family pictures

CFBA Author Intro: Linda Windsor

Linda, a native of Maryland's Eastern Shore, is the author of eighteen historical novels and nine contemporary romances for both the secular and Christian market. A Christy Award finalist, Linda has received numerous awards in both the ABA and CBA, including the Romantic Writers of America's Beacon Award. She lives in Salisbury, Maryland. Learn more!







WEDDING BELL BLUES

Wedding Bell Blues is the first in a new series, The Piper Cove Chronicles, that follows four women who grew up as best friends in a small community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. They have returned home from their successes and failures at college and life, determined to pursue their dreams in the town they'd once vowed to leave in the dust. True love has eluded the four friends until one by one they encounter their soul mate. Next in the series is FOR PETE'S SAKE, on sale from Avon Inspire in April 2008.

Alex Butler is a successful home decorator who hopes she has finally gotten her life together. But when Josh Turner, the man who ran away and broke her heart sixteen years ago, returns to Piper Cove to be the best man in her sister's wedding, Alex can't escape the butterflies in her stomach. But Alex has no time for distractions. Her family has enlisted her to make this the wedding of the century. To pull the event off, she pools the talents of her three best friends - Jan, who creates desserts to-die-for will help with the cake and catering, tomboy Ellen, who works at a landscaping business will handle the flowers and decorations, and Sue Ann, who can…well, Suzie Q can give Alex a much-needed reality check in the course of the wedding planning chaos.

But fate won't be stopped in this small town as Alex and Josh keep running into each other at every turn. When sparks fly, Alex soon finds herself caught in a paralyzing battle of the heart between her old-fashioned Southern father, who fiercely resents Josh for breaking his little girl's heart, and her feelings for the one man she ever truly loved.

As the wedding approaches, the Butler family faces a threat to their reputation that will shake this Chesapeake clan to their very core. In the midst of it all, can Alex and Josh resist the many forces that seem to be drawing them together?

Read an excerpt

CFBA Author Intro: Chuck Holton

Chuck served four years in the Elite 75th Ranger Regiment–the same unit profiled in the movie “Black Hawk Down.” Chuck saw combat in Panama in 1989. After leaving active duty, Chuck flew helicopters in the Wisconsin National Guard while attending the University of Wisconsin.

In 2004, after ten years as a stockbroker, Chuck left that profession to pursue full-time writing. At the same time, he began working as the "Adventure Correspondent" for CBN.

He is the author of five books, including A More Elite Soldier, Bulletproof, and
Allah's Fire, the first of three books in the Task Force Valor series.

Today, Chuck, Connie, and their five children live on a farm in Appalachia, where Chuck now pursues his varied interests of farming, writing, adventure travel and public speaking, among other things.


ISLAND INFERNO


TASK FORCE VALOR


EXPLOSIVE ORDINANCE DISPOSAL--THE BOMB SQUAD


As the global war on terror heats up, the U.S. deploys a team of highly trained special operators overseas to locate and neutralize threats, bringing EOD expertise to dangerous missions that have no room for error.

A DEADLY EXPLOSION
A new specialty explosive is on the black market: ITEB looks like water, but when it's exposed to air, the effects are lethal! The United States government is frantic to keep it from our shores. Staff Sergeant Euripides "Rip" Rubio knows how destructive ITEB can be. He has already risked his life to thwart a horrific terrorist plot involving the chemical. Now Task Force Valor heads to Panama, on the trail of an arms dealer who plans to use ITEB to make a killing...literally.

AN ADVENTURE ABROAD
Fernanda Lerida is a University of Florida grad student who jumps at the chance to join a biological expedition to a mysterious former prison island. But the snakes, bugs, and crocodiles are soon the least of her worries as the group stumbles upon something they were not meant to see. To Make matters worse, Fernanda soon finds herself alone and being pursued by an unseen foe.

A RISKY RESCUE
When Rip's path collides with Fernanda's, they find themselves caught in the midst of a brutal turf war. Can they use the chaos to their advantage, or will one false step set the entire island ablaze?


"Island Inferno is a boy-meets-girl story. But in Chuck Holton's world, boy meets girl in the middle of a jungle at 25mph. hanging under a parachute with an assault rifle strapped across his chest. You'd better plan on reading this in one sitting. And once you're done, you'd better give yourself time for your pulse to calm down."
----TOM MORRISEY, Author of Deep Blue, and Dark Fathom

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Jerome Teel

Jerome Teel is a graduate of Union University, where he received his JD, cum laude, from the Ole Miss School of Law. He is actively involved in his church, local charities, and youth sports.

He has always loved legal-suspense novels and is a political junkie. He is also the author of The Election, another political thriller that we reviewed November of '06.

Jerome and his wife, Jennifer, have three children...Brittney, Trey, and Matthew...and they reside in Tennessee where he practices law and is at work on a new novel.


THE DIVINE APPOINTMENT

"They aren't hiding just one something, but a bunch of somethings..."


Small town southern lawyer, Elijah Faulkner is a dying breed...an attorney that actually takes pleasure in fighting injustice by working hard for the little guy. But when he takes on a case to defend a philandering doctor with a pregnant wife in a seemingly open-and-shut murder trial, Eli is not so sure he is on the 'right' side.

Back in Washington D.C., supreme Court Justice Martha Robinson has died, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for conservative President Richard Wallace to impact the direction of the highest court in the land. He believes God put him in the presidency for just such a time as this...to make a Divine Appointment. Not everyone is thrilled with the president's nominee, however. And some will stop at nothing, including murder, to prevent his confirmation by the Senate.

