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

Violette Between

Violette Between by Alison Strobel is a gentle book about grief, healing, and the courage it takes to step back into life after loss. I love that the book shows two different characters' ways of coping with grief. In my experience, people can respond very differently to the death of a loved one, and this story conveys that with sensitivity and realism.

Even though the topic is meaty, there was plenty of whimsy in the story. One of my favorite moments came when Violette insisted on changing her shoes for a visit to a specific beach-front town. She had bought the shoes from a store there, and promised the shoes she would bring them back for visits, so they wouldn't regret leaving their home. As someone who worries about a sweater having hurt feelings if I haven't worn it for a while, I found a kindred spirit in Violette.

Be sure to check out the book and visit Alison's blog and her website.

My own novel continues to find more readers and collect more reviews and articles at various sites. This week, I invite you to visit Jeanette Hanscome's blog for her thoughts on The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

Each time I hear from a reader who was encouraged or blessed by the story, I get goosebumps all over again. It amazes me that God's grace can travel between the cover of a paperback book.

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

Becky Miller in Wal-Mart

Fellow Bethany House author, Allison Bottke emailed me today. She was speaking in Spartanburg, SC and one of the event planners took her to Wal-Mart to see her book, A Stitch in Time, on the shelf. Allison sent me a picture because there beside her book was The Secret Life of Becky Miller. Thanks so much, Allison!

I love seeing Becky Miller in Wal-Mart. Here in Minnesota I've found her in Borders, Barnes & Noble, Northwestern Bookstores, and some small independent stores, but not yet in Wal-Mart.

I also got exciting news last week, that The Secret Life of Becky Miller is now an audio book. The narrator has read some New York Times bestselling women's novels, so I'm tickled to imagine her reading Becky's tale.

For any of you in the Minnesota area, I'll be speaking at the Minnesota Christian Writer's Guild meeting on Monday, October 9, 2007, 7-9 p.m. (my part is at 8 pm). I'd love to see you!

Coming soon on my blog: the CSFF blog tour for Kathyrn Mackel and a visit with Mary DeMuth.

My next free Book Buddy ezine will come out October 15. If you'd like a brief inspirational article, behind-the-scenes info on the writing life, recommendations on books I've read recently, and info on special gifts and prizes for Book Buddies, be sure to leave your name and email at the "contact Sharon" page of my website.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
author of The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House 6/06)
and Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2/07)

Hooray for the L.C.M.S.

I recently stumbled across "The Least Read Blog on the Web" and was delighted to find a Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS) pastor who read The Secret Life of Becky Miller and liked it. :-) Denominational loyalty prompted him to check out the book, and he said he found it instantly engaging.

"Hinck's writing made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion and yes, I even teared up on two occasions (get to the twist toward the end and see how dry-eyed you remain, those who judge me!)."

Do you remember the old sit-com, "Cheers?" In one episode, Woody is traumatized to discover that he and his beloved Kelly are of "different faiths." Turns out they are both Lutheran, but belong to different "synods." You may need to be a Lutheran to understand the significance and why that episode was howlingly funny.

I'm deeply grateful to be part of the specific body in the Lutheran church that does a wonderful job of living out, "grace alone, faith alone, scripture alone," with integrity (okay, and a little bit of stiffness at times-but we all have our flaws).

"Least Read" blogger, Pastor John, also blogs about his search to find more LCMS authors (Paul Maier in one). At my very first Mount Hermon Writer's Conference 3.5 years ago, I was introduced to an LCMS pastor from Chicago who is a writer, as well as the delightful Christine Tangvald, who began her writing career with Concordia Publishing House (also LCMS). Now, I adore my Christian friends of all synods, and all denominations - but it is really cool finding out about writers among my own tiny "clan."

Oh, I should mention that another LCMS pastor has read The Secret Life of Becky Miller. My own pastor has been a staunch supporter and encourager of my work, through it's various ups and downs. If you live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area and are looking for a great church, pop in to my congregation for a visit!

(P.S. The photo above is of Lighthouse Point in Duluth, Minnesota, another lovely view I captured on our brief trip in September.)

A Recent Interview

My hunky hubby on our recent hiking trip on the northern shore of Lake Superior. I'm still smiling about the wonderful time we had. Those little getaways are priceless.

A reader and blogger from New York interviewed me about my writing work at her blog,
"Inspiring Words." Pop on over if you have a moment. Thanks for your interest and support, Bren!

