October 2010 Archives

An interesting tidbit I recently learned - tomorrow, October 30, is "Talk Like Jane Austen Day".  It's in celebration of the 199th anniversary of the publishing of Sense and Sensibility.  Since I'm a huge Austen fan, I immediately took note!

Regency fiction is enormously popular in the general book market.  I'm excited that it's spreading into the Christian fiction area as well.  Many of the same elements that readers like in the general market selections can be found in Christian fiction as well.  The settings are usually in Regency England (1811-1820 or so).  There is an accurate portryal of the differences between social classes and of course, a great romance story.  What sets the Christian novels apart is the addition of the faith themes throughout a story.  This for me makes it a well rounded read.

The best selling author in this genre for Christian fiction is Julie Klassen.  I became a fan within the first few chapters of her debut novel The Lady of Milkweed Manor when it was published in 2007. She has had two other novels since then, The Apothecary's Daughter and The Silent Governess, which won a Christy Award this year.

To celebrate what is sure to become one of my new favorite holidays, I thought it would be fun to have a Q&A with Julie and learn a bit more about the regency time period, how it influences her writing, and to get an early glimpse into her next novel.  Oh, and for a couple of tips on how to talk like Jane Austen... see the end of this post!

Regency novels have remained popular in the general book market and we’re seeing some strong traction in the Christian book market as well.  Why do you think this era of literature remains so popular?

 A couple of reasons. First, the novels depict an idyllic, romantic time—at least for people with money! Also, the characters are often noble and admirable. Restrained by a high moral code and the rules of polite society, they must overcome obstacles of class, situation, and misunderstanding to gain what we all long for—true love. I am glad to see more Christian readers and retailers discovering the pleasures of novels set in Regency (early 1800’s) England.

 How did you become a fan of this period?  Why did you choose to set your novels in this era?

 I have been fascinated with England ever since I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre as a girl. I am specifically drawn to the Regency period because that was when Jane Austen, whom I greatly admire, published her novels. I am smitten with the romance of the era—the chivalry, the balls, the gowns, the men in tall boots. But I have to admit that the clincher for me was falling in love with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Ah, the long looks, longer side-whiskers, and the lingering touch of hands during a courtly dance...sigh. It is a time period I love to return to again and again and I’m thankful for fellow Austen fans like you who are eager to return there with me.

 Are there any authors that have influenced your writing style?

Yes. Besides Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, I would also list authors Georgette Heyer (Regency) and Elizabeth Gaskell (Victorian). I have also been impressed by Charles Dickens’s ability to create quirky, unforgettable characters. I read a great deal of inspirational fiction, too, and no doubt have been influenced by those authors as well. I think everything we take in influences us one way or another—so it’s important to read quality work.

From your website (www.julieklassen.com) I can tell you have spent time in England doing research for your novels.  How was that beneficial for your story development?

Very! Visiting England allowed me to conduct specific research I would be unable to do here, for example, touring London’s Apothecaries’ Hall & exhibits before writing The Apothecary’s Daughter. But it was also beneficial simply to spend time in the country, soaking up the history, meeting wonderful people, and discovering places that have inspired many settings for my novels. I have only been to England once so far and loved every minute of it—walking through the gardens and echoing manors, hearing the accents, sipping the tea, nibbling the biscuits… Okay, now I really want to go back!

What was your most favorite place you visited while in England?

Oh, that’s a tough one! We loved spending time in the small village in Kent where I set my first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor. I’ll never forget celebrating Easter with a small clutch of congregants in the ancient church mentioned several times in the book. But we also really enjoyed visiting the Cotswolds—a picturesque area of thatched cottages, ivy covered manors, gentle streams, and sheep-dotted meadows (the setting of The Silent Governess). If we are able to return, I would love to visit that area again.

The manager of our LifeWay Christian Store in Gulfport, Mississippi is a big fan of your writing.  I know she personally hand sells your novels to many of her customers!  Alicia has the following question for you… “My favorite book of yours is still Milkweed Manor.  What inspired you to write this particular story?  Charlotte had to make some very tough decisions for her son.  What inspired you to take the route you did with the story line?”

That’s great to hear—thanks Alicia! You know, my first novel will always be special to me, too. The idea for Lady of Milkweed Manor was sparked by a film I once saw. The cast included a wet nurse—a stranger who lived with a couple and nursed their infant. Although this woman was only a minor background character, she intrigued me. I found myself wondering, what would it be like to have a strange woman living in your home, nursing your child? And what would it be like to be that woman? My resulting research fascinated me and provided the backbone for the novel. As far as Charlotte’s tough decisions, I was inspired by thoughts of noble sacrifice. Charlotte, a loving mother, makes several heartrending decisions with her son’s best interest in mind. (But since I love happy endings, readers will be glad to know Charlotte finds happiness in the end.)

