My Unscientific Experiment

Last week, I invited my blog readers to participate in a fun experiment and order a copy of Renovating Becky Miller on January 22nd to see if we could bump the book to the top of the list for one day.

I was able to track responses from the link I posted, and fourteen copies were purchased during Jan. 22-23. THANK YOU to each of you!

The results?

Out of about 1500 contemporary Christian fiction titles at the specific online store, Renovating Becky Miller edged up into the top 60. Out of Bethany House contemporary fiction titles, it reached the top 10 briefly.

What does this mean?
Not much. :-)

I'm grateful that ANYONE wants to read my stories, and that the book made a blip - however modest - on the radar.

As promised, I will now stop checking. God will accomplish what He desires with my books. (Although I wish they made a gum like Nicorette for this "how am I doing" addiction. LOL!)

The experiment DID remind me to be very grateful for EACH person who buys a book. It also reminded me to celebrate the AMAZING other writers whose works of art fill the list. Isn't it amazing how MANY novels by Christian authors are available these days? And in a huge range of genres? Next time you need a gift idea, browse the wealth of fiction by Christian authors. Let's bump ALL their books up the charts. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon

The Editor: A Friend in the Sandbox

Hooray!
Today I turned in the last of my line edits on "Restorer's Son" (the second in a series coming out from NavPress). What struck me as I worked was how much FUN it is to work with an editor. So much of a writer's work is solitary. I find myself second-guessing, uncertain whether something is working, stumped on how to solve certain problems that come up. I thrive on this interactive part of the work, where she marks the text with helpful specific improvements. "This is good, but too much of a tangent. Consider cutting?" or "The last three lines were choppy, add some transition."

It's as if I'd been sitting in a sandbox alone, building little clumsy castles - and then a friend comes along with some great shovels and buckets and offers to help.

The good news is, even not-yet-published authors can invite this sort of collaborative support. Join a critique group. Find a few trusted critique buddies - other writers who will give feedback. Invite them into your sandbox while you play.

May your castles all turn out beautiful!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

Wayne Thomas Batson - The Final Storm

It's my pleasure to welcome Wayne Thomas Batson to my blog today, as part of the Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy Blog Tour, to talk about his writing and his smash hit young people's fantasy novels.

The Door Within
Rise of the Wyrm Lord
The Final Storm.


Sharon:
Hi, Wayne!
I've been keeping an eye on your books on amazon, and your numbers look impressive. Congratulations!

Wayne: Thanks, Sharon. I’ve been kind of amazed. There was a kind of lull time after the holidays in 2005 when the numbers went down the tubes. I began to worry that my “run” was over. But since the release of Rise of the Wyrm and The Final Storm, the sales numbers have gone crazy. God is faithful.

Sharon: Yes He is. The books are beautiful, too. I love that Christian publishers are giving gorgeous art and beautiful construction to some of the CSFF releases.

Wayne: My everlasting thanks to Tommy Nelson for believing in the mission and potential enough to invest so heavily in the books. The cover art is breathtaking, the packaging is unique with art on the dust jacket and on the hard cover itself, and the colored inks are a first as far as I know. Dee Ann Grand, then a VP for Tommy Nelson told me that they wanted The Door Within books to stand out on the shelves. I think they succeeded.

Sharon: I've been visiting your blog, and enjoyed following your battle to meet your latest deadline. I relate to the whole "glue yourself to the chair and work" struggle.

Wayne: Thanks for visiting, prayers, and timely comments. I was really encouraged…you know, just to read that someone out there knows what it’s like. I laughed out loud when you posted, “Get back to work. NOW.” Too cool.

Sharon: Because I'm a writer, I like to think in metaphors. What metaphor would you use to describe your writing life and why?

