A Visit from Marlo Schalesky

A Raging Firestorm . . .
A Light in the Hills . . .
And a Mystery Rises from the Ash.

In 1894, the worst firestorm in Minnesota history descends on the town of Hinckley. Heat, flame, and darkness sweep through the town, devouring lives, destroying hope. In the aftermath, the town rises from the ashes, its people determined to rebuild their lives.
But in the shadows, someone is watching. Someone is waiting. Someone who knows the secrets that can free them all. A rumor begins of a hermit in the hills - a person severely burned, disfigured beyond recognition. Doubts rise. Fear whispers. Is the hermit a monster or a memory? An enemy or a love once-lost?
Based on historical events, Veil of Fire beckons to a time when hope rose from the smoke of sacrifice, when trust hid behind a veil of fear, when dreams were robed in a mantle of fire . . .

Q: Marlo, I'm a native Minnesotan, so I've heard of the Hinckley fire. But where did you birth the idea for this book? When? How did it come about?

A: People often ask where I get my ideas for my books. My answer? You never know! For Veil of Fire, the idea was birthed at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the mission town of San Juan Bautista. There I was, sitting with my family, nibbling chips and salsa, when a wedding party came by. The bridesmaids were dressed in beautiful turn-of-the-century style gowns. As they passed, my mother-in-law began to tell me of the dresses that her great grandmother, who lived in Hinckley, used to sew for the rich ladies in Minneapolis and St. Paul. From there, came the story of the great Hinckley fire and the rebuilding that this woman, my husband’s great-great-grandmother, was a part of. And finally, I heard the tale of the mystery figure in the hills, a person burned beyond recognition. A person never identified, living as a hermit until one day he just disappeared.

At that moment, the first inklings of the story that would become Veil of Fire were born in my heart. Who was the hermit in the hills? What happened to him? And how would I solve the mystery if I could? As I pondered those questions, I knew that I had to write the hermit’s story. Had to explore what it would be like to lose everything, even your identity. Had to hear the hermit’s voice in my mind, and hear the story for myself.

So, the writing of the book became for me a process of discovery, as I hope it will be for my readers. I hope that as the mystery of the hermit drew me, so too it will draw others to this story of how fire can change you, take from you, and in the end, may just set you free.

What Others are Saying about Veil of Fire:
Reading Veil of Fire is like feasting on a banquet of rich words and vivid images.
─Tricia Goyer, award-winning author of five novels, including A Valley of Betrayal

Moving. Heartbreaking. Compelling. This beautiful, sensitive story of pain, loss, and, ultimately, healing touched the deepest parts of my heart.
─Laura Jensen Walker, author of Miss Invisible and Reconstructing Natalie

A truly gifted storyteller, Marlo Schalesky has woven a beautiful tale that confronts readers with truth and the character of God. Her lyrical style and deep characterization will transport you into a story populated with unforgettable characters.
─Judith Miller, author of the Bells of Lowell, Lights of Lowell, and Freedom’s Path series

Veil of Fire is a lovely, well-crafted story of love and loss, redemption and restoration. Marlo Schalesky has written an original, unpredictable story that will stay with me for a long, long time.
─Annette Smith, author of A Bigger Life

For more information, a preview of the entire first chapter, and discussion questions for groups, please visit www.marloschalesky.com.

Veil of Fire may be purchased at amazon or at your local bookstore.

Thanks for stopping by, Marlo. Blessings on your new book!
Sharon

English Tea

A few weeks ago, I was bid on in a fund-raising auction. (An English Tea with an author). I expected the winning bid to be about twenty-seven cents, but instead went for a ridiculously high amount. I'm pretty sure the tea was the big draw. Not to mention the delectable scones, sandwiches, and other desserts (many baked by Emily - thank you!)

What an amazing evening! This lovely group of women do a Wednesday Bible study together, and also read and discuss a wide variety of books (from Bonhoeffer to Gilead to Left Behind to Blue Like Jazz). We met at the home of Sharolyn - who has a tremendous gift of hospitality AND a basement decorated as an English pub with authentic signs, bar, and wonderful art collected over many years. I could imagine Tolkien and Lewis meeting there for a pint and a chat.

