International Christian Fiction Writers

Interview with Aussie author Rose Dee and book giveaway

2012-02-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Narelle here. I'm delighted to welcome Rose Dee to our blog today. We will be giving away a copy of Rose's debut novel, Back to Resolution, and the giveaway is open to readers anywhere in the world.

Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel. Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first published novel, 'Back to Resolution'. The novel is a culmination of years spent living and loving the tropical paradise in which she lives. Rose is currently finalising work on her latest novel, which is the second in the 'Resolution' series. 'Beyond Resolution' is scheduled for release in April 2012. Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.

Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled. Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance. The only person who can help her is a strong, self-assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.

Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her?

Narelle: What was your inspiration for writing Back to Resolution?

Rose: I set out to write what I knew. The area in which I grew up, the ocean, islands, fishing; these are topics I know a bit about. As for the characters and themes – well, at the time I started writing, American socialites were highly regarded. It frustrated me that they were glorified as the desirable way to live and act, so I wrote about a character that leaves that life behind and finds her place in a very different world.

Narelle: I loved the beautiful and secluded North Queensland island setting. Please share with us your research tips.

Rose: Tip number 1 – Grow up on the beach.

Tip number 2 – Marry an ex-professional fisherman.

I have basically drawn on my own experience; after that, anything I’m not sure of I ask Terry. He has a wealth of knowledge I tap into. That would be the best advice I could give aspiring authors: Write what you know, and write what you love. I would add to this, write the way it suits you. Trying to write like someone else is like trying to talk with an accent. It will come out sounding fake. Find your own style and you will find your enjoyment and passion.

Narelle:I really liked how there was an obvious growing attraction between Bay and Flynn, and that there was more passion in their relationship than tends to be shown in a typical Christian romance story. What did you find most intriguing about Bay and Flynn, who seemed an unlikely match at the start of the story?

Rose: Let’s face it – in today’s world we are bombarded with sexualisation. These are twenty/thirty something characters, certainly they will have a heightened physical attraction to one another. Rather than try and pretend this sort of passion doesn’t exist, I would rather bring it to the forefront of a story and give some concepts about how to resolve and cope with it God’s way. I think that it can be difficult for young Christians to negotiate through this. The world tells them it is normal to be intimate with the opposite sex. I want to show that God puts two people together in many senses - spiritually, emotionally, and even physically – but all in His time, not ours, or the worlds.

Bay and Flynn are an unlikely pair, but how many times do we see this in real life? They are both trying to find their place, and eventually they do.

Narelle: What do you hope your readers will take away after reading Back to Resolution?

Rose: My hope is that they feel entertained and uplifted. I’m not very good at hidden meanings and analogy. I just love a good story. One that shows who God is rather than telling who He is.

Narelle: How has your faith influenced your writing?

Rose: My faith is why I write. What good is it to have a legacy that doesn’t include faith? I just want to share who I am through what I do.

Narelle: Please share your writing process with us. Are you a plotter or do you write by the ‘seat of your pants’? Do you write every day?

Rose: I am literally ‘all over the shop’ (that’s North Queensland for unstructured). I don’t have set schedules or deadlines (thankfully) I don’t know what I would do if I did. Having said that, when I am writing new material (not editing) it comes very thick and fast. I can have quite large gaps between though, which serves me well creatively. We run our own business, and I am a mum of a six-year-old so sometimes life priorities come first.

So far as plotting goes – I have a very definite story outline but inevitably there are always plots that get left out in favour of better options.

Narelle: Please tell us about your upcoming releases.

Rose: Back to Resolution is available from www.koorong.com.au, www.word.com.au and www.amazon.com

Beyond Resolution is scheduled for release in April 2012. It is the next story in my ‘Resolution’ series. I love all my stories, but this second one is a bit special.

The third story is currently in the editing process.

Rose, thanks for joining us today. By commenting on today’s post you can enter the drawing to win a copy of Back to Resolution. The drawing will take place on Friday, February 10 and the winner announced on Sunday, February 12. Please leave an email address [ ] at [ ] dot [ ] where you can be reached.

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

To learn more about Rose Dee, please visit her website.

Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. She can also be found at the Christian Writers Downunder blog. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.

January Jitters!

2012-01-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

I wonder if I’m the only author who feels a few butterflies in the tummy at this time of year. In one way, it’s a pleasant, exciting sensation to experience as I look ahead to what this year may hold for me in my writing and speaking. But in another way, it is also a little disquieting and uncomfortable.

You see, I’d much rather know right now whether the two books I recently submitted to different publishers will actually be accepted for publication—and if so, exactly when they will be released. I’d appreciate too knowing all the possible speaking engagements I may have in the coming year were confirmed and entered in my diary in black and white. And I’d be very relieved to have more opportunities to promote and sell my books and also to see more sales of my books through the bookstores.

Could it be that this uncertainly is felt by authors everywhere or is it more prevalent here in Australia? There are very few Christian publishers ‘Down Under’ and those that do exist are quite small, while some are also very new. And of those that have been around for a while, most of them do not publish fiction. As well, it seems to be a battle in our nation of just under twenty-three million people where only a small percentage attend church on a regular basis, for many of these publishers to make a decent profit or even to stay afloat. Then there is the added pressure of not knowing how the e-book market will affect hard copy book sales—and so the challenges roll on.

So what do I do as I face this new year of 2012? I can decide it’s all too hard and put my energies into something else. Or I can continue to persevere in my uncertain writing and speaking journey, remembering this is what I believe God has called me to do and trusting God will take care of me. This morning, I read some wonderful verses in Isaiah 26:

You will keep in perfect peace him [her] whose mind is steadfast, because he [she] trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal (v 3-4).

That is how I want to approach this year and all it may hold—grounded firmly on the Rock, with my heart perfectly at peace in God. And I know I need to wait for God’s leading and empowering in everything, determined to honour God in every aspect of my writing and speaking, as verse 8 of the same chapter reminds me to do:

Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

How amazing is God, to give me these verses just when I needed them to combat my ‘January jitters’! I know God has things in control and has my best interests at heart. And I know too that when the end of 2012 comes, just as in previous years, I will be able to look back and say, as Isaiah says in verse 12:

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

May you all step into 2012 will full confidence in God—may those ‘January jitters’ soon be a thing of the past!

Jo-Anne Berthelsen grew up in Brisbane and holds an Arts degree from Queensland University. She has also studied Education and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher and editor, as well as in local church ministry in Sydney. Jo-Anne loves communicating through both the written and spoken word and currently has four published novels – ‘Heléna’, ‘All the Days of My Life’, ‘Laura’, ‘Jenna’ and ‘Heléna’s Legacy’. She is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and three grandchildren. For more information or to contact Jo-Anne, please visit her website, www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.

Sink your teeth into Australian fiction

2012-01-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

Last week, we Aussies celebrated Australia Day. It's a good marker between the end of the summer holiday period and the beginning of the working year, as for many of us, January is considered a holiday month in which we enjoy our summer sports. I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to highlight our Christian novels and their authors.

Australia was basking in its colourful beauty for years before being added to any map. The original settlers mostly had desperate reasons for moving there. Some were convicts who'd been driven to their paltry crimes through starvation. Others faced so much religious persecution or economic hardship that re-locating blindly to the other side of the world seemed the most attractive option.

They all arrived in a vast, sunburned land unlike anything they had imagined. The way they came to terms with life in the wild land is a source of pride to those of us who are privileged to call them our ancestors. Staunch faith, gutsy courage and unquenchable humour are the attitudes that saw them through. Interestingly, the same qualities are those which shine through the Christian fiction books currently being written by Australians.

We have beautifully researched historical fiction which authentically reflects the hardships our pioneer ancestors dealt with. There is wonderful contemporary fiction as refreshing as taking a trip to our land down-under. Finally, there is whimsical and excellent fantasy brimming with the wry style of humour Australians are renowned for. The main drawback we still face is that all this wonderful fiction isn't always easy to find on the international market. Our population is relatively small compared to those of North America, Europe and Asia, making it difficult for us to compare financially with print runs and marketing.

I like to think those of us who are busy writing fiction share a similar spirit to the pioneer ancestors I mentioned. We are all hard at work with a spirit of determination and optimism to make a difference and show worldwide readers the beauty of our Great Southland. I love the sample of Aussies writing for this blog; Mary, Rita, Narelle, Jo-Anne, Dale and myself. I'd like to finish off proudly mentioning some other fiction-writing names readers might like to look out for. The authors on the following list have either had fiction published already or are preparing to.

Rose Dee, Amanda Deed, Carol Preston, Meredith Resce, Jo Wanmer, Anne Hamilton, Penny Reeve, Andrea Grigg, Penelope McGowen, Sandra Findlay Peut, Dorothy Adamek, Laura O'Connell, Jenny Glazebrook, Martin Roth, Janelle Dyer, Elva Schroeder, Heather Monro.

I'm sure there are even more authors whose names don't spring to mind at this moment but this has to be a good starting point. It pleases me to have such a variety, as when I first started querying publishing houses with manuscripts, I was told, "Forget it because there'll never be a market for Australian Christian fiction." Anybody who believed that underestimated the spirit of the Australian Christian fiction author.

Paula Vince is a homeschooling mother and award-winning author of faith-inspired fiction set in Australia. She believes stories are a powerful tool to bring goodness and hope to the lives of readers and loves invoking tears, laughter and cheering.

SUNDAY EDITION

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Paula Vince

Tuesday

Jo-Anne Berthelsen: January Jitters!

Wednesday

Narelle Atkins: Interview with Aussie author Rose Dee and book giveaway

Thursday

Lisa Harris

Friday Devotion

Kathi Macias: No Watered Down Gospel!

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Upcoming Book Releases

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego, CA and the Golden Triangle area of Thailand, Special Delivery, Book Two in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be a March 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Shades of Truth, will be a March 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, Like Sweet Potato Pie, Book Two in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a March 2012 release from Barbour.

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego and Mexico, The Deliverer, Book Three in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be an April 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Valerie Comer's debut novella, Topaz Treasure, which is part of the Rainbow's End collection, will be a May 2012 release from Barbour.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Critical Condition, will be an October 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, 'Till Grits Do Us Part, Book Three in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a November 2012 release from Barbour.

To find more International Christian Fiction books, please visit our Recent Releases page, Backlist Titles page and our International Christian Fiction wiki.

DEVOTION: Be SMART by Shirley Corder

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

How often we quote this verse of Scripture without stopping to think about what God means when He says He has plans for us.

November is a month of goal-setting for writers. NaNoWriMo was founded in 1999 by a small group of American writers. The goal is to write 50,000 words of a new novel during the month of November. The numbers have grown exponentially over the years. In 2010 (the latest statistics available), over 200,500 writers signed up, and 37,500 passed the 50k goal. Many of the books produced in this fashion over the years have been published.

You're asking me what this has to do with us here in January, 2012, right?

Hear me out.

The real benefit of NaNo--or any other writing goal-- is just that. It's a goal. I've reached it 6 times and I have loved each rush to the goalpost. Each day you have a task to complete. You know what you need to do. It's do-able (only 1,667 words a day) and it's fun. It also gets you writing at a pace you wouldn't normally consider.

A commonly used definition of a good goal is that it should be SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. NaNo is all these things.

". . . I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If God has a plan, or a goal, for your life, surely you should have one too?

I ask you, whether you're a writer or not, do you have a goal for your life? If you don't know what it is, how will you know when you reach it?

Did you set a New Year's Goal for 2012? If God has a plan for you, why not ask Him what He wants you to do this year? Next month? This coming week? Then take out a pen and paper. (Yes, really. A pen! Those things you used to write with!) Do it the SMART way. Write down one SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE goal that you plan to complete with His help. It should be ATTAINABLE, albeit with some effort, and REALISTIC, and of course it must be TIME-BOUND to a specific date.

Leave a comment to tell us what your SMART goal is for the next month or two.

SHIRLEY CORDER is a goal-setter who lives in South Africa with her husband, a hyperactive budgie called Sparky, and an ever expanding family of tropical fish. She is contributing author to nine books to date and her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer is due for release in the USA later this year. Hundreds of her inspirational and life-enrichment articles have been published internationally. You can contact Shirley through her writing website, her Rise and Soar cancer site, or follow her on Twitter.

The Merchant's Daughter GIVE-AWAY

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Our guest today is Melanie Dickerson, author of The Merchant’s Daughter (Zondervan, 2011).

Melanie tells a good story. Raised as the daughterof a wealthy merchant, beautiful Annabel is reduced by her family’s debts to achoice between marriage to a lecherous steward or indentured servanthood in thehousehold of the “beastly” Lord Ranulf le Wyse. She chooses servanthood, but her troubles are far from over. Lord Ranulf’s brooding manner, eyepatch and physical and emotional scars make him as intriguing to the reader ashe is to Annabel. Her hunger to read God’s Word in an era when Bibles are rareand even the priest doesn’t own one, makes her long for a cloistered life in aconvent, but is that the future God has for her?

Melanie, I wouldask where you get your ideas, but this is obviously a retelling of the classictale, Beauty and the Beast. What made you choose this specific story?

Melanie Dickerson: LeAnne, I have always loved “Beauty andthe Beast,” and it was probably my favorite fairy tale, especially as a teen,so it was a natural choice. And once I started thinking about it, I quicklystarted getting an idea for the story.

LH: Your previous book, The Healer’s Apprentice, (aretelling of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, set in medieval Germany) is also fourteenth century. What drawsyou to that time period?

MD: I just happen to like that particular century. A lotwas going on. Europe had just gone through a devastating plague that had killedaround one-third of the population, and the world was on the brink of greatsocial and religious upheaval. But I wanted to sort of avoid these two greatupheavals, so I set my stories well before the Reformation, when life wasbecoming a little more modern, and yet in many ways, life was still very much“medieval,” with all the colorful characters that are so uniquely medieval,like feudal lords, knights, and villeins, stewards, bailiffs, peasants andpriests.

LH: The Merchant’s Daughter is set in the village of Glynval,England. Is Glynval a real place? Have you been there?

MD: Glynval is a fictional village. I was deliberatelyvague about its location. I did a lot of research, looked at many, many photosof rural England, even went to Google Earth and looked at the topography ofEngland, especially within a few days’ journey of London. I wanted my villageto be an idyllic place, with all the beauty of the English countryside.

