Oodles of Free Books!

My publisher, Enclave, is sponsoring giveaways of many of their books. Enclave specializes in the best Christian speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, etc.) and carries a huge variety.

And The Restorer-Expanded Edition in paperback is one of the books you can enter to win!

So stop by and see which books interest you, then follow the link to enter to win! Hurry, because some expire by tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

Sharon

Reflected Light

My room is bathed in light because of sun reflecting off the snow outside. I need that light today. Reminds me that God's love and grace can rebound off even the sad and cold parts of life that blanket the landscape.


(P.S. - the photo isn't today's snow, but from a years-ago trip to Lake Superior in winter)

Wrestling the Bear

Some days finding the right words is wrestling with a bear.

A cranky grizzly with sharp claws and rotten-salmon breath.

Monday Morning Dread

Anyone ever feel it? It begins with Sunday night insomnia...mind churning over all the tasks ahead in the coming week, wishing the weekend could last a few more hours.

Then the new week dawns, but the thought of resuming work feels daunting. I can tell I had a terrific weekend, because this morning I woke with no Monday Morning Dread.

I felt refreshed, eager to tackle the work on my desk. As I pondered why this Monday morning felt better, I identified a few aspects to my weekend that contributed.

1. I (mostly) stayed away from my normal work. I didn't think about revisions, didn't make plans for my next book release, didn't write.

 2. I had fun. We rented a few movies, indulged in take-out food, laughed a lot.

3. I spent time outside.

4. I accomplished work - but not my weekday work. We washed some windows, got more of the garden put to bed, little domestic not-inside-my brain type work.

5. I worshiped my socks off on Sunday morning. I love those special times of communion with Jesus and with others who love Him.

All together, the weekend gave me a fresh perspective and new energy for the week.

 How about you? What helps you prevent Monday Morning Dread?

Publisher Updates

The publisher of my Sword of Lyric series, (expanded editions), Marcher Lord Press, was recently sold and renamed. The new publisher, Enclave Publishing, has just announced their fall 2014 releases.

They are offering readers a chance to "crowd fund" the print run of the books, and get discounts on the books... in effect, a great discount and special deals for pre-ordering. You can chose e-books or paperback.

Feel free to spread the word, and check out all these great new stories by top Christian fantasy and science fiction authors.

And watch for more info from me about the 2015 release of a fourth Sword of Lyric book.
Yes, I finally finished the last chapter and am working hard at polishing and refining. I'm so excited for readers to find out what adventures Linette and Kieran are having in Hazor, and whether Mark and Susan ever get to see Jake again. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Several years ago, I was tossing around ideas for a novel about a woman longing to be "more" than she believed she was. I remembered a short story by James Thurber: "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Perhaps we studied it in high school, or even earlier. (Thank you to all my wonderful English teachers over the years!)

The very brief story clearly made an impact, because after so many years, I still remembered the image of a hen-pecked husband escaping into adventurous daydreams.  That concept inspired The Secret Life of Becky Miller, my first published novel.


Becky loses herself in grandiose daydreams, but finds herself in the trials of her real life. She grapples with spiritual questions, laughs and cries with her quirky friends, and pours her heart into her family.

I was delighted to hear that a new movie inspired by "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" has been released. I haven't seen it yet (I'm a "wait for Redbox" sort), but have heard good things.

Hearing about the movie's release also reminded me that I'd been procrastinating about getting my Becky Miller novels available as e-books.

I'll be officially launching the e-book versions soon, but you can get a sneak peek of the first book now.
 


Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller on Kindle here.

Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller on Nook here.

I love that Becky dreams big. But I also love that she finds her real life--loved by God, and able to share that love with others--is a grander adventure than any that her imagination can create.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck