Kathy Tyers Blog Tour 8-06

I'm joining other bloggers who love speculative (sci-fi/fantasy) fiction by Christian authors, to feature gifted author Kathy Tyers.

Several years ago, a friend recommended her Firebird series and I devoured it. When I mentioned how much I enjoyed it to my adult son, he said, "Oh, I know her name. She wrote a Star Wars novel." Sure enough, Balance Point was on my shelf - one of my favorite of the novels created for the Star Wars storyworld. On top of that, she's co-written a book with Christopher Parkening. When I was a choreographer, I created a modern ballet to a collection of his Bach classical guitar works, and my son (a composer who studied classical guitar in college) had a professor who had studied under Christopher Parkening.

Anyone else want to play six degrees of separation? No wonder I enjoyed her Firebird books.

The blog tour this week has led me to ponder why I'm a sci-fi geek. Yes, I confess it. If you've read "The Secret Life of Sharon Hinck" on my website, you know that I once hosted a Star Trek mystery party, dressed as Deanna Troi. I own a pile of Star Trek Next Generation paperbacks, and a few Star Wars novels, as well. I adored Randy Ingermanson and John Olson's books, Oxygen and The Fifth Man. This summer I was delighted by Relentless by Robin Parrish (which is the sort of blend of fantasy/sci-fi you find in comic books storyworlds like X-men).

Maybe my brain likes the exercise of being stretched in new directions by sci-fi issues such as the paradoxes of time travel. Perhaps I enjoy exploring alien civilizations through the eyes of a character. But most of all, I like the insights into "real life" that sneak up on me while enjoying a sci-fi perspective of the world.

Reading C.S. Lewis' space trilogy had a huge impact of my spiritual walk and some of the planet-earth questions I had about evil and redemption. Mary Doria Russell's book, The Sparrow, made me ache to bridge communication barriers. Kathy Tyers' book stirred in me the passion to examine ways the kingdom of darkness has lied to me.

Sci-fi is fun. Sci-fi is thought-provoking. And sometimes, sci-fi can give us a lens to see truth in a new way.

Now, to explore "strange new worlds and new civilizations" pop by some of these other members of the Blog Tour for a visit!

Jim Black
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Jason Joyner
Tina Kulesa
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Checking in with Friends

Every now and again, I love to pop around to the blogs of friends and see what they are thinking about. I have to ration myself or I'd never get my writing work done. But this week, I took a bit of time off on my WIP (Work In Progress) and did some visiting.

My friend, Kelli, shared some heartfelt thoughts on this year's Christy awards. If you were there, you'll want to read her take on it, and post a comment.

A woman whose intelligent and passionate views on Christian speculative fiction have encouraged me for quite a while, wrote about THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER on her blog. Her name? Becky Miller (no relation!). She's also been posting some great thoughts about critical thinking, critique, and being kind - they don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Karen Hancock wrote some powerful and encouraging words about fear - something every writer spends time battling. If you have a moment, drop by her blog and be uplifted.

My irrepressible friend, Camy, did an interview today with one of my critique partners and writing buddies, Jill Nelson. You can enter a drawing for a free book if you stop by Camy's site! And Jill has some cool goodies on her new website. She and I are planning some book signings together this fall (more info on that to come!)

Over at Faithchicks (where I blog once a month), author Judy Baer is joining the party. She's a Minnesota author, so you KNOW she's cool! And be sure to scroll down and read Sharon Dunn's awesome post, "Icky, Icky." Her humble wisdom always blesses my socks off. And no, I'm not biased because of her name.

Then I visited Meredith Efken's blog and saw that I'VE BEEN TAGGED! This means I need to answer her question ("If you could write a novel about ANY topic, what would it be?") and then tag some other friends.

Okay, some of my FAVORITE kinds of story are the "step into the book and live it," sort. Or the "character steps out of the film and comes to life" story (ala Purple Rose of Cairo). Better yet, a "create it and make it happen" story. Harold and the Purple Crayon for adults. That would be a novel I'd love to write!

So I'm tagging Jill Nelson - because she's bursting with energy after getting her very first copy of her very first novel in the mail yesterday.

And anyone else I mentioned in this blog who wants to play. :-)

See how much fun it is popping by a friend's virtual front porch for a visit?

