CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: John Aubrey Anderson

John Aubrey Anderson

I was born and raised in my grandparents’ home, five miles north of the setting I chose for Abiding Darkness. That little cotton country town is within a rifle shot of two rivers, a bayou, a double handful of lakes, and endless acres of woods. Add that backdrop to a culture that offered an umbrella of protection for children while allowing boys to roam the countryside with firearms and fishing poles, and you come up with an environment that would provoke the envy of Tom Sawyer. In those surroundings, millions of day-by-day adventures linked themselves to become my boyhood.

Writing has transformed my life—mostly for the better, but my schedule has been a little crunched for the last four years. In one sense, I look forward to the day when I will be able to squeeze in time for banjo lessons and golf. On the other hand, I’ve never had a hobby that came within a long mile of generating the kind of pleasure I derive from crafting a good scene in one of my books.


Wedgewood Grey

Mississippi cotton country . . . in the spring of 1960.

The War At Cat Lake is fifteen years in the fading past . . . but the demonic beings who launched that first battle, are alive and well at Cat Lake. Waiting.Late on a Friday night, on a muddy little road a mile east of Cat Lake, a ten-year-old black child is forced to watch while a gang of white men beat his mother to death. Aided by Mose Washington, an old black man, the boy exacts a measure of his own revenge. When the sun comes up on Saturday morning, Mose and the boy are fugitives.Missy Parker Patterson, who as a child stood at the epicenter of the first war, is married and living in Texas. In the aftermath that follows Mose Washington’s disappearance, she goes back to Cat Lake to discover that the demonic beings have been anticipating her return . . . and so begins the second battle of The War At Cat Lake.In 1962, an old black man and his grandson move into the country near Pilot Hill, Texas. The people in the local area are told that the old gentleman’s name is Mose Mann—his grandson introduces himself as Bill.However, the lives of the new arrivals are not as peaceful as they seem. The unassuming old black man and his grandson are being pursued by a triad of formidable and unrelenting adversaries . . . a ruthless political leader, an enduring lie, and an invisible army allied beneath the banner of a hatred for God.Wedgewood Grey is a story about the impact of choices that real people—people like you and me—are sometimes forced to make.

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Sally Stuart

Sally E. Stuart is the author of thirty-four books and has sold more than one thousand articles and columns. Her long-term involvement with the Christian Writers' Market Guide as well as her marketing columns for the Christian Communicator, Oregon Christian Writers, and The Advanced Christian Writer, make her a sought-after speaker and a leading authority on Christian markets and the business of writing. Stuart is the mother of three and grandmother of eight.



Christian Writers' Market Guide

For more than twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has offered indispensable help to Christian writers. This year, for the first time, this valuable resource comes with a CD-ROM of the full text, so you can search with ease for topics, publishers, and other specific names.

The 2007 edition also includes up-to-date listings of more than 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, and greeting cards, including information on forty new book publishers, eighty-three new periodicals, and thirty-four new literary agents. Perfect for writers in every phase, this is the resource to get noticed–and get published.

It contains listings for: 695 periodicals, 228 poetry markets, 355 book publishers, 133 online publications, 29 print-on-demand publishers, 1185 markets for the written word, 321 photography markets, 31 e-book publishers, 122 foriegn markets, 112 literary agents,and 59 newspapers.

It also gives you comprehensive lists of contests, writers groups and conferences, search engines, pay rates and submission guidelines, editorial services and websites.

Christian Writers’ Market Guide is a "must have' for any serious Christian writer that is looking to get published!

Visit her website for more information:
http://www.stuartmarket.com/

He's Here

My newest blessing decided to come a month early. I guess he was tired of being inside.

Sean Carruth Hoffman – 5lbs 3oz and 19 ½ inches

I say he looks like Nichaela and CJ smushed together.

He and I are doing fine. The first week was rough for me. Its amazing all the stuff you forget about having a baby. Relearning everything is fun.

When I get my pictures developed I’ll post a copy of the little one.

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Marilynn Griffith

Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer. Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a devotional site for women.

Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS. Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams. Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years. To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please fill out the contact form below.

