Author April W Gardner

When RA Flare-ups Are a Good Thing

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Tue, 29 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I crawled into bed Saturday night completely wiped out. My joints screamed at me in a way they haven't for a good long while, and fever chills sent me grabbing for an extra blanket--all the symptoms of an RA flare-up, but never was pain more satisfying. One of my huge triggers is stress, and the days leading up to the flare overflowed with it--the good kind, though!

Tuesday, I spent the day on Robins Air Force Base at the Home Business Fair. I babysat my display table and talked about my books the entire day. It was Military Spouse Appreciation Day, so there was a free luncheon that I happened upon. The city went way overboard in their donations. There must have been 50+ drawings for give-aways that ranged from free oil changes to free donuts. (Thanks, Warner Robins!) Yours truly won a $10 gift card for lunch at the base enlisted club. Woot, woot! Free is ALWAYS a good thing.

At the luncheon, a soloist sang "Wind Beneath My Wings," changing a few words to apply to military spouses who keep their men inspired to fight (or type, as applies to my computer nerd warrior). The lady sang the piece as if it were a gift, straight from her heart to ours. There might have been a few dry eyes in the room, but I'm not sure.

I met dozens of super sweet ladies who let me ramble on about my books. Wasn't allowed to sell any (base policy), but it hardly mattered. How often does an author get to talk up her books all day?!

Wednesday, I spoke in my daughter's second grade class. Her teacher asked me to come chat about being an author, and of course, I jumped on it! Since I'd been volunteering once a week during their writing hour, I knew what they'd covered this year and the angle I should take. They'd just done their first bit of research, so I keyed in on how research for my Lizzie book was so important. I even let them listen to my taped interview with Ruth, the lovely lady whose life the book is based on. (Hat's off to you, Ruth!) We finished off with Chapter One of my kid's book, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang, and, I swear, they held their breath through the entire reading. :-)

I haven't had that much fun in...I can't remember how long. It's inspired me to do the same in other schools--if they'll have me! I've got the whole summer to prepare...

Wednesday night, right before bed, I found out Lizzie won the Selah Award. Super yay!! But I already posted about that, so I'll move along...

Thursday, as an indirect result of winning the Selah Award, I was extended the opportunity to talk to an agent. Amanda Luedeke, of the MacGregor Agency, was kind enough to spend 45 minutes of her day counseling me on my writing career. After months of standing at a crossroads, undecided and begging God for direction, I finally got a clear word. I know what to do, where to invest my time. Thank you, Lord! And thank you, Amanda. Your wisdom was God's gift to me!

Thursday night, the family and I drove to the Macon Barnes and Noble for their annual Local Author's Night. There were three other authors, one of which--a local rabbi--drew the masses like RJ from Swamp People at the Swainsboro Pine Tree Festival. OK, maybe not that many, but the synagogue really loves their rabbi! Thanks to their devotion and support of his new book, I managed to sell quite a few of my own--a rarity at book signings. The rabbi was a Messianic Jew, so the long line of people waiting for his book--and standing right in front of my table--were my target audience. Just about everyone I talked to was happy to learn about my Creek Country Saga. All except for the one lady who said the end of the world was near, so fiction was a petty waste of time. Yes, she really told me that. The words that came out of my mouth were "thank you for your opinion," but my brain blurted a whole lot more.

All that to say, stress is a bad thing for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, but in this case, I'll take it! It was an amazing week and one of the most productive, career-wise, I've had for a good little while.

Now, where did I put that pack of steroids...

COTT, April New Releases Winner Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:33:00 +0000

The winner of our April New Releases Clash is:

The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition by Sharon Hinck

A hearty congratulations to Sharon!

And a special thank-you to the following authors for being part of this fun week:

Susan Page Davis, author of Cowgirl Trail

DiAnn Mills, author of The Chase

Kate Lloyd, author of Leaving Lancaster

Nancy Herriman, author of The Irish Healer

ABOUT The Restorer's Son-Expanded Edition:
Book two in the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric series, The Restorer’s Son won a Carol Award for speculative fiction.

Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake. All signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. A target of assassins and more political intrigue, false leads and near misses beset their path, which leads them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One’s purpose is revealed.

Cast out by those he trusts, the new reluctant Restorer prefers to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will. Pursued by his calling, he journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life.

WHAT VOTERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT "The Restorer's Son."

*Have read the other books & the original editions & Sharon is a master story-teller...humorous, poignant, deep & lyrical! A must-read!
*I love and am impressed and inspired by everything you write, Sharon. God's blessings daily.
* I LOVED The Restorer! One of my all-time favorite books because it made me love Jesus more.
*I love, love, love The Restorer's Son. If you haven't read it, you should. (Make sure to look for the Expanded Edition to get extras.)
*Sharon is a wonderful wordsmith whose creative writing is experience validated. Can't wait to dig into this one.
*To be read? Maybe to be re-read... for the sixth time. I'm in love with The Sword of Lyric trilogy, and the extended releases are the perfect excuse to tell everyone I know about these books. The Restorer's Son is one of the most powerful fiction titles I've ever read, and it will be on my to-(re)read list for many years to come.

ABOUT the author, Sharon Hinck:

Sharon writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include contemporary fiction such as The Secret Life of Becky Miller or Stepping into Sunlight and the groundbreaking Sword of Lyricfantasy series which includes The Restorer’s Son–Expanded Edition. She’s been a Christy finalist and won three Carol awards.
Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interacting with visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com.

Q and A with SHARON:

Q. Besides an entertaining read, what do you hope people experience in The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition?

A. My hope is that readers will catch glimpses of the way the One speaks to each of us in the language we understand, and that we can go to Him with our difficult questions. For those who are walking very painful roads, I hope the story will help them feel acknowledged. The journey is hard, heroic, and sometimes frightening. But we are never alone.

Q.What was it like developing new material for this new edition?

A. Books are like children. I treasure each of them in different ways, and among the novels I’ve written, I try not to have favorites. However, I confess that The Restorer’s Son has an extra special place in my heart. Because of that, it was fun to revisit the characters and world of this story. Kieran’s attitudes were loosely inspired by a verse in Judges where Gideon is told God will use him to save his people. Gideon’s response is basically, “If God is for us, why have all these bad things happened to us?” It’s a question many can relate to, and part of the reason that Kieran is such a beloved character.

The new devotion guide gives readers an opportunity to dig deeper into the Biblical inspirations that helped inform the book, as well as find personal application. About forty pages of new content, including bonus scenes and a new song composed for the book, make this edition a new experience.

