July 2006 Newsletter
BLUE MOUNTAIN BACKROADS
It's July, the month of barbeques, watermelon and fireworks. Most important of all, it's the month we celebrate Independence Day. I wonder if we truly appreciate what it is like to live in the greatest nation on earth, or do we take America and all it means for granted.
We need to be reminded from time to time that our freedom isn't free. It has been paid for over and over with the life-blood of our men and women in the military. It isn't the politician or the media who has preserved our freedom, it's the veteran, who fought so that we could enjoy the privileges and freedoms of this great nation. Don't forget to pray for the women and women in our armed forces, wherever they may be. And thank them ever chance you get for what they have done for you and for their country. And if you get a lump in your throat and a tear in your when you see your flag, that's okay, it's called patriotism and we need a lot more of it.
Tomatoes are starting to ripen, and there is nothing in this world like a sun-ripened red, pink, or yellow tomato, (and yes, I grow all three) peeled, sliced, topped with thin slices of onions, and placed between two pieces of mayonnaise slathered bread. Bite into it, let the juice run down your chin, feel your taste buds rejoice. Tomato sandwiches, like summer, have to be experienced to be understood.
Summer is here. Laugh often, eat well, and keep writing.
WRITING NEWS OF THE MONTH
Linda Wichman's Legend of the Emerald Rose, Kregel Publications, was a Christy Award Finalist in the Visionary Category. Legend of the Emerald Rose was also a 2006 ICR Choice Award Nominee for General Fiction, and is a 2006 RWA FHL IRCC Finalist in the long historical romance category.
The winners for the RWA award will be announced at the July 2006 RWA National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Legend of the Emerald Rose was also the 2005 ACFW Book of the Year. With that many awards racked up by this book, it has to be good. She also signed on with Wendy Lawton of Books and Such Literary Agency. Doing good, Linda, proud of you.
Deborah Piccurelli was a guest on Elizabeth Ludwig's website, www.elizabethludwig.com/Guest_Corner.html, on July 3rd. Drop by and get acquainted. If you haven't checked out this website, you're in for a treat.
Lena Nelson Dooley's interviews scheduled on her blog for July are: Debra White Smith, Stephen Bly, Carrie Turansky, Terry Burns, and Andrea Boeshaar. Sounds like a good line-up, Lena. Be sure to check it out at http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com.
Nancy Jo Jenkins reports that Wal-Mart and K-Mart have bought large quantities of her book Coldwater Revival. Nancy Jo had an open house recently, given by her sister, for the debut of her first novel. A lot of people attended and it was very successful. Coldwater Revival is featured in the Book Review section of this newsletter, and I can tell you this is one you will enjoy.
Angela Breidenbach won second place in the Heart of the Rockies contest with her When She Wasn't Looking. Angie writes Woman's Inspirational fiction with an element of romance. Congratulations, Angie. Proud of you.
Carol Umberger has just signed a three-book contract with NavPress. The series is set in the 1300's after the plague in France, England, and Scotland. Book 1, Chevalier's Lady will release in spring of 2008. Carol's book, Circle Of Honor was featured in the March Newsletter and if you haven't read anything by this talented historical writer, you're missing a treat. She's good. Carol is also conducting a class for Pikes Peak "Romance Writers, see below:
Pikes Peak Romance Writer's presents Scene and Sequel by Carol Umberger.
Class description:
"Have you ever picked up a novel only to find yourself struggling through the first chapters before laying it down because 'nothing's happening?' Then you start a different book and you can't seem to lay it down and you are reading well into the wee hours of the morning.
Believe it or not, the secret to reading a page-turner of a novel lies in proper scene structure. 95% of the popular novels published today, whatever their general form, depend on the structure of the scene to make them work. IOW, most successful fiction is based on structure that uses a series of scenes that interconnect in a very clear way to form a long narrative, with linear development from the posing of a story question at the outset, to the answering of that question at the climax. The ability to plan, write, and then link scenes is the key to effective storytelling in today's world.