If there are any questions about me that remain unanswered, you're invited to a live online chat hosted by a Florida library on Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 7 pm Eastern time, 6pm Central time (and the rest of you can figure it out from there). Just visit http://www.ocls.info/loe .

Click on the link for "Chat with Author Sharon Hinck."

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Oberg Mountain

A photo can't do justice to the sharp tang of pine in the air, the cool breeze, the rays of light baking my face, and the sun spotlighting trees in every autumn color you could dream of. The cliffs on the left side are part of Oberg Mountain, near Lutsen, Minnesota.

I know my Colorado friends (Hi, Patti) will laugh at what we in Minnesota call a mountain, but what we lack in height, we make up for in sheer beauty. Ted and I hiked this trail last Sunday and it was truly one of those special treats from God.

Now that I've started looking for them, I'm finding His unique and amazing blessings all over. Lord, open our eyes!

I'm always blessed when I stumble across a blog or website with a review of THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER. I just found this new site, and she did a better job describing the book than I was able to in my interview on Monday.

Be sure to pop by the "Sing Like Myself" blog and scroll down to the review. Thank you, Suzanne!

And thank YOU, dear reader, for dropping by my blog. If you want the convenience of my blog posts being delivered to your email, just leave your email in the box at the right side of the page, and FeedBlitz will send you my entries each time I write a new one. I've been using FeedBlitz to send me updates from all my best friend's blogs, and it is a great way for me to stay in touch with what's new, without surfing the net for too many hours. :-)

Have a BLESSED day!
Sharon Hinck

Duluth Radio

This is the kind of sunny, inviting path I'd always like to see ahead of me. This weekend my husband and I spent time hiking in northern Minnesota, and I promise lots more glorious photos of the Fall color in the coming days.

There were times that walking under sunlit birch and aspen leaves felt like being inside the tube of a surfer's wave--but on an ocean of pure liquid gold.

This morning I did a live interview with WWJC Radio Duluth, with Ted Elm on the Northland Notebook. The great news is, they archive all their shows, so you don't have to live in Duluth to listen in! I had hoped to sound profound and spiritual, but Ted managed to coax me into telling some pretty goofy stories on myself. I hope listeners giggle as much as I did. It was really a lot of fun, and I'm so grateful that they featured me.

To hear the broadcast, go to WWJC website, click on "Northland Notebook" and then click on "Archived Shows." Click on September 25, and it will play for you. The show is an hour long, and my interview was the last half hour. Enjoy!

Now I'm off to do the laundry. My hiking pants are covered with clay and mud from a day of hiking in the rain. More soon!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck
author of THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER

Continuing the Theme of God's Treats

For those who read my blog posts about Edenstar, you can see how much Cheryl and Bill Bader have been "God's Treats" in my life.

Here was another fun surprise. Two weeks ago when I was buzzing from bookstore to bookstore doing signings, a woman came in to introduce herself . . . Marie Albrecht Hinck, my husband's cousin-in-law.

A proud member of the Hinck clan, she was delighted to see one of the Hincks in publication. I was so touched by her support. My poor husband has to deal with so many challenges because of being married to a neurotic author. (My angst attacks late at night, grumpiness when he reads a new chapter of mine and points out what wasn't working, creative spurts where I'm so lost in work that he'd have dance a jig to get my attention). It warmed my heart to think that I could bring a bit of honor to his family name.

Readers in the Duluth, Minnesota area, I'll be doing an interview on WWJC Northland Notebook on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. I hope you can tune in!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
The Secret Life of Becky Miller

Edenstar - Interview with Bill Bader

Today, I'm pleased to welcome Bill Bader. One secret about him that others may not know: Bill is notorious in our writer's group for bad puns.

However, he's also a wealth of information.

Sharon asks: What are some of your top recommendations in CSFF?


Bill: These are a few of my favorite things:
"Portal" by Brian Reaves. "Joseph Turner's life was irrevocably altered by a mistake he made fifteen years ago. As a result, the girl he loved died while he was powerless to save her. He never forgave himself. Now he has a chance to change the past.... One of the absolutely best time-travel stories I've ever read, and I've read a lot. I've enjoyed this one three times so far.

"Relentless" by Robin Parrish. Starts with Grant Borrows discovering he isn't who he always thought he is, and gets more engrossing from there. Impossible to put down. Impossible to put down.

