Lyric Entry - Sharron Minchella

Thank you to everyone participating in the Song of Lyric contest!
Here's an entry by Sharron Minchella

INFORMATION ON THE CONTEST HERE

The winner will be announced in June.

 
Song of Lyric
 by Sharron Minchella

In Lyric's tower the One abides,
but roof and wall can't hold him.
His power is seen on battlefields
and in the hearts of men.

People of the Verses
come worship the One.
He alone is worthy
of hymns and adoration.

Hazor's fires and Rhusican poison
can never overcome us.
For we will trust in the One alone
to come and to deliver.

People of the Verses
come worship the One.
He alone is worthy
of hymns and adoration.

When trouble comes and overwhelms,
we run to your strong tower.
Our arms are raised as the music plays,
the mist of your peace surrounds us.

People of the Verses
come worship the One.
He alone is worthy
of hymns and adoration.

We sing your Verses to remember
the reason for our joy.
For you have once again restored us
and turned us back to you.

People of the Verses
come worship the One.
He alone is worthy
of hymns and adoration.

Strengthen our arms for each new battle,
and equip us with your word.
For we have come to pledge ourselves
the protector of your house.

People of the Verses
come worship the One.
He alone is worthy
of hymns and adoration.
 

Please encourage each author with your comments. (They get extra points in the contest for comments).

Stop back often for more entries!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Lyric Entry - Naomi Conti

Thank you to everyone participating in the Song of Lyric contest!
Here's an entry by Naomi Conti

INFORMATION ON THE CONTEST HERE

The winner will be announced in June.

 
The Song Of The One

With the power of the Verses
And the strength of our swords,
We trust in Your Word;
In Your almighty hand, Lord.
There is no fear for those
Who trust in Your  might;
Alone on high are You
Above the hill gods' sight:
Awesome You are.

The eyes of the Hazorites
Your wrath they see and fear,
The Kahlareans will tremble when they hear,
The people of Rhus will cease spoken
violence,                                            
They will know, and thus be silenced;                                                          
That the One dwells in the midst of His           
people.  

You alone are to be feared;
Before You will come one and all.
The nations will come to pay You homage;
Upon their faces will they fall.
They will all acknowledge You as God,
For the fear of You will fall hard
From the River Borders to the Clay Hills.

The Hazorites saw Your doings;
They turned and fled their posts.
For You had sent us a Restorer,
Thus they knew You fought their hosts.
From the sky came the dreadful rumble and                              
      light,
Quickening our enemies to surrender the
fight;
You gave us the victory.

Then when Hazor closed about us again,
Creeping as ghosts in the night;
Unknown to us, You were preparing
The most unlikely Restorer to fight.
For You used only Songkeepers and one
man of might,
To deliver the city of Lyric so bright;
Unscathed, she remains to this day.

But when the danger turned homeward,
Deceived by Cameron we sought
To nullify the True Verses' soundness,
With verses that were not.
So You raised up a new Restorer,
To bring us back to the truth;
He and the guardians fought for our lands,
To take Rendor out of the enemy's hands,
Thus Cameron's evil plans were destroyed.

And now, O Holy One,
We worship you this day;
We remember all this You have done
To restore us to You way.
And now, O Lord, please,
Remember us, we pray;
Forgive us now our every sin,
Heal our hearts from deep within;
Our lives proclaim Your Name.

                         -Naomi Conti

Please encourage each author with your comments. (They get extra points in the contest for comments).

Stop back often for more entries!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Lyric Entry - Jake Buller

Thank you to everyone participating in the Song of Lyric contest!
Here's an entry by Jake Buller

INFORMATION ON THE CONTEST HERE

The winner will be announced in June.

 

Deliver Us Soon

There was a fight on Corros Fields

The One rode with us to glory

There was a strength in Braide Wood

Where the One was weaving his story.

There was a passion in Rendor

To let loose the Verses' song

There was a tower tall in Lyric

Wherein we all belong.

And so we run, and so we run

But sick and weakened we may fall;

And so we weary turn to the One

Who hearkens us to hear His call.

Hear us!  Hear us! One Eternal, hear us!

Draw us into your arms, come near us

We need Your redeeming hand

To heal our weary hearts, our land

Deliver us! You alone know our fate.