I am anxiously awaiting your next release, The Girl in the Gatehouse, when it releases in January 2011.  Can you give us a sneak peak as to what this story is about?

Sure. The Girl in the Gatehouse is about a young woman who lives in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative’s estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant by writing novels in secret, at a time when novel writing was considered improper by many. (Jane Austen’s name did not appear on any of her books during her lifetime!) When a wealthy and ambitious naval captain leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. Will he risk his plans—and his heart—for a woman shadowed by scandal?

And finally, a lot of your readers are fans of period drama films as well.  Do you have a favorite film that you watch over and over?  I am willing to admit that I watch many of the Jane Austen films numerous times a year!

You and I are two peas in pod, Rachel. I don’t watch much TV, but I do watch period dramas—hey, it’s research, right? I own the A & E Pride & Prejudice miniseries but limit myself to watching it only once a year or so when my husband is out of town. (If I watch it while he’s home, he walks behind the couch imitating Sir William Lucas, “Oh, capital! Capital!” in a poor English accent.) I also enjoy watching the various versions of Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion, as well as Dickens’s Bleak House and Little Dorrit. I have watched Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South multiple times. (This film is about the north and south of England. Not to be confused with the miniseries about the Civil war done here in the states.) If you haven’t seen North and South, I highly recommend it. Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton gives Mr. Darcy a run for his money!

 If you want to celebrate "Talk Like Jane Austen Day" tomorrow, here are some tips...

"Always refer to your close family members as "my" mother, father, sister, brother even when speaking to one of them. For example, Elizabeth might speak to Jane saying, "My mother has been nervous the whole day." (Whereas we contemporary English speakers would most likely say "our" mother. (Note the use of "the whole day" rather than all day long or a more contemporary phrase).

No Contractions- "Don't you think this an agreeable morning for a walk?" Would be "Do not you think this an agreeable morning for a walk?"

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She is a fiction editor and novelist. Her book, The Silent Governess, won a 2010 Christy Award and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and the RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the

I thought I would give you a sneak peak into some of the new novels that are set to release in early 2011.  There will be plenty to keep us all entertained during the cold winter months!

 January 2011

February 2011

      

March 2011

A few weeks ago I read Julie Lessman's latest, A Hope Undaunted, the first in the new Winds of Change series.  Readers will instantly recognize the characters from her Daughters of Boston series as they carry over into her new books. 

Katie O'Connor is a petite but feisty young lady growing up in the roaring '20's.  She's the epitome of fashion with her stylish clothes and hairstyle. Sure she might be a bit too sassy, a little too self absorbed, and brings a little too much worry to her parents but Katie is proud to be an independent woman in the 20th century.  

Life seems to be going pretty good for her.  She is popular with her friends and she's the perfect arm candy for her boyfriend Jack.  He meets all of her criteria for a husband - good-looking, rich, and well connected.  Yes, things are moving along quite nicely to the perfect life she's dreamed of.

Katie's spirited ways eventually catch up with her when her father grounds her for the entire summer.  There's to be no hanging out with friends, no fun activities, and definitely no time spent with Jack.  Katie is to spend the summer working at the Boston Children's Aid Society.  To make it worse, Luke McGee is to be her boss.  While most women wouldn't mind working alongside a handsome man, Katie wants nothing to do with the boy who tormented her as a child.

As she muddles through the dreadful summer, Katie begins to develop a passion for the work that the Aid Society is doing on behalf of the poor children in Boston.  She's always had aspirations of being a lawyer and this work is providing a lot of great experience for her.  And wouldn't you know, Luke McGee ends up to not be the same annoying boy that she remembered from her youth.  It seems that a romance between Katie and Luke is just around the corner but the dark corners of Luke's past seems to continually get in the way.

A Hope Undaunted is a powerful love story all the way through.  Lessman does a suburb job of making you interested in not only the developing relationship of Katie and Luke but also of the other members of the O'Connor family.  Love isn't always new and exciting.  It takes a lot of work, a reliance on the Lord for guidance and patience, and a lot of forgiveness.  One of the biggest themes is that of sacrificial love.  Luke makes tough choices in order to protect a friend even though that decision will cause him to not have a future with Katie.

If you are a fan of historicals and romance novels, definitely give this one a try.  I guarantee you'll be hooked!

As a book buyer for LifeWay Christian Stores, I am presented with new titles on a daily basis.  After awhile, titles can begin to run together, believe me!  We rely heavily on our sales reps from the various publishers to tell us about a new author and their upcoming release.  But there is always room to learn more about books, the authors behind them, or about a particular genre.  I've found one of the best ways to stay "in the know" is to follow different blogs.