Their warmth, intelligence, interest, terrific questions, and delicious laughter were a tremendous gift after many weeks of hard rewriting work alone in my office.
Thank you, dear ones! You blessed my socks off!

Sharon

I'm Feeling Popular

Okay, I've been tagged to play "8 Random Things" by three friends in the last few days: My delightful Aussie friend Jane (aka Rel), the 251 year-old Heather (hey, that's what her blogger profile says!) and the sweet ex-Minnesotan, Sooz.

So I'm relenting and posting the 8 random things

First, these are the rules:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

My eight random facts:

I once rappelled down the outside of a five-story building.

I love listening to director’s commentaries on DVDs more than watching the actual movie.

I fell in love with my husband Ted when he threw seaweed at me during a class picnic when I was fourteen.

In sixth grade my career goal was to be a secret agent.

My favorite childhood television shows were Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission Impossible, and Mod Squad.


I once performed a tap-danced interpretation of the Carl Sandburg poem, “Lines Written for Gene Kelly to Dance To.”

While Ted and I were in grad school, our car was shot (we weren’t in it at the time).

During the rehearsal for an outdoor production of West Side Story that I was choreographing, the police barreled into the parking lot responding to a call from neighbors that gangs were fighting. I told the dancers to drop their chains and knives and start singing.

Now, whom to tag?
Chawna, Cheryl, April, Jill, Alison,Heather,Deena, and Julie. Come on everyone! Share those random facts. :-)

Bookmark Update - Please Read!

Last week I posted an offer for the beautiful art-cover bookmarks of The Restorer and asked you to email me through my website if you wanted some.

Well, there was an error at my website host, and NO emails that were sent through my contact page came through. My awesome web designer is on the case and redesigning my "contact sharon" page. But in the meantime, if you'd like bookmarks, please email me directly (inserting the email symbol)
sharon at sharonhinck.com

Let me know your snail mail address and how many bookmarks you'd like (from a dozen on up). :-)

A Visit from Rachel Hauck

Today I'm welcoming Rachel to my blog to share about her latest novel. I've gotten to know her through blogging at Faithchicks, where her authentic and insightful posts have blessed me on many a tough day.

Here's info on Diva NashVegas:

For the past decade, Aubrey James has ruled the charts as the queen of country soul. She rocketed to fame in the shadow of her parent’s death – Gospel music pioneers Ray and Myra James. While her public life, high profile romances and fights with Music Row execs writes juicy tabloid headlines, the real and private Aubrey’s is a media mystery.


When a close friend and former band member betrays Aubrey by selling an exclusive story about the Diva to a tabloid, Aubrey knows she must go public with her own story.

Inside NashVegas sports anchor, Scott Vaughn, is not prepared for the assignment of interviewing a country super star. Especially not one he dated, then abandoned. Yet, his boss leaves him no choice. His career and the future of Inside NashVegas depends on the success of this interview.


When Scott shows up at her home for the first session, Aubrey threatens to back out of the deal. But, it’s too late. Instead, she bravely opens her heart as Scott probes into her life and discovers a future of faith, hope and love by letting God heal her past.


Q: Rachel, what do you want readers to take away from the book?



A: First, a great read. I hope they can be transported into Aubrey James’s world. Next, a message that life isn’t always fair, but we have the power of choice in our response. God is always there for us, even when we don’t feel He is.



Diva NashVegas was difficult to write. I had a few crisis, but when I finally submitted it to my editor, I wrote in my email, “I love Aubrey James.” She really came to life for me in the end.


My editor loved her, too. I’m confident she’ll capture readers.




Q: What is your writing day like?



A: It varies, but I try to settle down from my morning routine by noon and focus on writing. Some days it’s earlier, and some later. If I’m approaching a deadline date, I completely clear my schedule and work twelve hours a day or more.

Email is my weakness. I’ve modified the Lord’s prayer some for writers: “give us this day, our daily word count, and delivers us from email.”

