June 2007 Newsletter

BLUE MOUNTAIN BACKROADS

It's June, what used to be the month of wild roses. but since we have very few fence rows left in my part of the country it's unusual to see those lovely single petal pink flowers with the crown of golden stamens. I miss them. We have had rain every afternoon all of last week and into this one. Rather nice, since the heavenly faucets will probably shut down sometime in July and we'll switch over to our annual drought.

I'm going to my sister in Independence for a couple of weeks and I'm really looking forward to it. We go to Basswoods, a fishing resort. The younger family members swim and fish. We older ones watch them swim and fish. We also sit in the shade and talk, nap, and read. My kind of vacation.

I hope you all have lots of wonderful new ideas for books you'll enjoy writing. Aren't we blessed to have received the gift of writing? I know God gives each of us a unique gift, but I think he must have picked out a special one for those of us who love to write. Just think of all the worlds we can live in and never leave our office. We are truly blessed.

 

WRITING NEWS OF THE MONTH

Remember, if you have news, be sure to let me know so I can help you spread the word.

* * *

Carol Cox says "Hi Barbara. Thanks for the lovely review of Fair Game. I was so pleased to know you liked the book. My current news is that I recently signed a contract to write book #9 for Mystery and the Minster's Wife (a cozy contemporary mystery series) for Guideposts. Mystery and the Minister's Wife is the series title, and I really like it. have no idea what either of the books I'm doing for the series will be called. At the moment, they're known as Book 4 and Book 9. Not quite so catchy, huh? ;-)

* * *

Nikki Arana's new release, As I Have Loved You, will be on bookshelves June 1 Leigh Scott is a single mom who just wants the best for her only son, Jeff: a college degree and a good job. But when he starts seeing Jessica, a young woman with a troubled past and a questionable future, Leigh envisions all her best-laid plans going up in smoke. As Jeff spends more and more time with Jessica, Leigh sees her fears realized in Jeff's dropping grades and bad choices. To top it off, Leigh finds her relationships with her parents, her brother, and a long-lost old flame getting more complicated. Will Leigh get through to her son in time? Or is there more to Jessica than meets the eye? This many-layered, emotional family saga will captivate readers as it shows them the peril of judgment, the need for forgiveness, and the gift of love.

Nikki Arana
Visit www.NikkiArana.com
Follow the Lord where He leads. His ways are mysterious and beautiful.
2007 Excellence in Media Silver Angel Award
American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year - Women's Fiction
Winner of The Beacon Award
Jessie Cameron Alison Writer of the Year Award, Conference Speaker –Workshop

* * *

Molly Noble Bull writes:

Dear Everybody,

Good morning.

If you like to read historical Christian fiction and learn what books are out there, please read April Gardner's newsletter below. I am the featured author this month, May 2007. And if you would like to get a copy of her newsletter every month, here's the address. aprilmarieg@gmail.com By the way, if you subscribe, tell her Molly sent you.

Blessings,
Molly
www.mollynoblebull.com
www.shoutlife.com/mollynoblebull

* * *

Hello, Barbara! I have some news for you.

Announcing the debut of www.novelinspirations.com. This site is designed to offer inspiration to writers in all stages - from beginners to "old-timers". Visitors will find two e-loops, one for a newly established critique group and one for members to receive and share inspiration daily. Visitors will also have access to message boards and two weekly chats.

During the month of May, novelinspirations.com will be giving away 4 of Margaret Daley's books. We will announce the June giveaway during the last week of May. Hope you'll visit!

Lacy J. Williams
ACFW Oklahoma Area Coordinator
www.lacyjwilliams.com

Get inspired to make your goals reality at www.novelinspirations.com

* * *

Mary DeMuth's new book Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture releases July 1st. More information here:

http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Parenting-Postmodern-Culture-Practical/dp/07

What is postmodernism? Is it good or bad? Does it have anything to do with being an effective, godly parent? With sensitivity, grace, and a passion to help families experience authentic, life-changing relationships with God, Mary DeMuth describes the new way people are processing truth. She reveals effective ways for parents to communicate with today's kids: by developing relationships, by learning along with their kids, by creating a safe haven for kids to explore their worlds, and more. Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture, by Mary E. DeMuth, Harvest House, July 1, 2007 Novels by Mary: Watching the Tree Limbs (Christy finalist) and Wishing on Dandelions (NavPress). Two novels will release in 2008, one with Tyndale, the other with Zondervan.

Mary E. DeMuth
Christ Follower. Novelist. Writer. Coming July 1st: Authentic
Parenting in a
Postmodern Culture. http://www.relevantprose.com/
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/

* * *

Affordable Novel Critique Service
Sally Bradley

Writing a novel? Wonder if it's ready for publication?