A lobbyist with a vendetta, a small-time Mafioso, an investigative reporter with a Watergate complex, and a powerful Washington political machine combine to create a fast-paced suspense novel that explores the anatomy of a murder, and the ripple effect that it creates across the country.


"Jerome Teel has crafted an intriguing political thriller...nice twists and turns to keep you reading. he paints vivid mental pictures that bring characters and locales to life."--Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee's 7th District

Are You Reading?

I’m surprised by how many writers I interview who say they don’t read anymore, they don’t have the time.

I say you have to make time to read. It helps you grow as a writer. I know being on a deadline, keeps you pretty busy. However if you’re only reading your work, how will you grow? How will you challenge yourself to be even better with each book?

Competition makes you up your game. If you’re not reading you have no way of knowing what’s on the market. You have no way of knowing what the readers are reading.

Read something at least once a month. Make time to see what’s happening around you.

I try to read something new once a month, if it’s not a book, then it’s a magazine or excerpts of novels. I like to see what the publishers and readers are buying. It keeps me fresh.

One of the reason I like being a part of the CFBA is a chance to get introduced to new writers. If I wasn’t a part of the alliance, I probably would never hear about these books.

Write What You Know

I’ve been thinking a lot about my military career. Many ask me why I don’t write stories about the military. The old Shaun could write some dirt based on my career in the Navy. But the Christian Shaun hasn’t been able to come up with a story, seen from those same eyes.

I wasn’t a Christian in the Navy and some of the stuff I did, I’m glad only the Lord knows about them LOL.

So I’ve been wondering could I write stories with a Christian viewpoint about the military.

A few stories are circling in my head right now, its just a matter of time before I pick up the pen.

They say write what you know, maybe its about time I do.

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is a member of the CFBA. Her blog, Artistic Blogger, addresses issues about art, art theft, antiquities preservation, and the art of fiction writing. She takes art seriously - when she's not having fun with it, that is. The To Catch a Thief Series combines her love of the written word with her love of other art forms.

The first in the series was Reluctant Burgular , second is Reluctant Runaway. In January 2008, she will reveal the third book, Reluctant Smuggler. Jill is thrilled if the adventures that spill from her imagination can raise awareness about art theft - deemed "a looming criminal enterprise" by the FBI. Jill and her husband, Doug, have four children and live in Minnesota.

RELUCTANT RUNAWAY


Stolen Indian artifacts...A murdered museum guard…

A missing woman…A baby in danger…

Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all.

Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs doesn’t mean to get in danger’s path. Really she doesn’t. But when a friend is in trouble you don’t just walk away. No matter what your overprotective FBI agent boyfriend says! So when Desi and Tony’s date at a presidential ball is interrupted by a frantic Maxine Webb, Desi doesn’t hesitate to jump in.

Soon Desi is neck-deep in a confusing array of villains. Did Max’s niece run away or was she taken? Is she still alive or the victim of a perverse ritual? And who wants her infant son–and why?

Then Tony’s organized crime case collides with Desi’s investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood...

From the streets of Desi’s beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces–and save a young woman and her baby from a villain more evil than any of them can imagine.


"A fresh voice, strong heroine, and unique plot make Reluctant Runaway a can't-put-down read. Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an author to watch in the realm of romantic suspense!"

----SUSAN MAY WARREN award-winning author of In Sheep's Clothing

CFBA Author Intro: Nikki Arana

Nikki Arana is an award-winning author of highly-acclaimed inspirational women's fiction who weaves today's social, political, and spiritual issues into her novels. She has received numerous awards, including the Excellence in Media 2007 Silver Angel Award for The Winds of Sonoma.

The book was based on the true love story of how Nikki met her future husband Antonio as he was cleaning the stalls of her parents' Arabian horses. Nikki and Antonio have been married for over thirty years, have two grown sons, and live in Idaho.

AS I HAVE LOVED YOU



Contemporary Struggles...

...A Single Mom and College-Ages Son.

Leigh Scott is a widowed, single mother who wants the best for her son Jeff. She would like him to graduate from college, land a secure job, and start a family. However, Jeff, who was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at a young age, has a God-given compassion for people. And his non-judgemental acceptance of all has unintended consequences.

Jeff starts dating Jessica, a girl with a questionable past and seemingly non-existent future. Soon, Jeff's grades drop as quickly as his sober determination to achieve the goals he's worked toward all his life, and Leigh finds herself caught ina relational tornado.

To complicate matters further, Leigh is an author with a looming book deadline, a father battling cancer, and her former boyfriend and first love, a strong Christian Native American, coming back in her life.

Arana weaves a multi-layered, emotional family saga that brings the peril of judgement, the need for forgiveness and the gift of love to light

"Nikki Arana wrings the heart and exalts the soul."
---Romantic Times

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is the author of many books. Her current release, Viva NashVegas is the second in a series which began with Lost in NashVegas. She is also a Blogger and a CFBA member! She lives in Florida with her husband. Visit her great profile and learn more.



VIVA NASH VEGAS:

Even if you are not a lover of country music, you can enjoy this fun look at the Nashville entertainment industry.

What do you do when the past you’ve been skirting shows up at your door with cameras rolling?

Aubrey James ruled the charts as the queen of country for over a decade. She’d rocketed to fame in the shadow of her parents’ death-both of them pioneers in Gospel music. But while her public life, high profile romances, and fights with Music Row execs made for juicy tabloid headlines, the real and private Aubrey has remained a media mystery.

When a former band member betrays Aubrey’s trust and sells an "exclusive" to a tabloid, the star knows she must go public with her story. But Aubrey’s private world is rocked when the Inside NashVegas interviewer is someone from her past-someone she’d hoped to forget.