Q. Where can we buy the book?

www.sharonhinck.com
http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/

To order The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition:
http://urlcut.me/aM3

Kindle version:
http://urlcut.me/aM2

Lizzie Wins the Selah Award!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:13:00 +0000

After a crazy, insane day yesterday and a book signing last night that kept me out until ten, I finally have to time to share my GREAT NEWS!

Kindle, Nook,
and paperback.

My children's novel, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang, won the Selah Award!!!

It competed in the YA (young adult) category. The results were announced at the annual Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference Wednesday night. Diana Sharples, the dear author/mentor who was instrumental in helping make "Lizzie" what it is today, was present at the banquet and able to accept the award for me. Thanks, Diana!! A more perfect person for the job couldn't have been picked.

I'm honored, humbled, and grateful to God for this literary award as well as for the opportunity he gave me to share Ruth's amazing story. All glory to Him!!

I pray this small success helps get the books into the hands of more children, so they can learn what it means to trust their loving Creator, Provider, and Savior.

The Map Quilt by Lickel--A cozy mystery and a Kindle bargain to boot!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 +0000

KINDLE BOOK LAUNCH

The Map Quilt, by Lisa Lickel

Old quilts, underground railroad…buried treasure!

Tuesday, May 22

LOTS OF FREE EGIFTS

if purchased on

Tuesday, May 22

SEE FREE GIFTS

MY REVIEW:
Bookended by characters from 1860, The Map Quilt is a contemporary suspense that solves a 150 year old Wisconsin mystery. There’s the opinion that Judy Wingate’s ancient quilt is a map of the local area and was used by those running the Underground Railroad, but the yellowed slip of paper that’s found hiding in the batting is what really gets Judy wondering and investigating—not a wise thing to do when one is eight months pregnant. The questions begin to roll when the Wingate barn burns down, a body is found nearby, and a skeleton is uncovered in their yard. But what does a long dead woman have to do with the innovational battery stolen from their business? Does the mysterious newcomer have anything to do with it, or is it a competitor intent on putting them out of business before it even gets off the ground? The questions just keep coming, and keep you turning pages to the last.

The Map Quilt moves along at a nice pace, never giving the reader an opportunity to yawn. The mystery is cozy, yet complex enough to keep me scratching my head.

This is the second of Lisa Lickel’s novels that I’ve read. The first, Meander Scar, was an edgy contemporary romance that held me spellbound. The Map Quilt has a completely different feel, but is equally well written. It’s light, yet intriguing. It deals with America’s sinful past, yet inspires a frequent chuckle.

Many of the characters have names from the history books—Hart, Ardyth, Tomasina, to name a few. It gives them an instant homey and endearing feel and ties in nicely with the 150 year old mystery they’re working to solve.

I haven’t read the first in the series, but I didn’t need to in order to fall in love with Hart and Judy Wingate. Grab it today while it’s price is reduced! Just $2.99 on Kindle. Can’t beat it!

Five New Releases You Gotta See

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:49:00 +0000

*guest post by April W Gardner

This week, Clash of the Titles is featuring five novels new to bookstore shelves. You don't want to miss a single one! They're already getting great reviews. Check them out on Amazon by clicking the cover images. You can also use the survey below to let us know which you're most likely to read first. Which one is going to the top of your TBR pile?

COWGIRL TRAIL by Susan Page Davis
Alex Bright is torn between supporting the cowboys who want to strike or the rancher who gave him his start. The boss’s beautiful daughter complicates matters when she organizes an all-woman outfit to replace the striking men.

THE RESTORER'S SON by Sharon Hinck
Cast out by those he trusts and preferring to cross swords with the One rather than yield to His will, Kieran flees to enemy Hazor, only to find that the One knows no borders. Pursued by his calling, Kieran finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness.

THE CHASE by DiAnn Mills
To FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, it's a cold case, but to writer Kariss Walker it's a story that she has to write despite the danger.

LEAVING LANCASTER by Kate Lloyd

When Holly Fisher's mother reveals a long-kept secret, that Holly's mother abandoned her Amish community where relatives still live, will Holly's yearning for family be strong enough to overtake her conflicted feelings of betrayal? Set in the heart of contemporary Amish country, Leaving Lancaster explores the power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love where least expected.

THE IRISH HEALER by Nancy Herriman

Accused of murdering a child under her care, Irish healer Rachel Dunne flees the ensuing scandal while vowing to never sit at another sickbed. When a cholera epidemic sweeps through London, she feels compelled to nurse the dying daughter of the enigmatic physician she has come to love.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:40:00 +0000

Creek Country A to Z

Creek Country now consists of Georgia and Alabama, but 160 years ago, it was ruled by the mighty Creek Confederacy. Join me as I explore ancient Creek Country from Adela to Zachariah, the Battle of Burnt Corn to the Yamassee War. And everything in between.

E, for Enoch

Enoch is one of those characters that manages to twist a grin out of you whenever he comes onto the page. Full of life and oozing with personality, he buried himself in my heart from chapter one.

Although a slave to Dixon Bailey, Enoch was present when Fort Mims was attacked by Creek Indians. The natives decimated the fort, orphaning Enoch and leaving him masterless in the process. Major Phillip Bailey, a Fort Mims survivor and only surviving Bailey, naturally took possession of all Bailey holdings--including Enoch. Over the next two years, through the Creek War and into the beginning of the First Seminole War, the two--each a survivor of the same horrific event--develop an unlikely friendship that neither is brave enough to verbalize.

Over the course of Warring Spirits, both learn to see past the exterior to what lies beneath, but then...tragedy has a way of doing that.

Below, I've pasted one of my favorite Enoch scenes. Enjoy!

***

Phillip scooted over to allow Enoch to join him on the sliver of land along the river’s edge. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

Heedless of alligators and any other unpleasant creature that might be lurking in the calf-deep water, the boy sank his bare feet into the muck. “They sure is. Jes look at ‘em, so tall and sleek, like fine racin’ stallions. Except these got a bite to ‘em, and I ain’t planning to be around when them cannon start smoking. You figure they been around the globe? I bet they could sail all the way ‘round this big ol’ world. I nevah imagined Navy boats was so big.”

Phillip grinned at Enoch’s round-eyed wonder. “These are the smaller vessels. The bigger ones wouldn’t be able to navigate this far up river. Their hulls are too deep, the water too shallow. Even these here risk becoming lodged.”

Just this morning, the small convoy had arrived from the bay. Phillip took a moment to thank God his army feet were planted firmly on the ground. He appreciated the sleek beauty of naval vessels, but nothing else about that branch of the military even remotely appealed to him. Their work on this mission, though, would go a long way toward making Phillip’s job easier.