Seriously, I’m like an email junky. Half the time no one emails me, I just have to check and see. Secretly, I’m hoping a Broadway or Hollywood producer will email me wanting to make a movie or play out of one of my books.




About Rachel:

Rachel Hauck lives in sunny central Florida with her husband, Tony, a pastor. They have two ornery pets. She is a graduate of Ohio State University and a huge Buckeyes football fan. Rachel serves the writing community as Past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the Advisory Board. Visit her blog and web site at www.rachelhauck.com.

Leave a comment on her blog and be eligible to win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks or Barns & Noble. Two names will be drawn.

Rachel, thanks for stopping by!
I know my blog readers have enjoyed meeting you.
Sharon Hinck

My Visit to Deenas Books

I had the privilege of doing an interview with Deena at "A Peek At My Bookshelf," and she's featuring The Restorer over at her blog. Please stop by, and especially check out the very last endorsement she listed at the end of the article. :-) Made me giggle all night.

A Peek at My Bookshelf

BOOKMARKS

In preparation for The Restorer's release, I decided I needed a bookmark that was more than just a bit of advertising, but was a true work of art, in keeping with the beautiful cover of the book. I hired
Dineen Miller
to design it using elements of the cover art.

(She is amazing, by the way! If anyone needs design work done, be sure to contact her!)

With the gracious permission of the artist who created the sword, the gifted cover designer, and the art team at my publishers, she put together an amazing design. (You can glimpse the front and back of the bookmark in the photo).

Now here's the fun part.
I'm happy to send you one of these gorgeous bookmarks. But I'm asking for a favor. If you email me with your address and request a bookmark, can I please send you a dozen of them? And would you agree to share them with folks who might enjoy this book? This may include fans of general contemporary fiction, Christian fiction, women's fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction, adults and even teens. It might be friends from church, book clubs, your local library, or your local bookstore. I think a humble grass-roots effort will do a lot to help people learn about this new novel.

I need to save a certain number of the bookmarks for use at ICRS and on my east-coast tour with the Fantasy Four Fiction Authors in July, so this will be a first-come, first-served offer until I run out. :-)

If you're interested, please email me through my website contact page (scroll down to the "leave Sharon a message box") and be sure to tell me your mailing address. If you'd like more than a dozen, just let me know that, as well! I'll get them out to you ASAP.

Thanks so much for helping me get the word out about the first book in this exciting new series! Watch for my "The Hunt for the Restorer" contest which I'll post about at this blog on May 15th. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

It's Here!

I've had my nose pressed against the window each day, waiting for our mail carrier. Today, my author copy of The Restorer is HERE!!!! And it's gorgeous, and smells so good (ah, I love the smell of fresh ink), and it's the PERFECT size. What magic made 477 pages fit into the right shape...? It's just such a WELCOMING size and feel. Not too bulky...nice readable size type...just right. I LOVE it.

Wow. I'm so stunned it'll take awhile to sink in. In some way or other I've been at work on this book for nearly five years. That's a much longer pregnancy than for my kids - even all of them combined.

What a BEAUTIFUL fulfillment of a dream. It's perfect.

Remember how the Israelites built a "standing stone" when they finally entered the promised land? This book is a sort of standing stone - a tangible reminder that when God nudges me to do something, even if it seems crazy (like write a fantasy book and try to get it published in CBA) - that He is ABLE to do amazing things.

I'm not sure where all the other copies of the book are - on the way to a distributor warehouse? In trucks on the way to stores? We're about two weeks from release date, and I'm not sure of all the process these dear books go through on their way to reach the stores. I do know that the official release date is May 15, so when you stop at your local bookstore, you can ask them if they've ordered their copies yet. :-)

In the meantime, I'm hugging my copy and thanking God for inviting me along on this adventure. The adventure of life, the adventure of serving Him, and the specific adventure of writing this book.

P.S. Scroll down to see the book-trailer if you haven't seen it yet. :-)

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck
The Restorer (NavPress, 5/2007)

Book Trailer

My teen son, with help from my dear hubby, created this "movie trailer" for The Restorer. Enjoy!

