Meet My New Friend, Author Eddie Snipes

He's giving away a copy of his new book: I Called Him Dancer. Leave a comment and email address for a chance to win this fantastic book!

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I hated writing until I realized I had something to say. Unfortunately, that was much later in life. My ‘real’ writing journey began around 1998. I was doing prison ministry and the inmates were asking for reading material. I thought it would be best to give them Bible studies based on what we were learning in our services. I began writing out my studies and giving them out each week. As my experience with writing grew, my work became more thorough and detailed.

I started an in-depth study at church on a requested topic. I spent weeks writing it out and then presented a 6 month 140 page study. When I handed it out, someone asked, “Wow, are you a writer?”

I responded, “No. I just put Bible studies together.” It would be more than a decade before I came out of denial. In those days, I had to force myself to write, but over time, I began to love writing. I kept asking God to show me what he wanted me to do as a ministry. For years I wrote while I sought direction. Finally, I opened my eyes and said, “You know, I feel led to write.” Brilliant deduction, Sir Watson!

LOL. Sometimes we humans can be a little "thick-headed." What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I spent most of my writing life working on non-fiction. Mostly Bible studies. The greatest compliment I ever received came from a prisoner who said, “Your studies are easy to read. Even my kids could understand this.” This is my writing goal – to produce meaningful work that takes what people assume to be complicated, and explain it in a way that is simple to understand.

I always thought my theological writing would be the first thing published, but that is yet to come. I’m hoping to have something in print by the end of the year. My first book is titled, ‘I Called Him Dancer.’ It’s inspirational fiction with a romantic element. The story originated from a song by the same title by Tralena Walker and Tom Webster. I met these two song writers in the fall of 2009. Their subject was about how to put a story into the limited space of lyrics. In their talk, Tralena said that she’d like to see this song made into a novel.

My head suddenly exploded. After re-assembling the pieces, I realized that I’d had an epiphany. I saw what happened to the dancer, how he came to his condition, and how the story would end. I partnered with Tralena and Tom, and the novel was born.

Wow. Impressing. How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I do things differently than most writers. I’d like to reach 5,000 words in each sitting, but I don’t make it a hard goal. I try to write something every day, but the amount varies. When I have time to just write, I’ve been known to bang out 10-12,000 words in a day. If there are no distractions or pressing issues, I’ll sit for twelve hours or more and write. I can only do this with fiction, though. Non-fiction is too mentally taxing because I have to stay focused on the point I’m making and the accuracy of my words. With fiction, I just let my mind wander through the plot and type what I see.

I’ve written two full length fiction manuscripts. Both took six weeks to write – but an eternity to finish. When the story is in my head, I can’t stop writing until I have it on paper. I’m not sure if it’s an obsession, or just the fear that I’ll forget something before I can write it out.

Oh, dear. Wish I could do that. You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

My new book is, I Called Him Dancer.

For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turned his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life. When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.


I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman's enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life.

The book should be available on most book retailers. For now, the ebook version is on sale for 99 cents. The printed version ranges between $7.83 and $10.88 depending on where it’s sold. I know, it’s a strange price structure, but who am I to question?

Your book sounds very interesting; definitely something to catch attention. What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

The underlying spiritual message of I Called Him Dancer is that love overcomes hopelessness. The man called Dancer appears hopeless, and though he expresses his hatred of God and blames him for all the pain of his past, he finds that love conquers all.

I expect readers to find hope. Whether the reader is struggling, or knows someone whose life is spiraling out of control, I want this book to be an encouragement. Perhaps this story will give hope to those who are in similar situations as the characters in this book.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Writing encourages me because I feel energized by it. Editing is the scourge of heaven. When the first draft is done, the work really begins. I rewrote this book four times. I edited it more times than I can count. At one point, I named by manuscript ‘final’ because I only had a few minor edits to go. It wasn’t long before my saved file was named ‘final-29’, then I renamed it to something more realistic. After critiquing, editing, trimming, searching and destroying words, pov mistakes, and repetitions, I thought I had arrived. Then I got a marked up manuscript with needed corrections on what looked like every page.

I really wanted to throw my hands up and say, “I can’t do any better than this.” I had been editing for two years. Though it was frustrating, I look at my book and see how much better it shines over the first ‘final’ version and am encouraged.