LH: Your character, Annabel, longs to read the Bible forherself in a period when most people can’t read and copies of the Bible aretranscribed by hand. She assumes that life in a convent is the only way thatshe can really be close to God. What would you like readers to take from yourbook spiritually?

MD: I would like them to feel, along with Annabel, what agreat blessing it is to be able to read God’s own word, to know what God’s truethoughts are and what He wants us to understand about him and about the meaningof life. I want them to come to the conclusion, just as Annabel does, that Godloves them and sent the Bible so that they could know this.

LH: How hard was it to get a publisher to consider theEuropean setting and the medieval time period?

MD: It was very hard. It took me two years to get an agentand another year and a half to get a publisher. After being rejected by nearlyevery Christian publisher as an adult romance, the Young Adult editor atZondervan made an offer on it. But things seem to be opening up more and more,slowly but surely, for European settings.

LH: Although your books have been published as YA, I'm sure adult romance lovers enjoy them, too. Dare I ask how sales have been in this market thatseems stuck in nineteenth-century America?

MD: Sales have been good, and I can tentatively say that Ido have more books coming out.

LH: More fairy tales in the works?

MD: I have a Snow White story and a Cinderella story—comingsoon!

LH: Thank you for being with us today, Melanie. May the Lord use your books to challenge young people.

BOOK GIVE-AWAY!
Melanie has graciously agreed to give away a copy of The Merchant's Daughter to a reader of this blog. An electronic copy is available so we welcome entries from any place in the world! For a chance to win, leave a comment by Friday, February 3. We'd love for you to tell us your favorite fairy tale and why. Don't forget to leave your e-mail (writing out 'at' and 'dot' to avoid phishers) so I can contact you. (As usual, the odds of winning depend on the number of entries. Void where prohibited by law.)

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Interviewer LeAnne Hardy has lived in 6 countries on 4 continents, including the village of Thatcham in West Berkshire, England (which she pictured as she read about Melanie's Glynval). Her historical novel, Glastonbury Tor, is a story of the early Reformation and the Holy Gral. Find out more on her website.

A Novel Change

2012-01-25T00:03:00.000-08:00

Please indulge my 'writing' ramblings...

About a year or so ago I was watching a soap where a teenaged character was going through a very tough time emotionally. She learned at an early age that she was adopted and decided to leave home to look for her birth mother. Unfortunately her birth mother (not realising who she was)gave her a rather frosty reception. The young lady also met her maternal grandfather and learned that he was the one who put her up for adoption. Apparently he'd lied to his daughter that the baby had died. It was truly gut-wrenching to watch.

At the end of the programme there was a public service announcement offering the phone number for the Samaritans (a charity that offers support and counselling to people going through some distress or turmoil in their lives).

As most writers can attest, this (like much of life) got me thinking. It gave me a story idea. I imagined a character who works at a helpline, offering comfort, encouragement and advice to the emotionally weary. As I thought about this character, I naturally, thought about what her life is like and what type of person she is. I imagined that she is an irony, because while she works to sort out other people's lives, her own personal life is a mess.

In my mind my protagonist, let's call her Lisa, is in a relationship with a man who doesn't appreciate her. He is a layabout, who uses his dream of being a published author as an excuse not to work. So essentially she's his provider. She resents his dependence on her, but by the same token encourages it because it makes her feel needed. This coupled with the guilt she carries as a constant companion, fragment her personality. Her guilt is bourne out of the child she gave birth to in secret at the age of 16. At the time no one knew she was pregnant, not even her, until she went into labour in a lonely field a few hundred yards from her family home. She left the baby in the field believing it was stillborn.

Maybe the baby really did die, or not. Maybe someone actually saw Lisa in that field and has been biding their time to approach her. Or, maybe the child searches her out. I don't know. So many thoughts.

This highlights the beauty that is the imagination and the ability God has given to create stories and relationships that move us, cause us to examine ourselves and to ask question.

Thinking about a helpline adviser, who has bigger problems than some of the people she helps leads me to think about myself in particular and Christians in general. Matthew 7:3-4 asks a pertinent question, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?" Some of us are people who others gravitate to to ask for advice and guidance; others are people who like to give advice and feel 'in the know', while yet others have an intellectual awareness that makes them dig deep to find the answers to life's tough questions without being heart-touched (they know what to do, find it easy to share what they know, but never follow their own advice).

I admit I sometimes give advice that I find difficult to take. I hope I can learn from Lisa how to be true to what I say. Maybe the process of developing this character and writing this story will prove therapeutic.

By God's grace I will learn and grow.

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Ufuoma Daniella Ojo is a Technical Author and Software Trainer. She lives in London. She is working on some new stories about relationships and is trusting God for connections leading to publication.

A Heart to Serve

2012-01-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently became members of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team. The purpose of Disaster Relief is that it is an organization of trained individuals who will respond to emergency disasters for evangelism and clean-up. For example, during the Katrina, they sent out thousands of volunteers to help re-build homes, feed the masses, help with insurance paperwork and just spread the love of Jesus. Because in an emergency situation such as that, you've got to convince people that they are not alone.

Actually it wasn't recently, it was like, 6 years ago. Our team leaders convinced us to train for this awesome opportunity. Which meant we drove down to Vermont and learned how to do mud-out, chainsaw training and how to feed 20,000 at once. Mud-out is when there has been flooding into people's homes and then it recedes - leaves toxic mud. You learn how to dig it out. And sterlize the environment so it's safe. We've also done the Chaplaincy training and Crisis Intervention.

It was pretty cool.

We have done two mission trips so far, but I want to tell you about the first one. Because you never forget the first one.

So. Four years ago, hubby and I went down to Cameron, LA for our first trip. Now, I puke on planes. Wish I didn't, but I do. So I'm pretty much doped up on dramamine (I call it dopamine -lovely stuff - better than gravol) and I don't remember the flight down. Hubby usually carries everything and just hands me cup after cup of coffee once we land. See the smile?

It wasn't so much a disaster situtation, but more of a rebuild. The town of Cameron was still in shock a year later after the second storm. Cameron is right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. So when hurricane Rita came in, there was no warning. The ocean waters flooded up, moving everything. When hurricane Ike came in 2008, about two and bit years later, everything that they had rebuilt, was gone. If you look closely, you can see the lines of how high the water was.

Such a flattering photo of me...It was crazy seeing all the destruction. There were mattresses up in trees for goodness sakes. Graves has been upended. It was awful. People had to rebuild their homes at least 14' off the ground, or they wouldn't be insured. And for the people who weren't insured to begin with? Oof. There were trailers everywhere. In the teeny tiny town the 40 of us worked on rebuilding a church, and someone's home. And then we met him. I'm not naming him, let's call him Jim. Jim was a shrimp fisherman. He had insurance for the first house, but during the second storm, it blew away. People's homes actually blew away. His family of four (two teenage boys) were living in a pick-up camper. You know the kind that sit on the back of a pick-up? And he was trying to fix up the upstairs of his barn so they could live there. But. Because he was a shrimp fisherman, he had to work from sunrise to sunset every single day. To put food on the table. A five person group (including hubby) were able to bless him and his family by rainproofing the roof, sealing the walls and installing some insulation so they wouldn't freeze. The wife was beside herself and my friend got to talk to her about Jesus and the love He has for them. That no matter what happens, He's with them. The woman was saved. During the week they kept trying to meet with their husband, but he had to work. On the last day there, they got to pray with him, and just love on him. It was awesome.

But where was I? Well, even though I did all the training, I'm more of a hostess kind of gal and I volunteered to feed the 60 that were doing the rebuild. And of course I got violently ill where I had stomach pains all week. (Sadly enough during my second mission trip I was crazy-sick from all the mold and I could barely function while everyone left me behind and I just slept) But I could make breakfast and I could feed them all supper. So once in awhile I was pretty much all alone, hanging out in an old trying-to-be-rebuilt church, cooking for 60 with a few other ladies. In true disaster relief way, we all slept on the floor, cleaning out a corner to call our own. Three days went by and I realized that everyone was pretty filthy and their clothes were filthy and 60 people sharing 4 toilets? Time to clean. So I offered to do everyone's laundry while they were out. It was touching to see how bashful the older gentlemen were about handing me their undergarments, but I was firm - give me your dirty clothes. So I spent the day walking back and forth to the shower trailer (an actual trailer with three make-shift showers and a washer and dryer), hooking up the garden hose from someone's home nearby, turning on the freezing water, letting the hot water tank fill up, watch it all drain out onto the ground... it was disgusting. In situtations like that, the dirty water had to go all over the lawn. They didn't have drainage and the ocean's tide was still quite high, which meant nothing drained unless it was a hot sunny day.

In between washing clothes and checking on the lasagnes, I decided to clean out the toilets. I had my ipod plugged in and the door to the church locked so I could be all on my own. As I was crunched down on all fours, trying to clean behind the toilets, that Hillsong song came on, "Inside Out". And as I was scrubbing away with a toothbrush to reach into the cracks, and my bandana over my nose because I am terrified of waterbowl germs, it hit me.

At that moment when I felt so useless in the rebuild, so useless because my stomach was constantly hurting, so useless because I couldn't even eat what I was making everyone (ever try to find dairy-free and gluten-free food in a small town?), so useless because I was missing my four year old so desperately, the words came out as I sang out loud.

"Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades,

Never-ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame,

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise ..."

And I lost it.

You know that moment?

That moment when God is just so there, and He is just so huge and real and you cannot get up off the floor from kneeling because He is so tangible, so holding your heart with all His might that you realize that You are doing His work and at that very moment while He holds your heart, those sweet words of "Well done faithful servant" just wash over you like a refreshing breeze and you are facedown on the filthy floor and you are just crying your eyes out because you have never been in so much love before? And you realize that even in your pain, even in your home-sick exhaustion that you are exactly where God wants you to be and He is so pleased with your obedience, with your willing heart to just serve where needed?

Yeah. That moment.

And I'm sitting here with tears leaking out because I remember that moment like it was yesterday. And no matter what you are doing, whether fixing someone's house, making a meal, sending an encouragement card or cleaning a toilet... if you're doing it for God....well then, 'Well done faithful servant."

Jenn Kelly is the author of the "Jackson Jones" books which are published by Zondervan. She is working on something fantastically-crazy for YA and is praying her supersecretagentman loves it so she can finish it. She is also waiting for another opportunity to do Disaster Relief.

LOVE, an acronym: Leave Overwhelming Vindicating Evidence! The Re-birth Story (Part 3)

2012-01-23T01:31:00.000-08:00

When I last posted on the Re-birth Story in November, we had left the team of five worshipping at a concert in Keuruu, Finnish style.

It’s now the twenty-first day of their month-long journey and they have already covered 8665km through eleven different countries across Europe. In this last third of their outreach, they will nearly double this amount of land traversed.

Two-thirds of their faith journey are already complete. But on this day they are really down. Not only are the team weary, they are heartsore. Today they left Samuel behind. His journey through Europe with Re-birth has come to an end as he joins his family for a short holiday in Finland before heading back home to Sweden to prepare for university. The bus journey is silent. Nobody is smiling much today ... their hearts are too heavy.

Soon they are on a train heading north to Oulu. Their friend, Tiia, having driven back to Oulu that morning where she attends university, meets them at the station to bid them a last goodbye. Within two and a half hours they arrive in Haparanda, just ovr the Swedish border. It’s dinner time, and they are hungry.

Seated on a hard concrete pavement opposite the bus stop, they discover a polystyrene container with fish, potatoes and carrots. The meal has hardly been touched. They’re uncertain if they should eat it. Could this be provision from God? It doesn’t take long for Davide and Christo to lead the way in devouring what they conclude is a heaven-sent meal. It’s tasty, although Christo thinks it could do with a little more salt. But, one box meal between four growing young men, doesn’t fill too many gaps, and so their appetizer is followed by tinned ravioli spread onto dry white bread. While they eat, they sing in true African harmony (with a touch of Italian) – “I will follow, I will follow Jesus ...” Truly Re-birth are following everywhere He leads, even though at times it has not been easy.

Later, tucked inside their sleeping bags on the quiet pavement, they spend time playing the guitar and singing, making up their own crazy tunes for amusement. A starless midnight blue sky is their only audience in the vacant bus stop. Their silly songs are a balm to their souls and their spirits are lifted. It’s only 7 a.m. when they reach Lulea after a 4.30 a.m. rising. It’s going to be a long day with nine and a half hours standing between them and their train to Stockholm.

They spend their time trying to book tickets online for this train but to no avail. When they finally get on the train that afternoon, they do so hoping they won’t get kicked off because they haven’t booked. It’s an overnight train – reservations only. Would the conductor believe them when they explain that the internet wasn’t working so they couldn’t reserve online? And they were unable to make their bookings at the ticket machine as that method did not allow them the benefit of their EuRail passes – they would have had to pay full price for tickets which on their limited reserves, was not an option. Having previously experienced not being allowed on a night train without reservations, or having to pay a fine due to non-reservation, they just had to trust they would be okay; they had to get on this train. Despite their dilemma, the team remains confident they will be exactly where God needs them to be. Either they would not be allowed on the train ... or they would be kicked off ... or they would have to pay reservation costs, still not have seats and still have to pay a fine ... or they would be made to just pay reservation costs. The penalties were limitless.

Shortly after the four got on the train, the conductor came past. When they explained their booking dilemma, she just replied, “Okay, it’s fine; you can stay on.”

Now usually what would happen is that the fine would be waivered but they would have to pay a reservation cost, but she merely cautioned that they would have to move if someone came to a reserved seat. While the team were worrying about money, God provided them a night train for free. And because the train was fairly empty, they didn’t have to move from their seats. They all got a much needed night’s sleep ... nine hours of it.

How great is God, working all things for good!

The following morning they change trains and head south-west for Copenhagen via Goteborg. From Copenhagen the train island-hops the Danish land masses, crossing the Baltic Sea with the help of sturdy steel bridges. Finally, it’s swallowed inside the belly of a ferry to be carried, like Jonah, over the largest stretch of water before finally being spewed out onto German soil at Puttgarden.

Whilst on the ferry, the smell of coffee permeating the lounge area was not good for the guys. They are all dying for a caffeine fix, but at around two euro a cup, all they can do is to savour the delicious aroma. This is a luxury they cannot afford.

