Begonia Blossoms

It may be close to zero outdoors, but inside, my begonia plant has two new blossoms!

The Prince of Peace

Greetings!

I'm over at the Guideposts website today, sharing a devotion about peace.
Stop by and visit!

And may our Prince of Peace bring you peace like a river, and joy like a fountain today.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Starseeker Contest - Wayne Batson

Not only is he a captivating writer, but after touring both the east coast and west coast with him, visiting book stores, schools, hospitals, and community centers, I can attest to the fact that Wayne Batson is an awesome guy who loves his readers.

One way he shows his love for readers is by holding awesome contests. Here's his current one:

Wayne:

Want to win a new Kindle Fire, Books-4-Life, your very own Star, or even have your name as a Character in a Future Novel??? Enter the Starseeker Contest, my biggest, most epic Reader Contest to date!

Be sure to check it out - and all his books!
Sharon

Mind Poison

Devotion Guide #3 (Excerpted from The Restorer-Expanded Edition)

Read: The Restorer chapters 7-8

Read: Romans 12:2, I Peter 1:13

Mind poison. We live in an age where we’re exposed to non-stop clamoring voices. Marketing experts do all they can to stir discontent and a perceived need so we’ll purchase their products. Television commercials sing a siren song promising us the world if only we’ll buy a cheeseburger, a cleaning product, or a shiny new car. Magazine ads remind us that we haven’t yet accomplished the goal of being one of the world’s “beautiful people” – but would be a step closer if we use their makeup, hair color, or fashion accessories. A million “how-to” books remind us that we are never enough. Never smart enough, thin enough, rich enough, popular enough.

Meanwhile, we battle with our own sinful nature that murmurs lies in the background of our thought life – sometimes just below the level of our awareness. And fellow flawed people, sometimes well intentioned, say things that pierce like splinters and remain beneath the skin to fester. All the while, the enemy of our soul, Satan, also tempts us by twisting and distorting the truth.

Is it any wonder that the onslaught of messages we face each day can leave us reeling?

Catch a few of the thoughts that have drifted through your mind in the past day. Look at them closely. Do you spot any lies?

Ephesians 5:19-21 gives us a glimpse of one powerful way to protect our minds and hearts from lies. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs can change our perspective, drawing our eyes off the false picture that mind poison can paint – and back to God, the source of all that is good and true. Think back to the lies you’ve battled recently. Can you find a verse of scripture that speaks specifically against that lie?

Can you find this scripture set to music? Many hymnals include an index that will help you find a hymn based on the verse. A Google search might also uncover a contemporary scripture song melody. You can also form your own simple melody to help you memorize and internalize the verse and carry it with you throughout the day.

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank You for the gift of your Word, the Truth that drowns out the clamoring lies around us. Please transform our thoughts, our minds, our deepest motivations. Thank You also for the gift of music. Help us remind our own hearts of Your goodness through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Guide us to specific verses and songs that will help us hold to truth in the specific area where we are most tempted today. Amen.

Podcast Interview

I was interviewed at Rick and Amy Moyer's "Take Him With You" podcast, and you can listen at their site here.

We chatted about faith, arts, inspiration, our love of fantasy and sci-fi, and The Restorer - Expanded Edition.

And if you're a fan of Star Trek, be sure to check out Rick's links to his Star Trek parody songs. They gave me lots of giggles.

Sharon

Black Friday Book Specials

I'm so excited to be holding a shiny new copy of The Restorer - Expanded Edition. And I'm excited that I figured out how to use "photo booth" on my computer to take this picture.

If you want to treat yourself or others to a book (which is still one of the best, most enduring entertainment values around in my humble opinion - hooray for books!) I wanted to alert you to some "Black Friday and Beyond" specials.

Be sure to check out Marcher Lord Press - If you order The Restorer-Expanded Edition (at their discount price!) you'll get two free gifts. But visit soon, since it's a limited time offer. And check out all their other books by terrific authors. Huge discounts for two days only.

*****************************************************************************************

AND if you want a gift under $5 - take a peek at . . .

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (a would-be super mom struggles with her spouses job loss)
Renovating Becky Miller (coping with a disability while juggling a home remodel and more)
Symphony of Secrets (musical mystery with a touch of romance)
Stepping Into Sunlight (inspiring novel of a woman's emotional healing)

Those aren't used books, either. Those are new, autographed, and will be personalized to you, or whomever you wish to give the book to.

Happy gift giving and happy reading!

Sharon Hinck

Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

"All good gifts around us...are sent from heaven above...so thank the Lord, O thank the Lord... for all His love."

Blessed Thanksgiving everyone!

I'm thankful you are in my life.

By the way, several writers (including me) shared why we're grateful to be writers over at the "Working Writer" blog.

Hugs,
Sharon

Book Give-away

What's better than a brand new, shiny, ink-scented book full of adventure?

Getting that book for free!

Visit Lena Nelson Dooley's blog today to learn about her give-away of a copy of
The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

And feel free to spread the word to other friends who might be interested!

Blessings, Sharon

Visiting Novel Rocket

One of the few blogs I subscribe to is Novel Rocket. Today, I'm honored to be their guest, as I'm interviewed about The Restorer Expanded Edition.
Check it out!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Tips: Treating Writing as Your Business

Some writing friends recently compiled their top tips on treating your writing as a business. Loads of great ideas for writers – and probably other freelance professions, as well!

