OCT 06 AUTHOR INTRO: Janice Thompson

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Janice Thompson: Hi readers! This is Janice Thompson from the Houston area. I've been writing for the Christian market for about ten years now, and love what I do! I'm the mother of four girls (we'll talk more about them in a bit). Many of my story ideas come from real-life experiences. To date, I've written nearly a dozen novels and a couple of non-fiction books. To learn more about me (and my book projects), feel free to visit my website at www.janiceathompson.com

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?


THOMPSON: I'm so excited about my first ever cozy mystery THE WEDDING CAPER (Barbour Publishing). Here's a blurb about the book:

When a $25,000 night deposit mysteriously disappears from the Clark County Savings and Loan, Annie Peterson has reason to be concerned and to assume the role of amateur sleuth. Her husband’s job at the bank makes him a potential suspect, but knowing him to be a godly man, she can’t imagine it. Then again, there is that matter of the weddings to factor in. Twin daughters Brandi and Candy have just received proposals and two weddings are pending. Sure, Warren occasionally jokes about robbing the bank to pay for the ceremonies, but Annie knows him better than that, doesn’t she?

Just about the time Annie thinks she can wriggle Warren off the suspect hook, he mysteriously shows up with enough cash to cover the cost of both weddings. Annie dives into the investigation and the suspects pile up. One by one they fall, leaving her with only one logical choice. Who will it be a somber-faced loan officer, a security guard with a shady past, a drifter with local ties or the man she loves?

See Ya On The Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

THOMPSON: Annie Peterson is an "average" mother and wife. She's "called" into the adventurous life of a super-sleuth quite accidentally. I can relate to Annie on so many levels! I'm more like her than I dare confess. She's trying to balance her workload of editing, wedding planning and crime-solving. I'm trying to balance my roles as author, speaker, wedding planner and mom. It's a lot, but I'm having a blast! I told you I'd get back to talking about my daughters, and the time has come! In 2004, two of my daughters (not twins, thankfully) received proposals within weeks of each other. My oldest (Randi) was married in February in a lovely Valentine's celebration. My second-oldest (Courtney) was married five months later, in June. The weddings - which I coordinated - were amazing! Since them, I've coordinated weddings for several others. And, I'm happy to announce, my third daughter (Megan) has just received a proposal of marriage, so we're in wedding-planning mode again! I also want to add (as a side note) that my dachshund (Sasha) makes several appearances in the book. The publisher was so excited that they actually put Sasha on the cover!

See Ya On The Net: How are you marketing your book and what are your thoughts about the importance of marketing for authors?

THOMPSON: I'm a huge believer in marketing, and I'm pulling out all the stops for this one! Barbour has hired a marketing firm to help promote the book, but I'm not letting that stop me from getting the word out. One of the coolest ideas I've come up with thus-far is my podcast, which can be found athttp://web.mac.com/maczach2/iWeb/Janice%20Blog/Podcast.html. At this site, readers can hear me talking about the book, and can even see photos of my real-life family! Another really fun idea just came about today, in fact! Annie Peterson (my heroine/super-sleuth) learns how to become a crime fighter by taking online classes at www.investigativeskills.com (this is all in the book). Anyway, the site didn't really exist - until today! I got to thinking, "How fun would it be for readers - curious after reading the book - to visit the site, only to learn that it's Annie Peterson's "real" site! I'll add more to it as time goes by, but I've laid the foundation, and it's been a blast! All of these things are linked to my personal website: www.janiceathompson.com and my newsletter (on my website). If your readers are interested in signing up for my newsletter, they can send me an email at booksbyjanice@aol.com.

See Ya On The Net: What advice would you offer on learning the craft of writing?

THOMPSON: I hardly know where to start! I guess the first thing would be to stay on a "forever" learning curve. Take as many courses (online or in person) as you can. I would also suggest creative writing exercises - to keep your ideas flowing. If your readers are ever in need of ideas, I have a ton of them! (I used to teach creative writing at a Christian school of the arts.) Go to conferences - and when you get there, take advantage of the opportunity to meet with editors and agents one-on-one. Overcome any fears you might have and realize that everyone there is just as nervous as you are! Be willing to accept critique - don't be easily offended. And remember that you are growing daily as a writer. Each day is a new day - and each word you write is a new word. Most of all (above anything you can do in the natural) stay tuned in to God for a fresh "word" from Him. He will keep your writing on-target.

See Ya On The Net: What writing business advice would you offer other writers?

