CSFF Blog Tour - Double Vision

Greetings, blog readers!

The photo shows Randy Ingermanson (on the right) signing some of his books at Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference with co-author John Olson.

Each month that I participate in the CSFF blog tour, I try to think of a unique slant to bring to my post. I was delighted to see that Randy Ingermanson and Double Vision were to be featured this month.

You see, Randy was a key part of my writing journey.

Several years ago, when I began writing The Restorer, I was discouraged by chatter on writer’s loops. One woman told me emphatically that a new author can’t break in with fiction – (that was before I found the ACFW loop! LOL!) and that I should create a nonfiction speaking platform before trying to publish a nonfiction book (that’s what worked for her). Others said that really stellar fiction by a new author MIGHT find some interest, but certainly not if it’s speculative fiction - I should write a historical romance instead.

Bill, a member of my local writer’s group, had recommended some great spec-fic titles for me to read, including Transgression and Oxygen. When I shared at writer’s group about the input I had heard about the futility of the book I was writing, Bill said, “You know, I’ve exchanged some emails with the author, Randy Ingermanson. He seems very approachable and helpful. Maybe you could email and ask him about this.”

It took me a while to get up the nerve, and in the meantime, I finished writing my novel and found Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference and made plans to attend.

Somewhere in there, I finally sent a rather shy, stammering email to Dr. Ingermanson.

I’ll never forget the power of his email response. He addressed what I’d been told about needing to do nonfiction with an emphatic, “no.” He assured me that it might take time and effort, but if I was called to write fiction, I should write fiction. He gave me terrific advice, and since he was on the faculty of Mt. Hermon, his encouragement was what helped me take the huge risk of bringing my proposal and submitting it. I think without his coaxing and direction, I would have chickened out on showing anyone my work.

He didn’t stop there. At the conference (where I knew absolutely NO ONE) he took time to introduce me to people, and each time he saw me he’d ask how things were going. He celebrated with me when an agent offered to represent me (fighting back his laughter when I asked, “don’t they just say that to everyone?” Um… no.) He interpreted a culture and language of CBA publishing that I was clueless about how to navigate.

He offered to read my first draft of the Restorer – and coached me to dig out my copy of Dwight Swain, clean up my MRUs (Motivation/Reaction Units), and analyze the scene/sequel flow of the story.

A few years later when I got my first contract offer, he emailed his congratulations, but added, “Don’t be surprised if in a few days you suddenly feel panic. Feel free to call if you need to talk it through.” What wisdom! He was absolutely right. My normal writer angst escalated to crazy levels as I thought about the road ahead.

I’m about to head to my fifth Mt. Hermon writer’s conference. Four years have passed since I met Randy at my first conference with my sweaty palms gripping that first manuscript, and I continue to be grateful for the support he offered at a crucial time in my writing journey.

What does this have to do with his awesome novel, Double Vision?

1. Randy has found a great way to mentor LOTS of writers at once. He produces a monthly ezine for writers – visit his website for details.

2. If you’re a writer and want to pick up some “Randy wisdom,” Double Vision is a great novel to read. First time through for the pleasure of it. Second time through to analyze the deft way he creates a character, sets a pace, and pulls us into the story world.

I’ve read every one of Randy’s novels and admired them all. Double Vision is one of my favorites. Every person who struggles to figure out the rules for “living like a normal person” while feeling like the normal world is a strange planet, will deeply engage with his character, Dillon. Other Christian Sci-fi Fantasy bloggers will be giving great reviews and descriptions about the book, so be sure to check those out for more details about the book (see the column on the right side of my blog for links).

Randy, thanks for your contribution to the world of Christian fiction – both through your novels and your generous support to new writers!

Last Photos from the North Woods

Monday: Tried a spur trail and part of the Superior Hiking trail, but the snow was deep and not very packed. We’d opted to go without snowshoes and used ski-poles as walking sticks. But every third or fourth step, we’d sink in to our thighs. It wasn’t long before we decided a sauna at the lodge was a better idea.

I’ve decided there is some kind of genetic coding that makes me feel at home along the Northwoods lakeshore. My dad and his ancestors were from the Baltic Sea coast. I’m not surprised so many Scandinavians settled here in Minnesota – or in my family’s case – Latvian/Russian/Germans. Forests of birch and pine, snow, wide dark waters, sunlight in a searing blue sky, woodsmoke rising from the fireplace . . . and yes, even the pickled herring for breakfast made me feel a sense of belonging.

Tuesday: Hiked a section of the Superior Hiking trail. Snowpacked footpaths through birches led us into complete solitude. We spotted a bald eagle (see second photo - the eagle is peeking out) and watched it take to its nest. Near a half-frozen waterfall, we found a box where other hikers signed in with brief messages in a notebook. We read a few entries and discovered one signed by Becky Miller! That’s right, my dear character had hiked this same trail only a few weeks earlier. And people wonder why my characters feel so real to me. :-)



Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

More from the North Shore

Sunday: Watched the sunrise over Lake Superior, then drove randomly through town until we found a church with services beginning in five minutes. We slipped in the door and found a pew, relaxing into the contemporary worship. All over the world, the body of Christ brings Him worship – sometimes floundering, sometimes awkward, sometimes slightly out of tune. And because God sees us as the pure, redeemed Bride, He takes joy in that worship and finds it beautiful. I felt God’s tender joy over that small gathering. The children who galloped forward for the children’s sermon, the list of events hosted by the church that week –I was delighted to see two different book groups and a writer’s group, along with Bible studies, support groups, mission guilds—the prayers of the church joining with brothers and sisters around the globe.

As we drove north, we stopped to admire ice floes along a stretch of shoreline. Foot-thick chucks of ice were tossed into huge piles by waves and wind, and in the sunlight, glowed with blue light.

More photos tomorrow! Aren't vacations awesome?
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Sunny Beach - Minnesota style

Notes from our getaway.

Last Saturday:

I confess. After five months of winter, I was coveting my friend Julie (author of Chocolate Beach) and her California beach life.

But who says Minnesota doesn’t have sandy beaches? Ted and I took a long hike along the shore of Lake Superior. If we squinted and looked only in certain spots, we could ignore the snowdrifts and ice floes and enjoy the sun and sand. (No, those aren't frothy waves, or foam - it's ice and snow).

At sunset, we sat and watched long blue shadows stretch out over the ice, as they crept out to find the open water far beyond the horizon. Someone put a dimmer switch on the sky, and it faded slowly through a range of pinks and dove-grays.

Nevermind that we were bundled in polar fleece and scarves and mittens - the expanse of shoreline and water spoke to my heart and reminded me of peace. More tomorrow (including amazing ice-floe photos!)

Blessings!
Sharon

God as my Restorer

God as my Restorer

While on a long weekend getaway, I was catching up on my homework for a Bible study at church and came to Deuteronomy chapter 30. I had just told my husband that I feel like I’ve lost part of who God made me to be. I’ve been exhausted, confused, unfocused – some of the passion for Him that has always burned hot inside me has felt fragmented, like a campfire kicked and scattered. In that place of need, I read Deuteronomy 30:1-3.

“When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come upon you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will RESTORE your fortunes, and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.”

To read about God gathering His nation Israel after they have been scattered, helped me believe He could gather the stray pieces of me from all the places I’ve dispersed them. And because I’m preparing for the release of the novel that is so dear to my heart, “The Restorer,” I sat up and gasped when I came across the word “restore,” in my reading for the day.

Then, in that wonderful way that God often reinforces something He’s speaking to my heart, the next day Ted and I read Psalm 71 as our sunrise prayer. We read a psalm for the calendar date (Psalm one on the first of the month, etc.) and this was our third month of the cycle (add 60 days to the date) and the 11th day in . . . so Psalm 71 was our scheduled Psalm.

Psalm 71:19-21
“Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will RESTORE my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.”

Can I get an Amen?

In the next few days, I’ll blog some of the photos from our weekend getaway, including ice floes and a bald eagle’s nest. In the meantime, I pray that whatever wounds you carry today, that God will RESTORE your soul and lead you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23 is another great scripture on the theme of God as our Restorer.)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Hijacked Thoughts

The book of Corinthians tells us to take every thought captive.
But some days...








