SIMPLY HEAVENLY

Title: Heaven
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; 1 edition (August 21, 2012)
Pages: 432

Since they first met it hadn’t been easy for Bethany Church, an angel, and Xavier Woods, a mortal. Despite the warnings from others, Beth and Xavier’s love couldn’t be denied. Making a brave decision to marry, crossing the line and doing what no others have done, a group of angels, the Seven, were determined to make them pay for their actions.

It all started with my daughter wanting to purchase, HALO. I have to admit the cover was intriguing, along with the synopsis. She read and loved it. Next it was my turn. I fell in love with the characters and the storyline. We waited impatiently for the next to come out, HADES, and finally, HEAVEN.

If I had to pick my favorite between the three, I guess I’d have to say it’s HADES, though the last half of HEAVEN is a close second (You can read my review for HALO and HADES on Amazon.). Overall I loved the trilogy. ALEXANDRA ADORNETTO is an amazing writer with a creative mind that produced an amazing storyline with three dimensional characters.

The first half of HEAVEN was a tad slow, but once you reach the middle it takes off. The slow pace was tolerable due to the wonderful writing. Having read the first two books in the trilogy, there was no way I wasn’t finishing the third one.

I loved the surprises and twists HEAVEN took. I hadn’t a clue how Xavier and Bethany’s story would unfold, but I loved how MS. ADORNETTO played it out. I could never have imagined what the author would do with one of the other characters I love, Gabriel. I’m anticipating with excitement a story about Gabe and Molly.

MY FIRST EVER

I’m so excited! I have several stories I contributed to, STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON, due out November, 9th, 2012.

Here's what Amazon has to say about STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON:

This inspirational book is a collection of true stories laid out in a daily format; one per day for 365 days. Each story will tell about a work of God in the lives of those who have experienced some aspect of prison. A single scripture verse will accompany each writing, pointing to the hope and truth found in God’s word

While incarcerated, many inmates spiritually hit bottom and come face-to-face with the choices they have made. Thankfully, God uses Christian volunteers, prison chaplains, family members, outside friends, Christian pen pals, and other inmates, to share His love and truth with the lost behind bars. Regardless of how they are offered hope, inmate’s testimonies, along with their daily walk challenges, are moving and inspirational.

You will read amazing stories including Brandon, a prisoner who had a prayer warrior mother, and was also visited by a Christian volunteer. Brandon came to Christ while incarcerated, and witnessed constant gang activity behind bars, including preying upon the youth on the outside. Since his release, Brandon often risks his life in his ministry of intervening in the lives of youth who are at risk to become involved in gang activity.

The battle for the souls of inmates is fierce. One female prisoner said, “When I first arrived at prison in 2002, Christianity was openly practiced and Satanic practices were underground. Now it is just the opposite.” This inspirational book will remind Christians of their admonishment by Jesus to visit the imprisoned, to pray for them, and to share the gospel with them (Matthew 25:36). These collective, true stories will especially touch those who are uncomfortable with prison ministry, helping them to develop compassion for the shunned souls of society.

FOR A CAUSE

WELOME AUTHOR MARY ANNSLEE URBAN

ABOUT MARY

Mary Annslee Urban is an author of Inspirational Romance. Her goal is to write stories that stir the heart about love, honor and God's grace! Her debut book, Tapestry of Trust, White Rose Publishing, was released June 2012. Her second book, She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, will be released Fall of 2012.

Mary has also been a freelance writer for several local newspapers and has had articles published in magazines as well as online publications. She has served as co-president of Carolina’s Christian Writers and is a member of ACFW. A North Carolina resident, Mary and her husband have five children and 3 grandchildren. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys Bible Studies, cooking, traveling, long walks and anything chocolate!

website: http://maryurban.blogspot.com/

ABOUT TAPESTRY OF TRUST

Surrendered Hearts—Interwoven Grace Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie’s back, and despite Isabelle’s best efforts, she can’t ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he’s become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle's own happily-ever-after tapestry?