All the moxie in the world won’t let this Diva run any longer.


"Hauck once again takes us into the country music world, this time through the experiences of mega-star Aubrey James. Aubrey's life journey is filled with flaws, as well as a great deal of joy, and real life locales makes this highly original story authentic. The extra tidbits - from Aubrey's liner notes to quotes from the "media" at the beginning of the chapters - add extra sparkle to the plot."

- 4 Stars, Melissa Parcel, Romantic Times Book Club

Jane Orcutt's novel All The Tea In China is now available!!!

Please pick up a copy of this book.

All royalties for the book will go to support Jane's family- her husband and two teenage boys.

Visit Jane's website for more information and to read an excerpt.

http://www.janeorcuttbooks.com

Thank You God

I ended the month of May with a death of the friend, and I begin the month of June with the death of another friend.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! -1 Chronicles 16:34

This reminds me to be thankful for God is good. I’m here today breathing with no health issues that I know of. My mother is doing great. My new baby is happy, content and fat. My family is happy.

This week I’ve been in procrastination mold, reading everything instead of writing. I’m thankful because I get another day to procrastinate. I’m thankful because yesterday while driving an idea came to me about another book. I quickly jotted it down on the back of a Mc Donald’s receipt. Thank God for red lights or I would have forgotten about it as I drove home.

Thank God for the writers, who inspire me everyday, like Beverly Jenkins. I started her new historical and I come up with a dozen ideas. So yes I’m still procrastinating, but the mind is working behind scenes, and I thank God for that.

CFBA Author Intro: Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has published over 100 books for adults, children, and teens, including On This Day, Finding Alice, the Notes from a Spinning Planet series, and Homeward, which won the Rita Award from Romance Writers of America. She and her husband, the parents of two grown sons, make their home near the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon. Melody is a full-time writer as well as an avid gardener, biker, skier, and hiker.



These Boots Weren't Made for Walking


Willing to make the necessary sacrifices–even skipping the occasional latte–to ensure career success, 31-year-old Cassidy Cantrell "invests" in a chic pair of boots, certain they’ll make a spectacular impression and help seal the deal on a long-anticipated promotion from her Seattle employer.

But reality tromps all over her expectations. Cassie’s job is abruptly eliminated–and her love life obliterated, when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for a "friend." Her self-esteem in tatters, Cassie limps home to the resort town she once so eagerly fled–only to find her recently divorced mother transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving social life. Cassie wrestles with envy and apathy as she considers the dismal shape of her own physique and romantic prospects. What will it take for her to jump back into life and regain her stride?

This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plans may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit.

Need some extra money?

Avon is a great way to make some extra money for the summer?

Ask me how you can start having fun this summer with AVON

Contact me for more information at: avonlch@yahoo.com

NICOLE SEITZ is a South Carolina Lowcountry native and freelance writer/illustrator published in South Carolina Magazine, Charleston Magazine, House Calls, The Island Packet and The Bluffton Packet.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, she also has a bachelor's degree in illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Nicole is an exhibiting artist in the Charleston, South Carolina area where she owns a web design firm and lives with her husband and two small children.

SPIRIT OF SWEETGRASS


Essie Mae Laveau Jenkins is a 78-year-old sweetgrass basket weaver who sits on the side of Hwy. 17 in the company of her dead husband, Daddy Jim.

Inspired by her Auntie Leona, Essie Mae finally discovers her calling in life and weaves powerful "love baskets," praying fervently over them to affect the lives of those who visit her roadside stand.

Relations are strained with her daughter Henrietta, who thinks Essie belongs in a retirement center. If Essie can't pay $10,000 in back taxes to save her home, she may have no choice. More tensions: her grandson EJ wants to marry a white girl, Essie discovers that a handsome man she's trying to find a girl for is gay, and her daughter carries a hidden secret.

When she's faced with losing her home and her stand and being put in a nursing home, Daddy Jim talks her into coming on up to Heaven to meet sweet Jesus-something she's always wanted to do.

The SPIRIT OF SWEETGRASS shifts less successfully to the afterlife, where her Gullah-Creole ancestors surround her; but soon, her heavenly peace is disrupted, for she still has work to do. Now Essie Mae, who once felt powerless and invisible, must find the strength within her to keep her South Carolina family from falling apart. Together, with Daddy Jim, they team up to return to Earth and battle two spirits conjured up by Henrietta's voodoo that threatens to ruin an attempt to save the sweetgrass basket weaving culture.

Visit Nicole at : http://www.nicoleseitz.com/

Sites To Learn From 2

This week I found a new site to visit. They are featuring Lyn Cote. She is sharing some great information. Check it out

The HEA CAFE

http://www.rwaonlinechapter.org/pubbedauthors/

CFBA Author Intro: Rene Gutteridge

Rene Gutteridge is the author of several novels, including Ghost Writer (Bethany House Publishers) The Boo Series (WaterBrook Press) and the Storm Series, (Tyndale House Publishers. She will release three novels in 2006: Storm Surge (Tyndale) My Life as a Doormat (WestBow Press, Women of Faith)Occupational Hazards Book #1: Scoop (WaterBrook Press).

She has also been published over thirty times as a playwright, best known for her Christian comedy sketches. She studied screenwriting under a Mass Communications degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University, and earned the "Excellence in Mass Communication" award. She served as the full-time Director of Drama for First United Methodist Church for five years before leaving to stay home and write. She enjoys instructing at writer's conferences and in college classrooms. She lives with her husband, Sean, a musician, and their children in Oklahoma City.

SNITCH:

Old School meets New School meets Homeschool

Just shy of retirement and a well-earned pension, Las Vegas Police Department Sergeant Ron Yeager's definition of "active duty" involves shifting his bad leg into a more comfortable position. But when he's requested from his mind-numbing desk job to head an undercover auto theft task force, the former narcotics officer determines to prove he's still got the right stuff.

That is...until he meets his unlikely team of officers.

As Yeager soon finds out, not all the crazies are on the street. An undercover rookie, the audaciously honest Mackenzie "Mack" Hazard sends Yeager's blood pressure skyrocketing by wearing her faith like an ever-present badge. Then there's Jesse Lunden, a maverick undercover officer who refuses to learn anything from an old guy with a cane. Can this tangle of egos and eccentrics be trained into a lean, mean, crime-fighting machine...even while they are being drawn into something much bigger and more dangerous than anyone imagined?

In her trademark style, Rene Gutteridge blends zany, original characters, sincere faith, and surprising plot twists into one hilariously addictive read.



"Snitch is an engaging crime novel, balanced between sheer whimsy and genuine human drama."

....CHRIS WELL, author of Tribulation House


"A wonderful, fully developed ensemble cast makes Snitch an entertaining, engaging read. Rene's flair for a comedic, well-turned phrase shines here. Snitch is worth snatching."

...SUSAN MEISSNER, author of Widows and Orphans

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Tracey Bateman

Tracey Bateman lives in Missouri with her husband and four children. Their rural home provides a wonderful atmosphere for a writer'simagination to grow and produce characters, plots, and settings.

In 1994, with three children to raise, she and her husband agreed that she should go to college and earn a degree. In a freshman English class, her love for writing was rekindled, and she wrote a short story that she later turned into a book.

Her college career was cut short with the news of their fourth baby's impending arrival, but the seeds of hope for a writing career had already taken root. Over the next several years she wrote, exchanged ideas with critique partners, studied the craft of writing, and eventually all the hard work paid off.

She currently has over twenty-five books published in a variety of genres. Tracey Bateman believes completely that God has big plans for his Kids and that all things are possible to anyone who will put their hope and trust in God!

DEFIANT HEART


Will Fannie be able to keep her family...and her heart, safe and find a new life on the frontier?

Book One of the Westward Hearts series, orphans Fannie Caldwell and her two young siblings have spent the last three years as indentured servants under a cruel master. Desperately wanting a better life for her brother and sister, Fannie devises a plan to secretly join a wagon train heading west.

Her plan immediately runs into trouble when the handsome yet bullheaded wagon master Blake Tanner refuses to allow an unmarried woman on the train.

But Fannie's determined...she'll escape and go west with or without help!

As life on the trail tests everyone's endurance and faith, Fannie soon realizes the perils of being a single woman on the frontier. Witnessing Fannie fending off one scare after another, Blake slowly recognizes how much he cares for this alluring young woman.

Will Blake sacrifice his own dreams and guide Fannie to safety?


Or will Fannie's stubborn independence keep her from finding true love?

In Memory Of Katherine D. Jones

I’m in total shock today. I was visiting Monica’s Blog and I read the sad news of Katherine's passing.

Katherine was a good writer, a friend and an encourager. We met at the Slam Jam in Florida and kept in touch. I was truly excited to introduce her to SORMAG’s readers when her book debuted. I’ve watched her career blossom and looked forward to our emails. She would always send me one to pick up my spirits.

Being a writer is always a lonely business, but its always nice when you make a few writer friends. Most of my friends in this writing business I met online or at conferences.
When I met Katherine we clicked and it was nice to share about the struggles of writing. Since she made the publishing jump, I could ask her questions about what to expect and she was willing to share her ups and downs.

Katherine had ventured into different genres and wasn’t afraid to try something new. I admired that about her. I could tell she enjoyed telling her stories.

Seeing her career take off inspired me to keep up the writing dream. I’m so happy she was able to see her name in print and that she leaves a legacy for others to know her and her writing.

I had the pleasure of meeting her husband and boys at the Dallas Slam Jam. I thought it was great that her family supported her and her career.

I will truly miss Katherine and our emails.

I and SORMAG's staff send our deepest sympathy to her family.

The romance world has lost one of the good ones.

Visit Katherine's site and learn more about this kindred spirit

http://www.katherinedjones.com/

Sites To Learn From 1

On Thursdays I’ve decided to share sites I’ve found that I’ve learned something about writing or the publishing business

Here are two:

Book Acquisition

How To Write A Book proposal

CBFA Author Intro: Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart has published a number of adult and young adult novels with several different publishers. The author of The Scent of Lilacs, Ann and her husband live a mile from where she was born in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. She is active in her country church, and her husband sings bass in a southern gospel quartet.





ORCHARD OF HOPE:

Nothing will be the same after the summer of 1964.Drought has gripped the quiet Kentucky town of Hollyhill, and the town seems as if it is holding its breath--waiting. Jocie Brooke is nervous about starting high school. Her sister Tabitha is experiencing the weariness of waiting for a new baby. Her father David is feeling the timidity of those first steps toward true love. All of these pivotal steps in life are awaiting the Brooke family.

Into this cloud of tense anticipation, a black family from Chicago, the Hearndons move here to plant an orchard outside of town. Fresh off the Freedom Train, Myra Hearndon is sensitive to what the color of her skin may mean in a Southern town. Her family will have to contend with more than the dry ground and blazing sun as they try to create their ORCHARD OF HOPE.