The real encouragement comes from those who have read my book and said it really moved them. The story moves me, but I understand the character. In fact, a lot of myself is in him. But when someone else feels the same emotions I felt, it tells me that the work wasn’t in vain.

Who’s inspired you the most?

That’s a hard question. Inspiration comes from so many sources. Each trait from the personalities of my characters have been drawn from something or someone in real life. A lot of my inspiration comes from the Lord’s work in my own life. Books, testimonies, and life experiences play an equal part in my inspiration.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I wish I could just sit back and relax, but the world will leave me behind. My wife said it best while we worked on preparing for this launch. She said, “You better hurry up and get the next book out there.”

She’s right. If someone likes a book, they are more likely to look at the next book that comes out. Authors can’t sit back and relish in success for long. A forgotten author has to be rediscovered by the reader again. It’s much easier to ride a wave than to locate a new one.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I’d like to travel to Ireland. The countryside looks so picturesque and inviting. I would love to see that beauty in person.

My hobbies include gardening and wood working. I like fresh vegetables and I like creating with wood. I do most of my wood working on a lathe. My pieces have won 12 ribbons in competitions.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

• My website / blog is http://www.eddiesnipes.com/
• Readers can connect with me on twitter @eddiesnipes or on facebook.com/eddiesnipes
• Also, if any readers are in the Atlanta metro area, I serve as president of the Christian Authors Guild (www.christianauthorsguild.org). We are 80 members and growing, plus we host the largest writers conference in Georgia. Our goal is to encourage, equip, and connect with like-minded writers.

Thanks, Eddie, for visiting!
Readers, email addresses & comments for a chance to win his book.
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

I'm thankful for so many people just because. Today's list is for them.

Blake
Wesley
Brianna
Taylor
Caleb
Lily
Jaden
DJ
Brandon

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

HE IS NOT DEAD!

by Percy B Shelley

Peace, peace! He is not dead, he doth not sleep--

He hath awakened from the dream of life--

'Tis we, who, lost in stormy visons, keep

With phantoms an uprofitable strife . . .

He has outsoared the shadow of our night;

Envy and calumny, and hate and pain,

And that unrest which men miscall delight,

Can touch him not, and torture not again . . .

The One remains, the many change and pass;

Heaven's light forever shines, Earth's shadows fly;

Life, like a dome of any-colored glas,

Stains the white radiance of eternity.

Blessings! 

Review of Dancing on Glass
by Pamela Binnings Ewen


Back Cover Blurb:

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama's rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.
In this lawyer's unraveling world, can grace survive Ama's fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?
 
My Take:
 
Ewen is a new author to me, but Dancing on Glass was one of the best books I've read this year. Her command of drawing you right into the setting, her ability to get the reader inside the characters was excellent. Loved the book.

My initial or premere reaction was to scream silently, NO, Amalise, don't trust Philip. Can't you see what he is?

But that's what set the book apart. The reader knows, or at least I know, that manipulative abuse happens, and the abused subject can't see or accept that it can or could happen to her/him. They assume their abuser can be changed with their help, or if they handle a situation/person differently, or they were a better person/better housekeeper, better whatever. Frightening, but real. And without serious help the abuser can't and won't stop the abuse.

The setting was fantastic. New Orleans is a mystical type of place with a variety of peoples and objects that bring it alive. Artists and lawyers, river boat pilots and professors, restaurants and food, city life teeming with evil and peaceful country life. City life with possibilities like muggers or worse, country life with dangers like quicksand and swamps. Courtyards with a handful of greenlife; wild open places with free spirits like the Egrets. Ewen brought in touches of it all.

Smart and determined to succeed at the career she and her mother chose, Amalise Catoir is the least character the reader would choose to be abused. Who could know, least of all a trusting nature and caring spirit like Amalise's, that those same traits would lead her down a path of no return?

An unexpected stop at an artist’s show, a sweet spirit that only wants to help, but is easily led by a charismatic, dominating personality is a scary scenario. The plot thickened with every chapter, drawing Amalise closer and closer to Philip, her quagmire of eventual despair. At the last, you’re left to wonder if Amalise would really have been strong enough to break from him, if events, prayers, and God had intervened.