Q&A

Q. First, tell us a little about yourself.

A. I’m a wife of Gary, mother of five, Nina (Grandmother) of three, registered nurse, author and most of all child of God! I live in the Charlotte, NC area. When I’m not writing, I work part-time as a behavioral health RN. I love to travel, cook, spend time with family and friends.

Q. Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read?

A. Yes. A variety of books. Mysteries, young adult love stories. I always love a happy ending.

Q. Why do you write?

A. It is my passion. I can’t imagine not writing, not creating an adventure. I love watching my characters come to life and the story about them evolve.

Q. Tell us about your latest book.

A. My latest book, She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, is a story about a young reporter who goes to visit her grandparents for Christmas. She ready to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery and snow. What she doesn’t expect is to be swept off her feet by her grandparent’s neighbor and his three year old daughter. A story of rising beyond the fears of the past and moving forward together into the future.

Q. What inspired you to write this particular book?

A. I love a cozy Christmas story.

Q. Where do you get ideas for your books?

A. My mind is always spinning with ideas. I may hear something or see something that sparks a thought and then presto, a story begins!

Q. In three words describe your style of writing.

A. Romance, witty, wholesome.

Q. What themes do you write about?

A. Inspirational romance. Finding love, overcoming life issues.

Q. What is your writing schedule and where do you write?

A. I have an office in my home and I write whenever I have a moment. Much of the time late into the night.

Q. Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations?

A. Yes. Yes. Yes. I work part-time as a nurse, also have a small real estate company. I have 5 kids, 3 grandchildren and a husband. Life gets hectic, but I’m not a tv watcher so when I have down time, I writer.

Q. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A. Pantser absolutely. Although I have an idea of where I want the story to go, how I get

there is always an unknown journey.

Q. Does your faith affect your writing? How?

A. All of my writing reflects Christian values. My characters do or learn to depend on the

Lord. I am eternally grateful that the Lord allows me to write and has opened the door

to be published.

Q. Do you put yourself in your books?

A. Threads of my life evolve in my characters.

Q. What are you working on right now?

A. I am revising and re-editing a Contemporary Inspirational Romance. My hero and heroine are both attorneys. Matti my heroine is a law school intern, she has a strong faith. My hero, Brock is an accomplished attorney whose pain from the past has soured him on Christianity.

Q. If you could interview any character in one of your books which one would it be?

A. Probably Isabelle in Tapestry of Trust. She’d lost so much in her life, including trust. What kept her going? I believe she’d answer with, “hope.”

Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

A. Believe in yourself. Allow the Lord to lead your path. Perseverance, prayer, patience!

Q. What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done.

A. When we were adopting our daughter, I flew down to Lima, Peru. My aunt and I went a week earlier than my husband, so our other three kids wouldn’t have us both away so long. The country was very volatile at the time. When we arrived even the taxi driver told us to go home. The lights in the city had been turned off because of riots and there were water cannons in front of our hotel. But, I couldn’t leave, my baby daughter was waiting for me.

DUE OUT THIS WINTER

She Came to See the Snow:

A Colorado Christmas Romance,

White Rose Publishing

CHANCE TO WIN

Now for a chance to win a copy of Mary Annslee Urban's book, Tapestry of Trust.

For each of the following, your name will be entered into the drawing:

1) Leave a comment with your email address or check back later for the winner. If you won, you’ll need to email me your information.

2) Become a follower on this blog.

3) Leave a comment on my Youtube video.

Make sure to let me know with your comment what you’ve done.

I can only ship in the US. Drawing will be done on October 22, 2012. Please check back to see if you've won if you didn't leave your email address. If I don't have your email address and haven't heard from you by the October 25, 2012, I'll draw another name



A SONG FOR MY NOVEL

The current novel I’m working on is titled, DON’T WALK AWAY. Being the huge music lover I am, I decided to see if there was a song with the same title. To my surprise there were several. I listened to each of them until I came across one I thought fit my story.


"Don't Walk Away"

By the Moffatts

Look in my eyes and let the moment begin

You make me feel like I can do anything

One look fron you just sends my troubles away

What I would do, to be with you

[Chorus:]

Don't walk away

Why don't you stay I've been waiting for somebody like you

Please don't walk away

Why won't you stay

That you're ready and you're feelin' it too

Cause if it's love If it's love

Then don't walk away I wanna show you I've got nothing to hide

Don't be afraid of what you're feeling inside

Deep in my heart there is nobody but you

What I would do, to be with you

[Chorus]

A BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS

Title: Christmas Roses

Author: Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2012
Pages: 172

Celia Anderson is recently widowed and has no thought of remarrying, especially not to the two men that have shown her interest in the past months. If she were to consider marriage again, it would be for love this time, not as an arrangement by her parents.

In search for his father, Mark Williams finds himself in a small town in Wyoming. What he hadn’t expected to find was a woman and child that win his heart. With his carpentry skills, Mark crafts a gift for Celia, along with a question, in hopes of winning her heart.

At only 172 pages, CHRISTMAS ROSES by AMANDA CABOT, is a quick read. A sweet and heartwarming story, just in time for Christmas with a surprise ending.

THE ENDING CAME TOO EARLY

Title: Dawn Comes Early
Author: Margaret Brownley
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 13, 2012)
Pages: 352

Kate Tenney fled the city she was raised in for what she hoped would be a new life. One that would earn her the respect she sought her entire life. Kate would need to prove to the ranch owner that she was worthy of inheriting her ranch, and learning to ride a horse first would come in handy.

Luke Adams is not one for fancy words, but when he meets the educated Kate Tenney, he’s willing to learn. But learning new words is not his greatest challenge. Convincing Kate that she shouldn’t throw her life way by accepting the ranch owner’s agreement to never marry in exchange for inheriting her land, is.

So what do you say about a book that blows you away, and that’s exactly what DAWN COMES EARLY by MARGARET BROWNLEY did. This is not the first book I read by MS. BROWNLEY, but it is the first book in fiction I’ve read by her, and it won’t be the last.

What an unbelievable blessing it is when you run across a book that contains every aspect of writing that is needed to produce a brilliant story. I am convinced that the top priority in a great book is good writing. Without it, no matter if the rest of the qualities are there, it will fail. I cannot finish a book that isn’t written well, or at the very least, okay.

I have read countless of what I call, cowboy books. I have a few authors that are my favorites, that I believe get it all right, and thus I can’t get enough of their books. I have now added MARGET BROWNLEY to that list.

DAWN COMES EARLY is different than other romances I have read. Typically the hero and heroine meet right at the start, and continue to encounter one another on a regular basis throughout the book. Stories that don’t have the main characters meeting often can cause me to lose interest.

What makes DAWN COMES EARLY unique is the amount of encounters the two love interest have in the first half of the book. Oh, he was there, but the main focal point was the heroin’s story. It took me awhile to realize the hero wasn’t coming back around every corner, and once I did, I couldn’t help but become immersed in the heroine’s story.

MS. BROWNLEY does an amazing job of weaving an incredible story, one that will not soon be forgotten. Every character is three dimensional, one that you will come to love, with individual personalities. The author’s attention to detail brings the story to life in an educational, fun, and realistic way. You are lucky to have one of those moments in a story where you reread a line because it’s that good. With MS BROWNLEY’S story, there were many. As an aspiring author, I ate up every word she wrote.

I loved how the author was able to create a character that allowed her to weave faith in, in a powerful, yet non-preaching way. It wasn’t the author who gave reference to scripture and prayer, but the character. I have read several books where the main character is a writer, but never have I read one as well done as DAWN COMES EARLY. The way MS. BROWNLEY referenced the main character’s fictional story she was writing at the beginning of each chapter, as well as throughout the book, was refreshing and exiting.