They head for the deck where fresh air is sure to drive away this dark, discouraging temptation.

Far out at sea, arching over a farm of white rotating wind turbines, a rainbow dips into the ocean ... an iridescent reminder of the depths of God’s love to a world spinning out of control.

After Puttgarden they catch yet another train to Hamburg. They’re still dying for a cup of coffee.

“The Lord can spoil us sometimes,” Kyle tells his friends and so they decide to pray for coffee. Christo is even bold enough to stipulate a price.

“Fifty cents ... we can afford to pay fifty cents, nothing more.” But nowhere in Europe will you find coffee for less than one euro fifty, and even that is cheap – it usually costs two euro or more. Christo also tells his parents over Skype to pray for coffee that’s cheap and offers up his own personal prayer. “Lord, I would really love some coffee. If you could just give me coffee for fifty cents ...”

Inside Hamburg station they find a vending machine selling Jacobs coffee, Christo’s favourite, for ... you guessed it ... fifty cents! God is amazing. He is awesome. And on this night he decided to just spoil four of his children with cheap coffee of the best brand.

And He blesses them with another spoiling ... they can sleep on the train tonight as it is travelling directly to Frankfurt. Almost seven hours just waiting to be filled with sleep.

By 8.30 a.m they reach Saarbrücken, a stone’s throw from France. Within 800 kilometres they will be across France and at Mimi’s house in Nantes. Tonight they will sleep in soft warm beds, have hot showers and a good home cooked meal.

But things don’t always work out according to plan. They are kicked off the train they were taking to Paris. Then they miss the train they were meant to take as it left early. The team have no idea how they are going to get out of Saarbrücken.

Just after ten they are on another train only to be stranded again in Metz forty minutes later. There are no EuRail seats available, no trains today or tomorrow, and the cheapest ticket will cost them 18 euro each. They contemplate hitchhiking, but they have to cross from one side of France to the other – an impossible feat in a day. Davide wonders if they could even do it in two days. And so, once again, they are stuck. But they have to be in Nantes by tomorrow night, Friday, for ministry. They trust that if God needs them to be there, they will get there in time.

The architecture of the surrounding French buildings conjures up a myriad of descriptions ... intricate, quaint, alluring, neat. But the guys don’t seem to notice. They’re preoccupied with finding a way across France. And unless you’ve actually travelled across France, you don’t realise just how big it is. I’ve been there, done that, and contrary to what the eye sees on a map, the country seems to stretch on for ever. And the team hardly have 40 euro left in their pockets.

Anxious for her friends to arrive, Mimi contacts Davide on his cell. She immediately sets about searching the internet and soon calls back with options to get to Nantes, almost for free even though they had been told they had to take the TGV which would cost them dearly. They may just have to spend a euro each on the metro in Paris. Hopefully they will get to Nantes by midday the following day.

Whilst waiting for their 6.50 p.m. train to Reims, they each take some time alone with God.

Davide and Kyle walk up and down the platforms of Reims station, trying to find the best place to sleep where they stand the least chance of getting chased away. Around 10 p.m. they settle on a glass cubicle on the platform.

Kyle slides into his sleeping bag underneath the wooden slatted bench while the other guys start unrolling their sleeping bags. But ten minutes later they are chased away and station security escorts them right out of the building. They find space in a dark alleyway close to the station and settle down for the night; they have to be up early to catch the 5 a.m. train.

It’s September, a new month. By 7 a.m they have made it to Paris where they change trains. Twenty-five minutes later they’re on a different train but that trip only lasts two minutes. After thirty minutes, they’re on the next train.

By 10.40 a.m. they’re alighting in Le Mans. They move through the underpass to catch the next train to the following town ... Nantes. Nearly two hours later the train pulls into Nantes station. After 17 trains during 98 hours of travel, they have finally made it, albeit one day late, and soon they are reunited with their beautiful French friend, Mimi.

I remember with fondness the day I met Mimi with her alluring accent and bubbly personality. We had met Kyle at OM for dinner on their first night at base as parents were invited to join the trainees for this meal. This would be their home for the next six months. Standing in line for our meal, we found ourselves beside a lovely teenage girl with long dark hair. She immediately introduced herself. “I’m Myriam, but you can just call me Mimi.”

When we heard a few days later that Mimi was ill in hospital, desperately missing her family and thinking of going back home, we rushed to her side with a bottle of Lucozade energy drink, a box of Merci chocolates, some love and a prayer. I like to think that little bit of parental love swayed Mimi to continue with her MDT training. I know she’s glad she did because she made a family of lifetime friends, closer than sisters and brothers, during her time in South Africa.

Mimi’s sister is with her and in true female style the first order of the day is to take the guys sightseeing and window shopping. Nantes is a beautiful place; postcard buildings surround the paved square that’s buzzing with people enjoying the overfilled street cafes.

After the sights, Mimi treats the Re-birth guys to lunch at a nearby Creperie. It’s so good for the boys to taste proper food again ... and cappuccino. Christo is in heaven.

Back home at Mimi’s house, the team relive their MDT days as they spend time in praise and worship. With Kyle on a child’s guitar, Mimi using two plastic toy rings as drums, Davide squeezing a toy cow that makes more of an oink than a moo, and Christo whistling along, they make a joyful noise to the Lord. “Blessed be the name of the Lord ...”

The following afternoon, Mimi drives the Re-birth guys to her church. They are sharing with Mimi’s youth group and then doing outreach after the service.

No one speaks in English – this is going to be fun!

Mimi acts as translator between the group of about ten young adults and the team. Kyle is the first to talk about Re-birth. They all have a good giggle when Mimi starts to translate Kyle ... in English!

Mimi’s older sister is married to an American named Joel. They are the youth leaders for this little group. For the benefit of the Re-birth team, Joel is sharing in English as he explains about the evangelism packs and questionnaires they have for the outreach. One of the youth translates his words for the benefit of the French.

It is just starting to get dark as they head out of the suburbs toward the city. It’s 9 p.m.

Standing on a pavement in the dark, illuminated only by nearby street and shop lights, Joel’s translator encourages the group before they head out, first in French and then in English, not to be discouraged by people’s refusal but to remain persistent to spread the Gospel.

So many senses are stirred inside me as I watch the videos that document the Re-birth journey. There is so much I would love to share with you. And so, whilst Mimi’s youth group and the Re-birth team set about to do street evangelism, using the tools provided earlier by Joel, the writer in me cannot help but take some time out to describe their mission field.

An incredible fountain sits proudly in the middle of the square, illuminated by purple lights. Eight robed women, seated at different heights on concrete taborets, line the inner edge of the round concrete pond. Water sprays out of their hands and falls into the pool below. Behind them stands a higher concrete fountain with water cascading endlessly from its edges. Rising from the middle of that fountain, another robed woman stands elevated on a pedestal, right hand raised to heaven. She bears a similarity to another famous stone lady who stands for justice and liberty for all. From the pedestal beneath her feet, water spouts out of carved mouths in four opposing directions – north, east, south and west. The purple water feature, backdropped by lemon colour illuminated buildings, is an amazing sight to see.

People mill about ... some on foot, some riding bicycles, and others, seated beneath canvas umbrellas or on the edge of the fountain, chat endlessly. The air hums with the language of love as families and friends enjoy the start of the weekend.

Nearby, grey concrete pavements come to life with paintings done by street artists. Hanging baskets, overflowing with vibrant blooms, decorate the walls of adjoining streets where no vehicles are permitted to go.

Could you see it all? Did it look anything like this?

Despite the beauty and buzz of their surrounds, with the language barrier the night of street evangelism is difficult and quite frustrating for Re-birth. Nobody, except Mimi and her family, seem to speak any English. The team wonder why they are here.

Saturday afternoon is spent with some of the youth again, playing sports in a verdant park. Amongst other things, carted along to the field are a plastic rugby ball; baseball bat and ball; rackets; coloured skittles; and a volleyball and net. They certainly have something for everyone to do for the afternoon.

Worship that evening is interesting ... the words on the screen are French, the singing from the congregation is French, yet the tunes are universally familiar and so the Re-birth team sing along in the language nobody seems to speak ... English. “Tu es saint, Tu es saint, Tu es saint, Je desire te voir ... As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy ...”

Later in the service, Davide introduces the team and they share with their brothers and sisters in Christ about the Re-birth movement. They have gotten used to working with a translator and they speak in short sentences broken with pauses for the translator to do her thing.

Kyle tells the youth that Re-birth live for three core things... Faith, Hope and Love. He starts by posing the question, “Faith ... what is faith?” After a moment’s silence he explains. “An undying trust in something.” Kyle speaks briefly about faith and how having faith in the wrong things leaves us feeling discouraged or empty.

Christo is next to talk about Hope. He shares that the story of Jesus is what gives us hope, and this is the hope that we should take outside to the world. But the world is broken, and it seems hopeless at times ...

They show some of the video footage and pictures they’ve taken along the way ... playing with the gypsy children in Romania who live near the dumps ... and how just spending time having fun with the children brought them some moments of hope.

“But,” Christo says, “it’s not always in rural areas like this where you find hopelessness.” He tells of the man he met in the city – good job, nice suit, money – but a few months earlier his wife and child had left him. He felt hopeless, and Christo was able to share with this man how the Good News had given him hope too. It was amazing how what Christo shared with this man gave him hope ... he wanted to hear more and gave Christo his email address.

Finally, Nathanial shares about Love. “The main thing missing for people today is someone to love and someone to love them.” He shares a personal testimony where he realised that nobody can give you a greater love than God can give you. And as Christians, if we want to be known as God’s disciples and followers, we need to show this love to one another ... that is how people will recognise us, by the love we have for God and the people around us.

Davide takes to the stage to wrap up. He challenges the youth that we need to get back to the roots of the early Christians – those that were together with Jesus. We have to start to be a community of people that live by faith in Jesus, that give hope to the people around us as Jesus brought hope to us, that are able to show unconditional love just as Jesus gave unconditional love to us. The central concept of God is love; what He gave to our lives is hope.

The youth group is so moved by the words of the team and their vision, that they take a collection for them. Down to their last ten euro, God has once again supplied ... over a hundred euro. And this at a time when the team were worrying how Davide would get back home to Modena once they returned to Italy as his Inter Rail pass was not valid in his home country.

It’s nearly midnight as the team and Mimi sit in the car outside church reflecting on the evening. Mimi shares how her best friend, Leo, who comes from a Christian family although he himself is not a Christian, told her how glad he was that the Re-birth team had come and how he is interested in finding out more about Christianity. She also shared that many of the youth, Christian and non-Christian, had been deeply touched by Re-birth. Today had been all about showing love to people.

All too soon their time to leave France has come, and as her father drives the team to the train station on Sunday afternoon, Mimi cries all the way. She’s not prepared to say goodbye to her best friends in the world whom she has come to love so much. Her mascara is smudged and her tissue soaked. Still, amidst the tears, she manages to bear a smile and a laugh.

Back in a train station ... back to a normal day for the Re-birth team.

Dad and daughter escort the team all the way to their platform, making the most of the remaining time together.

Finally, separated by glass as the guys are seated on their train bound for Le Mans then Paris, Mimi stands forlorn beside her father – inconsolable.

Back in Paris, people crawl like ants through this busy station. They are everywhere ... thousands of them. How the team managed not to lose each other is yet another of God’s miracles along this journey. Before heading to their next train an hour later, they step outside to catch a breath of fresh air where they manage to spot about two inches of the Eiffel Tower in the far distance.

The end of the line comes at ten-thirty that night in Amiens. They are headed for Belgium where they feel God wants them. Once again, they have no place to sleep. They rest for an hour on the cold metal chairs in the main station, but soon have to leave and brave the darkness of yet another unknown, foreign city.

Just beneath the station they find an open, illuminated area, almost like an underground parking, where they are able to sleep. The smell of urine emanating from one side tells them that many homeless before them have also discovered this haven. The further down the area they move, the worse the trapped smell becomes. They move back toward the wide open entrance they had entered where the reek is a little less potent. They are more on the eye here, but at least they have a little more fresh air to blow away the stench. Kyle encourages the guys to pray, that they’ve been fine all along and they’ll be fine now too.

Soon their brightly coloured sleeping bags – lime green, fluorescent orange, red and black – are stretched out on the cold concrete floor beside a corrugated iron wall.

By 5.45 the next morning, they are packed up and ready to get back upstairs to the station. They have made it through the night. Tonight they’ll sleep in beds again in neighbouring Belgium thanks to their newfound South African OM friends, Johann and Winnie Jordaan, whom they had met at the Go Conference near Amsterdam.

But they’re only on the move again two and a half hours later. The train is full and they have to stand, however it’s a mere two minute ride before they have to get off again.

When they get to Brussels later that morning, they are astounded by the amount of homeless people of all nations in this city – a problem caused by strange governmental laws.

After contacting Johan, the guys take a train to Zaventen and walk from the station to the OM offices where they will spend the night. The building, which used to be an old paper factory, is beautiful ... crazy cool as Kyle says.

Later that afternoon they spend time sharing testimonies at Govert’s house with fellow missionaries – musicians who play the blues and do prison ministry. Their jamming session takes place on hand drums, guitars, banjos, harmonicas and accompanied by singing. Govert, a former drug addict, shares his testimony of how God changed his life.

Their second last day of Re-birth Europe is spent offering practical help at the OM base in Zaventen and that afternoon, before leaving for Switzerland heading back to Italy, Johan, Winnie and their young daughter, share communion with Re-birth. What a fitting end to their journey – remembering the one that this trip was all about. Johan and Winnie spend time counselling the team about their futures and also praying for their future wives. They give them some money for their journey.

This all resulted in Re-birth narrowly missing their train, but God had a purpose for that too. Davide got to share with group of girls on a train in Italy, a train they would not have been on had they not missed their train from Brussels. And, they got to Modena at 8 p.m. on the last day of their journey (refer to my first blog on Faith, for the significance of that time).

Over 15,000 km through 14 different countries, this has been an amazing journey for the team ... one where their faith has been so stretched, but where they have personally experienced God’s faithfulness and guidance over and over. This was a journey that would set the foundation for their futures in missions. They have learnt to forsake all and trust in Him (Faith); to hold on prayerfully expectant (Hope) and to leave behind overwhelming vindicating evidence (Love).