"Wilderking Trilogy" by Jonathan Rogers. Excellent juvenile trilogy that adults can enjoy. Contains elements of the story of King David with a Huck Finn second progagonist added for good measure. Many laugh-out-loud moments, but very thought provoking as well.
"Arena" by Karen Hancock. Callie Hayes volunteers for a psychology experiment that thrusts her into a parallel world, and a fight between good and evil. Intense.

"Transgression" by Randall Ingermanson. Dr. Damien West invents a time machine so he can travel into the past to assassinate the Apostle Paul. Ali Kazan and Rivka Myers follow him to prevent this. Followups ("Premonition" and "Retribution") are equally good, with all three providing in-depth views of the culture of Israel 2,000 years ago.

These are off the top of my head. I could really get carried away here :-D

Sharon: As a librarian, what have you observed about interest in Sci-fi and fantasy?

Bill: I've seen first-hand that the interest is stronger than libraries may be aware. I worked in a branch library which included a good number of CSFF titles in its general sci fi collection, and the entire SF collection circulated so well it was impossible to weed the cramped section. It took literally years of lobbying to add another 15 feet of shelf space, and that's not enough.

If books are well written, libraries are reasonbaly likely to carry them, especially if the author is local or if the book has been reviewed favorably. Science fiction fans are passionately devoted to their genre, and I suspect that very few will complain about the Christian content (none kvetched to me, at any rate).


Sharon: Any ideas for how Christian authors of sci-fi and fantasy can market their books to develop wider readership?



I'd suggest that authors be prepared to persist, persist, and then persist some more.

The most helpful step is to get them on http://www.amazon.com and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ ! Try to get them reviewed, whether in print or on line, even if it's in your local newspaper. This may prompt their readers to buy them. It often encourages libraries to order them since patrons ask for them. Allegedly, library ownership of a book can increase sales.

Two of the best review resources are "Library Journal" and "BookList" (both of which are in virtually all library systems so you can see what their review policies are). They both review Christian fiction and CSFF and take a strong interest in new authors, but competition is probably serious.

I can immediately think of three potentially helpful online resources: Christian Fiction Review ( http://www.christianfictionreview.com/index.html ) includes a lot of CSFF, and the reviewer is usually perceptive. Christian Fandom ( http://www.swcp.com/christian-fandom/ ) and ChristSF ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/christsf/ ) have discussion / mailing lists with members who may be able to help. All of these will get the word out, but I don't know how many are involved with each, so results may be smaller than you hope. Searching the Internet via Google may lead to websites that discuss marketing strategies.

Libraries will have books about marketing books. Subjects include "Books -- Marketing" and "Authorship -- Marketing" or variations on these. If nothing turns up, try asking a librarian for help. We thrive on questions!

These are a few ideas that came to me quickly. I hope they help. Marketing is a tough business, especially in CSFF, which is a niche within a niche (science fiction in general). But there are books out there, and they sell, so there's hope.

Sharon: Bill, thanks so much for visiting my blog! I'm delighted that more people are finding out about Edenstar and all the great resources you have on that site.

I hope those of you who visited this week have enjoyed getting to know Cheryl, Bill, and Edenstar Books and Games!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Edenstar's Cheryl Bader - An Interview

SH: This photo shows the smiling faces of Bill and Cheryl Bader, the creators of Edenstar. Cheryl has gracious stopped by for a visit today.

Hi, Cheryl! Thanks for visiting my blog for a chat.
Edenstar features a wonderful assortment of Christian speculative fiction. Who are some of your favorite authors, and why?

CB: Well, you can probably tell from the site that I'm partial to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The Narnia books and Lewis' concept of a "supposal" (as in "Suppose God had created the world with different creatures than those we're familiar with," etc. - as opposed to a strict allegory) have inspired my own writing in many ways. I also find fascinating Tolkien's idea of writing as an act of "sub-creation": Creating and populating fantasy worlds is something that flows naturally out of our being made in the image of God.

SH: Do you think there's hope for more fantasy to be published in the CBA?

CB: I believe that fantasy with Christian themes will continue to be published. Whether the CBA will continue as a market distinct from the general market, I'm beginning to wonder...

SH: A large percentage of the aspiring novelists at my regional Christian writer's guild want to write speculative fiction--time travel, fantasy, sci-fi, alternate history scenarios. If so many people want to read and write speculative fiction in the Christian community, why do you think writers are having a hard time getting this kind of work contracted? What can we do about it?

