Giveaway Time!

The Amish Midwife has a mix of Amish and English characters. Mindy and Leslie present a clash of cultures, and serve up a tantalizing mystery.

Rather than allow this story to languish on my bookshelves, I'm having a drawing. Here are the giveaway details:

1) The giveaway is open to residents of the United States.

2) Only Followers of Christian Writer/Reader Connection are eligible to participate.

3) Leave a comment on this post with your email address. Sorry, no email = no entry. You can get extra entries by posting this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog. Please notify me in the comments if you choose to share this opportunity with your friends and blog readers.

4) Deadline: Thursday, 10/18/12, at 11:59 P.M. The winner will be announced at the end of the blog post on Friday, 10/19/12.

Disclaimer: Neither the publisher nor the authors provided this book or gave me any remuneration for this giveaway.

On My Kindle - Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann

When Lance Michelli's grandma, Antonia, has a stroke, she manages to give him a letter and send him on a mission. With little to go on, he travels to a cloister in the old country. Upon his return, he and his trusty pooch, Baxter, end up at a villa being transformed into a bed and breakfast.

A perennial rescuer of damsels in distress, he nearly meets his match in the person of Rese Barrett. With her heart closed off to love and dealing with grief, she's built walls so high even she can't see over them.

Lance takes the job of chef and begins restoring the carriage house where he'll stay until Rese decides if he's a keeper. As he works, the property yields clues to its past, including a shocking discovery. He struggles with his mission from Grandma Antonia and his growing relationship with Rese. Will he be successful or once again hit the road?

A stand-alone novel, this book is the first of a series by Kristen Heitzmann. I was a bit surprised by the toned down fright factor and the ramped up love connection, but it worked. All you romance fans will love the story, and mystery buffs will smile as well.

I'm looking forward to her next book, "Unforgotten." Yup, I'd say this was another winner for Kristen.

Writers: How do you feel about tweaking your genre or even abandoning it completely to address changes in the marketplace?

Readers: When a favorite authors take another genre road, do you stick with them or abandon ship? Why?

Choosing a Path

Decisions. Some are easy, and others stress us out. When we know the choices we make could mean the difference between security and disaster for our families, they deserve our full attention and consideration.

Elections come up every year, but a Presidential year is extremely important. The winning candidate will exert a great deal of influence over our future for better or worse.

While my family has been affiliated with a particular party for many years, my father and mother always stressed two things: 1) The values of the candidate. 2) His qualifications. If a person met their criteria but was not a member of their party, they also considered the party platform. Never did they slavishly vote along party lines just because their ancestors or anyone else did. The well-being of the country and godly principles took precedence.

The amount of information in this media-soaked country sometimes causes confusion. How do we separate the honest from the hype? What do we do to bring clarity to the overall picture? Here's my methodology:

1) What is the candidate's track record? What has he done versus what he said he would do?

2) Does his values reflect mine, and, more importantly, God's precepts?

3) When it comes to economics, has he shown good business sense and responsible stewardship of our tax dollars?

4) Foreign policy: What is his attitude toward Israel? How does he protect the autonomy of the U.S.? Does he respect our Constitution or undermine it by his words, actions, and selection of people to fill key positions?

5) The candidate may not fully reflect my wish list, but is he a good fit on the most important issues?

6) I do not consider the candidate's rhetoric or how good-looking he may be.

7) Last, but not least, I pray. If we leave God out of the equation, how can we expect His favor or blessing on our land?

We're all busy with our own lives, but we cannot afford to ignore elections.

Writers and Readers: How do you select the person, who will be our President?

Learning the Hard Way

When I turn on the shower I expect water. On one particular morning, what I got was an anemic trickle. Uh oh. How do I fix this?

I remembered reading somewhere that soaking the showerhead in vinegar could clear out any mineral deposits. Later in  the day, I marched into the bathroom with a basin and a jug of vinegar.

With the basin of vinegar in the tub, I removed the hand-held shower attachment and let it hang. It didn't reach the basin. Hmm, what now? A lightbulb went off in my head. I dug through the linen closet and found additional basins. If the showerhead wouldn't reach the basin, then maybe I could make the basin reach the showerhead.

Now, now, I hear all those groans, but I thought it was a dandy idea. I stacked the basins until they resembled the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Only this leaning tower gave way, and the vinegar went down the drain. Someone later said to me, "Why didn't you just unscrew the showerhead?"

Because I tend to do things the hard way.

Unfortunately, this tendency isn't limited to plumbing dilemmas. My critique partners can attest to my rather creative attempts to format a manuscript. They have saved my neck more than once in the formatting wars.

I'm still learning how to format the right way, but I sure wish I had a teacher, who could walk me through the steps. ACFW Genesis Contest gave detailed instructions on how to format the contest entry. Does anyone know of an online class or craft book that teaches how to acquire this skill?

Writers: Please share your toughest formatting challenges and how you fixed them.

Readers: Have you come across books where the formatting messed up? I recently read a Kindle book where sentences and paragraphs ended in strange places. The distraction pulled me out of the story for a few moments, but didn't totally wipe out my concentration.