Hijacked Thoughts

Today my thoughts are teenagers
sneaking out after curfew
tasting new drinks
bitter yet intoxicating.

My worries crowd into a car
where loud voices overlap
The driver is a stranger
who weaves across the lanes.

My mind has been hijacked
and rides into dangerous alleys.

Lord, pull me from this car.

Take my hand and walk with me
to streets where children's swing sets
rest in the moonlight
while Bach pours from open windows.

Rescue me from myself.
Sit beside me near the sandbox.

So when the sun comes up tomorrow, I can play again.

Chat with Julie Carobini

I met Julie at Mt. Hermon writer's conference last year, and she is as sweet as the chocolate brownies she writes about so vividly. So I'm delighted to chat with her today about her debut novel.

(That's Julie and her mom in the photo on their visits to California bookstores - where they spotted a display of Renovating Becky Miller with Chocolate Beach - our two new novels.)

Hi, Julie!
Thanks for visiting my corner of the blogosphere and letting me kick off my snow boots and dig my toes into the sandy beaches of your world. ☺You’ve done a lot of writing, but this is your debut novel. What has been the most surprising discovery about the process and experience of coming out with your first novel?


Julie says: Hi Sharon! Okay, one of the most surprising discoveries about this process is that I could finish an entire book. LOL! Seriously, about 2/3 of the way through I found so many pieces strewn about that I worried I wouldn’t be able to bind them together into something presentable. Thanks to God I did ☺ As far as its release, I thought it would come out and I’d be too busy writing the next one to be that involved. What planet was I on? So I guess you could say I was surprised by how busy I’ve been letting people know that my baby has arrived.

How about you Sharon? With a second book out (Renovating Becky Miller), what have you done differently, if anything, from the first go at it?

Sharon says: I’ve watched other authors a LOT this year – viewing all the options for ways that writers are involved in their book’s releases. I have friends who want to put every ounce of energy into writing, so they purposefully don’t pursue book signings, visiting stores, arranging interviews, etc. I have other friends who invest huge amounts of time in speaking to various groups, traveling, seeking media exposure. I’ve tested the waters – organized book launch events, participated in multi-author signings, spoken to groups of various sizes and types, participated in blog tours, produce a monthly ezine (folks can sign up for it on the “contact Sharon” page of my website) and have done numerous media interviews.

I enjoy people. I love to answer questions and interact and chat about the themes of the books. I like knowing that I’m doing my part to support my publishing house in getting the word out. But on the other hand, those efforts DO drain my energy sometimes. So, I’m still grappling with finding the right balance and protecting my writing time and energy. Ultimately, I feel like my calling is to produce the best, carefully crafted stories I can. So if speaking, traveling, interviewing, etc., keeps me from that, then I’m heading the wrong direction.

Now, let me ask you about your wonderful character. I enjoyed getting to know Bri, because she felt like a different end of the spectrum from Becky Miller. Becky is incredibly driven and guilt-ridden. Bri may struggle with guilt or worry about her marriage, her parenting, her faith walk…BUT she has a deep ability to kick back and enjoy beach time. I think Becky needs to spend some time in flip-flops watching the dolphins with Bri. Do you have Bri’s carefree sensibilities? What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of her approach to life?


Julie says: I want to have Bri’s carefree sensibilities! When people began to suggest that this book was autobiographical, my 12 year old daughter said, “That’s not true, Mom! It says that Bri’s ‘laid-back’.” LOL Thanks kid! Bri’s strength is in her deep love for her family, and her desire to have a normal life, and yes, her pursuit of everyday kick-back moments. Her weakness, though, is in avoidance. She avoids what may be the truth, makes assumptions and ends up making questionable fixes. (Oh my.)

Becky Miller has a bit of a fixing problem herself, doesn’t she Sharon? ☺ Can you relate (I know I can)? On the flipside, what strengths really shine in Becky?


Sharon says: Oh, yeah. As I read about Bri hiring a designer to re-do her beach-side home, I thought of Becky’s efforts to remodel an old farm house….all while trying to fix problems at her church, with her friends, and most of all in the lives of her family. Men have the reputation of liking to solve and fix things – but we women are right in there, too. Yep, I relate to both our characters’ efforts to make things better—which sometimes goes cattywhampus.