Just as you take your writing business seriously, take your publisher's business seriously as well. Never, never blow a deadline (unless it's a matter of life and death). Respect your relationship with your publisher and they will respect their relationship with you.

--Melody Carlson, author of River's Song from Abingdon

Christian publishing is a small industry. Be kind and professional in your dealings. A reputation lost or a bridge burned will never be re-established.

--Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Shadows on the Sand

When it's writing time, I set my email preferences so that no email is delivered unless I do it manually. That eliminates that delightful little "ding" that tells you a new message has arrived in your Inbox. When I reach my word count for the day or my writing time is finished I reset my preferences and turn it back on. This has helped me focus during my writing time and get more done.

--Carrie Turansky, award winning author of Christmas Mail-Order Brides

Invest back into your main employee (you, the writer!) with occasional classes, retreats, or gatherings with other authors. Always keep learning!

--Sharon Hinck author of The Restorer-Expanded Edition

Using a system of trial and error, discover the time of day when you are the most creative and use that block of time for your writing. Use the remainder of your workday to take care of accounting, answering email, interacting on blogs and so forth.

--Judith Miller, author of the Daughters of Amana series

Keep it in perspective. Writing, while rewarding and often seen as one's ministry, is still your JOB. It shouldn't become the fulfillment of your life. That place of honor belongs to your relationship with God first and family second. It can be easy to ignore the relationships when the accolades and excitement of a book in print arrives. But everything suffers when we put something besides our heavenly Father in "first place." So keep a watchful eye (and heart!) on your priorities. Your life will be in better balance because of it.

--Kim Vogel Sawyer, author of A Whisper of Peace

Treat your business like a business. Have regular work hours and exercise discipline. You will have to train your family and friends to respect your work hours––this is part of working at home. But they will never take your job seriously if you don't.

--Denise Hunter author of A Cowboy's Touch

Make sure you are spending the majority of your time on income-generating endeavors (like actual writing!). Facebook, blogging, promotion, twitter, are all helpful, but only after you've spent most of your working time doing what actually makes the money––writing! Log your time so you know where it's being spent.

--Marlo Schalesky, award-winning author of Shades of Morning

Perseverance is sometimes the only thing that keeps us going, but if it's bathed in prayer, it's enough for the moment.

--Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Shadows on the Sand

While its important to understand the business of writing, don't let it consume you. Remember why you started writing in the first place: because you love it. You are called to do it. It's easy to lose sight of that when mired in the business end of publishing. Don't ignore business matters, but don't put them above writing and creating the best work you possibly can.

--Kathleen Fuller, author of What the Heart Sees

Track your time or word count. That’s how you treat writing like a business. I use an excel spreadsheet that lets me see where I am in relation to overall word count, in each chapter and on a daily basis. Even before I had a contract, I used this system, and it helped hold me accountable like a time clock.

--Cara Putman, author of Stars in the Night

Make a commitment to show up or "assume the position of a writer." A certain number of words or a certain amount of time is less important than making the commitment to appear. My earliest novels began with the alarm going off at 4:00AM and my commitment was to be at the computer by 5:00AM. Some days the writing went well; some days not so good. But every day I showed up was a winning day and gave me energy to keep writing.

--Jane Kirkpatrick, best-selling author of Barcelona Calling from Zondervan

It's amazing how little things can turn into big things. For example, I spoke at a library event that had a very tiny audience, yet a woman in the audience enjoyed the talk. She asked me to speak at a hospital benefit luncheon of over two hundred attendees! I try to look at each event or signing with the perspective that size isn't important. Individuals are.

--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Lancaster County Series

Keep a close eye on how much money is coming in and how much is going out. Managing cash flow is tough for writers because we don't know when a manuscript will sell, how much it will sell for, or what royalties a book will earn. Set up a business checking account and get a business debit or credit card. Track spending, and avoid spending money you don't have.

--Judy Christie, author of the Green series, including Rally 'Round Green

Use email as a reward for meeting your first daily word count goal. The Internet can suck up hours of your day, but if you delay opening your Inbox until after you begin working on your book, you will establish your priorities for the day and you’ll accomplish far more. Focus first on writing, and then on communicating.

--Virginia Smith, author of Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith.

Work hard at separating your personal, sensitive, creative self from your business self. Train yourself early on to understand that rejection, critiquing, editing and negotiations are not personal. NOT PERSONAL. They are business.

--Charlene Ann Baumbich, author of Divine Appointments from WaterBrook Press/Random House

Set up a business account to keep professional expenses separate from personal/family ones. It makes doing your taxes much simpler.

--Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Shadows on the Sand

Always remember that your number one customer is not the end reader nor the bookstore owner nor even the head buyer who makes the big book-ordering decisions. Your number one customer is the publisher, and you should direct most of your marketing and promotional efforts toward supplying them with what they need to get your books into the hands of readers. The easier you make their job, the more they can do for you in return.

--Mindy Starns Clark, co-author with Leslie Gould of the #1 bestseller The Amish Midwife

Get a good accounting program and USE it!

--Marlo Schalesky, Christy award-winning author of Beyond the Night

Keep an Excel or Word spreadsheet of your research resources and divide it by series or book so that when you need to produce authority for your novel, it is readily available. In addition, it becomes an excellent resource when you need to locate some of that same information for another book. Someone (I don’t remember who) told me to keep a file with the names of characters I had used in my books. Otherwise, you may use the same name several books and readers notice such things.

--Judith Miller, author of the Daughters of Amana series

Put fingers to keyboards no matter how little you can think of to say. Set a timer for thirty minutes and write as many words as you can in that thirty minutes. You'll be amazed how may pages you can write with that timer ticking.

--Hannah Alexander, author of The Wedding Kiss

Marketing your book isn't just important for an author these days, it's imperative. Yet never forget that the best marketing tool of all is to write the best book you can as quickly as you can, then get it to your readers. A well crafted story beats a thousand clever tweets any day.

--Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of A Lasting Impression, a Belmont Mansion novel

Make an annual plan with your top priorities and the dates by which you'll tackle those priorities, including writing projects, professional development and marketing. Take a fresh look at your goals at least once a quarter to make needed adjustments. Don't let distractions, which seem to come out of the woodwork, draw you off course.

--Judy Christie, author of the Hurry Less Worry Less series, including Hurry Less Worry Less at Work

I sit down with every book and figure out how long it will take me to finish the it and then, on my computer calendar or paper calendar, write down how many pages I need to write every day. I try to focus on the work for JUST that day. If I look too far ahead, the project can be daunting. If I don't meet the goal for the day, those pages get added to the next day.

--Carolyne Aarsen, author of Daddy Lessons, #2 in the Home to Hartley Creek series from Love Inspired

I work way ahead of deadline. Way, way ahead. So far ahead that it drives my editor a little crazy. But doing so helps me to stave off anxiety--which paralyzes creativity--and allows plenty of time for my favorite part of writing: polishing the manuscript. I think of that part as icing a cake.

--Suzanne Woods Fisher, award winning author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World

Expect your advance to be all that you make on the book. That way when a royalty check comes, you'll see it as a bonus and won't be disappointed as much if it's a low amount.

--Vickie McDonough, ACFW treasurer and author of the Pioneer Promises series

When you finish an article, make a list of ten markets in a folder. Send the article out to the first market. When the rejection letter comes back, read the article once and send it to the next market on the list within 24 hours. Identifying markets when we're feeling good makes it easier to have a next step when that rejection comes back. And resending with 24 hours keeps that work from dying in a forgotten file. To be published, we have to risk getting the work out into the world.

--Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of The Daughter's Walk from WaterBrook Press/Random House

Write your work hours in ink on your calendar at the beginning of each week or month, and treat them as you would an appointment. If you choose to take a day off, be sure and reschedule those hours of writing time back onto your calendar just as you would reschedule an important appointment.

--Deborah Raney, author of the Hanover Falls Novels from Howard/Simon & Schuster

Remember that you can't do everything. You will often have to say "no" to one thing to say "yes" to something else. Guard your writing time, but remember that you are unique. Assimilate all the tips you pick up and determine what works best for you.

--Judy Christie, author of Wreath, a young adult novel

This hint was given to me by Jane Jordan Browne after I first signed with her agency: "Remember, editors are not your friends, and you must never hold that against. them." I've gone back to that many times over the years.

--Charlene Ann Baumbich, author of Finding Our Way Home from WaterBrook Press

Be professional in all your dealings. Don't backstab other writers or badmouth editors or publishers, because this is a small world and your words will come back to haunt you in painful ways.

--Hannah Alexander, author of the Christmas novella Silent Night, Deadly Night

Maintain a sense of humor and a sense of distance. Focus on your projects, the things you like to write, and don't make it less or more important than the work of fellow writers. God called you with your own abilities and weaknesses and you know best what you should be writing. Find your strengths and be faithful with what you've been given.

--Carolyne Aarsen, author of The Rancher's Return, first in the Home to Hartley Creek series from Love Inspired

When you get a writing-related receipt, like from a restaurant or for gas on a research trip, be sure to circle the date and amount of purchase and write a brief note explaining what it is for. By the end of the year ink often fades on receipts making them hard to read and memory also fails if it's been a long while since you took the trip.

--Vickie McDonough, author of the Texas Trails and Texas Boardinghouse Brides series

One of the 'secrets to my success' took me some time to learn--that's to delegate chores and tasks to others (without going on a guilt trip). When I realized the actual value of my writing time, it became much easier to let someone else do the grocery shopping or mail books or clean house.

--Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Shoppe from Baker/Revell

Take the money-making/business aspects of writing as seriously as you would any other business, but learn to discern divine interruptions. After all, the freedom to rearrange your schedule is one of the best perks of being a writer, and no one ever wishes on their deathbed that they'd spent more time at work; however, many wish they'd spent more time with family and friends.

--Deborah Raney, award-winning author of A Vow to Cherish

My top two tips are:

1. Write.

2. See #1.

--Stephanie Grace Whitson, author of A Most Unsuitable Match

Change: A Call to Follow?

I've been reading Mark 1: 16-20.

Whenever I read this account in Mark, my heart beats a little faster. I stand on tiptoe, hoping to be ready to spring into action when I hear the call of my Savior asking me to follow Him. I’d like to think that if Jesus walked up to my fishing boat, I’d respond “without delay” and follow Him.

But in daily life, I tumble into situations or am confronted by challenges that invade unexpectedly and these situations and challenges don’t feel at all like God’s call to follow Him. They feel like accidents.

In The Restorer, Susan was listening for God’s call in her life. She wanted guidance in her choices about which committee to join at her children’s school, or where to volunteer at church. She would have loved a few insights into how to grow in patience when the needs of her household left her frazzled and exhausted.

