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.

THE SECRET IS OUT - Blog Tour

To celebrate the release of my first novel, I'm touring the world (including South Africa, 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’s Home Blog
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 16. Melanie Dobson
June 17. Donna Fleisher
June 20. Mary DeMuth
June 22. Karen Hancock
June 25. Lena Nelson Dooley
June. 26 April Choate

Learning the Lessons of Becky Miller

Lately, I've found myself feeling overwhelmed with a zillion details relating to my writing life. I've grown frustrated with myself because I don't have enough energy, skill, or hours in the day for everything I could/should be doing as an author, wife, mom, church member, friend, neighbor, daughter.

This morning as I prayed and whined to God again about how little He has to work with in me (and why not make me smarter, faster, stronger--bionic?), I realized it was time for me to face some facts.

I AM a flawed, human, broken, limited person.

Ignoring that fact leads me to run faster and harder and spin my wheels in a frenzy of efforts that make me less available to love those around me.

That's when it hit me. That was very much the struggle Becky Miller faced in The Secret Life of Becky Miller. She felt that as a Christian (with God's strength at her beck and call) she should be able to perform at a superhuman level. She demanded it of herself.

Yet when God calls us to rely on His strength, He's not inviting us to take His place. To try to BE God. He's promising the resources we need as His little children doing our humble, clumsy best for Him. Big difference!

It's a little embarrassing that I can write a whole book about a character trying to be Supermom (developed from my own warped overachieving of the past) and still continue to be clueless today about ways I'm slipping into that. I want to wear a "Superwriter" cape. But the truth is, the only SUPER One is God.

Lord, today we take off the mantle of "savior of the world and manager of the universe" and offer it back to you with repentent hearts. We are your children and that is enough. Guide us in each small way of service today, and let that service come from a heart of love. When we stumble and even when we fail, let us rejoice that your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Amen!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Fantasy Novels by Christian Authors

This week, several fans of Christian fantasy are highlighting the genre on our blogs.
I've added a link to Tim Frankovich's "Focus on Fantasy" page. He has reviewed several of the major CBA novels to come out in recent years.

My love affair with fantasy began in my early reading years. In high school I stumbled across Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength, all by C.S. Lewis. The power and beauty of these sci-fi novels showed me that Christian writers can use a variety of genres to tell stories that reflect the passion of their spiritual journey. Perelandra remains one of my favorite novels of all time, and did more to help me understand the issues of temptation, free will, the fall, and redemption that some of my college theology classes.

Because I read Stephen Donaldson, Anne McCaffrey, and other prolific fantasy authors, I was delighted to discover Stephen Lawhead. And of course, in college I immersed in Lord of the Rings (appropriately right before a rigorous back-packing trip...gave me true appreciation for all the hiking and slogging the poor fellowship endured).


Recently, Karen Hancock's Legends of the Guardian King series has made me sigh with joy with the sheer pleasure of getting lost in a different world and following epic journeys that inspire me when my own life feels overwhelming.

Ted Dekker's Black, Red, and White series has described another fantasy world that helps inform our understanding of the battle between good and evil.

If fiction is sometimes better able to convey truth than non-fiction (which I believe is true)...then fantasy fiction is especially powerful in conveying underlying truths--especially in themes of courage, quest, temptation, sacrifice, and hope against all odds.

Take a peek at Tim's site, and the Edenstar website this week. If you've never dipped into a fantasy before, I encourage you to try it. Fantasy is not just for geeky high school boys. I'm a soccer mom. Not the typical demographic. But my life and faith have been enriched by fantasy novels.

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck

Playing "Let's Pretend"

Jo in Little Women, Anne of Green Gables fame, Nellie Bly. In childhood, when I read about characters who were writers, my heart beat with a sense of recognition. Telling stories, searching for the perfect word, noticing life from unusual angles--it's all part of the writing journey that fits me like an old tweed jacket with elbow patches.



But doing my first book signing for The Secret Life of Becky Miller challenged my brain. Part of me still feels like I'm playing "Let's Pretend to be a Writer." So I dressed up, arrived, and saw the huge sign with my picture and book cover in Barnes and Noble.

How did it feel?

Surreal! When would the store manager call security to chase the imposter away from the author table? When would a customer crack open a book and say, "Ah, ha! The pages are blank!"?

Once I realized that wasn't happening, I had a blast. I loved chatting, handing out little freebies, and thanking people in person for taking a chance on purchasing a book from a new author. I felt incredible gratitude for this opportunity. There are MANY gifted writers who haven't yet found a publisher. I know. I've read manuscripts far better than my books. I recognize that having a book in print is a rare and precious gift. So I appreciated every moment. These photos show me with author Allison Bottke who was also signing her debut novel, and my friend Becky McClain who gracious dressed up as BECKY MILLER to add some fun to the event.

