Author Lyn Cote-Why I Write--And it's not for the BIG $$$

Why do I write?

As my title says, it's not for the big $$$. If you missed my series of blogs on "How It Works, Being An Author," click through to the one on what authors earn out on a book. Here's the link http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-it-works-being-author-show-me.html

So if it's not to be rich and famous, why do I do it?

Well, first I was born with the gift of story-telling. At first, I didn't realize that other kids weren't. In school, I got tired of kids saying, "Stop staring at me." I'd wake up from my present story and look at them. I didn't even know they were in the room! I wasn't staring at them; I was indeed miles and years and lives away, living in a story of my own making. I always had movies in my mind.

And second of all, when I write a story, it connects me to my readers in a way that is amazing. My stories aren't just entertaining. They can be agents of realization, self-examination and freedom. And when this happens, it gives me great joy.

Here's one of the most powerful reader letters I've ever received:

Letter: Dear Lyn Cote,

Thanks for you for your books, the Women of Ivy Manor…I love it when authors write books that they have done a lot of historical research…It makes the books feel like you are right there at that time frame. I am a survivor, a woman with a past of strong women who kept secrets…. But as your books point out, there are secrets that never get told and they cause so much hurt and pain and mistrust…Anyway after the first two books, the tears that I have stuffed away for many years broke.

I told myself that I did not want my children to go through what I did. Some have gone through things that I have. I have a lot of sorry (sorrow) and regret when it comes to my children. I have 7 children and 7 grandchildren. …I called all my children I could that day I finished BETTE and told them I loved them. It was quite shocking to some. I told them also that I could not repair the past but that the future was there and that the present was right here and we could make the most of it. …

We just have to ask God to soften their hearts and wait and prepare for the time my children will come to me and I’ll reach out to them and support them in all they do, no questions asked. …Thank you for letting the women of ivy manor come together to “air” their secrets. It was long overdue. Thank you for your books. They have helped me in my healing process. Books seem to come to me when I need a bit of healing to be done. Thanks, B.”

Wow, huh?

On Thursday this week, I'm going to share about another reader who read the same series of books as "B" but who had a different opinion altogether!

Let me ask you--
1-Were you born a story teller?
2-Has any book (not just mine) made a difference in your life? You never know I might be giving another prize!

Book Monday-Author Maureen Lang & Whisper on The Wind

Whisper on the Wind
Book 2 in The Great War series.

She risked everything to rescue him. But what if he doesn’t want to be saved?

In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper among the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother. But Edward refuses to go, and soon Isa is drawn into his secret life printing the newspaper . . . And into his heart.

Advance Praise:

“The suspenseful climax kept me on the edge of my seat!” - Lynn Austin, best-selling author

“A suspense-filled romance. . . . an exciting page-turner.” - Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author

Maureen Lang has always had a passion for writing. She hand wrote her first novel around the age of ten, put the pages into a notebook she covered with soft deerskin for a “hardback” cover (nothing but the best!) then passed it around the neighborhood for rave reviews. It was so much fun she’s been writing ever since. Eventually Maureen became the recipient of a Golden Heart Award from RWA, followed by the publication of three secular romances. Life took some turns after that and she gave up writing for fifteen years, until her faith sent her in a new artistic direction. Soon she won a Noble Theme Award from American Christian Fiction Writers, and a contract followed a year or so later for her Inspirational historical fiction Pieces of Silver, (nominated for a Christy in 2007). The sequel, Remember Me, released in February of ‘07. She also has three women’s fiction novels from Tyndale House Publishers, The Oak Leaves released in May of ’07, On Sparrow Hill and My Sister Dilly released in ’08. She has a new 3-book series, the first of which will release from Tyndale in the fall of ‘09, set in Europe during the First World War. Maureen lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their dog, Susie.

Visit Maureen at:

www.maureenlang.com

http://maureenlang.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/maureen.lang

Whisper on the Wind is available at any bookstore, from Tyndale House Publishers or online at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Wind-Great-War-No/dp/1414324367/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276273621&sr=1-8

I was very happy about the responses to my blog on why do authors and publishers giveaway books. I will draw the winner after I have time to go over the replies. I'll post the winner soon!

A Question for You: Why Do Authors and Publishers

giveaway books on blogs? ????????????
That's question # 1-

I usually do most of the talking here. Most of you read and post occasionally. But this time I want you to do the writing.

More questions for you:

2-Have you won a book on a blog?
3-If you did, what did you do with that book?

4-Do you only visit blogs that give books away regularly?
5-Or are there some blogs you visit or read often? If so, why?

6-Please list any blogs you especially enjoy and visit often. Please give their URL or Web address so others may enjoy them. Have you ever visited any of the blogs I post in the right column?

7- Do you have a blog? If so, what is it about and please include your URL.

I know a lot of you are busy, but please share your thoughts and experiences. I'll have a drawing among those who reply with a real answer. I'll keep you guessing about what the prize will be. :-)

BTW, I've just updated my website. If you haven't visited, drop by and let me know what you think.

OKAY-start talking!--Lyn
PS-This drawing will be open for comments through Sunday night August 29, 2010!

First Page-Bridge of Peace by Author Cindy Woodsmall

Chapter One

Quiet hung in the air inside the one-room schoolhouse as the children waited on Lena’s next action. The curiosity she loved to stir in her scholars now filled their minds in ways she wished she could erase. The hush wasn’t out of respect or desk work or learning.

Staring into defiant eyes, she stood. “Return to your seat, Peter.”

With his back to the other students, he leaned across her oak desk. “Make me.” The threat in his voice was undeniable. She’d spoken to his parents about his behavior, but they’d believed that their son was only kidding and that she was taking his words and actions all wrong.

Nothing about the conduct of this six-foot man-child hinted at humor. He wasn’t teasing, but he was toying with her—like her barn cats did with field mice before killing their prey.

Feeling as unsightly as a wounded rodent was part of daily life for her. It even slipped into her dreams on a regular basis. But Lena was no mouse. When dealing with Peter, her will battled with her emotions. The teacher in her wanted to find a way to reach inside him, to get beyond the prejudices and surliness and find something of value. The rest of her simply wished he’d never moved to Dry Lake.

Still, she believed that most people had hidden wealth, good things within that made them more worthy than they appeared on the outside. For reasons that had nothing to do with Peter, she had to hold on to that belief.

She offered a teacher-friendly smile. “The assignment stands, and it’s due tomorrow. Take your seat, please.”

He slid her well-organized papers onto the floor and crawled onto her desk and sat. At fifteen he was the oldest student she’d ever taught—or tried to teach. He should have graduated sixteen months ago from an Amish school in Ohio, where he’d lived before moving to Dry Lake. Although she had no idea what happened to put him so far behind in his studies, he seemed to think she was the problem.

It would be easier to tap into his better self, or at least better behavior, if there was someone to send him to when he got this bad. During her rumschpringe, her running-around years, she’d used her freedoms to attend public high school. When her public school teachers faced a difficult student like Peter, they sent him to another teacher, a counselor, or a principal. If there was another adult nearby, Peter probably wouldn’t consider it a game to try to take control of her class. Maybe she needed to talk about this situation with her Englischer friend Samantha. Surely with her degree in psychology and her working this year as a school counselor, she would know some helpful tips.

“At your desk, Peter.”

“I’m not doing the work, and I better not get a zero.”

Author Cindy Woodsmall & The Bridge of Peace

The book I'm featuring today is The Bridge of Peace by Author Cindy Woodsmall.

Releases date Tuesday, August 31, 2010!

Headstrong schoolteacher Lena Kauffman finds herself at the center of controversy in her Amish community when a young man in her classroom refuses to submit to her authority. As her friends and family rally around her, especially longtime friend Grey Graber, things go from bad to worse when Grey’s wife, Elsie, becomes an accidental target in trouble meant for Lena. As the present unravels around them, each must find their own way through their private pain in order to find peace and a brighter future.

The Bridge of Peace is the second novel in the Ada’s House series and it returns to Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and the beloved characters from The Hope of Refuge. The Hope of Refuge—Christy finalist, Inspirational Readers Choice Contest finalist, and a Carol Award finalist.

To read the first chapter of The Bridge of Peace or see a list of places to order it online, go to http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/bridge-of-peace_excerpt.php.



Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She’s coauthor of an upcoming spring release, Plain Wisdom, which is a nonfiction book of touching and humorous life events written with an Old Order Amish friend.

I dropped by Cindy's official website http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/ and

WOW!!

She has a lot of stuff going on. She has a enewsletter you can sign up for and she's going on a book tour in Alabama and Florida starting next week on the 31st. So if you live in those states, you might want to see if she's coming to your town! Drop back tomorrow and read the first page of The Bridge of Peace.

Book Monday Review-Author Neta Jackson's Who Do I Lean On?

Who Do I Lean On? by Neta Jackson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I met Neta Jackson and her husband Dave in Anaheim CA in 2002 at a Christian booksellers convention. We met again recently and she gave me an autographed copy of this book. THANKS, NETA! I had of course heard of her very successful Yada-Yada Prayer Group series but had not had the time to read one.

Well, I'm glad I took the time! This is a great read. Her character Gabby is a real "every woman." She's trying to raise her kids, deal with a marriage but she also wants to help others and obey God. Gabby, however, is enthusiastic--(just like me and maybe you too?)--and sometimes gets ahead of God. You won't go wrong reading this book, filled with reality, delightful characters and a spiritual message we all need to heed.