As far as Becky’s strengths, she has a deep faith, a good-hearted desire to help others, and a lively imagination. And although she may charge ahead in the wrong direction sometimes, when God gets her attention, she’s willing to listen and change course.

Now, to change the subject, I have to comment on your awesome characterizations. I stuck a post-it in Chocolate Beach as I was reading this line:

“His mother shook my hand—or rather, she shook my fingertips. For someone with the reputation of a cutthroat, Mona’s handshake lacked finality. Maybe the weight of her diamond-studded tennis bracelet weighed her arm down.”

I adored that. A couple lines and we learn SO much.

Did you always love to write? And what are a few of your favorite recent reads?

For Julie's answer - and the rest of our conversation - click to her blog to continue! :-)

Are You the Next Restorer?

Four and a half years ago, I envisioned a middle-American mom (much like myself) plunged into the classic fish-out-of-water fantasy epic. This story premise has been done a million ways--but usually with a young male hero.

Could a female character take this "hero's journey?" I know the lives of my women friends - and they are the stuff of epic heroism. I was also inspired by the Biblical example of Deborah in the book of Judges. I believed that there was room for a different take on the genre.

What if Susan, a modern wife and mom of four, (whose biggest battle was arbitrating which of her kids got the biggest French fry) was pulled into a world waiting for a promised Restorer to save their people? And what if she had the signs they watched for? Her relationship skills, her experiences as a wife and mother, and most of all her deep and persistent faith - all brought a new color to the adventure palette.

This story grabbed me and wouldn't let go, and in fact, I wrote two more novels in the series - because I loved the characters so much.

The journey of this book coming to publication is its own adventure story of obstacles, battles, and allies...and most of all of the unfailing faithfulness of God.

At last, I'm delighted to announce that The Restorer is available to pre-order.
:-) Just click on this link:


Pre-order "The Restorer"


You'll be among the first to receive the book as it releases in May.
Come join the adventure!

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

Around the World Blog Tour - February

I'm hitting the road for a Virtual Reality Around-the-World Blog Tour!
All of February, I’m visiting wonderful assorted blogs as part of my celebration for the release of RENOVATING BECKY MILLER. Secrets will be revealed, goofy conversations will be posted, reviews shared, questions answered, and at some sites, free books will be given away! So come join the fun and travel along. My itinerary is posted below:

February 1, 2007 Rebecca Luella Miller
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com
And a Spotlight Interview with Jill Eileen Smith
http://www.jilleileensmith.com/spotlight.asp
February 2, 2007 Gina Conroy
http://www.ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress
February 3, 2007 Heather Ivester
http://www.mom2momconnection.com
February 4, 2007 Cyndy Salzmann
http://www.cyndysalzmann.com/Friends.html
February 5, 2007 Brenda Decher
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dechertimes2
February 6, 2007 Amy Wallace
http://peek-a-booicu.blogspot.com/
February 7, 2007 Tiff Miller
http://www.ambermiller.com/
February 8, 2007 Camy Tang
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
February 9, 2007 Meredith Efken
http://www.meredithefken.com/blog
February 10, 2007 Cara Putnam
http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
February 11, 2007 Tricia Goyer
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com
February 12, 2007 Robin Miller
http://robinswritingworld.blogspot.com/
February 13, 2007 Cheryl Wyatt
http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
February 14, 2007 Novel Journey
http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com/
February 15, 2007 Mary DeMuth
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com
February 16, 2007 Jennifer Tiszai
http://www.JenniferTiszai.blogspot.com
February 17, 2007 Margaret Daley
http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
February 18, 2007 Pamela James
http://pammer.blogspot.com/
February 19, 2007 Alison Strobel
http://blog.alisonstrobel.com
February 20, 2007 Tasra Dawson
http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com
February 21, 2007 Danica Favorite
http://danicafavorite.blogspot.com/
February 22, 2007 Deborah Khuanghlawn
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com
February 23, 2007 Niki Nowell
http://www.nikinowell.blogspot.com
February 24, 2007 Dan Case
http://www.dancaseblog.com/
February 25, 2007 Katrina
http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/
February 26, 2007 Melanie Dobson
http://melaniedobson.blogspot.com
February 27, 2007 Valerie Comer
http://invalslittleworld.blogspot.com
February 27, 2007 Dee Stewart
http://christianfiction.blogspot.com
February 28, 2007 Narelle Mollet
http://www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com
March 5, 2007 Julie Carobini
http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/