Even better were emails I received the next day. "I started reading your book and couldn't put it down. You describe feelings I didn't know how to put into words."

What an amazing example of God's grace. He can stir a dream, provide support and open doors, and create something that can be a blessing to others--all out of our very ordinary, flawed lives.

Because of Him, we don't have to play "Let's Pretend." We are truly loved, cherished, and called to a purpose.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

You're Invited!

Saturday, May 13th, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Burnsville, Minnesota, Barnes and Noble store, Allison Bottke and I will be signing our debut novels. If you live in the Twin Cities area, please stop in to say hello! I'm excited that a general market book store is willing to have two writers who deal with Christian themes in their books come in for a signing.

If you can't make it, call your local bookstore and ask if they've gotten their copies in yet. :-)
The Secret Life of Becky Miller should be arriving to your area soon.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

The Birth of a Book

Today I got a call from my dear editor. "Sharon, I'm holding your book in my hands. Do you want to come over and get a copy?"

Did I?

I raced the few miles over to Bethany House, hoping any police who might catch me speeding would understand that I was giving birth . . . to my first novel.

And there it was at the reception desk, waiting for me. Shiny, beautiful, REAL.

I fingered the raised letters, touched the glossy cover with awe, breathed in the sent of paper and ink . . .

And felt deep gratitude. It was only a few years ago that I was asking God WHY He had called me to write and IF anyone would ever read my stories besides a handful of family and friends. I would wander the book aisles in Target, Barnes and Noble, and our local Christian bookstore, and get weepy because of the longing God had planted in my heart--not a longing I had stirred up on my own . . . but one HE kindled--to one day see my book on those shelves.

Each step has been a miracle of God's patience, guidance, and provision. God says that He remembers we are dust. Well, I've felt very "dusty" during the past few years. I won't bore you with the details of just how frail, weary, and wobbly I often feel--or the weaknesses of mind and body and circumstance that have made this journey extra challenging. But I have to acknowledge them because it shows what a remarkable God we serve. The God who multiplies fishes and loaves, who celebrates a widow's mite, who uses spit and mud to bring sight can bring good things where they are not deserved and don't even seem possible.

Thank you, Lord, for loving us and designing myriad artistic ways to express that love. Thank you for the written word and for the gift of stories. Thank you that you planted a tale in my mind and helped me wrestle the sentences into order. I pray that my little story will give you pleasure and bring encouragement to others. Amen.

In Him,
Sharon Hinck

Having a Mary Heart . . .

...In a Martha World.

While I was at Mount Hermon Writer's Conference, I had the joy of meeting Joanna Weaver, author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.





My women's small group had just begun using this book for our weekly Bible study, and I recommend it to EVERYONE. In many ways, it shares the themes of The Secret Life of Becky Miller, but from a non-fiction direction.

I feel especially blessed to be studying Joanna's book at this time in my life. As I prepare for my first book to launch, and have three others in the pipeline, I've never been more tempted to be a "Martha" and become "worried and upset by many things." Anxiety threatens to steal my joy. Fear tempts me to doubt God's sufficiency.

As I prayed about how overwhelmed I'm feeling, I realized I'm like a child receiving a big, shiny, new bicycle. It's everything I've ever longed for. I'm thrilled. But it's bigger than I realized and doesn't have training wheels. How comforting that I can ask my Father to hold the bike for me as He teaches me how to ride.

Whatever new challenges you face this week, I pray you feel the secure hands of our God holding your handlebars and guiding you, and that you enjoy the excitement of wind in your face.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Seeing a Book Being Published

Today I had the giddy pleasure of getting a tour of Bethany Press and WATCHING while my book's cover was printed. My Book Buddies will get the photo-tour (I took lots of pictures) so if you are interested, be sure to sign up to be a Book Buddy
But here are a few pictures. I'm standing by the place were 32-page bundles are assembled and glued to a cover. The second photo is of the cover proofsheet, with the various layers showing which part will be glossy and which will be matte, and which parts will be embossed. The final photo is one of a printer guy studying the colors on the test printing and the proof sheet for my cover. They were so kind to me, and gave me several test sheets to bring home. I told them all that they are doing a wonderful thing by creating books. I feel like I was in Santa's workshop for a day, or Keebler's cookie-tree. Clearly it's a place where magic happens. :-)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

My First Review

Writing a novel was fun. Having a publishing house decide to publish it was fun. But the realization that people would soon be reading my book hit me like a John McEnroe serve between the eyes.