To break out of the pack, your book must be at its best. Let Affordable Novel Critique Service fine-tune your work. ANCS offers an economic combination of a critique and substantive edit, entering extensive feedback throughout your document using Microsoft Word's Track Changes. You'll learn what works in your novel, what doesn't work, and how you can fix those problems.

We'll examine things like:

· Opening Hook
· Character Development
· Setting and Description
· Goals, Conflict, and Motivation
· Character Point of View (POV)
· Narrative and Dialogue
· Showing versus Telling
· Story Flow

Here's what some are saying about Affordable Novel Critique Service:

· "Sally Bradley's service helped my romantic suspense novel be accepted by a major agent. I'd definitely recommend her to help bring your writing to the next level."

—Julie Dearyan

 

·"Sally Bradley is detail-oriented and will tighten and fine-tune your novel without losing your voice. Serious writers will want to hone their novels with this editing service."

—Laura V.  Hilton

 

"If there's a problem you can't identify in your manuscript, Sally Bradley can find it! Her comments and ideas pushed my book to the next level of writing."

— Rachel Trautmiller

The Affordable Novel Critique Service now offers a referral program. For every new client you refer who spends at least seventy dollars, you'll receive a free seven-page critique. You may use your free critique right away or let them accumulate for a larger section of your work. Tell your writing friends to give your name as the referral when they contact Sally Bradley at ANCS. All the details are given at www.sallybradley.com.

Sally Bradley worked for two Christian publishers, writing sales materials and editing fiction. She has a B.A. degree in English and has dedicated herself to studying the craft of novel writing. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as The Christian PEN (Proofreaders and Editors Network) and is a judge for novel contests. Visit www.sallybradley.com for more information.

May Blog Giveaways—A Bigger Life or Crime and Clutter
Visit to find out how to win a $25 gift card to The Container Store

Sally Bradley
Affordable Novel Critique Service
www.sallybradley.com

* * *

Tricia Goyer's non-fiction teen book, "My Life, Unscripted" is going to be featured on Barnes & Noble's, "Back to School Teen Endcap" from July 31st through August 29th!!!Tricia says, "The Barnes and Noble people seem to love the book, which makes me very excited because it's all about helping teen girls seek God to help script the drama of their lives. Also, I'm looking for a few good people to help spread the word through blogs, or through youth groups, small groups, Sunday school groups, (any ideas?), etc. The target audience is girls 12-18.

If you're interested in participating in the blog tour or helping to spread the word in some other way, please email and I'll add you to the list to get a copy when the book comes out mid-July.

Stay tuned too, there will be promotions coming and I'll be posting the first chapter soon!"

If you're interested in a blog tour, or helping spread the word, contact Amy Lathrop at: amy@triciagoyer.com
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com
http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com

* * *

Laurie Alice Eakes has a lot of news. She writers, "I signed a contract with Barbour Books for Better Than Gold, a March, 2008 release for Heartsong Presents. It's the third book in the Iowa Historical Series.

I am a double finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards in the Best Regency and the Best First Book Categories.

And I sold an essay to A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers. August, 2007 release.

Laurie Alice Eakes, National Readers Choice Finalist
Family Guardian, Best Regency, Best First Book
http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

* * *

Carolina Carpenter Brides — A Barbour anthology written by Janet Benrey, Ron Benrey, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Yvonne Lehman is a June release. Here are the interviews scheduled in June on my blog - http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Susan Meissner Widows and Orphans
Marlo Schalesky Veil of Fire
Donn Taylor The Lazarus File
Robin Lee Hatcher Return to Me
Cathy Gohlke William Henry is a Fine Name
Seye Oke Love's Lie
Annette Smith A Bigger Life
Nikki Arana As I Have Loved You
Lena Nelson Dooley - Characters who grip your heart Author, Editor, SpeakerVice President - DFW Ready Writers (ACFW) Reviews of Caught in the Middle, Beloved Enemy, The Sound of Secrets in my May newsletter on my web site. http://www.LenaNelsonDooley.com - a free copy of one of my books every month to someone who signs my guest book--The April winner is Michael Capp.

http://www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley

Author's Interviews this week are with Christy Barritt and her book Hazardous Duty and Jenny B. Jones and her book In Between. FWA West Melbourne, etc., won a copy of Fair Game by Carol Cox.There's still time to leave a comment on Rachel Hauck's interview for a chance to win a copy of Diva NashVegas.Upcoming Interviews—Cindy Woodsmall, Debra Clopton, the authors of Carolina Carpenter Brides, Kim Sawyer

* * *

Rhonda Gibson says:

"I'm home from the conference. We had a great time of fellowship and learning. I spoke at the Southwest Christian Writers Association conference in Hesperus, Colorado on "How To Write The Cozy Mystery" I shared how I write cozy mysteries and read the beginnings of several of my books as examples. During Q & A session, I shared some of my own experiences with editors and my crit group. And learned that I can write a poem! LOL.