THOMPSON: Don't necessarily buy into the trends. Just because publishing houses aren't buying historical fiction today (just an example) doesn't mean they won't be tomorrow. So don't toss your God-ordained ideas just because something doesn't seem to be selling.

See Ya On The Net: Name your top five writing books of all time.

THOMPSON: Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
All Quiet on the Western Front (Enrique Remarque)
The Pearl (John Steinbeck)
Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers)
At the Scent of Water (Linda Nichols)

See Ya On The Net: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

THOMPSON: Coldwater Revival (Nancy Jo Jenkins)

See Ya On The Net: What resources do you use on the net?

THOMPSON: I guess I'd probably have to say research sites are my number one hit. Well, after www.mydevotion.com, that is. I use the online Bible (with its various versions) constantly. I also take advantage of stock photography and other graphics from the web for the sites I build.
See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

THOMPSON: booksbyjanice@aol.com
www.janiceathompson.com
www.thewriteheart.com (I'm taking submissions for this monthly ministry e-zine)
www.outthereauthorservices.com

Halloween Party

Each year the business park has its annual Halloween party for the tenants.

They gave out door prizes and have the best costume contest. This year I entered.

I was Ms. Smartie Pants. No I didn’t win.

Part of the event is we participate in the trick or treating for the day care kids across the street. They come in and sing a song we give them a bag of goodies.

This year they thought I was the treat. These little children tried to attack me and take my smarties, it was too funny. I kept telling them, “I’m not the treat.” One little girl was bold enough to snatch one off. That made not winning worth it. LOL!

This is a closer picture, couldn't get it to rotate. If you know how to rotate, please tell me.

GO CRAZY FOLKS, GO CRAZY FOLKS

The St. Louis Cardinals are the 2006 World Champions


WAY TO GO CARDS!

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Jerome Teel

Jerome Teel

Jerome is a graduate of Union University and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is a full time Attorney and is actively involved with his church, community, and coaching youth sports.

He and his wife Jennifer reside in Tennessee with their three children. This is his debut novel about faith and politics.





THE ELECTION

They seek ultimate power.

Nothing can stand in their way.

Ed Burke has waited a lifetime to become president of the United States. He's not about to let his nemesis, Mac Foster, stop him now...especially when he's sold his soul for the Oval Office.

Claudia Duval has lived a rough life. And finally, things have turned around for her after meeting the wealthy Hudson Kinney. But is all what it seems?

When a prominent citizen is murdered in Jackson, Tennessee, attorney Jake Reed doesn't want to know the truth. He just wants to get his client off. But as he investigates, he uncovers a sinister scheme. A scheme that would undermine the very democracy of America...and the freedom of the entire world.

Visit Jerome at: http://www.jerometeel.com/

Answered Prayers

Sunday night, my son comes down stairs near tears. A centipede was crawling on his cover, freaked him out. Since I didn't want to tackle those stairs I told him to bring his blanket down stairs. We shook the blanket out, but he still didn’t feel comfortable going back to his room.

I told him let's pray about it. The Lord will keep him safe. I said a quick prayer and he went upstairs.

The next afternoon, he comes to me and said, “It worked Mama,” I’m lost of course, so I say, “What worked honey?” "The prayer, God kept me safe. The centipede didn’t come back.”

I said, “Of course, God will always keep you safe.”

Don’t you just love it when God answers your prayers?

Keep on praying, he’s listening.

AUTHOR INTRO: Karen H. Whiting

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Karen H. Whiting: I’m a mother of five and also a grandmother. I still have one teen son at home. I never wanted to write. My degree is math and I enjoy numbers and puzzles! Many people urged me to write about what I did with my children and as a mom. After much prayer I decided to try it. That was 12 years and ten books ago. I can’t get ideas out of my mind until I write them down!

I enjoy family, love children, and like to knit, bicycle ride (on a tandem with my husband), horseback ride, and entertaining. I’ve spoken as far away as Malaysia.



See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?

WHITING: My newest book is Secrets of Success for Women: Time. It offers inspiration, practical tips, and creative solutions for women drowning in busyness and chaos. It is compact and is a gift book, too, with beautiful color photos and graphics.

The time principles are drawn from Genesis 1, the most productive week in history. The book came after my own struggle with over-commitment! When I speak I share the hilarious stories of my time bloopers!

See Ya On The Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

WHITING: A sense that they can make better choices and reduce stress in life to allow them to spend more time in what they are truly called to do in relationships and ministry.

See Ya On The Net: What led you to the idea of writing this book, and then to the actual writing of it?