So I'm HUGELY relieved and very grateful to have passed the milestone of my first review.

I've had authors who are also friends write kind things about my book, but this is someone I've never met who recieved my Advanced Reader Copy that goes out to reviewers. So I'm counting this as my first OFFICIAL review. :-)

You can read the post at

NOVEL REVIEW

I don't want to give away too much,
but here's a clue.

I'm Snoopy-dancing around my office.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House Publishing, 2006)

A Bald Eagle

There are times I feel a hunger deep in my gut. Not for pizza or a salad, but for better words. For the ability to string those words together with more power.

This week my daughter and I saw something on the ice-covered pond behind our house. We live in the city, but are blessed to back up against some wetlands, so we often enjoy spotting critters. Bunnies galore, muskrats, Canadian geese, mallards, turtles, an occasional heron that takes my breath away, and snowy egrets. They all inspire me as a writer - to invent metaphors for their beauty, or their unique ways of moving, or their noisiness.

But this time we saw a Bald Eagle tearing up his dinner out on the ice.

In Alaska I once saw a dozen Bald Eagles circling overhead. But this was my own, fairly urban backyard!

My chest ached with the knowledge that my use of words wasn't skilled enough to describe the experience.

I'm humbled to realize how far I still have to go in my writing skills. I often flounder to string together sentences that are adequate to share an insight, a moment, a tiny truth or experience. I'm also excited, because I know that for the rest of my life, I'll have fun trying.

Blessings,

Sharon

--Sharon's debut novel, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, is available to order now, and will hit stores the end of May.

End Cap Musings

Today's photo shows a book store end cap display.
It's a cardboard shelf unit that a bookstore has the option to buy. It sits at the end of an aisle and showcases special books.

The idea of an end cap has triggered some interesting emotions for me.

First of all, I'm thrilled. Thrilled that the publishing house cares enough about my book to include me with three other terrific authors. Grateful that they are making this investment . . . along with all the rest of the financial risk they are taking by publishing a brand new author.

Second, I'm scared. Will my book do what it's supposed to? Will Bethany House Publishing House's trust in me be justified?

Third, I feel oddly like a can of soup. You know those displays at the end of grocery store aisles? When I wasn't a published novelist, I could think of writing as pure art. But as an author being paid for her work, the book becomes a commodity. That's not an evil thing. If the publishing house doesn't make money, they can't afford their building, their staff, all the myriad expenses of creating books. But it's still taking some getting used to. Especially on days like today when I'm not sure I'll be able to crank out the next batch of soup.

I'm living in the place of tension between art and commerce. A book is a tangible item that can be sold - NEEDS to be sold in order to fulfill its purpose. But the creation of characters and stories is more ephemeral. More personal. More spiritual.

Maybe it's okay to be a can of soup. Soup can be comforting, nourishing, spicy, fragrant. I hope when people grab my book from the end cap this summer and read it, they'll think it's "Mmmm, Mmmm, Good."

By the way, if you didn't see it yet, Novel Journey interviewed me yesterday, and I shared openly about my writing neuroses. Feel free to check it out!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

My Zigzags at U-turns

This week, I'm guest-blogging at God Allows U-turns.
Please pop on over to visit!
I'll be sharing thoughts about how God can use the U-turns in our lives, and how He led me on the zigzag path toward becoming an novelist.
Hope to see you there!
You can post comments and questions here.
Blessings!
Sharon

Minnesota Spring

Greetings!
Just wanted to share the view from my front porch on this fine spring morning.
Looks like a great day for cocoa and some writing time.
Here's a big snow angel to you!
Love, Sharon

Ministry in the Midst of Motherhood

Today, I invite you to pop on over to the Faith Chicks blog to see my post about Untamed Words. While you're there, be sure to check out the great informal thoughts from a group of warm, wonderful, witty authors.

http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/faithchick/

Tomorrow, I'll be speaking to a Christian Mom's Fellowship on the topic, "Not so Desperate Housewives: Finding Ministry in the Midst of Motherhood." Preparing the talk has been a great reminder for me of Galatians 1:10. We serve not to win the approval of man, but of God.

Calvin Miller wrote that "We are trustees of our glorious individuality." (in his book, INTO THE DEPTHS OF GOD). I love both the challenge and the bliss of those words.

Frederick Buechner said, "Vocation is where your deep gladness meets the world's deepest need."

