I'm thrilled to Have . . .

Linda Rondeau here today talking about her recently released The Other Side of Darkness and her America II: The Reformation due out in July. Linda just won the Selah Award at the Blue Ridge Writing Conference, for best debut novel. Congratulations, Linda!

Welcome, Welcome!


“Hegel was right when he said that we learn from history that man can never learn anything from history.” --George Bernard Shaw

I love history and am a museum freak. Then why don’t I write historical novels though I enjoy reading them?

Maybe someday I will. For now, I enjoy blending history into my novels. In my first book, The Other Side of Darkness, an inspirational romantic suspense written under the name Linda Wood Rondeau, I weave historical references into a contemporary setting that creates an ethereal aura throughout the book.

Back Cover:

Haven: a perfect vacation spot filled with mystery and romance except for a killer bent on revenge.

Manhattan prosecutor Samantha Knowles is stranded in a quirky but intriguing Adirondack town. But she must return to NYC to repair the unraveling case against convicted child killer, Harlan Styles.

Teacher Zack Bordeaux fears he is doomed to a life of mediocrity if he remains in Haven but would be willing to stay if it means a life with Sam.

Landscape artist Jonathan Gladstone feels bound to an estate he both loathes and loves, haunted by the deaths of his wife and son until he falls in love with a spirited attorney and rediscovers his artistic passion.

These three, betrayed and betraying, must find their way from the darkness of broken hope to the light found only in Christ, our surest haven.     

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Me_jOBFVM

******

M soon to be released novel, written under L.W. Rondeau, America II: The Reformation, begins the saga of a post apocalyptic world, a global government on the verge of civil war. It tells of the struggle of freedom, and the never-dying quest for individuality.


Early America was formed by individuals who sought to make a better world in a new land, many to pursue religious freedom. Like-minded colonies banded together forming a separate government yet remained loyal to their mother country. As the colonies flourished, they became stronger, diminishing their dependence upon England. They even formed government apart from English rule. However, England could not afford to lose the wealth and goods the colonies provided. English rule became oppressive and the colonies rebelled to form a new nation.

In America’s future, all nations have surrendered their sovereignty to form a global democratic government called The Accord, short-lived and replaced by an oppressive faux democracy called the Constitutional Government, so named for its Fourteen Articles of Constitution, where religious observance of any kind is forbidden. However, dissidents could leave the fortified cities and fend for themselves in uninhabitable areas called the outland, much like the colonists traveled to a new world for their religious beliefs.

The Western America outland learned to band together and thrived, their goods and tribute to the Constitutional Government invaluable. When these communities formed a cohesive government called the Network, the core of The Constitutional Government: one nation, one world, one vision, becomes threatened, especially if these dissidents claim themselves an independent land. If they secede, other outlands are likely to follow suit, thus splintering the Constitutional Government, plunging the world into global civil war once again.


To prevent this, the in-coming President of the Constitutional Government, has designed a Preservation Act which will make all dissidence, past and present, an act of treason punishable by death. The harsh stance of the Constitutional Government cannot quell the deafening cry for freedom. 

The difference between . . . 
COLONIAL AMERICA

. Thirteen colonies
. King George
. Sought religious freedom
. Came from other lands
. Tamed a wild land
. Independent government patterned after British law
. Declaration of Independence

and . . .

AMERICA II

. Five communities
. Edwin Rowlands
. Seeking religious freedom
. Defectors from fortressed cities
. Tamed an uninhabitable land
. Fashioned a government after the principles of The Accord, the earlier global government

Back cover:

Following unprecedented climatic changes, resultant pestilence and war brought the world into chaos. Eventually, each nation surrendered its sovereignty to form a global democracy, initially known as The Accord. However, the democratic government proved too weak and was soon replaced by a faux democratic rule.

The year is 2073, and current governor of Western America Province, Edwin Rowlands, is poised to become the Constitutional Government’s second president. Many fear that the sweeping reforms found in his proposed Preservation Act will set him up as a dictator. If enacted, defection both past and present would become a crime punishable by death, thus bringing all outlands into crushing subjection.

While most believe reform is critical, factions disagree on how to prevent the Preservation Act from becoming law. Ahmed Farid, second President, believes reform can be managed within the existing government. Leader of the Revolutionary Army, Jimmy Kinnear, trusts only in military intervention. However, Jacob Goodayle, Chairman of Western America’s illegal outland government, favors separatism.

