Up, Up, and Away!

At one time, I lived in an area where we'd occasionally see a colorful hot-air balloon. Everyone would stop what they were doing and gaze at the sight.

Sometimes I surf the Net, drifting through cyberspace until I reach a pleasant landing spot. Here are some of the websites I've found in my travels:

1. Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives tips on how to keep your writing on track during the holidays.

2. I stayed on Edie's site, The Write Conversation, and found a great article on the correct usage for quotation marks. This one gets bookmarked on my computer!

3.Wendy Paine Miller, of Thoughts That Move, asks us why we read fiction.

Writers and Readers:  Why do you read fiction?


Photo Credit:  sloopjohnb

A Funny Thing Happened...

on the way to my third novel. I discovered I missed crocheting. Maybe I just needed a mental break from editing, writing, and more editing. A picture of a ruffled scarf on Pinterest sealed the deal.

I headed to my local craft store and purchased yarn. Unlike the old days when I'd crochet non-stop for hours, I savored the experience. This small project re-charged my creative side, and the writing ideas began flowing again.

Have unrelated creative endeavors sparked another area of your life? I'd like to hear about it. :)

Photo Credit: twasa

A Few Bright Ideas

Don't you love it when an idea or tip works? If I had time, I'd try a bunch of the interesting suggestions on Pinterest.

Here are some things my brainstorming yielded recently:

1.  I noticed how often I click on links to books on Facebook. When talking about my book on my author page, I included the link to Amazon. Someone clicked on it and purchased The Moses Conspiracy. Yay!

2.  Scripture tells us that we need to make our requests known to God. He wants us to ask. That got me thinking. Would that principle work with people? Why not ask my Facebook friends if they'd heard about my author page? I then requested them to visit and "like" it. I now have seven new "likes."

3.  Follow-up is vital. So is showing our gratitude. I'm so thankful for the many friends and acquaintances, who take a few minutes to comment, share posts, follow me on various social media, and do any number of nice things. I do my best to reciprocate. Relationship involves more than me, myself, and I.

Writers and Readers: Does an author request/link prompt you to take action? What makes the scale tip in that direction?

BTW - The Moses Conspiracy on Kindle can be found here.

Photo Credit:  raia4u

Entertainment, Enlightenment, Enrichment

I've written both non-fiction and fiction. A recent conversation with a reader had me scratching my head. The person dismissed my novel saying, "I just can't get past the fact it's something someone made up."

Really?

Most authors have a theme in mind. Their stories illustrate principles such as forgiveness, mercy, the consequences of bad behavior, the blessings of wisdom, and many others. Fiction, whether meant for entertainment, enlightenment, and/or enrichment, will put forth the author's views about life.

We're in good company.

When the prophet came to David and told him a story about a man with a cherished lamb and how someone stole it, the king was enraged. The prophet used a fictional story to drive home his point that David had sinned with Bathsheba.

Jesus illustrated many of His sermons with parables. They were stories with a message.

Hmm, it seems to me that fiction is a vehicle to promote truth and ideas just as non-fiction. It's a different method but a valid one nonetheless.

Writers and Readers: What's your opinion on the subject? Agree or disagree and why?

Photo Credit:  ugaldew

Back in the Saddle

After a two-week blogging break, I'm back in the saddle. What fun I've had taking a leisurely ride around the Net! Here are some of the goodies I discovered:

1.  Jeff Goins, at Goinswriter, gives tips on how to develop the habit of writing. It's a plan I've started, so ask me if I'm following it!

2.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, discusses A New Perspective on Social Media.

3. The Scent of Fear Blog Tour is almost over (January 16th), but there's still time to enter the $25 Amazon GC/ebook giveaway. Check out the kick-off post. It has a list of participating bloggers. You can also jump on the Rafflecopter there.

Writers and Readers: What is your pet peeve when it comes to Social Media?

Photo Credit:  scotsxc

Avoiding the Writing Deep Freeze

Snow, Ice, and freezing temperatures conspire against our ability to move about and perform daily tasks. The treacherous piles make each step an opportunity to exercise our faith.