Deliver us! O Deliverer, we wait.

There is a sorrow on Corros Fields

That makes the rain seem like tears

There is a sadness in Braide Wood

Where it seems like no one hears.

There is an anguish in Rendor

Like dusk on a hurting soul

There is a lingering fear in Lyric

Like the world is out of control.

And so we run, and so we run

But there is no flight from sorrow

And with tears we turn to the One

Who sees the uncertain tomorrow.

Hear us!  Hear us! One Eternal, hear us!

Draw us into your arms, come near us

We cry out for Your redeeming hand

To heal our hurts, our wounds, our land

Deliver us!  Our time of trial is at noon

Deliver us!  O Deliverer—come soon.

Please encourage each author with your comments. (They get extra points in the contest for comments).

Stop back often for more entries!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Song of First Light

Just a reminder - if you're planning on submitting lyrics for the "Song of Lyric" contest, send them soon so there is time to post them to my blog in May. The entries will be sent to the judging panel on May 31st.

While you wait, you can listen to the music for Song of First Light from The Restorer.

Just visit my multi-media page, scroll down, and find the button for the song.

Enjoy! And whether or not you write songs, I pray you'll make music in your heart today.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

A Book Blitz Gift!

Today, Sunday May 3, 2015, my publisher is hosting a wonderful Book Blitz - giving away as many copies of The Restorer (ebook) as possible.

Let's see how many we can give away in ONE DAY!

1. If you haven't already grabbed a copy of the ebook, please do! The Restorer is an unexpected tale of faith and adventure. (And since it features a mom as heroine, it's a great Mother's Day treat!)

2. Help me spread the word! Tell all your friends about the freebie, and invite them to order it today.

You can "share" the post on my facebook page, or "retweet" on twitter, or go old school and phone a friend to let them know.

Thanks for joining the fun of introducing new people to the stories!

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

Bonus Scene 3 - The Restorer

 

Here's another bonus scene - sharing a mother's perspective on her grown children and the new visitor to Braide Wood. This moment would fall after Chapter 8 in The Restorer.

Tara:

When Tristan disappeared down the trail toward the healer’s lodge, I hurried back into the house and pulled out crates of root vegetables and my favorite dried herbs. No skimping today. Tristan was home. He looked a little worse for wear, but he was home.

I hummed as I kneaded dough for some fresh rolls.

Lukyan had told me once that it didn’t honor the One to indulge in constant worry for my children. “They belong to the One, and He has His hand in their lives.” Easy for him to say. He’d never had children like Tristan, Talia, and Tagatha.

How could a mother not worry? Especially when a mother’s love wasn’t enough to keep danger and harm away from her children. Even a mother’s fervent prayers didn’t guarantee that her children would be spared suffering. If my prayers could have brought Kendra back and healed Tristan’s broken heart, it would have happened a thousand times over by now.

Tristan had been gone so long that worry visited me daily—a guest I kicked out again and again, but one who kept knocking.

Of my three children, Tristan wasn’t usually the one to keep me awake at night with worry. His work leading the guardians of Braide Wood was difficult and held some risks, but he was responsible, a strong leader, a man who inspired confidence and trust. It was my youngest who had caused me the most pain over the years. Little Tagatha had shocked me when she’d pledged herself to a man from Lyric and had chosen city life far from her family and clan. My happy mood faded as I thought of the grandchild I rarely saw because of her choices.

I reached overhead and pulled down some dried stalks of sageno. Rubbing the leaves between my hands released their earthy scent, and I pummeled my dough until the herbs were blended well. There’d be time to worry about Tagatha later. Tristan was home—that was what I needed to focus on. Tristan and Kendra. It must have killed him to stay away from her so long.

Every few days I walked to the healer’s lodge and tried to see Kendra, but the stubborn old healers wouldn’t let me spend time with her. Too dangerous, they said. Pah. Families need each other. It was keeping them apart that was dangerous. Fortunately, Tristan was a lot bigger and carried a sword, and I suspected they wouldn’t be able to keep him from seeing her.

Now what to do with the strange woman he’d brought with him? As thrilled as I was to see him, I didn’t know what to think of her. A lost and desperate look haunted her eyes.

