Thoughtful About . . . An E-World

by | Jan 28, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized

Don’t forget that today’s the last day to enter the giveaway for Wind of the Spirit!

~*~

It strikes me at least once a week that my world is pretty much wrapped up in the internet. Especially when I get to church and someone says something about talking to strangers that you come across each day in an attempt to let Jesus shine through you.

Um . . . there are many days that go by without me seeing anyone other than my family. We’ve started doing The Master’s Way DVD stuff about evangelizing, and one of the challenges is to talk to 5 people each day. To approach strangers, even to offer them a smile. For someone who doesn’t see 5 people a day, this seemed like a monumental challenge.

Then it hit me. I may not see people face-to-face every day, but our world really is online these days. I mean, I’ve only met my best friend in person twice. We’ve only spoken on the phone a couple handfuls of times. But we email constantly. I’m talking at least 2, as many as 18 (if I recall our ludicrous record) times a day. And that’s just Stephanie. I email many, many other people each day too. I comment on Facebook. On blogs. I answer questions on the ACFW loop. So you know . . . I really do talk to strangers each day and offer them virtual smiles.

The Master’s Way is going to be leading us up to witnessing to these total strangers, so naturally one of the first things they ask is, “Do you share your faith regularly?” After the obligatory questions of “What do you mean by ‘regularly’? And what do you mean by ‘share’?” (I mean, come on. Do you want to know if I do street ministry? If I’m just open to talking about it? What??), I realized that yes, in fact I do share my faith regularly. I blog about my challenges and realizations. I talk to people online about faith and how it fits in my life, how it leads me.

I’m not sure what Kirk Cameron (who put out The Master’s Way) was thinking about this type of ministry when he pointed out that we’re all called to minister, but I think it’s perfectly valid in this day and age. And more, I think it’s critical that we acknowledge it. I think it’s important that all those other people out there like me, who spend most of their days at home in front of their computers, realize that they’re touching people. Reaching people. Talking to people, ministering to people through their keyboards, their typed words. Their blogs, their Facebook posts, the Loop emails.

We’re in an E-world . . . and you know what? That’s a pretty awesome thing for the Kingdom of God. I may not be pounding the streets every day with Bible in hand, but I’m pounding Cyberspace with BibleGateway.com up in one of my tabs. And that’s not just okay–that’s really stinking cool.

The Master has a lot of ways of reaching people. Which one of them is the one that works for you?

Remember When . . . You’d Hang a Left at Atlantis?

by | Jan 27, 2010 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Wind of the Spirit!

~*~

I’ve already dedicated a few Remember When Wednesdays to my 20s historical set in Egypt, I know. But it occurred to me as I sat on the couch last night that I’ve talked about different aspects of Egypt, of the 20s, of tombs, of my research . . . and I haven’t even brushed on one of the driving forces behind The Stars and the Sands. Atlantis!

We all know the popular ideas about a technologically advanced society that existed way back before most histories were recorded, which may or may not have destroyed itself with that technology, and which may or may not be buried somewhere under the waters of the Atlantic. It’s the kind of story that captures the imagination. I mean, what’s better for adventure than finding a Lost City?

Silly me keeps getting hung up on facts as I research Atlantis, though–the fact that it can’t actually be where it’s supposed to be leading the way. But the actual legend, which we get from Plato’s Critias is really quite intriguing. So putting aside the question of whether it is (or was), let’s have a little refresher course. =)

First, this came to us through a Greek, so it naturally starts with their gods. Poseidon, in this case, created an island, on which his descendants reigned. There were ten kings, and the chief of them was from the line of Atlas, Poseidon’s oldest son. As the divine blood faded (those pesky humans, sullying it with mortality;-), the powerful Atlanteans grew greedy and lustful and pretty much decided to take over the world.

In typical Olympus fashion, the Gods weren’t too keen on all their other little cities getting wiped off the map, so they wiped out the Atlanteans and sank the island-continent into the sea in a single day and night.

Apparently, though, this mystical world contained everything a heart could desire. Animals of all kinds, rich stones in blacks and reds, water and minerals, all kinds of foods, and a rare metal called “orichalum,” which sparkles like fire. (I need to get me some of that!)

Interestingly, though this tale comes to us from a reputable source, there were a few centuries when Plato, being Greek and all, was deemed a stupid heathen and all his works were ignored. Stories of Atlantis went the way of other forgotten lore . . . until 1882, when a man named Ignatius Donnelly penned a tome called Atlantis: An Antediluvian World, which claimed that all societies descended from Atlantis, that it was wiped out in the Great Flood, but that “shared” technology on both sides of the world got their knowledge from Atlantis.