CB: I guess what we keep hearing from publishers is that speculative fiction doesn't sell well in the CBA. What can we do? For starters, buy the books by today's CSF authors that are available, and support them through blog tours like this, web forums, posting reviews at online booksellers, etc.

But let's not abandon the general market, either. After all, that's where we find Tolkien's and Lewis' books. Can we as a community write books of such quality and vision that we capture the imagination of people from all walks of life? Now there's a holy calling! (and not one for the faint of heart, either)

SH: What is your dream for Edenstar? What interesting experiences and conversations have resulted since the site went live?

CB: My hope for Edenstar is that it provides encouragement for today's Christian authors of speculative fiction, and a resource and connecting point for their readers. I'd like the Edenstar site to represent a community of readers and writers that sends a message to publishers that there is indeed a market for good, clean science fiction and fantasy.

As for interesting experiences... well, one of the more unusual experiences was receiving a letter from a child addressed to C.S. Lewis. We had to break the news gently that Mr. Lewis is no longer receiving mail here on earth.

SH: Anything else you want to share?

CB: I'd like to invite readers to email us with suggestions for books or other materials that would be appropriate for the site. I'm afraid we haven't had time to do reviews and interviews like we used to, but we are trying to keep up with new releases as best we can. Bill is the Keeper of the Database - feel free to email suggestions to him at bill@edenstarbooks.com.

Side note: Another area of interest for me is in games (video, computer, board games, puzzles, whatever) with a Christian speculative fiction theme. I'm interested in adapting and applying Lewis' supposals and Tolkien's sub-creations to the world-building of computer games.

SH: Cheryl, thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I know folks have enjoyed listening in on our chat. And thank you for creating Edenstar!

Don't forget to visit other bloggers who are participating in this tour!

Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Jason Joyner
Tina Kulesa
Kevin Lucia
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith

Blessing!
Sharon Hinck

Edenstar (CSFF Blog Tour)

Four years ago, I joined a local Christian writer's group. I was struggling. I felt a deep call to write, but wasn't sure which direction or which genre to pursue. One talented writer in the group, Cheryl Bader, read chapters each month from her youth fantasy, MAKER'S POOL. I was captivated, and reminded of the kind of stories I love: stories full of creative images, subtle symbol, and character growth. Inspired by her work, I began to write THE RESTORER (which will be coming out with NavPress in May, 2007). She was one of my early readers and a critiquer for all my novels.

Cheryl, and her husband Bill, also introduced me (via their knowledge) to the work of other speculative fiction writers in the Christian community: Kathy Tyers, Karen Hancock, and Randy Ingermanson. When I headed off to my first writing conference, Randy helped guide me through the process of seeking an agent.

I'm thrilled to highlight Bill and Cheryl's wonderful site, Edenstar Books and Games. It has been a labor of love for them both. Not content to merely list titles, they designed a site that is appealing and easy to navigate, full of terrific information and honest reviews.

Check back tomorrow for my interview with Edenstar's designer, Cheryl Bader!

And over the next few days, you can visit these other bloggers who will be featuring Edenstar.

Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Jason Joyner
Tina Kulesa
Kevin Lucia
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
(speculative fiction writer and fan)

Store Visit

The photo shows me with Bev Snyder (the bubbly family events coordinator at the Maple Grove Northwestern Bookstore) and Jill Elizabeth Nelson (the romantic suspense novelist) during our visit to the store last Saturday. Bev's enthusiasm for our books was a HUGE blessing--another of those "God sightings." Thanks so much, Bev! We had a great time during our visit.

I recently included the following devotional thought in my free e-zine, which I send out on the fifteenth of each month. If you don't already receive it and would like to, just go to my Contact Sharon page and leave your name and email to be a Book Buddy. Book Buddy's get all sorts of fun info in the e-zine.


Blessings, Sharon
www.sharonhinck.com

The Blessing of Community

Novelists spend a lot of time with imaginary characters, so it's good to get out of the house once in a while and interact with REAL people.

Last weekend, author Jill Nelson and I popped in to several bookstores in the Twin Cities area to meet managers and thank them for carrying our books and autograph their shelf copies.

We also did three book signing events at Christian bookstores in the area. Here is Jill (on the left) and myself with Greg Borgen (in the middle), the manager of the Woodbury Northwestern Bookstore.

Jill and I were blessed by getting to know the wonderful men and women who believe in the ministry of books by Christian authors and work hard to provide them to the community. The gracious welcome by the store staff at each place we visited, reminded us that we aren't working in isolation. We're part of a community. Now THAT'S an encouraging God-sighting.