Ewen’s secondary characters were strong, sympathetic ones.

I adored Jude, his strength, his openness, his love for Amalise even when he saw and couldn’t stop the mistakes he knew she was making, his constancy. He was a stronghold for Amalise when she didn’t realize or want it. And what a contrast to Philip with his subtle, and sometimes not so subtle demands. Jude, on the other hand, was a giver. Intelligent in understanding, far-sighted in realizing possibilities. A man to be treasured.

Amalise’s parents were real characters, real parents, in the book too. They loved their daughter, prayed and rooted for her even when they didn’t understand her actions. Lovable people.

And even Gina, the restaurant owner, so understanding and caring though she had her irritable side at Amalise’s constant tardiness, was a person easily visible. My sympathy aroused at the discerning poor street artist who deserved to be recognized.
This is a story of what happens when trust is placed in humanity instead of God. No matter how much we call out to God, if we don’t listen to his answers, it avails nothing. New friends are great, but when old, tried and true friends advise caution, we’d best take heed. When troubled loved ones worry over our sudden changes or lack of communication, God is using them as a warning sign.
If you want a book that alerts you to a very real danger of our present generation, a story that stirs you to your depths, and yes, maybe makes you a little uncomfortable, then Dancing on Glass is the next book your want to pick up. I wasn’t disappointed. You won’t be either.

Blessings!

God Said NO!!

Have you ever asked God for something and he said, no? We're happy when he says yes. Hopeful when he says maybe, but how do we respond when he refuses a request? Do we unconsciously think he's a tyrant who doesn't know what's best for us? Or do we accept the fact that our father knows best?

I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No..

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said... Ahhhh,

finally you have the idea.

 

This day is yours; don't throw it away!

 

To the world you might be one person,

But to one person you just might be the world.

 

Good friends are like stars...

You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

Blessings, my friends!

Talented Sharon Elliott is Visiting My Blog Today!

If you'd like a chance to win her wonderful book, A Power Suit, leave a comment and email address.


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I’ve loved writing all my life, but had no idea I was a “writer” until I attended my first Christian writers’ conference. That’s when I felt the Lord put together for me the fact that my passion was my call.


What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write non-fiction, Bible-based, Christian living books. All of my books revolve around some Biblical theme and bends seriously toward practical application.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel book?

I write after work in the late afternoon, evenings, and on the weekends. I divide my work according to my deadlines. I count the days from when I get the assignment or contract to the due date and then do the math according to how many chapters I need to write.

Wow. That must take discipline! You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame is my latest published book. In it, women will discover that the reason the armor isn’t working as it should is because the snug fit of the pieces is obscured by “junk” we have on underneath.

Readers can secure the book in the following ways:

* At local bookstores (if it’s not on the shelf, it can be ordered)

* Directly from the publisher (http://www.newhopepublishers.org/)

* From the online sites such as CBD.com (Christian Book Distributors), Amazon.com, the Family Christian Stores website, etc.

* From my website if they’d like an autographed copy (http://www.lifethatmatters.net/)

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Power Suit encourages women to obey the Ephesians’ Biblical directive and get dressed, i.e. “put on the whole armor of God.” Readers can expect to encounter examples with which women can particularly relate. For example, in the chapter about the “shoes of the gospel of peace,” women will be engaged in the thought process of how things like stress and haughtiness keep their shoes of peace from fitting.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous it is becoming a writer! Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

I’m totally a people-person. Sitting alone in front of my computer is hard for me. I’d much rather spend my time speaking and in fellowship. But the study of the Word and the subsequent writing of the books to explain those studies give me something to talk about. I often say that I have none of my own material. Anything I have to say in my books or in my speaking is all about what God has said.

I get most frustrated when I get behind in my schedule, and the most discouraging times are when there are few speaking engagements on my calendar. I find myself wondering if anyone really wants to hear what God’s given me to say.

Who’s inspired you the most?

