I had an amazing time at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) 2011 conference in St. Louis–talking with editors, dining with my agent and rubbing elbows with some of the most talented writers in the business. Does that sound like I’m bragging? I don’t mean to, I’m just always amazed at what happens at national … Read More
Summer is drawing to a close, and with it comes news of wildfires raging throughout the West. In his newest novel Falls Like Lightning, novelist/firefighter Shawn Grady describes the life of one of the our country’s unsung heroes–the smoke jumper. Here is the plot summary, courtesy of Bethany House: Smokejumper Silas Kent never expected to … Read More
Have you noticed how the school supply lists have changed in recent years? School starts next week (in our region) and I always marvel at how different the lists are from when I was a kid. Paper, crayons, folders and scissors are still on the list. Glue sticks have replaced the paste. Remember paste? My kids don’t even know what … Read More
I apologize for being uncharacteristically quiet these past two weeks. I’ve been busy with writing conference preparations. This week I attended the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference and in a few more weeks (see the countdown clock to the lower right) I will be flying off to St. Louis for the American Christian Writers Conference … Read More
If you need to throw a little excitement into your summer, today’s book pick is the perfect choice for you. Christian author, Kristen Heitzmann‘s newest book, Indelible, is a perfect mix of romance and excitement. I was instantly pulled in by the characters. Heitzmann bravely chose to feature a woman who uses art as therapy … Read More
Okay fellow writers and those who love them… Do you want to know a great place to waste a lot of time (and money) on-line? You know you do! It’s CafePress.com. Have you ever been there? It’s a webstore that will custom print your favorite quotes, images and whatever onto t-shirts, bags, hats, mousepads, etc. … Read More
The wait is over! Sarah Sundin‘s newest title, Blue Skies Tomorrow, releases today. I fell in love with Sundin’s writing with her debut book, A Distant Melody (see Book Pick, 4/8/2010). Her second book, A Memory Between Us, was equally good or better than the first (see Book Pick 9/17/2010). But this third book, Blue … Read More
It’s a nice day outside…a good day for a walk or sitting in the shade with a good book. Today’s book pick, Jane Kirkpatrick’s The Daughter’s Walk, combines both ideas. In 1896, Clara Etsby and her mother accept a wager made by the fashion industry: walk across the country in seven months to promote the … Read More
I was very sad to read the news on Monday that the Borders chain is giving up the fight. I’m not terribly surprised–they have been closing stores all year–but it still came as a blow. After our local Waldenbooks closed, our town was down to a couple of used bookstores and a small Christian bookseller. … Read More
What do you do if you’re ready for a vacation, but can’t afford to take one? My solution is to pick up a book by award-winning Christian author, Robin Jones Gunn. Each of the books in her much-loved “Sisterchicks” series was a mini-vacation in itself, and her newest title, Canary Island Song (Howard Books; July … Read More