View all my reviews

Part Two of "Look Higher" Short Story by Lyn Cote

Part Two- Look Higher by Lyn Cote

“Ellie Smith? We’re from the Mack and Middy Show--On the Road! You’ve been selected as this afternoon’s beauty makeover!”
“What?”
“Madge sent us a letter, submitting your name. Are you ready?”
Too stunned to speak, Ellie gawked, open mouthed.
“Turn off your computer! Let’s go!”
The next hours flew by. Ellie was shampooed, styled, manicured, made up and dressed.
Finally, center stage, she heard her name announced to a cheering audience. Mack and Middy showed the video taken at her office, then skillfully drew out facts about her. “Now,” Middy, a perky redhead, asked, “Do you have a special man in your life? What’ll he say when he sees the new you?”
Ellie moistened her lips and smiled shyly. “I doubt Ned’ll notice. He’s the absent-minded genius-type.”
“Oh, I think he’ll notice,” Mack chortled. The show swirled to its close.
Ellie thanked Mack and Middy. Then she was back in a white limo which dropped her off at the front of the plant once more.
When she stepped into the office, it was empty except for Madge who was waiting for her. “You look wonderful—“
“Why did you send in my name, Madge?”
“I wanted you to feel as beautiful outside as you are inside.”
“I’m numb, like a tornado has just blown me over.”
Madge did a little jig. “You’ll certainly make a splash at the party tonight!”
Bemused, Ellie didn't know what to think about the party.
After Madge left, Ellie retrieved her purse from her locked file cabinet. The warehouse door opened. Ellie stepped out into the aisle and nearly ran into Ned, a tall and thin engineer.
Ned’s eyes behind slightly cocked glasses opened wide. “Ellie?”
“What do you think?” Smiling, beginning to believe maybe she really looked a little beautiful, she twirled once like a little girl in a new dress.
“I…I…I….” Ned’s eyes glazed over, his mouth hung open. He looked like a dead mackerel. “You’re beautiful.” He sounded dumbfounded.
A thrill of pleasure zipped through her. “Thank you, Ned. It couldn’t come at a better time with the company party tonight. What do you think this new dress?” Ellie held out her flared black skirt.
Ned cleared his throat. “I’m not going with you tonight.”
“Not going? Why not?”
“I can’t go with you looking like that!”
Ellie frowned. “Like what?”
“Like a movie star!” “A what?” “Everyone will want to talk to you, not me. I really need to network tonight. I want that senior engineer position too much.”
“Ned, I can’t believe--”
Ned edged away. “This has thrown me off completely. I had everything planned.” He hurried to the door. It shut behind him with a swoosh.
He’s standing me up! Anger flared in her. Ellie stomped out and sped off in her car. She reached the hotel where the affair was being held and marched in.
Just inside the door of the banquet room, her anger deserted her. She couldn’t take another step. What if everyone thought her makeover ridiculous? She could already feel the humiliation.
“Ellie, you’re here.” Beaming down at her, Hugh took both her hands in his. “Mr. Hensley was just talking about that brilliant, money-saving proposal you sent him.” Smoothly, Hugh guided her to a knot of people she had worked with for years.
She received warm compliments on her appearance and her luck at winning a makeover. Ned came late, but amid all the people Hugh drew around her, Ned was easy to ignore.
Later when Hugh and she stood next to her car in the moonlight, she let her gaze linger on his kind face. “I don’t know when I’ve had a better time.”
“I enjoyed being with you. You look especially lovely tonight.” Her chin dipped. She thought of Madge’s words. Just because of Hugh’s handsome exterior, she had thought he couldn’t be interested in her and Hugh had asked her out even before her makeover.
“Ellie, I’ve always thought you were a diamond in the rough, but tonight you really shine.” Leaning down, he brushed her lips with his.

*** From their perch on the top of the hotel, two angels smiled down at the couple. “You did it, Magdelana.” Madge, really Magdelana, smiled. “Hugh deserved someone special. He’s been through so much.”
“Ellie’s perfect for him.” The other angel shook her head. “What did she ever see in Ned? What a lowlife.”
"That was the problem all right." Madge grinned beatifically. “Ellie wasn't looking high enough.”

So what do you think? Did I surprise you at the end? Do you look higher?

First Page-When the Snow Flies by Author Laurie Alice Eakes

When the Snow Flies

Laurie Alice Eakes

"No one met Audrey Vanderleyden at the train. A wizened old man with hair like mountain mist popped out of the station, spoke with the conductor for a moment, then darted into the clapboard building without so much as glancing Audrey's way.

The train pulled out of the station. Audrey remained on the platform amidst a collection of trunks and valises until the locomotive's last whistle died away in the valley, and pine resin scent from the planks beneath her feet overcame the stench of coal smoke. Still no one came to meet her, neither a porter from the hotel nor Dr. Hornsby, with whom she had an appointment in an hour, according to the watch pinned to her black lapel.