Many of the ones I follow are from our authors.  They will share anything from what book they are currently working to the crazy thing their dog did the other day.  It's fun to get an inside look into the people who create such amazing stories. 

Here are some of the blogs I follow on a weekly basis.  I'll post a few others next week so be sure to check back in!

Tamera Alexander - Not only do I like to keep up with Tamera's writing, but I also like to see the latest antics that Jack, her silky terrier, is up to.  She shares a lot about her books but also likes to chat about other novels she has recently read.  Tamera will also occassionaly post a new recipe she's discovered.  Check out her post from October 13 for her cold-brewed coffee recipe.

Girls Write Out - If you need a good laugh, these ladies are sure to deliver!  Diann Hunt, Colleen Coble, Denise Hildreth, Kristin Billerbeck, and Cheryl Hodde contribute to this blog daily.  You can tell that this group of ladies are wonderful friends and support each other through everything.   They tackle tough issues like, "What type of water is best - bottled, distilled, mountain stream, tap..."  Oh, and yes, they do talk about books too!  Check out the post from October 15 to get a sneak peak at Kristin Billerbeck's new book, A Billion Reasons Why (Finally!  A new one!).

Jerry Jenkins - Jerry not only talks about his latest project but he also blogs weekly on writing tips.  In his "Wednesday's Writing on Writing" posts, aspiring novelists can get tips from one of the most respected authors in our industry.  Obviously the man who co-wrote The Left Behind Series knows a thing or two about writing!

Amish Living - This is a great location for "all things Amish".  There are updates on new Amish novels, pictures that people have taken on trips to Amish areas, recipes, and discussion boards.  They are currently giving away a free copy of a new book by Beth Wiseman so pop over and check it out!

What about you?  Are there any blogs that you enjoy following you could pass along to the rest of us to check out?

Mindy Starns Clark is back with her unique gift of creating a suspense story set in Amish country. Secrets of Harmony Grove will have you guessing "who done it" until the very end.

Philadelphia ad executive Sienna Collins learns she is under investigation by the federal government for crimes she knows nothing about.  Suspecting the matter has something to do with one of her investments, the Harmony Grove Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster County, she heads there, only to find her ex-boyfriend dead and the manager of the bed-and-breakfast unconscious.  As Sienna's life spins out of control, she begins to doubt everyone around her, even the handsome detective assigned to the case.

As Sienna searches for the truth and tries to clear her name, she is forced to depend on the faith of her childhood, the wisdom of the Amish, and the insight of the man she has recently begun dating.  She'll need all the help she can get, because the secrets she uncovers in Harmony Grove threaten not just the bed-and-breakfast, but also her credibility, her beliefs, and ultimately her life.

 Check out the first chapter to Secrets of Harmony Grove.  Here is another peak at the novel...

Thanks for everyone who answered our trivia question.  The correct answer is:

C.) Both the bride and groom must be baptized into the church.

We have randomly chosen a winner out of all those who posted an answer.  The winner is (drum roll, please).... daft4k.  We'll be contacting you soon to get your information and will get the copy of The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher coming your way!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Amish fiction remains a hot genre for us these days and there are many new authors out on the shelves.   You can always tell the ones that have done their research into this community or those who have Amish relatives.  Their writing is much more accurate and their love of the people transcends their words.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a new author that has debuted with great reviews.  She just released her second novel, The Waiting, this fall.  Suzanne had a grandfather who was raised in the old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.  I am sure she grew up hearing many wonderful stories that had been passed down for several generations by her Amish relatives.

If you would like to win a free copy of Suzanne's new book, take a stab at answering this question!  I'll make it multiple choice to help you out!

What is the main requirement for an Amish person to meet before he or she gets married?

A.)  The groom must own at least 10 acres of land

B.)  The bride must have quilted or sewn enough linens to supply each room in their new house

C.)  Both the bride and groom must be baptized into the church

If you know the answer, leave it in the comments section of this post.  Good luck!

Israel will shortly be faced with an impossible choice—whether to attack Iran’s extensive and growing nuclear weapons program, or allow it to join the nuclear club and aim the intermediate-range, nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles they’ve acquired from North Korea at population centers in Israel.

PEACE – the first book in the Principalities & Powers series by Summerside Press -- is a fictional account of what might happen if Israel attacks Iran. It begins the day that a drone detects a spike in uranium hexafluoride levels in the atmosphere over Iran, indicating that Iran has decided to sprint to the nuclear finish line. Israel then launches an attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities with U.S.-built stealth fighters.

Israel’s decision sets in motion a chain of potentially cataclysmic world events and decisions by leaders in Russia, China, and the United States about how to deal with Israel’s enemies and the threat of nuclear annihilation by rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran.