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

A Few Writer Trials

Last night I kept waking up from stress nightmares: free-falling elevators, long chase-scenes through abandoned buildings.

What had me in a cold sweat?

I needed to get some new head shots taken today.

Okay, you can stop laughing now.

See, I don't usually wear make-up. Didn't really own any until Saturday when I stood and stared stupidly at the shelves of cosmetics at Target wondering what I needed to buy to look like a semi-professional grown-up. Appearance isn't one of those high-value issues in my life. Which can be a good thing. I have a friend who used to spend a full hour each day on hair and make-up.

My splash-water-in-my-face-and-head-out-the-door approach has given me an extra hour to do the things that my life has been rich and full with. Things I wouldn't have had time for if I did a lot of fussing.

I also don't do much with my hair. So when I NEED it to look good, I have no wealth of experience to draw from. And clothes? Because of twenty years of teaching ballet, I like to wear something I can do the splits in. Anything stretchy and cotton and completely comfortable.

Yet today I needed to choose clothes, fix my face, tame my hair - and take a picture that would embody what I want to convey as an author. Last year's photo was used on posters, in newspapers, on blogs, in book catalogs, websites, business cards.

Ha! Talk about pressure!

Ted came to my rescue. As a video project manager, he knows lots of make-up artists and called a friend to come help me out. That was a surprising treat. She didn't turn me into a caricature. She really fixed my face to be me - but a me that would look better for the camera.

Then daughter Jenni and I headed to an inexpensive mall studio, where a bubbly high-school junior was the photographer.

I tried some "serious-intelligent-author" looks, and quite honestly, the photos looked like I was a sad-eyed Basset Hound. I tried some mysterious smiles and only succeeded in looking nauseated.

So I gave up and just did the same old smile as my past head-shots.

I know, I know. It's a tremendous privilege to get to write books, and I don't mean to gripe. And isn't God good to let me have a career where I don't usually HAVE to gussy up to do my work? And I'm thrilled that my husband loves the flower-child-throw-back natural style that is me.

But we all have things that stress us out, don't we? Experiences that are a snap for others, are just not part of our comfort zone.

Whatever scary thing you had to face today - congratulations! You did it!
And I pray that if you have anything scary to face tomorrow, God will send you support in many forms, just as He sent me a kind make-up artist, an enthusiastic photographer, and a family that loves me the way I am.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

A Few Writer Joys

(Photo is of my daughter on a zip-line - pure joy!)

As an avid reader all my life, I often fantasized about the lives of the brilliant people who created the stories I enjoyed so much. Crowded study, a cozy wing chair, pipe smoke and a leather-patched jacket? Perhaps ambling through a Scottish moor, hair whipped by the wind, jotting notes as inspiration swirled? Sitting at a local coffee-shop, disheveled and bleary from a long night of creating epic work, carrying on erudite conversations with fellow authors?

So when I got my first contract, I looked around at my life and scratched my head.

It was so . . . well, normal.

And on top of that, some new pressures arrived. Critics and sales numbers, appearances and interviews. Self-doubt that climbs higher with each paragraph I write.

But there ARE writer joys. For those of you sharpening a new pencil each day to scribble your tales: it IS worth the effort.

The most humbling and joyous surprise is receiving letters from readers.

"WOW! I could swear you have been eavesdroping in my home...Thank you so much for writing this book. I've been able to share things from the book with my husband and discuss my feelings and inaequacies as a wife and stay-at-home mom."

"It was incredible. Life changing for me...I had to know what happened to the lovely family you created, but especially Becky."

"I'm reluctant to finish it. It will be like losing a good friend. I find me in so many areas of Becky Miller's life."

"I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the book . . . it has so ministered to me...words/feelings that I didn't know how to verbalize."

To me this reflects God's amazing ability to take simple things (like my goofy little stories) and transform them into blessings. And to watch that happen fills me with awe and gratitude. I still don't have a wing chair and a leather-patched jacket. Brilliant words don't drip from my fingers as I type. I chew my nails when waiting to hear what my editor thinks of my rewrites. I obsess about where I fit among genres and styles in the publishing world. I recognize my insignificance in the face of the "real" writers - the best sellers, the award-winners, those with a hundred books to their credit.