Blast the fort for all the navy was worth, then storm the ramparts. That was the plan. But not for a few more days. First, Colonel Clinch would give the Negroes an opportunity to surrender.

Phillip turned and climbed the embankment. “Come along, Enoch, I may need you.” Having reached the top, he straightened his uniform then realized Enoch remained with his feet buried in the water, a stricken look wrinkling his face.

“Are you snake-bit?”

Enoch wagged his head. “No, suh.”

“Then get on up here.”

“You goin’ to that Creek camp, suh?” the boy asked, not having budged an inch.

Phillip knew where this was going. He sighed, understanding his slave’s fear more than he cared to confess. “Go see if Cook has need of you.”

“Yes, suh!” Enoch’s feet came unglued from the riverbed. He scrambled on gangly legs over the bluff and set off toward camp.

“If Cook can’t use you, find another way to make yourself useful,” Phillip hollered at the boy’s diminishing back.

Still running, Enoch waved in acknowledgement.

Phillip rolled his eyes. He gave the boy far too many liberties. His father never would have approved.

To get to know these characters better and to learn more about the Creek and their ancient country, I invite you to read my novels.

Purchase your copy today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Also available for Kindle and Nook

Prohpet by R.J. Larson, makes it to my Wall of Fame 2012

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:08:00 +0000

I’ve had a run of great books lately. The pattern seems to be that I go months without finding a single book that really grasps me, consumes my mind. Then I’ll have a rash of them, and my hope in the literarily world is renewed.

Two weeks ago, Valeria’s Cross took me back to Rome, the early Christians, and the birth of the Holy Roman Empire. You can read my review HERE.

This week, it was Prophet by R.J. Larson. As I wrote the author’s name just now, I got to wondering whether or not it was male or female. A quick Google has me squealing in delight. R.J. Larson is none other than Kacy Barnett Gramckow! I couldn’t be more thrilled!!

Years ago, I fell in love with Kacy’s Genesis Trilogy. I broke my reviewers teeth on book one, The Heavens Before. When I heard she was being published again, I was ecstatic! But that was months ago, and I’d since forgotten I’d offered to review it for her.

When Bethany House sent this book to me, I had no idea why, (silly me!) but one chapter in, I was so glad they did. By the end of the first pages, I’d swallowed the hook and joyously succumbed to be reeled in, one blessed page at a time.

Engaging and unique enough for the pickiest of readers (me) yet straightforward and clean enough for the youngest (I plan to let me 10yo bookworm read it) Prophet is one of those books you’ll never forget.

About the book:

Close your eyes, Ela of Parne. Close your eyes and you will see.

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn’t understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She’s undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen–not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite’s prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Istgard has turned their back on me. See the evil they do.

Yet after experiencing His presence, she can’t imagine living without Him. Determined to follow the Infinite’s voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite’s word to a nation torn apart by war. Here she meets Kien, a young Traceland ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela must surrender to her destiny . . . and determine how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.

My Review:

Prophet is Old Testament prophets meets Star Wars, minus the space elements. The author weaves stories of Old Testament prophets into an imaginary land and time in a way that breathes fresh air into the old Bible stories. The book makes you wonder about the prophets… What must it have been like to hear God speak during a time when visits from the Spirit were rare and fleeting? How terrifying must it have been to face kings influenced by Evil and bent on the prophet’s destruction? The author does a beautiful job of filling in her version of the answers. She left me quite satisfied, yet longing for more!

Apart from subliminally coercing me to think deeper into the real accounts, Ela’s communion with the Infinite created a yearning in me for a deeper relationship with God. I can credit no other novel with that level of achievement.

The characters are enchantingly colorful. Especially little Tzana, Ela’s young sister who is stricken with a premature aging. I adored Tzana and Pet. “Pet” is the name of the girls’ Destroyer, which is a species of war horse. Pet has a personality all his own, and if for no other reason, the book is worth reading for him alone.

I can’t speak highly enough about this book. It’s earned its place on my Wall of Fame 2012 and rightly so!

High Desert Haven Wins on Clash of the Titles

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:39:00 +0000

**Guest post by Michelle Massaro

In the recent Leading Ladies Clash, Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux and High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner went into the ring on Clash of the Titles.

After the public vote, the winning title was....

HIGH DESERT HAVEN by Lynnette Bonner!!

We're happy to announce that High Desert Haven has been added to the list of COTT Champ titles! And we also want to extend our congratulations to the author. I'm sure we're all eager to add this book to our summer to-be-read pile!

In response to her win, author Lynnette Bonner said:

It was an honor just to have been chosen as a clasher, in the first place, and then to have won… wow, I’m totally blessed by that. I’m still fairly new at this, and putting my stories out to the public is, to say the least, a daunting experience. So every little bit of encouragement and affirmation gets tucked away for days ahead when I will need to draw strength from them. I so appreciate COTT for giving me this opportunity to interact and connect with their readers.

Some of the comments left by readers were:

Great job!!
Both excerpts make me want to read the rest of the story. It was hard to choose!
I think they both did a good job of presenting their books.
Both leading ladies were believable and presented with skill.
Looks like a whole lotta fun!
I found it very hard to select only ONE excerpt. They were both great! Keep up the great work!
Both excerpts have great leads! Would like to read both books!

Curious to read the winning excerpt? You can both contenders' entries here.
An interview with the winning author can be found here.

Want to congratulate the author? Leave a message in the comments. Have a question about future Clashes on COTT? Email them at contactCOTT@gmail.com

Thank you!

**Michelle Massaro is the Assistant Editor for Clash of the Titles, a mother of four, and a wife of nearly 17 years. She bakes, crochets, cross-stitches, sings, writes, and cries during movies. She champions for Biblical authority, leads a Jr. High girls' Bible study, and plays a mean game of backgammon. She spends way too much time on the computer, but makes it up to her family (she hopes) with prayer coverings and chocolate chip cookies. The best place to connect with her is on Facebook, naturally.

Blog Hop Winners Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:53:00 +0000

What a great week! I don't know about you, but I thoroughly enjoyed hopping around cyberspace, visiting over fifty author's pages. The world is a bettter place, because of those who write for God's glory.

Two Kindles were up for grabs for those signed up for the John 3:16 Marketing Network newsletter. The winners were announced this morning. They are Marnie Pohlmann and Patricia Day. Woo hoo! I cherish my Kindle. How did the world ever spin without them? Grin.

Special thanks to the masses who came by my blog, commented, and entered my own drawing. I used Random.org this morning to choose the winner, and that person is....

Linda from desertrose5173(at)gmail(dot)com

Congrats, Linda!!