Every aspect of the story was remarkable, from the very first page, throughout the middle, right up to the very last line. I can’t wait for the next book in the LAST CHANCE RANCH series, THE BRIDES OF LAST CHANCE RANCH, WAITING FOR MORNING.

Hurry up January and get here!

ACFW OCTOBER 2012 NEW RELEASES

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.


Garters for Lace by Brandi Boddie -- Civil War veteran and preacher Rowe Winford arrives in town intent on leaving the tragic memories of his deceased family behind. Although Rowe has no plans to fall in love anytime soon, the plans of God rarely match those of man. Faced with adversity and rejection from the town and Rowe's family, can Marissa overcome her past, renew her faith, and experience the life of love that God has planned for her? Can this small-town saloon girl trade her fancy garters for a respectable life? (Historical Romance from Realms (Charisma Media).

Guardian by Heather Burch -- The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. (Young Adult from Zondervan).

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden -- A woman struggling to create a respectable life in 19th century Boston is derailed when she falls in love with a dashing spy. When he draws her into his dangerous world, she must find the courage to infiltrate a remote wilderness mansion to unravel a plot that threatens to destroy them both. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley -- When a serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas, Cody Jackson, a Texas Ranger, and Detective Liliana Rodriguez race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area. (Suspense from Abingdon Press).

A Lady in the Making by Susan Page Davis -- David Stone sets out to claim his estate and title, and finds himself a fellow passenger with the woman who tried to cheat him out of his fortune. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).

Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson -- A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart? (Historical Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts)).

The Carpenter's Inheritance by Laurie Alice Eakes -- In 1893, Lucinda Bell is that rarity--a lady lawyer, but her choice to take on only civil cases might not be the safest choice for her life or her heart. (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour).

Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes -- Cassandra may be more interested in balloon flights than ball flirtations until Lord Whittaker is near, when love seems a fine alternative to the physics of flight until disaster strikes. (Historical Romance from Revell (Baker).

Colonial Courtships by Laurie Alice Eakes, Carla Olson Gade, Lisa Karon Richardson, and Amber Stockton -- Set during the years 1752-1762, will adventure thwart the four Ingersoll brothers' plans or set them on a course of love?

(Historical Romance from Barbour).

Love Finds You at Home for Christmas by Annalisa Daughety and Gwen Ford Faulkenberry -- Love finds a home in two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present. (Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts)).

Twice a Bride by Mona Hodgson -- Love lost doesn't mean love lost forever. Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows? (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House).

The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter -- Horse trainer Annie Wilkerson must write a write a lovelorn column to make ends meet. There's only one problem--Annie's never been in love so she turns to ladies' man Dylan Taylor for help but ends up with more trouble than she bargained for. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson).

A Heart Made New by Kelly Irvin -- Annie Shirack is trying to fight her feelings for David Plank, a young Amish man who's struggling with an aggressive case of Hodgkin's lymphoma. David loves Annie too much to let her into his life, only, he fears, to leave her. (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House).

The Preacher's Bride by Laurie Kingery -- Can a woman who has lost her faith, and the town's new preacher find happiness together, or will Comanche raiders destroy all chance of peace and a love that lasts forever. (Western Romance from Love Inspired).

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig -- Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, a devoted sister sets off on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker)).

Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport -- With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie Friesen runs from her fast-paced life straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley's Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she's ever known? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour).

Critical Condition by Sandra Orchard -- Book 3 in Undercover Cops series A nurse. An undercover cop. A killer who'll stop at nothing to avoid being caught. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Trapped! The Adulterous Woman by Golden Keyes Parsons -- Completely unaware she is a pawn in a complicated scheme to frame Jesus, Anna's foolish heart plunges her into a role that goes into eternity as a poignant example of the compassion and forgiveness of the Messiah. (Biblical Fiction from WhiteFire Publishing).