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck
NavPress (May, 2007)





Pre-order "The Restorer"

Writer of Year Photo

Yesterday I received this fun photo in the mail from Mount Hermon, showing Dave Talbott and a hint of the background foliage that makes this particular writer's conference beautiful and idyllic. Seeing this reminded me again of how deeply touched and encouraged I was by the award. I continue to feel that someone slipped up and let me sneak in to a party where I don't belong. The whole professional writing world is so far beyond me. I'm only a novelist by an act of mercy and grace . . .

but then, that's what all our lives are. A gift of grace. So I guess it's okay to feel uncertain, befuddled, and persistently grateful.

Happy weekend, everyone!
Blessings,
Sharon
P.S. coming soon - "The Story Behind the Restorer" and "Seeking the Restorer" (a contest)

Against the Tides or Surfing the Wave?

Five years ago when I began dabbling with the idea of a fantasy novel that had the tone of a contemporary women's fiction, I immediately was confronted with the harsh reality that certain genres are more difficult to place with a CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) publisher (and that was the target audience of these stories).

I understood the market realities, but the story wouldn't let me go. So I wrote the first three novels in the series. I kept praying, talking about the book with editors, and watching for an open door. Still, I often felt like a gawky junior high girl in a home-made dress sitting alone at school lunch and staring longingly at the table of "cool kids," knowing I didn't fit in.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I got my latest Writer's Digest and read something I've suspected for quite awhile now. In an article about "Fantastic Fiction," Jordan Rosenfeld wrote, "Recently, readers have been eager to read contemporary fantastic literature--and publishers are taking note."

She quotes agent Simon Lipskar as saying, "Anybody being honest about the current market will acknowledge that fiction that's not entirely of this world is red-hot."

Indeed, my market proposal for The Restorer included mention of the many bestsellers in the general market that are written with a contemporary voice and include fantastical elements.

So far, the ripple of this trend has been felt in Young Adult Fiction (with fantasy authors Wayne Batson and Bryan Davis hitting the CBA best-seller lists in those categories) and perhaps the effect will build in the adult fiction readership of CBA as well.

I'm no longer sure if my stories are going against the tides or surfing the wave of a new hunger for imagination, metaphor, and the hero's journey in fiction. I do believe that for the pure joy of being lost in a story, and for the inspiration that comes from vicariously experiencing epic struggles and courageous choices, the fantasy genre has a lot to offer. Happily, my adult contemporary fiction fantasy series found a home at NavPress and the first book releases on May 15, 2007.

Will it be a fantasy that gets invited to sit at the table with other genres? I'm not sure. I do know that I've run into MANY authors recently who've whispered to me, as if it's a frightening secret, "I really want to write a fantasy novel one day." These are successful novelists in other genres - but they are also hoping that doors will open for more speculative ficiton. Whether this change is driven by the authors who stubbornly keep creating these wonderful stories, or by courageous editors, marketing teams, sales staff, and store buyers, or by the public who search out and request these titles, I believe the tide is turning. In the meantime, here's to all the great authors who are swimming against the tide, writing the books of their heart, and waiting to catch a wave.

Hugs,
Sharon Hinck

A FREE BOOK CLUB!

Ever wish you could "test drive" a book before buying it? Christian Author Network's new online book club, "You've Got Books!" lets you do just that!

Here's how this free service works. Once you subscribe to the CAN book club, you will receive a two minute sample of a book by great Christian authors via email each weekday. By the end of the week, you'll have read a chapter or two of the book. By then you should have a pretty good idea if you'll enjoy the rest.

Over the next few months we're going to get a glimpse of some great novels by Judy Miller, Louise Gouge, Sharon Hinck, Judy Baer, Shelly Beach, Susan Marlow, Maureen Lang, Jill Nelson, Lori Copeland, Mary DeMuth, and Camy Tang.

Yes, you may have spotted my name there. :-) The first chapters of The Restorer will be featured in mid-May!