Wayne: A simile, maybe? In my writing life, I am most like a hawk. Hawks are sharp-eyed and constantly on the lookout for prey. I continuously look for new story ideas—whether I’m finished my current project or not! Consequently, I almost never run out of material. Time to write it all…uh, well, that’s different. Like a hawk, being a creature of nature where the next meal is never guaranteed, I write whenever I can squeeze it in. I’ve heard of writers who do 10 pages a day or even 2000 words a day. My life makes that impossible. I am a full time middle school teacher and I have four young children of my own. Spare time is, well…spare. I seize time whenever I can find it. Finally, a hawk relies on the wind, the powerful thermal breaths that carry it and allow it to glide across the miles searching…
When I’m writing, I totally need God to lift me up with His strength. I’m such a rascal. I hem and haw. I have industrial strength ADD, and I love my leisure time. For me to sustain writing momentum requires God’s strength. I met my Isle of Swords deadline by basically doubling my regular writing speed. All things are possible.


Sharon: Great image . . . especially relying on the winds. Tell me what themes especially surprised you or spoke to you in the writing of your new release, The Final Storm.

Wayne: Part of The Final Storm was cathartic for me. I went through a period where, without being conscious of it, I began to doubt God’s good intentions for me. I wondered why certain things were happening and began to despair to some degree. I began to find comfort in Job, “Though He may slay me, yet will I trust Him.” That really comes out I think in a scene where Aidan, Antoinette, and Robby are all imprisoned by the enemy. They all face a dire choice. Aidan’s decision crystallizes in true Job fashion. But that’s all I’ll say, lest I spoil it. LOL

Sharon: Yep, don't give anything away. :-) I'm sure you get some terrific mail from readers. What are some of your favorite notes or comments you've received?

Wayne: Sharon, I get lots of fun comments like “Cool books!” and “I loved the part where…” Those are all nice, but, every once in a while, I get a correspondence that knocks me over. This was one of my favorites:
“I just needed to tell you my son finished the Door Within series last night. And at our night prayer he looked over to us and said these books have changed him. He had tears in his eyes. I asked him how and he couldn't quite find the right words but he said that the path between Jesus and he has become closer. What more could a parent want from a story. And we were worried he wouldn't find anything after reading Harry Potter!! My son is named Gabriel meaning strength of God. And I know these books have played an important part of his spiritual journey. Gabe is a 9 year old boy ready for the King's army. Thank you for opening a door for Gabe to some of heaven's mysteries that his father and I could never in a million words explain.”

Sharon: Wow! How affirming and encouraging. The hard work is worth it. I know you just faced a grueling deadline and had to work hard over the holidays. What are some of your tools that help you the most when writing gets to that extra level of toughness. Chocolate? Walks? Music? Kick-boxing?

Wayne: The Setting helps me. I need a silent room with nothing to distract me. The little private tutoring room at my local Eldersburg Branch of the library is just the ticket. Four white walls, one table, one window (shades down), a chair, and an electrical outlet. ;-) Besides that, when I write, I live on Eclipse Mints, bottled water, and protein bars! LOL

Sharon: Thanks so much for stopping by, and for pouring out effort in creating works of imagination and fantasy for young readers! God's blessings on your work!

Wayne: My pleasure, Sharon. Thanks for your encouragement. Never Alone!

=========

Speaking of "never alone" below is a list of other blogs featuring Wayne and his books sometime during the next few days. Be sure to stop by and visit some new places. And we always love comments!

Also, on a non-CSFF blog topic, if you haven't heard about my "Fun Experiment" scroll down to my earlier post about RENOVATING BECKY MILLER to read about it. There's still time to join in. :-) And if you read this AFTER January 22nd, go ahead and participate anyway, if you'd like. Check back for my report next week.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck


Other Bloggers:

Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Tessa Edwards
April Erwin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Joleen Howell
Kait
Karen
K. D. Kragen
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Eve Nielsen
John Otte
Robin Parrish
Cheryl Russel
Hannah Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver

My Fun Experiment

A FUN EXPERIMENT

Because I'm a neurotic writer, I'm tempted to obsess over sales rankings on online bookstores. For the release of this second book, I want to see if we can coordinate our efforts and bump RENOVATING BECKY MILLER to the top of the charts for a day at Christian Book Distributors (a large online Christian book store).