If you want to write a book that involves your reader's emotions so intensely that the reader can't set it down, this course will help you learn how to grab their emotions and keep them hanging on for the ride. Class duration: four weeks, November 1 – 30, 2006. Material will be posted 2-3 times a week and discussion is encouraged.
Bio: Carol Umberger wrote the award winning, four-book Scottish Crown Series, published by Integrity Publishers. Her books have won the Golden Heart, the HOLT Medallion for Best First Book, and the Inspirational Readers Choice award, as well as finaling in various other national contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, ChiLibris, Romance Writers of America, Pikes Peak Romance Writers and Heartland Writers Group. She is a mentor for Jerry Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. Carol is also an accomplished horsewoman, a brown belt in karate, and the mother of two grown sons.
She and her husband of twenty-six years reside in Nebraska. Her next novel, Chevalier's lady comes out in Spring 2008 from Nav Press."
She's a BROWN BELT IN KARATE? I know Carol, and she is sweet, quiet, and every inch a lady. I'd never have guessed this, but I am totally in awe, and I want this woman in my corner, whenever I'm in trouble.
Trish Perry's debut novel, The Guy I'm Not Dating, Harvest House, will be released on August 15. It's a chick lit, the first of two currently contracted books. Love the title, Trish. Looking forward to reading it. The Guy I'm Not Dating will be featured in the September newsletter, book review section.
Have you heard of DearReader? I hadn't but I'm glad I found out about it. DearReader.com welcomes review copies and ARCs of books. They do not review electronic copies of books and do not feature self-published books. They screen all books that are submitted, of course, which is fair enough, to see if they are suitable for their book clubs. That's right, Dear Reader has book clubs. I signed up for the Mystery Book Club and am enjoying it very much. You can check it out at www.DearReader.com Their goal is to get people reading again. I'm in favor of that. Our own Trish Goyer's book Dawn of a Thousand Nights is featured in their Good News book club.
Diana Ziegler, with DearReader, says, "The mission of DearReader is to make it easy and fun for people to get back into the habit of reading. Every day, Monday through Friday, book club readers receive an e-mail with a 5-minute sample of the featured book of the week. Readers begin the book on Monday and by Friday they've read 2-3 chapters of a book, enough to know if it's a good match for them. Readers can choose from 11 different genres; Fiction, Nonfiction, Romance, Audio, Teen, Business, Mystery, Good News (features titles from Christian publishers) Horror, Science Fiction and Prepublication (books featured a few weeks before their release date) Check out our website at www.DearReader.com and see why over 300,000 people are reading with us every day."
300,000? That's a lot of people. This is a great site with a wonderful goal. Stop by and see what it's all about, and while you're there, sign up for a few book clubs. I can guarantee you'll be glad you did.
Jeanette Hanscome has a new blog. Rave Reviews (www.reviewsbyjeanette.blogspot.com) features recommendations on books, both old and new. Her goal is to keep readers aware of books that they may have forgotten about, new books by writers she knows and loves, and authors that could easily be overshadowed by big names. Her rule is that she will never "slam" a book or author. Her past blogs have included a suggested summer reading list and a special feature of books by Tricia McCary Rhodes. I am constantly amazed at the way so many writers try to promote others work. It speaks well of the writing community that out members are so caring and giving. Drop by and check out Jeanette's blog. You'll be glad you did.
Sharon Hinck has signed a three book series with NavPress. What would happen if an ordinary soccer mom, studying the story of Deborah in Judges and longing to do something heroic for God, is pulled into an alternate world waiting for help—and she bears the signs of the promised Restorer? Susan uses all her skills as a mother— nurturing, negotiating, and building relationships—plus a few new skills she never learned at the PTA (like sword fighting and battling alien mind poison) to engage in epic drama and a very personal journey.