Click on over to "You've Got Books!" to sign up!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2007)
Two-Book Set

Karen Hancock - CSFF Blog Tour

Return of the Guardian-King by Karen Hancock releases this month. Woo hoo!

Last month I shared how spec-fic author Randy Ingermanson made a huge difference in my entrance into the writing profession. God brought one other published author into my life who served as an example and mentor early on, and who deeply affected my approach to this calling. You guessed it. Karen Hancock!

I don't remember now what first prompted me to get up the nerve to email her. I think it was to see if she would be attending Mount Hermon as I prepared to go to my first conference four years ago. Today when I rummaged through my files, I found print-outs of long, meaty email conversations from back in 2003, so it was early in my novel journey.

I didn't get a chance to meet Karen in person until ICRS last summer. But I'd already learned she was wise, warm, funny, kind, gentle, and generous. Over the years, I've shared many of my questions and struggles with her about the emotional and spiritual challenges of being a writer. What I admire most is her tenacious focus on the truth that matters - on living lives of obedience and faith instead of striving and fretting.

If you read her blog, you've been blessed by her honesty about these themes, and about the temptations that rise up for writers to focus on deadlines, sales numbers, "fitting in," reviews, and distractions. She's been my role model of someone who withdraws from the clamor, listens to God, and writes. She also fits in-depth study of the Word into her daily life.

Perhaps that's part of what makes her prose so rich--that and the tremendous gift God has given her. Some authors write fast-paced stories that are like magic-marker line drawings with a bit of color sketched in. Karen's books are oil-paintings instead. Layered with colors and texture. If you haven't yet tried her books, get The Light of Eidon and begin the series. You'll be immersed in a journey that will feed your own courage and nobility.

Karen, thank you SO much for all the wisdom and encouragement you've shared - both by your example, and by the counsel you've offered me about specific questions! And thank you for obeying God's call and writing such amazing books.

Be sure to visit the other participants in this month's blog tour for reviews of her new book, interviews, and other interesting posts. I've listed their links in the right-hand column (scroll down to the CSFF Blog Tour list).

When I read the first book of the series, The Light of Eidon, I wrote this review - which applies even more to the other books in the series:

Her created world is alive with interwoven societies and people groups, conflicting loyalties, strange cultures, and creatures painted with vibrant description. Yet the novel never bogs down in those details. I believe that is because of Ms. Hancock's power in sharing authentic and multi-faceted characters that we deeply care about. I felt a visceral level of shared experience as I traveled with Abramm through tragedy and hope.

A great book leaves me changed at some level. Light of Eidon, with its unflinching look at the battles of life, has inspired new courage in me for my own day's challenges.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Mom-lit for Mother's Day!

I just received a lovely email from a reader who is planning to give copies of "The Secret Life of Becky Miller" and "Renovating Becky Miller" as gifts to friends for Mother's Day. Reading a story about someone who "gets it" - who goes through the struggles of conflicting priorities that women face these days - especially when that story is wrapped in giggles - does seem to be a great gift.

It occurred to me that a lot of SONS and HUSBANDS and FATHERS and guy friends are going to be searching for creative gifts for the women in their lives. "She's on a diet and yells at me when I buy chocolate, flowers don't last very long, what do I do?"

Try the gift of mom-lit. Or any great fiction. You'll find amazing Christian authors and their books through my links in the right-hand column. And then be sure to ALSO arrange a little quiet time so she can read. :-)

Pick stories that are uplifting and have some long-lasting inspiration woven among the escapist adventure and humor. You'll be her hero!


Blessings!
Sharon Hinck


Two-Book Set

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

I just got in last night from my week at Mount Hermon, have no voice, over four hundred emails in my box, and a heart full of joy.

Here’s what is so cool. I went to Mount Hermon asking for a few drops of encouragement and some new direction. I went feeling weary, discouraged with myself, painfully inadequate for the work I’ve been doing and still have ahead. I'm blessed with DEAR encouraging publishers and editors and agent, and wonderful, caring friends and family. Yet even with that support, I confront my weaknesses daily as I try to grow as a writer. I was tuckered out and couldn't see beyond my inadequacies lately.