Special thanks to Heather Diane Tipton who was my "travel agent" for this tour, and scheduled each stop!




Plus - don't miss these early reviews of RENOVATING BECKY MILLER

ACFW - by Rebecca Miller
Christian Fiction Review
ck2skwipsandkritiques
Christian Books for Women
Deena's Books

And the Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who left comments for my interview with Jeff Gerke, creator of WhereTheMapEnds website. As promised, I drew a name from all who posted, and the winner of Jeff's character-creation system is:

Jill Nelson!

Congratulations!

Where The Map Ends - Blog Tour

Today I'm interrupting my Around the World Virtual Book Tour (for Renovating Becky Miller) and am delighted to share a recent interview with Jeff Gerke about his website, WhereTheMapEnds, and his thoughts about the fantasy genre for Christian authors. After you read Jeff's thoughts, feel free to explore other CSFF Blog Tour sites listed in the far right column. You can also scroll down to my earlier post to see the places I've been visiting all month on my current book tour.

Sharon: Hi, Jeff!
Welcome to my blog.
I've told many people about your heroic work in championing The Restorer. You talked me into telling you about it, when I was starting to feel that fantasy was considered an ugly stepchild in the Christian publishing family. I know you've written and edited other genres, but why do you have a special soft spot for fantasy, and why do you believe it can be a particularly powerful way to tell our stories of faith?

Jeff: First, I should say that I'm not sure you were wrong that fantasy is sometimes considered the ugly stepchild in Christian publishing. All the speculative genres, really, might fall into that category. I've recently done a series on this very topic in my Fiction Writing Tip of the Week column (see Tips 16-18 ) Tip #18 mentions even mentions you and The Restorer.

Sharon: Cool! Let me interrupt to say that I've been following your tips as you've posted them and they are awesome. I had the blessing of getting editorial input from you on the Restorer, and I think it's wonderful that you are making your insights available to EVERYONE on your site,WhereTheMapEnds.

Now, on with your answers:

Jeff: As I said in the interview on CSFF Blog Tour ,

I think epic fantasy may be the perfect storytelling vehicle for dialoguing about Christianity in fiction.

In fantasy you're talking about the battle between Good and Evil, so you're already in the theologian's backyard. In fantasy you often have supernatural beings or events imposing themselves into the natural world. Funny, that kind of sounds like Christianity, too.

For whatever reason, fantasy just feels like the ideal lab bench for exploring ultimate issues like truth, love, loyalty, corruption, and heroism. Fantasy feels like a parable (another staple of Christian thought), a means of removing a topic out of the "real" world to isolate it and examine it in the light.

Sharon: Exactly! Fantasy isn't about what is "unreal" so much as looking at reality and truth from different angles or in unusual settings - to get even deeper insights.

You helped my "I can die happy when this story is told" book go to print, but I know you've also got a very special writing project in the works. Tell us about it.

Jeff: The book of my heart, my magnum opus, is an epic fantasy geared for
non-Christians. My theory is that virtually all people would respond to the intrinsic qualities of Christianity if only it could be stripped of its trigger words and stained glass language. The goal of this novel--beyond just telling a ripping good tale--is to show Christianity in its purest form.

Sharon: You just said something key. You want your story to convey the truth of God's love and plan BUT you are also telling a "ripping good tale." Can you give us a few examples of favorite recent CSFF books that balance this well? Strong themes without being didactic? And don't forget to mention the books you midwifed at Strang. :-)


Jeff: I've had the great blessing of being able to bring some fabulous Christian
speculative fiction to publication--when I was part of the launch of Realms
at Strang Communications and then over the fiction line at NavPress.