You will receive a signed copy of my children's historical novel, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang.

If you didn't get a chance to sign up for the John 3:16 MN newsletter, it's still open (although the drawing has already ended). The sign-up box is in the sidebar of this blog.

Win One of Two Kindles! Plus 55 other chances to win various prizes.

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the 1st John 3:16 Giveaway Blog Hop! As one of the members of this great network of Christian Authors, I am excited to participate in this event! We have come together this week to showcase our books and to give you, our readers, a chance to win some great prizes as you "hop" from blog to blog.
A different prize is offered at each blog site (no purchase necessary).

WHAT PRIZE AM I OFFERING?
A signed copy of my children's historical adventure novel, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang.
This is the perfect gift for that precious child in your life. It is set during WWII and based actual events in the life of a Guernsey child. Learn more at ChannelIslandsResistance.com
HOW DO YOU WIN THIS BOOK?
Simply leave a valid email address in the comments section of this post. "Follows" and subscriptions on this blog and on my Facebook page much appreciated!

Also, check out my best-selling adult historical romances! Wounded Spirits and Warring Spirits.

For a chance to win one of two Kindles the network is giving away, the only requirement is that you sign up for the John 3:16 ezine newsletter. (Sign-up box located in the right sidebar of this blog--below my book cover images.)
(See official rules here.)
At the other blogs, each author will require that you leave a comment (and a valid email address) so they may contact you if you win a prize offered on their blog site. May I also suggest that you show your love and appreciation to each blog host by either following them on Twitter, or "liking" them on Facebook or even subscribing to their blog. It won't help your odds of winning a prize but I know each author would be thrilled and very encouraged!

Below are 55 more chances to win prizes. Just click on the links below to go from blog to blog! Happy hoppin'!

Blog Hop Participants:

Lorilyn Roberts (John 3:16 Blog) – http://john316mn.blogspot.com/

Lynn Dove – Word Salt (Host blog) - http://wordsalt.wordpress.com/

Laura J. Davis - http://interviewsandreviews.blogspot.com/

Paulette Harper - http://www.pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com/

Carol A. Brown - http://connectwithcarolbrown.blogspot.com/

April Gardner - http://www.aprilwgardner.com/

Sue Russell – http://www.suerussellsblog.blogspot.com/

Thomas Blubaugh - http://tomblubaugh.net/

Susan F. Craft – http://historicalfictionalightintime.blogspot.com/

Heather Bixler – http://heatherbixler.com/

Joy Hannabass – http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/

Deborah Bateman - http://www.DeborahHBateman.com

Kimberley Payne - http://www.fitforfaith.blogspot.com/

Rose McCauley – http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com

Lisa Lickel - http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com/

Alice J. Wisler - http://www.alicewisler.blogspot.com/

Amanda Stephan - http://www.thepriceoftrust.com/

Saundra Dalton – http://gracetolivefree.blogspot.com/

Tracy Krauss - http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/

Ashley Wintters - http://ashleyschristianbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Deborah McCarragher - http://www.godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/

Lorilyn Roberts - http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/

Anita Estes - http://anita-thoughtsonchristianity.blogspot.com/

Martin Roth – http://www.military-orders.com

Kenneth Winters – http://www.lostcrownofcolonnade.com/

Eddie Snipes – http://www.eddiesnipes.com/

Diane Tatum - http://tatumlight-tatumsthoughts4today.blogspot.com/

Janalyn Voigt - http://janalynvoigt.com/

Alberta Sequeira – http://www.albertasequeira.wordpress.com/

Tammy Hill – http://tammyhillbooks.blogspot.com/p/blog-hop.html

Marcia Laycock – http://www.writer-lee.blogspot.com/

Nike Chillemi - http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/

Elaine Marie Cooper - http://wp.me/PVo1a-1vM

Sidney W. Frost - http://christianbookmobile.blogspot.ca/2012/05/welcome-to-john-316-giveaway-blog-hop.html

Jairus B. King – http://ministerjking.blogspot.com

Bill Burt - http://kotbooks.blogspot.com/

Kathy Eberly - http://authorkathyeberly.blogspot.com/

Bob Saffrin - http://bobsaffrin.com/

Theresa Franklin - http://theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com/

Ray Lincoln - http://blog.raywlincoln.com/

Lilly Maytree - http://www.lillymaytree.blogspot.com/

Yvonne Pat Wright - http://www.spicetoeternity.co.uk/1/post/2012/05/come-blog-hopping-with-john-316-marketing-network-members-for-gifts-and-prizes.html

Pauline Creeden - http://fatfreefaith.blogspot.com/

Katherine Harms - http://livingontilt.wordpress.com

Brenda Wood - http://heartfeltdevotionals.wordpress.com/

Deborah Malone - http://deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com/

Melissa Main – http://www.mainwriters.com/

Kevin Main - http://mainchristianbooks.com/

Sandy Humphrey - http://www.kidscandoit.com/blog/

Felice Gerwitz - http://www.writingandpublishingblog.com/

Hallee Bridgeman - http://www.bridgemanfamily.com/hallee

Lisa Mills - http://www.authorlisamills.com/blog/

Soul-gripping Heroines

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Sun, 06 May 2012 17:37:00 +0000

*Guest post by Jennifer Slattery

When our daughter was young, I was very cautious of the television shows and movies she watched. It wasn’t just the language or violence that concerned me, but the image of women they portrayed. The media seemed to convey a constant message: “Women’s value is only skin deep.” I was probably overly cautious, but the discussion still holds merit. What do our choice of heroine’s say about our values as a society?

At the risk of sounding cliché, we’ve come a long way … in but a short period of time. The other day my daughter showed me a page from her magazine. On it, there were five models, each with different skin tones and body types.

Hurrah!

I believe the heroine’s in Christian fiction are changing, too. I’ve read novels of women with disabilities, vices they need to overcome, backgrounds they’re not fond of. I’ve read of women doctors, single moms, those facing divorce. To me, a sinner saved by grace, it’s encouraging to read of women just like me—imperfect, yet strong. Struggling, yet overcoming. Imperfect women living in an imperfect world, embraced and loved by a perfect God.

I believe our cardboard heroines from the past arose out of honorable intentions. There was a general desire to set forth perfection in the hopes that we, as readers, would strive for it. And there is much wisdom to that theory, and yet, the Bible presents a different kind of hero and heroine.

Those like Abraham, who lied, thus betraying his wife.

And Moses, a prince turned murderer turned liberator.

Those like Ruth, who had to beg, well, glean, for her next meal.

Paul, a religious tyrant who watched as Stephen the first martyr was stoned.

A sinful woman with an alabaster jar who was willing to surrender something so costly when she found something of higher value—Jesus.

Each of these characters taught us something about grace and something about ourselves. Through their struggles, God reveals our own. More than that, through their triumphs, God stirs us toward victory.

I’d love to hear from you. Has there been a heroine—in a novel, movie, or the Bible—that God used to tap deep into your heart, revealing an area of weakness He wanted to change? Tell me about her, and what God revealed through her.

***

*Clash of the Titles’ hostess, Jennifer Slattery, lives in the Midwest with her husband and their teenage. She writes for the ACFW Journal, Internet Café Devotions, Jewels of Encouragement, and the Christian Pulse. Her work has placed in various contests and appeared in numerous publications and compilation works. Visit her online at her devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com) or on Facebook at “Living by Grace,” a modern-day meet-at-the-well community.

The Birth of Characters

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:53:00 +0000

*guest post by Carol Moncado

This week, COTT is featuring a Clash of Leading Ladies. But just how are interesting characters born? Here's one author's experience. Welcome Carol Moncado. Do you ever wonder how authors come up with their characters? I've heard of authors who fashion their main characters after a barista at their favorite coffee shop or some guy on the bus who looked interesting. The further I get into my writing journey, the more I find my characters often come from real life. For instance: The weekend before Easter, I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy - where half your face just stops working. Fun. Not really, but it's great story fodder. That's me. The story is one I started recently.

She was wearing an eye patch. At church. On Easter. A pink eye patch. It might have been what drew my attention to her, but it wasn't what kept it. She stood there, singing along with the praise and worship band, her hands raised. Worshiping her Maker with abandon. But only half of her face worked. The whole thing lit up but only half of it moved. The half with the eye patch seemed to be paralyzed, but it didn't bother her.

Now, to be fair, the heroine is younger, skinnier, with darker, straighter hair than me, but that's where the idea for her came from. In February, Travis [one of the shift managers at my favorite Panera] informed me I needed to name a character after him. Travis-with-the-faux-hawk became the hero in a manuscript.

I flopped into the recliner and ran my hands over my face until my fingers furrowed rows in my faux-hawk. The one that made the kids think I was way cooler than I really was.

But Travis won't see his name in print. A week ago, he was in a car accident. At age 22, he left this life - leaving behind the love of his life and two children. I'm deeply saddened by news of Travis' passing. To me he was more than 'just' a shift manager at the Panera I frequent. He was a nice guy I loved to chat with. Another manuscript I planned to work on is about a widow. That's all I knew until last week. Now, she's a widow with young children a few years after a senseless tragedy.

Twenty-two is too young to be a widow. Bethany Sheer knew this with absolute certainty. And even though twenty-two had passed her three years earlier – along with her husband, the love of her life and the father of her two children – she remembered all too clearly what the pain tearing through the heart of the young woman on the news felt like.

Someday, I hope to be able to share Travis-with-the-faux-hawk with his family. To let them know that he touched my life. That he inspired a character in a novel – and so did they. Because the best inspiration is what we find all around us. When she's not writing about her imaginary friends,Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband and four kids in the big yard of her southwest Missouri home, teaching American Government at a community college, reading, or watching NCIS. You can follow her ramblings on her blog . **Be sure to head over to Clash of the Titles and cast your vote today!**

Valeria's Cross, next book to be pinned on my Wall of Fame 2012

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:06:00 +0000

In the 3rd century, pampered Roman princess Valeria falls in love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion. She sends him off to battle, where he suffers under the schemes of a notorious pagan general with an ambition for power and a lust for Valeria. In a scene based on true events, the evil Galerius kills Mauritius and his entire legion for their Christian faith. And in a shocking turn of events, the grieving Valeria is forced to become Galerius’ wife against her will. Never has a marriage been set up for such failure. Valeria loathes her new husband, but he seems to undergo a change of heart, adopting a child for her and giving her power and authority, and even love. She struggles with the commitment she knows she must keep, and the love she knows she will never find again.

My Review:

Valeria, the daughter of the great Roman emperor Diocletian, has tons of potential for a full and happy life. But being a Christian with a father who claims to be a god makes life rather tricky. From the luxurious Roman court to exile in Syria, Valeria pursues God’s will for her life, all the while grieving the love that was stolen from her at a young age.

There wasn’t a moment I didn’t root for Valeria to be happy, to have her Happily Ever After. Her life was certainly full—full of disappointment, fear, and the unexpected. But happy? Well, I supposed that depends on your definition of “happy.” Joy in Christ would be a more accurate term for what Valeria learned to possess, because worldly happiness tended to eluded her.

Set in mid-late 200AD and based on actual events and personages, Valeria’s Cross deserves the label "A Novel Every Christian Should Own." At times it reads like a history book, but the story is worth the occasional stiffness. It’s important that we know what the early Christians bravely suffered for the name of Christ. It might be required of us one day.

Valeria’s Cross reminded me somewhat of Francine River’s “Though None Go With Me” in that it encompasses a large period of time, the character suffers a great deal, and the end leaves the reader with mixed feelings. But my overall impression was, “Wow. Good stuff.”

It’s been a little while since a book grabbed me the way Valeria’s Cross did. The history was palpable, the characters endearing, and the plot nail-biting. Knowing most of it really happened makes the book all the more impacting.

I give Valeria’s Cross a place of honor on my Wall of Fame 2012.

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:10:00 +0000

***

I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him.

~ Delia Latham

Welcome, Delia! It's a pleasure starting off our day off visiting with you. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Do I have to go directly to jail if I confess to rarely eating breakfast? I've never been a fan of breakfast foods. To make it even worse, I usually get out of bed and feel my way to the refrigerator (instead of the coffee pot) for my wake-me-up Dr. Pepper. Oh, no! I think I just heard the clang of a slamming jail cell... Uh-oh, lol. I'll give you a place to hide when you go on the lam. So after that can of morning law-breaking, you must then head for the closet to get dressed. Would you consider yourself a skirt, jeans, or sweats kinda gal? Sweats when I'm home with no company expected and no errands to run. Jeans otherwise. And, although you didn't ask, bare feet. I'm addicted to socks personally. Preferably fuzzy ones. But besides our feet, we probably look a lot alike in the outfit department. Nice to know I can dress casual if I ever visit your house. Which makes me wonder... If you were having me over for dinner, what would you be serving? Hmmm...good question, since I'm not the cook in my family. My husband does that, and loves it. (Am I blessed? Oh, yes, I am!) Off the top of my head, I'd say you might be dining on his famous chili verde burritos. They're mmm-mmm good! Dessert would be chocolate Heavenly Hash, which is a scrumptious concoction made of chocolate pudding, cool whip, and...I'm not even sure what else is in there, but you're going to love it! And, since it's you, it would all be served on a silver platter - my contribution to the meal. LOL Oh Yum! I think I'll bring the whole fam. They might get bored of our book talk though. Can you tell me, of the books you've had published, which is nearest and dearest to your heart? Come now, darling...surely you wouldn't ask a mother which is her favorite child? But, for the sake of cooperation, I'll just say that the new baby always gets the most attention. Of my older "children," however, I think Goldeneyes is probably the most "like" me. A vintage romance (set in 1936 and 1959), it is set partially in Weedpatch, the tiny, California farming community where I grew up. How could it not have a little of my own heart and soul written into its pages? That sounds amazing! Can't wait to read it. =) COTT is lucky to have such a talented writer on staff. How long have you been on staff at Clash of the Titles and what do you envision for its future? I don't think it's been quite a year yet. Seems like I started about the beginning of August 2011. As for its future, I see COTT becoming a very important cog in the wheel for helping authors get noticed. It's already becoming known within the writing field, and has enjoyed participation by some widely recognized authors. I can't help believing COTT will become one of the places on which authors look forward to claiming a spot, and the Laurel Award could easily become one of the sought-after crowns (ummm...laurels?) of achievement within the industry. I honestly believe we have the potential for that kind of success, because everyone on staff truly cares about our authors and their success. I'm so proud to play a small part behind the scenes! Sounds like a bright future for COTT and we love you being a part of our family of staff. We love your sweet spirit and the way Jesus shines through you. When do you feel closest to God? When I'm alone with Him...shut in with God, in a "secret place," as the old hymn goes. Just me and the Lover of my soul. I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him. Even though I know He gives that same assurance to many others, it's absolutely true for each of us. He loves us all the most. Ah, that is so beautiful. Love it. Thank you, Delia, that was so wonderfully well-put. You have such a way with words. And on that note, tell us about the last book you had the pleasure of seeing reach reader's hands. That would be Gypsy's Game - Book Three in the Solomon's Gate series...and it reached reader's hands only last Friday, March 16! I'm very excited about Gypsy's story, and can't wait to start hearing what readers think. Here's what it's about:

Gypsy Lovell stands to inherit an enormous amount of money from a father who never gave her anything but a ridiculous name. Even now, he doesn’t make it easy. A stipulation in the man’s will demands that Gypsy be married in order to claim what is hers. Desperate for the monetary windfall that could save her ailing mother’s life, Gypsy visits a Christian dating agency, hoping to find a temporary husband. Someone easy to handle for the required six months, and easy to get rid of when she no longer needs him. Jal Garridan is neither of those things, but he's willing to take on the challenge presented by the beautiful stranger—on his own terms. What Gypsy doesn’t know is that Solomon’s Gate is a dating agency with a Divine connection. What she finds there may save more than her mother’s life. It may save Gypsy’s soul.

I must admit, there's a certain melancholy that goes along with knowing this book will most likely be the last time I'll swing open the giant portals of Solomon's Gate. But then...only God knows the future...perhaps He hasn't thrown away the key. The first in that series was one of our summer book club selections and it was a great read! I'm looking forward to continuing the series, and I hope our readers will head over to Amazon to check it out too. They won't be disappointed!
Thank you so much for chatting with us this morning. Go grab another Dr. Pepper and have a wonderfully productive day. And readers, be sure to visit www.clashofthetitles.com for the latest Clash and giveaway. Have a blessed day!

Clash of the Titles Congratulates Keven Newsome, author of Winter

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Clash of the Titles Congratulates Keven Newsome, author of Winter and winner of the Comparable Cover/ Book Blurb Clash! One of the commenters at Clash of the Titles said, “Just finished Winter, loved it.”

About Winter:
We're all freaks. It's just a matter of perspective.
Winter Maessen didn’t ask for the gift of prophecy. She’s happy being a freak – but now everyone thinks she’s crazy. Or evil. Goths aren’t all the same, you know. Some are Christians…
Christians to whom God sends visions.
Students at her university are being attacked, and Winter knows there’s more than flesh and blood at work. Her gift means she’s the only one who can stop it – but at what price?
Keven talks about Winter.Winter is a four book series. As the series progresses, Winter’s ability as a prophetess grows to rival Elijah. She does not just have a gift of prophecy, but is an Old Testament style prophet. I worked very hard to make sure everything she does is theologically and Biblically accurate. Everything she does has a corresponding Biblical example.
The story is not necessarily about Winter being a prophetess or her battle with a Satanic priest. It is more about her fall and redemption through Christ. That’s why the story is told in two parts. The flashback story shows how she fell to become unlovable and unwanted. The modern day story shows how God can take the most unlovable and unwanted person and transform them into something amazing. I want this story to inspire all readers that even though they don’t think they’re good enough for God, God thinks otherwise.

About Keven:Keven Newsome is a graduate student at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology specializing in Supernatural Theology. He writes stories that portray the supernatural and paranormal with a Biblical perspective. He's also the found and administrator of The New Author's Fellowship and produces music and videos through Newsome Creative. When asked about himself, he says, "I am a child of God, husband, father, and friend, in that order. I am a musician, novelist, and sometimes artist. I know the difference between Star Wars, Star Trek, and Firefly, but I prefer Lord of the Rings. My mp3 player contains a mix of Christian rock and movie soundtracks. I am more of a nerd at heart, but I am equally comfortable sleeping under the stars with a log for a pillow, playing Halo with a bunch of guys with cold pizza on standby, or playing intra-mural sports such as tennis or flag-football. In short...I am strange."
He currently lives in Louisiana with his wife and their two children.
Visit Keven's Web site here

Submitted by Clash Hostess: Gail Pallotta
Bio: Gail has published several hundred freelance articles and two books. While some of her articles are included in anthologies, two of her historical pieces ended up in museums. In 2004, the year she published her first book, Now Is the Time, the American Christian Writers Association named her a regional writer of the year. Gail’s first Christian romance, Love Turns the Tide, was published by Awe-struck E- books in their inspirational category. Learn more about Gail here Visit her blog here
Author LOVE TURNS THE TIDE
available from Awe-Struck E-Books
www.awe-struck.net
Web site: http://www.gailpallotta.com
Blog:www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com
Splickety magazine, issue 1.1
https://magcloud.com/account/downloads

One Month to Go Til the Blog Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:06:00 +0000

Only one month to go until the

John 3:16 Giveaway Blog Hop

May 7th – 14th!