Sharon says "This is the book of my heart. I've prayed over this series, pitched the books to good-hearted editors who cringed at the word "Fantasy" and hoped for this day." Congratulations Sharon. I'm glad you finally found that willing editor and I can't wait to read it.
Mary Connealy has THREE books coming out in 2007. Petticoat Ranch, Barbour publishing, February 2007, Golden Days, Heartsong Presents, February, 2007, and Of Mice . . . and Murder, Spyglass Lane Mystery, December 2007. That's wonderful news Mary. Way to go. Mary also has an article on Spirit Led Writer, "Conflict: Gotta Love How They Hate Each Other". (And I love that title) You an find it at http://www.spiritledwriter.com/jun06/conflict.html.
Gail Sattler won the romance category of the Write Canada 2006 contest, which is for published authors who live in Canada or are Canadian citizens residing elsewhere who had books published in the 2005 calendar year. In the past, this contest used to be called God Uses Ink. This contest is sponsored by The Word Guild in Toronto, Ontario. Check it out at www.thewordguild.com Congratulations, Gail. Great news.
John J. Boyer writes, "I am deaf-blind, and I'm having trouble getting books on writing and just plain Christian fiction in a form I can use. I'm not the only one. There are many people who cannot use ordinary print, and not just because of blindness. There are, of course, people with dyslexia. There are also people with motor problems who just can't hold a book or turn pages.
"This isn't a guilt trip for you. All you need to do is make your books available in digital form to an organization that can provide them to the people who want and need them and which protects copyrights. There is such an organization: bookshare.org, www.bookshare.org, I've obtained several works of Christian fiction from them, including The Sparrows by Mary Doria Russel.
"I'm thinking of writing a similar book, so this is very helpful. However, they need many more books of Christian Fiction. Even more, they need books on the writing craft. The ones I was able to find were inadequate."
John will be glad to help anyone who wishes to make their books available to the print-disabled through bookshare.org. You can also submit your books through a form on their website, http://www.bookshare.org/web/SupportAurhorsPublisher.htm. Click on the third question in the FAQ to get to a place where you can download the form.
Since it has to be in writing, you will have to fill in a paper copy, sign it and then either sax or snail mial it. This form is for contributing books in digital formats; That produces much better results than sending in a printed book to be scanned.
Janice Carter, director of the literacy program, has this to say about contributing books to bookshare. "If you could have the authors print, sign and fax the author permission form to my attention, we will countersign and return this distribution approval form. Then, would like to receive the books in RTF by email to my email address or on CD by snail mail."
www.benetech.org
Janice Carter
Director, Literacy programs
Benetech
480 S California Ave., Suite 201
Palo Alto, CA 94306-1609 USA
If you have questions, you can reach John at john@godtouches.org.
Jennifer Taylor's first quarterly newsletter, “Voice of Inspiration”,
will be released on August 1. In this first edition there will be a
Q&A of Mary Lu Tyndall's debut release of The Redemption, a
historical pirate romance set in the 17th century Caribbean.
She also has a book review of 90 Minutes in Heaven, a true story of life and
death by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey. Jennifer has included a few
publishing tidbits, scripture reflections, a reader's challenge, her
column and an article on “Hearing and Knowing God's Voice”.
You can sign up for this newsletter by visiting Jennifer's website,
www.authorjenniferhudsontaylor.com or sending her a private e-mail at
jtaylor100@triad.44.com. If her newsletter is anything like her website, it will be something to look forward to.
Listen up Mystery Lovers.
Suspense, Mysteries, Cozies. Everywhere you look in the bookstores
they are taking up more and more shelf space. The reason is simple.
People love them. That's why Lisa Harris has started a brand new
blogspot and website called Keep Me In Suspense.
For both readers and writers, this is your door to the inner workings
of writing inspirational suspense and mysteries. Lisa says, "We'll
talk about police procedures, clues, red herrings, and so much more.
Like how to keep a reader on the edge of his seat. Or how to make
your story a "page-turner." We'll also discuss the newest inspirational mysteries and suspense books coming out, who's writing them, and who's publishing them. Whatever your question is, we'll be here to tackle it."
There will also be reviews of new releases and monthly contests where
you can win free books. And if you think this isn't exciting enough,
she's not finished yet. Here's a list of upcoming guest bloggers:
James Scott Bell, Colleen Coble, Kathy Mackel, John Robinson, Gayle
Roper. So stop by today at www.keepmeinsuspense.com or
http://www.keepmeinsuspense.com and sign up for blog postings to come
automatically to your email box, and be entered in the next book
giveaway.
And a big thank you to Lisa for this idea. As a mystery writer, I'm
looking forward to this one.
Here's one for you historical writers. Jill Eileen Smith reports
that she is privileged to be one of the hosts on a new historical
blog that has just been launched.
http://favoritepastimes.blogspot.com. Jill and the others will be
taking turns hosting the site. Cindy Thompson will be interviewing
Ann Tatlock this week, and Jill will be discussing Biblical fiction
on the week of July 17.
So drop by and enter a comment if you want to be entered in a
drawing for a free book. This is a great idea Jill, and one a lot of
us will use.
Loree Lough announces a new workshop series, "The Leading Edge
Writer's Studios." (You can print a free downloadable brochure and/or
registration form by visiting her website, www.loreelough.com and
clicking the Workshops tab.) The all day event includes continental
breakfast, lunch, beverages, in-class exercises, writing materials,
and handouts, free one-on-one critiques (for registered students who
send work in advance) special guest speakers and more.
Developed in 1999 in response to student and other's requests, The Leading Edge Writer's Studios Studios are the result of 15+ years teaching experience (which includes the celebrated Writer's Digest faculty, college, university, and online courses) A combination of Loree- designed classes, such as "Writing and Marketing Freelance Articles", "Focus on the Article", Built a Better Novel", and "The Elements of Fiction", Leading Edge workshops are designed to teach you how to turn your ideas in to salable fiction and non-fiction proposals, regardless of `skill level.' You'll learn what agents and editors are looking for – and why- thanks to powerful tools and step-by-step-instructions. Every Leading Edge workshop will include industry experts who will address issues and answer questions.
Date: Saturday, September 16, 2006, 8:30 4:00
Location: Kahler Hall's Marchand Room, 54450 Old Tucker Row,
Columbia, MD 21044
This sounds great, and a wonderful opportunity to learn about the writing business from someone who knows it well. If you live where you can attend, you won't want to miss it.
WHACKY NEWS OF THE MONTH.
(News too weird to make up)
There's a big difference between a chick and a chicken. But when either female or fowl is in trouble, what can a caring, compassionate person do? Why help, of course. Marion Morris, a retired nurse, saved her brother's pet chicken, Boo Boo, by administering mouth-to beak resuscitation after it was found floating in the family's pond in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After they fished the chicken out of the pond, Ms. Morris went to work. She hadn't practiced CPR in years, but it's sort of like riding a bicycle, after you learn how, it never leaves you.
"I breathed into its beak, and its dadgum eyes popped open," she said. "I breathed into its beak again and its eyes popped open again. I said, `I think this chicken's alive now. Keep it warm." She said she didn't know how to find a pulse on a chicken.
After being placed in a cardboard box with water and food and a heater, Boo Boo is alive and cackling, but at last reports had decided to forego swimming lessons in the future.
WRITING TIP OF THE MONTH
DIALOGUE
Good dialogue is the cord that ties your manuscript together. It can also be tough to write for some people, yet a book short on dialogue is usually long on telling. That's you, the author, telling what happened, instead of letting the characters show it through dialogue, thoughts, and actions.