As tensions rise, civil war seems imminent. Who will be the voice of reason in a world on the verge of a third dark age?

******

A graduate of Houghton College, Rondeau has spent a previous career in the field of human services, often engaged with families in crisis. She credits these experiences in human drama as the edge in creating unforgettable characters. Furthermore, her prior work has shaped her vision of a future world should current sociological issues remain unchecked over the next several decades.

After more than thirty years in the Adirondack region of Northern New York, Rondeau now resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband Steve and their cat Duffer. When not writing, she enjoys theater, golf, and hiking.

The author welcomes your comments via Facebook, Linked In, Goodreads, or Twitter or visit her on the web at www.lindarondeau.com.

To purchase TOSOD:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Darkness-Linda-Rondeau/dp/161116138X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337735854&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-other-side-of-darkness-linda-rondeau/1107148775?ean=9781611161380

Books-a-million http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Other-Side-Darkness/Linda-Wood-Rondeau/9781611161380?id=5269413573211

Christian Book http://www.christianbook.com/the-other-side-of-darkness-ebook/linda-rondeau/9781611161373/pd/23157EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=23157EB&item_code=&Ntk=keyw

Thank you, Linda.
Folks, check back here later in the summer for an interview with Linda.
Blessings, all.

Monday Morning Gratitudes

In honor of the memory of those who've served in the military and those who've gone on before us, I'm dedicating this post to them.

Michael
Mary
Nelson
Steve
Charlie
Evan
Bob
Mom and Dad
Those who have no one to mourn them
Those forgotten but need to be remembered

Blessings, and my hat's off to you.

Sunday Morning Peace

When it is dark enough,

you can see the stars.

Blessings



Staci Stallings is Here to Talk About Her New Book

Staci Stallings is a Contemporary Christian author and the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. Check out Staci's brand new release.

Houston firefighter, Jeff Taylor is a fireman's fireman. No situation is too dangerous to keep him sidelined if lives are on the line. However, when control freak Lisa Matheson falls for him, she quickly realizes she can't control Jeff or the death wish he seems to have.To save other's lives, they will risk their own.

Praise for the book:

"To Protect and Serve will hold you prisoner to its pages until the final one is turned. Prepare to cry,

laugh, wish, love and maybe even cry again as you become enveloped in the hopes and feelings of Lisa and Jeff."  -Cindy Reiger

Now on to the interview!

Staci, 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?

When I was about four, I told my grandpa that I was "anticipating" getting a ring the next time we went to town. And about that same time I told my dad (who was big into baseball) that I had "captured" the ball--they still give me flak about that one. So I've had a fascination with words all my life. In second grade I wrote a story about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and my teacher (who hung the moon) said it was so good I was going to be a writer. So of course, that was it. Sr. Adrian said it. I was going to be a writer!

Ah, encouragement. What a boost to our morale. What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

Contemporary Christian Romance. However, my stories swing around a wide arc from inspirational (great message but no preachers or sermons) to full-on Christian. I also write young adult, college age, and adult as well as short non-fiction and Bible Studies. I pretty much write what the Spirit tells me to write.

Sounds like a perfect plan. 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?

My "writing days" would normally be called "chaos." I have a husband, three kids, a house, two businesses, two schools, a church, and two large extended families. I teach Sunday School and VBS, and I serve on retreat teams. I do fundraisers for both schools, and I keep all of the finances for both of our companies as well as for our family. I edit, supervise book cover design, market, and publish. I have three blogs, and I'm the founder of an author group, Grace & Faith Author Connection. When do I write? Good question.

I've finished 30 full-length novels, 3 short story collections and several Bible Studies. Over Spring Break when my husband took the kids skiing, I spent 2 days watching movies and in the next two days I wrote 80 pages. Then about 2 weeks ago, I finished my latest novel in two days... after it had sat there for 5 months. Don't ask me. I write what God tells me to write when He tells me to write it. I've had some books that I wrote in a month or less. Others that took me 7 years or longer. Mostly, I just follow what God tells me to do at any given moment, and I do everything else about the same way. Somehow He gets it all to work.

　

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 newest book is called "To Protect & Serve." It is the story of Jeff, a Houston firefighter, who is committed to saving everyone--no matter how much danger that puts him in. It is also the story of Lisa Matheson, an ad-exec and complete control freak, who falls for Jeff, and then realizes she can't control him or the death wish he seems to have.