Well, whatever her problems, they could surely be helped with a hearty bowl of soup. I set my biggest bowl on the heat trivet and stuffed it with ingredients.

Bonus Scene 2 - The Restorer

As I gear up for the release of The Deliverer (book 4 in the Sword of Lyric series), I'm sharing bonus scenes from the first three books.

Today is Bonus Scene 2: In which Tristan discovers revenge doesn't heal a broken heart, and there's a strange soccer mom on the loose. This falls after chapter four in The Restorer.

-->

Tristan:

“She warned me.” I tossed back the last swig of clavo and wiped out the mug before tucking it away on a recessed shelf. Not that there was any real need to clean up. The place probably wouldn’t see another person for seasons to come. I was stalling, and I knew it.

Kieran leaned against the open doorway, squinting into the distance. “Who warned you of what?”

“My mother. She tried to stop me.”

“We all tried to stop you. You did what you had to.”

I slung my pack over one shoulder and met Kieran at the door. “She warned me that revenge wouldn’t change anything. She begged me to stay in Braide Wood.”

Kieran shook his head. “You’ve got new things to worry about. By the way, she headed toward the center of town.”

I sighed. Not the direction I needed to go. “Of course she did.” I followed Kieran outside and pulled the door closed.

“I still say you should leave her here and get back to Lyric for some damage control. The Council has probably figured out by now that you aren’t where you’re supposed to be.”

More regret slammed into me. I hadn’t cared about what my mother needed. I hadn’t cared about the guardians in my command. I hadn’t cared about anything but tracking the Rhusican. Every day I’d woken with desperate hope that tore my insides like a rizzid’s claws. Hope that confronting the Rhusican would bring me answers. Hope that justice would ease my pain. Hope that I’d be able to talk to the One again without shaking with rage. And now…now I just felt empty.

“Hey.” Kieran shoved me, a little too hard to be playful. “Stop it. Second guessing makes you weak.”

I swatted him aside and tightened my sword belt. “It’s not weakness to analyze my choices.”

“Choices? You didn’t have choices. You told me he attacked you.”

“He did. But it was still my sword that took his life. I could have—”

“Let him kill you?” Kieran spit the words out through a clenched jaw.

I took a step back. “What are you so mad at me for?”

“Because you’re an idiot. He did more than enough damage, but you insist on making it worse by torturing yourself.” Kieran raked a hand through his dark hair, haggard lines deepening on his face.

Another person I hadn’t considered. He’d been devastated too. My shoulders slumped. “I wish I could bring her back.”

Pain flashed in Kieran’s eyes. He turned away and cleared his throat. “Go track down your protégé before she wanders into a clay pit. Although, come to think of it, that would solve a few problems.” With a dry chuckle, he strode down the street, heading toward Hazor.

I shook my head, picked up the extra pack I’d assembled, and walked toward the center of town to find Susan. Unlike Kieran, I could dare to hope for a Restorer. After all, what else could explain what we’d both seen? Her crumpled, lifeless body had healed. Still, she seemed awfully small and confused to be of much help. If I were still on speaking terms with the One, I’d ask Him what her appearance meant. But for now I’d hope someone in Braide Wood could figure out what to do with her.

Bonus Scene 1 - The Restorer

Whether you recently downloaded the free Kindle book of The Restorer, or read it years ago, I thought you might enjoy a few bonus scenes I wrote for fun. I plan to post one each week, so stop by often.

This little bit of inner life is from Mark's point of view, and shows a bit of what he was thinking in chapter one.

After Chapter 1

Mark:

Jon and Anne galloped ahead of me down the sidewalk toward the park. Even with their much shorter legs, they left me puffing along in their wake.

Anne raced for the play equipment, the determination on her face a perfect reflection of Susan’s when she was deep into some project. Susan claimed that Anne took after me, but I saw my wife’s features in all our children. One of my constant, undeserved joys.

“I want the red swing,” Anne shouted. “Push me, Daddy.”

Jon veered off and climbed a slide, diving down it headfirst. “Dad, watch me!”

If I could let the kids burn off some energy without them getting any serious injuries and bring home tired but happy children, I’d be Susan’s hero. I gave Anne a strong push, and she tossed her head back, laughing as the swing lifted her skyward.