Have you spotted any special gifts from God into your life this week? Please post a comment and tell me about it!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

More of God's Treats

Last Thursday, gifted author Susan Meissner was in town and able to stop in to visit with Patti Hill and me. What a treat! We held hands, sang "Come to the Waters" and prayed for each other, for Christian publishers, and for our editors and marketing teams. We mostly laughed and chatted and savored being with friends who love Jesus.

Susan's latest book, A Seahorse in the Thames, is another gem.

I'm so grateful for wonderful novels that ease my journey on difficult days, and also for wonderful friends who make the hike easier just by walking alongside for awhile.

Do you have people in your life who are God's special treats to you? Men or women who make you smile when your paths cross? Feel free to post a comment about someone who touched your life today!

I'll be posting more God Sightings in the coming days. Stay tuned!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

God's Special Treats

(The smiling gardener in the photo is my friend, Patti Hill.)

The last few weeks have been rough. Lots of normal life struggles including back-to-school schedules, a sick child, and piles of work on my various writing projects. Honestly, I've been feeling a little beaten down.

And it's during those times that God surprises me with how tender and personal His love is for each of His children.

Over the next few days, I'll share a few "God sightings." Please feel free to leave a comment about your own special treats from God. Sometimes we just have to hold still and open our eyes to see these gifts that He pours out in the midst of our most cranky, weary, miserable days.

The first special treat I want to share was a visit from author Patti Hill. She was in town to meet with her publisher, and was able to stop by for a visit. We took a lovely walk in a wooded park, talked about the writing life with all its ups and downs, and shared God Stuff in the way that only kindred spirits can. She also gave me a hot-off-the-press copy of her new book, IN EVERY FLOWER, and showed me my endorsement on one of the front pages. It was like cradling a new baby, and it had the lovely new-book smell. I love Patti the author, and I love Patti the person, and I know you will, too.

When things are tough in my life, it can sometimes be hard to hear others crowing about the wonderful blessings they are enjoying. So in the coming days, while I list some special treats from God, I'm also sensitive to the fact that many who read this blog face painful struggles that threaten to squeeze the breath from their lungs. I'm not sharing God's Special Treats to flaunt them while others are hurting. I'm hurting, too. Together, let's ask God for a small gift to bring us comfort while we wait for the BIG answers to arrive, and please post a comment to let me know if you stumble across a blessing.

Patti's visit was a blessing that walked up and rang my doorbell. In future blogs, I'll share some other ways that God's Special Treats have arrived in my life.

Hugs,
Sharon Hinck

Kathy Tyers Blog Tour 8-06

I'm joining other bloggers who love speculative (sci-fi/fantasy) fiction by Christian authors, to feature gifted author Kathy Tyers.

Several years ago, a friend recommended her Firebird series and I devoured it. When I mentioned how much I enjoyed it to my adult son, he said, "Oh, I know her name. She wrote a Star Wars novel." Sure enough, Balance Point was on my shelf - one of my favorite of the novels created for the Star Wars storyworld. On top of that, she's co-written a book with Christopher Parkening. When I was a choreographer, I created a modern ballet to a collection of his Bach classical guitar works, and my son (a composer who studied classical guitar in college) had a professor who had studied under Christopher Parkening.

Anyone else want to play six degrees of separation? No wonder I enjoyed her Firebird books.

The blog tour this week has led me to ponder why I'm a sci-fi geek. Yes, I confess it. If you've read "The Secret Life of Sharon Hinck" on my website, you know that I once hosted a Star Trek mystery party, dressed as Deanna Troi. I own a pile of Star Trek Next Generation paperbacks, and a few Star Wars novels, as well. I adored Randy Ingermanson and John Olson's books, Oxygen and The Fifth Man. This summer I was delighted by Relentless by Robin Parrish (which is the sort of blend of fantasy/sci-fi you find in comic books storyworlds like X-men).

Maybe my brain likes the exercise of being stretched in new directions by sci-fi issues such as the paradoxes of time travel. Perhaps I enjoy exploring alien civilizations through the eyes of a character. But most of all, I like the insights into "real life" that sneak up on me while enjoying a sci-fi perspective of the world.

Reading C.S. Lewis' space trilogy had a huge impact of my spiritual walk and some of the planet-earth questions I had about evil and redemption. Mary Doria Russell's book, The Sparrow, made me ache to bridge communication barriers. Kathy Tyers' book stirred in me the passion to examine ways the kingdom of darkness has lied to me.