My parents, my husband, and my children. My parents provided an atmosphere rich with a love for the Lord, books, and education. My husband actually paid for me to self-publish my first book. His support and belief in me and my dreams is incredible. My children love and respect me and are proud of what I do.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I now have an agent and a track record with two companies in particular who are publishing different genres of my writing. New Hope Publishers who published Power Suit will be working with me for my future women’s titles. Judson Press publishes my parenting titles. Before I acquired my great agent – Diana Flegal of Hartline Agency – I chose publishers by who was interested in project. I attended writers’ conferences regularly and pitched my work. I’ve had wonderful experiences with Beacon Hill Press, WinePress Publishing, and Scandinavia Publishing House.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love to travel and I love to shop. I’m so busy with writing right now, that there’s really no room for other outside hobbies. To relax, my husband and I enjoy rooting for the Lakers and the Clippers (both Los Angeles NBA teams), watching college football, and watching law enforcement shows like NCIS, all the CSI’s, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. I like game shows as well, especially Deal or No Deal.

Barring the trouble in the Middle East right now, I’ve always wanted to cruise through the Suez Canal and visit the Holy Land. I’d also like to take an Alaska cruise because I hear it’s so beautiful. I also love the Caribbean islands.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

• I write a daily devotional blog that I’d love your listeners to check out and subscribe to. It’s called “A Heart for the Word” and can be found at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com.
• My website is www.LifeThatMatters.net.
• I invite your listeners to also spend a fun, informative, life-changing women’s day with me and their women’s group or book club by sponsoring a Power Suit Party. I’d love to come to your church or women’s organization with the Power Suit Party which is a seminar, a book signing, and a shopping excursion all in one. For more information and to book a PSP in your area, visit the website.

Wow, Sharon, you're a busy and sucessful lady. Congratulations! and thanks for being here this week.

Readers, check out her book and her website. I think you won't be disappointed. Make sure you leave your comments and email addresses for a chance to win her book!

Blessings

READY OR NOT . . .


Here it comes . . .
Huge Giveaway on this blog for my followers!
Beginning May 3rd and going thru most of the month.
What do you have to do?

Simple stuff!

• Comment and leave your email address as many times as you want on any post throughout contest period. EACH time you comment, your name will be entered again to receive a book!
• Link to my blog & announce this contest and rules on your blog, FB, Twitter, wherever: just make sure you let me know! :)
• Encourage someone to follow my blog & let me know who they are.

That's it!

Books, books and more books. I'll be giving away at least TWENTY books; maybe more! One of them could be YOURS.

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

Check out . . . Amish Writer, Mary Ellis's new book!
If you like Amish, you need to get this book written by my friend Mary! She's a great writer.

Abigail’s New Hope


As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies-but the baby is saved.


When the heartless judge confines Abigail to county jail for her mistakes, her sister, Catherine, comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple-minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents. While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.


An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.

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

Got a Boy you love--Son? Nephew? Grandson? Neighbor?

Buy a Boy A Book!

Eddie Jones book, aimed for boys, The Curse of Captain Lafoote, is one you won't want to miss. Check out the link on the side of my blog, or below, for more information.

http://www.captainlafoote.com/buy-a-boy-a-book/

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

 
 
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

That:
Jesus is our Lord and Savior
He came to earth
That he rose again
That he is a friend
He is our coming King
He gives us eternal life
He's conquered death
He gives me strength
He guides me
He'll never forsake me.

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

For ye shall go out with joy

and be led forth with peace

the mountains and the hills

shall break forth

before you into singing,

and all the trees of the field

shall clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn

shall come up the fir tree,

and instead of the brier shall come up

the mytle tree:

and it shall be to the Lord

for a name,

for an everlasting sign

that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:1013

Blessings!

REWARDS OF WRITING A LOCAL NEWSPAPER COLUMN


Guest Blog by Shelba Nivens

An editor of inspirational material once told me, “You won’t get rich writing this type thing, but you’ll make a little money and you’ll be getting the Word out.”

The same holds true with writing a weekly community column for a local newspaper. The “word” the editor was talking about was Christian faith, and there are times when I can do this in the newspaper. As a matter of fact, this week’s column is a faith-based story. Stories that show a person’s faith at work are my favorites.