Though many of his claims have been disproven in recent years, he still managed to single-handedly resurrect the idea of Atlantis, so literature and Hollywood alike have Donnelly to thank for endless fodder for plotlines. And me! I have him to thank as well. Though I don’t intend to make my characters find a city I’m none too sure is out there, they’re going to have a lot of fun chasing it . . . and finding some other lost truths along the way.

Story Time . . . INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS by Alicia Britt Chole

Story Time . . . INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS by Alicia Britt Chole

by | Jan 26, 2010 | Uncategorized

Don’t forget that you have until Thursday to enter the giveaway for Wind of the Spirit!

~*~

Intimate Conversations:
Devotions to Nurture a Woman’s Soul
by Alicia Britt Chole

It’s not often I pick up devotionals. I like the idea of them, but I inevitably get started and then either forget or get bored. But when I opened a package from Revell and saw this lovely purple cover, I went, “Ooo. Pretty.” It was enough to get my attention, so I put it on my personal shelf, and the next morning I grabbed it, sat down, opened it up, and had a good laugh. Here’s the opening to the first chapter:

Good morning, God, I’m so gra–(excuse me, God). “You can have a snack after lunch!”
I’m so grateful for the–(just a second, God). “Your shoes are in the laundry room.”
I’m so grateful for this time we ha–(sorry for the interruption, God). “They’re there. Moooove things.”
I’m so grateful for this time we have together to–(God I think we’ll have to continue this lat–). “No, you are not old enough to change baby’s poopy diaper. I’M COMING!”

This is so my life, and most of my prayer attempts, that I was hooked. I knew that this would be a devotion by a woman who really understand how pulled apart a lot of modern women are, even those of us blessed to stay home with our ever-demanding children.

Each chapter starts with a little anecdote that perfectly illustrates the deep, emotional points the author makes throughout. The chapters are two pages, with suggestions for thought and journaling opportunities at the end of each. I’ve gone through about a quarter of them and love how she makes me think, but not in a way that feels like work, if that makes sense.

The book has 52 chapters, each one meant to be thought over for a week. Given that my attention span revolves around a toddler and preschooler, I decided there was no way I could devote a week to each one without forgetting what it was I was doing, so I’ve been reading a chapter each morning. I’ve found that the issues she brings up stick with me not only through the day, but weeks afterward.

I’m nowhere near done this devotion yet, and am grateful for that. =) I’m really enjoying sitting down with it each morning and seeing what little nugget of wisdom the author will expound on today. She combines depth with levity in a way that really appeals to me and reaches me on my level. As gorgeous on the inside as it is on the out, I can’t recommend Intimate Conversations enough. It’s inspired a few of those between me and the Lord over the last few weeks, and I know it’ll foster more as I go.

Modern . . . Crossover

by | Jan 25, 2010 | Uncategorized

Don’t forget to enter Friday’s giveaway for J. M. Hochstetler’s Wind of the Spirit!

~*~

So, I’d been happily plugging away on Seized, my contemporary pirate/black market story. I was really getting into my characters–my noble hero, who is close to the Lord but is having some trouble with all his earthly relationships, and my shattered-inside heroine, born a nomadic Bedouin but who has since been through a life of maritime nightmares.

During a Book-in-a-Week challenge, I got down my goal of 10,000 words on this story, and my critique partners all gave me the thumbs up on the result (aside from some rough patches, obviously, lol).

But then that niggling voice started poking at my brain. It said something like, “Um, Roseanna? Why are you still working on this, when you have an editor interested in your unfinished historical?”

I believe I replied with something like, “Uh . . . well . . . I, uh . . . had some problems with the research on my Egypt historical. Didn’t I? Yeah, that was it. I, uh, hadn’t reconciled some facts in my mind . . .”

The voice said, “You mean these facts, here? The ones very easily handled like this?”

“Oh. Well, yeah. How about that–that’s actually pretty clever.”

“Yes, Roseanna. Now how about getting back to it so you can get it to the editor sometime this year?”

So Roseanna got down to business. I’m glad I took some time away from it so all those facts had time to simmer and settle, but last week I really enjoyed diving back in. Even though I’ve been trying not to switch back and forth on stories these past few years, I have a feeling this is the right thing to do. The aforementioned editor said she wasn’t accepting submissions for a couple months, so I have some time to work on it, but she also said to send it when it was done. So it would be nice if that could happen at some point, LOL.

What’s interesting is how these two stories share some facts and history. The historical is set in Egypt of 1928, on an archaeological dig. At the time, most of the grunt-work was done by Bedouin tribes in the area–you see where this is going, right? I had already done some basic research on Bedouins for the historical. It was enough that I could get started on my contemporary without needing to take a ton of time at the get-go figuring out my heroine’s background.

I did some more research as I wrote the contemporary . . . and now I’m finding it’s invaluable as I go back to the historical. This is pretty funny, in that the stories have absolutely nothing in common other than that Bedouin thread–but it’s really fun to have that little hint of crossover. It doesn’t always work that way, when jumping 80 years, but in a culture that is still rooted in the past . . . not only does it work, it’s actually incredibly interesting to see what has remained the same and what has changed. (The Bedouins have cars now, for instance, but I’m guessing they don’t get real great cell reception out there in the desert.)

So though I’ll be spending this week excavating a building in Egypt of ’28, I’ll be doing it the richer for what I’ve written thus far of my modern tale of a woman displaced so often that she’s left reeling. Fun, huh?

My Friend Joan – Interview and Giveaway

My Friend Joan – Interview and Giveaway

by | Jan 22, 2010 | Uncategorized

Today we’re welcoming Joan, writing as J. M. Hochstetler, to talk about Wind of the Spirit, the third book in The American Patriot Series.

Joan has offered to give away a signed copy of Wind of the Spirit to one lucky reader, so leave your comment between now and next Thursday for a chance to win!

~*~

About Wind of the Spirit

Elizabeth Howard’s assignment to gain crucial intelligence for General Washington leads her into the very maw of war at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, where disaster threatens to end the American rebellion. Yet her heart is fixed on Jonathan Carleton, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than a year after he disappeared into the wilderness. Carleton, now the Shawnee war chief White Eagle, is caught in a bitter war of his own. As unseen forces gather to destroy him, he leads the fight against white settlers encroaching on Shawnee lands—while battling the longing for Elizabeth that will not give him peace. Can her love bridge the miles that separate them—and the savage bonds that threaten to tear him forever from her arms?

About Joan

J. M. Hochstetler writes stories that always involve some element of the past and of finding home. Born in central Indiana, the daughter of Mennonite farmers, she graduated from Indiana University a degree in Germanic languages. She was an editor with Abingdon Press for twelve years and has published four novels. Daughter of Liberty (2004), Native Son(2005), and Wind of the Spirit (March 2009), the first three books of the critically acclaimed American Patriot Series, are set during the American Revolution. One Holy Night, a retelling of the Christmas story set in modern times, is the 2009 Christian Small Publishers Fiction Book of the Year and a finalist for the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Long Contemporary Book of the Year.

Hochstetler is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, Nashville Christian Writers Association, and Historical Novels Society. She and her husband live near Nashville, Tennessee.

~*~

What’s your latest book?

My latest book is Wind of the Spirit, book 3 of the American Patriot series, which is the only comprehensive historical fiction series about the American Revolution. It was released by Sheaf House in March 2009.

What’s your favorite part of the story?

I really love the scene where Elizabeth and Jonathan finally come face to face after more than a year apart, and do so in the midst of a situation that puts both of them in great danger. But I especially like the chapter where Elizabeth is adopted into the Shawnee tribe, which is both touching, sensual, and funny, and then the marriage scene that follows—though I won’t reveal which characters get married! You’ll have to read it to find that out. But the Lord really gave me some deep insights into the beauty and passion of the love that binds one man and one woman together for all their lives.

Ah, I’m such a sucker for passion and love! What was the hardest part to write?

The Battle of Long Island. By necessity I’ve become pretty expert at writing battle scenes since I had to cover the battles of Lexington and Concord, and then the Battle of Bunker Hill in the previous volumes. But this one had a particularly long, involved battle line with hot spots developing at different times and places, and I only had one of my characters to work with since Carleton was away among the Indians. I had to chart the action out, and then figure out how to get Elizabeth from one end of the battlefield to the other in a believable way. Choreographing battle scenes so they’re realistic and intense is very hard, but thoroughly involving. This one turned out to be pretty exciting, and I’ve gotten great feedback on how well it flows, which has been quite gratifying.

I bet! That sounds very intense, which of course makes it awesome when people comment on it. What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?

