2008, all over the West Coast. You get to know a lot about an author when they get up at 4:00 a.m. to hit the road for another long day of events, or you see them sit beside a child in an oncology unit to share a book, or you teach an English class side-by-side with them. I hope whatever genres you read, you'll enjoy hearing about the HEART of each of these authors.

As we prepared for the Motiv8 tour, I was delighted that L.B. Graham was joining the tour. His primary target readership (like mine) is adults. Critics have compared his epic five-book series to Tolkien - a true traditional high fantasy.

What impressed me about L.B. as I got to know him on the tour, was his humble brilliance. We co-taught a high-school class at one of the venues, and his ability to answer questions, draw in examples from classic literature, and EDUCATE blew me away. When he spoke at events, his love for Christ always shone. Yet he was also gracious about taking a back seat (literally - that van was crowded!), and serving in any way that was needed. He was particularly kind to me at one point on the tour that I was feeling pretty yucky physically - in reminding me that if I had to leave the tour and fly home, no one would think less of me. Those compassionate words made a huge difference to me on a rough day.

It was also fun to discover that L.B.'s wife is from Australia, since I was "visiting" an Australian book group on my return from the tour. His heritage of faith (and how it ties in with Australia and his books) is truly inspiring.

Visit his blog to learn more about him, and if you enjoy epic fantasy, grab the Binding of the Blade series. I have the first book on my To-Be-Read pile right now.

Blessings!
Sharon

The Care and Feeding of Blogs

2008-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love to chat . . .
long rambling conversations on the phone with friends
brief exchanges in line at the store
heart-to-hearts over cups of tea

So when many authors started blogging a few years back, it felt like an easy addition to my list of "things authors do that support their readers and their books;" book launch parties, tours, signings, websites, newsletters, speaking engagements, teaching at conferences and . . .

. . . blogging.

I quickly learned from the collective wisdom of the sages that a good blog should have a theme, serve a unique felt need, be updated frequently, not focus on personal details that no one is interested in . . .

The list went on and on.

I also learned that it was important to build blog traffic, which meant lots of links, participating in blogrolls and events and blog tours, using various techniques to measure and build that traffic.

Hmmm....

If I did everything the right way, my fun side venture would become a full-time job.

So I'm making a public confession. I'm a half-baked blogger. And I'm not going to change.

Sometimes I have included book reviews and "toured" new novels of my friends - although there are so many other blogs that do that (much better than I) that I'd rather not do that very much.

Sometimes I write heartfelt devotions - which I'd love to do more of (but often don't have time to do).

Sometimes I forget to post an upcoming event until the night before, and folks don't get the info in time (by the way, I'm going to be part of a multi-author signing this Friday, November 7th, at 7pm at the Northwestern Bookstore in Maple Grove, MN).

Sometimes I go for weeks without posting. Sometimes I post three in one day.

I've accepted that it's not my priority (or my calling) to build up a large blog following.
God has (for now) asked me to focus on writing novels. I get quite a few visitors here. Sometimes I get a lot of comments. Often I don't - and that's okay.

I like having some things in my life that I recognize I'm not doing the right way. I'm a sloppy tennis player. My guitar playing is basic and inexpert. I'm an improvisational, forgetful, and sometimes disastrous cook.

As much as I agree with the heart-cry to create work of excellence for God, I have too often been caught in the bondage of accomplishment and perfectionism. So maybe it's good for me to strive for excellence in a few things and let the rest be a little half-baked.

What do you think? Have you been trying to "get it all right" in EVERY area of life, and feeling exhausted and inadequate? Do you joyfully celebrate a few things that you don't do well?

Oh - and the photo is from the TBN studio in Seattle, right before shooting a brief T.V. interview about The Restorer books. It was part of the Motiv8 tour in October. I get a kick out of the combo of blue jeans with baldric, sword, and cloak. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

I'm Coming to Alexandria, Minnesota!

2008-10-29T18:49:00.001-07:00

Saturday, December 13, 2008, I'll be at

Cherry Street Books
503 Broadway
Alexandria, MN
from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

I think I'll be doing a "book talk" at 11:00 a.m., sharing about the writing journey and doing Q&A, then visiting and signing books the rest of the time.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Please come on out! It's a GREAT time to do a little Christmas shopping.

A Visit from Bryan Davis

2008-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

I've always loved books. Growing up, authors were mysterious and amazing gifts to my little world. So once I became a novelist, one of my favorite perks was the opportunity to get to know other authors and spend time with them.

Each week for the next two months, I'll share a little about one of the authors from the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour. I toured with these authors from October 3-12, 2008, all over the West Coast. You get to know a lot about an author when they get up at 4:00 a.m. to hit the road for another long day of events, or you see them sit beside a child in an oncology unit to share a book, or you teach an English class side-by-side with them. I hope whatever genres you read, you'll enjoy hearing about the HEART of each of these authors.

This week I'm showcasing Bryan Davis.

Bryan is a prolific author with a testimony of incredible persistence. You can read all about his many books at his website, and interact with other readers at his forum.

But after touring with him twice, I can share that one of his special qualities is that he has a passionate father-heart that extends beyond his own family to all young people. Even with his busy writing schedule and huge commitments of writing, teaching, and traveling, he gives many hours of time each week to chatting with youth at his forum, mentoring young writers, and praying for young people seeking Christian truth in a difficult world.

On the recent tour, I got to hear amazing stories of risks he took in order to step out in faith and obey God, and about miraculous answered prayers. But what touched me the most was when he spoke at the Calvary Chapel service about his longing to provide stories that will help young people who have been tormented by the enemy. He is a man with a heartfelt calling and pushes himself beyond the limits to carry out that calling. I teased him that he's an android, because I've never known anyone who can function on so little sleep, work so tirelessly, and continue to write at such a pace.

While many different ages read and enjoy his books, his series are particularly geared toward teens. My teen daughter gobbles up his books, so I'm glad he writes as fast as he does!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Sharon Visits Australia

2008-10-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sort of...

My Aussie friend from Relz Reviews hosted a book club that read and discussed The Restorer.

I often visit book groups via speaker phone, (if you're part of a book group, feel free to email me and request a visit if you're discussing any one of my books!)