While I’ve written more than a dozen successful novels for the CBA market over the years, PEACE is unlike any novel I’ve ever written. It blends fact and fiction to an extent that I felt like the novel needed a Q and A at the end to go through what was real throughout the novel.

Given the nature of my professional background -- as a senior government official for two federal science agencies, as the communications director to former Vice President Dan Quayle at the White House and as a former national journalist – PEACE reads like it’s ripped straight from the headlines.

Historians say that the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 marked the end of wars over religion, and the emergence of wars between nation-states. That peace process ended the Thirty Year War among great princes in the Holy Roman Empire. The principalities and powers in Europe and the West have operated diplomatically from this principle for 350 years.

The Bible, though, has never made a distinction between leaders and nation-states. The phrase “principalities and powers” is used a number of times in the Bible to describe both earthly and heavenly power. The phrase revolves around one idea—that principalities and powers, whether individuals or nation-states, contend for control of the earth.

Wars throughout history have been waged by principalities and powers, either as princes or later as nation-states. And one of the longest-running wars in human history has been for control of Israel - the Promised Land, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south – beginning with Abraham in Canaan to the post-World War Two era of modern Israel.

Jesus said that we would “hear of wars and rumors of wars” and that “nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,” but that the time of the end was not yet upon us. This series is based on that premise, and the concept of earthly principalities and powers that orchestrate these wars.

PEACE – and the rest of the Principalities and Powers series -- is about the struggle for power on earth at a critical time in world history.  What happens in one part of the world affects other parts. And whether it wishes to be or not, the nation of Israel is at the very center of that struggle among nation-states and leaders for control of the earth.

PEACE introduces major characters and nation-states that have a deep, abiding interest in the fate of Israel. The actions of each are seen through the eyes of their leaders  (their principalities and powers) ranging from American President Adom Camara and Russian Prime Minister Andrei Rowan to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Amir Shahidi, and Hezbollah leader Sa’id Noradeen n Lebanon.

Other major characters who will continue throughout the series include leaders of NGOs and global non-profits that easily cross borders such as evillage CEO Nash Lee and Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, the head of World Without Borders. Other characters like deputy White House press secretary Daniel James and White House chief of staff, Dr. Anshel Gould, will also continue in each novel in the series.

Places, people and possible events—like Camp 16 in North Korea, the hidden taqiyya terrorist cells in the U.S., the threat of a cesium doomsday bomb that can irradiate half the planet, the possibility that the U.S. will sell stealth planes to Israel, the science behind the premise that the First and Second Jewish Temples were never at the Dome of the Rock, the radical peace plan for Israel based on the long-forgotten 1949 Palestinian resolution at the United Nations, or Russia’s military interest in oil fields to the south and Israel—are all quite plausible and based on both science and research.

Some of the events predicted in PEACE – like the rise to power of the third son in North Korea, the premise that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have hidden uranium enrichment facilities inside military compounds or the possibility that Iran’s theocracy would silence opposition political leaders – have already taken place in the past few months.

Much of PEACE is based on real science and real facts. One of the novel’s central ideas is that the “salt of the earth” will need to act soon to prevent events from spiraling out of control in places like the Middle East and North Korea.

PEACE deals realistically with every major issue confronting Israel, from military enemies at its border and Iran’s growing nuclear arsenal and empire-building aspirations, to the science behind a logical, new location for the Third Temple and rapidly changing economic realities that may propel Israel into the oil wars of the Middle East. I hope the novel helps readers make sense of world events that millions in the United States are gravely concerned about.

Yesterday I finished reading Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang.  I've read some of her other novels and have enjoyed each one.  This one sparked my interest because of the story's setting... Belgium during World War I.  Now... don't go having flashbacks to your dreaded history classes in high school.  This is a fascinating story!

Belgium is under the control of the German Imperial Army but the residents refuse to live in defeat. An underground newspaper, La Libre Belgique, becomes a means to let the residents know how to stand up to their German occupiers.  The nation's patriotism is kept alive by the people who risk their lives to print and distribute this illegal paper.

Edward Kirkland wants nothing more than to have life return to the way it was before the War: no Germans occupying every building in the city, his parent's hotel to be filled with guests instead of lying in ruble, and more than anything, to have his father still alive.  His hatred for the Germans fuel his zeal and dedication to the resistance movement.  He daily risks his life to print and distribute copies of La Libre Belguique to his countrymen.