Your characters speech should match his personality. A farmer would have a different way of expressing himself than a college professor, because their environment, goals and daily lives will be different. Background, personality, status, and career, will all influence the way we talk. Different parts of the country will affect our speech patterns too. To learn how to write good dialogue, listen to the way people talk. Some people will speak with precision, others will talk fast, letting the words trip over each other.
In our house, Charlie speaks soft and slow. I speak fast and loud. My niece uses awesome in almost every sentence. I'd have to be completely knocked over by something to call it awesome. If there's something my sister doesn't accept, she'll say, "I don't buy that." I'll say, "That won't wash."
Some people will carefully form each word. Others may drop their "g's" or leave out words, as in, "What you want, woman?" Some people can't sit still and talk. Right now I am watching two men talk on TV. One is interviewing the other. The interviewer has short hair, a thin serious face, and his words are clipped and fairly fast. The other has longer hair, expressions flit across his face, and his hands flutter like birds wings, never still. His words are looser, flowing, more expressive. Some people speak short and to the point.
Others talk and talk, and never really say anything.
If you want to write good dialogue, listen to people talk, watch their speech patterns, their mannerisms, and when you hear a phrase that catches your attention, write it down so you don't forget it. Some writers are so aware they are writing they have their characters speak so dignified, so formal, they don't seem real. This not only is not good dialogue, it is irritating to the reader. And just as bad are characters whose words seem dipped in honey and sprinkled with angel dust. No one is that sweet, that holy, that pious, in real life, and if they are, you'd better watch them. They may be trying to con you out of your socks.
Keep your dialogue casual, keep it natural, let it fall on the reader's ear in familiar patterns, and don't let them talk about everything under the sun, the way real people do. Your story has a plot, keep your characters dialogue focused on that plot. Everything your character says, everything she thinks, everything he does, must be connected in some way to the plot. Don't let the dialogue jump from who killed Isa Jones to the price of beans down at Paul's market. Your reader won't appreciate the side trip.
NEED TO READ BOOK OF THE MONTH
God Allows U-Turns for Teens by Allison Bottke
God Allows U-Turns for Teens consists of true-life stories about teens by teens. The book is all about making choices. Whether it's choosing to take a stand, choosing to love, pray, witness, or choosing to triumph, the teenagers featured here faced very serious choices. There's even a section on choosing salvation. God Allows U-Turns for Teens will reach your teenagers in ways stories by adults never can. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, but they are all full of hope. Sometimes we tend to forget just how difficult those young years can be. God Allows U-Turns for Teens will help teenagers everywhere make the right choices. I heartily recommend it for the teens in your life, and it's a good choice for your Need to Read list.
God Allows U-Turns for Women by Allison Bottke and Cheryl Hutchings
God Allows U-Turns for Women, is a collection of true stories told for women by women. Like God Allows U-Turns for Teens, it is also about making choices; choosing to forgive, choosing to be a friend, to take a stand, choosing life, love and salvation, and even choosing to pray or choosing not to pray.
The women who lived the stories are very open about their experiences. Although each story spotlights a serious problem, each also ends on a note of hope. God Allows U-Turns For Women, is a stirring testimony of what God can do in our lives. I'm delighted to recommend it for your Need to Read List.
Dawn of A Thousand Nights by Tricia Goyer
It's June 5, 1941 And the U.S. is sending scores of pilots to Hawaii and the Philippines. Don Lukens, hotshot pursuit pilot and Libby Conners, pilot trainer, meet on a beach outside of Honolulu.
Instantly drawn to each other, they fall in love in the shadow of war. Young and unafraid, it seems nothing will ever change, although Japan is beating the war drums. Then Don is transferred to the Philippines, leaving Libby behind in Hawaii. On Sunday, December 7th, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and launched a similar attack on the Philippines.