No wonder Jon and Anne needed some time at the playground—our house was bursting at the seams. We’d talked off and on for years about finding a larger place. When Susan would mention a great fixer-upper she’d seen closer to church, or how much we needed an extra bathroom, I’d find reasons to wait—economic downturn, possible move to a new office, the close friendships our kids had with the neighbors. Sometimes she’d study me with a puzzled frown.

“It’s more than that, isn’t it?” she’d ask.

I’d shrug. “It’s hard to explain.”

And she’d give me that sweet, tender smile, probably thinking I hid a well of sentiment toward the house that I couldn’t admit. Her guess was close enough to truth that I convinced myself I wasn’t a liar. Besides, hiding the truth to protect the person you love isn’t exactly lying, is it?

Even when I ran out of logical arguments for staying, she let me win the debate. With some clever remodeling projects and plenty of repairs, we managed. But my secrets ate at me. She assumed the best, ascribed pure—if slightly sappy—motives to my stubbornness about the house. She’d probably hate me if she learned the truth.

But what if my deception were contributing to the distance between us? In recent months, dark smudges had appeared beneath Susan’s eyes, her shoulders had taken on a weary slump, and her attention had begun wandering off mid-conversation. No question about it: Something was wrong.

Anne flung herself from the swing, tumbled in the sand, and came up laughing. “I’m hungry.”

Jon raced over and jumped up and down as if his sneakers were spring-loaded. “Me too.”

“Oh, no, you don’t. We just got here. Get some fresh air first. Then we’ll get burgers.” They both had the attention span of minnows, but I had to keep them occupied a little longer. Susan needed time to herself.

Fixing up the attic held some risks, but I would to do anything to bring back her smile. Or maybe on a subconscious level, I needed to confront the secret in those storage boxes. After so many years I’d convinced myself the contents were a mere relic of a time I could barely remember. Under control. Safe. The last thing Susan would do with her precious down time would be to dig through a bunch of dusty boxes.

Restorer Recipe Included in Author Compilation

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

Happy News

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

Opportunity for Three Free Books

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

Sunday in San Diego

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

Fantasy Fiction Book Tour - 2008

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

Welcome for Book Groups reading The Restorer

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.

Win the Entire Sword of Lyric Set!

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

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

ACFW Book of the Year Finalists

I'm so delighted to see my friends offered encouragement through this recognition, and also so grateful for the honor of seeing three of my books on the list. Do you like playing "Where's Waldo?" The three books of mine are somewhere below. :-)

ACFW's 2008 Book of the Year Finalists:

Debut Author

Bayou Justice (Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll)
In Between (Jenny B. Jones)
Sushi for One? (Camy Tang)
My Soul Cries Out (Sherri Lewis)
Petticoat Ranch (Mary Connealy)

Contemporary Novella (*six finalists due to a tie)

A Cloud Mountain Christmas (Robin Lee Hatcher)
Finally Home (Deb Raney in Missouri Memories anthology)
Mississippi Mud (DiAnn Mills in Sugar And Grits Anthology)
Moonlight & Mistletoe (Carrie Turansky in Big Apple Christmas anthology)
Remaking of Moe McKenna (Gloria Clover in the Race to the Altar anthology)
Sweet Dreams Drive (Robin Lee Hatcher)

Historical Novella

Beyond the Memories (DiAnn Mills in Mississippi Memories anthology)
Finishing Touches (Kelly Hake in Missouri Memories anthology)
Love Notes (Mary Davis in Love Letters anthology)
The Spinster & The Cowboy (Lena Nelson Dooley in Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner anthology)
The Spinster & The Tycoon (Vickie McDonough in Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner anthology)

Lits (*six finalists due to a tie)

Around the World in 80 Dates (Christa Banister)
One Little Secret (Bottke, Allison)
Renovating Becky Miller (Sharon Hinck)
Splitting Harriet (Tamara Leigh)
Sushi for One? (Camy Tang)
The Book of Jane (Dayton/Vanderbilt)

Long contemporary

Autumn Blue (Karen Harter)
Like Always (Robert Elmer)
Taming Rafe (Susan May Warren)
When the Nile Runs Red (DiAnn Mills)
Within This Circle (Deb Raney)