WHITING: My daughters starting having families and wanted help with time management, and I realized lots of women needed some of the same tips. I wanted to offer a compact book for busy women who don’t have time to read a big book!

See Ya On The Net: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

WHITING: On the positive side, it’s a great outlet for creative ideas and I’ve meet many wonderful people as a writer and speaker. My mind is always popping with new thoughts and this is a great way to share them.

On the down side, it’s hard work and not glamorous. People seem to think I’m rich from writing books so I can speak for free (not even gas money). I do like speaking but it takes time from writing and the writing pays very little.

See Ya On The Net: How are you marketing your book and what are your thoughts about the importance of marketing for authors?

WHITING: I’ve done lots of radio interviews, speaking, articles, and anything I can do to get the word out. This is my second blog interview.

My best selling books simply spread by word of mouth and did not have a lot of competition in the market place. It’s very important to promote your books because the shelves are crowded with lots of choices.

If you like a book, do tell others about it. If you find a Christian book makes a difference in your life, share the book as it is a way to share your faith!

See Ya On The Net: Name your top five favorite writing books of all time.

WHITING: Christian Writing and Speaking edited by Susan Titus Osborn (the first writing book I read. It helped me understand what to do).

Feminine Wiles by Donna Elizabeth Boetig taught me tons about writing for women

Websters Dictionary and Thesaurus-my handy tool for finding new words that has it all in one!

Sally Stuart’s Christian Writer’s Market Guide-lets me know who is publishing what & gives tips of their needs.

100 Plus Motivational Moments for Writers and Speakers compiled by Donna Goodrich, Mary Lou Kingler, and Jan Potter—infuses me with inspiration and reminds me I’m not alone in my writing experiences!

See Ya On The Net: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

WHITING: Fiction:Debra White Smith’s Reason and Romance

Nonfiction: Conversation Peace by Mary A Kassian

See Ya On The Net: What resources do you use on the net?

WHITING: Dogpile for my search engine as it brings up the top and closest matches.

Amazon to scope out the competition.

I look for actual research studies, not just places that quote figures-I try and find the source of the facts.

Visit Karen at: www.secretsofsuccessforwomen.com

www.karenhwhiting.com

We're Going To The World Series

Don't tell me God doesn't answers prayers.

My boys are going to the World Series.

GO CARD! GO CARDS! GO CARDS!

Go Cards!

I’m sure you know I’m a huge Albert Pujols fan. I’m sending up a prayer tonight they win the pendant. Its time we had another World Series here in St. Louis.

I’ve been glued to the t.v. all this week watching the game, praying for my boys, cheering and screaming.

Baseball is one of those games, you don’t know what’s going to happen. One minute it can be 0-0 and the next ending they can score five runs.

I would love to attend the World Series, but I know I’ll have to settle for the big screen in my den instead. That’s OK, I’ll still be screaming for my boys.

Go Cards!

CFBA - Author Intro: Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are nearly 5 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including more than two million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 30 novels, nine of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen earned her degree in journalism in 1986 and worked as a sports writer for the Los Angeles Times and the LA Daily News. She went on to write general assignment front-page stories for the Daily News. Her first book was based on a murder story she covered in Los Angeles. She made the transition to inspirational fiction in 1998.

A popular speaker at women’s groups around the country, Karen spends her spare time writing songs with several chart-topping Nashville stars and corresponding with readers via her email (rtnbykk@aol.com) and her website (www.karenkingsbury.com). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their six children, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. They celebrate their faith daily by laughing, loving and living life to the fullest.



Like Dandelion Dust

Jack and Molly Campbell enjoyed an idyllic life in their small hometown outside Atlanta with their adopted 4-year-old, Joey. Then they receive the phone call that shatters their world: a social worker delivers the news that Joeys biological father has been released from prison and is ready to start life overbut with his son. When a judge rules that Joey must be returned to his father, the Campbells, in a silent haze of grief and utter disbelief, watch their son pick a dandelion and blow the feathery seeds into the wind. Struggling with the dilemma of following the law, their hearts, and what they know to be morally right, the Campbells find that desperation leads to dangerous thoughts. What if they can devise a plan? Take Joey and simply disappear....LIKE DANDELION DUST.

Visit Karen at: http://www.karenkingsbury.com

Author Intro: Lyn Cote

Lyn Cote: I'm an empty nester with two grown children. My husband and I will celebrate our 32 anniversary this week (I was only 10 when we married. ) I love to write light contemporary romance, contemporary romantic suspense, but my true love is writing historical family sagas.