After fleeing Europe with her family two years before, Belgium socialite Isa Lassone returns from America determined to get Edward, whom she has loved since she was a child, and his family out of Belgium.  Edward sees her as nothing but the naive and spoiled young girl that his mother used to care for.  No matter how much he tries to keep her out of danger Isa is determined to help Edward in his underground duties to protect their beloved Belgium.  Isa is drawn into the dangerous work of the newspaper and it's not long before the Germans begin to crack down on her and the paper.

The characters paint a real depiction of the struggles that I would imagine many Christians had during this time in history.  God calls believers to love your enemies, give to those in need, and trust him with your future.  All of that is understandably hard to do when you are not free to live your life as you choose due to being occupied by a nation of people who have murdered many of your own family members and neighbors.  Edward, who is on the verge of abandoning his belief in God, wrestles with how a loving God can allow such destruction, persecution, and death to continue for years without intervening.  As the danger gets closer to those he loves, he learns that God doesn't owe him an explanation for the way things are.   He must remember that God is God and that he is to accept his sovereignty and trust in his goodness even when the world around him makes it hard.

Whispers on the Wind is a story of reconcilation, survival, and trust that is beautifully set in some of the world's darkest days.  Oh, and there is quite a good love story or two in there as well, but I won't spoil it for you!

Today is a huge release day in the world of fiction!  Two best-selling authors have new novels that are now available.

First up is The Twelfth Imam by Joel Rosenberg.  He is known for creating thrilling story lines that are ripped right out of today's headlines.  His latest release will prove no different. 

As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints, and without triggering a regional war.  At extreme personal risk, Shirazi executes his plan.

A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn't be better prepared for the mission.  But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next.  An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam.  News of this miracles, healings, signs and wonders spread like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.

With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran's military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days.  Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking and then a dark secret from his past comes to light and changes the course of his life forever.

That sounds like a page turner to me!  Check out the first chapter and book trailer for The Twelfth Imam.  For something a little less intense, you might want to read...

 In the Company of Others by Jan Karon is the second book in the Father Tim Series (the first book in the series is Home to Holly Springs). Her best-selling Mitford Series novels launched Jan as a best-selling author right from the start.  Readers fell in love with many of her enduring characters that she continues to bring to life in her latest novel. 

In this second novel, Father Tim and Cynthia arrive in the west of Ireland, intent on researching his Kavanagh ancestry from the comfort of a charming fishing lodge.  The charm, however, is broken entirely when Cynthia startles a burglar and sprains her already injured ankle.  Then a cherished and valuable painting is stolen from the lodge owners, and Cynthia's pain pales in comparison to the wound at the center of this bitterly estranged Irish family.  In the Company of Others is a moving testament to the desperate struggle to hide the truth at any cost, and the powerful need to confess.  Of all her winning novels, Jan Karon says this "dark-haired child" is her favorite - a sentiment readers everywhere are certain to share.

Today's first chapter comes from the new novel by Kim Cash Tate, Faithful.  Here's a glimpse at the story...

Cydney Sanders thought she knew God's plan for her life.  She'd marry, have kids, and then snap her body back into shape by doing Tae Bo.  But she's celebrating her fortieth birthday as the maid of honor at her little sister's wedding...and still single.  Now her life is suddenly complicated by the best man.  He's the opposite of what she wants in a husband... and yet, he keeps defying her expectations.  Starting with a lavender rose -- symbolizing enchantment -- each rose he sends her reflects his growing love for her.

Cydney's best friend Dana appears to have the perfect marriage -- until she discovers her husband's affair and her world goes into a tailspin.  Then there is Phyllis -- who is out of hope and out of prayers after asking God for six long years to help her husband find faith.  When she runs into an old friend who is the Christian man she longs for, she's faced with an overwhelming choice.

Life-long friends with life-altering struggles.  Will they trust God's faithfulness... and find strength to be faithful to Him?

Faithful accomplishes one of the things I love about Christian fiction.  It clearly communicates biblical truth through a great story.  The novel deals with some serious issues like infidelity, struggles of being single, and the tension that being married to an unbeliever can bring.  The ladies in the book find out how hard it can be to be faithful to the people in their lives but how easily God remains faithful to them.

Check out the first chapter and let me know what you think!

I just spent the last few days in North Carolina with all of our store managers.  I must admit... we really do have the best bunch of managers that any chain of stores could possibly hope for!  They have a heart for the work that God has given them in their communities and for the people and churches that they serve.  It's always such an encouraging time for me to be in their midst!

I spoke with several of our managers about our new fiction blog.  Many of them had some great ideas for things to do in the future here.  Two of the ladies had a fabulous idea that I hope we can get launched soon (more details to come!).  Thanks Alicia and Christina for the great thinking!

All of that brainstorming prompts me to ask you the same question... What would you like to see on our blog?  Are there authors or novels you would like to learn more about?  What are some of your favorite genres to read (suspense, contemporary, etc.)?  What kind of info would you like to see that will help you decide if you want to read a new book?