The Doctor's Defender by Terri Reed -- Fearing for her life, Dr. Brenda Storm must trust handsome bodyguard Kyle Martin to keep her safe, but can she trust him with her heart? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Dead Wrong by Susan Sleeman -- Book two in the Justice Agency series. When a killer threatens private investigator Kat Justice's life only one man can help her say alive. A man who once broke her heart and it's never recovered. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Love in Three-Quarter Time by Dina Sleiman -- The former belle of the ball must teach the dances she once loved and risk her heart in order to restore her family. (Historical Romance from Zondervan).

The Women of Valley View: Callie by Sharon Lynne Srock -- A baby is dead and Callie feels responsible. Can she put her self-imposed guilt aside long enough to help the two girls who need her now? If she'll step out on faith, God will rescue her as well as them. (General Contemporary from Harbourlight Books (Pelican).

Stealing Hearts by Amber Stockton -- Grace Baxton struggles to forgive a thief who took precious family heirlooms, yet threatens to steal her heart. (Historical Romance from Barbour).

Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson -- Tessa Bowen reluctantly agrees to trades lives--and situations--with pampered Jacquie Abingdon, a London socialite. This decision places Tessa aboard the Titanic for a journey destined to change her life forever. (Historical Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts).

His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman -- God has plans beyond what Danielle's mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never goes away but endures forever. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson).

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall -- Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, and restoration. (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House).

WELCOME AUTHOR SHERRI WILSON JOHNSON

Sherri Wilson Johnson is from Georgia and lives there with her husband, who loves to fish and build guitars, her children, and two dogs. She homeschooled for fourteen years and now dedicates much of her free time to writing. She loves Jesus, the ocean, eating ice cream, and laughing. She has been writing for practically as long as she could put words down on paper but fell in love with writing Inspirational Romance in her late teens.

My newest book, Song of the Meadowlark, is a contemporary romance about a woman named Cora who has been abandoned by her husband after his arrest on drug trafficking charges. She waits a year for him to return and when he doesn’t she decides to go back home to Florida to mend her broken relationship with her parents. On the way there her car breaks down and she’s temporarily stranded in a South Georgia town, which is experiencing missing and murdered women occurrences. She falls in love with the town and the people she stays with while there. Little Susie O’Reilly finds an immediate place in her heart but her widower father, Rex, tries to stand in the way of the two bonding. After Cora is abducted, she decides to return home and that adds to Rex’s opposition to her since Susie is already attached to Cora. When Cora arrives home she finds the repair of her relationship with her parents and her ability to forget about Rex nearly impossible. Cora struggles with doubt, rejection, fear, and anger on her path to peace and forgiveness. I hope readers will learn that it’s okay to experience periods of doubt and confusion while searching for the truth.

Book Blurb: To Dance Once More is the story of Lydia Jane Barrington, a Victorian debutante. Lydia lives on a plantation in Florida under the watchful eye of her father. She’s quite an independent young lady who does not want to fall into the trap (as she sees it) that her mother and sisters have fallen into—marriage and motherhood. She wants to travel the world and experience life before giving her heart to a man. One day, her eyes are opened to love and no matter what, she cannot forget the blissful feeling it causes. She begins to believe that love isn’t such a bad thing after all. Then she discovers a secret that prohibits any of her dreams from ever coming true. She begins a quest to free herself and her family from a future of bondage. Hearts are broken and lives are torn apart because of Lydia’s own selfishness. Will she surrender to a call that God placed on her life and be able to experience love after all?

Q&A TIME

 

Q: Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

A: One of my favorite books as a child was The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde Swift (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Lighthouse ). It came with a vinyl record, which turned the book into an audio book. I loved it because the lighthouse was tiny and hid underneath the George Washington Bridge. He felt like he wasn’t important but actually he was extremely important. Without him, ships would have slammed into the bridge at night. The story makes you feel hopeful that you can make a difference in this world. The sounds of the tugboat and other ships were fascinating to listen to as a child (a long time ago). My favorite book as an adult (except the Bible, of course) is hard to pinpoint. I love Of Mice and Men and The Great Gatsby. I love so many books and I dislike probably just as many.