LEIGH
Linda Leigh Sinclair is born in the aftermath of WW II. Raised near Ivy Manor, enveloped in the love of her family, Leigh has everything she could possibly need—but not everything she wants. Her overwhelming need for freedom for herself and for others leads her into the modern civil rights movement.

At eighteen, Leigh watches the powers that be collide with the radical causes of the 1960's. Choosing the dangerous path of a journalist, Leigh witnesses and writes about the protests and riots against segregation and the war in Vietnam. While caught up in the winds of change, she falls in love. Joy turns to pain when Leigh discovers that some men lie.

To survive, Leigh must mature quickly and call on God’s forgiveness and power.
Will she become the strong and capable woman
her child—and the world—needs?


Visit Lyn at: www.LynCote.net

Flashbacks

When I was a teenager my middle sister hosted her annual slumber/birthday parties. They usually consisted of about 15 girls, friends and family members. We were up all night eating pizza and popcorn and talking about our favorite subject, boys.

The last weekend of September, we began the tradition again with my daughter. For her 9th birthday she wanted to have a slumber party. I stupidly agreed to 15 girls. I was thinking they all wouldn’t show up. The week of the party we’d only received three RSVPs, but I knew we’d probably hear from more by the day of the party. What is it with RSVP? Do we forget what the words mean?

My daughter likes Hello Kitty, so we used that as her party decorations and decided on a movie night as her theme. I rented a couple of movies, bought movies snacks, hotdogs, popcorn and tons of candy. My daughter wanted nachos, I was like no way.

The night of the party 11 girls showed up. Or should I say screaming girls. (I’d completely forgotten about the screaming)

The trampoline in the yard kept them entertain for a while, then they bum rushed the house and the real party began. While they changed into their pajamas, I started the hotdogs. I figured they would eat and settle down. (OK I was in complete denial, 11 screaming girls, settle down, yeah right)

They played a game of twister. These little girls were serious about winning. It was too funny they way they twisted their bodies. After the game I fed them which increased their energy, so they played a game of Scene It. This was noisy game too because you have to shout out the answers.

I finally convinced them to watch a movie. While they were watching the movie I snuck up to my bedroom to chat with my hubby. I moaned, “When are they going to sleep?” He laughed, “LaShaunda its only 10 o’clock.” “Oh no! Why does it feel later?”

This pregnant body wasn’t up for a slumber party. I had a flashback of sitting up talking all night. Ah man these girls would never go to sleep.

I think the best part of the party was my son announcing to me in the kitchen, while I fixed plates, “this is my house too and I’m not leaving.” This six year old decided his sister’s rule of him staying upstairs during the party wasn’t going to work for him. Through out the party he was right there checking everything out.

The girls had their talk about who likes who. I pretended to be watching the movie, while easedropping. My daughter glances over at me before saying, "I don't like anybody." I'm sure she does but since Mommy is in the room, I'm not confessing. I still like to believe she's not into boys. She's only 9.

Would you believe they even sang God Bless America at the top of their lungs. Its a song they're learning at school. I guess it beats Laffy Taffy (believe you don't want to know what that song says)

The girls finally passed out about 2 am. I slept for a little while, when I heard my niece wake up. It was 7:30. They thought it was time to start all over again. I set up the breakfast of cereal, fruit and yogurt and prayed for their parents to be on time.

We watched another movie, after the movie the trampoline called to them. They jumped on it until their parents came.

I survived the slumber party. I smiled to myself because I knew this was just the beginning of an old tradition. I’m sure one day my daughter will look back her slumber parties and remember all the good times. For that it was all worth it.

What traditions have you started with your children?

CFBA - Author Intro: Alison Strobel

Alison Strobel

I've had three dreams since I was a kid: to be a singer, to be a teacher, and to be a writer. You won't see me on American Idol any time soon, but the other two have, miraculously, come true.

Born and raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois, I started writing stories in the first grade and just never stopped. When it came to higher education, however, I went with the safe choice of an education major, which I pursued at the University of Illinois. Upon my 1999 graduation, I took a job that had nothing to do with writing or teaching—administration with the Axis ministry at Willow Creek Community Church—then moved a year later to California.

It was there that I began teaching and writing seriously. Shortly after relocating I began writing “Worlds Collide,” and in 2002 signed a two-book contract with Waterbrook Press, an imprint of Random House. I left teaching after my third year in order to pursue writing full-time, and saw that career launch with the release of my first novel in March of 2005. My second novel, “Violette Between,” will be released in may 2006, and my hope is that a new book will follow every year from now on.