I know that sounds like I'm encouraging my obsession, but actually, I'm limiting it, by targeting ONE DAY to stir up lots of excitement for RENOVATING BECKY MILLER. (Or at least that's how I'm rationalizing this experiment - LOL!)

If you are planning to buy a copy of the book from an online store, please consider ordering online at the link posted below on JANUARY 22, 2007. You'll receive a discounted price, and join other Book Buddies all ordering on the same date. Your copy will be mailed directly to you. Next week I'll report what happens! Don't forget to order a copy or two for friends - especially anyone you know involved in remodeling, moving, or feeling the sandwich squeeze of caring for both children and aging parents. Or anyone who needs a chuckle and a fast-paced story with a wealth of encouragement.

Thank you so much for trying this fun experiment with me. And if you already pre-ordered, that's marvelous, too.


Order Sharon's Books Here:

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Collected Blessings

I have a rock collection. Some are shiny quartz or polished agates. Some are just interesting pebbles I've picked up on hikes or along lake shores. I love to hold them in my hands and admire the colors and patterns and shapes.

Today I'm doing the same with some blessings I've collected in the past weeks. As I hold them in my hand and look at them again, their beauty sings to me.

1. Just before Christmas, a group of women in a state far, far away, sent me a surprise gift. They had been praying for me and quilting. And while they tied the knots in the quilt, they prayed over me. Me! A woman they've never met. A friend had told them, "I know a writer who is battling some chronic health problems and feels discouraged." That's all they needed. They prayed. Then they sent me the quilt. I bawled when I wrapped the fabric around my shoulders and prayed. "Lord, forgive me for thinking you weren't noticing. Thank you for seeing my pain and sending love my way."

2. I was working on my monthly e-zine, but feeling weary. I want to communicate with readers on a regular basis. I love my Book Buddies. (By the way, if you want to subscribe, just visit the Contact Sharon page of my website and insert your email. I send out a devotional thought, prayer requests, prayers, and some "inside scoop" about the writing life and upcoming events on the fifteenth of each month). But according to my mailing program, only about fifty per cent of the e-zines are even opened. My days are so full of work, I struggled as I worked on articles for the coming issue. Monday I asked, "Lord, does anyone even care? As I pare down my activities is this one I should continue?" That night several people approached me at a meeting to specifically say that they looked forward to my e-zine each month. They didn't know the doubts and the questions I'd been wrestling with. But God did. He answered me.

3. I'm wrestling with rewrites on my third Restorer book. I continue to confront my longing to be a better writer than I am. "Lord, don't you realize there are lots of people better at this? Are you sure you want me doing this?" In the past few days, He's sent a flurry of emails from readers who had no idea that I was confronting these doubts. Warm, kind women taking the time to write and tell me that my first novel meant something to them. Writing email prayers of blessing on my work. The timing startled me. I often ask God questions and strain to hear an answer for months. This time, in the speed it took to click open my emails, He gave me tender reassurance.

I wish I had the kind of strength to sail forward without needing reassurance. But the truth is, I'm often timid, confused, and bewildered by the things God is calling me toward. For some reason I expect Him to be a drill sergeant and bark at me to "toughen up" and "get with the program." Instead, He scoops me up and gently whispers, "I understand. I'm with you. Trust me."

If you scoop your hand into your box of agates--the experiences you've collected in the past few weeks--are there some that sparkle with particular beauty? Hold them in your palm and savor them. And post a comment to tell me about them, so I can admire them, too.

Blessings,
Sharon

Balance in the Writing Life

Sometimes the writing life is so full of discouragement and frustration, I'm desperate for a good laugh. What a blessing when one comes along!

Monday night I was at Minnesota Writers Guild and telling a friend about how I sometimes sit on an exercise ball to write. Another gal asked if the height worked, and I explained that even though the balance ball is a little lower than a normal chair, my keyboard is on an adjustable tray, so I can lower it while I type.

"In fact, I can even raise the tray all the way up and stand to type, and I do that sometimes to relieve pressure on my back."

The woman wrinkled her forward. "Don't you have trouble balancing?"

I admit I may LOOK a little unbalanced, but I was confused about why she thought it was difficult to stand and type.

"Doesn't the ball roll out from under you?" she asked.

Then I caught on. She thought I meant that I typed while standing ON THE BALANCE BALL. We all shared some terrific giggles, and when we sat down to listen to the evening's speaker, one of the gals in our row drew the sketch I'm posting here.

Gives new meaning to "Balance" in a writer's life. :-)

I hope God sends you some great giggles today. And if your tasks seem hard, just picture yourself doing them while standing on a ball.

His,
Sharon

Christmas Letters - Redux

Last week I blogged about how much I enjoy reading Christmas letters, because of what they express about the universal human condition, and God's gentle hand at work in our lives.

Our family does something else with Christmas letters and cards.

We keep them in a basket by our dining room table all year.

Each night after supper (at least the nights that everyone is home at the same time and we actually eat together) we pull a letter or card from the basket. We read it, pass around the photo if there is one, and then spend time praying for that person or family.

We get to enjoy the letters and cards and friendships throughout the year, and support our friends and family members through prayer in some semi-organized kind of way.

Anyone else do interesting things with Christmas cards and letters? Let me know!

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, 6/2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2/2007)

Order Sharon's Books Here:

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Early Influences

For Christmas, my kids got me the DVDs of the first season of the original Mission Impossible television series. What a thrill to see Martin Landau and Barabara Bain again as their convoluted schemes trick the bad guys!

I was watching an episode where they infiltrated a fake American town behind the Iron Curtain, where communist agents were trained to act American, and my eldest daughter said, "That's just like an episode of Alias." And the prison escape episodes could have inspired Prison Break, and plenty of scenes in other episodes reminded me of 24.

It reminded me of how all authors (of books, screenplays, or stories in all forms) stand on the shoulders of the writers who came before us - even when it comes to commercial fiction.

It also reminded me of my early influences. Mission Impossible and Man from U.N.C.L.E. inspired a passion to become a secret agent, even when my sixth grade teacher suggested I read "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" in an effort to dissuade me.

My life took a different turn (at least as far as I'm allowed to say. Heheheh)but I'm sure there are subtle and subconscious ways my early influences affect my approach to storytelling.

What were some of your childhood passions? Do you see glimmers of those early influences in your life today?

====

I'm working on my Book Buddy e-zine for January. I send out my free e-zine on the 15th of each month. If you don't already receive it (it's not the same as the Feedblitz subscription for my blog) feel free to go to

http://www.sharonhinck.com/html/contactsharon.html

Enter your name and email, and you'll be subscribed as a Book Buddy.
In the past several months, Book Buddy's have won all kinds of free goodies, shared ideas, gotten a virtual tour of a book press, received special invitations, and been cherished and prayed for by me. It's a special group, but there is always room for you!

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, 6/2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2/2007)

Order Discounted Copies Here:

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Merry Christmas!

My deadlines are met, my presents are wrapped, and I just threw a batch of Cherry Pecan bread into the breadmaker. Carols are playing on the stereo. Ah. Christmas vacation. BLISS!

The photo is a view of my front yard from last spring. Today, my corner of Minnesota is bereft of much snow. We got a smidgen yesterday, but not enough to fully coat everything.

Where-ever you are this Christmas, I pray that you will hear echoes of the angel choir. Gloria in excellis deo!

His, Sharon

P.S. I've added some new links to my blog. Have fun exploring! You may make some new friends.

A Christmas Surprise!!!

It came!

In the bustle of Christmas and revisions for a different book due to be turned in by Friday, I haven't been thinking too much about my dear second book, RENOVATING BECKY MILLER, that is set to release February 1st. I've lined up a Book Launch event, and talked to someone about my blog tour, and sent postcards of the new "baby" in my Christmas cards. But February seemed a long ways off.

Then, today, a mysterious padded envelope arrived on my doorstep from Bethany House. I ripped it open and squealed.

Two glorious copies (hot off the press!) of RENOVATING BECKY MILLER. The red paint on the cover is slick and shiny. The ink smells amazing. Wonderful endorsements from author friends fill the front pages.

Does an author get blase' after her first book.

I can answer that with a resounding, "NO!"

I feel as giddy as the first time.

God certainly excels at wonderful surprises.

Have a VERY blessed Christmas, savoring all of God's gifts, especially the gift of His PRESENCE with us through His Son, Jesus.

His,
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

Order Here

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Kathryn Mackel - Outriders and Trackers Part Two

Yesterday I shared how quickly I was captivated when I picked up Outriders a few months ago. So I was thrilled for Trackers to come out.

It has all the same great qualities I described yesterday, and I was happy to dive back into the adventures.

It also reminded me how diverse the tones within a genre can be--from Randy Mortenson's upbeat children's fantasy to Karen Hancock's powerfully detailed high fantasy with realism aimed at adults.

Trackers, even though it contains youthful protagonists, carries adult themes. Rapes, disfigurements, and all sorts of violence are part of the story’s landscape. That violence is a perfect reflection for a painfully lost world – but would be intense for young readers.

I've said before (to anyone who will listen) that as Christians we need a variety of art forms in our struggle to express the inexpressible.

We also need a wide range of genres within the art form of writing.

AND within the genre of fantasy/sci-fi it's marvelous to have a variety of tones and themes. Each speaks about unique aspects of God's nature, each will resonate in different ways with different audiences.

As someone who loves to watch imaginations spin, I was enchanted by the creativity throughout Mackel's books: Allusions to Jonah (as the rooks are delivered through a whale). Sleeping Beauty imagery (as the city is protected by a wall of living (though morged) thorns). “Out of time” shroud that protects. Myriad fascinating details about the way things work in the story-world.

One of the joys of fantasy is discovering the connections. Outriders and Trackers are full of analogy and symbol for spiritual themes and issues. Beth Goddard's interview with Kathryn Mackel highlights some of these, so be sure to visit her blog to hear some of the author's thoughts.

Other blog tour participants are sharing their thoughts as well:



Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Karen and at Karen’s myspace
Oliver King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Terri Main
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Eve Nielsen
John Otte
Cheryl Russel
Hannah Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Chris Walley
Daniel I. Weaver

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany 6/2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany 2/2007)
The Restorer (NavPress 5/2007)
The Restorer's Son (NavPress 9/2007)

Kathryn Mackel - Outriders and Trackers

Welcome to another month of the Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy blog tour! We'll be featuring Kathryn Mackel for the next few days.

When I began work on The Restorer (NavPress 5/2007) over four years ago, my adult son, (a huge Stephen Lawhead and Ted Dekker fan) said, “Mom, whatever you do, don’t stop and explain things in the story. I love when the reader explores and discovers along with the character.”

The first thing I noticed when I read Kathyrn Mackel’s book, Outriders, was how well she set us loose in a story and had the confidence to not explain. Even her language choices were brilliant. The dialogue had the same wit and whimsy as the movie Serenity, where permutations of words sound familiar but still a little “different.” Different enough to set the foreignness of the setting/time, familiar enough to understand in context. Again, no explanations necessary. She reflected a shift in language (as occurs through time in all cultures), but she also used this to show the contrast between the new “rooks” and their "jangle" from the outriders and trackers who had been on the surface for some time. I loved that. This is how I want to write when I grow up.

I was captivated by her young, heroic, and flawed characters (yes, even the good guys struggle with rebellion, anger, doubt, and jealousy), and intrigued by the choice of having a community of key figures that are sent out into danger very young. The theme of corrupting the world with horrific attempts at creation really resonated with me. We are made in God's image and so are stirred to create things to His glory. But when we chose to create things in an attempt to BE little gods, the results are hideous. More tomorrow!

Meanwhile, check out her newest book, Trackers.

And visit these other blog tour participants:

Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Karen and at Karen’s myspace
Oliver King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Terri Main
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Eve Nielsen
John Otte
Cheryl Russel
Hannah Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Chris Walley
Daniel I. Weaver

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

What's a Writer to Do?

How about a moment of prayer?

Funny how I sought God for direction as I began to write my first novel . . . how I prayed for wisdom about what to do with it when it was finished . . . how I lifted up editors, publishers, and other authors in CBA on a regular basis because I'd been deeply changed by the works of Christian authors over the years and saw it as valuable.

There was never any doubt that the constant work of a writer was prayer.

Then I got busy.

Book launches, interviews, deadlines. One galley arriving in the mail to proof-read while another manuscript is flying through cyberspace to its editor. Rewrites to do on a book while editing for several critique-buddies and reading books to endorse. Characters from seven different books (all at seven different points in production) all scampering around my brain day and night. What's a writer to do?

I told God it was too hard. I told friends it was too hard. I told my family I was going to become a Doula instead (assisting women during childbirth - at least the screams would be some one else's).

Then I remembered about prayer.

Instead of whining, I asked for help: Lord - I'm weary. I feel a deep need to get away somewhere for a few days. But you know my budget. You know my health issues. You know my schedule problems. But here I am. Asking for something my heart craves.

Like a good "Do-Be" I googled, I researched. Why do I always think I need to help God along with His answer? I found B&Bs (too far and too expensive), I found group retreats (too social). I gave up.

Weeks later, as more and more work piled up and my shoulders drooped further under the weight, a cheery emailed arrived. "If you ever want a place to get away and write, we have a little writer's studio on our farm an hour west of you. We love to offer this space as a ministry to Christian writers."

So this morning, I head out to a place of quiet and solitude with my Bible and the manuscript I need to revise before Christmas. And I have no doubt God will be there to meet me.

What's a writer to do when self-doubt roars louder than words for the page? When her eyes cross from sorting through hundreds of pages trying one more time to make things "just right." When deadlines keep moving forward in spite of sick kids, holidays, health issues?

What's a writer to do?

Pray.

Sorry I forgot about that for awhile, Lord. Sorry I started to muscle in to do better and faster and more in my own power. Thank you for your gifts of love everyday, and especially this concecrated time to catch up - with you AND with my writing.

Amen.

Has God answered a specific prayer in your life recently? I love hearing about the creative, timely, pitch-perfect treasures He brings our way. If you're willing, post a comment and share!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Available to pre-order now: RENOVATING BECKY MILLER (2/2006)

Help with Your Christmas List

I want to give an early Christmas gift to my readers as a way to show my gratitude.

If you’re like me, you sometimes struggle to find unique, personalized, inexpensive gifts for some of your Christmas list.

To help you out, I’m offering a special service during December. You can go to Signed By the Author and order a copy of The Secret Life of Becky Miller as a Christmas gift. I’ll hand-write a personalized greeting and signature to the recipient (Signed by the Author will ask you who the book should be personalized to). AND I’ll include a FREE beautiful hand-stamped book mark, and a lovely hand-stamped Christmas gift card and envelope for you to use when you give the gift.

Who might appreciate a signed book for Christmas? Do you know anyone who could use a humorous story that offers reassurance that their life has value and that they are making a difference?

Friends in Bible study groups.
A Secret Santa gift exchange.
Your daughter’s dance teacher.
Your son’s piano teacher.
Your child’s classroom teacher.
A neighbor expecting her third child.
A new mom.
Church youth group leader.
Your pastor’s wife.
Your sister or sister-in-law.
Your church’s Women’s Ministry co-ordinator.

BLESSINGS!
Sharon
www.sharonhinck.com

RESTORER Cover!

The wonderful artists and designers at NavPress have been hard at work on the cover for the first book in my fantasy series. I'm delighted with their final art. It captures the protagonist's uncertainty as well as determination. It hints at the juxtaposition of a contemporary suburban mom in a fantastical setting. And of course, swords are cool. :-)

One of the challenges was to attract readers of CBA fantasy, but also appeal to a broader audience. This is a book about one woman's faith journey, and has hit a chord with my test readers who are normally scared to try sci-fi or fantasy novels. Three cheers for NavPress for being willing to try this strange genre-blending-break-the-rules series, and also for producing such a beautiful cover.

Another cool aspect of this series - the manuscripts were completed before being contracted, so NavPress is able to release them in quick successsion. The Restorer is due out in May, 2007. Restorer's Son in September, 2007, and Restorer's Journey in December 2007.

I began this story about four years ago, answering a stirring in my heart to write. Although I studied writing in grad school, and had published in magazines and book compilations, I still felt like pursuing the dream to write and publish a novel was akin to "fly to Jupiter" or "star in a Broadway show."

I wrote because God asked me to. I wrote because the characters came to life and needed their story told. I wrote knowing full well the odds of anyone ever reading it were astronomical. When I see a real-live cover for this book, I'm filled with awe at the ability God has to bring about impossible things through flawed and ordinary people. I thank Him for who He is - a God of wonders.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon Hinck

Thanksgiving Gift to Book Group Leaders

The past several months have been a blur of speaking engagements, signings, visits with store managers, and interviews - all to support my publisher's efforts in getting word out about The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

It's time for me to focus more energy into my writing, so I'll be staying home and writing for the next two months.

However, I still want to continue spreading the word about The Secret Life of Becky Miller, because I know her story speaks to so many women who feel overwhelmed and doubt that their lives are making a difference.

So, I'm offering a special Thanksgiving gift to any Book Group Leaders (neighborhood, church, library, women's organization, or whatever!). If you are a Book Group Leader and your group has not already discussed The Secret Life of Becky Miller, please contact me:

s.hinck@comcast.net

Tell me about your book group, and give me your mailing address, and WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, I'll send you a FREE copy of The Secret Life of Becky Miller AND a discussion guide.

Happy Thanksgiving, Book Group Leaders!

If you aren't a Book Group Leader, but know one, please tell them about my blog so they can contact me before I run out of books.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

Landon Snow

BLOG TOUR TIME!





First, congratulations to Valerie who won a copy of Real Women Scrap in my drawing last week.

Now on to this week's Blog Tour for R.K. Mortenson.

I confess I came to this book planning to like it. Author Randy Mortenson had graciously helped me out with some research on the Navy chaplaincy for one of my works-in-progress, and after we chatted, I suspected I'd enjoy his new book, Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum.

I was delighted to discover I was right.

His similes were fun. "They had all converged here for seemingly no reason and bumped into each other, bouncing away to different doorways like billiard balls retreating to their pockets."

I enjoyed his imaginative transition from "real world" to "fantasy world" as a library flooded with water and a statue of a boat became a boat.

I also liked the symbol of the book that literally steered the ship. Bridget's line "I don't think we should ever close the book" spoke on several levels, along with the powerful line, "Who would have guessed a single book could move the whole world?"

Since this was my first Landon Snow book, when the children met characters from past stories, I felt a little like a spouse at my husband's office parties--trying to keep track of names and wishing I knew more about them. But for the most part, I had no trouble jumping in to the story with this third book.

Friends of mine with middle-school children are often searching for books that will interest their young readers and stir a creative spark. They particularly have trouble finding books for their sons. This series is one I'll be happy to recommend.

What are some of your favorite imaginative-world middle-school books? Madeleine L'Engle continues to be at the top of my list with A Wrinkle in Time and her other books. C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia are, of course, a classic. I also recommend George MacDonald's shortstory collections like The Light Princess (C.S. Lewis was influenced by MacDonald's work, if I'm remembering correctly).

Please post a few of your favorite children's fantasy books in the comment section!


Feel free to hop around the cyber-world and visit other sites that will be discussing Landon Snow this week. Other Blogs participating in our tour include:

Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
April Erwin
Janey DeMeo
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Karen and at Karen’s myspace
Oliver King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
John Otte
Cheryl Russel
Hannah Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Chris Walley
Daniel I. Weaver

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House 6/2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House 2/2007)
The Restorer (NavPress 5/2007)

Mall of America Panel

Last Friday I joined seven other Christian authors in a panel discussion sponsored by Barnes and Noble and held in the rotunda of the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. We discussed writing from a Christian world view, and answered questions from the audience. It was exciting to hear the events manager of Barnes and Noble share that they've seen an increased interest in Christian fiction in their store.