For my visit Down-Under, because of time differences, the women gave all their questions to Rel, who emailed them to me. She's posted my answers here - some fun inside scoop about The Restorer and about me.

They asked some unique questions...and I learned a lot, too.

Who knew that Aussies don't enjoy Chex snack mix? :-)

And who knew that women in another hemisphere would identify with the faith journey of a middle-American mom? Isn't it neat that way that God weaves us all together?

I hope you enjoy your "visit" with my Australian friends, too!

His,
Sharon

Having Then Gifts Differing

2008-10-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, I memorized Romans 12 in the King James Version.
In fact, I did a lot of memorizing in my childhood - all KJV. Now I use the NIV, so I get hopelessly muddled when I seek to call scripture to mind; but that's another story.

Some of the KJV wording just sticks.

One phrase that has been floating through my thoughts lately is "having then gifts differing . . . " It's a call to use the unique gifts God has given to serve the Body of Christ. If you have the gift of teaching, then teach, if the gift of service, then serve, etc.

As I've processed the Motiv8 tour, thinking back over the days on the road with seven other authors, I rejoice in the diverse gifts God gave even this band of writers. We traveled together because we have in common that we are Christians, that we have a passion for using the written word to communicate about our faith, that we all write fiction, and that we specifically write fantasy fiction. That's a lot to have in common.

Yet even among this homogenous group, the variety of callings, spiritual gifts, and artistic talents was immense. Several of the group are teachers, and their skill at speaking to grade-school or middle-school audiences was obvious. One of the group is a youth pastor, and his ability to grab the hearts of high-school students was tremendous.

Me? I generally speak to church women's groups, book clubs, writer's groups, and retreats, so as far as our programs, I appreciated the last evening's event where I could share a brief devotion with adults.

I took away a few thoughts about "having then gifts differing."

* Seeing the beautiful talents of others being used (music, acting, story-telling, writing for children, counseling youth) helped me appreciate that God is doing amazing things around the world through His people.

* Serving in ways that are not my calling is so good for creating humility. Too often, I embrace opportunties to use my gifts that allow me to shine. Doing work that I was clumsy at was a good reminder of how flat and lifeless my efforts are if they aren't anointed by Him.

* I have a new appreciation for the times that God matches up the gifts He's given me with an opportunity to serve. That's a privilege, not a right. I'm looking forward to upcoming speaking events with new enthusiasm.

* Frederick Buechner wrote, "The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet." I've always liked that explanation of vocation. But above and beyond that, I'm a servant. And sometimes God calls me to a place that isn't such a good fit - and then my job is to obey and lean on Him even more.

* The tender love of Christ was manifest to me in new ways by the other members of the tour - again through their different gifts: humor, prayers of faith, firm admonition to sit and rest, kind offers to help me with my suitcase, a quiet question about how I was doing. It was another example of how precious each member of the Body of Christ is, and how uniquely able to meet needs.

So let's face this new day ready to use the gifts God has given us, and even ready to serve in ways that we are NOT gifted, if that's what He asks.

Just by BEING the person He made you to be, you are bringing Him joy.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Quiet Moment from the Tour

2008-10-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

One of the activities on the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction West Coast Tour was a community service event to support literacy. We donated books and spent time with children at a housing project.

The photo shows me chatting with one little girl. We shared a love for Dr. Seuss.

And yes, you can just make out that I'm wearing my baldric and sword. It's been odd since being home to get up in the morning and NOT strap on my sword.

I hope I can keep looking for the person sitting alone who needs someone to come sit beside her. I hope I can strap on the sword of the Spirit each day.
I hope today will provide a quiet moment of fellowship.

I pray your day will include a quiet moment, the blessing of a new friend, and the joy of shared interests.

His,
Sharon Hinck

Winner - Starting From Scratch

2008-10-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

I drew names from those who commented on the post about Starting From Scratch,
last week and the winner is Cheryl K.

Congratulations!

The authors will be sending you an autographed copy of the book.
I've had an opportunity to read several of the true stories in the book (and know some of the women who shared their stories) and it is truly encouraging and inspiring.

Blessings!
Sharon

Reviews for Stepping Into Sunlight

2008-10-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

I recently heard from my publisher that ForeWord journal will include a favorable review of Stepping Into Sunlight in their Nov/Dec issue.

In part, the reviewer wrote, ". . . At this moment, Penny’s long journey of healing begins. If this were all the book had to offer, the author’s language and pacing would be enough to carry it forward, but Penny confronts not only the fear prompted by her brush with death, she also discovers pockets of shameful judgments she holds about people."

I loved that the reviewer commented on some of the secondary character-growth themes that mattered to me in the story. I'm always tickled when someone catches what I'm going for in a story (besides my mom or my wonderful editors).

I've been so humbled and blessed by the positive reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and other journals like ForeWord. You can read professional reviews and endorsements here.

But I'm also delighted when I hear from readers.

Here are a few thoughts from recent emails about Stepping Into Sunlight:

"Your writing reached so deep into the hurting places of my own life that I could only read a chapter or so at a time. I could so identify with Penny and her pain. Yet, hope shone through, too." -- Judy

"I have NEVER related so deeply with a fictional character before... that was so perfectly descriptive...I even had my husband read some of the passages because you were able to articulate things I have been unable to." -- Robin

"You gave voice to the broken and showed how beautiful we are in God's eyes." -- Amy

I treasure mail from readers and am in awe that God had a message of hope for various people who picked up the book with a variety of needs. He's amazing that way.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Creative Writers at Crown College Rock!

2008-10-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the privilege of hanging out with a college class and chatting about the writing journey, answering questions, etc. It was my first time visiting Crown College (St. Bonifacius, MN).

I had an incredibly uplifting and inspiring time.

The students were earnest, engaged, bright, fun, and asked terrific questions. Their faith and mission-minded hearts were obvious. They didn't only care about "How do I get published?" sorts of questions - but also the "How do I serve God as a writer? What does it mean to be a Christian who writes novels?" issues. I sensed that they really cared about communicating effectively for God's kingdom, and serving Him with excellence.

Their professor, Casie Szalapski, is a treasure, and I'm so grateful she invited me to visit.