Now if I could just get myself a record deal…


Violette Between

Between here and the past, there lies a place…
…a place of longing for what has been rather than hoping for what could be.

A true artist, Violette is passionate and emotional. Climbing back into life after suffering a loss, she teeters on the precipice of a new relationship with Christian, a psychologist who not only understands her struggles but offers safety and his heart.

As Violette and Christian begin to feel something they both thought impossible, tragedy strikes again. Violette becomes trapped in a place of past memories–and she finds that she may not.

Visit Alison at: http://alisonstrobel.com/

New Organization for Black Fiction Writers

This new organization is open to FICTION writers, no matter what genres you write. We’re just getting started. If dues are a problem for you, then you want to be able to speak up now than wait until the dues are set. Do you want a group that will offer workshops online and off. Then this is the time to make your voice heard.

I truly believe if we come together collectively we can make a difference and help each other.

http://monicajackson.com/blackwriters.html

CFBA - Author Intro: Ginger Garrett

Ginger Garrett is an acclaimed novelist and expert in ancient women's history.

Her first novel, Chosen, was recognized as one of the best five novels of the year by the Christian publishing industry. Ginger enjoys a diverse reader base and creates conversation between cultures.

In addition to her 2006 and 2007 novels about the most evil women in biblical history, she will release Beauty Secrets of the Bible (published by Thomas Nelson) in Summer 2007.

Dark Hour


From the back cover:

God promised the Serpent a war with Woman, and was She ever ready.

One of the darkest and bloodiest stories of all time comes not from a medieval battlefield, but from inside one of the most opulent palaces ever built. The strategies come not from men eager to extend their influence, but from women bent on exercising their wit and prowess in a kingdom not their own. The only rule is that there are no rules. Treason and murder are fair game, marriage is meaningless, children are the enemy, and the days of the house of David are numbered. Unless one woman can find the strength to defeat them all.

Visit Ginger at: http://www.gingergarrett.com/

OCT06 Author Intro: Margaret Daley

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Margaret Daley: I have been writing for twenty-eight years. I sold my first book to Silhouette Romance in 1981. Since then I have sold forty-nine more books. I am currently writing for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense.

When I’m not writing, I teach high school special education. I love to teach and have really enjoyed working with teenagers. I also enjoy reading and going to lunch and a movie with a friend.

I have been married to my husband for thirty-six years and we have one son who recently married. As a family we have enjoyed traveling to different places all over the world. It’s hard to pick one favorite place I’ve been.

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?

DALEY: My current book is Tidings of Joy, my fifth and last book in the Ladies of Sweetwater Lake. This is the blurb on the back of the book:

He came to Sweetwater to repay a debt. Chance Taylor didn’t expect to have feelings for his new landlady, Tanya Bolton. He could see newly widowed Tanya had worked hard to put the pieces of her world back together, caring for her wheelchair-bound daughter and taking a job at the local bank.

Chance’s arrival interrupted Tanya’s routine...and brought unexpected happiness to her life. But the secret obligation he struggled with meant Chance could lose Tanya--and his chance for a fresh start--forever.

See Ya On The Net: What would I like my readers to take away from the book?

DALEY: The importance of second chances. Both Tanya and Chance get one and almost lose it. We can start over and we shouldn’t be afraid to when we need to.

See Ya On The Net: What led you to the idea of writing this book, and then to the actual writing of it?

DALEY: The character of Tanya was in the first four books of the series and she kept growing throughout the other stories. She has had to deal with a lot in her life, but with Chance she finds she can actually help another hurting more than she.

See Ya On The Net: How are you marketing your book and what are your thoughts about the importance of marketing for authors?

DALEY: I think we have to promote our books. I have a web site and a blog which I think is important for a writer. I also participate in the Steeple Hill boards at eHarlequin web site. But the most important thing is to write the best book possible. Hopefully your story speaks for you.

See Ya On The Net: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

DALEY: That we get rich writing for a living. Yes, there are some who do but the majority of writers don’t.

See Ya On The Net: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

DALEY: James Rollins’ Black Order--I love his adventure/suspense books.

See Ya On The Net: What resources do you use on the net?

DALEY: Whatever I need. I usually google a topic and search for resources that way. It will depend on what I need to research. Also, the writers on ACFW, FHL and KOD’s loops are wonderful as a resource.

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you?

DALEY: My e-mail is Mdaley50@aol.com.
My web site is www.margaretdaley.com

My address is P.O. Box 2074, Tulsa, OK 74101.