You can buy "To Protect & Serve" for Kindle at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Serve-Courage-Series-ebook/dp/B008391QB2/ref=la_B005IDM6IS_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1337393444&sr=1-10

And for Nook at B&N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-protect-serve-staci-stallings/1110805844?ean=2940014423410

You can read first chapters, excerpts, and reviews for all of my books at:
http://ebookromancestories.com

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

Love is sometimes really tough because it means letting the other person work out their stuff in their own way. It's not all wine and roses, and real love is learning to stick it out no matter what. I think there is also an underlying theme of letting the mistakes of the past go, learning to let go and live rather than having to have everything in a clinch-grip of control.

True. 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?

Oh, through the years, many times I've thought, "That's it. No more stories. I don't see how this is ever going to work out, how more than a handful of people will ever read or care about my stories." But God just wouldn't let me give up. Rest. Reset. Recharge, but never give up. The truth is, all along, He was putting pieces into place that I couldn't even see. I'm so glad He didn't let me give up on my dream, on my desire, on my vision. However, there were A LOT of times of "faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the substance of things not seen" because I had no solid evidence that any of this would come to fruition. Now I see how blessed I am in that I have enough material to publish one book a month from now until 2015! All of that work, even though there was no evidence it was working, is finally paying off in a big way. I credit that to God for keeping me sane and focused all those years.

Who’s inspired you the most?

The Holy Spirit. When I was 34, I saw God in my life as a duty. Then the Holy Spirit stepped in and opened up this whole new world for me--a world of learning and living and being and growing. It was a world of joy and yes, of sorrow too. Most of all, it was a world of just being me. Once that happened, I no longer had to hide or try to be something I wasn't to gain approval. I know now that God loves me just like I am--just the way He made me to be. In fact, I tell my kids, "Only two people get a vote if you're okay and loved--you and God, and your vote doesn't count." Being unchained from other people's expectations inspired me to breathe and live and learn and grow in a way that nothing else ever has.

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?

Well, I chose and God chose for me to publish myself. The first publisher I had gave me an editor who proceeded to edit me right out of my story. Fortunately, I had about 100 readers already by that time, and they all said the same thing, "Well, it's a good story, but it doesn't sound anything like you." The truth is, I like the way I write. Yes, it's unconventional, but I don't think the Holy Spirit's too much into everything sounding exactly the same. He created how many different kinds of flowers in a myriad of colors--why would He create all authors to sound exactly the same?

On the second question, no. Once you're published--traditional or indie, the real work is just beginning. You then have a whole new set of things to learn--marketing, writing, editing, cover blurbs, blogging, websites, social media... And it all has as steep or steeper learning curves than getting published did.

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

I'm not big on travelling. Too much stress--the packing, the travel, the problems, the unpacking and washing everything. I would much prefer to sit in my chair and watch movies. That's my idea of relaxing!

I like playing Wii snowboarding. I love that even though I'm horribly uncoordinated and scared to go fast--that I can fly down this mountain and do these tricks, and if I completely crash and burn, my little Mii guy gets up, dusts himself off, and here we go again. No pain or hospital bills!

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 is currently in the remodeling stage, so my Christian living blog is:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com and my site for my novels is: http://ebookromancestories.com

Thanks so much for having me, Carole! It's been a pleasure!

And thank you, Staci, for being here. It's been a pleasure.
Blessings!

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Monday Morning Gratitudes

The privilege of learning
new ideas
old time worn, but proven, ideas
anticipation
comfortable clothes
comfortable shoes
new shoes
cool, fresh air
a good talk w/a friend
picnics

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

It's not life's chances

but choices

that brings happiness!

Blessings!

Armed Forces Day in United States

It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. Those who are honored on this day include people who serve the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate.

On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, who was the United States’ Secretary of Defense, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The event stemmed from the armed forces’ unification under one department – the Department of Defense. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day too.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

Armed Forces Day was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to Americans. It was also a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held at the inaugural Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day is still celebrated nationwide today and is part of Armed Forces Week.

We love and appreciate you, Service Men and Women!
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Mornings without headaches
fresh leaf lettuce
beautiful flower gardens
landscaped yards
families swimming together
inspiration
chocolate peppermint patties
the feeling of a hot shower
cool nights
warm days

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

From Proverbs 31:11 . . .