But Community Columnists can “get the word out” about a lot of other things, as well. I’ve written stories about upcoming community, church, school and organization events and the people involved. Columns have been about a Health Fair sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, a fourth-grader leading a book drive for other children, new businesses in the community, military mothers collecting and mailing thousands of socks to our fighting men and women overseas, Boy Scout projects, reunions. . .

The subject matter is endless. This is one of the rewards of writing a community column. The writer never runs out of things to write about.

Another reward is all the wonderful, interesting people I meet. I love doing stories about individuals, their lives, histories, activities, love stories.

A recent column featured a couple celebrating their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. They met during WWII, when she came to his community to teach school and he came home on furlough. His Mama kept school teachers in their home, he told me, and as a boy he had to carry in firewood for all their rooms. He declared then that he would never marry a school teacher. But right off, when he met the little, new, red-haired school teacher, he knew she was the one for him.

I was also able to get some family and community history into this story, since his father owned and operated an early general store, and the building still stands on a prominent corner in our town.

History is another of my favorite subjects. A recent column about the expansion of the city’s library into the oldest house in the town, gave me opportunity to write about the people who first lived there in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, a family with thirteen children.

A couple of stories about World War II veterans gave a little history about the war through the eyes of young soldiers. “With bombs falling, shells going off, I shouldn’t have come out of Germany alive,” an 88-year-old told me. “I don’t know why the Lord let me live through it, but he had a reason.” He spent two years in France and Germany, then almost got his foot “blown off in Germany,” he said.

More up-to-date, cutting edge stories have been about a genealogist who traces his family tree through DNA and doctors with innovative treatments. An optometrist demonstrated for me the way a new machine helps detect various diseases in the body. A chiropractor uses acupuncture, along with chiropractic treatments, to treat pain.

Faith-based stories have included the testimonies of a woman whose faith brought her through a life-threatening kidney disease, and a young man who turned to God and turned his life around after a serious automobile accident. He now owns and operates, with his wife, the Christian coffee house, Ekklesia, meaning “called out.” Bible studies, music jam sessions, meetings and other community activities are held here, and additional space was recently added for the growing business.

I’ve found that writing for a newspaper has an advantage that writing a book or magazine article does not have. This is almost instant--and frequent--publication, which should be encouraging to any writer. It also helps people become familiar with a writer’s name so they recognize it when seeing it associated with a book or magazine article.

Newspapers usually have a website where articles are posted, giving a writer double coverage. The Shelby County (AL) Reporter, for which I write, publishes all community columns on the website and in a hardcopy of the newspaper.

Some things oftentimes viewed by writers as enemies, have become friends to me since I began writing a weekly column. Word limit is one of these. My word limit for the column is 300 to 400 words. I sometimes have to struggle to get a story short enough to fit into my allotted space, but editing and cutting has helped me tighten my writing.

A weekly deadline can be a negative or a positive. Forced to get out and find a story by a certain time every week can become old and interfere with longer writing projects. But it can also help keep the creative juices flowing.

Then, of course, there’s the money. It’s not much, but in this day of such a poor economy, every little bit counts. However, if it were only for the money that I write the column, I would not be doing it.

The Reporter has Community Columnists for several cities around the county. Although we all receive the same pay for a column and/or photo, some writers may earn more per hour than I do because they don’t spend as much time on a column. (I make more on some stories than others because of time spent.)

I like meeting the people I write about to get a feel for their personality, but occasionally, I never meet them in person. I’ll use the telephone and internet--check websites, send emails--to gather information. Still, all of this takes times, then by the time I check email several times to see if I’ve received a reply to my questions, rounded up a picture or gone out and snapped one, put all the information together and made a story out of it, emailed the story, along with photos and cutlines into the paper, the day may be gone. And I’ve earned little pay for a day’s work.

Still, considering the positives versus the negatives, the positives win for me. I find it rewarding to write about people and events in my community.

People often ask me, “How did you go about getting a job writing for the newspaper?” Some of the older ones, remember that I once worked on staff for this particular paper, and think that’s how I got in.

But the people running the paper probably were not even born when I worked there, so they didn’t know me when I sent them a possible feature story for the paper.

I thought an interim pastor at our church had an interesting story, so I wrote it up and sent it to the paper. I was not paid for the story, but it was printed and a week or so later an editor from the paper called to see if I wanted to write a column for our community. She already one columnist writing about her community and wanted to get columnist for other towns.