Don't make me choose between my children, now. All four novels we launched
Realms with were fantastic in their own right. I do think one in particular
did a good job of specifically what you're asking about: strong Christian
themes without being didactic. The other three would be ones I would mention
in place of this one if the question had been different, but here goes.

I think "The Personifid Project" by R. E. Bartlett got closest to what
you're describing. This wonderful SF thriller is set in a future in which
technology has reached the point where you can transfer your consciousness
to an artificial body (a personifid) and thus live forever.

Just by that premise you're automatically grappling with issues of life,
eternity, playing God, free will, fear of death, and more--all territory in
which the Christian novelist is quite at home. Without having to hit anyone
over the head with Christianity, the issues are there, organic to the story.

The author's sequel, The Personifid Invsion, brings in spiritual warfare and
is also quite cool.

A novel I acquired at NavPress is another good example. Tosca Lee's
fantastic "Demon: A Memoir" is the tale of a book editor who is accosted by
a demon in human form. The demon proceeds to lead the editor on a
fascinating quest through just about every theological topic you could think
of--but through the eyes of a not-quite-trustworthy narrator.

If the reader accepts the premise--Dinner with a Perfect Demon, you might
say--then for 250 pages she's going to be grappling with spiritual issues.
And it's all quite natural and built into the story.

At the risk of sounding like I'm trying to get in good with the teacher, I'd
have to say that your Restorer trilogy, Sharon, is another good example of
this. Without any overt discussion about Christianity, you lead us on a tale
of high adventure all with biblical underpinnings and that discussion of
Good and Evil that comes as part of the package when you write fantasy.

I'd like to think that my own epic fantasy, mentioned above, will do this as
well.

Sharon: Thanks for steering us to some of your favorite non-didactic spec fiction, and thanks for the kind words about The Restorer. :-) You also have a comprehensive list of Christian-authored spec fiction of all categories at Where the Map Ends. When you launched your site, I was amazed at how many terrific books have been published in this genre. Some of the titles take a little more effort to find -- they may not be featured front and center in your local Christian bookstore. But your links will guide readers to where they can be ordered online. This is of my favorite pages on WhereTheMapEnds!

Jeff, you've compiled amazing interviews with top CBA authors, tips for writers, information for readers searching for more spec-fic, as well as the resources of your editorial services, and some other elements that are just plain fun. What is coming up for future development on your site? What are your dreams for the site? What can visitors watch for?


Jeff: I have three goals for WhereTheMapEnds. First, I'd like it to be one of the
first sites people mention when the topic of Christian speculative fiction
comes up. I'd like them to say, "Oh, well, if you like Christian fantasy,
you've GOT to get over to WhereTheMapEnds.com to see what's out there and to
read the interviews."

Second, I want it to continue becoming known as a place where aspiring
novelists, especially those aspiring to write Christian speculative fiction,
come to learn their craft and find tools to help them do the thing they most
love to do. I love teaching people about this crazy craft and every teacher
craves interested pupils.

Between the tips on fiction writing, the articles about what goes on inside
Christian publishing companies, my various products and links to help
novelists better create amazing speculative fiction, and the editorial
services I offer, I think I've got something for every Christian speculative
novelist. I'm also toying with the idea of doing a collaborate story project
on the site, but haven't figured out how (or if) to do that yet.

Third, my ultimate goal is to become an independent publisher of original
Christian speculative novels. On the site there is a link to Marcher Lord
Press (http://www.wherethemapends.com/marcherlord/marcherlord.htm). This is
my dream.

So much wonderful Christian speculative fiction does not get published
because of the factors I cover in Tips 16-18 on the site. That's a shame. On
the whole, the Christian fiction publishing industry is set up to service a
certain demographic, one that does not typically like speculative fiction.
For years I worked within the system to expand the boundaries of what
fiction we could publish. Now I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps we need to
find a new way altogether.

Marcher Lord Press would be a small, POD (print-on-demand) publishing
company that would sell original Christian speculative novels directly to
the consumer. That's another reason I'd like WhereTheMapEnds to become
popular--because when I have original novels to sell, fans of
WhereTheMapEnds will be the ideal audience.