A virtuous woman is priceless:
Her price is far above above rubies.



A woman is trustworthy:
The heart of her husband safely trusts in her.

A woman(mother) loves her family:
She works willingly with her hands . . .

A woman is wise:
She considers and makes smart purchases.

A woman is compassionate:
She reaches out to the poor.

She is strong and honorable, wise and kind. She is blest, and her works testify to her goodness.

Blessings, mothers and women!

Seven Ways to Encourage Your Children

I'm thrilled to have Penny Zeller visiting today with the following post. Please do check out her blog. She is a sweet, talented writer; you're sure to enjoy her work.

The word encourage in Webster’s Dictionary is defined as to inspire with courage or confidence; to promote, foster.

So, how can we, as parents, encourage our children? Below are seven suggestions…

Encourage their character. “A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions.” (quote taken from http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-character.html).

As parents, are we helping our children to develop good character? Are we encouraging them to make good choices? Our kids will be, and are faced, with multiple decisions each day. Helping them to understand why good choices are important and equipping them with the knowledge and practice to make good choices is paramount.

One of the things we do in our home is to discuss with our children what they would do if faced with a particularly difficult situation. What would they do if they were asked to do something they knew was wrong? I heard someone say long ago that what we do when no one is watching is a sign of our integrity. My prayer is that my children will have that kind of integrity.

Encourage their dreams. I love the dreams of little children! My youngest asked for a pet mongoose not long ago. I could have easily told her that there was no way we could have a mongoose and for her to be more practical. However, I chose not to. Instead, I encouraged her dream and we chatted about how fun it would be to actually have a pet mongoose (especially since they eat snakes!), and the tricks we would teach him.

Encourage your children to dream at every age and every stage of their lives.

Encourage their future. I pray regularly for our children’s futures, both during family prayer time and during my own quiet times with the Lord. I have told my children that it’s exciting to see what God has planned for their lives. We often discuss Jeremiah 29:11 which says: 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.” (NIV)

Encourage their compassion. Compassion is one of the most important things we can teach our children. One thing we have done is to instill in our children the importance of serving others. For some ideas on how to instill compassion in your children, please see my post

http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/how-to-instill-compassion-and-servanthood-in-your-children/ or my book 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others.

Not only should we encourage compassion for others outside the home, but we should especially encourage compassion within our own families. One of the ways that we do this is to regularly pray for each other and to express our prayer needs daily to one another.

Encourage their imagination. As a writer, I am grateful that the Lord blessed with a creative imagination. There are several ways I have encouraged my children’s imaginations. For one, I have always read to them. Reading is so important and can take us on adventures we would never otherwise take. When my children were old enough to begin reading themselves, I encouraged them to check out as many books as they wanted at the local library and to even have a “reading marathon” over the summer months. Reading is excellent for the imagination!

Several times, we have spread a blanket in the backyard and gazed up at the clouds. We take turns imagining what animals the clouds look like and which could we would choose if we could lounge on any cloud. The white puffy clouds always win!

My oldest daughter has a knack for art. As such, I asked if she would illustrate a story I wrote. She was delighted and it was wonderful to see her own imagination shining through in her art. I combined the story and her illustrations and asked the local office supply store to bound the pages together. We now have our own special book – not only a keepsake, but also a delightful practice in encouraging the imagination of a budding artist!

Encourage their friendships. We talk often about friendships in our home and about the kind of friendships that are important. The Bible has much to say about friendships and what type of friends to choose. For example, Proverbs 16:28 talks of why being dishonest and being one who gossips separates close friends. Proverbs 18:24 states the importance of a friend who sticks closer than a brother (ESV). John 15:13 is a profound statement of friendship: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

In our home, we have talked frequently about three different types of friends: gold friends who are there for you through the good times and bad; silver friends who are fun to be with, but you can’t always count on them; and bronze friends who are more like an acquaintance because they aren’t “true” friends.

Encourage your children to be the kind of friend that would honor God.

Most importantly, encourage their walk with God.Are you children growing in their walk with the Lord? Have they accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior? The most important thing we can do is encourage our children to have a close relationship with Jesus. After all, that’s the only thing that will last for eternity.
Here's the link to her blog:
http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/



Blessings to all mothers

A Welcome to Fay Lamb

It's good to have Fay Lamb with us today!