Friday Round-Up - #218

Stephen Tremp, over at Breakthrough Blogs, shares an article by Gillian Roberts. She gives the 7 C's of mystery writing. With so many authors introducing an element of mystery into their stories, this might be a good skill to acquire.

Writers: Have you considered including a mystery in your manuscripts? What are some of the pitfalls you've encountered?

Readers: How do you feel about mysterious happenings in your romances or contemporary fiction?

Have a blessed weekend!


Photo:  melodi2

Parent and Child

I don't usually post on Wednesday, but promised I would if I had something to say. Well, that time has arrived.

My parents taught much by their example. Every year on election day, we walked to the local elementary school I attended. On the way to the polls, they would discuss the candidates and why they would vote for certain individuals. Dad would tell me when I reached 21 (the voting age at that time) I would be eligible to participate in the voting process.

This ritual continued year after year. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't be a voter. When I turned 21, my parents helped me register. The next time election day rolled around, I exercised my right as a citizen of the United States.

It still shocks me that so many people don't vote. Someone once said to me, "It doesn't matter if I vote or not. It doesn't affect my life." I totally disagree. Elections have been won or lost by a few votes, and winners have the power to pass laws that directly impact our well being.

Whether you are a U.S. citizen or have the right to vote in another country, don't let this opportunity slip away from you.

Writers and Readers: What motivated you to register as a voter? Did the example of  your parents influence your decision?

Next week: How I decide who gets my vote.

Are We There Yet?

Road trips are one of my favorite things in life, especially if someone else is driving. No matter how much I like them, the novelty wears a bit thin after the first 100 miles.Traffic jams and construction hamper progress. My back and legs scream for a good stretch, as well as relief from the constant motion.

The writer's journey is a lot like a road trip. The planning, anticipation, goal setting, and initial work are all driven by enthusiasm. Once we hit a certain rhythm, we just want "to be there." Our word count moves along much slower than we'd anticipated. Writer's block, plot holes, life's surprises all threaten the desired end result - a completed manuscript.

How To Survive a Road Trip (without going stir crazy)

1.  Make sure you have clear directions.

2.  Stopping every couple of hours keeps you limber and may prevent dangerous blood clots in your legs.

3.  Food. There's something comforting about a snack on a long trip. You also avoid ridiculous prices and losing travel time.

4.  Music, teaching tapes, games for the younger set, and taking in the scenery make the miles and time fly.

5.  If you're not driving, a quick snooze might be in order. My friends often traveled at night, so the kids would sleep through a chunk of the trip.

How To Survive The Writing Journey (without driving every one around you insane)

1.  Read as much as you can about the business side of publishing. You'll run into fewer unpleasant surprises along the way.

2.  Explore various genres and determine which one best fits your interests and talents.

3.  Take time to acquire the skills you need to communicate your story.

4.  Don't be in a rush to present your work to editors and agents. You'll save yourself a heap of embarrassment and avoid a bad first impression.

5.  Take a break to enjoy life. Putting God and family first will make your writing stronger and  more satisfying.

Writers: What are some of your writing survival skills?

Readers:  Do you have any tips for a frazzle-free road trip?

Photo credit: Windchime

Friday Round-Up - #217

Ane Mulligan, at Novel Rocket, shares her experience as a critique partner.

Writers: What do you value most about your critique partners?

Readers: Have you ever written to an author and given them either positive or negative feedback (nicely, I hope)?

Have a blessed weekend!

Fun Questions

Blogger friend, Janette Dolores, posted some questions awhile back. I won't tell you how long ago because I'm too embarrassed to admit my tardiness.

Without further delay, here they are:

1.  Book or Movie?  No contest here! I'm an avid reader.

2.  Real book or e-book? In the past I would have said, "real book," with no hesitation. Today, I've become quite attached to my Kindle. With print and e-books, I think I have the best of both worlds.

3.  Funniest thing you've done in the last five years? Ha! I just thought of something, but I'm going to save it for a blog post. Thanks for the inspiration.

4.  How would your best friend describe you? Loyal.

5.  Do you put yourself into the books you read/write or the movies you watch? I take character traits from a number of sources otherwise all of them would sound/act like me. The main character in my first book, Ellie, has my fire for a cause, but she's more talented. Perhaps it's a case of living vicariously through her.

6.  Favorite kind of car and why? I love my 2-door Honda, but it's become impractical. The 4-door version would be better suited to my needs.

7.  Would your choice of party be a catered meal or barbeque out back? It depends on the purpose of the gathering. For a wedding - catered. For a casual family/friend event, the barbeque is more conducive to conversation.

8.  What's your favorite season and why? I'd have to say, "spring," but fall comes in as a close second. The first blooms after a gray winter makes my energy level soar. Fall colors also nourish my soul.

9.  Besides writing, what's your favorite thing to do when you get some extra time? This is one of the easiest questions. Packing a lunch, jumping in the car, and going for a long ride tops my list. Stops at antique stores add to the delight.