Jocie finds herself befrending a boy that some townspeople shun. Due to unspoken racial lines in this southern town, the presence of these newcomers sparks a smoldering fire of unrest that will change Hollyhill..and Jocie...forever.

In this close-knit community, everything is about to change.

Let this riveting novel take you along to experience unexpected love, new life, and renewed faith amid life's trials.

Eight Random Things

I was tagged by Patricia Woodside. Here are the rules:

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are my eight things:

All my life I’ve been a late bloomer. I didn’t become a Christian until I was twenty-five. I thought saying I believed in God was good enough. A friend of mine died and it made me question where do we go when we die? I didn’t want to be left behind.

I joined the Navy at the age of 17. I wanted to sail the seven seas and see the world. I was in the Navy for six years. I sailed over one sea to get to Guam and I wasn’t in a boat. I never was on a boat the whole time I was in the Navy. I still haven’t been on a boat.

Every now and then it hits me that I’m somebody’s wife and mother. I could be walking up the stairs and it dawns on me, that my dream of being married and having children is real. Marriage and motherhood are hard some days, but it’s the best thing that’s every happen to me.

Seeing my name in print is fantastic. It feels like I’m getting closer to my dream of seeing my book on the shelf. The best ones are those, I didn’t even know would be there. I’m reading an acknowledgement and there my name is with those most heartfelt acknowledgments, and all I want to do is cry.

I can think of everything to do but write some days. It’s like I’m afraid of finishing the book. What is up with that?

When I started SORMAG, I never dream we would last this long or that I would come in contact with some amazing people because of it. Every time I think it’s the end for it, the Lord opens another door for me.

I am a t.v. addict. I tried to stop cold turkey but it never works. I find myself slipping back into my old habits. So this year I’ve decided that this summer I’m giving up t.v. I’m going to hang out in the yard with kids. Do more activities so hopefully I won’t miss the t.v.

I’m also an AVON addict. Have you seen the latest catalogues? They have some cute stuff in there. I find myself wanting more and more. If you want to become an addict, let me know and I’ll send you a catalogue.

Trying to find eight places that haven’t been tagged wasn’t easy, I found six.

Marilynn Griffith because I miss her blogging, maybe she’ll bless us with a few thoughts
http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

Monica Jackson, because she always makes me think
http://monicajackson.com/blog/

Bonnie Calhoun, I enjoy her blog.
http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com/

Camy because she inspires me.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

Michelle has great reviews, makes me get the book.
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Farrah is a new writer, whose blog I’m enjoying.
http://farrahrochon.blogspot.com/

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Amy Wallace

Amy Wallace is a member of the CFBA and an avid Blogger. A self-confessed chocoholic, this freelance writer is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and serves as the liaison for the training division of the county police department. Amy is a contributing author of God Answers Moms' Prayers, God Allows U-Turns for Teens, Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes, and A Cup of Comfort for Expectant Mothers. She lives in Georgia with her husband and three daughters.

Drama. Tragedy. Thriller. Romance. Can these four actually go together?

Amy Wallace's meaty first book of the Defenders of Hope Series, RANSOMED DREAMS, has successfully united these genres.

It is one of those books that after you read a little and put it down, the desire to see what will happen next is so strong that it will occupy your thoughts, compelling you to make the time to finish. But watch out! It is best consumed where no one will hear you cry because, if you have children, it will hit you like a stab in the gut and wrench you with a twist of the knife.
Although the subject at first depresses, the characters are so real and likable that you need to see what will become of them.
This book will NOT bore you.


Chained To Yesterday
When tragedy struck and Gracie Lang lost everything, her faith crumbled, and nothing but the drive for justice propelled her forward. But after two years of dead-end searching, the truth Gracie seeks is the very thing her stalker will stop at nothing to hide.

Forgiveness Unlocks the Future

An FBI agent in the Crimes Against Children Unit, Steven Kessler spends his days rescuing other people’s children and nights caring for his son. He’s through with God, embittered by his ex-wife who abandoned them both, and definitely doesn’t expect what’s coming next.

The Past Is the Key

A plot to kidnap a British ambassador’s daughter dangerously intersects Steven and Gracie’s worlds–a collision that demands a decision. But are they willing to pay the high ransom required to redeem dreams and reignite hope?

ENDORSEMENTS:

Steeped in police intrigue and rich characters, Ransomed Dreams entertains, educates, and captivates. Amy Wallace is a fresh, vibrant voice in the Christian market

~Mark Mynheir, Homicide Detective and Author of The Void Ransomed Dreams had me hooked from the start and didn't let go until the deeply satisfying ending.
~Kristin Billerbeck, Author of What a Girl Wants

CFBA Author Intro: Chris Well

Chris Well is a fellow member of the CFBA and founder of its sister organization, FIRST. He is an acclaimed novelist and award–winning magazine editor and has previously written the “laugh–out–loud Christian thrillers” Deliver Us from Evelyn and Forgiving Solomon Long(one of Booklist’s Top 10 Christian Novels of 2005). He has also contributed to 7ball, Infuze, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. Chris and his wife live in Tennessee, where he is hard at work on his next novel.

TRIBULATION HOUSE

Mark Hogan has it all. The job. The family. A position on the board at church. All he’s missing is a boat. Not just any boat—a 2008 Bayliner 192.When Reverend Daniel Glory announces that the Rapture is taking place on October 17 at 5:51am, Hogan realizes his boat–buying days are numbered. So he does what any man in his situation would do—he borrows a load of money from the mob.Not that there’s any risk involved: After all, when the Rapture comes, Hogan will be long gone. The mob will never find him.But when Jesus fails to come back on schedule, Mark Hogan finds the mob is in no mood to discuss the finer points of end–times theology...

Chris Well’s laugh–out–loud Christian thrillers appeal to the millions of readers who gobble up the rollicking crime fiction of Janet Evanovich and Elmore Leonard. TRIBULATION HOUSE does not disappoint!

SORMAG WORKSHOPS

SORMAG’s Spring workshops are open for enrollment.

Workshops begin May 7th. Click here to register –
http://sormag.com/schedule.html


A-Z Writing Tips -
http://www.sormag.com/WORKwilliams1.html

Timeframe: 4 weeks May 7th – June 1, 2007
Email Course
Cost: 50.00

This 4-week course will cover writing tips from A to Z for beginning
and advance writers. The twenty-six tips will be provided over the
duration of four weeks. Each week the students will receive 6 - 7
writing tips corresponding with a letter of the alphabet for discussion

Instructor: Barbara Joe Williams (Amani Publishing, LLC) is a former
business school teacher, guidance counselor, and reading instructor.
She is a freelance writer and an independent publisher living in
Tallahassee, Florida.

Writing Romance Novels (Part 1) -
http://www.sormag.com/WORKsoard1.html

Timeframe: 4 weeks May 7 – June 1, 2007
Email Workshop
Cost: 50.00

Do you love to read romance novels? Have you always thought you'd
like to write one? This four week course covers the basics of what
you'll need to know to get started on this exciting career journey. Lori
is the author of Become a Romance Writer and has published romance
novels through Thorndike's FIVE STAR line.

Instructor: Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and Creative Writing
and an undergraduate degree in English Education from Indiana University.
Her books include romantic comedies, suspense, mainstream and nonfiction
topics. She teaches for a college-accredited correspondence course and
creative writing to high school students.

The Fiction Writer's Self-Editing Workshop http://www.sormag.com/WORKstapleton.html

Timeframe: 2 weeks May 14 – May 18, 2007
Email Workshop
Cost: 25.00

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by confusing grammar, punctuation,
and editing rules? Don't despair! The Fiction Writer's Self-Editing Workshop
is the place for you. Whether you're a beginning writer or seasoned author,
you can learn simple, straightforward tips for self-editing.

Instructor: Rhonda Stapleton obtained her Master's degree in English
from Cleveland State University. She has a Bachelor's degree in English
from CSU, as well. Rhonda is a Principal Editor at Thomson West, a legal
publishing company, where she has worked for the last five years. In addition,
she has freelance edited novels, theses, student papers, and a college writing textbook.

See ya on the net - Building Your Online Presence - http://www.sormag.com/WORKhoffman.html

http://www.sormag.com/WORKhoffman2.html


Timeframe 2 weeks – May 14 – May 18, 2007 and May 21 – June 1, 2007
Email Course
Cost: 25.00

This course is geared toward the newly published authors or the author
who would like to promote their books online. This course will take you
step-by step to building an online presence.

Instructor: LaShaunda Carruth Hoffman is the publisher of Shades Of
Romance Magazine. An online magazine for readers and writers of multi-
cultural romance and fiction. She has eight years of experience in online
promotion. She believes in helping writers reach their dreams of publication
and introducing readers to the wonderful world of multi-cultural romance and fiction.

COMING IN JUNE

Mistakes First Time Authors Make
Writing Romance Novels (Part 2)
Detoxify – Your Life and Your Legacy Require it
How to Survive Your First Interview
Online Book Tours

Family Pictures

Nichaela & Itiah

ME

MOTHER

Stephaine, Robynn, Toni, Me, Nichaela & Itah

Sean On Easter

My First Column

I posted my first column - http://blogginginblack.com/

Check out what I had to say.

CFBA Author Intro: Paul Robertson

Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and former independent bookstore owner in Blacksburg, Virginia. This is his first novel.


The Heir


Jason Boyer Just Got an Inheritance to Die For

The fortune wasn't supposed to befall him. Jason Boyer had known all along his father's business empire would pass to different hands. Which suited him just fine. The money was crooked and the power corrupt. But when an accident claims the old man's life, everyone is stunned by the unveiling of the will. With the passing of the Boyer crown, power-hungry politicians and shady business partners all try to force Boyer's hand. Fighting the temptation of influence and riches, he simply wants to be a better man than his father--but attempting to stand for what’s right soon brings murderous consequences. As those closest to him are endangered--and news emerges that his father's accident may be something more sinister--Boyer finds himself fighting for his soul…and his life!


Is There Any Escape for The Heir?

All the money he could ever crave. In the splintering crash of a car plunging through a railing, Jason Boyer's life is changed. All the fame he could ever desire. But the last thing he wanted was the throne of his father's corrupt business empire. All the power he could ever wield.

The estate should have gone elsewhere, but the will was changed. And now everything is Jason's. But gaining the whole world just might cost him his life.

THE HEIR is a Grisham-like tale of intrigue and murder with a lot of humor and well-drawn minor characters.

Endorsement:

"In THE HEIR, Paul Robertson serves up politics, privilege, and murder with a side of acerbic wit. What a fabulous book--a great mix of angst, humor, and ultimately, hope."
T.L.HINES--author of Waking Lazarus and The Dead Whisper On

WRITING RESOURCES

Are you a freshman/sophmore/junior or senior writer?

http://www.rsingermanson.com/html/freshman.html

AFTER THE SALE

http://www.lorraineheath.com/articles/after_the_sale.htm

AGENT INFO

THE ASSOCIATION OF AUTHORS' REPRESENTATIVES
http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do

http://www.karenafox.com/agentlist.htm

Romantic Times Agent List:
http://www.romantictimes.com/index.html?/g_writer/g3_agent.shtml

Guide to Literary Agents
http://literaryagents.org/

The Association of Authors' Representatives
http://www.publishersweekly.com/aar/

Preditors and Editors
http://www.sfwa.org/prededitors/

http://www.sfwa.org/beware/

Writers.Net - Literary Agents
http://www.writers.net/agents.html

Agents
http://www.absolutewrite.com/ebooks/ebookAgents.pdf

Romance Agents List:
http://www.passionatepen.com/agentlist.htm

RWANational.org

http://www.writingcorner.com/tips/agents/agent-editor.htm

How to Query an Agent

http://hollylisle.com/fm/Articles/agent2.html

Career Planning

Career Plan for Fiction Writers

http://www.crayne.com/carrplan.html

The Four D's of Success

http://www.laurenkellogg.com/Articles.html

COST TO TRAVEL

Cost to Travel in 1880

http://www.theseverts.net/Italy.htm

DICTIONARY

http://www.onelook.com/browse.shtml#all_gen

NAMES

http://www.behindthename.com/ for meaning.

To find the most popular name by birth year:

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

Put your character's name in the blocks and learn about them.

http://miva.zodiacal.com/acro.mv

Native American names

http://www.20000-names.com/female_native_american_names.htm

http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/ame.html

http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/names/natamnames.htm

http://www.babynameworld.com/indian.asp

http://www.babynamenetwork.com/origin.cfm?origin=native%20american

http://www.bchealth.com/services/birthcenter/nativeambabynames.shtml

Place names
http://freespace.virgin.net/john.cletheroe/usa_can/nat_am/names.htm

http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/IndianPlaceNames.html
http://archnet.asu.edu/archives/ethno/places/places.htm

Online Press Kit

http://www.michelemartinez.com/pressroom.htm

http://www.alesiaholliday.com/mediakit.cfm

Query Letters

http://www.sydneylaineallan.homestead.com/QueryWorkshop.html

http://www.eclectics.com/articles/query.html
Synopises

http://jaxinedaniels.com/SynopsisProject.htm

White House

Life is like in the White House

http://www.beyondbooks.com/gop00/3.asp
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/life/statediningroom.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Writer's "Cheat Sheets"

http://www.inkalicious.com/cheatsheets.php

THE TWELVE STEPS OF INTIMACY by Linda Howard


This is one of the basics in romance writing....copy it out!
The original website where this was printed is no longer in
existence.

Here are what they are...
1. Eye to Body
2. Eye to Eye
3. Verbal Contact
4. Hand to Hand
5. Arm to Shoulder
6. Arm to Waist
7. Mouth to Mouth
8. Hand to Head
9. Hand to Body
10. Mouth to Breast
11. Hand to Genitals
12. Genitals to Genitals

These twelve steps were taken from studying monkeys...

If you take the steps too quickly, it doesn't set up intimacy
well. Say, you meet a man at a party. It's eye to body first.
But what if a man came up behind you, put his hand on your
derriere...step back fellow, you're moving too fast.

AUTHOR INTRO: Keri Wyatt Kent

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of five books and a co-author or contributor to several others, and is currently working on two other books. When she’s not busy traveling around the country to speak and lead retreats, she’s writing. She’s a regular contributor several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman, MomSense and Outreach magazine, as well as the several websites and blogs. She’s a member of Willow Creek Community Church, where she teaches in women’s ministries and also volunteers in children’s ministry.

She and her husband Scot have been married for 16 years and live with their son and daughter in Hoffman Estates.

Oxygen: Deep Breathing for the Soul

Keri’s latest book, Oxygen: Deep Breathing for the Soul, will breathe new life into your relationship with God. A devotional unlike any other, this unique tool guides the reader through meditating and reflecting on Scripture using six different spiritual practices. Rather than daily readings, Oxygen offers a chance to reflect deeply on one gospel passage each week. Go deeper into Scripture while learning spiritual practices such as prayer, meditative reading, journaling and solitude. Oxygen is a tool that will help you deepen your understanding of Scripture and help you connect with Jesus in a meaningful way.

What activity do you like to do in the spring?

Gardening. I love to see life reborn in the garden, to clear away the dead leaves and trash to find things springing up again. It’s a picture of hope.

Visit Keri:

My website is www.keriwyattkent.com, and I just started blogging at www.keriwyattkent.blogspot.com

I blog each Thursday at www.boomerbabesrock.com/blog and I write a monthly column at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/childrensministry/features/foryoursoul.html

Instructor Needed

Do you have a workshop you would like to offer to writers or readers?

SORMAG WORKSHOPS are currently looking for instructors.

Dates open are May 1 – November 20th.

SORMAG WORKSHOPS are online workshops for writers and readers.

Workshops can be 1 day to 4 weeks. They are held online at yahoo.com.

This is a nice way to make some extra money.

Please do not reply to this message, if you're interested in being an instructor, send your topic to: sormag@yahoo.com

I will send you more information on being an instructor for SORMAG workshops.

Look forward to working with you.

LaShaunda
http://sormag.blogspot.com

CFBA: Author Intro: Annette Smith

Annette Smith:

In 1997, Annette was working as a home health nurse. She traveled the back roads from house to house, caring for ill and injured, homebound people. Because of her unique position in the lives of relative strangers, she often found herself bearing solitary witness to intimate behind-the-scenes situations full of grace and meaning. The desire to honor both a particular patient and a poignant scene involving the woman and her husband prompted Annette to write a fictionalized story, The Anniversary.