“Let me think about it,” I told her. “I already have a lot going.”

I talked to my husband Ken about it, thought about it, prayed about it, considered the pros and cons, then called her and said I would do it.

If you have considered the positives and negatives and decided you can benefit from writing a local newspaper column, you might offer an article for consideration. This is also how I began working for the paper several years ago as a steady free-lance contributor, then a staff writer. And how I came to be offered a job as stringer for a daily, which I turned down.

If your local paper has no community columnists, perhaps you can sell them on the idea when you offer your sample story.

Who knows, this might lead to a regular job where you can earn a living. If not, you’re sure to find other rewards.
To read the Chelsea Community Column, go to http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/, click Lifestyles, click Shelba Nivens under Columnists. See Shelba Nivens on facebook and her blog at http://shelbanivens.blogspot.com/.

Are You Ready?  

Beginning May 3rd and going thru most of the month, I'll be holding a
 Huge Giveaway on this blog for my followers!

What do you have to do?
Simple stuff!

• Comment and leave your email address as many times as you want on any post throughout contest period. EACH time you comment, your name will be entered again to receive a book!
• Link to my blog & announce this contest and rules on your blog, FB, Twitter, wherever: just make sure you let me know! :)
• Encourage someone to follow my blog & let me know who they are.

That's it!

Books, books and more books. I'll be giving away at least TWENTY books; maybe more! One of them could be YOURS.

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DON'T FORGET!

If I ever run any kind of contest, giveaway, whatever on here

and you DON'T receive your book/gift,

LET ME KNOW.

I can't correct the problem if I don't know about it!

Thanks for your faithfulness!

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Winner for Cathy West's book: Renee Ann

TWO Winners for Tina Pinson's books: Kyndra and Maria J
Winner for Naomi Musch's books:  Wanda

 

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Eddie Snipes is celebrating the release of his book with giveaways (including a Kindle) on his website (time is limited):

 eddiesnipes.com

For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turns his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life. When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life

CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

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LAST, but NEVER LEAST:

UPCOMING INTERVIEWS:

Sharon Elliott, April 20, interview with a giveaway

Shelba Nivens, April 15, guest blog

Aaron Gansky, Aprl 22, guest blog with a giveaway

Eddie Snipes, April 27, interview with a giveaway

Linore Rose Burkard, April 29, guest blog

Don't Miss Them!

Blessings

Please Welcome my Friend and Critique Partner, Roseanna White!

I'm thrilled to have Roseanna here on my blog again. Make sure to leave your comments and email addresses for a chance to win her book!

Tell us about your latest release. The cover looks fantastic!

Thanks, Carole! Very pleased with the cover myself, LOL. =) JEWEL OF PERSIA is a combination of the book of Esther and Herodotus's HISTORIES, the Greek account of the Greco-Persian war. I combine the accounts through my fictional heroine, Kasia, a passionate Jewish girl who is the true love of Xerxes, king of Persia and Media. But because of her choices to love her Lord more than her king, she ends up turning the court against her people . . . setting the stage for her childhood friend, Esther.

What was the hardest part to write?

The hardest parts were the historical accounts I really wished I could ignore, LOL. Xerxes was sometimes . . . well, a monster. He did things no CBA hero should ever do, so it was a challenge to write those into his character in a believable way, yet keep him a sympathetic character.

We all have choices of items that help us write. What’s yours? Can you give the readers a glimpse into your writing space? What’s your favorite writing reference tool?

Coffee!!! ;-) When we set up a schoolroom for my daughter this summer, I put my desk in there, right under a shelf that holds homeschool material and beside the window. I adore this space. It's bright and cheerful, and nowhere near a TV, LOL. I've taken to taping a calender of my story to the wall, maybe a character picture, and of course my Jane Austen action figure keeps watch over me. =) My favorite reference tool . . . hmm. Probably, boring as it sounds, the internet. I have a hard time writing when I can't tab over to do searches for simple questions.

If you had to choose one person to go with you for encouragement to a secluded cabin, who would that be?

My hubby, for sure. =) He brainstorms with me, he reads my books as I write them (which often keeps me writing fast, since he demands a new chapter every morning), and he can often give me insights into my characters I may have overlooked.