And, once back in Italy they find they still have over a hundred euro left. They donate this money to some of the missionaries they met along their journey.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I know the blogs have been far longer than the acceptable norm, but I do trust that the time you’ve invested in this armchair travel has been worth your while. Perhaps you’ve even discovered an exciting new setting for your next book?

Is it all over now? No ... for Re-birth the journey has only just begun. Plans are currently underway for an April outreach through India, and a team being taken to Romania to help build houses for the gypsies in July.

Part 1 of the documentary DVD is freely available for viewing on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM0Iescrs3U It’s extremely inspiring and well worth the watch. From this link you’ll see more of Re-birth’s videos as well as an animation video explaining what Re-birth is all about.

MARION UECKERMANN’s writing passion was sparked in 2001 when she moved to Ireland with her husband and two sons. Since then Marion has been honing her skills and has published some devotional articles in Winners at Work and The One Year Book of Joy and Laughter (published August 2011), as well as inspirational poetry online and in a poetry journal. She has written her first Christian Women’s novel (unpublished) and is currently working on the sequel as well as a Historical Romance novel. Marion now lives in Pretoria East, South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and a crazy black ‘Scottie’. Marion is a member of the Christian Writers of South Africa and can be contacted via email on marionu(at)telkomsa(dot)net.

SUNDAY EDITION

2012-01-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Marion Ueckermann: LOVE, an acronym - Leave Overwhelming Vindicating Evidence! The Re-birth Story (Part 3)

Tuesday

Jenn Kelly

Wednesday

Ufuoma Daniella Ojo: A Novel Idea

Thursday

Paula Vince

Friday Devotion

Shirley Corder: Be SMART

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Contest Giveaway Winners

LeAnne is the winner of Rita Galieh's book, Signed Sealed Delivered (Rita's post, December 29)

Congratulations LeAnne!

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New Book Releases

Donna Fletcher Crow's book A Darkly Hidden Truth, Book 2 in The Monastery Murders series, is a January 2012 release from Monarch Books.

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Upcoming Book Releases

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Shades of Truth, will be a March 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, Like Sweet Potato Pie, Book Two in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a March 2012 release from Barbour.

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego and Mexico, The Deliverer, Book Three in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be an April 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Valerie Comer's debut novella, Topaz Treasure, which is part of the Rainbow's End collection, will be a May 2012 release from Barbour.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Critical Condition, will be an October 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, 'Till Grits Do Us Part, Book Three in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a November 2012 release from Barbour.

To find more International Christian Fiction books, please visit our Recent Releases page, Backlist Titles page and our International Christian Fiction wiki.

DEVOTION: Resisting Satan by Lisa Harris

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Satan wants us to doubt the sovereignty of God, to doubt the truth that God is in control. However, the Bible is quite clear that through Jesus Christ we have the victory. How can we resist Satan when he throws doubts and fears at us? James 4:7 says that if you “Resist the devil, … he will flee from you.”

Scripture gives us a number of passages that deal with resisting the devil. To resist means to defeat or oppose, to fight against.

Ephesians 4:26 "Don’t sin in your anger and don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry."

Ephesians 4:27 “and do not give the devil a foothold.”

I Peter 5:8-9 “Be self-controlled and alert….Resist him (Satan) standing firm in the faith, …”

James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Resist the devil and perseveres. Each time we feel doubts rising we must resist the devil and persevere.

In order to resist the devil, Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-18 that we must put on the armor of Christ. What does this mean? Paul mentions six specific things.

1. We need to know the truths of God.
2. We need to live a righteous life.
3. We need to be prepared at all times for the devil’s schemed
4. We need to keep our faith in God even in the midst of trials.’
5. We need to be confident of our salvation.
6. We need to have firm knowledge of the Word of God that never stops growing.

It’s staying constantly alert as we focus our lives on Christ, prayer, and a continual deepening of our knowledge of the Word. It’s trusting the Holy Spirit to “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13) and to “strengthen our inner being" (Colossians 1:11).

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award nominated author who has over twenty novels and novella collections in print. She and her husband, Scott, along with their three children, live near the Indian Ocean in Mozambique as missionaries. As a homeschooling mom, life can get hectic, but she sees her writing as an extension of her ministry which also includes running a non-profit organization The ECHO Project. To find out more about her books you can visit her website.

Oh, the Books You Can Read

2012-01-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Last year Paula Vince wrote a post on this blog (click here to read it ) about a challenge authors face, namely that they are at disadvantage when it comes to sharing their work.

It's like this-

You can listen to a song for a few minutes and appreciate the music and lyrics.

You can admire an architect’s genius as you walk by his magnificent building.

You can enjoy looking at a painting for two minutes and praise the artist for the way he has captured life on a piece of canvas.

But when it comes to a book, you have to take the time—hours, maybe even days—to read and appreciate it. It cannot be done in a fleeting moment.

And there’s the rub.

But also the joy!

It’s true you have to invest a great deal of time to read a book, but oh, the pleasure of the hours spent inside the covers of a favorite book (or on the screen of your eReader!)

You can get caught up in all sorts of fascinating fantasy worlds or visit countries all over the globe. Oh, the places you can go.

You can share the lives, hopes and dreams of the most amazing characters. Oh, the people you can meet.

You can go back in history, stay in your own times or fly into the future. Oh, the times you can experience.

As you read, the words disappear and you live with the characters in their worlds. It’s a not just a tune in the breeze, a speedy walk-by, or a quick glance, but it’s an engrossing journey during which you savour every step. Sometimes you read more quickly to find out what happens next, but other times you slow down because you want to enjoy the beauty of the words, or you just don’t want the story to end. You may find yourself reading parts of the book again, or even the whole book, at a later date just to relive the pleasure.

Have you marveled at the fantasy world of Narnia in the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis?

Have you laughed and cried with the Baxter family in the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury?

Have you sighed with delight at Emily’s descriptions of the trees and wind on Prince Edward Island in the Emily books by LM Montgomery? Or delighted in the wonderful characters in the books by this same author?

Have you visited my country, South Africa, in Cathy Liggett’s Beaded Hope or Shirley Tuckers Diamonds in the Dust?

Have you lived in the past in Julie Klassen’s novels set in the Regency period? Or been back to first century Jerusalem from a top-secret military lock-down facility in A Lever Long Enough by Amy Deardon?

I could ramble on for hours, but instead I’ll leave you with a tip—if you look at the Our Books widget in the right hand column, you’ll find many more wonderful books to savor and destinations to visit.

Happy reading!

Please leave a comment and tell me about some of the books that you have enjoyed investing your time in.

Ruth Ann Dell writes children's stories and international Christian fiction from her home in a sunny South African suburb. She is a member of several writing groups including the American Christian Fiction Writers and Writer's Ink. Her desire is to craft gripping stories which draw her readers into a closer relationship with God.

Ruth Ann and her husband have lived in several countries and are renovating a cottage in the heart of Ireland.

Great Artists Are Selfish

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Great artists are selfish. Or so it would appear. Whether it is a visual artist, writer,musician, composer, singer, actor or movie star, one theme seems to pop up time and again. That theme is sacrifice. The artist is prepared to sacrifice anything or anyone for the sake of their art.

I’m not a huge fan of historical novels but I do like to read about artists, so with that in mind I picked up Claude and Camille, a book about the famous artist Claude Monet. You can find my thoughts about this book and others on Good Reads. What struck me most in reading this though was the selfishness of the artist. Everything else including those he loved was sacrificed to his art. This quote from J.K. Rowling about choices perhaps sums it up. ‘It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.'

If it came to a choice between pursing your art or maintaining relationships which would you choose? I have to say that if it came to a choice between writing which I love doing or my husband and family, there would be no contest. Husband and family would win out. Fortunately I don't have to make that choice as I have a husband and family who support and encourage my writing.

It seems to me that in many cases the art, whatever it may be, takes precedence over relationships and I think that is sad. Is that what God intended for us as writers? I don't think so. Sure, we need to carve out time to fulfil our calling to write and writing takes a lot of hard work. And it's not just the writing. These days to get your work out there and be known takes a lot of time in promotion and marketing. So should we invest all our energies into protecting our writing at all costs and just expect family and others around us will understand and make allowances because we are writers and our art must come first? What do you think?

That, to me, seems to contradict the way our Lord would have us live. As Albert Einstein said, 'Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.'

Yes, we are to do our best in the work He has called us to do but I doubt that means a sacrificing relationships to do it. At the end of people's lives it is often not that they wish had earned more money or written more books but that they had devoted more time to maintaining relationships. I may never be great in the world's eyes and that's okay, so long as at the end I hear God say, 'well done good and faithful servant' and know that I have cared for those God surrounded me with as well as doing the work He called me to.

Dale's latest novel is Streets on a Map published by Ark House Press. She has also had published a book of poetry, several children's novels, and has written a series of bible studies and Sunday school material. Her website is www.daleharcombe.com or you can visit her personal blog http://orangedale.livejournal.com/

Go for the Gusto

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

      I live in Canada, northern hemi-sphere. I have a friend who lives in Australia, southern hemi-sphere. Now, in my head, I know that the seasons in Canada and Australia are reversed, but sometimes knowing something in your head and experiencing it in your heart are very different. This was brought home to me one morning when I huddled in a sweater looking out at leaden skies and leafless trees, and opened my e-mail. There was a note from my friend, complaining about a heat wave and talking about the harvest of fruit she had to deal with. Suddenly, my intellectual knowing, became real experience. Despite my own surroundings, I could feel my friend sweltering in the heat, smell the heady scent of ripening fruit and even feel the urge to swat away a buzzing wasp.
      As a writer, I took this as a great lesson in deepening point of view. I've just been judging some contest entries for my local chapter and one of my complaints with many entries was the lack of emotional impact. I didn't feel the story, yet on the judging sheet, the writer might score well because she used good grammar, avoided cliches, grounded the reader in the time and place. . . all the mechanics of good writing, but the story didn't grab me. I had little interest in the characters and their troubles.
      So, how can a story have good mechanics, follow all the rules and still fall flat? It's because the reader "knows" what's happening, but she doesn't "feel" what's happening. Michael Hauge says the purpose of popular fiction is to incite emotion. Without emotion the story is simply an intellectual excercise, like knowing that my summer is my friend's winter. For a story to really fly, for it to grip the reader and refuse to let go, even when the final page is turned, it must contain that magic that captivates the emotions. Even writers who are highly skilled at engaging the reader's senses, won't succeed unless they engage the emotions as well. Stephen King says he tries to terrorize the reader -- not just explain a fearful situation or an evil character or describe the plunge into the abyss. He wants to create terror in the reader's heart. He'll use wonderful imagery, tight writing, sensual description -- great writing techniques, but his aim is not to excercise his writing skills. His aim is to terrify the reader.
     So, how do we do that? One way is to truly become the character when you write. We're often taught to imagine we are seeing a scene through a character's eyes -- that's how we keep the point of view clear. I would suggest we need to write as though we are experiencing the scene through the character's heart. If we want to create terror, our hearts should pound, ours palms sweat and the hairs on the back of our necks stand up when we write that scene. If we want the reader to fall in love, then we should wear a sappy smile, and get all dewy-eyed while we write. If our character tells a joke, we should laugh out loud.
     Reading through the posts and comments on this blog over the past year, I know many of us have felt frustrated with the lack of publishing success for work we believe in. It is easy to be discouraged, especially if we feel helpless. Thank God for the loving, supportive comminity at International Christian Fiction Writers who understand and sympathize. But let's go a step further. Let's get out those rejected manuscripts and see if we can't up the emotional content. If you're basking in a warm climate, does a story about winter make your shiver? If you're eating frozen strawberries, does your mouth water at a character biting into a fresh plum? If not, then go deeper. Be your character, feel his emotions, then share them with the reader. Let's go for the gusto in 2012.

Alice Valdal writes romantic fiction and dreams of the day an editor at Steeple Hill says "yes!" She'd love to hear any tips for getting to that editor's heart. : -)
You can learn more about her at her website: Alice Valdal

Soul Mates by Marcia Lee Laycock

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

I have always secretly believed in soul mates, not just in a romantic sense but in the sense that sometimes you are touched by someone in a way so deeply that you know there is something far more going on than the one small act or look that may have happened. You know you have connected, not just with a person, but with something startling, something breath-taking, something perhaps even eternal.

I walked into the gymnasium of a high school one day, late in the day, completely unaware that such a moment, such a soul mate connection was about to happen. The gym was full of women from all over Alaska and the Yukon. Being from a small community in the north, I was amazed to see so many. Knowing these women were all Christians astounded me. Our group back home was tiny and I had not yet experienced a setting in which the wider church was real and powerful. I felt that power as I walked among the women that day.

I saw her almost immediately. In a sea of native women who were stereotypically short and stocky, she was tall, slender and stunningly calm. Our eyes met and smiled at one another. She turned and I went on for a while, then looked for her again. I could see the back of her head now, its gray-streaked braid lying soft on her neck.

That first night I was asked to give testimony. I had never spoken in front of so many before, but I knew what God had done and wanted to tell it. Several came and spoke to me afterwards. She came from behind me, placed her hands on my shoulders. I felt her prayers go in and out of me, a breeze, a knife, a swelling river. Another woman held my attention until I was aware that she had moved away. Again I looked and saw her back blend into the crowd.

For three days I watched her – in prayer, at table, wrapped in worship. I wandered among those women, always aware of her, but we did not move to speak until the last day, the last hour. I was at the airport, waiting to board the six-seater that would carry us back to our small community of faithful and blind. I saw her sitting in the waiting area. When I sat down she smiled and took my hand.

I asked her name and she gave it. I asked where she lived and she said, “On the River.”
“The Yukon?” I asked, and was delighted to know that she lived on the same swift flowing ribbon that gripped my heart each day.

She nodded. “When I wake up each day I look out and see the River and I think about Jesus. I pray to Jesus and think about my family too.” She turned to me, her gray eyes so gentle it hurt. “Now I will think about you, too.”

