The 2014 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW) is quickly approaching, and I’m seeing many excited “Who’s going?” posts popping up on Facebook. I hadn’t planned on attending this year, but after one of my dear friends–Marilyn Rhoads–became a finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest, I couldn’t wait to cheer her on at the awards gala. … Read More
I’m curious . . . what makes a historical novel “great” in your eyes? What features draw you into the story? For some it may be the romantic thread, for others it could be a desire to experience a specific time period. Here are four characteristics of great historical fiction that never fail to hook me. … Read More
My eleven-year-old’s room is in a pretty sad state: Beatrix Potter curtains, pale pink walls, scattered piles of forgotten toys, and stacks and stacks of books… It doesn’t match the young woman she’s becoming. After a long day of middle school, ballet practice, and an evening chatting with friends on FaceTime, the last thing she … Read More
I recently returned from the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Annual Conference. Close to 600 attended this year, beginning writers all the way up to multi-published, best-selling authors. As far as writers conferences go, this had to be one of my all-time best experiences, partially because it was an opportunity to celebrate the release of … Read More
A lot of friends have asked, “How can I help you get the word out about Mistaken?”With millions of books being published (as many as 3,000,000 in 2012 according to one source), “disoverability” is key. How does a new author hope to get their book into the hands of readers? To help an author you admire, … Read More
I love reading novels that feel like they reflect the seasons, and as summer begins, my thoughts always turns to the beach. I recently finished reading The Heart Stone by author Sherry Kyle, and this lovely California novel was as pleasant as a walk on the shore. Sherry Kyle is a friend of mine, so as … Read More
I recently had the opportunity to interview best-selling (and award-winning) suspense author, Ace Collins. Ace has published more than 60 titles, including The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Farraday Road, and Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Scroll. Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national … Read More
Are you getting bored with the typical romantic heroines who swoon at the slightest touch of the hero’s hand? Then it’s time you read Molly Lovelace’s story in Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings. Daughter of a wealthy sawmill owner, she’s been sneaking romantic moments with her beau for some time. When he decides … Read More
Sometimes the characters in a story bury themselves so deeply in your heart, it hurts to close the cover on them. Joanne Bischof, author of the Cadence of Grace series has accomplished that with her characters, Gideon and Lonnie O’Riley. Back in August of 2012, I recommended the first book of the series, Be Still … Read More
Every writer has their own favorite things–the tools of the trade which help them shine. Here are a few of mine. Laptop Cushion. Yes, I know they CALL them laptops, but after a few hours they turn into toast-your-thigh-tops. Also, the cushion lifts the computer up to a more comfortable height for typing. I’m not … Read More