What are you working on now?

At the moment I'm polishing and trimming my next release, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, which will be coming out this December from Summerside Press. It's set in Annapolis of 1783-4, for that brief 6 months when it was the nation's capital and peace with England was still uncertain. When I'm between edits on that, I have several other projects I'm eager to finish up.

What is one of the happiest moments of your life or an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of?

Hmm . . . going through natural childbirth twice, without the aide of drugs? ;-) Can't think of anything more impressive than that, LOL, and of course it came with an awesome reward at the end. =)

How do you choose names for your characters? Do you do a lot of research on them?

I do, yes. Since most of my stories are historical, my choices are limited by what names were actually around in my time period. With my more exotic settings, I'm often tongue-tied by some of the names, so I pick ones I can pronounce, LOL. I'll also choose by meaning, or whether they just sound like my characters. =)

Can you tell us some of your favorite books or characters that you cherish?

Oh my—I am such a book lover! I love the classics, but I'm also a sucker for romances. Some of my favorites include all things Francine Rivers, Julie Klassen's The Silent Governness, Trish Perry's The Guy I'm Not Dating, Orson Scott Card's Enchantment and Pathfinder, Laurie Alice Eakes' Lady in the Mist . . . I could go on. And on. And on. =)

Any fun things about yourself that the readers might enjoy knowing?

Deep dark confession time—though my grandparents own a produce farm, I hate all but a handful of vegetables. And then I wonder why I can't get my kids to eat them, LOL.

Is there one piece of advice that’s been especially valuable to you?

Well, to paraphrase a lot of advice and put it through a recently polished lens, “Give it all to God—hopes as well as fears.” I always try to seek His will, of course, and when I'm afraid of something I give it to him regularly. But recently I realized I also have to entrust him with my hopes, not just my fears.

Please share information where readers can check out and buy your books:

A Stray Drop of Blood and Jewel of Persia are both available from most online retailers and can be ordered through your local stores as well, though they're not likely stocked. (Well, JoP's paperback won't release until June, but . . .) Digitals are available through Kindle for both, and Jewel of Persia is also available through all the other digital retailers. Plus if you want signed copies, you can order (or pre-order as the case may be) through my family's online store, http://www.crosspurposesbooks.com/

You can find links on my website (http://www.roseannamwhite.com/) and my blog (http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/)

It's been such fun to have talented Roseanna here this week! You'll not regret reading any of her books. She's that good!

Comments and email addresses, my friends.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Words
Prospects
Fun
Peace
Life
Sustaining grace
Sufficient grace
Opportunities
Privileges
Surprises

Blessings!

Please Welcome My New Friend, Naomi Musch!

Don't forget your comment and email address for a chance to win her book.


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I have loved writing all my life or at least since grade school. As a young adult I wrestled with the issue of "calling" and came to believe that when God puts a great desire in you for something, responding to that desire in whatever way you think will bring Him glory both honors Him and answers His call.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I most often write historical romance. Some might call it women's fiction with a strong romantic element. My stories are inspirational as well, but often the inspirational elements may be subtle. Lately I've been writing some contemporary romance also, but that is new ground for me.

Outside of fiction, I do a lot of writing for the encouragement of the homeschool community and I also write for the Midwestern Christian newspaper Living Stones News (http://www.livingstonesnews.com/) which highlights the testimonies and ministries of regular people whose lives were changed by Christ. Every Christian has a dramatic story to tell, whether they think so or not.

 How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I've tried establishing word-count goals, but that doesn't seem to work very well for me. Though I write by an outline, I'm a seat of the pants person when it comes to flow. By that I mean I may write 400 words in a day or 4000, depending on how the scene is flowing and where the characters lead. If it gets stuck, I go back to the outline and try to imagine it another way. I'm satisfied when I reach a climax moment in a scene. I don't write every day. Now that I have a couple of books out, a good deal of my time is spent just trying to get the word out.

But back to the last part of your question, I like to spend a year on a novel if it's historical, or even longer if I can. I like to give a lot of effort to research and let the story marinade long and hard before I start to write it.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

I've actually just published two books. "The Green Veil" is the first in the 3-book series "Empire in Pine" published by Desert Breeze Publishing. It takes place in 1840s Wisconsin Territory.

