Sunday, May 30, 2010

Congratulations, Finalists...

And a special congrats to Missy Tippens


who finaled in Bookseller's Best (Greater Detroit RWA)



Here are the finalists in the Inspirational Category:

Sandra Bricker ~  Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida




Amanda Cabot ~ Paper Roses




Irene Hannon ~ An Eye for an Eye




Trish Perry ~ Sunset Beach




Marlo Schalesky ~ If Tomorrow Never Comes




Missy Tippens ~ His Forever Love

Friday, May 28, 2010

Get This Story Out - Day 10

Gosh.
It's like I took a long Blogger vacation but didn't go anywhere.

I've only revised about 2 days in the last 10. I know, not very good. Deadline is July 1 for me to get my story mailed out to meet the requests I've received. 

I'm still debating on the contest entry of the other story. I haven't had time to get it revised!

You don't want to enter a sloppy piece of work into a contest. That is your chance to shine!  You want to put your best foot forward and submit the best of your story, the best hook, the best description, setting, tension, conflict, etc! After all, you wouldn't wear your holey jeans to a job interview you really wanted would you? No! You'll dress for success and so should your manuscript be dressed just as well.

So how have you all been doing?  I will try to post better and I do apologize for not posting so you all can show off your progress.

Also, be in tune with me next Friday. I'll be hosting Jennifer Hudson Taylor and we'll be talking about writerly things PLUS her DEBUT novel Highland Blessings. And guess what? It's another contest! I'll be giving away a copy of her book!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Frenzy by Robert Liparulo


This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Frenzy



Thomas Nelson (May 18, 2010)



by



Robert Liparulo






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.



He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.



Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”



Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted in 2008 with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January 2009, and number four, Timescape, in July 2009, and number five, Whirlwind in December 2009. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”



With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.



Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans







ABOUT THE BOOK



Their destiny is to fix history. Their dream is to get home.



When you live in a house that's really a gateway between past and present, you have to be ready for anything. It's a painful fact the Kings have faced since moving to Pinedale eight days ago. Desperately trying to rescue their mother from an unknown time and place, brothers Xander and David have lunged headlong into the chaos of history's greatest--and most volatile--events. But their goal has continually escaped their grasp.



And worse: Finding Mom is only a small part of what they must do, thanks to the barbaric Taksidian. His ruthless quest to sieze their house and its power from them has put not only the family, but all of mankind, in grave danger.



Somehow, the key to it all hinges on Uncle Jesse's words to the boys: "Fixing time is what our family was made to do." But how can they fix a world that has been turned updisde down--much less ever find their way home?



At long last, the secrets of the house and the King family are revealed in the stunning conclusion to this epic series.



If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Frenzy, go HERE.



Sign up for the Frenzy Newsletter HERE.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Predator by Terri Blackstock


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Predator
Zondervan (May 25, 2010)



by



Terri Blackstock






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.



In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.



In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.



Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.







ABOUT THE BOOK



The murder of Krista Carmichael's fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question God's justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. But when the stalker turns his sights on her, will Krista be able to control the outcome?



Ryan Adkins started the social network GrapeVyne in his college dorm and has grown it into a billion-dollar corporation. But he never expected it to become a stalking ground for online Predators. One of them lives in his town and has killed two girls and attacked a third. When Ryan meets Krista, the murders become more than a news story to him, and everything is on the line.



Joining forces, he and Krista set out to stop the killer. But when hunters pursue a hunter, the tables can easily turn. Only God can protect them now.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Predator, go HERE.



Watch the book trailer video!



Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Get This Story Out - Day 1

Christy here and I'm posing a new challenge to all of my fellow writers.

My book may be finished, but it's not ready to be submitted yet. I need to quickly work through the rest of it to see that I get this book mailed by July 1. That means, I'll be revising, revising, revising!

I have been working but not as steadily as I would like. Over the last several weeks, I have made revisions up to Chapter 7. That's about a quarter of the way through the book. Do you think I can do it? Is my critique partner up to the challenge to read the pieces I send back to her and return them in an efficient manner?

It will be another challenge, but fun, I promise.

Are you working to get your manuscript ready for a contest?

Remember the Georgia Romance Writers Unpublished Maggie Contest DEADLINE is JUNE 5. Click above to  be taken to the website to learn more and enter.

Check back with me daily and leave a comment as to your progress and where you want to be at July 1. We'll work together to achieve our goals.