TANGERINE

Fans of Pink and Jade will eat up Tangerine, the third book in the cutting-edge Shades of Style series. Jean Guerra, a designer at Garments of Praise design firm, doesn't like surprises. These days though, the unexpected meets her everywhere. Since Jean's return to the church a year ago, her God-encounters occur with increasing frequency, along with thoughts of her husband-the one she vowed to divorce and gave up on long ago. The one nobody at work knows about, not even her best friend, Lily, or her boss, Chenille. But when the designer assigned to work with Jean on a line of men's suits shows up, her heart flips. It's her husband, Nigel Salvador. Jean is finally rendered speechless. Can her bruised heart become whole enough to love again? Or will she remain in the trenches of loneliness forever?

Visit Marilynn at:
http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

and http://marilynngriffith.com/

In Memory Of : Brown, Evans and Ford

We lost some great ones these past few weeks.

James Brown - The Godfather of Soul

Mike Evans

Creator of Good times and

Lionel Jefferson on the Jefferson



Gerald Ford

The 38th President of The United States

What would you do?

I’m a big fan of For Better Or Worse comic strip. This week the story has been about a man finishing his manuscript. He typed THE END and thought he smelled smoke in his house. He got his family out and went back inside because he couldn’t leave his manuscript.

Would you have gone back in to get your book?

My First Review

How I Met My Sweetheart

Anthology

Amani Publishing

ISBN: 097528519X

Published: February 2007

Rating: 5 Stars - Supreme

Reviewed by: Clara Sutton

Eighteen authors tell how they met their sweethearts. If you are a romantic at heart you will enjoy reading these stories. Sharing how they met his or her soulmate is an inspiration to all of us who have loved and lost, and who has been hurt badly by someone that you loved in the past.

Reading their stories, lets the reader know that with patient, time and the willingness to take that chance on true love, and above all that the love, faith, and belief in GOD, all things are possible and we all can find the love of a good man or woman. We just have to be patient and trust in GOD and what we feel in our hearts.

I really enjoyed reading How I Met My Sweetheart and especially your story. I am glad that you made the right decision for you. I just can't imagine how hard it was to break off an engagement without hurting someone's feelings.

Clara Sutton
Shades Of Romance Magazine Reviewer
http://sormag.blogspot.com/


You may pre-order an autographed copy of How I Met My Sweetheart by sending a check/money order to the following address for $12.00 (includes tax and shipping):

LaShaunda Hoffman
7127 Minnesota Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63111

AUTHOR INTRO: Brenda Jenkins

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

Brenda Jenkins: Brenda is a national motivational speaker that gets right to the heart of the issue. She is the mother to four adult children and the proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren. She loves people. Brenda is very transparent and has no problem sharing her victories overcoming rough times in her life. She has the ability to see the expected outcome of tasks and works to put plans in place to reach that end.

Brenda is well verse in problem solving, organizational, and interpersonal tasks.
As CEO of ARIEL Connections her passion is “Providing Relationship Solutions to Organizations that Value People”.

She is a volunteer instructor for Detroit Parent Network. She currently teaches the Facilitator/Speaker class for Parents.

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

JENKINS: "He is Not Left Behind... He is with Me! Preparing for Legacy was written to encourage society that our children can not be left behind as long as we do the best we can to protect, teach, role model and love them.

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

JENKINS: Each of us do the best we can and share our skills with our younger generation. To continue learning, stay healthy, and have good relationships with all people.

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

JENKINS: First just write. Revisit for purpose. Then outline with focus on purpose. Review and get feedback from others.

See Ya On The Net: What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

JENKINS: That it is possible to become published.

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

JENKINS: Great for exploring ideas.

See Ya On The Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

JENKINS: Use to do list that is updated daily.

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

JENKINS: "Gifted Hands" by Dr. Ben Carson

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

JENKINS: US Government sites (Federal, State and Local)
School Districts
Yahoo
Free Library

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

JENKINS: US Mail: ARIEL Connections
P.O. Box 22
Royal Oak, MI 48068-0022

email: http://b2.mail.yahoo.com/ym/advancewithpam.org/Compose?To=brenda.jenkins@ariel-connections.com
website: http://www.heisnotleftbehind.com/

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Sue Dent

Sue Dent

Sue Dent was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and currently resides in Ridgeland. When not writing, Sue designs websites and works with digital photograpy.