Join over fifty authors and bloggers who will be offering great books and other prizes on their blogs

during that week. As a reader, you just “hop” from blog to blog and leave a comment and sign up to

win at each blog.

But wait…if you check out every blog you have a chance of winning one of two Kindles!

How’s that for fun?

Tell all your friends and join us May 7th – 14th for the

John 3:16 Marketing Network Giveaway Blog Hop!

See you there!

Flash Clash, The First Hundred--We Have a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:33:00 +0000

*guest post by Michelle Massaro and April Gardner

Last week, COTT posted a "Flash Clash" in which readers had just 2 days to cast their votes between two 100-word excerpts. It was a fast one! But not so fast that voters didn't have time for their say.

To add to the tension, the winner took the clash by a margin of one vote. That’s right. ONE vote difference. Both excerpts were so good, readers were split almost exactly down the middle. I love clashes that are this close!

The winner of our Flash Clash First Hundred is…

Rebecca Carey Lyle’s Winds of Wyoming.

CONGRATULATIONS, BECKY!!

Winds of Wyoming clashed against Tom Blubaugh’s Night of the Cossack. It was a pleasure getting to know both authors during this fun, super-speedy clash. We wish many blessings on their writing paths!

Here's what readers had to say about both books:

*Great excerpts...both caught my interest immediately!
*Wow - two really great flashes that sound like amazing stories! Love it!
*Keep writing and don't give up!
*Both excerpts were great, especially given the short time to convey what was happening in the story. Keep up the good work!

COTT is taking a spring break starting immediately. We will begin clashing again on April 2, 2012 when hostess Gail Pallotta brings us a brand new clash--Comparable Covers!

In the meantime, check out these other Splashdown Books…

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang in Paperback!!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:45:00 +0000

It's HERE!!!

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang

is, at long last, available in paperback!

Woo hoo!!

If you've been waiting for the paperback

to purchase a copy for that special kid

in your life, the wait is over.

Hop on over to Amazon and order today!

***

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German bombs drop on her crystal beach, her peaceful world explodes. For months, the big war in Europe has been nothing more than stories in the paper, but as the enemy takes over Guernsey, the war rushes to her doorstep. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it.

Phillip Seifert, the odd boy from down the street, has all the markings of a genuine Nazi-lover. Lizzie knows better than to trust him, but he somehow manages to weasel his way into James’ good graces. Phillip joins the gang in their audacious escape plan, and Lizzie can do little more than pray he doesn’t get them all shot. But Lizzie soon learns that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way she expects. He might actually plan for them to live under Nazi rule…forever.

Native American Dances, Creek Country A to Z

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:41:00 +0000

Creek Country A to Z

D, for Dances

We’ve all seen the old Westerns and their stereotypical plot...

Wagon train members huddle in bunches. They clutch rifles and axes in a white-knuckled grip, as distant drumbeats carry across the plains all through the black night. The tempo increases, growing louder and striking fear in every pioneer heart. They can just image half-naked, painted savages dancing in increasing frenzy around a fire, war written in their eyes.

Then, silence. If the pioneers thought the drums were bad, they soon learn the silence is worse. Much worse. Dawn breaks and with it, their sanity. Along the ridge is a seemingly endless line of mounted Natives, staring. Waiting.

It’s the stuff classic drama is made of, and much of it from the old movies isn't accurate. So, what really happened during Native dances? Why did they dance and when?

Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, 2011

I can’t speak on the Plains Indians, and I’m no expert on Southeastern either, but what I’ve learned, I’ll gladly share, always open to correction and guidance.

When Did They Dance?

Before ball play. Ball play was war-like version of lacrosse. Yes, it was a game, but it was serious, dangerous business (sounds like another blog post in the making!). Towns played against each other, but the night before they met on the designated field, they each held their own dances. The Choctaw wouldn’t reveal the location of the dance until the last minute for fear the opposing town would make a potion out of rabbit hamstrings and sprinkle it on the ground, making weak any man who danced there. Women and men alike participated in the pre-game dance, although after the women went to bed, the men stayed up all night. To go to sleep before a game was a disgrace.

During the Poskeeta, or Green Corn Ceremony. The Poskeeta is also another post for another day, but in short, it was a week-long yearly festival/ritual in which the Muscogee gave thanks for the new corn. To quote, Charles Hudson in The Southeastern Indians, “We would have something approaching the Green Corn Ceremony if we combined Thanksgiving, New Year’s festivities, Yom Kippur, Lent, and Mardi Gras.” It was a big deal, and their dances proved it. The dances included the animal dance, which was done in honor of animals that were considered unfriendly to man. (Through the dances, the Creek hoped to placate them.) There was also the stomp dance, the old dance, the feather/peace dance, among others.

After war. Yes, after. That is, until the Shawnee, Tecumseh, came through the Southeast and taught them to dance before they went to war. The chiefs who wished peace with the Americans were aggravated with Tecumseh for teaching these new dances.

Why Did They Dance?

There were many reasons, “for the Creek were a people who enjoyed dancing almost as much as ball play.” –The Old Beloved Path by William W. Winn.

*As an act of prayer and worship.

*In rites of passage or initiation.

*For healing.

*Out of respect for traditions.

*As an expression of unity.

Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, 2011

Odds and Ends

Everyone wore their best clothes to the dances. The women had a particular fondness for colorful ribbons, which streamed from their hair hanging nearly to the ground. They strapped tortoise shell rattles to their legs, which they stomped in time with the drums. I imagine it was tiring business, especially in the heat. Feathers were a significant part of the men’s attire, each having a specific meaning.

Since my posts deal with Creek Country (which no longer exists), I've written in past tense, but Native American dances continue all over the nation in much the same way they always have--minus the raids on wagon trains. :-) If you live in an area that still celebrates their Native American heritage, I encourage you to learn more.

Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, 2011

Last year, at the 2011 Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, I attended my first live Indian dances. I could have sat there all day, listening and watching. Can’t wait for this year’s event! Maybe I’ll work up the courage to join in this time.

***

To experience the Creek Indians through story, I invite you to read my Creek Country Saga.

Purchase from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Also available for Kindle and Nook

Helpful sites to learn more about Native American dance.
http://www.powwows.com/
http://www.perdidobaytribe.org/

Chawna Schroeder--New COTT Champ!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:32:00 +0000

Guest blogger: Jennifer Slattery

Sometimes Clash of the Titles highlights great talent. Other times we get to "discover it." This is exactly what happened with our speculative fiction unpub'bed clash.

Join me in welcoming Chawna Schroeder to the COTT family!