Colette Palmer is a young woman who has loved timber cruiser Manason Kade since her youth. But time, distance, and circumstances compel her to marry a lumber baron who will stop at nothing to crush his enemies - especially Manason. When Manason and Colette finally meet again, she is forced to choose between her first love and her commitment to her marriage vows, a choice that has her faith and an empire in pine hanging in the balance.

My other book "Heart Not Taken" is a contemporary novella published in December by Black Lyon Publishing. It's the story of a high school English teacher Sean Heart, who is haunted by a past indiscretion as well as a mentor's betrayal. His faith is about to slip away, until he meets his family's landscape architect, Jordyn Delaney. But Jordyn is having a crisis of her own. At least with Sean in her life, there’s someone she can depend on and trust. Or can she?

When the situation Sean most dreads threatens to sabotage their budding relationship, he and Jordyn discover that a renovation of the heart and spirit might be the most complicated job of all.

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Scripture tells us that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it?" The Green Veil challenges the common notion that we should follow our hearts. Our hearts can often tend to get us into trouble, and sometimes we don’t know our hearts as well as we think we do.

The message in Heart Not Taken is all about regrets and forgiveness. Both in trusting God's forgiveness, and being willing to extend that same grace to others.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Missionary, and Olympic champion Eric Liddell said, "I feel (God's) pleasure when I run." That quote has buoyed me and put my writing into perspective when I've been down. It reminds me that no matter what becomes of my writing, or if anything at all becomes of it, I write for God's pleasure alone, because He gave me the gift and desire to do it. If He is the only one that sees what I've written, then that is audience enough. It has to be. Remembering that can do a lot to keep frustration at bay.

Who’s inspired you the most?

Wow; that's a hard question. My inspiration comes mostly from God's nudges. As for people, I'm inspired by authors I admire. Also from writers who've proven themselves to be historians as well like Bodie Thoene, Laura Frantz, Angela Hunt, my friend K.M. Weiland, and even Charles Dickens come to mind.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I'd had several (what writers call) "good" rejections from bigger publishing houses. By that, I mean they read the full manuscript, took it to committee, and wrote personal notes on the final rejection. To get to that stage is HUGE. But... at the same time, it took many months of go-arounds. I decided to submit to a smaller publisher because I felt that there might be a lesser-tapped opportunity there. In the end, I went with Desert Breeze Publishing, though they were only publishing e-books, because I liked what I was hearing about them. They liked my proposal and offered me a contract for my series. They've been wonderful to work with so far, and very personal. My novella "Heart Not Taken" is with Black Lyon Publishing. I'd written that story for a contest. When it didn't win, I decided to tweak it and send it someplace else. BLP was opening a new inspirational novella e-imprint at the time, and I decided to leap through that open door.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I once wanted to travel the world, but as I've gotten older I've come to really appreciate the beauties and interests my own state of Wisconsin has to offer. I really like exploring the locales my stories are set in, and researching their history. If I do go anywhere else, I'd like to go to Alaska someday.

Other than that, my hubby and I live on a ramshackle old farm and raise a menagerie of critters. I love to be in the outdoors swimming, camping, or gardening. It's a low-key lifestyle. We love it.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

I love hearing from readers and sharing news of what's coming up!

• Stop by my site at http://www.naomimusch.com/ or look me up on Facebook or Twitter: NMusch.
• My books are available at all the usual online outlets: amazon.com, b&n.com, christianbook.com, and the publisher's sites as well.
• If real-life stories of changed lives thrill you, you might also like to check out Living Stones News on the web
• or my site for homeschoolers: http://www.applesofgoldnews.com/

Thank you, Naomi!
Email addresses and comments will give you a chance to win her book, readers!
Blessings.

Monday Morning Gratitudes

The hope of spring coming
The sound of frogs croaking
A talk program that gives me local and national news, unbiased
That God brought Mary through another physical problem
A new friend
For Ro's recent book contract
Amanda
Beth
Lists that I can check off duties
Quotes that lift my spirits--unexpectantly

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

People are not going to love you unless you love them back.

--Pat Carroll

Blessings!