She left all but one of her bags behind and marched toward the station. Her black muslin skirts hampered her brisk stride, and she kicked them out of her way with each step. When she reached the door, she yanked it open, took one step into the hot, still air, and stopped to look around.

In one corner, the telegraph machine clattered. A diminutive operator sat beside it with his booted feet propped up on the desk on which lay a slip of yellow paper with the words addressed to Dr. Hornsby printed in bold, black letters.

DR. A. S. VANDERLEYDEN ARRIVE AFTERNOOON TRAIN TUESDAY STOP MEET HOUR LATER STOP

The message for the hotel was similar and requested that a conveyance meet her at the train.

"You didn't deliver my messages." She used the same tone she too often had to use on nurses who failed to carry out her orders for a patient's care."

Whoa! I wouldn't want to be that guy! And why didn't he deliver her messages???

Are you intrigued? I am!--Lyn

Part One of "Look Higher," a Free Short Story

Look Higher by Lyn Cote, Part One

At mid-morning break, Ellie walked over to the desk nearest the door and cleared her throat politely.
“Taking up another collection, Ellie?” Madge, the plump, gray-haired temp secretary, teased cheerfully.
“The custodian’s wife had heart surgery. I thought a card and a check would help.”
Madge signed the brightly colored card and handed Ellie a five-dollar bill. “You’re a beautiful person, Ellie. You think of everyone.”
With an apologetic grin, Ellie shook her head. “This is the third time I’ve come around since you started two months ago. You’re probably hoping to get transferred.”
Madge didn't reply to this. Instead, she asked, “Is Ned taking you to lunch today?” Ellie nodded.
“Someplace special?”
Ellie shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Why not? You and Ned haven’t been dating for too long. He takes you for granted.” “We suit each other.”
“Don’t just settle for Ned. Don’t let him treat you like a pair of broken-in shoes—“ The ringing of Madge’s telephone interrupted.
Ellie waved good by and walked to her own desk. Mulling over Madge’s kind words. But ever since seventh grade when Ellie had beat the handsomest boy in the math class contest, she had accepted that she was bright, not pretty. Madge was sweet to call her a beautiful person. But in romance, a vast difference separated a beautiful “person” from a beautiful “woman."
With a sigh, she flipped on her computer. As the head of the parts department, she had another inventory to check. Time crawled by. The clock on the computer screen read 12:15. Ned should have come by now. Shaking her head at his absent-mindedness, she dialed his office number. No answer. She hung up and waited. Resting her chin on her hand, Ellie fought against the thoughts that Madge’s recent words had stirred up. Ned wasn’t anyone’s dream date, but people with his kind of brains often forgot things like lunch dates. She turned back to her computer. Might as well work till Ned appeared.
“Ned hasn’t shown. I thought as much,” Madge said. “I brought lunch for two.” “Really, Madge, Ned still might--”
“Then he should have to hunt for you.” Madge waved a lunch cooler in front of Ellie’s eyes. “Tuna on rye and homemade potato salad.”
“It’s my favorite lunch! How did you know?” Within moments, Ellie found herself out in summer warmth.
Madge chose a picnic table under the shade of a full, green maple. Lifting two sandwiches encased in neon pink plastic rectangles from her lunch-sized cooler, she handed one to Ellie, who sat across from her. “I also made angel food cake and strawberries last night.”
Momentarily, Ellie considered warning Madge she had no say about filling permanent positions. But with the sweet dessert awaiting her and the sparkling sunshine glinting on the windows nearby, Ellie found it impossible to talk business.
“Now we were discussing your fatal fascination with Ned—“
“Madge, please!” Ellie chuckled in spite of herself.
“Mind if I join you ladies?”
Recognizing the deep, liquid-honey voice, Ellie glanced up at Hugh Garner, the company's most successful salesman. Tall, dark and handsome didn’t come close to describing him, delicious him.
“A man at this table is just what we need,” Madge said.
Hugh slid his lithe frame onto the picnic table bench and opened a cooler similar to Madge’s.
“You packed a lunch?” Madge teased. “I thought you only did power lunches.”
So close to Hugh, Ellie forced herself to take a small bite of her tuna. Being around Hugh always made her nervous. Even when his wife died of leukemia last year, she hadn’t attended the funeral. What could she say to someone facing such a heart-breaking loss? Instead, she had ordered flowers and engineered the collection for the designated memorial fund.
“Power lunches are over-rated. A lunch outdoors on a beautiful day with two charming ladies, now that’s a lunch.” He smiled at Ellie, not just any smile.
She felt all the way to her toes. “You always seem so confident.” Ellie’s gaze drifted to his Kirk-Douglas chin.
“Salesmanship 101—always appear confident.”
Madge slid a piece of cake toward him. “Scuttlebutt says you’re about to bring in a nice, juicy contract.”
Ellie put down her sandwich. “Madge, how do you know so much?”
Madge forked up a bite of cake. “Am I right, Mr. Garner?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. Today I met with the president over bidding strategy.”
“That sounds so important,” Ellie said.
“Salesmanship is a complex science,” Madge added.
Hugh chuckled. “Thank you both, but it’s not a done deal yet—“ Hugh’s cell phone ran and he slipped it out of his suit jacket pocket. “That’s it for my picnic. I have a client to meet.” He quickly re-filled his cooler, stood up and smiled down at Ellie. “Maybe you’d have dinner with me sometime, Ellie?”
Ellie couldn't say a word in reply.
As he hurried off, he looked back and smiled at Ellie. His parting words had taken her breath away.
Madge said, “Hugh could be an interesting date.”
“He was just being polite.” Ellie toyed with her plastic fork.
“He didn’t have to ask you. I think he likes you.”
“I’m just an average small-town girl. Hugh's late wife was beautiful.”
“You’re missing what’s important.”
Ellie looked to Madge. “What’s that?”
“Every man has his own idea of what beauty is.”
Wryly, Ellie shook her head.