If you are ever feeling a little blue about the world, find a Christian college's writing class to visit. You'll be smiling for days.

His,
Sharon Hinck

A Visit from Wayne Batson

2008-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've always loved books. Growing up, authors were mysterious and amazing gifts to my little world. So once I became a novelist, one of my favorite perks was the opportunity to get to know other authors and spend time with them.

Each week for the next two months, I'll share a little about one of the authors from the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour. I toured with these authors from October 3-12, 2008, all over the West Coast. You get to know a lot about an author when they get up at 4:00 a.m. to hit the road for another long day of events, or you see them sit beside a child in an oncology unit to share a book, or you teach an English class side-by-side with them. I hope whatever genres you read, you'll enjoy hearing about the HEART of each of these authors.

This week, I'm welcoming Wayne Batson. His website and blog do an excellent job informing about his books, so be sure to visit them. He's the author of the best selling Door Within series, and Isle of Swords books. He's been a middle school teacher for sixteen years, and although readers of many ages enjoy his books, he has a special appeal to the 10-12 year-old reader.

Anyone who has heard Wayne do a reading from his stories, complete with English accent, creepy voices, and dramatic pauses knows that he is a gifted actor and story-teller. And he and Christopher Hopper could do company clubs with their improvisational skits and comic sword fights.

But there is something that impresses me even more than his talent for writing and performing. After two tours with Wayne, and many conference calls and emails, I have deep admiration for his passion to give God his best every day, and his empathy for the hurting. When I've felt discouraged by a professional setback, he's been the first to email and agree that the road IS hard, but he also reminds me of God's love and purposes.

If you have children in your life who enjoy fantasy tales, or pirate adventures, (or you enjoy them, too!) they will be drawn closer to the heart of God by Wayne's stories.
I know that to be true, not only because I've seen hoards of kids mob him at book signings, but because he's talked to me about his walk with God, and I know his kind of faith will always bleed through the pages of a story and impact the reader.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Author of the Month

2008-10-18T09:56:00.001-07:00

One of the highlights of the Fantasy Fiction Tour was getting to meet Deena. She's had a long-running blog that actively and fervently promotes Christian fiction, posts reviews, and supports Christian authors.

The photo shows our meeting in Sacramento.

Deena has begun a new feature on her blog - highlighting one author, in depth, each month. The month of October she's been posting about me - including a new interview, a review of Stepping Into Sunlight, and several contests. You can see the menu of features here.

Be sure to stop by and thank her for all she does to help get the word out about novels by Christian authors!

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 (ACFW Book of the Year Winner, Romantic Times 4.5 stars, Reviewer's Choice Award - Road to Romance)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Now Available:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Starting From Scratch

2008-10-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

For several years, I've been a member of the Minnesota Christian Writer's Guild - and during many of those years, Sharon Knudson has led the group with grace and encouragement, and Mary Heitzman has also served as a board member and generously served other writers, and is now stepping into leadership.

One year, I had breakfast with them both at Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference. I shared some difficult challenges I was facing in the writing journey, and Sharon said, "Could I pray with you?"

She took my hand and poured blessings over me. Her words literally gave me strength that year.

I have also enjoyed speaking to the MCWG, and always felt tremendous support from Sharon and Mary. (Not to mention that great lunch at Cheesecake Factory!) ;-)

So it is no surprise to me that Sharon and Mary have created a touching and encouraging book for people facing difficult change--often unwanted and unexpected. You can learn more at their website.

-------
Q: Mary, as you talked with women, what did you find helped them cope with their situation?

Mary: Many of the women we visited with often spoke of turning to Scripture. While some had a strong faith that allowed them to draw comfort from great passages in the Bible, others questioned God at first, or had feisty conversations with Him.

All were needy of, and appreciated, kind words and gestures from friends and family. But I was struck at how they all found comfort when their supporters were not available. Many of the women we visited with mentioned a devotional, a workbook, or some special story that encouraged them. Some started blogs or began a ministry. Many swallowed their pride and accepted help from others, including the government, recognizing that this was just for a season.

For most of these women, dependency on God Himself seemed to be the key ingredient when tragedy first struck. After that they allowed others to minister to them. And then eventually they took that one small step necessary to move forward and accept change.

Q: Sharon K., the first story in the book is from your personal experience and is titled, “Telling.” Why is talking to others—even friends—about your situation so hard?

Sharon Knudson: When I suddenly got divorced, no one knew what to think or say. It was a complete shock to everyone (including me), and it felt like a bomb had gone off in the night. People want an explanation, and if one is not readily apparent, they make their own guesses as to what probably happened. Some gossip and take sides. Some get very angry and feel betrayed: in a way, their own security is threatened and they wonder, “If that could happen to her, could it happen to me?”

“Telling”came right out of my journal. It was written as I grappled with how to tell people what had happened just a few months after the divorce. We have included this as a book excerpt on our blog.
-------
Thanks so much, Sharon and Mary! I know many women will be blessed by these stories.

And I'm giving away a free copy - drawing from names of everyone who comments to this post and leaves a working email where I can contact them if they win.

Have you ever had to "start from scratch"?

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Sunday in San Diego

2008-10-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

My last post was a week ago - hard to believe!
And it feels like that was a month ago. So much has happened on the road. But blogging didn't. In spite of my best intentions I didn't find many opportunities for internet access or time in our full days.

This morning I'm going to church with my friend Susie Meissner who opened her home for me to stay and then is taking me to the airport (in spite of the fact that she has a book launch today, for her wonderful new title, The Shape of Mercy).

When I get home, I'll have many days of catch-up. Catching up on family time, sleep, emails, laundry, all the revisions I wanted to work on while on the road. So blogging may continue to be sparse.

So I'm grabbing this moment to share a little about the tour.

God was present.

We had some convocations with hundreds of students and teachers and parents. We had some bookstore signings with huge turn-out, where I was chatting with people and signing non-stop. And we had other events with tiny groups and various unexpected challenges.

But each place, I met at least one person who had been a long-distance friend, or met a reader who had been blessed by one of my books, or heard stories of people's lives and was able to pray with them. Those encounters were a joy.