Instead, change invaded. Dramatic, inexplicable, confusing change. It didn’t feel like God’s call to follow. For her it felt like being tossed into a place where she was lost to Him.

What changes have recently intruded into your life – whether changes that came unasked for, or changes you initiated?

When I wrote about Susan being pulled through a portal into a new place, I thought about women I know who faced sudden change. A child with a learning disability. A friend diagnosed with cancer. A parent who develops Alzheimer’s. At some point in all our lives, we are pulled into a new world where we don’t know the rules, and we just want to go back to the familiar.

Sometimes my response to change is to use all my energy trying to get things back to normal. Or I scream for others to fix the problem. Or I curl up in despair. Or I grit my teeth and plow ahead. But when I read this account in the Gospel of Mark, I hear Jesus' gentle call, and I ask Him to show me how to follow Him in this new place.

We aren’t here by accident. Even in this new place, we can trust Him to guide us.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, sometimes I don’t have much choice about the changes that hit my life. But I do have choices about how I’ll respond. I’ll admit that there are challenges in my life I’d like to run away from, problems I want to barrel through in my own strength, situations I’d love to berate others for. Instead, please give me the courage to take up my cross and follow You. Amen.

(Adapted from the devotion guide in the back of The Restorer-Expanded Edition, 2011)

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

Christmas Shopping Made Easy

Here's an idea to save loads of time on Christmas shopping.

I love "Signed by the Author." It's a great site that connects readers and authors, and provides you a chance to have your book signed and personalized (makes a great gift!)

I love writing a birthday greeting, or confirmation blessing, or Christmas note to the person the book is for.

I've just added The Restorer-Expanded Edition to their site.

Not only that, but I've listed all my contemporary fiction novels from Bethany House at a huge discount - so they would make a super affordable gift. If you need recommendations for the people on your gift list, just email me with your questions. I hope you'll check it out.

Thanksgiving Gift for You

I'm thankful for readers!

So from now until Thanksgiving Day, I have two free gifts (both developed by Stacy Oliver of Christian Book Preview) for readers who enjoy The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

1. FREE - A beautiful 36-page in-depth literary guide (great tool for homeschoolers who are using the book - or for book group discussions)

2. FREE - A fun party planner with creative ideas for a book club gathering or a Restorer-themed party.

Just share online about something that inspired or encouraged you about The Restorer, or something you particularly enjoy in the new expanded edition. Then email me through my website contact page with a link to where you've shared, and I'll send you the down-loadable booklets via email.

You can post at:

Amazon

or

Barnes and Noble

or at Goodreads or Shelfari, or on your own blog.

So jump on in! Post your thoughts online and send me the link, so I can send your gift. I’m giving thanks for every time God has used this new edition to inspire or encourage a reader…and giving thanks for the readers who share the land of Lyric and Braide Wood with me.

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck...

...stories for the hero in all of us

Restorer Recipe Included in Author Compilation

NOVEL MORSELS is an e-book with contributions from over 80 Christian authors, sharing recipes that come from their storyworlds.

I'm delighted that Susan Mitchell's recipe for caradoc skewers (which she ate on a back street in Lyric on Feast Day) was included in the book!

You can check it out here.

Blesssings! Sharon

How Has God Amazed You Today?

“God just did something amazing!” When is the last time you stopped in your tracks and spoke those words?

This past month, I’ve gotten a lot of emails and letters from readers letting me know that something I’ve written has been used by God to give them encouragement and hope. C.S. Lewis said, "We read to know we're not alone" - and I always hope for that connection in my books.... that readers will think, "Yes! Someone else GETS it."

Still, it amazes me when God allows that to happen.

In the past several years I've been grumpy, frustrated, lonely, despairing, and often hopeless.. Yet God has been faithful, patient, merciful, and creative in finding ways to comfort and guide me.

If anyone felt their spirit lifted or heart encouraged when they read one of my novels or devotions or newsletters, then it’s only because I’m a fellow sore-footed traveler on rocky roads, able only to point to Jesus.

When I read letters from folks grappling with difficult situations, I wish I could lift the load from other’s shoulders. I wish I could take away their struggles. I wish I could open the doors that have been closed to them. Time and again I’m faced with the truth that in myself I have little wisdom or power to offer. But I know the One who has complete love, total knowledge, and limitless power. And I know His purposes and plans are wonderful (although He doesn’t always divulge the specifics– hence my bouts of grumpiness).

So let’s watch for what God is up to in the coming days. I can vouch for the fact that He is able to do amazing things. More than we ask or imagine. Sometimes I’m so busy looking at what I wish He would do (based on my plans for improving the universe) that I miss the cool things He actually IS doing.

Back to my original question – how has God amazed you recently?

Sharon Hinck

NEW: The Restorer-Expanded Edition

More Restorer Art from a Reader

And these two drawings of Kieran are by Elizabeth Wallace. I love the depiction of the scene of Kieran losing his sword fight with the One.

Restorer Art from a Reader

My heart was warmed recently by the gift of art work from some young readers of the Restorer books.





Tristan and Kendra walking - by Hannah Wallace

Kindle Version - Restorer--Expanded Edition

Hooray! The Kindle version is now available!

For readers who prefer e-books, you can find the newly released expanded edition here:

Now Available - The Restorer-Expanded Edition

I'm delighted to share the brand new cover for the brand new The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

The new book has the full original text of The Restorer plus so much more.