Thanks Barbara. I blogged about the conference this morning and it really was fun. Darlene Franklin gave us assignments and so did one other speaker. One form of poetry is making a list about a certain subject such as:

My Office
Writing
Reading
Internet
Research
Pens
Computer
Solitude
Prayer
Bible Study

See? easy huh? I laughed and told everyone, well sure I can write poetry I make lists everyday!

Darlene did 3 workshops. It was a lot of fun.

Rhonda Gibson glorifying God through fiction
Can't sleep? Don't count sheep....Talk to the Shepherd instead,
TO TRUST AN OUTLAW--HeartSong Presents -- August 2007
http://www.RhondaGibson.com www.rhondagibson.blogspot.com
Sign up for my newsletter: Notes from a Gibson Girl
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rhondagibsonsnewsletter/

* * *

My new book, Evidence of Grace, third in the Jenna's Creek Series will be released June 15th by Tsaba House.

Quick blurb:

Imprisoned for murder, a surprise witness casts doubt on Noreen Trimble's testimony. Is there more to the case than even she knows? New evidence and old secrets threaten to destroy the life of the only man who can set the record straight.

ISBN: 978-1933853482
Teresa Slack

* * *

Linda Fulkerson writes, "I'm still all woo-hooey since I received the call that I finaled in two categories of the American Christian Fiction Writers' annual Genesis Contest. My entries were in Historical Romance and Young Adult of the American Christian Fiction Writers' annual Genesis Contest. My entries were in Historical Romance and Young Adult. I had a Chick Lit entry, too, but it needs some more work, obviously! The first round entries were judged by published novelists and experienced writers. The contest moves into round 2, now, and the entries that finaled will be judged by agents and editors. The category winners will be announced at the 2007 ACFW Conference, to be held September 20-23, in Dallas.

Great, Linda. We seem to have several finalists this month. Proud of you.

WHACKY NEWS OF THE MONTH.
(News too weird to make up)

Whenever Antonio Moreno wanted to visit his girlfriend, he would just get in a car and drive over. Any car would do. According to the police, none of the 26 cars Antonio drove to his romantic interludes belonged to him. He didn't ask permission to drive them either. Didn't the guy know that was a no-no? He was 31 years old and no one had ever taught him not to steal?

It seems he was only taking Toyota Camrys and Nissan Sentras by using a simple device that starts Japanese cars of a certain age. I'll bet that makes all of you Toyota Camry and Nissan Sentra owners feel extremely happy. The girlfriend, who was not arrested, told the police she had been trying to dump the guy. Smart woman.

I'll tell you what, a man drives up to my door in a different car every day, he'd better own a used car lot or have a very good excuse. And he can tell Charlie. I already have a man, and he drives a red pickup. The same one every day. And he has the key for it. He doesn't have to use one of those special devices to start the thing. A woman can't be too careful these days.

WRITING TIP OF THE MONTH

TELLING INSTEAD OF SHOWING:

I first heard of this when I was at a writer's conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Fred Bean was the speaker. I thought he was crazy. I'm a writer, right? A storyteller? I tell a story? What did he think he was talking about? Well, now I know. I can't tell you how many manuscripts I get to edit where the writer is telling what happened. No action, no dialogue, no internal monologue. No nothing. It usually takes several tries before the writer understands the difference, but this is one bad habit, that once understood is never made again. The following examples are not very good, but see if you can tell the difference.

Example #1: John loved the old house. It had been in his family for a hundred years. It had a wide front porch with broad steps leading down to the overgrown lawn, which needed mowing. He had moved in yesterday and claimed the master bedroom as his own. Tomorrow he would go to town to buy groceries. He wanted to get a dog too, so he wouldn't be lonesome out here all by himself.

Example #2: John looked up at the sweeping lines of the old farmhouse. Why had he stayed away so long? This house had belonged to Whitakers for over a hundred years. He waded ankle deep wet grass, thinking that tomorrow he would buy a lawnmower. The broad steps leading to the wide front porch were just as he remembered. He turned the old brass doorknob and stepped inside, smelling the familiar fragrance of rose potpourri and beeswax polish. The silence was almost overwhelming. He'd forgotten how isolated it was. He'd get a dog.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.

 

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

CHOCOLATE CHIP SQUARES

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
One 12 oz bag chocolate chips.
1 cup chopped nuts.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
Set aside. In a different bowl combine butter and sugar. Beat until
creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix well. Gradually blend in
flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Spread in a greased
13 x 9 pan. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cut into squares.

Barbara

Blue Mountain Editorial Service

www.barbarawarrenbluemountainedit.com

 

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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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