Sometimes I feel her hands on my shoulders again. I feel her prayers, going in and out of me like the flowing of a mighty river. And I do believe in soul mates.
****

Marcia Lee Laycock writes from central Alberta Canada where she is a pastor's wife and mother of three adult daughters. She was the winner of The Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel, One Smooth Stone and also has two devotional books in print. Her work has been endorsed by Sigmund Brouwer, Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and Mark Buchanan. The sequel to One Smooth Stone will be released in March, 2012. A collection of devotionals for writers has just been released here. Visit Marcia's website

SUNDAY EDITION

2012-01-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Marcia Laycock

Tuesday

Alice Valdal

Wednesday

Dale Harcombe

Thursday

Ruth Ann Dell

Friday Devotion

Lisa Harris: Resisting Satan

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New Book Releases

Donna Fletcher Crow's book A Darkly Hidden Truth, Book 2 in The Monastery Murders series, is a January 2012 release from Monarch Books.

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Upcoming Book Releases

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Shades of Truth, will be a March 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, Like Sweet Potato Pie, Book Two in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a March 2012 release from Barbour.

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego and Mexico, The Deliverer, Book Three in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be an April 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Valerie Comer's debut novella, Topaz Treasure, which is part of the Rainbow's End collection, will be a May 2012 release from Barbour.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Critical Condition, will be an October 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, 'Till Grits Do Us Part, Book Three in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a November 2012 release from Barbour.

To find more International Christian Fiction books, please visit our Recent Releases page, Backlist Titles page and our International Christian Fiction wiki.

DEVOTION: Carrying the Cheese by Marcia Lee Laycock

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain (1 Cor. 15:10).

I heard a well-known story recently, about David, the future king of Israel. As I listened, I pictured David as a young man, eager for adventure, eager to take his place beside his brothers on the battlefield. I wonder if David schemed a bit, when his father called him home. I wonder if he didn’t fantasize, just a little, about wearing armor and carrying a sharp sword. Imagine his disappointment when his father placed a donkey’s lead in his hand instead. He was not being sent to the front lines to fight the great battle and win the victory. He was being sent to give nourishment to those who were.
Perhaps David’s cry to God went like this – “But Lord, You’ve given me strength enough to kill lions and bears. You had the prophet anoint me king. So why, Lord? Why do you ask me to only carry the cheese?”
But David obeyed. It was later he discovered that submitting to the role of the servant was God’s way of putting him where he would do the most good. God did have bigger things planned, and David’s journey to get there was part of his preparation for an even bigger picture. God was making David not just into the boy-hero who slew the giant, but into a King worthy of his anointing.
Sometimes writers dream and scheme as David did. We know our gifts, we see the needs and are eager to do great things. But often the path God tells us to walk does not seem to lead to the place where we think we would do the most good. We would do well to remember that God knows the bigger picture. He knows the plans He has for us, “plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Like David, we are being shaped into useful tools. And like David we are best shaped when we are serving others.
Is there a donkey’s lead dangling in front of you? Perhaps God is telling you to get up and carry some cheese.

MARCIA LAYCOCK’s inspirational writing has won awards in both Canada and the U.S. Her devotionals are distributed to thousands and her novel, One Smooth Stone, won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award in 2006. Marcia is also a sought-after speaker for women’s events. Visit her at her website.

Divine Prodding

2012-01-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

In a recent fit of post-holiday laziness, I rebelled against waking up before dawn, as is my current custom, to work on writing projects.

One particular morning, I perceived the Lord who nudged me and said, “Get up and write.”

I glanced at the digital clock, its red numbers glaring 4:45. With a lackluster attitude I rolled over, grumbling, “Eh, forget it.” Deep sleep fell over me and I slumbered like a baby for the next two hours.

Later, while I made the bed, my mind wandered and I found myself asking the Lord for something. He quickly replied, “Eh, forget it.”

Yow!

Okay. I deserved that.

God does not promise that we’ll understand his ways, his timing. I suppose that’s the point of faith…believing without seeing, hoping before achieving, working with expectation and anticipation of things to come even when the forecast might look hazy. For me, that haze often is my own mind that gets in the way.

Another point on faith is obedience. Not out of guilt or duty, but out of love. To a hearty degree, I possess the love for writing - among other things. Yet above all, I hold love and respect for a Holy God who has our best interests at heart, always, even during those times when it doesn’t feel like it, when I might lack enthusiasm. I simply need reminded once in a while, and it’s through his mercy that he reminds me in ways that both startle and amuse. This might not work well for others, but the Creator knows how we’re individually wired because he did the wiring. Therefore, he understands it takes a quirky jolt to get my stubborn derrière moving in the right direction.

The Higher Power challenges us to grow, to listen, to heed his voice, to obey, to love, to serve, to accomplish greater things because his plans are far greater than what we could possibly imagine for ourselves. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Zap!

Hello, 4:45 AM. What a radiant shade of red. It’s nice we meet again.

A veteran of the performing arts, Tessa’s work included directing dance ensembles and cultural exchange programs under the auspices of missionary organizations. Besides traveling worldwide in performance and outreach endeavors, she contributed as a writer and editor for ministry newsletters as well as political literature. While her literary focus gravitates from genre to genre, she prefers stories involving love.
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.” ~ Bible

Tessa is the author of the romance/political intrigue novel, The Unforgivable (RisenFiction/April 2011). www.TessaStockton.com

Interview with Canadian Author - Linda Ford

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

After Linda Ford kept me up until the wee hours of the morning reading her latest Love Inspired Historical, The Cowboy Tutor, set during the Great Depression, I decided to invite her to share a bit of the book's history.

But first let me tell you a little about Linda Ford.

Linda lives in Alberta, Canada. She's the author of more than 25 books, writing for both Love Inspired Historicals and Heartsong Presents. Her stories have been described as deeply emotional with a touch of humor, and I absolutely agree.

The Cowboy Tutor, is the first in a three-book series, with the next books releasing in February and March.

The series centers around a family of three sisters during the Great Depression. What resonated with me the most in this first story was how firmly the heroine believes that God will see her through every crisis in her life.

She works hard, extremely hard, to keep her family together and from losing their home. Considering the world's current economic situation, and how our faith is increasingly being challenged by similar crises, I found it a timely book.

Here's what Linda had to say about what inspired her to write these stories:

I'm not sure what got me started on the idea of these stories. My brainstorming file suggests I was concerned with the circumstances of young women during the Depression.

Here is a bit from that file:

Mrs. Morgan has 3 lovely daughters who seem destined to be spinsters due to the lack of suitable single men. Most of them have been whisked away to relief camps or ride the rails looking for something better than what the Depression offers. But Mrs. Morgan isn't about to stand by and see her daughters denied the joys of marriage and a family. So she devises a plan...

I’ve always had an interest in the Depression, partly because my parents and grandparents lived through it. I also did human-interest articles for a newspaper and interviewed a number of seniors. They all told stories of strength, heroism and inventiveness in dealing with the Depression.

I know they probably didn’t look back at the time as ‘the good old days’. But I loved the feeling I got of people who faced incredible odds with humor and came out as victors.

I’ve learned some interesting tidbits in my research. First, in Canada we also call it the Dirty 30s (because of the violent dust storms.) I thought everyone was familiar with the term but my editors weren’t.

Paper was expensive so used carefully and as many ways as possible. Letters were written across the page then the page given ¼ turn and more words written across the original. I found it almost impossible to read.

Groceries came wrapped in brown paper, tied with string. The paper was folded carefully and used over and over. The string was added to the ball kept in the kitchen drawer and rationed for use.

I grew up on the prairies and have lived most of my life in an area that was deeply affected by the Depression. In fact, we don’t have a county. We are called the Special Areas. Most of the land is owned by the government and leased to farmers and ranchers. Before the Thirties, many settlers came to the area and broke a few acres.

But then the rains failed to come. The land dried up and contributed to dreadful dust storms. The settlers walked away leaving the banks with unpaid mortgages and loans. The government bailed them out and took over ownership of the land. The people of the area still face many of the same challenges of the Dirty Thirties.

As my family drove along the various roads there were many empty farm sites. Some were only an empty cellar but there were leaning barns and weatherworn houses. I never saw any of these without wondering what had happened to the people who once owned them. I would get lost in imagining their struggles, their disappointment, and lost dreams.

Sandra again: Thank you, Linda for visiting with us today. I love seeing glimpses of other writers' creative process and research.

Your turn blog readers: Linda's characters lived during the Great Depression, but our world faces similar challenges today? How might these challenges strengthen, or make us question, our faith?

Love Inspired Suspense author Sandra Orchard hails from the beautiful rolling hills of Niagara, Canada. Shades of Truth, the second instalment in her Undercover Cops series, releases in March. To learn more about her upcoming releases, giveaways, and to receive special book extras, subscribe to Sandra's newsletter and/or connect with her on Facebook.

Connecting Through The Ages

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

One of the defining elements in the way a writer works is the connections their mind makes. And let’s face it, writers’ minds can make some pretty unusual connections sometimes. Maybe one of the reasons writers like to hang out in groups when we get the opportunity is because our minds work in similarly eccentric ways.

One of the connections I enjoy is with other women writers through the ages. And since I’m an historian, I especially enjoy connecting with women writers of long ago. That’s why one of my favorite things about writing A Darkly Hidden Truth, Monastery Murders 2, was presenting the work of two women who hold places in history for "firsts."

Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) became the first woman to write a book in English when she wrote an account of the 16 mystical "showings" she experienced of the love of God.

Margery Kempe (1373-1440) "wrote" the first autobiography in English, although she was illiterate, by dictating it.

Although both women had mystical visions and their life spans crossed— they actually met in an event Margery records— they lived far different lives, had far different personalities and wrote in vastly different styles:

After her amazing showings Julian lived a life of quiet contemplation as an anchoress in a single room attached to a church in Norwich, going nowhere and seeing only her servant and those who came to her worldside window for counseling— Margery being one of those seekers. Margery travelled the world, going on pilgrimages as far afield as the Holy Land and Santiago de Compostelo.

Julian wrote her Revelations of Divine Love, speaking only of her visions and of the love of God for his creatures. She divulges no details of her personal life— we don’t even know her name. We call her Julian because that was the dedication of her church. We know how she would have lived because she lived by The Ancrene Rule which set out rules for anchoresses. That left me free as a novelist to imagine a life for her prior to her visions which she experienced at the age of 30. Had she been married? Had she taken vows as a nun? No one knows, but I had great fun entering into "what might have been."

Margery tells all. Even of the joyous sex life she shared with her husband. (They had 14 children.) She tells of her period of madness after the birth of her first child. She tells of her spiritual struggles with earthly vanity. She tells of her shrieking and bouts of uncontrollable weeping that made one group of pilgrims abandon her so that she had to cross the Alps in a blizzard with only an aged priest as companion.

And yet both women tell of the love of God, of the goodness of life. They speak of joy and beauty in the midst of unbelievable suffering. They tell stories I could never invent in my wildest fantasy. And it’s all true. And it’s all ours because two women centuries ago put their unique experiences on paper. Is it any wonder I feel my roots tingling when I contemplate the connections?

What writers of past or present do you feel connected with?

Donna Fletcher Crow, whose newest book A Darkly Hidden Truth, Monastery Murders 2, was recently released by Monarch Books, at the doorway to Julian's cell where she lived and wrote for 40 years.

SUNDAY EDITION

2012-01-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Donna Fletcher Crow: Connecting Through The Ages

Tuesday

Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Wednesday

Sandra Orchard

Thursday

Tessa Stockton

Friday Devotion

Marcia Lee Laycock: Carrying the Cheese

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Contest Giveaway Winners

LeAnne is the winner of Sylvia Stewart's book, Kondi's Quest (Valerie's post, December 28)

Congratulations LeAnne!

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Contest News

Lisa Harris' book Blood Covenant is a Best Inspirational Novels 2011 nominee in the suspense category by Romantic Times. Congratulations Lisa!

Kathi Macias has been named 2011 Author of the Year by BooksandAuthors.net Congratulations Kathi!

Paula Vince's book Best Forgotten won the CALEB Prize 2011 in the fiction category and also won the overall Grand Prize. Congratulations Paula!

Catherine West's debut novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow, won the 2011 INSPY Award in the Romance category. Congratulations Cathy!

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New Book Releases

Donna Fletcher Crow's book A Darkly Hidden Truth, Book 2 in The Monastery Murders series, is a January 2012 release from Monarch Books.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Shades of Truth, will be a March 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, Like Sweet Potato Pie, Book Two in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a March 2012 release from Barbour.

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego and Mexico, The Deliverer, Book Three in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be an April 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Valerie Comer's debut novella, Topaz Treasure, which is part of the Rainbow's End collection, will be a May 2012 release from Barbour.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Critical Condition, will be an October 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, 'Till Grits Do Us Part, Book Three in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a November 2012 release from Barbour.

To find more International Christian Fiction books, please visit our Recent Releases page, Backlist Titles page and our International Christian Fiction wiki.

DEVOTION: New Year's Greeting - Kathi Macias

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).

With the observance of yet another Christmas passing into memory, I find myself looking forward to the year that has just begun. Appropriately, I’ve been rereading the story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and their “wilderness wanderings” on the way to the Promised Land. The Scriptures tell us that everything recorded in the Old Testament is there for our learning, and the amazing story of the Exodus is no exception.

Most of us know that this epic story is a picture of our being delivered from a life of sin into new life with Christ, and if we’ve had that very personal experience, we “get it”—the Exodus part, at least. But do we get the rest of it? Do we understand that we were “brought out” so we could be “brought in”? God didn’t simply send His only Son so we could escape death and hell (which is mercy, because we all deserve death and hell!) but so that we could experience the joy of a new life in Him (which none of us deserves—and that, my friends, is grace!).

I wonder how many of us miss out on so much because we, like the Israelites of old, find ourselves mercifully delivered from a life of sin, but then we cease to be “amazed by grace” because we get stuck wandering in the wilderness, never entering into the joy of the Lord. Sure, the ultimate joy will come when we leave this earth and go to be with Him, and that should be the utmost desire of our hearts. But there is a joy here on earth for us as well, and it is in that joy that we find our strength to persevere and triumph as believers in a world that is less than receptive, and sometimes even hostile, to our faith.

That level of “fullness of joy” on earth is found only in God’s presence. If you’ve experienced your own Exodus and been delivered from your old life of sin, and yet you spend much of your time wandering in the wilderness, feeling weak and defeated and anything but joyful, maybe this crossing over into the new year of 2012 is a good time to commit to spending more time in God’s presence—reading and meditating on His Word, singing songs of praise and worshiping Him, praying and interceding for those around you.