Back at her desk, the figures on the spreadsheet squiggled under Ellie’s gaze. She slipped off her glasses and rubbed her tired eyes. She dialed Ned’s number. “Hi, did you forget lunch?”
“I had lunch with the vice president,” Ned explained.
“I thought we were going out to lunch today!”
Ned snapped, “This lunch was important.”
“You could have called—“
“Ellie, one of the things I like about you is that you don’t go in for any of that feminine stuff. You take me like I am. Don't change that.”
Feeling hurt, she wanted to say men called other men when they break appointments, but that would be petty. Ned didn’t like pettiness either. “Ned, when will you pick me up tonight?”
“Yeah, the company thing. Right.” He hung up.
Ellie bit her lower lip.
A sudden flurry around the door made her stand up. Catching sight of a man wearing a cowboy hat over a ponytail and another with a large video camera threw her.
Madge leaped up and began waving at them. “She’s right back here.”
Ellie stared in dismay as the men headed for her.--

The conclusion on Thursday!

Another Summer Gift to Readers--Another Free Short Story

Please tell your friends and family. As another summer gift to my readers, I'm posting another of my short stories this week in two installments. It's titled: "Look Higher."

Part one will be posted on Tuesday August 17th and Part two on Thursday August 19th.
Hope you'll drop by.

And again invite your friends!

Author Renee Ryan Gives Away an autographed copy of her Latest-Open for comments to win through Sunday!

My guest today is Author Renee Ryan who speaks about her personal faith journey and her latest book. Please let Renee know what you think of her journey into a deeper trust of our Lord and her venture into writing a WWII historical. Here's Renee:

"Thank you, Lyn, for inviting me to participate in your blog today. Although I write about strong, brave women, I’m not always that way myself, especially when it comes to my writing ministry. Even though I consider myself a conservative evangelical Christian, I sold my first manuscript to the secular market. At the time, I didn’t see a contradiction in my faith versus my career. I was proud of the fact that I was following Jesus’ command to “go out and make disciples of all nations.”

That first sale brought lots of validation. All my hard work had finally paid off. I’d arrived. I was doing something important. I was God’s vessel. I was woefully misleading myself.

Within months of that first book hitting the shelves I was released by my publisher. Enter a very long, very frustrating dry spell. For months I rationalized why I couldn’t make another book sale. It was everyone else’s fault, of course. Westerns were dead, the market was shrinking, the editors didn’t like people with the first name Renee.

Long story short, the pursuit of publishing my second novel became my obsession. No, it became my idol. When I realized this, I knew something had to change--me. So I started working on my relationship with the Lord, something I had let lag to a dangerous level of indifference. I began studying the Word on a deeper level and turning to God for answers, rather than myself.

It was around this same time that I decided, hey, if I was going to collect rejections I might as well swing for the fences and stop playing it safe. I was going to write what I wanted to write, not what people said would sell. Enter WWII, a taboo time period for romance writers.

The resulting book was my first attempt at writing Inspirational romance. By the time I wrote “the end” I’d found my home. Writing isn’t any easier, but knowing that I’m the quill and the Lord is the Great Author brings unspeakable joy (and peace).

That WWII story is my next release. DANGEROUS ALLIES is a romantic spy thriller set in 1939 Nazi Germany. The hero is an American officer on loan to the British government. The Brits sends him into enemy territory to photograph the blueprints of a Nazi secret weapon that is having unprecedented success. Because this book is an Inspirational, the main characters happy ending includes a return to a life of strong faith (something I myself had to learn).

So what’s the point in all this? Simple. Swing for the fences in everything you do, never play it safe and always put the Lord first. The rest will work itself out in time.

I’ll be giving away a copy of DANGEROUS ALLIES today. All you have to do is leave a comment and you’ll be entered in the drawing.

Renee Ryan writes for Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Historical and Love Inspired line. Her fabulous editor is Melissa Endlich. For more information, visit Renee at www.reneeryan.com

First Page-Beyond the Night by Author Marlo Schalesky

The First Page today is from BEYOND THE NIGHT by Author Marlo Schalesky:

First Page

They tell me it never happened. They say it couldn’t have. Some call it a dream. Others say I’m a romantic. But I know what they’re thinking: I’m crazy. Touched by grief. Making up stories to ease my pain.

But I have no grief. Not anymore. And my pain is only a single note in the symphony of my peace, for I know what’s true. I was there that day. I watched her hand reach toward him. I heard his voice in the darkness. I saw their love. Paul and Maddie. My parents. The ones who showed me truth.

So call me crazy if you must. But I know the power of love. I’ve glimpsed its mystery. I’ve witnessed its light.

If you doubt, come with me. Step through the shadows of time to when it began. A cold night. Dark. And beyond the night…well, come and see.

* * *

Paul gripped the steering wheel tighter as the Ford Pinto curved along the mountain road. Rain fell in heavy sheets, slamming against hood and pavement. The swish of the wipers played a dissonant beat to the thrum of water on metal.

This is mad. We should turn back. Paul glanced at his wife, sleeping in the seat beside him. Maddie’s breathing remained steady, her eyes closed. A deep snore drifted from her open mouth.

Paul smiled. Maddie hated it when he told her she snored. “It’s not snoring,” she’d say, “just strong breathing.” Strong enough to be heard over the rain. Of course, she’d never believe him. One day, he’d record it, if he dared.

Author Website: www.marloschalesky.com

Amazon Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Night-Marlo-Schalesky/dp/1601420161?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191886502&sr=8-6

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marlo-Schalesky/103475746357601?v=app_389355083668

Author Allie Pleiter & The Disaster That Fascinated Her

My guest today is Author Allie Pleiter, a woman who like most of us have been forced to find out just how strong we are. Her son has been struggling with a combination of medical problems recently. Here's how her own personal struggles have impacted her Here's Allie:

"What doesn’t kill you....

The disaster fascinated me.

Actually, it wasn’t San Francisco 1906 earthquake and fires themselves, but the aftermath. The challenge of rebuilding a city from scratch. Things had been wiped out to the point you could stand on a street corner and not be able to tell which corner it was (by the way, if you ever wondered why the street names are embedded in the San Francisco sidewalks, that’s why). How does one rebuild a life on such a monumental scale? Over months? Surrounded by thousands of other people in the same catastrophic situation?

In the children’s hospital where I spend way too much of my time, there is a sign that reads: “You don’t know how strong you can be until strong is the only choice you have.” I believe this. I’ve lived it, granted on a slightly smaller scale than the all-out destruction of a city, but nothing shows you who you really are like a major disaster. You learn things about yourself you can’t learn any other way. Hard things. Valuable things.

Nora Longstreet doesn’t realize her own inner strength until the earthquake asks more of her than she thinks she can give. Still, God works best in those kinds of desperate places. Nora learns the difference between genuine compassion and polite charity. She learns to see people in ways she’s never seen before. She learns that lines we “think” exist in the world often don’t--and that deeper lines show up in places we didn’t expect. She learns to love in the deepest, most Christ-like sense of the word.

Tragedy has a way of strengthening our ability to love. I love the image of the potter from the Bible; the pot is formed from dual pressure on both the inside and the outside of the pot. As uncomfortable as that tension feels, it is the necessary process of growth. You can’t make a pot without it. Talk to the strongest woman you know, and I guarantee you she will tell you stories of incredible strife and challenge.

Maybe that’s what fascinated me most about the 1906 San Francisco disaster. The aftermath of the soul, not the rubble of the city. I made Nora the kind of woman who would look back on her disaster as a turning point in her life, essential to the woman she became.

MISSION OF HOPE

by Allie Pleiter

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical

August 2010

ISBN#: 978-0-373-82842-5

BACK COVER COPY:

No one knows who he is or where he’s from. But witnesses throughout San Francisco report a masked man in black is bringing supplies--and badly needed hope--to homeless earthquake survivors. Some believe that the city’s gallant rescuer is a gentleman of wealth. But others whisper that he is a working class man with courage as great as his faith. And rumor has it that one of the city’s most spirited society belles is helping him against her family’s wishes. What can be confirmed is that the masked messenger will need more than a miracle to escape those on his trail--and win the woman risking everything to save him...

ONE SENTENCE BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The gallant sequel to Pleiter's San Francisco historical, "Masked by Moonlight," MISSION OF HOPE follows an unlikely hero and his surprising young love as the pair help the city heal from it's massive 1906 earthquake.