Dawn of a Thousand Nights is about two people who are ripped apart by a war that threatens to destroy them. It's about love in the face of defeat, of courage and commitment, but it is also an excellent portrayal of our country in one of our darkest historical times. Tricia Goyer's research is accurate and incredible. She gives the reader a strong sense of place, whether in a plane, on a beach, or in a prison camp. Her characters seem to actually breathe
on the page.
You'll come away from this book with a greater appreciation of the men and women in our military who risk their lives daily in the service of their country. It has been said that freedom isn't free. In World War II, a lot of good men and women died that the rest of us might be free. In the month when we celebrate Independence Day, I am extremely proud to recommend Tricia Goyer's Dawn of a Thousand Nights for your Need to Read list.
A Student's Guide to Herman Melville by Maryann L. Diorio, PH. D.
In her A Student's Guide to Herman Melville, Maryann Diorio has written a fascinating introduction to the life and works of Herman Melville. Like everyone else, I was familiar with Moby Dick and Billy Budd, but she also lists many works of Melville's that are not particularly well known.
Maryann explains the history of each book, when it was written and when it was published. A short summary of the plot and a list of characters follows. The theme of each book is established and the literary devices used in each novel, which the reader will find extremely interesting. Most of the devices I understood, but I drew a blank on synecdoche, which I learned means a figure of speech in which the part represents the whole. It helps that she carefully gives the meaning of each term.
The section on Moby Dick alone is worth the price of the book. I came away with a wider knowledge of Herman Melville and the way he influenced American literature, and a great appreciation of Maryann Diorio's ability to breathe life into the story of this literary giant and his works. I am pleased to recommend Maryann L. Diorio's A Student's Guide to Herman Melville for your Need to Read list.
DragonKnight by Donita K. Paul
Squire Bardon has plans for a nice quiet sabbatical away from . . .people. Wearied of court life and all of the . . .people and their noisy chatter, he is looking forward to reading the books he has brought, contemplating life, and seeking the presence of Wulder, creator of all. Instead, his cabin is invaded by three females, who inform him they are on a quest and he is their leader. Bardon is sure Wulder never created three more exasperating females. There's Granny Kye, calm, unflappable, who can't bear to see anyone in need, even if she has to give away Bardon's last coin. N'Rae, a beautiful young emerlindian girl, communes with animals, and last but not least, there's Jue Senno, who resembles a mouse with an attitude, and lives in a basket carried by N'Rae.
Granny Kye is searching for her son, who was imprisoned in an enchanted castle with other knights and placed under an evil spell. Bardon and the three women are in a race against time. If the sleeping knights are not freed from the spell before the Wizard's Plume, a new comet in the sky, passes over the Eye of the North, they will die.
In Dragon Knight Donita K. Paul plunges the reader into a mythical kingdom where dragons fly, knights are honorable, and the dangers are real. Dragon Knight is a warm, witty, intense story of good and evil that will keep you turning pages until the end. It also left me with an intense desire for a flying dragon with a purple body, cobalt wings, and a great sense of humor. Donita K. Paul's DragonKnight will be a great addition for your Need to Read list.
Parenting Teens, A Field Guide by Janice Thompson
Janice Thompson spent many years working in youth ministry, and it shows. Parenting Teens is a sensible, yet enjoyable guide that will help parents tread the minefield of raising Godly teens in a secular world. Parenting Teens is a journey and each chapter heading lists something you and your teens will need as you travel. I particularly liked chapter two, Flashlight; salvation. Then there's Insect Repellant; resisting the enemy. There are also chapters about keeping your prayer life active, trusting God with your future, and one called Bring a Rope; Rescue the perishing. Janice also encourages parents to set an example by living a Godly life before them. If you have teens, you'll want to add this book to your Need to Read List. It's a handy guide book for a very important journey, helping your
teens live a Godly life.
Coldwater Revival by Nancy Jo Jenkins
This book will touch you in ways you will remember long after you finish reading it. Emma Grace Falin was only a child herself, when the two young brothers in her care were involved in a tragic accident. Burdened with an overwhelming guilt, she sank into depression so deep she couldn't find a way out. Her desperate family sent Emma Grace to live with her grandmother, where she learned a very important lesson, that most people have sorrows lurking beneath the placid front they present to the world.