Today I posted at Faithchicks about moving from a "vacation" approach to my writing to a "vocation" approach. Pop on over there if you want to see it.

Congratulations to Valerie Comer who won the free copy of Real Women Scrap from last week's contest. Thanks to all who shared their "Memory Snapshots."

This week I'll be signing copies of The Secret Life of Becky Miller at Concordia Academy Bloomington, Friday, November 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m. If you live in the Twin Cities, please stop by to visit!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2/2007)
The Restorer (NavPress, 5/2007)

Scrapbooking As Life

My friend Tasra Dawson has just released her book, "Real Women Scrap." It's a creative, fun look at ways to beautify our lives as well as our scrapbooks. Using the craft of scrapbooking as an extended metaphor, she examines issues in our lives like planning, simplicity, symmetry, boundaries, embellishments, journaling, perspective, and mistakes. As the reader gathers practical ideas that help to create beautiful scrapbook pages, she also discovers how these concepts reveal wisdom for living a richer more intentional life.

Tasra is running a contest on her site beginning November 1, 2006.

And good news!
I won't give away MY copy of her book (it's a keeper!) - but I have an EXTRA copy to give away.
If you leave a comment to this post (make sure to include a way I can reach you by email), you'll be entered in the drawing to win that free copy of the book.

Here's your Comment Challenge:

In the mental scrapbook of your life, what is one of your most precious snapshots? Describe it for us!

Hugs,
Sharon Hinck
avid rubber stamper and scrapbooker
author of
THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER (Bethany House, 2006)

Wishing On Dandelions

Today I'm welcoming my friend Mary DeMuth, one of the most authentic and tender voices among new authors today. Her latest novel, Wishing on Dandelions, has just released.

From the back cover:

God says I love you in many ways, some of which are hard to hear

Maranatha needs to hear God's voice. At seventeen, Natha admittedly has some
trust issues. Though the abuse by a neighbor boy has stopped, Natha is
anything but healed. Now her best friend has left for college, the trials of
dating have begun, and God, ever since he spoke to her underneath the pecan
tree years ago, has remained elusive. So when brash Georgeanne Peach blows
in to take over the only place that's ever felt like home, leaving a trail
of peach fabric swatches and cloying perfume, it's easy to understand how
something like a little ol' tornado might not be a big deal.

Like every teenager, Natha tries to sort out the confusing layers of love-of
friends, of family, of suitors, and, desperately, of God. Natha struggles to
find herself before she gives in to the shadow of a girl she used to be in
this moving follow-up to the critically praised Watching the Tree Limbs.

I had the privilege of reading the early galleys of the book. I was so moved, I truly couldn't put it down. Here's what I wrote about it:

Step into words so beautiful they hurt, pages of rich symbol, and emotions
so genuine you can't look away. Experience a powerful, lyrical voice in
contemporary fiction. Maranatha pleads, "Jesus, show me your love." Her
longing to be reassured of God's love will resonate with every reader as
they share her journey.

Mary's novels are rich experiences. When asked about the story she hoped to create for her readers, Mary said she wanted to show, "That redemption of a broken life takes time. We’re all on a journey of healing. Sometimes it’s slow going, but if we can endure through the dark times, God will bring us to new places of growth. I want the images and characters to stay with a reader for a long time."

She has certainly achieved that in this book. You can ask for the book in your local bookstore, or order it through christianbook.com or amazon.

I have to add that Mary's ministry with words extends beyond her lyrical novels and insightful non-fiction books, or even her whimsical and heartfelt blog. Mary has touched my life time and again with gentle, caring, and funny emails when I was in most desperate need of encouragement. Thank you, Mary! Blessings on every part of your life! And thanks for visiting today!

Sharon Hinck