EXCERPT:

She looked right into his eyes, and Quinn felt his stomach drop out through what was left of the soles of his shoes. “You’ll probably think it’s silly, but you’ve been such an encouragement to me. Here I was thinking God had left me alone, and you do all those things—those little but very big things—that let me know He’s still minding my path. You’re an answer to my prayers, Quinn Freeman. How does that make you feel?”

He knew the exact moment his heart left his body. The exact instant it disobeyed all the good and solid reasons he had for not pining over Nora Longstreet and left to follow her of its own accord. He stared at her, knowing his affections had just overstepped all kinds of bounds and not caring. He no longer had any choice in the matter. “I’m thinking it might not be wise to answer that, Miss Longstreet.”

AUTHOR BIO:

An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, twelve novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com

Book Monday Review-Author Rhonda McKnight & An Inconvenient Friend

An Inconvenient Friend by Rhonda McKnight

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I thoroughly enjoyed An Inconvenient Friend. Though perhaps "enjoyed" isn't the right verb. AIF kept me flipping pages as quickly as I could BECAUSE I knew that Samaria Jacobs was headed for a fall. The story of a mistress who decides to get close to her lover's wife just cannot end well.

In addition to the tension of waiting for the moment of exposure and explosion, the dialogue and the characters were layered and realistic, never hitting a false note. I will not forget Samaria, her mother or the wronged wife who becomes Samaria's Inconvenient Friend.

This is a must-read book if you want something that will challenge you to read what the world looks like, feels like to a stranger to God. We often forget this and it's important to remember.

View all my reviews >>

Review-Author Deborah Raney & Almost Forever

Almost Forever by Deborah Raney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Almost Forever begins portraying a horrifying tragedy with stark reality. Then it shifts into a very believable romance of two wounded hearts. Just when we think the happy ending might be near, the heroine makes a startling, shattering realization. In spite of one "pat-feeling" plot point, I enjoyed this book and found it compelling.

View all my reviews >>

Author & Counselor Karen Tripp Relates Christine's TRUE Story

My guest today is Author and Counselor Karen Tripp. I met her in St Louis in June at the International Christian Retailers Show. We caught lunch together by serendipity! BE SURE to leave a comment, an answer to my question! Karen has offered to send an autographed copy of her book, GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU CANCER!

Here's Karen:


"In writing God is Bigger Than Your Cancer, God led me to many amazing stories of people drawing closer to Christ through their cancer struggle. Christina’s strength and bravery take my breath away.

“At age 35, with three daughters under the age of 5, my husband Stephen and I were told I had breast cancer. Following a lumpectomy, the preliminary reports said the cancer was gone. Four months later, we found out I was pregnant with our fourth child.

The doctor told me two days later that I was never cancer-free. An unseen final report had said the cancer was still there. For the health of our child, chemotherapy, radiation or a mastectomy was not an option -- neither was an abortion. Yet at 16 weeks pregnant, the tumor in my breast had grown so large, I had no choice. I had to begin chemotherapy.

Now I’m wondering if I heard God wrong when I first refused chemotherapy or when I decided not to abort my child. Despite my doubts and confusion, at 32 weeks we were miraculously blessed with a beautifully healthy son, Alex.

After ten months of coping with a mastectomy and radiation, I prepared for my last reconstructive surgery. In my pre-surgical blood work-up, they discovered I was pregnant again. Stephen and I were in total disbelief. From day one I worried about the effects of my earlier chemo treatments on this child. In quiet moments I found myself asking God to take this child. My doubts and confusion were back.

At 5 months pregnant, I woke up one morning with excruciating pain across the top of my back. My cancer had returned – this time to my bones. With that news, I just crumbled inside. I was told, with an abortion and aggressive chemotherapy, I might live 2 years.

Even though Stephen knew he could soon become a single father with 4 children, he felt adamantly against an abortion. I was frightened and felt God had left me. I pleaded and begged God to take this child so I wouldn’t have to. I wanted action, and I wanted it now. I even called an abortion clinic at one point. I thought if I could just take that pill, people would think I miscarried. But then Jesus spoke to me. “The devil wanted your son Alex, just like he wants the one in your womb.” I sobbed, knowing it was true.

I knew later it really was Jesus who spoke to me, because He totally changed my heart. Thoughts of abortion were gone. I lived each remaining day of the pregnancy with complete joy that I was pregnant.

After our healthy son Austin was delivered prematurely, my cancer battle continued. The cancer had spread. My head knew that God was in control, but I worried and acted like it all depended on me.

I finally understood that God doesn’t wait for us to do the right thing so He can make His will happen. God’s will is supreme, with or without us. We need to seek His will, but He doesn’t need us to complete His plans.
God can take everything, even our mistakes, and use them for His will. We don’t have to walk a perfect walk. When we really get it in our heart and in our head that God’s in charge, it takes the pressure off of us.