But I also feel joy that my work today includes playing in the sandbox of words, and that at least a few people have found my first book, read it, and enjoyed it.

If you've read a book lately that blessed you, take a moment and let the author know. That writer might need a little bit of joy today. :-)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Elk in Yellowstone

Last week we returned from family vacation. To me a perfect vacation happens when I'm struck to my marrow with the beauty and variety of God's creation. The canyons, waterfalls, and animals of Yellowstone National Park did that for me.

I was especially delighted to get up close and personal with some elk, because in my fantasy series, THE RESTORER (due out in May, 2007, from NavPress) Susan (the hapless heroine) gets to ride a lehkan - which is an elk-type animal used in battles.

Which brings me back to the site that is being featured by friends of Christian sci-fi and fantasy work this week.

Christian Fandom is a site that celebrates all sorts of genre fiction. Give them a visit this week. If you click on the link to interviews, you can read great insights from my agent (Steve Laube) my editor (writing as Jefferson Scott) and some of my favorite writers and friends, (Karen Hancock, Randy Ingermanson, Donita K. Paul, and others).

If you visit my blog post from yesterday, please post one (or a few) of your favorite speculative fiction titles! I've posted a few of mine.

Because God is so awesome and multi-faceted, it's no wonder that we need a variety of art forms and a variety of styles of literature to communicate about Him!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Christian Fandom Site

The photo is of my two teens climbing on the rocks outside a small town in Wyoming. The picture evokes high adventure for me--stories about struggles and overcoming and facing the unexpected. Stories about God's beauty reaching down to touch us.

For the next few days, (July 24-26, 2006) several bloggers (including me!) who love Christian Fantasy and Science Fiction (and every variation and combination of speculative fiction) will be featuring a terrific website that showcases and reviews works by some of my favorite authors.

You can visit all the bloggers involved to read their take, but most of all, be sure to visit Christian Fandom

It's an amazing and comprehensive site!

After you visit, let me know your favorite "speculative fiction" books.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck


Here are the other bloggers participating:

Valerie Comer
Kameron Franklin
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith

Becky Miller meets ICRS

My friend Patti Hill and I dressed as our novel characters on our first day of the conference. Here we are with author Kim Sawyer (the cover poster of her great Bethany novel is hanging behind us).

I'll admit I was nervous while I packed for the International Christian Retail Show in Denver. Friends who have attended this major annual event for Christian booksellers warned me that the atmosphere of commercialism and celebrity worship would leave me feeling troubled, and the huge numbers of "more successful" authors would make me depressed at my insignificance.

Instead, I felt incredibly loved. I felt loved by God, that He has allowed me to be a tiny part of this world of people who love Him and love the written word and the power of story. I felt loved by my editors and publisher during yummy meals and relaxed chats. I felt loved by my author friends who were genuinely delighted for me to experience my first I.C.R.S. book signing.

Yes, I was a very insignificant baby author in a huge sea of more experienced writers who hustled around to important meetings. Sometimes I had nothing better to do than stroll around with a goofy grin. But God led me toward some wonderful encounters. Getting to finally visit face-to-face with my friend and mentor, Karen Hancock. Praying with Esther, another new author. Hearing a story of a marvelous healing from an elderly couple who own a small independent bookstore. Chatting with folks from Taiwan, Nigeria, and Australia and all corners of the U.S. Cheering and waving to author friends as lines formed for their book signings.

I'm prone to feeling overwhelmed and melancholy. It's a huge blessing that none of that hit me on this trip. Perhaps it was the prayers supporting me, or the generous friendship of Patti and her husband who helped me get from point A to point B, or the incredible kindness of the Bethany staff . . . but I found the entire experience to be a joy.

As icing on the cake, my family drove down to meet me in Denver after ICRS, and we headed up to Yellowstone. If any bits of self-importance or competition were clinging to my spirit, seeing the massive canyons, waterfalls, and geysers cured me. I'll be posting some of those photos in the days to come.

THE SECRET IS OUT - Blog tour

Back to our regularly scheduled tour.