At Granny Falin's Emma Grace clung stubbornly to the new dark world in which she now lived, but gradually, in spite of herself, she began the long road back to reality. She learned to love the sea, finding solace in sand, sun, and surf, and then she met Tate, a boy a few years older, who proved to be the friend Emma Grace needed to help her find the way back. Tate also taught her that when we have lost everything, God is always there.
Nancy Jo Jenkins' debut novel, Coldwater Revival, is a beautifully written story about guilt and grief, love and joy, and of the way God directs our paths, even though we aren't aware of His leading. Nancy Jo has a gift for reaching down inside a character and revealing her most private thoughts and emotions. Emma Grace isn't just someone I read about, she was real, and I'll remember her long after I closed the back cover and placed the book on the shelf. I am pleased to recommend Coldwater Revival for your Need to Read list.
Dark Hour, Serpent Moon Trilogy by Ginger Garrett
If you like Biblical fiction, Dark Hour is for you. I hadn't read anything by Ginger Garrett before, but it won't be the last. This lady can write.
Jehoshebeth believes she is the daughter of Prince Jehoram and of Athaliah, the most powerful woman in the palace. Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel, worships many gods and is despised by those who insist there is only One. Athaliah loves one man and shares him with many; other wives, advisors, and nobles who claim his time and affection, but she has plans to take her rightful place when the time is ripe.
Only one thing stands in her way—Jehoshebeth, the girl all the palace believes is Athaliah's daughter, and if there are those who know better, they are afraid to talk. Tonight she will promise Jehoshebeth to Philosar, a visiting merchant who will take the daughter of a Hebrew out of the palace and out of Athaliah's way forever.
Miraiah, Jehoshebeth's real mother, died giving birth, but Miraiah loved the one true God. At her death, she swore that the child she left behind would be Athaliah's doom. Jehoshebeth feels lost, abandoned, and betrayed, but God has promised that only a descendent of David will sit on the throne, and he has a plan for this girl born to one of His own.
I couldn't stop reading Dark Hour book. The people of the Bible came to life in its pages. I saw the treachery, the hatred, the lust, it was all there, but I also saw the love and power of Almighty God. You'll find it all here, the glory, the despair, the love and the hatred, woven together with such skill you will forget you are reading and feel like you are there.
Midnight Throne, the second book in the Serpent Moon Trilogy will be published in September 2007. Huntress Night, the third book will be published in May 2008. I can't wait.It gives me great pleasure to recommend Ginger Garret's Dark Hour for your Need to Read List.
The Stain Glass Pickup by Cathy Messecar
This is a lovely devotional book. And since I live on a farm and we drive pickups, the title charmed me the moment I read it. Every page held a story that spoke to me, like this one. "Women, on an average, speak 25,000 words." Cathy wants to know who counted, and so do I, but if I speak only one third that many, no wonder I mess up so often. I needed Cathy's words of wisdom.
I'm not getting any younger, so I could relate to her devotional on growing old, and I latched on to the promise she quoted from Psalms 92:12-15. "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. . ." If you're looking for a treasure filled devotional book for yourself, or for a gift, I am happy to recommend Cathy Messecar's The Stained Glass Pickup for your Need to Read list.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
What is success? To laugh much and often. To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of little children. To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty and find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
BARBARA'S FAST AND FANCY CHEESE BALL
Soften two 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, stir in one packet of
Good Seasonings Italian Dressing (regular, not lite) Blend well.
Serve with assorted crackers. Enjoy
Barbara
Blue Mountain Editorial Service
www.barbarawarrenbluemountainedit.com
But they that wait upon the
lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they
shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk, and not faint.
- Isaiah 40:31 KJV
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