I also got to hear seven other amazing Christian authors share about their journey, their faith, their passion for the written word, and see their travel-weary silliness--a blessing that will live with me during my next year of solitary writing work.

I also have to share that I experienced a true, gentle miracle. The first couple days, I was so sick that friends and team-mates were giving me the option to fly home. I remember one teammate kindly saying, "no guilt. no one will think less of you." I knew I should be home. Yet I still felt that God wanted me on the tour and determined to try to make it one more day. And then one more.

I believe it was Portland where I hit my lowest physically and emotionally, and didn't know how to go on. I knew my friends at home were praying for my strength. I had prayed over and over for healing and grace for the work. Then one of the tour mates offered to pray with me and BOY HOWDY did he pray.

I dried my eyes, and got back in the van for the next drive, the next event...
no woosh of sudden peace or healing...
BUT over the course of the next few days I had more stretches of feeling "like me." I was getting LESS rest, working more and more, but God was strengthening me.

Friday night, we spoke at Calvary Chapel in Huntington Beach - and I got to share about the way God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. And my devotion had new resonance. I SO longed to go out in strength on this tour, sharing with energy and enthusiasm, engaging people, encouraging and speaking with lively faith. Instead God called me to go out in weakness and lean into Him. I confess I was often weak and whiney, fearful and frustrated.

Isn't it amazing that we serve a God who can use us even like that? And I continue to pray for His transforming power to reshape me. It's just a LOOOOOOONG process.

I'll try to blog about some of the highlights of the tour soon!
You can see video clips at www.fantasyfictiontour.com
Blessed Sunday!
Sharon Hinck

If It's Sunday, it must be Medford

2008-10-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to blog after a few days of the West Coast Tour, and a head full of amazing and varied impressions. I can't imagine I'll get everything straight, or spell things correctly.

I do believe it's Sunday night, and I know we're in Medford.

So far we had a great time visiting classrooms to speak, conducting mentoring groups, and doing a program and then book signing for a middle-school in Abbotsford, Canada. Then we returned to our gathering point in Seattle and did a television interview for TBN, then an afternoon book signing at Harvest Logos bookstore in Seattle - they were able to borrow space from the ministry offices next to the bookstore and had a whole wonderful maze of author tables and enthusiastic readers who came out to meet us. We hurried from there to the Salt Shaker bookstore in Enumclaw for an evening event. They had decorated the walls with medieval castle backdrops, and Wayne and Christopher entertained with a sword fight, and several authors read scenes.

We hit the road early and made it to Portland by 11am to meet in an outdoor gazebo with readers (some of whom traveled four hours to meet a favorite author or two). After a long afternoon driving south, we reached Medford, where we were warmly welcomed to the Bridgeport Mall's Evangel bookstore - and were blessed by a huge group of readers who kept thanking us for the books we write and for coming to visit.

We have been humbled, honored, exhausted, delighted, and amazed at God's provision.

Those of you who've been praying for my health and strength on this tour . . . thank you. Tonight I felt close to normal after a couple days of really struggling. That was such a huge gift, I can hardly express it.

Now I'm off to grab a few hours of sleep. We hit the road early tomorrow.
I must at least mention that:

Jonathan Rogers has claimed ownership of the subgenre of swamp fiction within fantasy,

Amanda explained that she used kitten milk to feed baby squirrels and the guys asked, "How do you milk a kitten?"

The Miller brothers told me gullible isn't in the dictionary...and I believed them.

When crossing the border into Canada, Bryan handed the border guard all our USA passports and was asked where we were from. "All over the country," he answered.
"What country?" the guard asked.

Wayne said (about Seattle), "So this is where the sun goes down in the east." (Um, Wayne. The sun sets in the WEST).

The amazing writers on the tour are not only a bit silly... they are amazingly talented and unceasingly kind - which has helped carry me through feeling a bit weaker than I'd like to be while undertaking this adventure.

More soon!

His on the road,
Sharon

Fantasy Tour Television - Streaming Live

2008-10-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

During the Motiv8 West Coast Fantasy Fiction Tour, we'll be broadcasting live feed from our various events, answering text message questions via the cameras, and virtually inviting everyone along on the tour.

When we aren't live, we'll be playing videos from other events. Think of this as your "Fantasy Fiction Tour" channel, and stop by often!

Two Tours

2008-09-29T05:48:00.001-07:00

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

More Photos

2008-09-23T09:31:00.001-07:00

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.

ACFW Book of the Year

2008-09-22T11:08:00.001-07:00

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

My Schedule

2008-09-12T07:24:00.001-07:00

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

Northwestern Bookstore Signings

2008-09-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

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!

A Favorite Store

2008-09-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

Books for a Penny!

2008-09-06T04:47:00.001-07:00

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

Sharon on The Harvest Show

2008-09-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

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....

A Little Fun

2008-09-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

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

Fantasy Fiction Book Tour - 2008

2008-08-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

I'm getting SO excited about hanging out with seven other wonderful Christian fantasy authors! October 3-12, we'll be traveling from Canada through Seattle, Portland, down the west coast to the L.A. area and finishing in San Diego.

Here's a taste of the fun we'll be having!

Hope to see you there!

Sharon Hinck
Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour 2008

If I Were In the Olympics

2008-08-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

I love the Olympics.

I'm not a huge sports fan, but when the Olympics roll around, I'm riveted.

As a former choreographer, the gymnastics thrill me . . . and rhythmic gymnastics. Oh, and the diving and its artistry . . . and for that matter the grace of pole vaulting and the beautiful strides of the runners.

But I also have bitten down my fingernails in the past days of viewing. The tension drives me crazy. The years and years of sacrifice and training that come down to, in some cases, a few SECONDS of performance. The danger as athletes crash from the high bar or slip on the balance beam. The pressure.

Gets to me every time.

I decided that if I were ever an Olympian, I couldn't be in any sport where a hair-breadth mistake means ruin. The track and field dashes, the swimming sprints. I'd want to know that if I were a bit slow off the block, I could still make it up somehow.

I also couldn't work with props. No relay batons for me. Way too fickle. And apparatus like uneven bars or rings? Not for me. Hurdles? I just know they'd jump up and bite me.

Team sports have always been a problem for me, because I'm terrified of letting others down--which always tended to paralyze me when the kickball was heading my way in third grade recess.