Bonus Scenes:
Ever wondered why Mark built the attic room? Some of his thoughts and motives are explored in a bonus scene. Learn how Tristan really felt after achieving revenge. Get a peek into Tara's impressions of the strange visitor to Braide Wood. Live through Kendra's experience as she's called back to awareness. Delve into Nolan's life as he is drafted to travel with the Hazor army. Other bonus scenes give insights into a first-year Council delegate, Wade, Linette, and even Cameron.


Devotion Guide:
Have you been curious about how the story of Deborah in Judges inspired elements of the book? The new ten-part devotion guide digs into the parallels as well as other themes found in the novel. The guide provides scripture, places to journal, questions with which to interact, and prayers.

Special Features:
New musical score for one of the songs, audio files, and links to recipes and other fun bonuses.

Last winter I spent many months developing all the extras for this book. It was a labor of love for the readers who have appreciated the Sword of Lyric series. I've completed and turned in all the bonus material for The Restorer's Son, which will also release with Marcher Lord Press, and am beginning work on the expanded edition of The Restorer's Journey next. Hooray!

Let me know what you think of the new cover. I was skyping with my daughter when the file came through and whooped and hollered with excitement. :-) I think they did a great job.

His,
Sharon

Fawns in the Garden

Even though I get exasperated at the damage hungry deer cause to my vegetable garden each year, when these twin fawns recently snuggled down next to my potato beds, I didn't have the heart to chase them away.

New Devotion Book

Last spring, I was invited to write 45 devotions for an upcoming book:

Mornings with Jesus: 365 Devotions to Start Each Day

These short, heartfelt devotions were a blessing for me to work on. I know some of the other authors who were involved, and they are terrific, so I'm sure the book as a whole will be great.

This would also make a great Christmas gift, for folks who want to have a daily devotion book for 2012. You can pre-order now at the link above. Enjoy!

Happy News

I know I haven't been able to blog much this past year, but for those who still pop by occasionally to see what's new, I wanted to share some happy news.

I've signed a contract with Marcher Lord Press to release new editions of the Sword of Lyric series books. While it's great to get the books back in print, I'm especially excited about adding some bonus scenes, behind-the-scenes notes, and other surprise features that will make the new editions extra special.

And - to answer the question I find most frequently in my emails each week - yes, I have been working on a fourth book, as well. I had several chapters of the fourth book written a few years ago before health issues sidelined me. Whenever I'm able, I do a bit more work on it, and have made a tiny bit of progress. It's slow going, but I'm not giving up. :-)

Meanwhile, have a blessed Christmas, and may you feel the presence of Emmanuel - "God with us" - throughout each moment of every day.

His,
Sharon Hinck

Mom Hinck

I met her first when I was about fourteen, and a gawky mess of braces and braids and nervous energy. I was applying to join "Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ" and she was volunteering with the organization and doing interviews with each teen applicant.

I was also sweet on her youngest son, Ted. Perhaps that added to my nerves.

I remember how calm, warm, and strong she was. How safe she made me feel as we talked about some tough theological questions. She approved my application, and in all the years since, I've treasured her approval, because my respect for her was so deep.

Once in college, Ted and I fled to his home to talk with his mom and dad about some upsetting things happening on campus. She made cocoa - with real milk - and listened, and cared, and reassured.

She had a gift for reassuring, because her own assurance was so strong. Assured of her Savior's love. Assured of where she was heading.

Yesterday, Mom Hinck finally got to meet the Savior she served all her life - for 92 years - face to face. What a glorious meeting that must have been.

She touched so many lives - as a Lutheran school teacher, as a church organist, as the co-manager of a Christian bookstore, as a member of many boards and organizations, as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has been one of my dearest role-models of what a Christian woman can be.

In recent years, her memory became confused. Yet, her spirit was so firmly cast in a path of sweetness, that the sweetness still showed through. If there were times she was a little fuzzy on who I was, it didn't matter - she still opened her arms and welcomed me with a delighted smile.

I hope that my spirit can learn to be as firmly entrenched in a place of faith, trust, joy, and love as hers was, as I walk out my remaining years.

What a beautiful celebration she is enjoying today - in the presence of our Lord.

Mom-casting

I am glued to the Olympics. So much so, that I create my own running commentary. "She caught too much air there. She needs to hold her line. He nailed his quad, but his musicality just isn't up to the other competitor."

My patient hubby shakes his head and says, "You should be a broadcaster."

Which makes me imagine what perspective a "mom-caster" would bring to sports commentary.

What would I say during the half-pipe?

"Jim, I wish he'd tighten that helmet a little more. That's a dangerous drop."

Or short-track speed skating?

"Korea is favored, strong team this year -- OOH, the Australian just cut in front. Where are her manners?"

Figure skating?

"Oh, his lace came untied. I told him a million times to check that before he goes out."

Ski jumping?

"I can't look. Tell me when it's over."

And of course for all the sports, and all who don't medal:

"It's okay, honey. You gave it your best. We'll always love you."

And that's pretty much how I feel about all the Olympians. Thanks for your passion, commitment, and sharing your talents with the world.

Gotta go. Biathlon is about to start and I need to remind the athletes not to point guns at people.

Mom-caster Sharon

www.sharonhinck.com

Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices

I recently rediscovered a hymn that spoke to my writer's heart.

When our lives are transformed through Christ's relationship with us, there aren't enough ways to express the wonders, challenges, and new discoveries.

Artists search for ways to convey something that often seems to transcend normal communication--to utter the un-utterable. This hymn captures that longing and is the song of heart these days:



"Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices"
by Johann Mentzer, 1658-1734
Text From:
THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)



1. Oh that I had a thousand voices
To praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices,
Would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be,
What great things God hath done for me.

2. O all ye powers that He implanted,
Arise, and silence keep no more;
Put forth the strength that He hath granted,
Your noblest work is to adore.
O soul and body, be ye meet
With heartfelt praise your Lord to greet!

3. Ye forest leaves so green and tender,
That dance for joy in summer air;
Ye meadow grasses, bright and slender;
Ye flowers so wondrous sweet and fair;
Ye live to show His praise alone,
With me now make His glory known.

4. All creatures that have breath and motion,
That throng the earth, the sea, the sky,
Now join me in my heart's devotion,
Help me to raise His praises high,
My utmost powers can ne'er aright
Declare the wonders of His might.

5. Lord, I will tell, while I am living,
Thy goodness forth with every breath
And greet each morning with thanksgiving
Until my heart is still in death;
Yea, when at last my lips grow cold,
Thy praise shall in my sighs be told.

6. O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee,
To listen to my earthly lays;
A nobler strain in heaven shall reach Thee,
When I with angels hymn Thy praise
And learn amid their choirs to sing
Loud hallelujahs to my King.


Amen!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Restorer Farewell Party!!

All three Restorer books are going out of print in two weeks.

Although I feel sad of course, I'm also using this time to remember the stories, reread all the precious letters from readers, and be grateful that the stories had such a great run.

So let's celebrate! Share your favorite moment from one of the books, or something that made an impact on you, or a favorite quote.

More than any of my other books, I've received the most heartfelt mail for these stories, so I know God used them.

I remember walking with a friend week after week during the time I was writing the books. She listened to my angst as I talked about how much the stories burned in my heart, and how frustrated I was that the odds of this strange genre-blending story finding a publishing home were near impossible. She reminded me that if God had called me to write the stories, I could trust Him with what He planned to do with them.

I also remember the moments that certain plot twists just "happened" as I was writing, and took me by surprise.

The second book is my favorite. I loved watching the characters develop and deepen, and loved catching a glimpse of how the One was steering events to bring grace, hope, and help to the characters. But all three touched my life.

The stories also led me to plenty of interesting places...the Christy finalist's dinner, book tours, book clubs, college classrooms, the ACFW awards banquet...and to precious new friendships. What an adventure!

I have a limited number of books on hand, so if you want autographed copies, you can order those at Signed by the Author. They are also still available at CBD while supplies last. You can do some online Christmas shopping. :-)

Now, please share a farewell thought for the books!

I Love When God Shows Up

God is omnipresent. He is always here. Yet sometimes He opens my eyes to become more aware of Him - of specific ways that He is "showing up."

I love when God shows up.

This morning I made it to church. During the past two years of health challenges, that has been a rare treat for me. Then our pastor sheepishly shared with the congregation that he had accidentally mixed up the planned dates for sermon outlines and prepared a sermon on Romans 8, which was supposed to be next week.

Hooray! Romans 8 is absolutely PACKED with strength and comfort.

THEN, after the service, he shared that a visiting pastor with a spiritual gift of healing was available to pray with people.

(For some of you, that might be a common occurrence, but in our reserved, buttoned-up denomination it was a precious opportunity.)

As my teen daughter put it, "That was sure a God thing."

My hubby helped me forward for prayer. The words this pastor prayed over me gave me spiritual goosebumps. He specifically prayed in praise that God is able to heal that which scientists don't understand and doctors don't know how to fix. Those words of faith were exactly what I needed. More than anything, I needed the reminder that my life and health and future are completely safe in God's hands. But most of all, I'm rejoicing that God understands the cells of my body. They aren't a mystery to Him. And I know He will provide exactly what I need to accomplish His plans for my life.

Limitations have made my life very quiet and small in recent months. I've had to redefine what "my purpose" looks like. But God continues to show up. I love that about Him.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

A Novel Idea!

If you are interesting in writing fiction, teaching fiction, or even interested in the role of the arts in a life of faith, this is a tremendous resource!

Last night a friend dropped by for a visit and brought her copy of

A Novel Idea: Everything You Need to Know about Writing Inspirational Fiction

I'd heard it had released, but my copy hadn't arrived yet. What a treat to see! The book is a compilation of articles by many different Christian novelists.

I was honored to be included with an essay, "Why Fiction?"

One of my passions is the value and purpose of the arts in a Christian's life, so this article is close to my heart.

It was a double treat to see, since illness has kept me from being able to write this past year. I miss the adventure of creating so much, and have an even deeper appreciation for the joy of story-telling since I wrote the essay a year ago. If you dream of writing and have the physical and mental ability--do it! And get your hands on a copy of this book. It will be a great resource and inspiration.

Take-away Value

What is "Take-away Value?" And what happens when your life is full of TAKEN away, and it's hard to find the value?

Today I'm sharing a few thoughts over at Faithchicks.

Please pop by!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Three Books Final - and my weird realizations

I was deeply touched yesterday to find out that my three novels that released in 2008 were each named finalists in the ACFW Book of the Year Awards. I felt so warm and grateful that the judges appreciated the stories, and that my books were in the company of so many amazing authors.

It also spurred a few realizations.

First, I had to shake my head at myself - because the books are nominated in three different categories. It just reminded me how totally inept I am at doing things the way you're supposed to. It really isn't practical to write in different genres while trying to build a reading audience. It wasn't my plan. I just wrote the stories I cared about, and they were very diverse stories. I hope one day to figure out where I best fit, but in the meantime I'm so grateful for each of the stories and that there even EXISTS such a variety of genres in Christian fiction.

Another realization I had was that a lot of my warm happy feeling about this honor came from being happy for my characters. I fell in love with the characters in these three books (Stepping Into Sunlight, Symphony of Secrets, and Restorer's Journey) - and I'm happy for those characters to get to stand up and wave and say "hi!" - for them to have a moment of recognition. Is that weird?

Oh, well.

At any rate, I'm also thankful for ACFW - an organization that is doing so much to support, educate, and NOURISH writers. If you aren't familiar with them, be sure to check them out here! Honors come and go (or often don't come at all) but the fellowship of other Christian writers is a treasure that remains on all the hard slogging days.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

All Quiet on the Western Blog

Writers probably don't say "Thank you" often enough to our readers.
I've treasured each person who has read one of my books, followed my blog, received my Book Buddy newsletter, or even wanted to follow my occasional Twitter updates.

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with this blog in recent months.
I have LOVED communicating with you through this forum. But sometimes life takes turns we don't expect.

Until I'm able to get back to sharing devotional musings here, if you miss hearing from me, please feel free to explore various posts from the past several years, and dig around on my website.

For those who have followed this blog - THANK YOU. Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here, God is faithful, and I hope to get back to this one day. :-)

HUGE blessings on your day! Thank you so much for visiting!

His,
Sharon Hinck

A Challenging Question

I love chatting with various bloggers about the writing life. Blogger Annette Irby just posted a new interview she did with me at her site.

You can find a question no one has asked me before, that I found very challenging . . . and see how I answered it by visiting her post.

Thanks for letting me visit, Annette!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Why I Love Lent

Many of my Christian friends don't come from a tradition that follows a church-year calendar, but in my denominational background I always loved the special seasons of Advent and Lent.

Over the years, my husband and I have prompted things to give up as a family during Lent, or other times encouraged our children to each chose something individual. (The kids sometimes offered to give up broccoli or homework, but I digress).

We've given up television, pop, candy, shopping (only buying necessary groceries and nothing else), and various other things...and added disciplines of more Bible reading time, prayer, and giving.

I find I'm so easily distracted by the bright shiny things of life, that I need times where I can focus more effort and attention toward my walk with God. Fasting of various kinds can really help.

This year, I decided on Ash Wednesday to give up something that I enjoyed daily - Facebook and Twitter. I had no idea that many folk around the country where doing this, too. After I posted my note saying "Stepping back from Twitter and Facebook for Lent - see you after Easter" I received a call from Molly Millet, who was working on an article for the St. Paul Pioneer Press on this topic. You can read it here:

Pioneer Press Article

I love knowing that so many people are interested in putting God about some of the treats or distractions of life.

And that's truly why I've always loved Lent. Because no matter how uncomfortable some days become (whether I'm longing for a can of pop, chocolate, or a game of Scramble on Facebook) there are so many blessings. The thing I'm missing becomes a trigger to remember all Jesus suffered on my behalf, and I learn that while I thought I was totally committed to God, He can draw closer still as I focus more time and energy on Him each day.

Anyone else giving up something during Lent?

Blessings,
Sharon

Unemployment

Job loss is hitting several of my friends and their families. It stirs fears I've tried to bury - of the challenge our family has gone through several times with long stretches of unemployment. The experience is so potentially isolating and frightening, that when I wrote my first contemporary women's fiction story a few years ago, I chose unemployment as the major dramatic conflict for the family.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller is full of Becky's whimsical day dreams and desire to do something big for God as she tries to hold together her "super mom" ideal. But some of her bravest scenes involve quiet choices to support her husband after his job loss, instead of give way to panic.

If you have friends who have been "downsized" or are fearing lay-offs, or if you are job-searching and wondering if this journey means you've "missed God's will" somewhere, I suspect that The Secret Life of Becky Miller might provide some encouragement, and a fictional character you can relate to.

Right now, Christian Book Distributors is offering copies of the novel at their site for $2.99! Now that's a great gift in a time of tight family budgets.

Here's an excerpt:

We continued to pray as December moved along. I'd always been good at pinching pennies, but now I had to squeeze them and wring them out.

Selling the van brought in some money and lowered our car insurance. Kevin swallowed his pride and admitted to broader circles of friends that he needed a job. He called it networking, but I knew he believed it was begging. I saw the strain growing in him as each day passed.

My fear grew at the same pace as our pile of bills. Kevin swung between honest discouragement and a more frightening self-containment and withdrawal.

My attempts at cheerleading sometimes slipped into nagging. "Have you checked the bulletin board at the unemployment office again? Did you go through today's paper? What about the Internet? Did you submit your resume to companies that way?" No wonder he seemed more irritable every day. I hadn't realized how much strain his job loss could put on our marriage.

No matter how much I reassured him, he admitted he felt like less of a man.

No matter how confident his swagger as he headed out for another interview, I worried we'd lose the house and end up in a cardboard box on skid row.

We both put our best faces on for each other, but the effort was pushing us apart.

---
Whatever job situation you are facing today, I pray that God will send you reassurance that He cares about you deeply and is absolutely capable of providing for you.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Minnesota Readers and Writers...

...Come chat with me!