10. What's one place you can be found at least one time every week? Church! While my daily devotional time feeds me, there's nothing like a 4-course feast on Sunday morning. My pastor is an awesome teacher.

Writers and Readers: Pick any question and give your answer! Did you learn anything new about me?

On My Kindle - Code Blue by Richard Mabry, M.D.

Cathy Sewell returns to her hometown of Dainger, Texas. She's running away from her troubles and God. Not long after the move, she discovers geographical changes won't solve her problems. They've tagged along for the ride.

Will Kennedy hasn't give up hope. He's loved Cathy from the time they were in high school. Now a successful lawyer, will he be able to keep her alive and help her deal with the excess baggage?

Dr. Mabry's book grabbed me immediately, and I couldn't put it down. I loved the combination of medical mystery and romance. His background made the story realistic, while the who-dun-it part kept the tension at the right level.

My only regret is that I didn't read this book sooner. The author has several other books out, and I'll be picking them up.

Writers: How do you ramp up the tension in your manuscripts/short stories?

Readers: What gets your heart pumping? Sinister characters? Spooky settings? Please share.


Have a blessed weekend!

What Flips Your Switch?

Sometimes I can eat chocolate to my heart's content and never suffer a bit. Other times, one measly piece can flip the ol' migraine switch and send me careening into the pain dungeon. Trial and error revealed a few key factors:

1) While chocolate alone doesn't always trigger a headache, a combination of two sensitivities stack the odds against me.

2) My brain reacts to drops in the barometric pressure. If a storm is brewing, I'd better stay away from chocolate.

3) Foods I love, like genoa salami and red grapes, are a no-no and promise suffering when mixed with chocolate.

What flips the switch for "writing headaches?"

1) Lack of time with the Lord and sketchy prayer top the list for me. Inspiration dries up and withers like corn stalks in drought-ridden areas.

2) An unbalanced life marked by too much computer and not enough living sap my creativity. After all, I'm writing about people, places, and things. When I cut myself off from social interaction, I have little to draw on for my stories.

3) Minimal exercise, poor nutrition, and sleeplessness can render my brain mushy and sluggish.

Writers:  Your turn. What flips the "writing headache" switch for you?

Readers: What qualities in a book produce a reading "headache?"

On My Kindle - Cooking the Books by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Sloane Templeton's successful career in the IT field comes to an abrupt halt when her mother dies of a heart attack. She gets more than a double dose of trouble when she steps into mom's shoes as co-owner of a local bookstore.

A jealous former boyfriend, a new love interest, international intrigue, and a zany cast of characters keep this book moving along. Bonnie throws in so many red herrings that you could catch a mess of fish. Surprise is the order of the day in this novel.

Be aware, there is some violence, but it's very much a part of the setting and necessary to the story's outcome. Her well-written scenes made the tension stark and realistic.

Bonnie's writing voice is fresh, lively, and entertaining. We'll be seeing a lot more from this author.

Writers: How do you make your characters jump off the page?

Readers: What's your favorite mystery/character of all time?

Counting The Cost

When a young person decides to pursue a career in medicine, there's much to consider. How will this endeavor be financed? Do they have the self-discipline necessary to finish the course? Do they know what's involved or have they romanticized their dreams?

We've talked about dreams before, but are we willing to pay the price? We hear about the sacrifices people make to reach their goals.

Are we willing to:

1) Learn the mechanics of writing?

2) Invest the time and money necessary?

3) Have the determination and grit to push past discouragement and setbacks?

4) Endure the comments of those who don't understand our calling?

5)  Discern when to make changes and when to stand our ground?

Writers: What crisis moments have you been through to reach your present writing level?

Readers: What areas of your life have tested your commitments?


Photo credit: onetwo

On My Nightstand - The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

The Harbinger is not your usual novel. On the page reserved for a dedication, the author states: "What you are about to read is presented in the form of a story, but what is contained within the story is real." Those words alone are enough to make a reader sit up and take notice.

I've heard many prophecy teachers over the years, and one recurring question they receive is, "Where is America in prophecy?" Jonathan Cahn conducted an extensive study and discovered a connection between ancient Israel and the United States. Could verses in Isaiah contain the mystery of 9/11 and the collapse of our economy in 2008?

While this book won't teach you the fine points of writing, it will make you think. The words I've read still echo in my mind and send me to my knees. A New York Times Bestseller, it's reaching people most Christian novels will never touch.

This is more than a book review/recommendation. I believe this message needs to be read by every believer. The future of our nation could well be at stake.

Writers and Readers: Have you read this book yet? How did it impact you? The author has also appeared on many Christian TV programs. Have you seen any of the interviews?

Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from a friend. Neither the author nor the publisher paid me to give this review/recommendation. The opinions I've expressed, as always, are my own.

Taking Time to Smell the Roses

I'm taking a brief blogging break to spend time with family and friends. See you on Friday, 9/7!

Enjoy the last official summer weekend.





Photo credit:  silencefi