Alex is now 4 and Austin is 2. My doctors said I was supposed to be dead over a year ago. I’m not cancer-free and I’m trying to make the best decisions I can. It’s easier now because I have given control to God. I know He can use me, even in the midst of my mistakes.” Summarized from God is Bigger Than Your Cancer.
http://Godisbiggerthan.com

5. http://ktripp.com/blog

6. Christina’s rest of the story is at http://Godisbiggerthan.com/cancer-rest-of-the-stories/

Lyn here: That story puts all my "troubles" into perspective. How about you? What would you say to Christine?

First Page-An Eye for An Eye-Author Irene Hannon

AN EYE FOR AN EYE by Irene Hannon (RITA finalist)

Book 2—Heroes of Quantico

Chapter 1

His quarry was late.

Very late.

Shading his eyes, the man scanned the deserted jogging path and shifted the rifle cradled in his arms. He couldn’t linger much longer without risking detection. In the past couple of hours he’d already seen a few too many runners and dog walkers, despite the oppressive August heat. But no one had yet ventured anywhere near his concealed position in the woods at the edge of the park.

After studying his quarry’s habits, he’d chosen the time and place with care. And he’d walked through the exercise dozens of times in his mind. Park behind the First Congregational Church, unoccupied on this sultry St. Louis Saturday. Leave the car at the far end of the isolated parking lot, next to the woods that separated church property from the park. Cut through the dense thicket. Wait for his target. Take his shot. Return to the car, slide the rifle back inside the weed-eater box on the back seat. Drive home. Dispose of the gun.

He stroked the sleek steel barrel, the taste of regret sharp on his tongue. He hated the thought of destroying his favorite hunting rifle. But hanging onto it once this job was finished would be too dangerous. His only consolation was that it would end its life doing God’s work.

Shifting his position, he lifted his arm and wipe the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his dark green shirt. Then he turned to scan the empty church parking lot, barely visible through the shrubby undergrowth beneath the trees. He hadn’t sought out a house of God as his staging area, but it was fitting. For he was here to follow a directive from the Good Book. To claim an eye for an eye.

www.irenehannon.com

Author Rhonda McKnight and An Inconvenient Perfection

Today's guest is Author Rhonda McKnight who shares her experience with her special son. Here's Rhonda:

"Parents want their children to be perfect. That’s why women obtain prenatal care, eat right, and take advantage of those special parking spaces. I was no different. When my little one arrived, I waited with baited breath until our pediatrician announced, “He’s perfect.” And life was good, until about age two. I noticed conversational speech wasn’t what it should be. There were sensory issues and other, little things. I took my concerns to his doctor and then it began, our entrance into a world that was not so perfect, one where there was a diagnosis of "persuasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified. PDD-NOS"

PDD-NOS, I cannot describe the weight of those letters. I vacillated between being super-mommy for my son and feeling sorry for myself. I cried every night for weeks until God whispered, “It’s okay. He’s still perfect. He’s just different.” I heard God, but I determined “different” was not okay. Different is inconvenient in a homogeneous society.

In my novel, An Inconvenient Friend, Angelina Preston, is challenged to mentor Samaria Jacobs, a woman who is unsaved, inappropriately dressed and, dare I say, un-churched. The other women in the ministry don’t want Samaria there. Her makeup and short skirts are unwelcome. “Same” is comfortable, so like Angelina, I struggled with where that left me when God had decided to introduce the word different in my life and was “God-like” silent when I ask why?

I began an in-depth study of PPD-NOS. After which, I resolved that some learning disabilities are the result of illness that I surely wish could be cured, but PPD-NOS is not a sickness that I could lay hands on. He will learn with therapy. And accommodations have to be made for things he does differently, as was the case with Angelina and Samaria’s relationship. Angelina had to dig deeper into the Bible to reach the young woman who she thought was looking for God.

Angelina was poised for the task in front of her. Not so with me. At the onset, it was overwhelming, but I now see my life has always been filled with differences. I was the one in high school who had friends of various races. I supervised a twenty person team of non-citizens from fifteen different countries. I completed my graduate work in the area of diversity. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about differences, accepting and embracing them; that to expect and want everyone to be the same was narrowed minded to the point of ignorance. Had this attitude and my studies been preparation for parenting a special needs child? Had it been the reason I incorporated that thread into my novel? God answered, “Yes.”

So while I may not know the answer to the “why” of our new reality, I do know the “how”. My life is not exactly as I imagined it would be, but I’ve accepted that the “difference” is okay and I’m the right mother for the job. Will it be the same for the characters in my novel or will the “differences” be too inconvenient?"

Novelist Rhonda McKnight is the author of two novels, An Inconvenient Friend (August 2010), Secrets and Lies.( December 2009) and a contributor to an independently published project titled, A Woman’s Revenge (June 2010). She is the owner of www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction and Legacy Editing, a free-lance service for fiction writers.

Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years. She has two sons, one entering college and the other beginning preschool. Her website is www.rhondamcknight.net