If you have any ideas or comments, please let us know!  We want to make sure we're providing the kind of content that you enjoy and that's helpful to you.  We look forward to hearing from you!

I hope you have a great weekend in your corner of the world!

Today we have debut novelist Jody Hedlund stopping by.  Her book, The Preacher's Bride just released a few weeks ago.  If you haven't picked up a copy yet...what are you waiting for?  It's such a great story.  Loved, loved, loved it!  Since this is Jody's first time being published, I thought it would be fun to see what the process has been like for her. 

Welcome Jody!

     

The Thrills and Fears of Being a Debut Author

 Remember when you stood in one of those long lines at an amusement park with the sun beating on your head? Around you, the salty scent of popcorn mixed with the sweet aroma of cotton candy? And the clank, clank, clank of the departing roller coaster cars drummed through your blood, making your heart race with excitement.

You watched the cars slowly trudge up the first high hill. They reached the top and seemed to stand still for a long, breathless moment. Then they started to roll down the other side, picking up speed, going faster and faster until it looked like the cars would jump off the tracks. Screams from the riders jolted through your heart, enveloping it in fear.

The experience of being a brand-new author is a little bit like taking a ride on a roller coaster. The thrills stretch out before me. I know the ride is going to be amazing, but there are moments of sheer terror too.

Of course, none of the writing journey is easy. I’ve been writing for the past sixteen years, and I’ve been dreaming of publication since God designed my genes in my mother’s womb. Through it all, I’ve had my fair share of rejections, disappointments, and hardships.

But the writing roller coaster ride got much bigger and more intense once I signed a publishing contract and my book headed toward publication. When Bethany House gave me a three-book contract, I was thrilled to see my lifelong dream coming true. I cried tears of joy when I held a copy of The Preacher’s Bride for the first time (and I kissed the cover)! And as readers begin to share with me just how much the book touched them, I’m gratified that God is using the book to be a blessing to so many.

Yes, the thrills are incredible. But the fears loom before me too.  As reviews of The Preacher’s Bride begin to filter in, I can’t help but wonder, “What if someone doesn’t like the book?” As I’m working on my next book, I’m filled with doubts: “What if people don’t like this book as well as the first one?”  There are times when I question whether I can keep up with the work involved in a writing career while juggling my family responsibilities.

Through all the ups and downs of being a debut author, I’m also learning an important lesson—to trust God’s plan for my writing life. I’m on the wild ride. He hasn’t promised to make it easy. But He has promised to be with me.

And that’s a bit like the message in The Preacher’s Bride. God uses our hardships to develop our holiness. Sometimes He will lead us down a difficult path or ask us to do hard things, and He doesn’t want us to avoid them for the easy way. Ultimately, He uses those difficulties to shape our character and deepen our love for Him.

I pray that whatever roller coasters you’re riding, that you may feel the presence and peace of God alongside you during all the ups and downs.

Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest in Historical Romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. Visit her website to connect with her further: jodyhedlund.com

Not long ago I read The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue.  There were two things about the novel that intrigued me right from the start.  First was that it was set in St. Augustine, Florida which is one of my favorite cities in the United States.  And secondly, God told the main character to buy a Harley.   I just had to find out why in the world God wanted this lady to buy a motorcycle.

I'm not going to spoil the story for you but let's just say that God gets Allison Chamberlain on her Harley and leads her to new parts of town and a new life that she could never have dreamed up on her own.  It's a great read that will have you laughing along with Allison as she tries to learn how to ride the bike.  It also shows the power of God at work in a person's life when they are obedient to his call... no matter how crazy that calling might be (i.e. go forth and buy a Harley!).

So... what are you reading these days?  Do you have any good recommendations for the rest of us?

Today is the release day for Karen Kingsbury's new novel Unlocked.

 

Holden Harris, 18, is locked in a prison of autism where he's been since he was a happy, boisterous child. Now Holden doesn't talk, doesn't make eye contact, and can't stand to be touched. His quirky behaviors leave him bullied by kids at school and mocked by those he meets.

 
Every day Holden's mother prays for her son, that he might find his way back to the world he once knew. But in the private world of Holden's mind, even the bullies are kind and good ... and beautiful music plays all day long.

Can the miracle of a long lost friendship and the power of a song reach the inner places of Holden's soul? And is it possible that Holden's heart might finally become Unlocked?

The first chapter for this week comes from The Mayan Apocalypse by Mark Hitchcock and Alton Gansky.  It's based on the 2012 prophecy that is floating around these days on how the earth will end on December 21, 2012.  Here's a glance at the story line...