Tell us a little about your novel, Because of Me.　

I met Michael Hayes one cool autumn day while sitting on my porch. Michael, unshaven, his hair a little scraggly, and his young face filled with tension, began to tell me his story. “There’s a young boy, Cole. I’m not his father, but he’s definitely on this earth because of me. I allowed something horrible to happen to his mother, but I still love her. I despise the kid, though. I’ve forgiven another for so much more, and Cole’s only fault is that his father is the man who took everything from me. How can I learn to love this child and protect his mother from the man who can again take her from me?”

And as easily as Michael entered my imagination, he turned and walked away.

Michael’s revelation brought forth layer after layer of plot, and my novel, Because of Me was born.

What motivated you to write it?

Deep down, I think this story came about because my two boys were like Cole. In fact, my youngest son—the one who really never had the favor of his natural father—his middle name is Cole. My boys needed a man in their lives who would love them unconditionally, who would nurture and care for them, and show a Christ-like example of a true father. My husband, Marc, stepped into that role when my children were six and four years old, and he’s never let those boy think for a moment that he wasn’t as much their dad as the man they share DNA with.

Still, there’s so much more to Because of Me. It’s a story of forgiveness, the depths of which some may never experience, and the story will truly renew your faith in the Lord’s design for us. After all, God is always in the details whether you recognize it or not.

What is the main message you hope your readers will take away?

That no matter how badly we mess up or how much comes upon us, God is always nearby. I truly believe Paul didn’t idly pen the words of Roman 8:28. When the Scripture tells us “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose,” the Lord is telling us that it isn’t just the good in our lives that will work together for good. Only our awesome, loving Father can make provisions for us when we make mistakes. Only He knows the thoughts He has toward us, as Jeremiah 29:11 says, and there again, he promises an expected end, a future of hope.

Which character did you most enjoy creating and why?

A very hard question for me. This story has some truly memorable characters—not just the hero and heroine, but secondary characters. I absolutely love Michael Hayes and Isabel Putnam, the love of Michael’s life. They’re flawed, but they endure some mighty big conflict.

However, my favorite fellow in Because of Me is Ted McGillicudy. Ted kind of sneaked up on me and inserted himself in the story. He’s a gruff old country boy, and Ted knew that for Michael to eventually love Cole, he’d need an example of a father in his life. Ted watches out of Michael, accepts him, and for Michael, whose father left him when he was very young, Ted fills a void in his life. And Ted, he spouts off some one-liners that will take you by surprise.

Which character do you think your readers will most relate to and why?

Definitely, Michael. He’s lost so much, and he returns after being in prison and away from his hometown for several years. He is shocked to find that the woman he loves isn’t alone any longer, and he has issues to deal with before he can win back her heart. Michael struggles through those issues, but he clings to his life verse: Job 13:15: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.”

What are you working on now?

I have completed a second romantic suspense, Willow’s Path, and two contemporary romances, Charisse and Faith. Currently, I’m working on two other romantic suspense novels and the last story in the contemporary romance series while editing a contemporary fiction entitled, Storms in Serenity. Beyond that I am excitedly looking forward to delving into a novel that includes the intriguing world of professional surfing.

BIO

Fay Lamb works as an acquisition/copyeditor for Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing and Harbourlight Books), offers her services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel was released on February 3, 2012, by Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.

Fay has a passion for working with and encouraging fellow writers. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she co-moderates the large Scribes’ Critique Group and manages the smaller Scribes’ critique groups. For her efforts, she was the recipient of the ACFW Members Service Award in 2010.

In 2012, Fay was also elected to serve as secretary on ACFW’s Operating Board.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren.

And a little bit about her book:

Not your typical Christian fiction.

Michael’s fiancée, Issie Putnam, was brutally attacked and Michael was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s home to set things right.

Two people stand in his way: Issie’s son, Cole, and a madman.

Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart and protect him from the man who took everything from Michael so long ago?


Available through all fine book retailers, Amazon.com, and Mountainview Publishing, a division of Treble Heart Book.

Purchase the book at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Me-ebook/dp/B00722KIME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327670357&sr=8-1
Or at Treble Heart Books at: www.trebleheartbooks.com/MVLamb.html  

Purchase the book at: http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Me-ebook/dp/B00722KIME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327670357&sr=8-1


Thank you for joining us this week, Fay.

Blessings