Maybe 2012 is a time to put into practice the title of one of my books: BEYOND ME: LIVING A YOU-FIRST LIFE IN A ME-FIRST WORLD. We can’t live that kind of life in our own strength, for we have none. But if we learn to draw on God’s strength by putting Him first and by regularly spending time with Him, we will be able to move beyond ourselves, beyond our weak, me-centered wilderness wanderings, and into the joys of the Promised Land of living every day in His presence.

That is my prayer for you, dear readers, as 2011 fades to black—and the light of 2012 dawns brighter on the horizon. May we all commit to “press forward” together to that great prize of “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”!

See you later this year . . .

Writing Resolutions

2012-01-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Every new year I go through the same debate: should I or should I not make some resolutions? My general feeling is that to 'resolve' to do anything puts far too much pressure on me to 'pass' or 'fail'. So instead, I like to call it goal setting. But isn't it just the same thing and do I really have to do it?

Part of me wants to say: no, I don’t have to do it – I resolve never to make a resolution again! But another part of me, which at times feels wiser but at others simply obsessed, knows that I operate best when I place down some markers. This is in all areas of my life. Do I want to remain the same or do I want to change?

I’m sure there are some areas of yourself that you quite like and don’t want to change; others that you would like to, and still others that you simply must for the sake of everyone concerned. On a personal level, I know that I need to work more on my patience. I seem to have very little of it with my daughter at the moment. I know that I cannot change her but I can change myself. I can’t do it on my own of course, but as patience is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, I’m committing to ‘work’ on this with God this year. I’m not off to a very good start as today is her first day back at school and we had a tiff as she dragged her feet this morning. Oh dear.

But back to writing. Like most of you I should imagine, I feel discouraged when a book or script proposal is rejected; or the ‘big break’ I was hoping for seems as elusive as ever. It’s at times like this that I need to look back on some of my past goals. Last year I set myself 10 writing goals. Seven of them have been achieved. That’s not bad going and I need to force myself to look at what I have achieved rather than what I haven’t.

I will be setting some new goals for this year over the next couple of days. Perhaps you are doing the same. If so, here are some things to consider:

Before setting new goals, prayerfully go over last year’s goals and thank God for what He has already done for you.
Ask Him to guide you in this year’s goal-setting.
Break down your year into chunks: what do you want to achieve by Easter, the end of summer, etc.?
Make sure the majority of your goals are in your power to achieve. Do you have the technical ability to achieve them? Do you have the time available to achieve them? Is the final decision for or against, in your control? For instance, ‘getting a big publishing deal’ is not in your power; writing the best manuscript you can then sending it off to publishers is.
Write down some goals that are impossible in your own strength. This seems like a contradiction of the previous point, but if you only restrict your goals to what you know you can do, you won’t leave room for God.

Finally, delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. (Ps 37:4-5)

Happy New Year!

Fiona Veitch Smith’s apartheid thriller, The Peace Garden, is now available on Kindle. Her latest children’s book, David and the Kingmaker , is available in shops in the UK but may be ordered from anywhere in the world through the Crafty Publishing website.

Celebrating an International Christmas

2012-01-04T05:19:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I just returned from a wonderfully relaxing two-week vacation in Hawaii. What an awesome place at any time of year, but particularly during the holidays! Let me tell you about the highlight of our entire trip.

Since we knew we’d be there during Christmas, one of the first things I did after arriving in the islands was to locate a church close to where we were staying, one that was planning a Christmas Eve service. (I know not all churches do that anymore, but I absolutely adore Christmas Eve services, don’t you? Especially the dangerous ones with little children waving lit candles in the otherwise darkened sanctuary!) I found one just a couple of miles from our condo and nailed down the particulars on the service, looking forward to it with more anticipation than I did Santa’s visits when I was a child. Sure enough, I wasn’t disappointed!

That evening we drove up to the lovely little chapel just a few minutes before the scheduled service was about to begin. Surprisingly, there were few cars in the parking lot, so we had no problem finding good seats. But as the time for the service to start came and went and people continued to pour in, I remembered we were on “Hawaii time.” Unlike many of us mainlanders (particularly yours truly, who is never late for anything!), Hawaiians get there…well, when they get there.

As a result, though the service started about fifteen minutes late, it was with a packed house—and a congregation that reflected so many ethnic and cultural variations! We soon learned that although the Baptists celebrated/worshiped in the building on Sunday mornings, a Hawaiian-dialect congregation used the facilities to gather together on Sunday afternoons. Then a Samoan congregation met there every Sunday evening. All three congregations came together on Christmas Eve to worship the same Lord and Savior, and to commemorate His birth. And, of course, several of us tourists were there to join them as well.

What an experience! We heard the Christmas story read from Luke 2 in English, Hawaiian, and Samoan. We also had the joy of hearing three choirs sing in their respective native language, and though we didn’t truly understand all the words, we felt as if we did.

Throughout that touching and unique Christmas Eve service, I thought, This is how it will be in heaven! All countries, peoples, cultures will be gathered together into one body, singing and worshiping and praising the One who died for all. And I wept with joy.

Did I garner new writing material from my trip to the islands? Of course I did. We writers can find topics for our books/articles/stories just about anywhere. But this event is one that will stand out in my memory for a long time to come. It was a bit of an international Christmas, just a taste of the joy we will experience when we are all united (and reunited) in heaven for all eternity. I look forward to seeing you there!

Where Does the Time Go?

2012-01-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

Well another year has come and gone. It's 2012 already. I can't believe how quickly the last year flew by. I am reminded of a poem by Henry Twells, written on a clock in Chester Cathedral:

When as a child, I laughed and wept,

Time crept.

When as a youth, I dreamt and talked,

Time walked.

When I became a full-grown man,

Time ran.

When older still I daily grew,

Time flew.

Soon I shall find on travelling on-

Time gone.

O Christ, wilt Thou have saved me then?

Amen.

Henry Twells lived between 1823 and 1900, so he wasn't feeling the effects of our modern electronic age. Our time on Earth is short, no matter when and where we live.

Every New Year's eve Holland turns into a massive fireworks display. For the few days leading up to December 31st, shops sell a mind-boggling variety of things that sparkle, pop, whizz, hiss, and boom. For three days, our local bicycle shop stops selling bicycles in favour of little bundles of gunpowder. We bought ours from a garden centre.

Normally, we don't buy fireworks. As a parent I am possibly a little bit too careful with my kids. I know what fireworks can do to little fingers so would rather leave it to the professionals. Besides which, there's really no need for us to buy our own because everybody else seems to spend a fortune on the stuff. Each year, if the weather is good, we climb onto the roof and watch as the sky lights up in a spectacular display of colour and light. This year I relented and we splashed out on a small selection for the princely sum of fifty Euros.

The few rockets and candles in our "family pack" lasted about ten minutes and we were left with about three hundred firecrackers, each resembling a little stick of dynamite. After the novelty wore off, we had about two hundred and eighty left over, so we spent the next half hour performing what amounted to a series of science experiments. We made a small fire and stood watching the flames. My son commented how ironic it was that we were having so much fun with a our handful of fireworks while, all around us, the sky was filled with spectacular explosions, each one of which probably cost more than our entire budget for the evening.

As we stood watching our little bonfire, it struck me how temporary life on this planet really is. One day, everything I know will be gone. My children, my wife, my house, my life. No wonder people feel the need to party like it's the end of the word. I think that, deep down inside, they know that everything must come to an end, and so they party as hard as they can while they can. If only people would understand that this is not all there is. When the clock stops on each and every one of us, eternity begins and we will realize the importance of the choices we made during our brief sojourn on planet Earth. God's love is infinite and we get the option to spend eternity enjoying that love. How exciting is that?

The end for us here on Earth is not really the end but the beginning, because where we are going, we won't need clocks.

The Politics of Language - Even When You Speak The Same One

2012-01-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

I recently got some scoresheets back from a contest. As per usual I had mixed results, with one judge loving my entry and the other, well they offered a lot of constructive criticism to go with their less than loving score ;)

Living in New Zealand, one thing that sometimes happens, is words and phrases that are perfectly acceptable in Christian circles here are a little bit borderline or worse, completely taboo, in the US. Early on in my writing journey my heroine used a derogatory word to describe another character. It was one that no one would blink at here but resulted in a VERY shocked reaction from an American friend who read it. It was my first real run in with the fact that though we all speak English, in many other ways we also speak different languages.

In this instance, the second judge questioned the appropriateness of the use of the word "butt" in an inspirational novel. I fired off an email to a friend I have who works in publishing wanting to know whether I'd just committed a major faux pas or if this judge was just more conservative than most.

She reassured me that I hadn't just committed the literary equivalent of dropping the F word at a Southern Baptist convention but also pointed me to this list that Harlequin has for things that are not allowed in their inspirational romances (Steeple Hill).

Terms that cannot be used in a Steeple Hill novel:

Arousal
Bastard
Bet/betting
Bishop
Bra
Breast (except for breast cancer if necessary)
Buttocks or butt (alternatively, you can say derriere or backside)
Crap
Damn (try “blast” instead)
Darn
Dern/durn
Devil (except in the religious sense, but the circumstances would be rare)
Dang or Dagnabbit
Doody
Father (when used to describe a religious official)
Fiend
For heaven’s sake (can use “for goodness’ sake” instead)
For the love of Mike
For Pete’s sake
Gee
Geez/jeez (but “sheesh” is acceptable)
Gosh
Golly
Halloween
Harlot
Heat (when used to describe kisses)
Heck
Hell (except in the religious sense, but this would be rare)
Holy cow
Hot/hottie
Hunk
Need/hunger (when used to describe non-food-focused state of being)
Pee
Poop
Panties
Passion
Priest
Sexy
Sex
Sexual attraction
Tempting (as applied to the opposite sex)
St. [name of saint]
Swear, as in “I swear…” – Christian characters are not supposed to swear.
Undergarments – of any kind
Whore

The following are allowed only in the context mentioned:
Angel – only when used in a Biblical context
Miracle – only when used in a Biblical context
Oh my God/Oh, God – ONLY allowed when it’s clearly part of a prayer
Heavenly – only when used in a Biblical context
Although you can say “He cursed” or mention cursing, do not overuse. Furthermore, only non-Christian characters can curse.

Situations to be avoided:
Kissing below the neck
Visible signs or discussions of arousal or sexual attraction or being out of control
Double entendre
Nudity – people changing clothes “on screen” or any character clad only in a towel
Hero and heroine sleeping in the same house without a third party, even if they’re not sleeping together or in the same room
Also, Christian characters should not smoke, drink, gamble, play cards or dance (except in historical novels they may dance but please limit to square dances and balls, no “sexy” dancing like waltzing cheek to cheek), and terms associated with these activities should only be used in connection with bad guys or disapproving of them or such.
Bodily functions, like going to the bathroom, should be mentioned as little as possible and some euphemism may be necessary but we don’t want to sound quaint or absurd.

(Note: this is only one publisher - a lot of the others are more liberal)

I have to admit that as a non-American some of the items on this list leave me well bewildered. For a start I don't even know what a doodie is and who is Mike and why aren't we allowed to love him? And what could be offensive about the term "gosh"? And are some readers so conservative they would be offended by the mention of priest in an inspirational novel?

So here is my question - assuming that we put to the side the kind of words that are universally acknowledged as cursing - what kind of language/situations in an "inspirational" novel do you find unacceptable? Or is it all contextual? Do you think that Christian publishers should err on the side of conservative in the language they allow or is this one of the reasons many people perceive Christian fiction as being too sanitized and unrelatable?

SUNDAY EDITION

2012-01-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Kara Isaac: The Politics of Language - Even When You Speak The Same One

Tuesday

Paul Baines

Wednesday

Kathi Macias

Thursday

Fiona Veitch Smith

Friday Devotion

Kathi Macias: New Years' Greeting

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contest News

Lisa Harris' book Blood Covenant is a Best Inspirational Novels 2011 nominee in the suspense category by Romantic Times. Congratulations Lisa!

Kathi Macias has been named 2011 Author of the Year by BooksandAuthors.net Congratulations Kathi!

Paula Vince's book Best Forgotten won the CALEB Prize 2011 in the fiction category and also won the overall Grand Prize. Congratulations Paula!

Catherine West's debut novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow, won the 2011 INSPY Award in the Romance category. Congratulations Cathy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Book Releases

Donna Fletcher Crow's book A Darkly Hidden Truth, Book 2 in The Monastery Murders series, is a January 2012 release from Monarch Books.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Shades of Truth, will be a March 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, Like Sweet Potato Pie, Book Two in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a March 2012 release from Barbour.

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego and Mexico, The Deliverer, Book Three in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be an April 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Valerie Comer's debut novella, Topaz Treasure, which is part of the Rainbow's End collection, will be a May 2012 release from Barbour.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Critical Condition, will be an October 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, 'Till Grits Do Us Part, Book Three in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a November 2012 release from Barbour.

To find more International Christian Fiction books, please visit our Recent Releases page, Backlist Titles page and our International Christian Fiction wiki.

Happy New Year!

DEVOTION: A Special Gift by Shirley Corder

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted." John 3:16-18a The Message

When God says He made us in His image, He doesn't mean we look like Him. Just take a look at the writers down the side of this website. Do we look alike? So how can we all look like God?

No, when He made us in His image, He made us like Him, with the ability to think and reason, to plan and orchestrate, and above all, the ability to be creative. However, where God created the universe out of nothing, we need to use existing material to create new articles.

As writers, we use existing words and letters and probably a computer. Carpenters use wood and tools. Artists produce beautiful pictures with paints and brushes. Dressmakers create clothing out of material using a sewing machine.

When God created us women, He gave us a special nurturing instinct, so that we could be good wives, mothers, aunts, daughters and friends. When He created men, He gave them the desire to lead and protect their families and be responsible for those around him. He made us "in his image" yet different. He also gave us a desire to give to others. Many of us love making things for those whom we love. We want the article to say to them, "I love you. You're special."

Sometimes, especially if the recipient is far away and we have to post the card or gift, we wonder if it will really be appreciated. Will our loved one realise it is special because we made it ourselves? Or will they give it a mere glance and throw it to one side? If only we could stick ourselves in the envelope, or wrap ourselves with the gift, so that we could personally deliver the message.

