Non-Disclosure/Public Speaking/China/Writing Output/Planters

1.  Susan Spann, at Writers In The Storm, gives important advice on non-disclosure clauses in publishing contracts. She urges writers to consult an attorney if they see one in their contract. This is a must read for authors.

2.  Whether you're a non-fiction or fiction writer, marketing is part of the package. Zoe M. McCarthy gives tips on building confidence for public speaking.

3.  Many Christians experience persecution throughout the world. China Christians were forbidden to hold a prayer meeting recently. Please check out the post on how China is cracking down on believers.

4.  Jody Hedlund gives 3 Tips to Help Increase Writing Output. I'm going to try #3. :)

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From the Heart, shares her experience with the hazards of using breakable containers outdoors.

Writers:  Do you have speaking engagements? How do you handle the jitters?

Readers:  Do you garden? What types of unusual planters have you used outdoors?

Photo Credit:  Brad Harrison

Publishing/Twitter/Spies/Help/Writing Slumps

1.  Jim Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency, gives an encouraging word for uncertain times in the Christian publishing industry.

2.  Whether you're an author or in some other business, here's a great article by Annie, at Writer Unboxed, on the line between self-promotion and spam on Twitter.

3.  WND reports on the creepy world of spy devices in your home. Sweetie Mom recently needed a TV, and we made sure the one we bought wasn't a "Smart" version.

4.  Author Jody Hedlund talks about the benefits of having a Virtual Assistant. No, you don't have to be independently wealthy to hire one. Check out her article.

5.  Jean Fischer, at Something to Write Home About, gives five ways to break out of a writer's slump. I think this could work for any creative endeavor.

Writers:  What are some ways you break out of a writing slump?

Readers:  Do you hang out on Twitter? What are some of your pet peeves?

Photo Credit:  svilen001

On My Nightstand - Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund

Living on Michilimackinaw Island (say that 3 times fast) in 1814 during the British occupation means severe hunger. Angelique MacKenzie takes the early morning hours to fish and bring a meager ration to her blind friend, Miriam. She longs for the day when the war will be over, and she can get away from her merciless stepfather.

When her long-absent friend, Pierre, returns to the island, she's thrilled but wary. Fur trading and the wilderness are in his blood. Island life will never satisfy him. All she wants is a quiet life and a family.

Pierre is captivated by the little girl who has now grown into a beautiful woman. What they each want is so different. How could there possibly be a future for them, especially when his brother can give her the kind of life he cannot.

The number of twists and turns in this book makes The Twist king, Chubby Checker, look like he's standing still. Every time I thought, "Ah, now all will be well," Jody threw another problem their way.

Rich historical and setting detail, complex characters, and a heart-throbbing romance make a dynamite combination. This is a great gift idea for your favorite reader of historical romances. Five stars for this excellent, well-written story!

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from a friend. Neither the author nor the publisher requested a favorable review. All opinions shared are mine alone. I did not receive any payment for this review.

On My Nightstand - Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

A mixture of love and guilt drive Lily Young to find her sister. She ignores danger and pursues her goals, while working as a photographer's assistant.

Connell McCormick, a lumber boss in Harrison, Michigan, works hard and largely ignores the debauchery around him. Lily forces him to face the ugly truth, and challenges his way of life.

Jody Hedlund captured the setting and drew me into Lily and Connell's world. During one action scene, I could almost hear a glass bottle whizzing by my head.

There's plenty of danger, romance, and action here for the reader. Jody is on a roll, and I'm looking forward to her next book.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher provided this book. The opinions expressed are my own, and I received no remuneration for this recommendation.

Writers & Readers: Have you read any of Jody's books? Which one is your favorite?

Friday Round-Up - #230

 Author Jody Hedlund shares how she's fostered a love of reading in her 5 children. She gives some excellent tips that parents, grandparents, and just about anyone in a child's life can implement.

Writers and Readers: How do you encourage the kids in your life to read?


Photo Credit:  Whiter78

Friday Round-Up - #220

Author Jody Hedlund explores the subject, "Is Blogging a Time-Suck for Writers?"

Loree Huebner, at Between you, me and the gatepost, discusses the use of heirlooms in our stories.


Writers:  What are your thoughts about blogging and time management?

Readers: What are some of your favorite elements in a story: heirlooms, scene detail, customs of a bygone time period, etc.?

Have a blessed weekend!

On My Nightstand - The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

Priscilla White harbors a devastating secret. Marriage and family are out of the question for her. She decides to devote her life to missions in India. Her plans suffer a major setback when the Mission Board announces they won't accept the applications of single women.

Dr. Eli Ernest has a passion for the Nez Perce indians in the Oregon Territory. He's already been there and wants to return. He runs into the same problem as Priscilla.

Neither of them want marriage, but it's the only way to fulfill the call on their lives. She's honest about her condition, but he's more worried about her surviving the dangerous trip. No woman had ever attempted the journey.

Three cheers for author Jody Hedlund! She hooked me right away, and I finished this book within a few days. Anyone disturbing my reading time discovered I was still on a covered wagon headed west.

This book is based on the true story of Narcissa Whitman, the first white woman to cross into Oregon. Jody used her diaries as the primary source of information. It gave me a new perspective about keeping a journal, although I doubt mine would rate biography status.

Writers: If you're a historical writer, would you consider writing a fictional account of a real person? Why or why not?

Readers: Do you like books based on someone's life or do you prefer straight fiction?

Everyone: Would you want someone to tell the story of your life in a fictionalized account? Why or why not?

Disclaimer: I won this book in a giveaway on Carol Garvin's blog. Neither the publisher nor the author paid for this review. All opinion, as always, are mine.

Friday Round-Up - #154

Historical fiction author, Jody Hedlund, at On The Path, gives practical advice on how to create the right amount of setting in our books.

Question for Readers: Do you enjoy a lot of scene setting or do you skim over descriptions?

Question for Writers:  How do you achieve a balance between not enough and too much setting?

Clarissa Draper, at Listening to the Voices, gives some guidance on Forensic Science. There are also other posts listed on her sidebar dealing with this subject. If you write mysteries/suspense/historical suspense, this is a valuable resource.

Question for Readers:  Do you enjoy books with lots of forensic information or does too much technical information put your brain on tilt?

Question for Writers:  Do you put just enough detail in your manuscripts to get the point across or do you go indepth?


Have a fabulous weekend!