Q:. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?

A: John 14:1-3 has always been my favorite scripture. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” This makes life worth living. James 1:2-4 has been an encouragement to me in my adult life and in my writing. It says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I could not get through the ups and downs of this life and of trying to complete my writing projects without this encouragement.

Q: If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
A: There are a lot of places I would like to visit just for fun. If I could go anywhere to visit for research, I suppose it would be to England or Sweden to research the places where my ancestors lived.

Q: I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?

A: One of my main issues with technology is the fact that I have a hard time resisting the urge to use it. I waste a lot of time that could be used writing. However, I can’t imagine not having technology. Although I often handwrite with pen and pad, I definitely enjoy being able to type something and make corrections without having to rip a piece of paper out of a typewriter and start over or use correction fluid. My first novel was written on a typewriter. In a melancholy moment, I decided it was no good and I burned it in my fireplace. That novel was lost forever. But the more I’ve learned about the craft, the more I realize that the fireplace probably was the best place for that book. One of the best advantages of technology in the writing industry is the convenience it brings to marketing and also in the submission process. When I first started writing, it was expensive to make copies, mail manuscripts, and include a SASE and getting the word out about your projects was impossible unless you hired someone to do your marketing for you. I think technology has changed the face of writing for the better and as long as we as writers remember to use it in moderation, we’ll be successful.

Q: As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?

A: Letting go of my work and submitting it to publishers and agents and letting other people read my words has stretched me. You have to be willing to be vulnerable and face rejection and correction. By doing that, I’ve realized that everything I want to say isn’t necessarily important and is subject to editing. I’ve learned to say things in as few words as possible.

Q: What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?

A: Oh boy! I don’t think there is room enough on your blog for this. I guess one thing I would advise a beginning writer would be to be patient. If you don’t have patience, you’ll never persevere on the long road to publication. Also, get lots of practice, practice, practice every day—or at least several times a week. In this industry, you need to be as polished as possible. The more you write, the better your writing will be. I also recommend that all writers read the works of other authors (good and bad) to see how they can improve and how they can avoid big mistakes that will lead to rejection. Probably the most important thing would be to write with a message. Know what you want people to walk away from your words with and strive toward getting that message across in everything you write.

Where you can find Sherri:
http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com
http://sherrijinga.wordpress.com
http://sherriwilsonjohnson.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/#!/swj_thewriter
http://nicoleodell.com/sherri-wilson-johnson-on-inspiring-purity/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5233294.Sherri_Wilson_Johnson

ON CRITIQUING

I recently ran into this issue of how honestly we critique ones work. For me, it’s a no-brainer. I really don’t know any other way to critique then to be honest in what I’ve learned over the years, and believe to make a story the best it can be. I wouldn’t be doing the other person any good, rather an injustice by not being completely honest. I wouldn’t expect anything less from others.

I’m not naïve enough to think that my word/edits/critiques are “law”, but there are several “rules/do’s and don’ts” of writing that are not based on ones opinion or writing being subjective. And those are the edits that one needs to pay close attention to.

I have found that if ones story is flooded with writing errors, their voice will be greatly compromised. This can be very discouraging, but if you learns from the critiques you receive, it will result in better writing in the future, thus your voice will rise up and become your own.

I believe it is vital to have a “second pair of eyes” that have never seen that particular work before. Those eyes can catch things we missed, and offer a fresh perspective on our work. One that will often separate good writing from amazing writing.

In order for a critique to really work, the person critiquing needs to be honest, yet with a gentle heart. Equally, the person having their work critiqued needs to receive it with an open and accepting mind. Don’t take it as a personal attack, but as a gift to better your writing.

Anyone who has been writing for some times knows that you need tough skin to write. Those without will never make it.

Keep in perspective there is a difference between mistakes that can be corrected once the rules are learned and mastered, vs not having a talent to tell a story. If you believe that God has called you to write, and it’s in your blood, don’t let satan win. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and keep writing.