Over 2,000 years ago, our Creator God did just that. He sent us a special message, and He sent it with a gift.

The message? "I love you!"

The gift? His only Son, Jesus Christ.

A few people accept The Gift, and allow Him to transform their lives. But sadly, many take one glance and reject both the gift and the message.

God's Son was a very special person and lived a perfect life—yet He had no home of His own. His friends left Him when He needed them most. He was ridiculed, beaten, and killed in a dreadful way. Why on earth did He go through this? The Bible tells us He did it because of God's love for us. He did it because we are special to Him.

This year, as you prepare for Christmas, think about how much God loves you. As you spend time getting your gifts "just right," see how God works to make your life "just right" too. As you put your final touches to your gifts and step back with a sense of satisfaction, picture God's reaction when He made you. He stood back, and He said, "They are good. They are very good."

As you buy or make gifts in preparation for Christmas this year, remember the gift and message God sent you, and accept it with all your heart.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your amazing creation. Thank you for making me a part of it. Thank you for the gifts you have given to me. Most of all, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Help me to accept that gift, and always to remember that I am special in the eyes of my creator. Amen.

SHIRLEY CORDER lives in South Africa with her husband, a hyperactive budgie called Sparky, and an ever expanding family of tropical fish. She is contributing author to nine books to date and her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer is due for release in the USA in 2012. Hundreds of her inspirational and life-enrichment articles have been published internationally. You can contact Shirley through her writing website, her Rise and Soar cancer site, or follow her on Twitter.

CONFESSIONS of a FRUSTRATED WRITER

2011-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Look at this woman. Disgraceful!

We wouldn't act like that would we? Umm, well, maybe not outwardly, but I admit I've been on the verge of tearing out my hair!

Please allow me some leeway to vent. It's sure to be cathartic. And in the closing days of December 2011, maybe very appropriate.

Authors write books, don't they? So far I've had two published and supposedly working on the next, but I can't seem to get into it again. And I know why...

It's the blessed Emails!

They just keep coming and I just keep sending! I want to, I need to, I look forward to, and I'd wonder what happened if they stopped. But oh, what it's done to my actual writing time.

Is this what they call obsessive/compulsive disorder? Because I think I must be addicted to my laptop.

What about non-stop. Editing. I find it just so difficult to let go. I don't know how many times I write and rewrite. Ever searching for the perfect descriptive word. Argh! Sure, the books get better each time, but there has to be some sort of closure.

And this: the Net. There's always something there to pull me away from actually creating. The net is good as a servant, but oh my, sometimes I think I'm allowing it to be my master.

I make sure each morning to read God's Word and ask Him to guide me and give me wisdom, and perhaps that's why I am sharing this with you. Or should I say, confessing. It's finally dawning on me that I'm spending far too much time on this bit of convenient technology.

Not finished yet!

Television. So informative with its daily newscasts. So educational in its teaching about the animal kingdom and marvelous Geography and History. All things I feel I need to know. And let's not forget the world of entertainment at our fingertips. Such a fascinating siren call.

I daren't get onto Twitter. That would really sink me!

I know, I know. Priorities. My grandparents were fairly well rounded individuals and also informed, but they never relied on these things...weren't even invented then! So, It's time I turned over a new leaf. (That's appropriate for an author, isn't it?) Seriously though, I reckon I need more stillness in my attitude and to recognize and remember that He is God and allow Him more space in my life and in my heart.

Maybe many of you have also come to the same conclusions in your busy lives.

BOOK OFFER DRAW

* Rita Galieh has recently had published Signed Sealed Delivered the first book of her trilogy. see www.ritastellagalieh.com to read the Prologue.
(* Leave your spaced email address and comment to receive a copy, and watch for Sunday's announcement in a couple of weeks.)

Interview with Sylvia Stewart--and Book Giveaway!

2011-12-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to welcome special guest Sylvia Stewart to ICFW. Sylvia has spent many years in Africa, which is the setting of her tween novel Kondi's Quest.

VC: Sylvia, I see that you grew up in Africa. Were your parents missionaries?

SS: Yes, I'm an M.K. My parents served in the (then) Belgian Congo. It's had some name changes since then. We first arrived in Congo two weeks before my 6th birthday. I still remember the palm trees flashing by as our twin-prop plane went flying down the red clay runway. We spent three years in Congo, but my mother became seriously ill with amoeba, and in those days the cure for it hadn't been found so we came home. Mama weighed 88 lbs. when Daddy carried her in her dressing gown onto the homeward-bound plane.

We spent three years at home in Oregon. Mama was prayed for at camp meeting and miraculously healed. We returned to Congo when I was 13. I came home when I was 16 and Mama and Daddy stayed home until my freshman year of college. They went back to Congo just a few days before my Bible College training began. I'm 71, so all that was a long time ago.

VC: Awesome to hear about your mom's healing! And then you went back to Africa as an adult?

SS: My husband and I served for 21 years in Malawi, where this book's setting is. Then we went on to Ethiopia for another 11 years until we retired. KONDI'S QUEST is a book for pre-teens who live in unhappy circumstances. This book clearly presents the message of salvation through Christ.

VC: What is it about Africa that wrapped itself around your heart?

SS: Africa is my second home. I always longed to return there. I had planned to take nurse's training and return as a medical missionary. However, I met someone tall, dark and very handsome in my Junior year of Bible School. We were married between my Junior and Senior year with our eyes on Africa. As our District Superintendent said to me at the time we applied for missionary service, "Seeing the need is one way God calls His children to service."

VC: Did you become a nurse, then?

SS: No, I never did. However, I did a lot of dressing of wounds for Malawians. We lived 8 miles from the nearest hospital and about two from the nearest clinic, so folks in the nearby village came to the mission for help. Once, a young boy was riding his father's bike in bare feet, going fast, when he hit a bump and his foot went into the front wheel. I had to cut away the thick callous on the sole of his foot to get it to heal. I didn't have proper scissors, so used sterilized hair cutting scissors. LOLOL

VC: Tell us about an African Christmas!

SS: When I was about 9 we lived in a government rest house for several months -- over the Christmas season. There were no evergreens and that area at all, so Dad went out and cut limbs from the acacia forest surrounding the resthouse. We decorated it that morning, but by noon, the branches were wilting to the point that the balls were sliding off and breaking on the cement floor. So we quickly opened our presents, what few there were, and dismantled the tree. It was a short Christmas.

VC: Do you have any photos of Malawi to share with our blog readers?

SS: No, I don't have any uploaded to my computer. We have hundreds of slides, but haven't worked with them to digitize them. (Is digitize a word??? LOLOL) My folks have a picture of me and my brother, standing with pigmies. I was about 8 and my brother about 11. We were taller than some of the pigmies were!

VC: What was the seed for Kondi's Quest?

SS: The plight of African children always tugged at my heart. Africa's children are as darling as American, English or Eskimo ones. However, when we were there, about half of the children born in Malawi died before the age of five. Malaria, dysentery, cholera and chicken pox were too much for many of them. And now, with the AIDS pandemic, many young teens are left to raise their younger siblings. One generation is virtually gone.

I wanted to leave a legacy for the children of Africa -- a story that even village children could relate to. It is my hope that one day, KONDI'S QUEST will be translated into Chichewa and Swahili, too, perhaps. KONDI'S QUEST is a redemption story in children's language and story format. However, even though it is a pre-teens' story, adult readers have told me they love it because of the African culture, life-style and landscape.

Here's what Kondi's Quest is about:

All she longs for is her father's love. Kondi, a 12-year-old Malawian girl, is sure her father, Bambo, doesn't love her. He seems to care more about the secret brown envelope he carries with him everywhere than his own daughter. She's convinced things will improve, though, when her mother's baby arrives. Then one night Bambo beats Mai in a drunken rage, and neighbors rush her off to the hospital. Will Mai and the baby live? Will Kondi be sold off by her uncle Kakama to a rich man to be his third wife? And what could possibly be in Bambo's brown envelope? The secrets are about to be revealed. A beautiful coming-of-age story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness that you won't soon forget.

Would you like to read this beautiful story set in Africa? Sylvia has offered a copy of Kondi's Quest to one reader of this blog. If the winner lives outside the USA, they'll be awarded the ebook version. If the winner lives within the USA, they may choose either an ebook or a paperback.

To be entered, all you need to do is add a comment with your email address, and tell us something interesting about Africa. Do you live there? Have you visited? Where would you go if you could? All entries must be in by Thursday, January 5.

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

To listen to a blog talk radio interview at The River with Sylvia, click here.

Valerie Comer's life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local food movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughter.

Her first published work, a novella, will be available in the collection Rainbow's End from Barbour Books in May 2012. Visit her website and blog to glimpse inside her world.

BREAKING THROUGH THE WALLS - TO WRITE

2011-12-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

Today Ray and I went with our adult children here for Christmas holidays from the Australian mainland to see the movie, Tin-Tin. It was a most enjoyable family film. Our children began reading Tin-Tin when they were quite young and have a number of those comics still on their shelves. In a couple of scenes the comment was made, “when you come to a wall, you’ve got to break through it!”

For this writer, those words accompanied me home in the car. Having this blog to write made the statement even more relevant. Why? Because over the last couple of weeks a number of invisible yet very real walls have appeared across my pathway to writing my next book! Breaking through them has required more than one type of “hammer.”

There has been the Wall of Sickness and now whooping cough which has infected our grand-children. We have six youngsters under ten years. The youngest is 10 weeks. By the grace of God and wise management by parents she has so far escaped its ravages. Prayer is sustaining the family as sleep has been in short supply. Christmas Day this year was certainly “different.” We did join them all in the open air for far too brief a time to give and receive gifts but no hugs, no kisses! I am a “hugger” so that was particularly difficult!

Over the years, the Wall of Distraction has often come to taunt me day in and day out. Before long my writing schedule is derailed and I become frustrated, even despondent. Fortunately I have a wonderful husband who prods me along. So many times he not only helps with tasks that should be my responsibility, but picks up the “axe” of priorities and helps me break through. I have to remember to let some things in the house and garden remain untidy, to delegate some responsibilities and try harder to ignore others. Having dealt with those levels of self-discipline, I still have to put seat on this chair, read back over some of what I’ve already written until I’ve crept back into the heads and hearts of the characters in my latest story.

At last! Fingers poise for a moment over the keyboard. A deep breathe, and off they go trying to keep up with those characters’ fears and problems, tears and triumphs. I am writing again at last!

None of this is easy. My having a perfectionist nature makes that very evident and something about myself I’ve had to come to grips with many times over the years. God sure knew how much I needed the help of a sympathetic “close enough is wonderful” husband to get me back on track to crash through that “Wall”.

Unfortunately, as in that Tin Tin story today, there are too many times series of Walls to break through when actually working on a manuscript.

Sometimes plots and characters just won’t “behave” as I thought they would or should in certain situations. This is the Wall of Disappointment when things don’t work out in the story. The encouragement of fellow writers through face to face contact at meetings, conferences, reading other writer’s blogs, tips on many aspects of writing help tear the walls down plank by plank or even brick by brick.

The Wall of Aging becomes an excuse as I find it takes more and more time to assemble fresh and stimulating words and plots. I can’t do much about the years but accepting a slower work rate allows for escape holes to appear in the barrier between me and my final edit.

There are all kinds of Walls of course that can slow or even stall the writing process. But my final one I’d like to mention here is the Wall of Criticism, especially from family and close friends. This is a hurtful barrier which I can only really conquer with the sense of conviction I’m doing what is pleasing to the Lord. I may not be a “World Winner”, but God will use what I’ve framed and had accepted by editors and publishers to be a blessing to someone somewhere.

Essentially, this is the best “Wall Breaker” I know. Nothing you do for the Lord, with the Lord and according to the Lord’s purposes will ever be contained by the “Walls” of the world, the Flesh or the Darkness. In fact, when all is said and done it has only been because HE is the one who has been my strength to break through the walls that would stop me writing – and being – what HE wants me to do and be.

What about your world – whether it is also that of the writer or some other tasks?

What kind of Walls do you discover may block the road you know you should be faithfully travelling on?

Ray and Mary with 2011
CALEB Award certificates.

Mary Hawkins is a best-selling inspirational romance author. A Queensland farmer’s daughter, she became a registered nurse before going to Bible College. She and her minister husband have three adult children and five grandchildren, enjoyed over 46 years of ministry including church planting in Australia, two years in England, three short term mission trips to Africa and now live in Tasmania, Australia's island state. Her 19th title, Justice at Baragula was released May, 2011
Read more about her books, her husband Ray and his devotional books on their blog from the website: http://www.mary-hawkins.com/

THE SAMPLE LADY---by Christine Lindsay

2011-12-26T00:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to give away---for free---something truly good and people stride past you as if you were offering them poison?

In order to support my writing habit I have a part-time marketing job that I work at on weekends. I demonstrate various products at a large department store. On any given weekend I could be giving out free samples from everything from cat food to serving pancakes to free chocolates.

Now granted we don’t all like the same things. What a boring world that would be if we did.

If shoppers don’t want what I offer then a polite smile and a no-thank-you would suffice as people move past me and my serving tray.

But alas, when I’ve held out my tray of chocolates in their cute little plastic cups, I’d swear some people think I’m trying to shorten their life.

Thankfully most people realize it’s only a free gift, something with no cost to give them a moment’s joy. And they’re under no obligation to buy. My job is to give out the samples. No coercion involved.

It often reminds me of the times I try to tell others about my relationship with Christ—how wonderful it is. How free I feel to enjoy life, and how I obtained this relationship by simply recognizing it as a gift and reaching out to take it and enjoy it.

Sadly, too many of my relatives and acquaintances look at my bond with the Lord as something that will rob them of fun and good times. They fail to see it as the most wonderful thing in the world.

But I often find that when someone does take a tiny bit of a risk and decides to try something from my sample tray, their eyes widen in surprise. And they make speak with a mouth full and say, “Oh my, I didn’t think I’d like it, but that’s really good.”

As far as the greatest free gift of all---a relationship with the King of Kings, well, I’ll keep gently holding out my metaphoric sample tray, and one day those people around me will look up into the Lord’s face and say with awe, “Oh my, I didn’t think I’d love you, but your love for me takes my breath away.”

That’s what I’m praying for them.

Have a very Merry Christmas, and I pray that if you've never accepted the greatest gift of all, that you will this year.

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jeus our Lord."

I invite you to drop by my website www.ChristineLindsay.com and visit me, or if you like a Historical novel that will sweep you away to India then you may like Shadowed in Silk.

SUNDAY EDITION

2011-12-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Christine Lindsay: The Sample Lady

Tuesday

Mary Hawkins

Wednesday

Valerie Comer: Interview with Sylvia Stewart and Book Giveaway!

Thursday

Rita Galieh: Confessions of a Frustrated Writer

Friday Devotion

Shirley Corder: A Special Gift

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contest Giveaway Winners

Michelle is the winner of Amanda Deed's book, Ellenvale Gold (Narelle's post, December 19)

Congratulations Michelle!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contest News

Lisa Harris' book Blood Covenant is a Best Inspirational Novels 2011 nominee in the suspense category by Romantic Times. Congratulations Lisa!

Kathi Macias has been named 2011 Author of the Year by BooksandAuthors.net Congratulations Kathi!

Paula Vince's book Best Forgotten won the CALEB Prize 2011 in the fiction category and also won the overall Grand Prize. Congratulations Paula!

Catherine West's debut novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow, won the 2011 INSPY Award in the Romance category. Congratulations Cathy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Donna Fletcher Crow's book A Darkly Hidden Truth, Book 2 in The Monastery Murders series, will be a January 2012 release from Monarch Books.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Shades of Truth, will be a March 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, Like Sweet Potato Pie, Book Two in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a March 2012 release from Barbour.

Kathi Macias' book set in San Diego and Mexico, The Deliverer, Book Three in her Freedom series involving human trafficking, will be an April 2012 release from New Hope Publishers.

Valerie Comer's debut novella, Topaz Treasure, which is part of the Rainbow's End collection, will be a May 2012 release from Barbour.

Sandra Orchard's romantic suspense set in Canada, Critical Condition, will be an October 2012 release from Love Inspired Suspense.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola's women's fiction book, 'Till Grits Do Us Part, Book Three in the Southern Fried Sushi series, will be a November 2012 release from Barbour.

To find more International Christian Fiction books, please visit our Recent Releases page, Backlist Titles page and our International Christian Fiction wiki.

We wish you a blessed and joyous Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour.

DEVOTION: To Resolve or not To Resolve - by Marcia Laycock

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was delivering Christmas cards last week and stopped in to the small gym where I have been noticeable only by my absence lately. I admit I felt a little guilty going in the door. The owner greeted me with a wide smile and we wished one another a Merry Christmas. Then I said, “One of my New Year’s resolutions will be to get here more often.” My friend shook her head. “Oh don’t do that, don’t make yourself feel guilty about it!”

Then she stammered a bit. “But …. I don’t mean …. Do come back!”

We laughed and I assured her I would.

I’ve been thinking about what she said ever since. I’ve been thinking about guilt. It does seem to be a big part of what we do at this time of year. We feel guilty for all the things we didn’t do in the past year - like finish that novel or write that article that’s still in draft form in the computer -and most of us resolve to do better. So guilt isn’t such a bad thing, if, and that’s a big if, we make the changes necessary in our lives. If guilt is unresolved it becomes an unhealthy thing and can lead to bitterness and anger that will only make us miserable. But guilt that leads to change, that’s healthy guilt.

So I have decided to make that New Year’s resolution, and a few others – like finish that novel and write that article - and I’ve gone a step further. I have a plan for carrying it out. Often that’s the key. If we just dwell on our guilty feelings and set no goals or plans for how to change, nothing constructive will happen. Unhealthy guilt will result.

I’ve heard many people scoff and say that all religion does is make you feel guilty. They are absolutely right. But Jesus has gone a step further. He has set out a plan that wipes away the guilt. All we have to do is move from religion to relationship. Accept Him as our brother, our friend, our saviour, and no amount of guilt can hold us down.

The word guilt appears a few times in the Bible. My favourite is in the book of Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 22 – “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

I like those words, “assurance”, “cleanse” and “washed with pure water.” Though the guilt of our sin may bear us down, there is forgiveness. No matter what we have done, or what has been done to us, God forgives, and we are set free “by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…” (Hebrews 10:20).

The best resolution any of us can make as we move into the next year is to get to know Him more. I pray we will all resolve to do so. It’s the only way to get rid of all that guilt.

Marcia Laycock's inspirational writing has won awards in both Canada and the U.S. Her devotionals are distributed to thousands, and her novel, One Smooth Stone, won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award in 2006. Marcia is also a sought-after speaker for women's events. Visit her at her website.

An Awakening of Words

2011-12-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

Orama volunteer: 26th December 2000—25th March 2001

It was always in my mind to write a novel. The idea of the thing had been bubbling away in my head for seven years already, but it was at Orama that I first set down its title and began to write. Little did I know it would take seven more years to finish. During my three-month volunteer stint I made beds, cooked lunches, scrubbed toilets—and wrote. My university days were over and my career not yet begun: it was a crossroads in many ways.

Each day as I worked and went my way among the valley’s buildings, the hills would call to me. Come away, they said, taste our air and be changed. As often as I could, I climbed up through the almost-vertical northern cow paddocks and toiled along the steep ridge with the manuka to one side, skinny branches clattering above me in the ever-blowing wind. At the crest, instead of continuing down the track to the next bay, I turned right into the wilderness and clambered a little farther amongst thinning bush and encroaching gorse. A couple more minutes brought me to an outcropping of rock that rests on the apex between the two valleys. There I would sit with my big notebook and sometimes my Saturday sandwiches, my back against the sun-warmed stone, my face towards the west and the scattering of islands where the rabid city hides just beyond the horizon.

The first time I opened the cover of my book, I wrote its title in capitals at the top of the page: FAITH AWAKENED. Before ever another word existed, I knew that would be its name. It isn’t entirely what it seems—Faith is a main character, and Awakened is what a group of future believers call themselves. There’s more to it than that, but I won’t spoil the story for you!

I did my daily rounds of cleaning—main building and flats and communal areas, Pines and Shady Heights and Seaside and Hillside. For a time I was put in charge of rosters and sent others to do various things. The story was always growing within me, whatever I did—epic jam sessions, legendary sunsets, night swims, phosphorescent tides, and preparing for the more or less constant stream of visitors. Once an entire film crew came to stay, and we dollied up all the old cabins with our best bedding for them, on both sides of the valley.

Inevitably, the spirit of Orama found its way into the story I was penning in between all this—disguised, yes, and transplanted into another part of the globe. But those who know her will recognise her if they realise what they are reading. Although my time there coincided with the absence of Orama’s leading lights, I was gladdened on later return visits to see they knew me anyway, from my application papers no doubt. I have a notoriously terrible memory for names, but I can still see the faces of the folks I worked with, here in my mind’s eye.

I’ve written several other books since then, but Orama is where the first was born. As I set out on that journey, the “Orama effect” took hold in my writing: an intense, active, almost forced stopping to listen to the wind, the sea, the heartbeat of community, and the whispers of mystic inspiration. It is my hope to do justice to its expression as I continue to set words one after another, end to end in a calling that came to me early, but sprouted in a place that will always be precious to my soul.

More pictures and info about Orama Christian Community, Aotea (Great Barrier Island), New Zealand:
orama.org.nz/about-orama

Christmas in Maputo, 1986; a short story

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Our house in Maputo, 1986-90

No one had told her Mozambique would be hot at Christmas. Not this hot. Sweat ran down between her breasts to pool in her bra. She opened the oven door to check the turkey they had brought from neighboring Swaziland and a burst of heat scorched her face. She brushed back her damp bangs and slathered the bird with melted butter. There must be a place for the stuffing. It was her mother’s recipe, brought from a land where Christmas meant snow-covered pines and afternoons at the sledding hill.

“Why am I doing this?” she asked herself for the hundredth time. The gas flame glowed blue beneath the rusted oven floor that served in place of the missing rack. She maneuvered the stuffing pan into place and slammed the door.

She adjusted the temperature on the missing dial with a pair of pliers and tried to remember how lucky they were to have such a large gas stove when the rebels so frequently knocked out the electricity to the city. She wasn’t feeling very lucky.

Her husband had volunteered to set the table—in the dining room where the antique air conditioner clanked away. It didn’t lower the temperature much, but it did take some of the humidity out of the air. The children were curled up in the same room, reading their Christmas storybooks and playing with new toys.

She wiped sweat from her flushed face and turned on the potatoes. Soon they added their steam to the sweltering kitchen. A can of cranberries, a plate of raw veges and a jar of olives, all brought from Swaziland and saved for this moment, completed the meal.

“Time to eat,” she called when the turkey was out and the potatoes mashed. The rest of the family scurried to help.

“Man, it’s hot in here,” her husband proclaimed as if he had any idea.

When all was on the table, she sank into her chair. Her husband opened the Bible. The children grew quiet. Only the air-conditioner on the wall continued its incessant noise.

“And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus…and Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.”

She took a deep breath of de-humidified, slightly air-conditioned air. It wasn’t about pines or sledding or even her mother’s stuffing after all.

Merry Christmas with a gift!

2011-12-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

While my kids are dreaming of a white Christmas, this year, like all years in Africa, we will have to make do by cranking up the air-conditioning for a few hours while sipping hot peppermint cocoa around the lit tree. But while holiday traditions change, depending on where you live in the world, there is one that will never change.

The gift of a Savior who entered the world as a baby, then gave up his life for us.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not parish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

May we never forget what Jesus did coming to earth. Or the gift of eternal life.

In the spirit of giving and this Christmas season, I thought it would be appropriate to offer you something. Undercover Cowboy is one of my first novellas, published by Tyndale a number of years ago, but still one of my favorites. This fall, when the rights to the story reverted back to me, I decided to offer it as an ebook. And from now until Christmas, you can get if for free.

All you have to do is click here then put in the coupon code EC44G. The coupon is good until December 26th. Feel free to pass it on to friends and family as well!

Here's a short summary of Undercover Cowboy:

Pinkerton detective Cole Ramsey has been hired to investigate a rancher suspected of sabotaging his neighbor's property. But Cole's investigation might be compromised when he falls for Abigail Covington, the rancher's daughter.

Happy reading and may you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas!

Lisa Harris

Interview with Aussie author Amanda Deed and book giveaway

2011-12-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

Narelle here. I'm delighted to welcome Amanda Deed to our blog today. We will be giving away a copy of Amanda's new release, Ellenvale Gold, and the giveaway is open to readers anywhere in the world.

Amanda Deed grew up in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne in a Christian home, and found faith at an early age. She has followed her passion to serve the Lord through music and literature since her teen years. She has had many experiences as she toured Australia and ministered in music with worship bands. Now married, with three children, Amanda enjoys the variety of being a mother, administrator/book-keeper, musician and fiction writer.

Amanda’s debut novel, The Game, was awarded the 2010 CALEB Prize for fiction. www.amandadeed.com.au

It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850’s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger.

But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who co-incidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?

Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. But where and how will it all end? But…is it the end? Will vengeance return or will Penny’s faith prevail?

Narelle: What do you find most fascinating about the 1850’s gold rush era of Australian history?

Amanda: There's always that allure of a gold strike which somehow draws me. But, I am especially interested in what happened on the Victorian gold fields - the tensions about unfair treatment, which grew into what we now call the Eureka Stockade. That event was formulative to our government in the years which followed.

Narelle: Please share with us a few of your research tips.

Amanda: I did a lot of research on line. I found, through the NLA (National Library of Australia), copies of old newspapers, old maps of the gold fields, paintings, letters - lots of fascinating stuff. I've read the journals of a minister at that time. Then of course, I borrowed books from the local library to study the history of Melbourne, social customs of the day, how sheep runs were managed. I also contacted the Sunbury Historical Society, and they set me straight on a few facts. There is so much to learn!

Narelle: What was your inspiration for writing Ellenvale Gold?

Amanda: I began writing this novel in 2000. I had been searching for Australian Christian historical romances, but there were very few around at that time. Somewhere along the line, a voice in my head said "why don't you write one". It made sense. Historical romance is my favourite genre, but I'd been dabbling with writing contemporary. It didn't take long for the ideas to begin to flow.

Narelle: I must confess to being a fan of the Aussie bushranger tv series Wild Boys, also set during the 1850’s gold rush. Do any real life historical figures or bushrangers play a role in Ellenvale Gold?

Amanda: It does feel like a confession to admit liking Wild Boys - I feel a little guilty for enjoying it, seeing as they are all criminals, just some worse than others! I did mention a bushranger called Captain Melville who's hideout was in the area where Ellenvale Gold was set, but other than that, I created all my characters, but keeping in mind some of the real-life characters I'd researched.

Narelle: Ellenvale Gold is set on a large sheep station. Do your characters attend a local parish, or are they living in an isolated area? Did the church influence the faith and lives of your characters?

Amanda: I could not find any evidence of an established church in the area I'd set the novel, not even a preaching circuit. From all accounts I read, plus talking to the historical society, the churches in Sunbury weren't built until late in the 1800s. One of my characters however, comes to Ellenvale as an established believer. His faith then influences others in the novel.

Narelle: What do you hope your readers will take away after reading Ellenvale Gold?

Amanda: I hope they take a deeper appreciation of the pioneering days in Australia, as well as a message of grace and hope, and of course I want them to be entertained.

Narelle: How has your faith influenced your writing?

Amanda: The Lord is the reason I write. I write to tell His story in a gentle way to those who haven't heard. I hope that I can thread His grace and love through the pages of my novels in a way that will impact lives.

Narelle: Please tell us about your upcoming releases.

Amanda: I am working on the sequel to Ellenvale Gold and having a lot of fun doing it. I am just putting the finishing touches on it and then I will be onto the third and final instalment.

Amanda, thanks for joining us today. It's been a pleasure to interview you and learn more about the gold rush period of Australian history.

By commenting on today’s post you can enter the drawing to win a copy of Ellenvale Gold. The drawing will take place on Friday, December 23 and the winner announced on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25. Please leave an email address [ ] at [ ] dot [ ] where you can be reached.

To learn more about Amanda, please visit her website.

Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.