We may not be able to prevent every difficulty caused by storms, but we can minimize their impact on us. Here are a few steps for making life easier during winter:

1) When you're parked, pull the wipers away from the windshield. Now, this isn't a good idea if there's a blizzard. I wouldn't want them snapping off. However, in a run-of-the-mill snow/ice storm, it could prevent your wipers from freezing.

2)  If snow is expected and then an icy mix, don't clean the car off until the storm is over. The snow underneath will make it easier to get rid of the ice.

3)  Carry a bag of kitty litter in your trunk. If you get stuck it will provide much-needed traction.

The writing deep freeze can be just as daunting as a winter storm. The freedom and ease of getting words into a computer document or on a page disappear. Every word comes with tortuous exertion. Here are some preventive measures:

1)  Fear often precedes a writing deep freeze. You've got an assignment for an article, a guest blog, a short story, or a novel. Thoughts start swirling around your head: Can I really do this? What should I write about?

I deal with this issue by: A) Reading scripture verses regarding fear such as II Timothy 1:7. B) Asking God to give me the ideas I need. C) Relaxing and trusting they will come.

2)  If an interesting thought or event captures your attention, go with it. A winter storm provided the idea for this post. Warning: These tidbits have a way of flying through your brain and disappearing. Seize them, and examine their facets using the why, what, where, which, and how questions.

3)  Visual prompts can inspire you and keep brain freeze at bay. I love flipping through sites with pictures. When looking for a graphic for one post, I may see five more that give me writing ideas.

Any venture, whether writing, painting, sculpting, or crafts, can suffer from a creative freeze. Keep those ideas flowing by exercising the gift God gave to you.

Writers and Readers:  What are some of the ways you use to prevent brain freeze?

Photo Credit:  MEJones

Goals and Action Plans

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions, but I do have dreams and plans for 2014. Here's the short list:

1.  Finish The Scent of Fear Blog Tour.

2.  Do guest posts/author interviews to highlight all my books.

3.  Contact some organizations that might be interested in my genre.

4.  Write the third book in the trilogy, Out of the Mist.

5.  Participate in a series my publisher has in the works for 2014.

It's wonderful to have goals, but I'm also considering the steps I need to take to reach them. I have folders for each project to keep everything organized. Scheduling time for implementing my plans is also a big part of making them happen.

What are your writing/reading goals for 2014?  What kind of action steps are you taking to fulfill your dreams?

Photo Credit:  svilenoo1

Move Forward

At the beginning of each year, Christians like to seek the Lord for direction. In 2013, my words were, "hold steady." How I've needed those words! Many wonderful experiences awaited me: an agent, a book contract, release of The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear, a full-time position, and an introduction to new social media sites.

I've been asking the Lord what words would be appropriate for 2014. In November 2013, I read a blog post by my friend, Maria I. Morgan, an excellent devotional writer. Two words jumped out at me:  Move forward.

The first year as a published author is a lot like the first year of marriage. There are many adjustments and "firsts" along the way. Now that I've had two novels published and gone through the craziness of book launches, I'm ready to press on to new challenges.

Some of my writing goals for 2014:

1.  Finish the third book in the trilogy and see it published.

2.  Sharpen my writing skills.

3.  Expand my platform.

Personal goals for 2014:

1.  Develop a listening ear for God's direction.

2.  Nurture others in their relationship with the Lord.

3.  Get a handle on time management and achieve a better balance between family, work, and ministry.

Writers and Readers:  What are some of your goals for 2014? Do you have a word or words that define your direction? If so, please share.

Photo Credit: cobrasoft

Have a Blessed Christmas!

David Phelps sings, O Holy Night. Enjoy!

I will be taking a blog break until Monday, January 6, 2014.

Writers and Readers: What's your favorite Christmas song and artist?


Photo Credit:  alexbruda

If You Agree to Accept This Mission...

God's love is an endless source of amazement to me. Although He knew Adam and Eve would sin, He still created them and made preparations to rescue mankind.

This plan would require tremendous sacrifice. Instead of walking on streets of gold, the Savior would travel dusty roads. The adoration of angels would be there, but muffled by those seeking to entrap Him with words. Heaven's perfection would give way to suffering humanity.