Long Historical (*seven finalists due to TWO ties)

Courting Trouble (Deeanne Gist)
Fancy Pants (Cathy Hake)
Lady of Milkweed Manor (Julie Klassen)
Remember Me (Maureen Lang)
Then Came Hope (Louise Gouge)
Veil of Fire (Marlo Schalesky)
Where Willows Grow (Kim Vogel Sawyer)

Mystery

Days And Hours (Susan Meissner)
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Sharon Dunn)
Gone With The Groom (Janice Thompson)
Sticks And Stones (Susan Meissner)
Your Chariot Awaits (Lorena McCourtney)

Short Contemporary

Heart of the Family (Margaret Daley)
The Heart of Grace (Linda Goodnight)
The Perfect Blend (Allie Pleiter)
Wedded Bliss (Kathleen Y’Barbo)
When Love Comes Home (Arlene James)

Short Contemporary Suspense (*six finalists due to a tie)

Caught Redhanded (Gayle Roper)
Her Christmas Protector (Terri Reed)
Nowhere to Hide (Debby Giusti)
Pursuit of Justice (Pamela Tracy)
See No Evil (Gayle Roper)
Vanished (Margaret Daley)

Short Historical (*six due to a tie)

A Time to Keep (Kelly Hake)
A Wealth Beyond Riches (Vickie McDonough)
Canteen Dreams (Cara Putman)
Corduroy Road to Love (Lynn Coleman)
Golden Days (Mary Connealy)
To Trust An Outlaw (Rhonda Gibson

Speculative

Demon: A Memoir (Tosca Lee)
DragonFire (Donita Paul)
The Restorer (Sharon Hinck)
The Restorer’s Son (Sharon Hinck)
Isle of Swords (Wayne Thomas Batson)

Suspense

Abomination (Colleen Coble)
Black Ice (Linda Hall)
Coral Moon (Brandilyn Collins)
Crimson Eve (Brandilyn Collins)
Ransomed Dreams (Amy Wallace)

Women’s Fiction

A Promise To Remember (Katie Cushman)
Bygones (Kim Sawyer)
Remember to Forget (Deb Raney)
The Oak Leaves (Maureen Lang)
Watercolored Pearls (Stacy Adams)

Young Adult

In Between (Jenny B. Jones)
On The Loose (Jenny B. Jones)
Sara Jane: Liberty’s Torch (Eleanor Clark
Sarah’s Long Ride (Susan P Davis)
Saving Sailor (Renee Riva)

CONGRATULATIONS to all the finalists, but also to all authors who are writing stories to glorify God. Your efforts matter.

His,
Sharon Hinck

The Christy Awards

The photo shows me (on the left) with my remarkable Aussie friend Lisa McKay, in the interview room after the Christy dinner. It was a joy to reconnect with her. We met in Camy Tang's LONG book-signing line a year ago at ICRS.

Here's my impressions of my first experience at the Christy dinner.

I hadn't planned to attend ICRS this year, but when I received the delightful shock of learning The Restorer was named a Christy finalist, I wanted to show my respect for the honor by trying to get there. My agent also encouraged me to attend, and said it was a very special experience.

Then my church small-group all chipped in and gave me a check to send me. So I went with a sense of all of them experiencing this with me. They have believed in this book since the first manuscript and prayed over it for many years. So I enjoyed celebrating this for all of us.

The warm camaraderie in the room was energetic and sincere. Authors, editors, publishers, publicists and agents greeted each other and buzzed from table to table. I was delighted to get to meet my author relation's contact, Kris Wallen, in person for the first time.

I also enjoyed seeing familiar faces. Looking around the room, I felt surprised by how many people I've gotten to know in the last two years since my first book, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, released. I kept thanking God for the dear friends and acquaintances that have enriched my life.

All too soon, we had to take our seats. I wanted many more hours of chatting. :-)

Phyllis Tickle made a beautiful presentation of the Christy Legacy Award to honor Carol Johnson who has semi-retired from her position at Bethany House. It was a beautiful tribute and heart-warming to see the whole room give her a standing ovation for all she has contributed to Christian fiction in our lifetime.