A greater understanding of and a renewed appreciation for the great sacrifices our Founding generation made to secure the precious legacy of freedom we enjoy today. And a hair-raising, edge of your seat, thrilling ride with a hot romance that will leave them breathless.

What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?

For both, historical fiction, absolutely!

Mm, big surprise. 😉 What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?

I’m in the middle of research for book 4 of my series, Crucible of War,so currently I’m reading The Winter Soldiersby Richard M. Ketchum and Washington’s Crossing David Hackett Fischer—both really excellent reads, by the way. ’m hoarding Leaving Carolinaby my MTCW buddy Tamara Leigh to enjoy as soon as I’ve taken all the notes I need from those two. While I’m actively researching one of my historicals, reading something totally different helps to recharge my brain, and Tammy’s stories are always a really fun break.

Oh yes, I love Tamara’s books. What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?

It would be big, and there would be a large U shaped desk, with one wall reserved for bookcases housing all my research books and another lined with file cabinets. And everything would always be impeccably tidy with a place for everything and everything in its place. Um . . . needless to say, I have a small office where everything is crammed in and a lot of files and books end up piled on the floor because every available inch of space on my desk is covered.

Yeah, I have a kitchen table. =) Is there any one thing or reference you keep handy when writing? Anything you kept around for this particular book?

Maps. I can’t function without detailed maps. I’m a map-a-holic. If it’s a fictional location, I draw a map so I can keep track of the lay of the land.

Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?

The members of my local writers group, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, are a terrific sounding board, plus our meetings are devoted to learning the craft and improving our mastery. I can’t say enough about how helpful and encouraging this group has been.

What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?

To finish up this series before the end of this decade. Because of the research involved, it’s taking me about 2 years to write each volume, and I’m projecting a total of 7 to 8 volumes to cover the Revolution in the depth it deserves. Including Crucible of War,that leaves at least 4 more to write. Running Sheaf House complicates that too, so I don’t know . . . but my fans are going to kill me if I don’t finally get my storm-tossed lovers together! Considering the cliffhanger Crucible ends on, though, they just might kill me anyway . . . !

Wow, that’s such a commitment to story! I can well imagine the journey that’s taking you on and the dedication. Do you remember where you were when you got your first or most important call about a book contract?

I sure do! I’d just gotten in to my office at The United Methodist Publishing House, where I worked as an editor, and there was a message from the publisher. I had a really hard time not jumping up and down and screaming my head off, but it would have caused considerable consternation among my co-workers, who knew me as a very calm, collected person, so I restrained myself.

What are you writing right now?

I’m working on Crucible of War. volume is going to cover the very end of 1776, and then pretty much all of 1777, from the battles of Trenton and Princeton through the Battle of Saratoga, but it’s also going to go more deeply into the political situation. And of course, there’s lots of delicious romantic tension between Elizabeth and Jonathan, not to mention between several of the secondary characters as well.

Any upcoming releases we should keep our eye out for?

Sheaf House may release new, updated editions of Daughter of Libertyand Native Son, 1 and 2, sometime in 2011. I’m not yet sure whether we’ll be able to squeeze them in before Crucible of Warreleases in Fall 2011. One alternative is to bring them all out together. The new editions release in Kindle format in January 2010, however, so readers who want the electronic version will be able to get them in advance.

Is there another author who has greatly influenced your writing?

That would probably be a toss-up between Charlotte Bronte, Betty Smith, Elizabeth Goudge, Rafael Sabatini, James Hilton, and W. Dale Cramer. That covers a pretty wide range of genres and styles, but when it comes to telling a story, they’re my heroes.

~*~

Thanks so much for talking with us, Joan! Readers, you can check out her website and blog for more info about Joan and her books.

You can purchase it from Amazon.

Again, leave a comment with contact info below for a chance to win!

Giveaway ends 1/28/10. Void where prohibited.

Winner!

Winner!

by | Jan 21, 2010 | Uncategorized

And the winner of Golden Keyes Parsons’ A Prisoner of Versailles is . . .

Marissa! (smrogi@ . . .)

I’m emailing you now, Marissa.


And while we’re on the subject of winning, I’ve been awarded this One Lovely Blog Award by Molly. I’m allowed to pass it on to as many others as I wish, not exceeding fifteen. (I’ve received something like this before and got too lazy to pick other blogs, lol. But you know. I’m bored.)
So, my winners are . . .

1. Stephanie Morrill’s Official Blog
2. The newly debuted Go Teen Writers
3. Sandi Rog’s Dare to Dream
4. Trish Perry’s Reading, Writing, and the Stuff In Between

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