To celebrate the release of my first novel, I'm touring the world (including South Africa, France, Canada, and all over the U.S.A.) via the internet. I'll be visiting a variety of blogs to be interviewed, to share a guest article, or to be part of drawings for The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

You're invited to enjoy THE SECRET IS OUT Blog Tour. Travel with me from site to site and meet some great new people! If you have a website or blog and would like me to visit your site, I still have a few days open for the tour. Let me know!

Here's where I'll be each day in June:

June 1. Becky Miller
June 2. Tiff Amber Miller
June 3. Valery Sykes
June 4. Janet W. Butler
June 5. Camy Tang
June 6. Mary Griffith
June 7. Sharon Hinck
June 8. Lisa Harris
June 9. Julie Carobini
June 10. Tricia Goyer
June 12. Violet Nesdoly
June 13. Jamie Driggers
June 14-15. Ruth Anderson
June 15-30 Amy Wallace
June 16. Melanie Dobson
June 17. Donna Fleisher
June 20. Mary DeMuth
June 22. Karen Hancock
June. 26 April Choate
August 30 Maryann Diorio

A Day at Home

Wow! It's been a fun first week of my whirlwind blog tour. I've bared my soul and answered some tough questions, I've giggled with old friends, and met some great new people.

When I planned the blog tour, I decided to schedule a pit stop back home since it's my birthday and anniversary week.

The last months have been so interesting and full of change, that I'm feeling very grateful, and not quite as wistful as I sometimes do this time of year. Still, I always indulge in a little existential angst during the days around my birthday. Am I making the most of my life? Do I bring a smile of pleasure to my Heavenly Father? Am I available? Authentic?

I received a great email this week from someone asking those same sorts of questions about her parenting skills. She said something very wise. "I used to ask God to fill in the gaps in my parenting. Now I realize He does it ALL, and I'm blessed to get to be a part of how He works."

I'm feeling that way about my life. I used to ask God to bless my plans and dreams and goals. I asked Him to fill in the spaces I might miss. Now I ask Him each day what His plan and dream and goal is for the day where He might want me.

Shall we do that together? Join me, if you like.

Dear Lord,
I stop. I hold still. I wait for your Word to me. I'm here in the vineyard, ready for another day. What would you like me to do today? Thank you for your love that is as constant as the air I breathe. Thank you for your amazing creativity at bringing glory from ashes . . . especially the ashes of my failures. Help me walk with a light tread today, listening for your change of course at any time. Whether you ask me to prune, to weed, or to harvest. Whether you call me to a crowded row of laborers or to a solitary corner of the vineyard. I am here to serve you with joy in my heart . . . and gratitude for the gift of another day of life. Amen.

THE SECRET IS OUT - Blog Tour

To celebrate the release of my first novel, I'm touring the world (including South Africa, Canada, and all over the U.S.A.) via the internet. I'll be visiting a variety of blogs to be interviewed, to share a guest article, or to be part of drawings for The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

You're invited to enjoy THE SECRET IS OUT Blog Tour. Travel with me from site to site and meet some great new people! If you have a website or blog and would like me to visit your site, I still have a few days open for the tour. Let me know!

Here's where I'll be each day in June:

June 1. Becky Miller
June 2. Tiff Amber Miller
June 3. Valery Sykes
June 4. Janet W. Butler
June 5. Camy Tang
June 6. Mary Griffith
June 7 Sharon Hinck’s Home Blog
June 8. Lisa Harris
June 9. Julie Carobini
June 10. Tricia Goyer
June 12. Violet Nesdoly
June 13. Jamie Driggers
June 14-15. Ruth Anderson
June 16. Melanie Dobson
June 17. Donna Fleisher
June 20. Mary DeMuth
June 22. Karen Hancock
June 25. Lena Nelson Dooley
June. 26 April Choate

Learning the Lessons of Becky Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Fantasy Novels by Christian Authors

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

BLESSINGS!
Sharon Hinck

Playing "Let's Pretend"

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



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

How did it feel?

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

You're Invited!

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

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

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

The Birth of a Book

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

Did I?

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Him,
Sharon Hinck

Having a Mary Heart . . .

...In a Martha World.

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





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

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

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

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

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Seeing a Book Being Published

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

My First Review

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

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

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

You can read the post at

NOVEL REVIEW

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

I'm Snoopy-dancing around my office.

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

A Bald Eagle

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Sharon

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

End Cap Musings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck