"A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart" - 5 new articles
THE PALLIUM PROJECT - E. R. Webb - Free Book
I write the kind of fiction that I enjoy reading: mystery, action, thriller, drama; but mainly I want to get the Gospel of Christ before people that otherwise may not hear it. Feedback from readers encourages me that that has been accomplished to some degree. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? It may seem cliché-ish, but there is no question that it was the day that Vicki said “Yes” when I asked her to marry me. How has being published changed your life? My life has been changed through the joy that I have received from the feedback that my writing has changed other people’s lives. What are you reading right now? I am reading Levin’s Liberty and Tyranny; and Grisham’s The Appeal. What is your current work in progress? The Beginning of Sorrows is at the publisher. I am currently writing Denial of Power. What would be your dream vacation? I have taken it many times over. My wife is a travel agent, and we travel as much as we can. We have had a fabulous trip to Israel, two great weeks in Europe (Italy, Greece, Turkey), the Bahamas, Jamaica, and many trips to many cities in Mexico. How do you choose your settings for each book? Besides traveling with my wife, my work has taken me to England, Japan, China and Taiwan. I observe, take notes and lots of photos. The main venue, however, which occurs in my books is my hometown Spring, Texas; a suburb of Houston, because I know it best. I have sat many times in the spot that I am describing. It seems to add dimension, like painting on location rather than from your head. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? I would choose President George W. Bush. I would like to interview him. I think he got a bad rap. I so agree with you on that. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I paint with oils and acrylics, and I have enjoyed photography for many years. I find there is a correlation between painting and writing. You start with a blank page/canvas and you don’t know what the final result is going to be, just a glimmer of an idea. You learn to recognize serendipity when it comes knocking. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? It is still the obstacle of having the discipline to make time to write. I am still overcoming it. What advice would you give to a beginning author? Read as much as you can. Write, write, write – and then re-write. Never settle. Don’t quit. Let others read your work and be open to their feedback. Tell us about the featured book? 
Please give us the first page of the book. The first page is the Prologue. Prologue The Visitors first appeared on a bright Saturday morning in early May of 2002. Benjamin Marcus Tiny, a black man of forty-two, could not remember the exact date but knew that he could find it if necessary, because it was definitely on a Saturday. He always watered his vegetable garden early Saturday mornings. Benjamin delighted in his okra, cucumber, turnips, collards and tomato crop; delighted as well in watering them, losing himself in the process; and further delighted in giving his produce away in brown paper bagsful to friends and neighbors. Benjamin had no known relatives nearby. He had only a cousin Lois Jewel Carver in South Carolina, much too far from Houston, Texas, to grant a portion of his produce. Tiny, who lived alone, having never married, was surprised by the sudden appearance of the Visitors in his backyard. He had not heard them approach, attributing his lack of awareness to the fact that he was engrossed in watering and to the reality that it was not reasonable or probable for someone to simply appear in his backyard. It had never happened before. The Visitors looked remarkably similar in every way. They were fair-haired men, fair-skinned, of medium build, with sparkling blue eyes and charitable smiles. They each were dressed in khaki trousers, white pullover shirts, and oxblood loafers. They stood somewhat stiffly with arms to sides, looking at Benjamin intently. Although the intruders had startled Benjamin, he was not afraid. The Visitors were not threatening in any way. He released the trigger on his nozzle, shutting the stream of water off. “Ah, can I help you gentlemen?” “Mr. Tiny,” the one on the left said, motioning toward the small freshly painted frame house. “Let us go inside where we can speak in private, please.” “Of course,” Benjamin Tiny said, laying the watering hose on the ground. “My pleasure.” Had Benjamin Marcus Tiny known the enormity of this visit, he would have most certainly felt some trepidation, if not downright terror. As it was, there were no warning signals, no red flags, nothing in his gut to indicate that anything was amiss. Benjamin had no way of knowing that this meeting had the potential of altering the framework of history, the entire course of mankind, and would ultimately lead to his own, early demise. “Would you gentlemen like some iced tea?” Mr. Tiny asked as he escorted the Visitors to the small oak dining table. Thank you, E. R., for spending this time with us. Your book sounds really intriguing. Readers, here's a link where you can order a copy of the book. If you plan to order it, please use this link. It will help support this blog. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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. The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book. If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/  6 Winners This Week!!!Julane is the winner of White Mountain Brides by Susan Page Davis.
 THE CALL OF ZULINA - Kay Marshall Strom - Free BookToday, we're featuring another of Abingdon Press fall releases.
How did you come up with the storyline of The Call of Zulina? While in West Africa working on another project, I toured an old slave fortress and was struck dumb by a set of baby manacles bolted to the wall. The characters of Lingongo and Joseph Winslow, Grace's parents, are modeled after real people who ran a slave business in Africa in the 1700s. I "met" them when I was researching Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, a biography of the slaver turned preacher and abolitionists, author of Amazing Grace. The more I thought about them, the more I wondered, "If they'd had a daughter, who would she be? Where would her loyalties lie?" What inspired you to write a book so entrenched with uncomfortable issues? I used to think that non-fiction was the meat and potatoes of writing and fiction was the chocolate mousse dessert... fun, but not of much value. But I've come to understand that truths can be revealed through fiction just as powerfully as through non-fiction. Sometimes, more so! The fact is, for so long we have tried to look away and pretend that this horrible chapter in history never happened. But it did, and we still feel the effects today. Moreover, the roots of slavery--hunger for power and money, fear and diminishment of people unlike ourselves, and humanity's endless ability to rationalize evil actions--abound today. The time seemed right. How have your travels around the world equipped you for writing such a historical novel? People ask me where my passion for issues such as modern day slavery come from. To a large degree it is from the things I have seen and heard on my numerous trips to India, African countries, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, and other places around the world. Tell us a personal story regarding modern day slavery. A most pervasive type of slavery is what is known as bonded servitude, where entire poor families are bound into virtual slavery--sometimes for generations--because of a small debt. This is especially common in India. I visited a village in central India where the women had been freed from bondage and set up with a micro loan that allowed them to raise a small herd of dairy cows. They worked so hard and saved every rupee. When they had enough saved, they persuaded a young teacher to come and start a school for their children. Then they used further profits to make low interest loans to others in the area so they could start their own businesses, too--a little bank. I sat in a circle with the five women who made up the "board of directors." Only one could read and write. I asked, "How will the next generation be different because of what you have done?" They said, "No more will be like us. When people look us, they see nothing. But when they look at our children, they see real human beings with value." From invisible slaves to human beings... all in one generation! Grace, the lead character in The Call of Zulina, forsakes all to escape the slavery of her parents and an arranged marriage.How common is this scenerio today in other countries? Horrifyingly common. Slavery today takes many forms. According to UNICEF's more conservative count, there are about 12 million people living as slaves today--three times as many as in the days of the African slave trade. As for child arranged marriages, I have talked to girls "enslaved" to husbands in many countries. Examples include a girl in Nepal married at 9 to a middle-aged man, one in India married at 11, a 13-year-old in Egypt married to a man older than her father. I've seen it in Africa, Eastern Europe... so many places! What about in America, are there slavery and trafficking issues here? Unfortunately, there are. The U.S. State Department estimates between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the Untied States each year, although it concedes that the real number is actually far higher. And it's not just states like New York and California that are affected, either. According to the U.S. Justice Department's head of the new human trafficking unit, there is now at least one case of trafficking in every state. You've had 36 books published, and more written and contracted for future release. How has this one impacted your own life? Some books report, some tell stories. This book has torn my heart. Briefly tell us about the next two books in this Grace in Africa trilogy. In Book 2, Grace watches her reconstructed life smashed by slavers and revenge, and she is forcibly taken to London. There she faces a new kind of tyranny and another fight for freedom... and for her husband, who is enslaved in America. Book 3 is set in the new United States of America, in the heart of the slavery. It is a story of slavery at it's worst and redemption at its best. What Can Concerned Citizens Do to Raise Awareness? Find out all you can about Modern Day Slavery: then watch for chances to pass on what you have learned. Write to your elected officials: Petition them to place a high priority on enforcing anti-slavery laws and to put pressure on countries that tolerate forced labor or human trafficking. Buy Fair Trade products: Fair trade provides a sustainable model of international trade based on economic justice. To find out more, see http://www.fairtrade.net/ . Support organizations that are in a position to make a difference. When you find an one that is doing a good job on the front lines, contribute to their cause so they can continue on. Be willing to step into the gap. If you suspect someone is being held against his or her will, call the Department of Justice hotline: 1-888-428-7581. Or you can call 911. About the Book: An arranged marriage, a runaway bride, and an ugly family heritage of brutal and inhumane slavery operations leave no room for a fairytale story. Grace Winslow, daughter of an English sea captain and African princess, finds herself in a horrific position of betrothal. Doomed to marry an obnoxious white man, whom she does not love, Grace runs away to escape the slavery she’s been surrounded by all her life. Instead, her journey from home brings her face-to-face with issues of extreme slavery, abuse and human trafficking. In the end she discovers slavery is more than just chains and finds grace that exceeds a name given to her by her parents. The Call of Zulina links historical slavery issues with the modern-day crisis tainting many countries. On the heels of important legislature regarding human trafficking, Strom tackles the subject boldly as she sheds light on the practices and techniques used by angry slave traders. Seen as an advocate for those who have no voice, Strom finds words to communicate the message of history to today’s readers. While this book shines the light on an uncomfortable subject, the message of hope, freedom, and justice prevail and eternal truths discovered. Thank you, Kay, for spending this time with us and alerting us to this horrendous problem. Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link, you will be helping support this blog. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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. The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book. If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/  GEMINI'S CROSS - E. R. Webb - Free Book
Probably more than I can quantify. Everything that I see, hear and touch is filtered through my perception; so when I feed it back through writing or other means it will naturally have some of me in it. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? My wife Vicki and I were vacationing on a Florida Island. She wanted to look for a carved wooden pelican for our patio at home, so, hopping into the car we headed back across the long bridge to the mainland. We did not find a pelican on that trip, but I did discover that I had left my wallet back at our bungalow on the beach. We did not have a nickel between us, and the bridge was a toll bridge. So – I did the only reasonable thing. I parked the car in a super-market parking lot and begged passers-by for a dollar. I finally found a kind manager inside who provided the necessary cash. Vicki and I crossed the bridge, returned to our cabin and enjoyed the remainder of our vacation at the expense of a little humiliation. When did you first discover that you were a writer? I started keeping a journal when I was eight, I think. I really knew that I wanted to write, though, when I read adventures like Treasure Island, Call of the Wild, Moby Dick . . . at about the same age. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Over my lifetime – a wide range. Fiction – classics and modern. Non-fiction – theological, spiritual, self-help, political, biographies. What other books have you written, whether published or not? The Pallium Project is my second published novel. My third book, The Beginning of Sorrows is at the publisher, and I am writing my fourth, Denial of Power. My Sci-fi novel, The Landau Journals, was rejected many times. I thought it was quite good. About 30 years ago I wrote and illustrated a manual titled What’s All This Fuss About Feelings? We copied and used it in church for counseling. Revell was interested in publishing it, but I foolishly said I did not have the time for the process at the moment. I don’t know what I was thinking. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Jesus Christ and my wife Vicki – always in that order. I do not see how a lost people can lay their heads on their pillows without Christ, The Hope of Glory. Vicki often reminds me that Christ is my hope. She helps me stay grounded. How do you choose your characters’ names? That is one of the fun parts of writing – naming these guys, then watching them come to life. If they are foreign characters I rely a lot on the Internet. There are a number of Israeli and Russian characters in my novels. English names are sometimes composites of friends. Character’s names say a lot about the character, and can evoke an image of the person. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? High on the list is getting published. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I would be a dog. Dogs have great qualities, they are generous and faithful; and they love unconditionally. What is your favorite food? It would have to be chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans and corn bread – topped off with a slice of pecan pie. That sounds like just the meal my husband would say was his favorite, too. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? I find that making the time to write is a huge roadblock – there are so many time stealers. It takes a lot of discipline. I am still working my way through this roadblock. What advice would you give to an author just starting out? a) Write what you like to read. Ask yourself if you are enjoying the process. If it’s drudgery to write, it will probably not engage the reader. b) Write it, write it again, and write it again. I think a common misconception for some writers is to write a paragraph or page and move on. Go back and write it again. Write and re-write a paragraph until it’s right, then a page, and then a chapter. Then go back and re-write it. Then don’t get upset when an editor asks you to re-write it once more. c) Let family and friends read your work before you submit it. Listen to their comments and critiques. Find as many readers as you can. d) Write. e) Read. Why did you like what you read? Why did you not like it? Tell us about the featured book? 
Please give us the first page of the book. The first page is the prologue. Prologue The Present His cooling off period between recipients was becoming shorter, and still he had not accomplished his mission—to bring the Light into the world. Perhaps—he was not sure—his last object for introduction to the Light had received a glimpse of it, but nothing more than a tiny glimpse. That was just two months ago, and he was ready to minister again. He was not quite ready for his supreme ministry, however. There still remained the necessity for another interim challenge. He was almost there, just not quite. Needing some fine-tuning, he knew just the right subject to provide it. She was so close to the ultimate object that it was exhilarating just to think about her. There had been a time when he had wondered if he was crazy. It was only a brief span of uncertainty; then he had put it aside. His mission was too crisp, his strategy too clear, his means too perfect for him to be crazy. Also, it had occurred to him that genius was often mocked, considered peculiar and even crazy. Certainly he was not crazy, but it would be an honor to be considered so by others. Would a crazy person be given the privilege, the tribute, of seeing the Light? Certainly not. He had seen the Light—twice. That first time, of course, was when he was six and had died. The other time was in 1980—he was just thirteen. The second seemed more special than the first for a number of reasons. First, it had occurred, not as a result of any physical trauma, but simply, apparently, as a tribute to him, as an accolade of admiration directed toward him. Secondly, it had been accompanied with a message, a message that had given him a purpose and a destiny, which, as a result had provided healing to his psyche. This healing was his third reason for remembering the second sighting. After that he no longer cared how people looked at him, nor what was whispered about him behind their shameful hands, nor who were openly repulsed by him. He was, now, who he was. Unique. Special. Chosen, even. He remembered lying in his bed, his body damp with sweat. Something had awakened him, a noise, and a movement. The green numbers on his bedside clock face said 3:00. Then, suddenly, there came the soft refrains of music. But, not really music—more like an orchestra tuning up, except softer and more melodic. Then came the gentle breeze, cool and quiet. At once there had appeared a dim, steady light at the foot of his bed. He sat bolt upright, fully awake now, his skin prickling. Growing brighter, the light emitted a greenish glow. Beginning slowly, it drifted upwards until it was about even with his feet, where it remained, about the size of softball, slightly bobbing up and down. The voice was in a low whisper. I am truth and light. Straining to hear, his trembling wouldn’t stop. I have chosen you; you have not chosen me. You are special to me, and you shall be my special envoy. Do not be afraid to do what I say. I will be with you. You will bring my light into the world to whomever I will. The light brightened as the music rose to a screeching crescendo. He did not care that everyone in the house might be awakened. The light became so brilliant, the breeze warm then hot, and the shrieking dissonance so loud that he had to cover his ears and close his eyes. Strangely, no one came into his bedroom to rescue him or investigate the ruckus. Then it stopped. The room was cast in darkness and became utterly quiet. The only sound was his rapid breathing. He fell backwards onto his pillow, heart pounding, perspiring profusely. It was true. It was confirmed. He was chosen Then, improbably, he fell asleep. Intriguing. How can readers find you on the Internet? I can be found at http://www.erwebb.com/ Thank you for spending this time with us. Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. If you use this link, you will be supporting this blog. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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. The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book. If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/  WHAT I SAW IN THE THORNS ~N~ THISTLES - Shirley Kiger Connolly - Free Book