For this challenge, whoever reaches their STATED goal - has to be stated here on AT SPLIT ENDS - will win a gift card to an office supply store from me. That means, ALL OF YOU could win!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Deadly Disclosure by Julie Cave


This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Deadly Disclosure
New Leaf Publishing Group/Master Books (February 15, 2010)
by



Julie Cave






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Julie first heard a creation science speaker at her church when she was just 15, igniting her interest in creation science and sparking an enthusiasm for defending the Bible’s account of creation. She has obtained a degree in health science, and is currently completing a degree in law. Julie is married with one daughter and lives on the east coast of Australia.



ABOUT THE BOOK



A Suspense-filled mystery which answers an ominous question: How far will some go to silence an influential Christian voice?



Thomas Whitfield, proud Secretary of the Smithsonian and its extensive scientific influence, has disappeared from his office with foul play suspected. Dinah Harris, an FBI agent struggling with alcohol and depression, is seeking answers amidst the fallout of her own personal issues.



Whitfield's body is eventually found, and other people connected to him begin dying as well, ultimately exposing a broader conspiracy connected to Whitfield's recent conversion to Christ and promotion of a biblical worldview in an academic world of financial gain hostile to this concept.



Will Dinah be able to experience the redemptive power of Christ before it's too late? Or will the ominous danger stalking her investigation claim another victim?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Deadly Disclosure, go HERE.



Watch the Video Book Trailer:



Friday, May 14, 2010

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES ~ COME ON!

Do you remember that Kool & the Gang song - "Celebration"

The song goes like the title of this post: "Celebrate good times, come on! (da da da dum) celebrate good times, come on..."

Ah, never mind my singing... let's just see the video... (Thanks VEVO)


Today, we're celebrating some major news for 3 of my best Gal Pals.

Lindi Peterson - signed with Belle Books for Her Best Catch - to be released winter 2011



Also,
Dianna Shuford

&
Mindy Obenhaus

Finaled in the Genesis Contest in the Romantic Suspense Category!!!


So... Let's Celebrate!! YaHoo!!! Congrats Ladies!!!


And here are the 2010 Genesis finalists:
CONTEMPORARY FICTION:
(total entries: 47)

Cindy Hays
Lynnette P. Horner
Chris Kraft
Mark Lundgren
Christina S. Nelson

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
(total entries: 63)

Jeannie Campbell
Sarah Forgrave
Janice LaQuiere
Rebecca Syme
Linda Yezak

HISTORICAL FICTION:
(total entries: 35)

Laurie Benton
Brenda Jackson
Robert Kaku
Lisa Karon Richardson
Katie-Marie Stout

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
(total entries: 65)

Susanne Dietze
Anne Greene
Pam Hillman
Lisa Karon Richardson
Ruth Trippy

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:
(total entries: 45)

Rich Bullock
Barbara Early (double finalist with two entries)
Lynda Schab
Chawna Schroeder

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE (there was a two-way tie for the fifth finalist slot):
(total entries: 50)

Valerie Goree
Mindy Obenhaus
Leslie Pfeil
Dianna Shuford
Teri Dawn Smith
Terri Weldon

SPECULATIVE FICTION:
(total entries: 49)

Ben Erlichman
Suzanne Krein
Shelley Ledfors
Andra Marquardt
Holly Smit

WOMEN'S FICTION (there was a three-way tie for the fifth finalist slot):
(total entries: 76)

Lisa Buffaloe
Jennifer Fromke
Terri Haynes
Fay Lamb
Christina S. Nelson
Melissa Tagg
Michelle Ule

YOUNG ADULT:
(total entries: 56)

Angela Bell
Lin Harris
Kasey Heinly
LoraLee Kodzo
Stefanie Morris

Congratulations,finalists!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes



This week, the




Christian Fiction Blog Alliance




is introducing




Crossing Oceans
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 1, 2010)




by
Gina Holmes




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in southern Virginia. To learn more about her, visit May 2010's issue of CFOM at Interview with Gina Holmes or Novel Journey.



ABOUT THE BOOK



Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But being told you’re dying has a way of changing things. Years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter, Isabella, must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank–toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter. As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love and its ability to change everything—to heal old hurts, bring new beginnings . . . even overcome the impossible. A stunning debut about love and loss from a talented new voice.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Crossing Oceans, go HERE.



Watch the Video Book Trailer:



Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Woman Called Sage by Diann Mills



This week, the




Christian Fiction Blog Alliance




is introducing




A Woman Called Sage
Zondervan (April 1, 2010)
by




DiAnn Mills






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.



DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.



Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.



DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.



She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.





ABOUT THE BOOK



They took away everything she loved...now, she’s out for revenge.



Sage Morrow had it all: life on a beautiful Colorado ranch, a husband who adored her, and a baby on the way. Until five ruthless gunmen rode up to their ranch and changed her life forever. Now Sage is a bounty hunter bent on retribution.



Accompanied only by her majestic hawk, she travels throughout the Rocky Mountains in search of injustice, determined to stamp it out wherever it’s found. The stakes are raised when two young boys are kidnapped and Sage is forced to work with Marshall Parker Timmons to rescue them. But Sage may ultimately get more than she bargained for.



In this exciting historical romance set in the late 1800s, murder, intrigue, kidnapping, and questions of faith will keep you in suspense until the final pages.



If you would like to read the first chapter of A Woman Called Sage, go HERE.



Watch the Video Book Trailer:



Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Love Will Keep Us Together by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt


This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Love Will Keep Us Together



FaithWords (April 30, 2010)



by



Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:











ANNE DAYTON graduated from Princeton University and is earning her master's degree in English literature at New York University. She works for a New York publishing company and lives in Brooklyn.



MAY VANDERBILT graduated from Baylor University and went on to earn a master's degree in fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes about food, fashion, and nightlife in the Bay Area.



Together, the two women are the authors of Miracle Girls series





ABOUT THE BOOK



Riley McGee has the whole world open before her. She could get into any college, major in any subject, become whoever she wants to be...But the truth is, Riley has no earthly idea what to do. She's paralyzed by indecision, afraid of the changes she faces, and as graduation day inches closer, it feels more and more like a threat.



Meanwhile, her autistic brother, Michael, is struggling to fit in at Marina Vista and stay on top of his classes. Riley tries to keep an eye out for him, but when Ms. Moore suggests pulling Michael out of school, Riley has to fight for her brother--and against her favorite teacher. And things take another turn when her ex-boyfriend, Tom, arrives, hoping to give their relationship one more try. On top of that, an ambitious new pastor makes her question everything she thought she knew about faith.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Will Keep Us Together, go HERE.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Keep Me Accountable - Days 30++

Just a quick note today... I have not forgotten to announce the winner of my writing challenge, Keep Me Accountable. Please check back with me this Saturday and it will be announced along with what you've won!!

I have started revising the book, praying that will help me find the chunk of story I couldn't pull together this weekend.

Thank you Rebecca, for pointing out reaching "The End" was my goal and that I did reach it!

I am going to continue to post daily about my progress. The next step is the final revisions (notice I said that with a plural!) and the final accomplishment is getting the book mailed. I'm planning to set a whole new date for that and will probably give away a prize for those of you who continue to keep me accountable.

I've been cutting words again, tightening sentences, and hopefully making the story the best it can be... my current word count is... 53,995.

Have any of you reached your goals? Are you starting any new ones?

Monday, May 3, 2010

The Extreme Devotional Series by Kathi Macias


This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



The Extreme Devotional series

No Greater Love

More Than Conquerors
New Hope Publishers (April 5, 2010)



by





Kathi Macias






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.



A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.









ABOUT THE BOOKS



...(set in South Africa in 1989, during the violence and turmoil just prior to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the overthrow of Apartheid.

Forbidden romance, an unlikely martyr and an even more unlikely hero. Orphaned four years earlier when their parents, active in the African National Congress ANC movement against apartheid, were murdered16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner familys farm. When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owners son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revengeor forgiveness and selfless love. Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandelas release from prison in 1990 and his ascendance to the presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.



If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of No Greater Love, go HERE.



Watch the video trailer:









...(set in Tijuana, Mexico, and also in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, which is deep in the heart of Mayan country)

True love ignites their passionate pursuit of His call With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness, particularly in some areas of Chiapas State, is rapidly decreasing. Hector Rodriguez pastors a small church in the tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He also routinely carries Bibles deeper into the hostile areas of Mexico, where he ministers despite increasing difficulty and persecution. Hectors mother accompanied him on one of those trips and felt God called her to stay in the little village of San Juan Chamula, where she uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it. In retaliation for Hectors bringing the Bibles into areas hostile to Christians and in an effort to dissuade him from continuing to expand his ministry there, Hectors mother is murdered. Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children.



If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of More Than Conquerors, go HERE.



Watch the book video:



Finalist!

I've always enjoyed reading historical novels. As a child I actually imagined living in the mid 1800s. My grandmother fed my imaginatio...