Come to think of it, I'm not good with anything flying toward me - so that leaves out basketball, volleyball, soccer, even ping pong. I tend to duck and close my eyes.

Rowing looks tranquil in the midst of the grueling hard work - but I'd worry about tipping the boat over or dropping my scull.

I also wouldn't want my fate in the hands of subjective judging. Someone on a panel blinks while I'm sticking my landing after a tumbling pass, or doesn't notice my competitor's bent knee in her lay-out back handspring, and I miss the bronze by a tenth of a point. Too heartbreaking.

I suppose if I were in the Olympics, I'd want to run the marathon . . . just me and the road and plenty of time to overcome mistakes. But since I can barely jog around the block, it's not going to happen.

So instead, I'll say a thank you to the gifted men and women who give me a jolt of inspiration each time the Olympics roll around.

I'm in awe of all the athletes willing to take those risks and show us what dedication and sacrifice can bring to innate talent.

And I'll breathe in the lesson they teach me as I ponder Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

If you were in the Olympics, what event would you compete in?

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Book Cover Contest

2008-08-21T09:08:00.001-07:00

I think that the cover for Stepping Into Sunlight is a great example of the amazing work by the artists and designers at Bethany House.

Right now, the cover of Stepping Into Sunlight is up at Stepping Stones Magazine which is running a contest for book covers.

Be sure to check it out, take time to look at ALL the beautiful entries - and you can vote for your favorite (the instructions are on the contest page.)

Also, please email me through my website if you would like some bookmarks for yourself and friends. They feature a design based on the cover and are also works of art. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon

Welcome for Book Groups reading The Restorer

2008-08-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

If you are part of a discussion group who is reading The Restorer or any of The Sword of Lyric books, this is a personal greeting for your group, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

Unprecedented Author Event !!!

2008-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Multi-author Book Signing - Mall of America

What: ACFW booksigning
Who: 127 Christian novelists
Where: Best Buy & Sears Rotundas and connecting hallway, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
When: Saturday, September 20, 2008
1-3 p.m.
Why: To meet your favorite authors

This is an amazing gathering of some of the top fiction writers in our field, and a fun opportunity to meet the authors, bring your books to be autographed, and celebrate the wide array of genres represented. It's FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Here's a list of participating authors:

Tamera Alexander
Jennifer AlLee
A.K. Arenz
Diane Ashley
Karen Ball
Janet Lee Barton
James Scott Bell
Joseph Bentz
Terri Blackstock
Robin Caroll
Patricia PacJac Carroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Eleanor Clark
Debra Clopton
Gloria Clover
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Lyn Cote
Kathryn Cushman
Margaret Daley
KM Daughters
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Brandt Dodson
Lena Nelson Dooley
Cecelia Dowdy
Sharon Dunn
Wanda Dyson
Lynette Eason
Meredith Efken
Leanna Ellis
Sharon Ewell Foster
Miralee Ferrell
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Jonathan Friesen
Rhonda Gibson
Terri Gillespie
Debby Giusti
Beth Goddard
Cathy Gohlke
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Kelly Eileen Hake
Karen Harter
Rachel Hauck
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Sharon Hinck
Joan Hochstetler
Steven Hunt
Angela Hunt
Denise Hunter
Jennifer Johnson
Jenny B. Jones
Golden Keyes Parsons
Deb Kinnard
Julie Klassen
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Patti Lacy
Maureen Lang
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Michelle Levigne
Sherri L. Lewis
Elizabeth Ludwig
Christine Lynxwiler
Richard L. Mabry
Sharlene MacLaren
Gail Martin
Debby Mayne
Vickie McDonough
Andrew McGuire
Susan Meissner
Becky Melby
Dana Mentink
Amber Miller
Judith Miller
Sara Mills
Siri Mitchell
Nancy Moser
Janelle Mowery
Elizabeth Musser
Mark Mynheir
Jill Nelson
Mae Nunn
John Olson
Donita K. Paul
Trish Perry
Marta Perry
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Paul Robertson
John Robinson
Martha Rogers
Cynthia Ruchti
Gail Sattler
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Shelley Shephard Gray
Virginia Smith
Lynette Sowell
Candice Speare
Kathryn Springer
Denice Stewart
Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice Thompson
Cindy Thomson
Missy Tippens
Carrie Turansky
ML Tyndall
Amy Wallace
Susan May Warren
Linda Wichman
Beth Wiseman
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

Amazing!!!

Please come out and find me! If you bring a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight to be autographed, I'll have an extra special gift for you (while supplies last). :-)

Blessings!
Sharon

Heartbeat of the Home

2008-08-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

There is a woman whom I suspect is an angel in disguise.

Her name is Cynthia Ruchti.

Last fall, I met her as I was waiting for the shuttle to the airport in Dallas after a writer's conference. We talked about the writing journey and her eyes sparkled as I shyly told her a new concept that I was playing with for a novel. She instantly "got it" - and encouraged me in my unusual idea.

Then last winter, out of the blue, she emailed and said, "For some reason, God has put on my heart to pray for you today. You might think this sounds weird, and I don't know if anything is going on with you, but I wanted to let you know I'm praying for you."

Very kind; but hardly remarkable, right?

Wrong. That very morning as I read that email, I was about to go to the hospital for an angiogram--and based on my earlier tests, the surgeon was preparing us for the possibility of bypass surgery. I was trying to muster my very feeble courage and her email reminded me that God was very present. (By the way, when they roto-rootered my arteries, they didn't find the expected blockage - hooray!)

I heard from Cynthia again the day before I left for my road trip to South Bend a few weeks ago.
She had read an early galley of Stepping Into Sunlight and sent this email (snippet shared with permission):

“After finishing it, I wanted to press it into the hands of everyone I meet and say, ‘THIS! This is what my God is like! This is where you can find hope! This is what it means to live for Christ even when things are horrifically ugly around you. This is healing. This is what it looks like to hurt and to heal.’ No pious platitudes. Reality Faith.”

I printed out her email and brought it along to help bolster my courage for all the drop-in visits to stores, and the television interview. She didn't know how precious her timing was. She also didn't know that I'd been confronting some intense discouragement in recent days.

Then she did something even more remarkable.

She told me about the magazine her ministry puts out, and asked if she could feature info about Stepping Into Sunlight in the Fall/Winter edition, which will come out in October.

Wow.

See what I mean about suspecting she's an angel constantly on call to jump in and bring encouragement?

Bethany house created a GORGEOUS page for the magazine.

I got a glimpse of the mock-up for the upcoming magazine, and it's jam-packed with articles and photography and scriptures of hope.

Please check out the website of Heartbeat of the Home. You can also find out if you are in the listening area for her radio program at that site. And you can learn more about the magazine and access back-issues. You can also read some of Cynthia's thoughts on her blog, Splashing in the Deep End.

In the novel Stepping Into Sunlight, Penny is led to do a small step of kindness for a new person each day--as part of her journey toward healing.

Cynthia reminded me again that when we take a risk and reach out to do something kind, God can use us to make a tremendous difference. Pain, discouragement, and suffering feel like overwhelming enemies sometimes, but
God's grace is ALWAYS bigger - and sometimes He lets us be part of offering that grace to others. I'm so grateful Cynthia was a conduit of God's grace in my life through her kindness.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Day of Vacation

2008-08-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

After the busy couple of days of traveling to talk about Stepping Into Sunlight, Ted and I spent a day relaxing before heading home.

The first photo shows a ridge we climbed in a state park near Wisconsin Dells. It felt good to work our muscles a little after all the hours in the car, and the scenery fed our souls.

While up on the ridge, we watched some eagles, and captured this one rare shot from overhead. I think this is the first time I've gotten a picture of a soaring eagle while looking down from above.

We also found a monastery not far from the Dells that had the Stations of the Cross in a wooded setting. We found it and walked quietly along the path, pausing to read aloud the scripture verses and prayerful liturgy at each stop. With a backdrop of tall pines, lush ferns, nearby creek, and solitude, it was a very moving and strengthening experience.

As I pondered the cross that Jesus was willing to carry for me, I prayed for the courage to bear my own little crosses in life with more strength, submission, and gratitude.

Have you ever walked along a trail and felt like the journey was a time of prayer?

I'm so glad that God has put the beauty of mountains, oceans, trees, rivers, flowers and deserts into this world and continues to allow us to meet Him in all those places . . . as well as in cathedrals, churches . . . and our own living rooms.

Blessings!
Sharon

P.S. - if you haven't found it yet, be sure to check out the Penny's Project blog, where you can join Penny Sullivan (the character in Stepping Into Sunlight) as she seeks to do a small step of kindness for a new person each day.

Stops #9 & #10 - Sharon and Ted's Excellent Adventure

2008-08-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things about store visits, was that I spotted many of my friends. T.L. Higley was everywhere – several copies deep with her new book. Katie Cushman was on some key front tables, as was Robin Parrish. Sherri Sand had shelf space with her debut novel at almost every store. Donita K. Paul had long rows of all her dragon books, and Susan May Warren was prominently featured in most of the stores—often on the end of the row. Those are just a few of the examples that had me smiling.

After hours of traffic around Chicago, we stopped in Elgin for one of our last two store visits.

The manager, Kerrie Vujnovich, of the Family Christian in Elgin greeted us with a huge grin and thanked me for coming in. She shared her enthusiasm for the new store’s growth, in spite of challenges of the economy or competing stores. She described herself as an avid reader, and was delighted to get signed book-plates and bookmarks from me. She said there are some fiction readers on her staff who would be thrilled. I felt very blessed to be wrapping up my store visits with this extra-positive experience. Please stop in and visit her!

With one last bag of goodies to deliver, we stopped in at an independent bookstore in Janesville, WI, called BookWorld. A cozy seating area is surrounded by loads of shelves with an eclectic mix of genres. I found quite a bit of Christian fiction (Jan Karon, Bev Lewis, Jerry Jenkins) intermingled with all the other fiction. It was fun to see these voices side-by-side with various NYTime bestsellers. The young clerk told me how much she loves working among books. We both agreed that books are like friends—and spending time in a bookstore is a dream job.

Feeling like I’d done all I could to let a few more retailers know about my books, and happy that I’d offered a bit of gratitude and encouragement for all their efforts, Ted and I headed to KFC for a well-earned supper.

The next day we did a little hiking in Wisconsin. I'll share some photos from our downtime next.

Blessings!
Sharon

Stops #7 & #8 - Sharon and Ted's Excellent Adventure

2008-08-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

We stopped into the Mishawaka Borders store, and had a great talk with one of the managers. They had a healthy section of Christian fiction and he said it does very well for them. In fact, he said they are thinking they may need to begin to sub-categorize by genres within the Christian fiction section, because there are so many books now.

One thing he mentioned echoed something several other retailers had said. “It’s good you’re making visits to stores. You can’t rely on the industry to get your books on the shelves these days.”

I’d heard that message even before my first novel was contracted, and I understand the value of making connections with the folks who do the work of getting my books into the hands of readers. But it does raise the question for me—how do I balance speaking, media interviews, bookstore visits, and office work with my primary calling to write fiction?

Recently I was privileged to hear a top best-selling author speak about marketing. She said she spends about ten hours doing office/administrative/marketing work for each one hour she actually writes. It has clearly worked, and is the right balance for her. But if I did that, at my modest writing pace, it would take me the rest of my life to complete another novel. So I'm still chewing on how God is calling me to spend my hours.

One last stop in Mishawaka, at the Barnes and Noble. One of the staff at the information desk was happy to have me sign the books they had on the shelf. They had a huge section of Christian fiction, and I thanked them for carrying such a great variety.

Tomorrow - ending the road trip on a high note. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon

Stops #5 & #6 - Sharon & Ted's Excellent Adventure

2008-08-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

After the television show taping, Ted and I headed to the South Bend, Indiana, Family Christian Store. Jacqueline Johnson was so fun and hugely encouraging to me. If you live anywhere near, be sure to stop in and see her. They had the largest stock of my books I’d found so far.

There I met up with Kelly, a teacher, writer, and fan of Christian speculative fiction. She'd heard I was going to be in the area and wanted to meet. That's Jacqueline on the left, me in the middle, and Kelly on the right in the beautiful Family Christian store.

Then it was time to hit the road again. Next stop, Family Christian Store in Mishawaka, Indiana. Marie kindly took time to visit with me. She showed me to the books by me that they had on the shelf, and had me sign the copies. I left bookmarks and autographed bookplates there, too, so if you live near Mishawaka, stop in and ask about them.

Reports on more of my ten stops tomorrow!
His,
Sharon

Book Tag

2008-08-07T04:34:00.000-07:00

A brief interruption to my road trip report, because the awesome Merrie Destafano tagged me for a book list game.

HERE ARE THE RULES (I THINK)
Becky Miller at A Christian Worldview of Fiction listed five MUST Read novels and five Keep Your Eyes on These novels, then she tagged five bloggers who posted her list on their site. They may then add one book to each list but must also subtract one book. Finally they should tag five other bloggers, link back to the person who tagged them, and comment to this post so visitors here know to check out how they may have changed the list.

(Just a note - I haven't read all of these, but I'm passing along Becky and Merrie's recommendations and plugging in one of my own.)

:-)

My additions are in bold.

Five MUST Reads:
Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Lee (NavPress)
Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer (WaterBrook)
To Dance in the Desert by Kathleen Popa (Cook Communications)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)
Healing Promises by Amy Wallace (Waterbrook/Multnomah)

Five Keep Your Eyes On These:
Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead (Thomas Nelson)
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook)
Auralia’s Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet (WaterBrook)
Shade by John Olson (B&H)
The Legend of the FireFish by George Bryan Polivka (Harvest House)

The bloggers I’m asking to post the lists (and make one book-for-book change to each list if they wish):

Shannon
Chawna
Rachel
Camy
Rel
and since I noticed a couple of these friends were already tagged...I'll add another.

Amy

Interview on The Harvest Show

2008-08-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my blog, I've been posting about my road trip to South Bend and the great bookstores I visited along the way (which I'll continue with tomorrow). The purpose of the trip was for an interview with The Harvest Show on Friday, August 1, 2008.

Friday morning I was excited to head to the studio. We'd spent about twelve hours on the road the day before, so even after two cups of extra-strength English Breakfast tea, I wasn’t sure I was capable of speaking coherently, but we prayed for God to guide my words.

We found the LeSEA studio and had fun learning about their international broadcast ministry. We sat in the studio while they taped the live show. Because they had some unexpected extra features, they decided to tape my interview after the show, and it will air on August 7th. That was nice, because I had a chance to watch the show, and get to know more about the co-hosts.

Kelly Morgan and Chuck Freeby were as easy to talk to as old friends. At one point, I almost referred to something Chuck had said in a devotional thought during the live show…then I remembered that I couldn’t reference it because my interview would air a week later! Eeek! I caught myself just in time. Ted said it went well, but of course once it was over, I thought of things I wished I’d said. Still, I was able to share my passion for Christian arts, and for the new book.

Here I am on the set of The Harvest show with Chuck and Kelly. Kelly is holding a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight.

During the taping of the live show that day, one of the staff read some email prayer requests from viewers struggling with depression and anxiety, and it reaffirmed to me how many people will be encouraged by this new novel.

I'm so excited for its release, and praying God accomplishes His purposes with this story.

Blessings!
Sharon

Stops #3 & #4 - Sharon & Ted's Excellent Adventure

2008-08-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Buffeted by some strong wind gusts, and racing ahead of black thunderclouds, we pulled into Rockford, Illinois and stopped at a Borders store. We met a manager, Mike, who talked about some of the books that have been doing well (like Stephanie Myers' books). He also shared how well religious fiction does for them, and we had a nice chat.

We continued toward Chicago and reached the outskirts around 2:30, but even at that time of day, got caught in hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic. We made it to the LifeWay Christian store by Moody Bible Institute, and Ted drove around the block while I went in to meet the staff. Audrey, the assistant manager, showed me her fiction section and was very warm and welcoming, as were Hector and Manny. I discovered we had a lot in common. When I worked at a Christian bookstore, years ago, all my paychecks went straight back into buying things from the store. ☺

Audrey said that keeping the store thriving is a challenge. They can't compete with online prices, or Walmart. But they see their work as a ministry, and care about relationships with their customers.

If you are in the Chicago area, you’ll love the warm welcome of the staff at the LifeWay store. I left plenty of bookmarks with them, and signed bookplates for the upcoming release of Stepping Into Sunlight.

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 finalist)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Stop #2 - Sharon & Ted's Excellent Adventure

2008-08-05T01:37:00.000-07:00

Our second stop on Thursday, July 31, was nearby, at a Barnes & Noble in Madison, Wisconsin.

Amy Rabe, one of the managers, was happy to chat with us. She shared that while sales are going up and down in other categories, religious fiction continues to grow. She was warm and helpful, so if you have a chance to visit the store, be sure to look for her.

Two bookstores in a row. Two gracious managers named Amy. I realized later I should have told them that the heroine in Symphony of Secrets is named Amy!

We continued driving toward Rockford, Illinois when things began blowing across the freeway. We turned on the radio to hear there were severe thunderstorm warnings. The skies got dark but we kept going. We were hoping to get past Chicago before rush hour.

A report on more stops as well as the television interview coming up next!

And stop by Faithchicks where I'm blogging today.

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 finalist)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Stop #1 -Sharon & Ted's Excellent Adventure

2008-08-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thursday July 31st, Ted and I hit the road at daybreak heading from Minneapolis to South Bend so I could do a television interview.

We pulled off the freeway occasionally looking for bookstores – just so I could pop in and say hello to retailers who make my job possible. We saw lots of lovely little towns, but not many bookstores. However, we kept seeing the word “book” as in “Scrapbook.” As Ted put it, “Scrapbooking is alive and well in rural Wisconsin.”

Eventually, with a combination of Mapquest, my daughter's help from home using Google, and a little serendipity, we found bookstores and managed to visit ten different stores on the way to South Bend and back. For the next several days, I’ll feature some of the stores I visited and the great managers I met.

Our first live contact was a Family Christian Store in Madison, WI. The very gracious Amy Oleszek gave me a warm welcome. She showed me the fiction shelves, which had some of my books (hooray!) I asked how the store has been doing, since so many retailers are struggling these days. She said that sales were down a little last winter, and as she prayed about it, she resolved to trust that God is in control. She also began to come in early and walk through the store praying over it. It’s been doing better recently, and she's continuing to trust God. I loved her example of committed service and quiet faith.

The store was beautiful, and I told her that I pray for Christian bookstores often because I know they are more than just stores, but also a place of ministry. Amy agreed. She feels called to be there to answer questions, help people find books they need, and pray for her customers. She also made my day by telling me that their fiction section has been strong.

So if you’re in the Madison, WI area, be sure to stop by and say hello to Amy. I left some bookmarks with her for my most recent book and my upcoming book, so ask her if they still have some when you visit her store. ☺

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 finalist)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Online Book Club Features Renovating Becky

2008-07-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Christian Author's Network hosts a fiction book club, You've Got Books. You can read a first chapter for free - and get new samples every week.

Right now they are featuring Get Cosy, Josey by Susan May Warren. On July 31st, as part of their special summer line-up of previously released books that are still in print, they're featuring RENOVATING BECKY MILLER. This book was recently named as a finalist for the ACFW Book of the Year Award.

Please stop by for a taste of a the story about a family that needs an Extreme Makeover Home Edition visit . . . and some other makeovers as well.

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 finalist)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Sharon & Ted's Excellent Road Trip

2008-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Readers, writers, book-clubbers, church librarians, friends, and friends-to-be:

If you live in or near Madison, Wisconsin, or South Bend, Indiana, or points in between South Bend and Minneapolis, and would like to meet, please email me.

Ted and I will be taking a road trip next Thursday on our way to my scheduled television interview with "The Harvest Show" on Friday, August 1st. I'm looking forward to chatting about my upcoming novel, Stepping Into Sunlight, but also plan to drop in and thank stores along the way that carry my books.

If you email me through my website contact page and tell me where you live, I can let you know whether I'll be nearby, and at what time. I'd love to meet as many readers in person as I can!

His,
Sharon

Win the Entire Sword of Lyric Set!

2008-07-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

The great folks at Suspense Zone are featuring all three books in the Sword of Lyric series: The Restorer, The Restorer's Son, and The Restorer's Journey, with in-depth reviews, an interview, and a great prize drawing.

While I normally think of the suspense genre as action thrillers in the espionage area, or crime dramas with a ticking clock, the Suspense Zone site features a great range of books by Christian authors that will raise your blood pressure and keep you turning pages. I'm delighted that they are highlighting these adventure/fantasy stories and hope that some new readers will discover the books. Be sure to stop by. The contest ends August 12!

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 finalist)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight

Recognizing Variety

2008-07-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

When I was working on my Master's thesis, I struggled to articulate a core belief that has shaped many of my life choices and my desire to work in the arts.

I believe that God is so awesome and multifaceted, that we need a variety of means to communicate with Him and about Him.

I love that He's given us a variety of art forms, music, drama, dance, poetry, sculpture, paintings etc., and even when we use them all, we only are able to convey tiny glimpses of His amazing love and glory. We constantly strive to utter the unutterable.

Within the art form of storytelling, I also believe we need variety.

Christianbook.com is highlighting the 2008 Book of the Year finalists, and as I browsed the collection of authors and titles, I thanked God for the wide range of genres and styles. Check it out! And consider trying a new author, or a new genre. You might see an new aspect of God's nature in a new way.

Book of the Year 2008 Finalists

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Stories for the hero in all of us

So Many Ways to Measure...

Ask and Imagine

New Contest for Readers in 2012

2) Email your review links to Sharon's literary assistant at jamie.words (at) gmail.com. For each review posted to a major site, your name will be entered in the drawing once.

Speculative Fatih

Christmas Decor for Book Lovers

Begonia Blossoms

The Prince of Peace

Starseeker Contest - Wayne Batson

Mind Poison

Podcast Interview

Black Friday Book Specials

Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Blessed Thanksgiving everyone!

I'm thankful you are in my life.

By the way, several writers (including me) shared why we're grateful to be writers over at the "Working Writer" blog.Hugs,Sharon

Book Give-away

Visiting Novel Rocket

Tips: Treating Writing as Your Business

Change: A Call to Follow?

Christmas Shopping Made Easy

Thanksgiving Gift for You

Restorer Recipe Included in Author Compilation

How Has God Amazed You Today?

More Restorer Art from a Reader

Restorer Art from a Reader

Kindle Version - Restorer--Expanded Edition

Now Available - The Restorer-Expanded Edition

Fawns in the Garden

New Devotion Book

Happy News

Mom Hinck

Mom-casting

Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices

Restorer Farewell Party!!

I Love When God Shows Up

A Novel Idea!

Take-away Value

Three Books Final - and my weird realizations

All Quiet on the Western Blog

A Challenging Question

Why I Love Lent

Unemployment

Minnesota Readers and Writers...

A Spoonful of Empathy

Opportunity for Three Free Books

Free Book

The Lutheran Witness

Article in St. Paul Pioneer Press

Blessings in 2009

Cherry Street Books - Sharon on the Road

A Visit from Eric Reinhold

A Visit from Donita K. Paul

A Little Too Busy

A Visit from Christopher Hopper

Christian Community Fair Signing

Twitterpated

TitleTrakk

A Special Visit with the Motiv8 Authors

Kind Words for Stepping Into Sunlight

A Visit from L.B. Graham

The Care and Feeding of Blogs

I'm Coming to Alexandria, Minnesota!

A Visit from Bryan Davis

Sharon Visits Australia

Having Then Gifts Differing

A Quiet Moment from the Tour

Winner - Starting From Scratch

Reviews for Stepping Into Sunlight

Creative Writers at Crown College Rock!

A Visit from Wayne Batson

Author of the Month

Starting From Scratch

Sunday in San Diego

If It's Sunday, it must be Medford

Fantasy Tour Television - Streaming Live

Two Tours

More Photos

ACFW Book of the Year

By the way, several writers (including me) shared why we're grateful to be writers over at the "Working Writer" blog.

Hugs,
Sharon