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 15:16, which promises that our lives and service can bear fruit...fruit that will last. My brain can't wrap around the concept of eternity, yet that is the "long view" that God takes. And He invites us to be part of that work. Because of Him, the little ways that we serve can have eternal fruit.

Even in the midst of Mommy Exhaustion (a very specific form of the "Tyranny of the Urgent") God invites us to join Him in finding ways to minister to the world with the gifts He's given us.

In my debut novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER, Becky wants to do Something Big for God, but misses the point that her small choices can make a difference in God's kingdom. Ministry isn't about running from service to spouse and children, or running in circles, or running ourselves ragged...but about being open to opportunities during all seasons of our life.

Lord, open our eyes to specific needs you call us to meet today - both inside and outside the home.

Collecting Shells

Last weekend I had the privilege of walking on a long, sunny beach. For this Minnesota girl, feeling sand between my toes in February was nothing short of miraculous. The sand was covered with thousands of shells and I couldn’t wait to start collecting—hunting for treasures and dodging foaming waves.

As I watched an endless progression of waves sweep in to deposit scallops and conchs, I realized that every day I walked on this beach there would be new possibilities. New colors or shapes or designs to discover. If I trudged with my head down determined to find one particular kind of shell, I could spend a wasted day and return feeling I’d failed. But if I waited to see what new blessings scattered onto the shore, something new and special would find me.

Lord, each day you bring me new treasures in all shapes and sizes. Give me patience to let the waves carry those blessings in. Give me openness to see the variety before me. Give me gratitude for your creativity and abounding goodness. Each day, let me collect your gifts of unexpected encounters, precious relationships, challenges to face, beauty to enjoy. And on those days where the beach of my life looks empty, let me enjoy the feeling of sand between my toes while I wait for the next wave. Amen.

Christian Fiction in the News

Last week, I had a great chat with Molly Millett from the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the growth and diversity of Christian fiction. Her article appeared in the Sunday paper, and you can read it at

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/living/13777287.htm

There’s a brief description of THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER, and a great quote from my editor, Charlene Patterson. Molly interviewed Carol Johnson (V.P. at Bethany House Publishing) and other Christian authors—particularly those writing chick-lit or mom-lit.

There is also a sidebar of recommended books, including BECKY MILLER, that you can view at

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/13805769.htm

Molly included this quote of mine from our interview: “So many women I know attend church and pray; faith is a normal, integral part of their lives. But in general fiction, it is often ignored or washed out of the story.”

I believe that within all good stories, there is an element of a faith journey. A character grows, changes, confronts challenges, and evaluates what really matters. In my books, I’m open with the ways that the God of the Bible intersects my characters’ lives. My hope is that this aspect of the story will not be didactic and preachy, but will convey the truthful struggles many of us face.

Want to hear more from the variety of Christians writing “lit”? Visit the Faithchicks Blog at

http://www.faithchick.com/

I post there on the first Tuesday of each month. But I enjoy reading the other posts even more. Be sure to look through the archives. Great thoughts from great ladies of faith.

Confessions of a self-absorbed writer

I want to be humble. Self-effacing. Casual about the fact that I have a novel coming out in June.

Instead, I find ways to work it into every conversation.

"That'll be $7.65 for the chips and pop, Ma'am."

"Here you go. And speaking of snacks, I need to snack a lot because I'm working on a new novel. I have a book coming out. . . "

Not only that, I've begun to obsessively check my standing on amazon.com. As soon as the book was posted I delighted in googling the title over and over.

Then I discovered the scary fact that I could see my book's ranking among all the books on amazon.com.

Mind you, the book is not available. It comes out in June, 2006. So there are no sales yet.

But I can't help it. I keep checking in on my ranking. I've crashed below one million other books by now.

You'd think the fact that there ARE a million other books listed on amazon would be enough to humble me. Instead I dream of when the book releases and people order it on amazon and I rocket up to 700,000 from the top.

Is there a "Top 700,000 List" for book sales?

Sometimes I just have to laugh at myself.

But self-absorption is no laughing matter. Self-importance is an ugly sin. It's my twisted tool to convince myself I'm valuable. . . instead of taking my value from the true place--from being a dearly loved child of God.

Lord, change my heart. Let me be absorbed in Your beauty and majesty and forget myself. Let me have Your love for others that values them above myself. Let me have the confidence that comes from knowing that I belong to You, so I don't have to measure my worth by my "To Do" list. Oh, and Lord . . . have I mentioned I have a book coming out? . . .

INTERVIEW: Mary DeMuth

Sharon: Today I have the privilege of welcoming prolific and skilled author, Mary DeMuth to my blog. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as I have!

Hi, Mary!

Thanks so much for dropping by my blog for a visit.

Your new book, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, addresses the challenges of setting a new course in parenting when there are issues you don’t want to emulate from your family of origin. You share poignantly about your own childhood. Neglect and abuse are tragic experiences to heal from. As you speak with other Christian parents, what are some of the other past childhood experiences that make it difficult to create the family they desire in the present?

Mary: Indifference is probably one of the hardest things to recover from. At least with raging parents, you know there is emotion, but with indifferent parents, a child has a hard time navigating that. Does my dad love me? Want me? Does my mom think I was a mistake? And then what usually flows out of that is a hyper sense of self-reliance. If I am going to make it through life, I will have to take care of myself. That’s a hard pattern to break because to parent differently, we need Jesus. We need His strength in our weakness, but if we’ve spent our entire lives being strong (in ourselves) it’s harder to rely on Jesus for our healing.


Sharon: Since you are living in France, you have a unique opportunity to experience a different cultural view of family. How do key values of parenting differ in France, or how are they similar to the U.S.?

Mary: They are very different. At my children’s school, I’ve been asked what I do. When I say I’ve written parenting books, a puzzled expression comes over them, and then I am asked, “Oh, so you must be a child psychologist.” When I told my dentist who was fluent in English about my parenting books, he said, “Parenting? I don’t know that word.” I’ve found there really isn’t an equivalent. The French don’t think that way. They raise their kids the best they know how, but would be reluctant to grab a book off the shelf about raising children.

Sharon: Completely off the parenting topic, I read in your book that you loved the song “One Tin Soldier” when you were young. So did I! I still burst into late 60s, early 70s songs at the slightest provocation. What are some of your other favorites? I sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” for hours alone in my room with my guitar. I also loved a song my 6th grade teacher taught me that started, “Tell me why you’re cryin’ my son…” and the chorus was “If you take my hand my son, all will be well when the day is done.” (Ah, we’re back to parenting) ☺

Mary: Well, I still have an old Young Life songbook in my possession. I hope I didn’t steal it! And in there is the famous “Cats in the Cradle” song, which does relate to parenting! So, there, I brought it back around!

Sharon: I particularly related to Chapter 14, “A Funny Thing Happened While Raising My Kids.” I also tend to be too serious, hyper-responsible, and have difficulty initiating and entering into FUN with the kids. What are some activities you’ve done with your children recently that have raised the fun level in your home?

Mary: We’ve been doing a more hands-on church with them in this transitional period. (We are church planters in France and our church is not yet up and running. We have our first preview service on Palm Sunday). So, we’ve been doing a more artistic approach. We’ve used www.soulpersuit.com where there are incredibly well-written bible studies that have an artistic element. So, we’ll study lament psalms, for instance, and then write our own lament and then create an art project around that. Right now we’re studying Esther, so we made Esther paper dolls. (You can see our creations on the soulpersuit site). It’s been incredibly fun. We’re also trying to keep a Sabbath on Sunday, so we do life-giving things together like take walks or create little art projects together or play games.

Sharon: Thanks for writing this tremendous book. It’s the book I wish I’d had years ago before I wore myself out with formula books and efforts to be a perfect parent!

Hey, everyone, you can find the book in your local stores, or at amazon.com. This is one you’ll want on your “books to keep forever” shelf.

Mary: Thanks so much for having me, Sharon! I’m so glad the book blessed you!

The Power of Story

Last night I heard author Noel Piper speak. I'm reading her latest book, FAITHFUL WOMEN AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY GOD, a collection of biographies.

One of Mrs. Piper's comments was a special blessing to me. She said that people are able to see truths in the lives of other people much more readily than they can see it in themselves. She has found that while reading biographies, she notices things about choices, motives, character, mistakes--and after seeing these in the life of the book's subject, is able to recognize similar issues in her own life.

I realized that is the same reason I love fiction. While I watch a character miss the boat, cause unneccessary pain, suffer from unwise choices, my defenses lower and I'm willing to acknowledge similar problems in my own life. When the character makes a tough decision in the right direction, dares to change, confronts a problem, my heart swells with belief that our choices can make a difference and the daily battles of life are worth the fight.

Some days when I trudge to my computer screen for yet another round of revisions I wonder about the value of my work.
All this word-wrestling. Is there a reason for it? Will it matter to anyone?

Then I remember how other author's stories have brought truth and insight to my life, and I'm excited by the challenge of writing with enough skill to let the reader experience something new, yet recognize the familiar.