Self-proclaimed Mayan descendant Robert Quetzal, media guru to the vulnerable, has taken Mayan prophecy claims to the extreme.  Not only does he teach the end of the earth will come on December 21, 2012, he also offers a way out-for a price.

Andrew Morgan, a wealthy oil executive who has lost his family in a plane crash, is mad at God.  Devastated by the tragedy, he puts his faith in Robert Quetzal and the ancient Mayan predictions.  In his quest for answers, he meets Lisa Campbell, a smart, intuitive journalist researching the Mayan calendar.  Lisa thinks the 2012 theories are nonsense and doesn't hesitate to say so.  Morgan dismisses her when he learns she is a Christian.

As December 21, 2012 draws closer, a meteorite impact in Arizona, a volcanic eruption in Mexico, and the threat of an asteroid on a collision course with the earth escalate fears.  Are these indicators of a global apocalypse?  Will anyone survive?  Does the Bible have the answers?  Or has fate destined everyone to a holocaust from which there is no escape?

 Sounds pretty intense, doesn't it?  Check out the first chapter and let me know what you think!

Our Fiction Day went great this past Saturday!  We had a lot of authors visiting our stores to do signings.  Here are a few pictures that have been sent in.  We'll have more later in the week!

Ralph Reed (author of The Confirmation) greets a customer in Buford, GA.

Three lovely ladies visited our Franklin, TN store.

Tamera Alexander, author of Within My Heart

Kaye Dacus, author of Love Remains

Nancy Rue, author of The Reluctant Prophet

A first for LifeWay!  We had a Harley parked in our store!

Nancy Rue poses with some of our awesome associates at the

Franklin, TN store

What do the following authors have in common?

Beverly Lewis, Julie Lessman, Kim Cash Tate, Steven James, Ralph Reed, Beth Wiseman, Tosca Lee, and Judith Miller

They are just a few of the authors that will be signing in various LifeWay Christian Stores tomorrow for our Fiction Day!  Signings are a great way to meet some of the best authors we have in our industry.  It's always cool to get to know the person behind a book I've read.  I like asking them where they got their ideas for their novel, why they chose certain names for characters, or what they might be working on next.   Authors always have interesting stories about their stories!

I'll be hanging with Tamera Alexander, Kaye Dacus, and Nancy Rue tomorrow from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the LifeWay Christian Store in Franklin, TN (1725 Galleria Blvd in Cool Springs).  They will be signing their latest books and I have a feeling there will be much laughing going on!  We would love to meet you if you have time to swing by and say hello.

Be sure to check out our full list of book signings to see if there is one near you!

I hope you have a great and relaxing weekend!

We have a winner!  Chris, you guessed correctly.  The answer was:

B.) A lady would climb a diving tower, cover herself in gasoline, set herself on fire and then dive into the lake.

Evidently this happened nightly at 9:00 p.m.! 

Congrats, Chris!  We'll be contacting you soon.  Thanks for all who took a stab at the answer!

On Monday we posted the first chapter to Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad.  Here's a chance to win a copy of her new novel!  It's as simple as answering this trivia question...

While Making Waves is a fictional tale it is set in a real location.  Lake Manawa, Iowa was a lake resort back in the late 1800's.  It was the choice location west of Chicago for the upper crust of society to vacation.  They held all kinds concerts, boating events, and other recreational adventures for the visitors to enjoy.  One of their most popular events each night was which of the following?

A.) Talent show put on by the resort staff each evening

B.) A lady would climb a diving tower, cover herself in gasoline, set herself on fire and then dive into the lake.

C.) A nightly tent revival was held by local preachers

If you want to venture a guess, leave it on the comments section.  We'll randomly choose a winner and will send you a copy of Making Waves.

Oh, and if you live in Topeka, Kansas, Lorna Seilstad will be signing copies of her book on Saturday during our LifeWay Fiction Day.  She'll be at the LifeWay Christian Store in the Fairlawn Shopping Center at 2121 SW Fairlawn Plaza, Topeka, KS 66614.   Lorna will be there from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

One of the things I love about Christian novels is their ability to communicate biblical truths within a great story.  I've read many books over the years where the conversation between two characters has challenged my thinking on a particular subject.   There was even a time that I was struggling with a particular problem and I discovered that a character in a book I was reading was going through the same thing.  Isn't God sneaky at times?  He'll get your attention through any means necessary!

I'm about half way through Karen Witemeyer's new book, Head in the Clouds.  Like a lot of popular historical novels, this one is set in 1883 Texas and follows Adelaide Proctor who is hopelessly in search of Mr. Right.  When she thinks she has found him, she packs up her life and hops aboard a train to Ft. Worth where the gentleman has moved.  As she steps off the train...