Somewhere early on (it's a bit of a blur) all the nominees were asked to come stand by the side of the stage. Each was called on stage to receive the finalist medal. Amazing how gawky a person can feel standing in front of so many people in your field that you admire and respect. I loved how they made each of us as finalists feel special as we dipped our heads like Olympic athletes to receive the ribbon and medal.

The dinner was delicious, but each time I'd take a bite, someone new would come over to say hello, and I'd forget all about food in the joy of interacting. Someday I need to learn how to eat and fellowship at the same time.

Karen Ball, Carol Johnson, Dave Lambert, and Michelle Rapkin did a sort of panel discussion, answering questions about Christian fiction, about their own experiences (projects they passed on, some they fought for that didn't do well financially, but they were still proud of). It was a great behind-the-scenes peek into the Christian publishing industry. As they discussed the history of key events, authors, and books that have been significant, it was like a retrospective of my own life. When CBA stores had one shelf of fiction (Grace Livingston Hill, Eugenia Price, Catherine Marshall, and a few others) I read those books. Then Jeanette Oke, then Frank Perretti, Bodie Thoene, Jan Karon. And I felt incredibly grateful to be a very tiny piece of this ministry of stories.

They announced the top winners quickly, and speeches were brief and heartfelt. I had expected Stephen Lawhead to win in the Visionary category, and could only feel that it was appropriate when it was announced. He has been the inspiration to so many for decades. As my adult son said, "Mom, I'll always respect you for being on a list with Stephen Lawhead."

After a prayer, quick photos and chats with friends, the finalists were all directed upstairs to do a few media interviews. I was having so much fun, I once again forgot all about decorum and being concise. I babbled like the giddy person I was.

Altogether an uplifting and fun evening, including sitting in the hotel lobby chatting and giggling with a large group of writing friends afterwards. My tap shoes remained comfortable. (Those of you who read my blog know that since I haven't found any high-heel shoes that are comfortable except my tap shoes, he kindly removed the taps for me so I could wear them). I felt relaxed and at ease most of the time. (Thanks, I'm sure, to the prayers of my friends). And the evening was everything an awards event should be -- a celebration of God's goodness and hand in our lives, and the multiple and diverse talents He has given the Body of Christ.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

I've Been Kindled!

I'm so excited! The Restorer has been released in a digital download version for Kindle!


Yes, is this weird world we live in, with technology shifting so quickly, more and more books are available on this Star-Trek-like reading tablet. I'm delighted one of my books is joining in.

The audio book for Renovating Becky Miller is available as an audio digital download for iPod at my local library system, but this is the first of my books to go high-tech and have a Kindle version.

I also just found the audio version of Symphony of Secrets is now out with Recorded Books (which serves libraries, schools, etc.)

Back in the day, books were either hard-cover or paperback. Now they come in myriad forms...and I've decided I'll celebrate that 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, Inspirational Fiction category)
The Restorer (2008 Christy Award Finalist, Visionary category)
The Restorer's Son (Romantic Times 4.5 stars, Reviewer's Choice Award - Road to Romance reviewers)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight

2008 Christy Award Finalist - The Restorer

I just learned that The Restorer, (my fantasy/women's-fiction novel about a middle-American mom pulled through a portal into another world to fill a heroic role for a nation waiting for a promised Restorer), is a finalist for the Christy award!

I'm so in awe of God's kindness and unexpected blessings.

You can read about this award at the Christy Award site.

I'm particularly honored for two reasons. The 2007 year saw a wealth of beautiful Christian fiction in the "Visionary" category -- and I have huge respect for the other authors in the field and their work. On top of that, the two other nominees are amazing. Jeff Overstreet's book, Auralia's Colors, garnered super reviews -- it's on the shelf near my bed waiting to be read. Stephen Lawhead (his novel, Scarlet, is nominated) has been an author I've revered since college (many many years ago). He's truly one of the great Christian fantasy and adventure authors of our time.

Looking over the list of nominees in all the categories filled me with gratitude toward God. I've always believed that He is so awesome and multi-faceted that we need a variety of ways to communicate about Him - every form of art. And within the art form of the novel, we need a variety of genres and voices. I'm thrilled by the skilled authors who are serving Him by writing novels - contemporary, historical, humorous "lits", romance, suspense, visionary, and more.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Sharon's Books