Saturday, February 21st, 11:00 a.m.
I'll be signing Stepping Into Sunlight at the
Northwestern Bookstore
Cobblestone Court, Burnsville, MN

I love visiting with readers and other writers, answering questions, talking about good books, sharing ideas, and connecting one-on-one. I'd love to see you!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck


The Secret Life of Becky Miller (2007 ACFW Book of the Year - 2nd place, Lit category)
Renovating Becky Miller (2008 Audie Award Finalist, ACFW BOTY finalist)
The Restorer (2008 Christy Award Finalist, ACFW BOTY finalist)
The Restorer's Son (ACFW Book of the Year Winner, Romantic Times 4.5 stars, Reviewer's Choice Award - Road to Romance)
New Releases:
The Restorer's Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Now Available:
Stepping Into Sunlight

A Spoonful of Empathy

Lately I've had a few challenges in my life. I've tried to be brave and patient, and I work on focusing on things I'm grateful for.

But today I mentioned my struggles in an email to a friend. When she emailed back she said, "I can't imagine how frustrating that must be!" Her empathy literally reached out of the email and hugged me.

As much as I have tried not to be a big sympathy-seeker, I confess I was about a quart low and needed a good infusion of compassion. Her words were exactly what I needed.

Lord, help me offer precious spoonfuls of empathy to my hurting friends today, as this precious friend gave to me. Help me stop myself before offering advice, explanations, or empty comparisons, ("at least your problem isn't as bad as XYZ. Could be worse.") Let me simply wrap my friends in love and say, "I can't imagine how painful that must be. I'm sorry it's so hard. I care." Thank you for my friend's example today, and how much it warmed me. Amen!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Opportunity for Three Free Books

I was very honored when Janna Ryan named The Restorer's Son and The Restorer's Journey as her Most Entertaining books of 2008. She is currently offering a contest to win a copy of The Restorer's Son. You can read all about it here.

My most recent novel is Stepping Into Sunlight. You can enter a drawing to win a free copy at the Penny's Project blog here. That contest ends February 1st, so stop by to leave a comment before time runs out.

And beginning on Friday, January 30, Cara Putman will post a contest at her blog for The Restorer (the first in the Sword of Lyric series) - so be sure to stop by and leave a comment there, as well.

Curious about any of the books? Just visit my website to read about my

Stand alone women's fiction titles
and
The Becky Miller mom-lit series
and
The Restorer and other Sword of Lyric series books


I hope you have fun with each of these opportunities! Happy reading!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Free Book

Happy 2009!

I'm welcoming in the New Year by giving away a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight . . .

with a twist.

It's a copy for YOU to give away to someone you want to bless!

To enter, visit my Penny's Project blog and read the post "Many Penny's"

Then leave a comment after that post about a small act of kindness AND an accurate email where I can reach you if you win.

Easy, yes?

Oh, and I'm getting ready to mail out my free quarterly ezine. If you aren't already a subscriber, you can sign up in the right-hand column of my website for devotional thoughts, insider info, etc.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

The Lutheran Witness

More fun press. Oh, how I hope it helps people find out about my books!
The January, 2009 issue of The Lutheran Witness includes a blurb about me as part of an article on the various faces of Lutherans today. You can read the article here.

I love my reader mail, and got permission to share this one, because it was so inspiring to me:

Bernadette wrote:
Just wanted to say that I am currently reading (and enjoying) Stepping Into
Sunlight. I just had to stop and let you know that I just read one of the most
potent sentences of this year: "So your theory is that unless you can cure
cancer, you shouldn't bother holding the hand of the woman battling it?" What a wake up call to the Chrisian community. Those words are a powerful clarion call that I believe will combat our resistence to doing things at a grass roots level. Thanks so much! I will be sharing your words with everyone in my circle who uses the inability to do "great" things as an excuse to do nothing.

Thanks so much, Bernadette! We can all be encouraged by the way God uses our small, imperfect efforts to pour out His grace in big ways.

Blessings!
Sharon

Article in St. Paul Pioneer Press

Newspaper reviews are rare and precious gifts for a novelist, so I was delighted when a friend told me that the St. Paul Pioneer Press had featured an article about Stepping Into Sunlight, as well as Julie Klassen's book The Apothecary's Daughter.

I appreciated the integrity of the reviewer who admitted that in the past she avoided fiction from Christian publishers because of her assumptions of what it would be. And of course, I was delighted that our stories rang true for her.

I continue to marvel at God's kindness. This was a wonderful treat on a cold winter morning.

I've had some challenges in my life in recent months, and it has been a season that has made me especially grateful of tender gifts from God that come like sips of water in a desert.

Stepping Into Sunlight has gone into its third printing and received some truly affirming reviews. But even better, I've been so moved by the letters I've received - from a reader with PTSD, a young wife whose husband is on his first deployment, a woman battling anxiety who was never able to put words to the experience before and read scenes to her husband.

It reminds me again that God can work His grace through us, even when we feel the most "useless." :-)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Blessings in 2009

A dear friend who is already in heaven gave me a special birthday plaque the summer before she died. It says, "When we believe in God's plan for our lives, every age is the perfect age to be."

Seems like a good thought for a new calendar year, as well. God loves me. That means the coming year will hold something precious - even if it's woven among the painful challenges of life.

I'm grateful for the gift of a fresh New Year - and another new day, new hour.

May we all see more of Him in the coming days!

Blessings in 2009!
His,
Sharon