"Adelaide Proctor drew in a deep, hope-filled breath...and nearly choked on the pungent odor of cattle dung wafting up from the stock pens farther down the rail line."

Now, I'm pretty sure that Karen Witemeyer wasn't thinking about deep spiritual truths when she was writing that line but it really struck me.  How many times have I gone charging full steam ahead in the direction that I think God would have me go only to wind up in less than ideal surroundings?  Sometimes I realize my error before getting too far off track but other times it takes me quite awhile to find that I'm in a situation where I'm surrounded by the "pungent odor" of my misstep.

Fortunately for Adelaide Proctor she clues in rather quickly that her husband-hunting scheme put her way off track with the Lord.  But like God so often does, he is going to use even this mistake in her life for her good.    I'm sure I will find that Adelaide still has a lot to learn as I continue on in the story but it's good to see her trying to wait on God's timing.    Even if she isn't a real person, it's comforting to read about someone else who finds it hard to be patient!

Something that you don't have to be patient for too much longer is LifeWay's Fiction Day this Saturday, October 9.  Don't forget to check our our special deals for the day and if there might be an author signing in your area.

 I hope you have a great Wednesday in your corner of the world!

Fall is always a great time for new fiction releases and this year there is something for everyone.  Here are some of the new titles that are just arriving on our shelves or will soon ship:

Love Finds You Series - Carmel by- the- Sea by Sandra Bricker

Snowflake by Jamie Carie

Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble

A Man's Heart by Lori Copeland

Blacksmith's Bravery by Susan Page Davis

Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy (now in paperback!)

Dining With Joy by Rachel Hauck

In the Company of Others by Jan Karon (available October 19)

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury (available October 12)

Truth of the Matter by Andrew Klavan

Love Finds You Series - Silver City, Idaho by Janelle Mowery

Peace by Jeff Nesbit

Twelfth Imam by Joel Rosenberg (available October 19)

Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue

Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

Check out our Fall Fiction Catalog to see more information on some of these titles as well as other new releases for this season.

Mark your calendars!

This Saturday, October 9, is our National Fiction Day.  If you live near one of our stores, be sure to pop in for some special offers.   Select stores will also have authors coming to do a booksigning on their latest novel.  Find out more about LifeWay Fiction Day special offers, as well as a list of author signings.

The old saying goes, "Don't judge a book by it's cover."   I think it's much easier to judge a book by reading the first chapter.  If the first few pages don't grab my attention then I start to question if I want to invest any more time in a book.   This girl doesn't have a lot of time so I want to spend it reading great stories!

In order to help save your valuable time as well, we will be posting the first chapter to a new novel each Monday.   We'll span all the genres of fiction as well as bring you a lot of new authors to check out. 

I love getting people hooked on brand new authors so, for our first chapter of the week I wanted to introduce you to Lorna Seilstad.  Her debut novel, Making Waves, has been one of my favorite reads this fall.  Here is the synopsis of the story:

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will spend the summer of 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa, she couldn't be more thrilled.  It's the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon.  It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.

But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's secrets threaten to ruin the family forever.  Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune?  Or will she follow her heart - even if it means hurting the family she loves?

Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves will whisk you away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday.

Making Waves contains two of my favorite elements in a novel: history and humor.  I was literally laughing out loud on page one.  Plus I learned new facts about Iowa.  And couldn't we stand to learn at least one interesting tidbit about that lovely state?  If you are a fan of Deeanne Gist I think you will really like Lorna.  So check out the first chapter here and let me know what you think!

Cooler temperatures have arrived here in Nashville, and after a brutally hot summer, we are embracing it with open arms.  The beginning of fall is such a great time... football season is in full swing, leaves are starting to show just a hint of orange and red, and there is a briskness in the air that is so refreshing.  There's no better time of year to curl up on the couch with a new novel.  And there is no better time to start our new fiction blog!

We are huge Christian fiction fans here at LifeWay Christian Stores, and we want to be your destination for keeping up with what's new and hot in the world of fiction.  We'll be posting Monday through Friday each week, so be sure to pop in and see what we have going on.  Through book reviews, first chapter sneak peaks, and new releases to authors stopping by to chat, giveaways, and other insights, we hope you'll enjoy finding out more about your favorite authors.

As one of the book buyers for LifeWay, I receive new novels almost daily.  There just isn't enough time in the day to read all that I want!  I get excited when the latest novel from a favorite author comes out, and it's all I can do to not stop what I'm working on and turn to page one.  I'm sure many of you can relate.  Whether you are an avid reader who can blow through a couple of books a week or if you're an occasional reader who squeezes in a good story when your hectic schedule allows, I look forward to sharing all things fiction with you!

Happy reading!