Sci-fi is fun. Sci-fi is thought-provoking. And sometimes, sci-fi can give us a lens to see truth in a new way.

Now, to explore "strange new worlds and new civilizations" pop by some of these other members of the Blog Tour for a visit!

Jim Black
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Jason Joyner
Tina Kulesa
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Checking in with Friends

Every now and again, I love to pop around to the blogs of friends and see what they are thinking about. I have to ration myself or I'd never get my writing work done. But this week, I took a bit of time off on my WIP (Work In Progress) and did some visiting.

My friend, Kelli, shared some heartfelt thoughts on this year's Christy awards. If you were there, you'll want to read her take on it, and post a comment.

A woman whose intelligent and passionate views on Christian speculative fiction have encouraged me for quite a while, wrote about THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER on her blog. Her name? Becky Miller (no relation!). She's also been posting some great thoughts about critical thinking, critique, and being kind - they don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Karen Hancock wrote some powerful and encouraging words about fear - something every writer spends time battling. If you have a moment, drop by her blog and be uplifted.

My irrepressible friend, Camy, did an interview today with one of my critique partners and writing buddies, Jill Nelson. You can enter a drawing for a free book if you stop by Camy's site! And Jill has some cool goodies on her new website. She and I are planning some book signings together this fall (more info on that to come!)

Over at Faithchicks (where I blog once a month), author Judy Baer is joining the party. She's a Minnesota author, so you KNOW she's cool! And be sure to scroll down and read Sharon Dunn's awesome post, "Icky, Icky." Her humble wisdom always blesses my socks off. And no, I'm not biased because of her name.

Then I visited Meredith Efken's blog and saw that I'VE BEEN TAGGED! This means I need to answer her question ("If you could write a novel about ANY topic, what would it be?") and then tag some other friends.

Okay, some of my FAVORITE kinds of story are the "step into the book and live it," sort. Or the "character steps out of the film and comes to life" story (ala Purple Rose of Cairo). Better yet, a "create it and make it happen" story. Harold and the Purple Crayon for adults. That would be a novel I'd love to write!

So I'm tagging Jill Nelson - because she's bursting with energy after getting her very first copy of her very first novel in the mail yesterday.

And anyone else I mentioned in this blog who wants to play. :-)

See how much fun it is popping by a friend's virtual front porch for a visit?

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

A Few Writer Trials

Last night I kept waking up from stress nightmares: free-falling elevators, long chase-scenes through abandoned buildings.

What had me in a cold sweat?

I needed to get some new head shots taken today.

Okay, you can stop laughing now.

See, I don't usually wear make-up. Didn't really own any until Saturday when I stood and stared stupidly at the shelves of cosmetics at Target wondering what I needed to buy to look like a semi-professional grown-up. Appearance isn't one of those high-value issues in my life. Which can be a good thing. I have a friend who used to spend a full hour each day on hair and make-up.

My splash-water-in-my-face-and-head-out-the-door approach has given me an extra hour to do the things that my life has been rich and full with. Things I wouldn't have had time for if I did a lot of fussing.

I also don't do much with my hair. So when I NEED it to look good, I have no wealth of experience to draw from. And clothes? Because of twenty years of teaching ballet, I like to wear something I can do the splits in. Anything stretchy and cotton and completely comfortable.

Yet today I needed to choose clothes, fix my face, tame my hair - and take a picture that would embody what I want to convey as an author. Last year's photo was used on posters, in newspapers, on blogs, in book catalogs, websites, business cards.

Ha! Talk about pressure!

Ted came to my rescue. As a video project manager, he knows lots of make-up artists and called a friend to come help me out. That was a surprising treat. She didn't turn me into a caricature. She really fixed my face to be me - but a me that would look better for the camera.

Then daughter Jenni and I headed to an inexpensive mall studio, where a bubbly high-school junior was the photographer.

I tried some "serious-intelligent-author" looks, and quite honestly, the photos looked like I was a sad-eyed Basset Hound. I tried some mysterious smiles and only succeeded in looking nauseated.

So I gave up and just did the same old smile as my past head-shots.

I know, I know. It's a tremendous privilege to get to write books, and I don't mean to gripe. And isn't God good to let me have a career where I don't usually HAVE to gussy up to do my work? And I'm thrilled that my husband loves the flower-child-throw-back natural style that is me.

But we all have things that stress us out, don't we? Experiences that are a snap for others, are just not part of our comfort zone.

Whatever scary thing you had to face today - congratulations! You did it!
And I pray that if you have anything scary to face tomorrow, God will send you support in many forms, just as He sent me a kind make-up artist, an enthusiastic photographer, and a family that loves me the way I am.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Few Writer Joys

(Photo is of my daughter on a zip-line - pure joy!)

As an avid reader all my life, I often fantasized about the lives of the brilliant people who created the stories I enjoyed so much. Crowded study, a cozy wing chair, pipe smoke and a leather-patched jacket? Perhaps ambling through a Scottish moor, hair whipped by the wind, jotting notes as inspiration swirled? Sitting at a local coffee-shop, disheveled and bleary from a long night of creating epic work, carrying on erudite conversations with fellow authors?

So when I got my first contract, I looked around at my life and scratched my head.

It was so . . . well, normal.

And on top of that, some new pressures arrived. Critics and sales numbers, appearances and interviews. Self-doubt that climbs higher with each paragraph I write.

But there ARE writer joys. For those of you sharpening a new pencil each day to scribble your tales: it IS worth the effort.

The most humbling and joyous surprise is receiving letters from readers.

"WOW! I could swear you have been eavesdroping in my home...Thank you so much for writing this book. I've been able to share things from the book with my husband and discuss my feelings and inaequacies as a wife and stay-at-home mom."

"It was incredible. Life changing for me...I had to know what happened to the lovely family you created, but especially Becky."

"I'm reluctant to finish it. It will be like losing a good friend. I find me in so many areas of Becky Miller's life."

"I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the book . . . it has so ministered to me...words/feelings that I didn't know how to verbalize."

To me this reflects God's amazing ability to take simple things (like my goofy little stories) and transform them into blessings. And to watch that happen fills me with awe and gratitude. I still don't have a wing chair and a leather-patched jacket. Brilliant words don't drip from my fingers as I type. I chew my nails when waiting to hear what my editor thinks of my rewrites. I obsess about where I fit among genres and styles in the publishing world. I recognize my insignificance in the face of the "real" writers - the best sellers, the award-winners, those with a hundred books to their credit.

But I also feel joy that my work today includes playing in the sandbox of words, and that at least a few people have found my first book, read it, and enjoyed it.

If you've read a book lately that blessed you, take a moment and let the author know. That writer might need a little bit of joy today. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Elk in Yellowstone

Last week we returned from family vacation. To me a perfect vacation happens when I'm struck to my marrow with the beauty and variety of God's creation. The canyons, waterfalls, and animals of Yellowstone National Park did that for me.

I was especially delighted to get up close and personal with some elk, because in my fantasy series, THE RESTORER (due out in May, 2007, from NavPress) Susan (the hapless heroine) gets to ride a lehkan - which is an elk-type animal used in battles.

Which brings me back to the site that is being featured by friends of Christian sci-fi and fantasy work this week.

Christian Fandom is a site that celebrates all sorts of genre fiction. Give them a visit this week. If you click on the link to interviews, you can read great insights from my agent (Steve Laube) my editor (writing as Jefferson Scott) and some of my favorite writers and friends, (Karen Hancock, Randy Ingermanson, Donita K. Paul, and others).

If you visit my blog post from yesterday, please post one (or a few) of your favorite speculative fiction titles! I've posted a few of mine.

Because God is so awesome and multi-faceted, it's no wonder that we need a variety of art forms and a variety of styles of literature to communicate about Him!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Christian Fandom Site

The photo is of my two teens climbing on the rocks outside a small town in Wyoming. The picture evokes high adventure for me--stories about struggles and overcoming and facing the unexpected. Stories about God's beauty reaching down to touch us.

For the next few days, (July 24-26, 2006) several bloggers (including me!) who love Christian Fantasy and Science Fiction (and every variation and combination of speculative fiction) will be featuring a terrific website that showcases and reviews works by some of my favorite authors.

You can visit all the bloggers involved to read their take, but most of all, be sure to visit Christian Fandom

It's an amazing and comprehensive site!

After you visit, let me know your favorite "speculative fiction" books.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck


Here are the other bloggers participating:

Valerie Comer
Kameron Franklin
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith

Becky Miller meets ICRS

My friend Patti Hill and I dressed as our novel characters on our first day of the conference. Here we are with author Kim Sawyer (the cover poster of her great Bethany novel is hanging behind us).