He had to succeed where Adam failed and fulfill the law as a Spirit-filled man. Jesus would be born free of the curse Adam brought upon us via the virgin birth. A slave can't free a slave. Since the fallen nature is passed down through Adam, God had to be His father.

After they tortured and crucified Him, God raised His sinless Son from the dead after three days. How can anyone doubt God's love? He went to great lengths to obtain forgiveness and new life.

Years ago, I heard an old spiritual that said, "I don't know why Jesus loved me. I don't know why He cared. I don't know why He sacrificed His life. Oh, but I'm glad, so glad He did."

That song often runs through my mind and heart. I can't explain it. I can't understand it, but I'm so grateful God sent His Son.

Photo Credit:  dogmadic

It's About to Start!

First came The Moses Conspiracy, now comes..... The Scent of Fear.

The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.

Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills?

Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything - his career, his family, and maybe his life.

Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can't get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart?

The Scent of Fear is available at:

~~~Amazon~~~

~~~Barnes and Noble~~~

The Book Series

About the Author

Susan J. Reinhardt's publishing credits include her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy, as well as devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.

You can connect with Susan at her Blog, on Twitter, and Facebook.

Blog Tour Schedule

December 16
~Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com

~Pamela Christian, http://pamelachristianministries.com/pamelas_blog

December 17

~Sandie Czosek, http://chattycrone.blogspot.com/

~Linda O'Connell, http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/

December 18

~Lynn Mosher, http://lynnmosher.com/

~Jill Ivy, https://lucky4jill.wordpress.com/

December 19

~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

December 20

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

~Lee Privette, http://faithfamilyfrugalityandme.blogspot.com/?m=1

December 21

~Patti Smith, http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

~Carene Havel, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440085.Carlene_Havel/blog

December 22

~Darlene Arroyo-Lozada, http://lovebookslozada.blogspot.com/

~Karen Korb, http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com

December 23

~Maria I. Morgan, www.mariaimorgan.com

~Beckie Stoneking, www.inaminute-beckie.blogspot.com

December 26

~Leah's Good Reads, http://leahsgoodreads.blogspot.com/

~Marja Verschoor-Meijers, http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com

December 27

~Jennifer Van Huss, http://oneheartonefamily.com

~Brittany McEuen, www.brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com

December 28

~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com

~Lori Drake, http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com

December 29

~Kim Justice, http://breathoflifebookreviews.blogspot.com/

~K. Dawn Byrd, Www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

December 30

~Ruth Schiffmann, http://outonalimbshywritergoessocial.blogspot.com/

~Janette Dolores, www.janettedolores.com

December 31

~Cindi Clubbs, http://ccclubbs.com/

~Kathleen Maher, http://kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/

January 2

~Jen Cudmore, http://www.jencudmore.com/

~Karen Lange, http://karenelange.blogspot.com/

January 7

~Jeanette Levellie, http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Review

Open to US addresses only. One person will receive a $25 Amazon GC and a copy of The Scent of Fear. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be chosen from those entries and announced January 17, 2014. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as e-mailed, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Diane at That’s What I’m Here For… and sponsored by the author, Susan J. Reinhardt. The author provided me with a free copy of The Scent of Fear to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway in return for the free book.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Lots of Decor, but No Context

We hear a lot about generics these days. Everything from prescription drugs to clothing has a no-name brand. The big draw is the lower price tag.

I've discovered another kind of generic: the generic holiday. Decorations adorn stores without the context of its meaning. In one store, the decorations were linked with the word, "dream." Ah yes, dream of those clothes and household items, and put them in your cart.

I'm sad today. I miss the Christmas Carols playing, the Merry Christmas greetings, the warmth of society celebrating one of the singular events in history - the birth of Jesus. We're left with the trappings of a holy-day, stripped bare of its meaning.

As a believer, I've committed to keep things in context. While I enjoy the decor and the fun, I'm in awe of the greatest gift I've ever received: forgiveness and a relationship with the One who created heaven and earth, Jesus Christ.

Writers and Readers: Has "generic holiday" sprung up among your retailers? What are some of the things you miss from past celebrations?

Photo Credit: suzz86

An Adoption Story - Guest Blog by Patti Smith

I was going through some boxes and found an Anthology of Student Writing from my son's elementary school. I went directly to a dog-eared page and this is what I found:

THE LONG ROAD HOME

(A True Story)

Bobby Cleghorn

Grade 6

Up until I was 7 I remember that I lived in a truck and under a roller coaster and in motel rooms. When I was 7 my Mom left my sister Bonnie and I in a motel room to go bail my dad out of jail and she never came back. The principal of my school found out that we were left alone and called the police. We were taken to a shelter home. We lived there for a year. Then we went to a foster home with Debi as a foster mom. We stayed there for a year  then Debi and my sister moved to Connecticut. I moved to a group home. I was there for a year till Debi moved back and I went to live with her and my sister again. When I moved back in we both went to a new school. It was a small school. My teacher was really great and the school secretary started taking me to her house on weekends. I also spent Spring Break with her and Don. It was a “test-drive” to see if I would like living in Aguanga with them but I didn't know it.

One day, Debi took Bonnie and me out for ice cream. She wanted to tell us that there were people who wanted to adopt us. Bonnie's teacher in Connecticut wanted her and I guessed many names until Debi said Patti and Don wanted to adopt me. I was really happy about that!

We had to go to court and the judge said that Bonnie could move to Connecticut and I could move in with Patti and Don. I  lived with them a year and we went to court again. The judge said the adoption was final and I was Patti and Don's son forever. After court that day my new mom and dad had a surprise adoption party for me at Stadium Pizza. All the people from my school were there and so were my grandparents and my social worker. I was really surprised! I got really nice gifts and had a fun time.

I talk to my sister on the phone almost every week and we see each other in the summers. We share stories of our new families.

I am now in the sixth grade and still go to the same school. My new teacher is great!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a blessing to have found that gem! Robert (I still call him Bobby, much to his dismay) is now 33 and the father of two beautiful daughters.  Even though he's a grown man, I still see that little boy that walked into my office and into my heart so many years ago.

   Then and Now. :)                   

It's Here!

Have you heard? The long-awaited Christmas novella, The Christmas Wish, released on Amazon on Thursday, December 5, 2013. Here's the backcover copy:

Freddie Gilroy faces a bully head-on. His mom and the Director of the homeless shelter  both try different solutions to no avail. When a grown-up begins stalking him, things get totally out of hand.

Norma Gilroy still believes her husband will come back for them. As pressures mount, a former resident works hard to convince her she's wasting her time and that he's the answer to her problems.

Annaliese and Aaron's continued disagreement on how to raise Katie reach a serious impasse. One small boy's faith inspires them to trust God and believe for their own Christmas miracle.

Ellie and John Zimmerman help the Gilroys even though they're weary from their own challenges with The New Patriots. With storm clouds on the horizon, they once again see God's faithfulness in the lives of their friends and family.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Christmas-Wish-Susan-Reinhardt-ebook/dp/B00H4H95KS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386536500&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Christmas+Wish+by+Susan+J.+Reinhardt+kindle

Writers and Readers: Do you read Christmas novellas? What elements make a Christmas story WOW you?

 

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump

I've been hopping, skipping, and jumping around the Net. Here are a few posts I thought you'd find interesting.

1.  The BloggingBistro had an article on what to do if your Facebook account gets hacked.

BTW, when an established friend sends you a second friend request, their account has most likely been compromised. DO NOT CONFIRM THE REQUEST UNTIL YOU CONTACT THEM THROUGH THEIR BLOG OR WEBSITE. Ask them if they sent the request, and alert them to the possibility they've been hacked.

2.  Have you seen blog with a button to share the posts to multiple sites? I have and wondered how this was achieved. My publisher sent the link to Add This: http://www.addthis.com/?r=0  It's FREE. If this techy-challenged gal can get it on her blog, anyone can!

3.  The Write Conversation posted a fun list of special day in November. If you're looking for ideas, you may find one here.

Writers and Readers:  What social media tips have you picked up lately? If you've tried Add This, please share your experience. Has it generated more hits for your blog?

Photo Credit:  TALUDA