That first story appeared as a column in the Houston Chronicle newspaper and as an essay in Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Later it became a chapter in Annette’s first and best-selling book of short stories, The Whispers of Angels, that has sold more than 100,000 copies

Since then, Annette has penned four more books of stories, two volumes on parenting, and the Coming Home to Ruby Prairie trilogy.

Annette and her husband Randy, a High School teacher and coach, make their home on a wooded lot in Quitman, Texas. They are the parents of two young adult children, Russell and Rachel, both out on their own. Wally, a grateful, rescued mutt provides warmth and entertainment and keeps the Smith’s empty nest from feeling too lonely.

In addition to writing, Annette continues to serve part-time as a registered nurse. She finds the people she works with and the patients she cares for provide great inspiration for her fiction.


A BIGGER LIFE


Joel Carpenter did not plan for his life to turn out like this. He never meant to be a single dad, working at a hair salon in Eden Plain, Texas. But after making a careless choice four years ago, his marriage was permanently shattered. Now at twenty-seven, he finds himself juggling custody of his preschool son with Kari, the ex-wife he still loves, and sharing Sunday dinners with a group of other single dads.

Joel regrets the choices that brought him to this place, but it's not until the worst happens that he learns how much he still has to give. In the midst of deep tragedy, he learns that forgiveness is way more important than freedom. Hopefully it's not too late!

A BIGGER LIFE is a story of love in the midst of heartache, and friendship in the midst of real, everyday life.

Finding Time To Write

I'm doing some serious procratinating this month. I just don't feel like doing anything. That's bad because I want to finish this revision so I can move on. I've even given myself a motivator. The new Rochelle Alers book when I finish.

Now if only I can stay focus. Those emails and blogs keep calling me.

CFBA Author Intro: Brandilyn Collins

Brandilyn Collins is the bestselling author of Violet Dawn, Web Of Lies, Dead of Night, Stain of Guilt, Brink of Death, and Eyes of Elisha just to name a few.Brandilyn and her family divide their time between the California Bay Area and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.She also maintains an informative blog called Forensics and Faith where she daily dispenses wisdom on writing, life, and the Christian book industry.

CORAL MOON

The figure remained still as stone. Leslie couldn't even detect a breath.Spider fingers teased the back of her neck.Leslie's feet rooted to the pavement. She dropped her gaze to the driveway, seeking...what? Spatters of blood? Footprints? She saw nothing. Honed through her recent coverage of crime scene evidence, the testimony as last month's trial, the reporter in Leslie spewed warnings: Notice everything, touch nothing...

Leslie Brymes hurries out to her car on a typical workday morning...and discovers a dead body inside.Why was the corpse left for her to find? And what is the meaning of the message pinned to its chest?In Coral Moon, the senseless murder of a beloved Kanner Lake citizen spirals the small Idaho town into a terrifying glimpse of spiritual forces beyond our world. What appears true seems impossible.OR IS IT?And as Brandilyn would say...

Presently this Kanner Lake Series of books has its own character blog called Scenes and Beans. Stop by and visit the folks from Kanner Lake!

AUTHOR INTRO: Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Jill Elizabeth Nelson juggles many hats--Christian, wife, Mom, housing manager, and yes, author. She's thrilled if the adventures that spill from her imagination in the To Catch a Thief series can raise awareness about art theft, deemed "a looming criminal enterprise" by the FBI. Jill and her husband Doug have raised four children and live in rural Minnesota.

BLURB: Reluctant Burglar


Stolen Indian artifacts . . .

A dead museum guard . . .

A missing wife and mom. . . .

A baby in mortal danger . . .

Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs and FBI agent Tony Lucano scramble to unearth the horrifying secret that links every incident. The investigation thrusts them into the path of something dark and sinister.

Something that craves blood sacrifice.

WEB SITE: http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/

Question for the month: How do you introduce your book to a new reader?

Oh, that’s easy. I clobber the person over the head with a copy and holler, “You need to get one of these . . . or how about a dozen for friends and family!”

No, actually, I like to balance boldness with good taste. I’ll talk to anyone about my writing. In fact, I think I light up like a hundred watt bulb when somebody asks. But I like the conversation to be comfortable for everyone, which means the subject has to come up in a natural manner.

If someone is truly interested in hearing about my books, I focus my initial summary on genre and main characters. For instance, in the case of my To Catch a Thief series, I tell the person that I write romantic suspense about a museum security expert and an FBI agent tracking down art thieves. If interest lasts past that, I offer overviews of individual book plots, minus “spoilers,” of course.

CFBA Author Intro: Tom Morrisey

Tom Morrisey is the author of four previous novels and numerous short stories, a world-renowned adventure-travel writer whose work has appeared in Outside, Sport Diver (where he serves as Executive Editor) and other leading magazines.

He holds an MA in English Language and Literature from the University of Toledo and an MFA in Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University. He lives in Orlando, Florida.







IN HIGH PLACES


For Patrick Nolan, every climb tells a story. And now maybe it's his own …. He's right at the rim, staring over the cliff's knife edge and wondering how things went wrong so quickly.

It all started after arriving home from a weekend climbing trip with his father, Kevin. That's when word reached them. In a silent moment, they'd lost the person most important to them—her death raising unanswerable questions and dangerous doubts.

Launching a new life in a new town to escape their pain, son and father find themselves in danger of being torn apart forever. As his father seeks a route to solace on the dangerous high face of the rock, Patrick finds a path to hope with the unlikeliest of allies—a pastor's daughter. Together they must discover the one answer that can bring Patrick and Kevin back from the brink of the precipice.

Visit Tom at: http://www.tommorrisey.com