Sue loves to hear from her fans through her Website in fact, the push from eager readers has already set the ball rolling, and she's hard at work on Forever Richard, the sequel.

In Never Ceese, Sue sets out to prove that faith and fun can live happily in the same story, and that vampire/werewolf fantasy can have a spiritual message too.


NEVER CEESE

Never Ceese takes religious fantasy to a new level, bringing an entirely new Light to a very dark side of fiction, doing a very admirable job to prove that vampire/werewolf fantasy does not have to be evil to be enjoyed.

The story starts with the classic tale of an English manor owned by Richard, the vampire who righteously is the bain of his neighbor's existence, what with the missing goats and all!

Then enters Cecelia, better known as Ceese, the young werewolf maiden who's arrived via invitation by Richard's aging companion, Penelope.

Ceese and Richard would prefer to tear each other apart, literally, but they are drawn together by their mutual love for Penelope. She is dying and has one request...that the two of them love one another.

This is the overall theme throughout Dent's interesting tale of two who were wronged but learn to work together. Meanwhile they are threatened by an evil stem cell researcher who wants the immortality and power that he thinks their blood will bring him!

Dent's characters do differ from the stock one's we're all accustomed to in a very important way. They are not mindless, brutal killers. Bloodthirsty, yes, but they are constantly resisting the urge to kill, and, thus, curse another human. Feeding on rodents, goats, virtually any warm-blooded animal helps to satiate the never ending thirst for blood, but how long will they be able to resist that most delicious morsel man?

There is a chance that their curses can actually be lifted if they can find the strength within to resist their selfish natures and act selflessly toward another. Will they succeed? That same basic choice lies before us all every day...

A vampire and a werewolf, one determined to, once again, be able to acknowledge what will get her to heaven, the other no so sure he can. A spiritual fantasy designed to spark the imagination, to speak to the heart as well as entertain.

Sue Den't website: http://www.neverceese.com/

CFBA Author Intro: R.K. Mortenson

R.K. Mortenson

I'm R. K. Mortenson (the R and K may stand for "Really Kind," "Radically Kool," or "Remarkably Knowledgeable." They also happen to be my initials-Randall Kent. Though I go by Randy.) I've loved children's fantasy and adventure stories my whole life. Still do. Can't get enough of them. That's why I decided to write some of my own.

Landon Snow



Meet Landon Snow he is a small town boy just like you! He fights with his younger sisters, he is confused by adults, filled with doubts about God, and disillusioned with life, but a magic journey through the Book of Meaning will lead him into a realm where new friends are discovered and answers unearthed.

Fall into the pages of Landon Snow and become captivated by this compelling story. Follow Landon into a fantasy world where books speak, chess pieces come to life, and a golden coin rules the Odds. You'll cheer when a once-disillusioned boy emerges from this awesome adventure with his faith regained and hope restored.

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle is the first book of a new series for fantasy fans of all ages. Once you enter this otherworld, you may find it hard to leave.

Visit R.K. Mortenson: http://www.landonsnow.com/

In Memory Of Bebe Moore Campbell

The literary community is mourning the loss of a great African American writer.

Bebe Moore Campbell

Campbell was the author of three New York Times best sellers: Brothers and Sisters, Singing in the Comeback Choir, and What You Owe Me, which was also a Los Angeles Times Best Book of 2001. Her other works include the novel Your Blues Ain't Like Mine, which was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and the winner of the NAACP Image Award for literature.
Her most recent novel was 72-Hour Hold, the story of mother willing to do anything to help her mentally ill child. She was diagnosed earlier this year with a neurological condition.


My deepest sympathies goes out to Ms. Campbell's family and friends.

CFBA Author Intro: Kristin Billerbeck

Kristin Billerbeck

Born in Redwood City, I attended Sequoia High School, the same school my parents attended. Yeah, we're in a rut.

I went to San Jose State University and majored in Advertising, then I worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then,
I was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing. It's way more boring than it sounds, trust me.

I got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until I found my passion: Chick Lit. Who would have ever guessed all these useless facts might someday be useful?

Calm, Cool & Adjusted

Best friends since Johnny Depp wore scissors for hands, "The Spa Girls" live very separate lives, but stay in touch with routine visits to California's Spa Del Mar. The third novel in the Spa Girls Series focuses on Silicon Valley chiropractor Poppy Clayton, who is as colm, cool and adjusted as they come. Or is she? Known for her bad fashion sense, a love for all things natural and the inability to get a second date, Poppy is beginning to wonder if she might be misaligned herself. Her route to self discovery will be an unnatural one - a plastic surgeon, a house in Santa Cruz and a wedding date from the dark side. It's all enough to send a girl - and her gal pals - running for the spa.

Visit Kristin at: http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/

St. Louis News Report

The next day after my beloved Cardinals won the World Series, our city was declared the #1 city for Crime, Detroit was #2.

We here in St. Louis were not happy with this news. The media has a habit of reporting the bad news in cities and never the good news.

This weekend we had some good news you probably won’t hear about in the world news.

This weekend 10 homes built by the Habitat for Humanity were dedicated to 10 single moms in St. Louis. For months, these mothers worked right beside other volunteers to build their home.

One of these individuals was my youngest sister. She is now a new home owner. Her two story home is beautiful. We all were so proud to see all her hard work pay off.

This is the type of news we like to hear about, but of course they’re never in the media.

Other news happening in St. Louis:

LaShaunda and Clyde Hoffman celebrated 10 years of marital bliss. On November 16th 1996 we became man and wife. Marriage has definitely been an adventure, but we both admitted these ten years have flown by. My hubby said it must mean we’re doing OK.

We both agreed for the next ten years to be more attentive.

One of our treats to each other was a movie together. We never go to the movies without the kids, so it was nice to snuggle together and watch Casino Royal. We’re both James Bond fans and enjoyed this movie. Of course the little baby, who tagged alone, decided he didn’t like seating in the chair and balled up in a knot for the whole movie. I decided that I won’t be doing any more movie dating until after the baby comes. Having a huge knot in your side isn’t very comfortable.

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Rene Gutteridge

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 (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.

SCOOP

Channel 7 News producer Hugo Talley dreams of working with first-class professionals. Instead he’s saddled with an aging anchorwoman who refuses to release her claw-like grip on the newsdesk, a conscience-stricken reporter who’s reluctant to focus on sensationalism, and a new assistant–former homeschool student Hayden Hazard–who can’t just seem to leave her faith outside the newsroom. When the Channel 7 News team inadvertently stumbles on a hot news story, Hugo is frantic to exploit this rare opportunity. But a series of crises–including a Botox disaster and the disappearance of a colleague–threatens to destroy his chance for ratings success and send him completely over the edge. With their oddball antics and all-too-real foibles, this lovable cast of characters offers a hilarious look at the sometimes unexpected effects of taking one’s faith boldly into the workplace.

Visit Rene at: http://www.renegutteridge.com/

NOV - Random Thoughts

Da Vinci Code

Have you read this book? I’m a little late on reading it, but I’m glad I did. I listen to it on CD. It kept my attention from CD one to CD 13. The story definitely made you do some serious thinking about the Bible and what was fiction and what wasn’t.

I’ve decided that this was a work of fiction. Yes some of the things said in it made me go hmmm. However I’ve decided that those are just more questions I have to ask Jesus when we meet up in heaven. I know we’ll have some interesting conversations when we do meet and I’m looking forward to them.

HEROES

This show has captured my attention. I think it’s because I’m a superhero fan. I love the story line and look forward to each episode. They always ended making you go WHAT!

The brother’s flying, the man who can stop time and the girl who can never get hurt, it’s like a live comic book.

I hope they make it through the season.

The other show that I’m enjoying is brothersandsisters. They had me at Calista Flockhart. I loved her in Ally McBeal. This family drama definitely has some drama in the family.