I'll admit I was nervous while I packed for the International Christian Retail Show in Denver. Friends who have attended this major annual event for Christian booksellers warned me that the atmosphere of commercialism and celebrity worship would leave me feeling troubled, and the huge numbers of "more successful" authors would make me depressed at my insignificance.

Instead, I felt incredibly loved. I felt loved by God, that He has allowed me to be a tiny part of this world of people who love Him and love the written word and the power of story. I felt loved by my editors and publisher during yummy meals and relaxed chats. I felt loved by my author friends who were genuinely delighted for me to experience my first I.C.R.S. book signing.

Yes, I was a very insignificant baby author in a huge sea of more experienced writers who hustled around to important meetings. Sometimes I had nothing better to do than stroll around with a goofy grin. But God led me toward some wonderful encounters. Getting to finally visit face-to-face with my friend and mentor, Karen Hancock. Praying with Esther, another new author. Hearing a story of a marvelous healing from an elderly couple who own a small independent bookstore. Chatting with folks from Taiwan, Nigeria, and Australia and all corners of the U.S. Cheering and waving to author friends as lines formed for their book signings.

I'm prone to feeling overwhelmed and melancholy. It's a huge blessing that none of that hit me on this trip. Perhaps it was the prayers supporting me, or the generous friendship of Patti and her husband who helped me get from point A to point B, or the incredible kindness of the Bethany staff . . . but I found the entire experience to be a joy.

As icing on the cake, my family drove down to meet me in Denver after ICRS, and we headed up to Yellowstone. If any bits of self-importance or competition were clinging to my spirit, seeing the massive canyons, waterfalls, and geysers cured me. I'll be posting some of those photos in the days to come.

THE SECRET IS OUT - Blog tour

Back to our regularly scheduled tour.

To celebrate the release of my first novel, I'm touring the world (including South Africa, France, Canada, and all over the U.S.A.) via the internet. I'll be visiting a variety of blogs to be interviewed, to share a guest article, or to be part of drawings for The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

You're invited to enjoy THE SECRET IS OUT Blog Tour. Travel with me from site to site and meet some great new people! If you have a website or blog and would like me to visit your site, I still have a few days open for the tour. Let me know!

Here's where I'll be each day in June:

June 1. Becky Miller
June 2. Tiff Amber Miller
June 3. Valery Sykes
June 4. Janet W. Butler
June 5. Camy Tang
June 6. Mary Griffith
June 7. Sharon Hinck
June 8. Lisa Harris
June 9. Julie Carobini
June 10. Tricia Goyer
June 12. Violet Nesdoly
June 13. Jamie Driggers
June 14-15. Ruth Anderson
June 15-30 Amy Wallace
June 16. Melanie Dobson
June 17. Donna Fleisher
June 20. Mary DeMuth
June 22. Karen Hancock
June. 26 April Choate
August 30 Maryann Diorio

A Day at Home

Wow! It's been a fun first week of my whirlwind blog tour. I've bared my soul and answered some tough questions, I've giggled with old friends, and met some great new people.

When I planned the blog tour, I decided to schedule a pit stop back home since it's my birthday and anniversary week.

The last months have been so interesting and full of change, that I'm feeling very grateful, and not quite as wistful as I sometimes do this time of year. Still, I always indulge in a little existential angst during the days around my birthday. Am I making the most of my life? Do I bring a smile of pleasure to my Heavenly Father? Am I available? Authentic?

I received a great email this week from someone asking those same sorts of questions about her parenting skills. She said something very wise. "I used to ask God to fill in the gaps in my parenting. Now I realize He does it ALL, and I'm blessed to get to be a part of how He works."

I'm feeling that way about my life. I used to ask God to bless my plans and dreams and goals. I asked Him to fill in the spaces I might miss. Now I ask Him each day what His plan and dream and goal is for the day where He might want me.

Shall we do that together? Join me, if you like.

Dear Lord,
I stop. I hold still. I wait for your Word to me. I'm here in the vineyard, ready for another day. What would you like me to do today? Thank you for your love that is as constant as the air I breathe. Thank you for your amazing creativity at bringing glory from ashes . . . especially the ashes of my failures. Help me walk with a light tread today, listening for your change of course at any time. Whether you ask me to prune, to weed, or to harvest. Whether you call me to a crowded row of laborers or to a solitary corner of the vineyard. I am here to serve you with joy in my heart . . . and gratitude for the gift of another day of life. Amen.