Most marketing done by Christian publishers (or anyone, for that matter)
involves finding where the target audience is and letting them know about a
product they might like. What if I could do that differently? What if
WhereTheMapEnds was where the target audience already was and I could just
let them know about the new novels they'd like? Instead of going out to find
them, they've found me.

While that's my long-term goal, it's not my only goal. Marcher Lord Press
may never happen, and that's okay. My other two goals will remain in effect.
Marcher Lord Press is a dream of mine, one that would allow me to publish
those novelists who for years I've had to reject. It would also allow me to
have a place to publish my own epic fantasy, since I'm pretty sure neither
Christian nor secular publishers would like it--but fans of Christian
speculative fiction would love it (I hope!).

But whether that day comes or not, I'm loving what we're doing at
WhereTheMapEnds.

Jeff

Sharon: Thanks so much, Jeff!

I have great news, blog-readers. Jeff is offering an awesome prize. I’ll draw a name from everyone who posts a comment to this blog entry, and the winner will receive a FREE GIFT of Jeff’s “Character Creation for the Plot-First Novelist” system (a $28 value). So chime in with our thoughts, and tell your friends!
And be sure to scroll down to see my itinerary as I continue my virtual book-tour around the world all month for RENOVATING BECKY MILLER.
Blessings, Sharon

Book Store Events with Great Gals

I interrupt the Around the World Blog Tour for a quick photo of an actual IN PERSON book tour visit. This weekend, Christian Author Network members joined to speak, share, and sign books at stores around the Twin Cities. We had a ball, and I hope a little of the immense talent and spiritual depth of these great women rubbed off on me!

Back row: Mary Connealy, Cyndy Salzmann, Judy Baer.
Front row: Susie Larson, Jill Elizabeth Nelson, me, and Susan May Warren.

Thirty-three Degrees Below Zero (Windchill)

What a great day for a book launch party!

The weather was bitter cold, but the mood was warm and enthusiastic at the party and book-signing to welcome Renovating Becky Miller.

Here are a few photos. My son played classical guitar before the reading and games, and during the signing time later. My dear hubby gave me the moral support I needed. The shot of me sitting at the book signing table was the only moment of quiet I had all afternoon once folks arrived. The store sold about seventy copies of my books, so I was very busy chatting and autographing. The caped Becky Miller is my friend Marijo, who led a guessing game, reading snippets from Becky's daydreams while people guessed which movie they were based on. Winners got to choose fun prizes like Becky Miller tote bags, mugs, and notebooks.

I'll try to write more later. Right now it's all a blur and I need a nap. :-)

My Unscientific Experiment

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

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

The results?

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

What does this mean?
Not much. :-)

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

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

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

Blessings!
Sharon

The Editor: A Friend in the Sandbox

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

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

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

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

Wayne Thomas Batson - The Final Storm

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

=========

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

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

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck


Other Bloggers:

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

My Fun Experiment

A FUN EXPERIMENT

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

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

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

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


Order Sharon's Books Here:

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Collected Blessings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,
Sharon

Balance in the Writing Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His,
Sharon

Christmas Letters - Redux

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

Our family does something else with Christmas letters and cards.

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

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

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

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

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

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

Order Sharon's Books Here:

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Early Influences

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

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

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

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

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

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

====

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

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

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

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

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

Order Discounted Copies Here:

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Merry Christmas!

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

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

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

His, Sharon

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

A Christmas Surprise!!!

It came!

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

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

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

Does an author get blase' after her first book.

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

I feel as giddy as the first time.

God certainly excels at wonderful surprises.

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

His,
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

Order Here

Sharon's page at CBD - all books

Kathryn Mackel - Outriders and Trackers Part Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other blog tour participants are sharing their thoughts as well:



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

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

Kathryn Mackel - Outriders and Trackers

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, check out her newest book, Trackers.

And visit these other blog tour participants:

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

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

What's a Writer to Do?

How about a moment of prayer?

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

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

Then I got busy.

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

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

Then I remembered about prayer.

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

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

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

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

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

What's a writer to do?

Pray.

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

Amen.

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

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