One after another, God led me to conversations, interviews, meetings, classes, deep times of prayer with others, and worship times that spoke to a deep place in my heart. Sometime Sunday afternoon I realized, “I’m me again!”

It was HIS work, because I had TRIED to resurrect some joy or courage but couldn’t. He did major healing in my spirit.

It made the Monday night award that much more special (I was named 2007 Writer of the Year). It was a celebration of a miracle He had worked in my heart all week. I KNOW that my validation comes from Him and not human recognition. But that He chose to give me a precious gift of affirmation like this was a tender treat from Him. He is so very very kind and gentle with me.

I asked for a few drops of encouragement and He gave me an ocean.
He is so good.

The photo shows me with the awesome Reagen Reed - my editor for the Restorer books. She is such a treasure and it was a BLAST to hang out in person with her for the first time.

In my last blog post, I wrote about God's plot twists. How fun that I got to experience one this week!

BLESSED Holy Week, dear ones. He is risen indeed.
Sharon

The Great Plot Twist

The Great Plot Twist

Even though many artists are melancholy, and that can help drive the struggle to create and produce artistic work, I also need a strong infusion of JOY to keep me going. Wonder, awe, gratitude at new things I learn about God are all important fuel for the long hard work of writing.

But we humans have an enemy. A joy-thief. A fallen depraved angel set on stealing joy from God’s dear children in every way he can. And he uses any tools to do it. In the midst of the joy of fellowship and companionship, a friend’s off-hand comment leaves a slight sting. We are ready to move on. Yet the enemy grabs that dart and pushes it deep into our thoughts and twists it, hoping it will fester instead of glance off.

A word of thanks or commendation comes our way. One deep breath in to savor, grateful that our work touched someone. But before we can exhale, the enemy twists that gracious gift and whispers, “how are you going to live up to this?” And the joy becomes a heavy weight on the shoulders.

We rise from our knees, forgiven, refreshed from a time of worship and repentance. One of the most profound joys a human can feel. The prodigal son embraced in the Father’s arms. But before we walk too many steps forward into our new life, the enemy is there to whisper, “You’ve let Him down. How could He really love you?” He chants his old taunt, “Has God REALLY said?”

How cruel that so often our joy is snatched. Poisoned. Corrupted.

But then comes God’s great plot twist.

Because where our enemy can take beautiful joyous moments and mess them up a little – wrinkle and stain them—our God does something much more amazing.

He takes the deepest of pain, failure, discouragement – and births JOY in those places. Now THAT is power.

The other day, my husband and I worked on our taxes. One of my least favorite days of the year. We have completely different emotional responses to the choices that go into managing money – so on tax day we not only have to deal with the bleak state of our finances, we stare at each other in exasperation because we barely speak the same language. He produces amazing spreadsheets on Quicken and TurboTax, while I jot notes in pencil on a 3x5 card. But yesterday, I realized our teamwork has improved. After twenty-seven years of marriage, we’ve gotten better at some of these things. Our love is a wee bit bigger than the confusion and annoyance of sorting through receipts and confronting yet another tough year. Talk about a miracle. God lit a flicker of JOY in the midst of tax day. Joy that He’s our CEO, and joy that we’re getting better at the marriage adventure, and joy that all our kids were home and the house was full of chatter and laughter so that we were reminded that there is a worthwhile reason to deal with the tedious chores.

Of course, tax day isn’t the deepest of pain, failure, and discouragement (at least not quite). Maybe in coming days I’ll share the ways God created joy in truly joyless places – the roofless house attacked by hail, the dusty shoulder of the freeway with a blown head gasket. The emergency room, the detox center, the nursing home, the graveside.

But today I’m taking joy in the way God met my husband and I during tax day.

How about you? Have you seen one of God’s amazing plot twists recently? How has he turned mourning into dancing in your life? How has He given you the oil of gladness for the spirit of heaviness? Please leave a comment and let me know!

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. :-)