I write both, so for me it is like wearing two hats. I love sharing my thoughts and reflections in my nonfiction writing, but I take great delight in using my creativity and spending time in research for the historical work I do. Both reflect who I am. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally? Let’s see. Many might have read already about much about my personal life, so I think for you, Lena, I will share something different. Although my husband and I, at the time of this writing, live on the Southern tip of Oregon, here at the coast, we both are avid travelers and vagabonds, of a sort. Since we married (over 100 years ago, it sometimes seems) we have lived and traveled in some of the most amazing places. I have been blessed to have lived in North Queensland, Australia, and we have also spent some time over in Grenada, over in the West Indies. I’ve lived from here in Oregon, down to California, over to Indiana, and all the way across the US to New York, and had the pleasure of visiting many states in between. Right now we are praying about where the Lord would have us go once this house sells. We are open to anything. (I guess you would say we are somewhat gypsies more or less!) Tell us about your family. My husband and I have three children, all grown, and four grandchildren, three grandsons and one step step-granddaughter. One of my sons is an officer in the US Military, while the other lives with his wife here in Oregon. My daughter is praying for a husband. I have a grandson who who is active military right now. Have you written other nonfiction books? 
What other books have you written, and where can the readers of the blog find them? Flame from Within and It Happened Near the Cliff Rock and I have one is in the oven! Readers can find all my books at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.bn.com/ , http://www.booksamillion.com/ , http://www.vrpublishing.com/ and Target Stores. They can also be ordered at any bookstore if they don’t happen to be in stock. (But I guarantee, most can get the best deal probably at Amazon.) Actually, I went to Amazon just now and didn't find the featured book there. Your others were though. Do you have any other books in the works right now? I told you the third devotional, but there is something else in the works that I’m not yet supposed to discuss. Sounds intriguing. Where on the Internet can the readers find you? Please tell the readers to come visit me at http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/ or at http://shirleykoinonia.tripod.com/ or they can drop me an email at shirleylovestowrite@gmail.com I am good at responding. What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy? I love walking. I also love to play my piano and sing, but I don’t have time much on my piano lately. And when it’s raining and dreary outside and I’m sitting by my fire in the evening, I love needlework, or reading, or watching old classic movies on TBN or just plain vegging out. Why did you write the featured book? This devotional (as well as the others I am writing) came by way of simple reflections on my heart that I used to share only with my Koinonia Community (a very large group of readers, writers, and women who love the Lord). Each month I would send out a Koinonia Update, and in it I would pass along a reflection of my heart—something God showed me that day about life in general ,and how He could minister to us in any circumstance…whether it was in a simple situation we were in, or some thorny issue we were involved with, or even perhaps something poignant having to do with the seriousness of our personal walks with Him. The responses I continued to receive from my readers drove me to compiling these together into devotionals that could be available for anyone, saved or unsaved, who just needed a pick-me-up at that perfect moment. I hope all that makes sense, Lena. Yes, it does. What do you want the reader to take away from the book? How God can be with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing, no matter how we feel. It is so easy to take Him for granted. He shows us through the simplicity of these devotionals, that this is not His hope for us. He wants to be real to us 24/7. It’s up to us to allow Him that privilege and blessing. Thank you, Shirley, for spending this time with us. I'm partial to your name. My younger sister was named Shirley, and she's gone on to be with the Lord. Readers, Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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. The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book. If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/  More Recent Articles |