When the mother let everyone know she knew her husband had an affair and who the affair was with, I cracked up because I knew she wasn’t as naive as she let on.

I’m looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen next.

In Memory of Gerald Levert

Gerald Levert

Whenever I asked an author whose music she listened to when writing, Gerald’s name always came up. His songs were the type of songs that inspired, love scenes and romance.

When I think of Gerald, I remember him starting out with Levert and how much I played their first CD when I was stationed in San Diego.

I had the pleasure of seeing them in concert once and seeing Gerald in concert twice.

I was front row center listening to him croon to us.

The G-Bear as his fans called him knew how to romance a woman.

My sympathy goes out to his family and fans.

I know we’re going to miss him forever.

His music will always be with us to inspire us even more.

CFBA AUTHOR INTRO: Siri Mitchell

Siri Mitchell: When I’m listening to a sermon and I’m taking notes, chances are, I’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If I’m nodding my head in response to a really profound statement, I’m probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.”

When I’m editing my manuscripts, I laugh at the funny parts. And I cry at the sad parts.

Sometimes I even talk to my characters. “Okay, Joe. Talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking here.” And yes, the characters answer me. I actually hear them talking in my head.

Half the time, I think I’m an okay writer. The other half, I’m tempted to take a magnet to the hard drive.

The easy part is writing. The hardest part is editing. The worst part is wondering if the books are going to sell.

I have plenty of ideas for books; the thing I lack is the time to write them. I write by the word. Other writers write by the page. However you want to tally it, 85,000 words is a lot of pages.

In the world of writing I have done nothing right. I wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before I signed with a publisher. And then I had to write a fifth book so that they could publish it. In the process, I saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than I care to admit. I vowed never to write another word again. Ever. I went on writing strikes and I even stooped to threatening my manuscripts with the shredder.

However.

Writing is the most fun I’ve ever had. Writing is what I look forward to. Writing is what gives me energy. A daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother. Those are the roles I have. A writer is who I am.


The Cubicle Next Door

Siri Mitchell’s insightful, funny chick–lit style shines in this story of putting up walls and tearing them down—all for love.

Jackie Harrison, a computer administrator at the Air Force Academy, is a self–proclaimed geek who must share her cubicle space with the new guy, instructor and former pilot Joe Gallagher. She turns to her online journal to vent and eventually to express growing feelings toward this office neighbor who is everything she is not—fun, happy, and social.

But when her blog is featured as a top pick on primetime news, everyone reads it—including Joe. Will he figure out the words of adoration and confusion are written about him? And will Jackie ever risk expressing her heart offline?

TGFBA: Author Intro: Tamika Johnson

Meet Me at the Altar

(Leading Ladies Publishers)

October 2006

Tamika Johnson

Where do you go when you discover your husband is on the down low? When your husband wants to come back after he abandoned you and your child? When you no longer want to prostitute yourself? When you've fallen for a woman who's soul is broken? You meet Me at the altar...

CHAPTER ONE

Prologue

Shana

...I could tell you that my husband loves me and treats me, right...but you read enough fiction. My husband rarely comes home anymore and when he does he sleeps on the couch or complains that I am not the woman he married. He had the nerve to say that marrying me was an experience he would not want to repeat.

No one gets married thinking that one day they are going to fall out of love with their spouse and get a divorce, and no one, I mean no one ever thinks that the man that falls to his knees and plants an engagement ring on your finger, then stands before a room full of people and pronounces his undying love for you will ever sum up your life together as an experience. Judge Mablean where are you when we need you, girlfriend?

Now I know that you are wondering why I on't talk to someone like my pastor or the First Lady of my church...been there and done that so many times.

"Sister, Shana, if you would just submit things would get better." Pastor Hughes said that to me. Told me I have a problem with authority.

"A man likes to know that his wife is going to be home waiting up for him when he gets there , no matter what time he comes in the house." The First Lady told me that.

What I'd like to know is why I have to be the one waiting up until three and four o'clock for him when I am the one working three jobs to pay our bills? Can you answer that, Pastor and First Lady?

© 2006 Tamika Johnson

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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.