There's nothing like discovering great talent before it goes to print! And I have a feeling we're going to see our latest COTT champion's books on bookshelves very soon. When we do, we can all say, "We saw her on COTT first!" And this clash--a battle for best speculative fiction unpub'bed--was even more exciting because the winner has been invited to submit a full proposal to Asraea Press for immediate review!

Her winning excerpt was pulled from the pages of Metamorphosis, a gripping tale of a Beast and her master:

Once upon a time there lived a Beast…
Not in a shining castle, but among a pack of dogs.

For as long as Beast can remember she has lived among her master’s dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold, she dreams of one day becoming Master’s favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire.

Then strangers attack. Her pack scatters. Fire eats the village. And Beast knows: Master is no more.

Alone and unprotected, Beast tries to defend herself against slavers scavenging for any leftovers. But she is only one, and they are strong.

Tracked by men, sold as a monster, is Beast only prey to be hunted…
…or something more?

A few comments from readers:

"I enjoyed both excerpts! I am curious about the world created in A, but B really got me in the gut."

"Great job! Keep writing!"

"God has given you a gift. Your TRUE fans will always be there for you!! Never give up and follow your dreams!!! I am sending up a prayer for you and your family!!!"

Join us March 19-23 for a fun Flash Clash!

Deerskin Trade, the Bison Slaughter of the Southeast--Creek Country A to Z

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:56:00 +0000

Creek Country A to Z

D, for deerskin trade

Fun fact--Eco is the Muskogee word for deer.

White-tailed buck

When I began research for my Creek Country Saga, I didn't understand how it was the Creek struggled to find deer during their hunts. The land wasn't that populated back then. Surely, there was enough to go around, right? It wasn't until I learned how important this animal was to them and how widely it was traded that the picture became clear for me.

The white-tailed deer was the most important game animal to the Creek Indians. Every part of it had some use, with the meat of the deer suppling them with up to 90% of their protein.

Today, deer are solitary or travel in small herds of, but in colonial times they were known to travel in groups of up to 200. Hard to imagine, huh? Hunting was comparatively easy.

But it took no time at all for the Europeans to key in on the value of deerskin trade. This was the beginning of the end for the Creek. In exchange for the skins, they received cloth, guns, powder, knives, kettles, and all sorts of other items they came to rely on. Traders and colonists took advantage of this dependence, exploiting the power it gave them over the Natives. At one point, the Indians were 100,000 deerskins in debt, which equaled to each adult male owing two years worth of labor. That’s a lot of debt!

The greatest number of deerskins traded in one year was recorded 121,355. That year was 1707, one of the earlier years of the trade. The deerskin trade lasted around 100 years and was similar the slaughter of the buffalo on the Great Plains. The numbers of the animals were equally reduced, the carcasses were left to rot, and the way of life for the Natives in this region was forever changed.

Eventually, the depletion of the deer--which a man relied on to provide for his family--among other things, led to them being dispossessed of their land.

In chapter one of my novel, Wounded Spirits, Totka, returning from a hunt, tries to hide these cold, hard facts from his sister Singing Grass:

Creek Country, 1813

The door to the summer house creaked on its leather hinges. Totka stepped inside careful not to wake the children. He left the door ajar allowing the moonlight to guide his steps. Its soft glow illuminated his sister’s little ones piled like counting sticks on the bearskin mat. Four sets of arms and legs sprawled in every direction.

His youngest nephew stirred, flipped to his back, and wiped drool from his pudgy cheek.

Noiselessly, he removed his bow and quiver and propped them beside his own pallet. His blade he kept sheathed and strapped to his waist.

From her couch on the opposite wall of the cabin, his sister, Singing Grass, propped herself on her elbow. “You are home early.” Her whisper was a shout in the stillness.

Running the gauntlet of little appendages, Totka stole across the room and lowered himself to sit beside her.

“Where is Nokose? Did he send you home to check on me?”

Totka rubbed his aching leg and decided to let her believe the lie. “You know your husband well.”

She laid a warm hand on his knee. “I also know my brother and the pain he suffers.”

Totka shifted and her hand dropped. “I did not mean to wake you. How are you feeling?”

“Hungry—all the time.” Her voice gentled. “I am sorry you needed to come home early.”

“It is no matter. There was little to hunt.” He tried to keep the frustration from his voice. It was worrying enough to be forced to hunt during the summer months.

“Nothing? You caught nothing?”

“Three rabbits and a squirrel, as if I were just a boy. No one else had done any better when I left. I doubt one more day would have mattered much.” He glanced at the floor. “I would rather be home with the children than listening to the men’s talk of war, death, and starv—” he cut his words short.

“You do not have to hide things from me, Brother. I am pregnant--not blind and deaf. I know what happens around me.”

“We will be fine.”

“My husband is joining the Red Sticks. I hardly think it is fine.”

***

To find out what becomes of Totka, Singing Grass, and the husband who is taking up arms with the Red Sticks, order a copy of this award-winning novel!

Purchase from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Also available for Kindle and Nook

Spotlight on Gail Pallotta!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:08:00 +0000

*guest post by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

This week, it was my privilege to spend a few extra minutes with author Gail Pallotta. Gail is one of the blog alliance correspondents at Clash of the Titles.

Her husband, Rick, says she’s the only person he knows who can go in the grocery for a loaf of bread and come out with someone’s life story. That’s probably because she inherited her mother’s love of people and enjoys talking to them. Working as an editor and freelance writer, Gail published a couple hundred articles. While some of them are in anthologies, two ended up in museums. In 2004, the American Christian Writers Association named Gail a regional writer of the year. She recently published her first romance, Love Turns the Tide. When she isn’t writing she likes reading, swimming, and getting together with friends and family. Gail wants to write books of faith that show God’s love. She and Rick live in Georgia. Just a couple hours north of me, actually! We’re practically neighbors. :-)

Every COTT staff member is a professed child of God. Gail, can you tell us about your relationship with Christ?
I can’t remember when I didn’t love Jesus. My father’s father was a minister, so I grew up listening to Bible verses and references to Jesus. But my mother played a huge part in helping me establish a relationship with Christ. At bedtime she said prayers with me and told me stories from the Bible. First, she taught me “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep,” but even then I had a copy of “The Lord’s Prayer” hanging on the wall above the headboard of my bed. She taught it to me a few lines at a time. We soon started saying it instead of “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” She also told me about the Crucifixion in her own words, explaining how much Jesus had to love me to die for me. She taught me to talk to Jesus, to say the things I was thankful for, to praise Him, and ask for things I needed. I did the same with my daughter. I’m so grateful for the many blessings Jesus has given me and that He’s always there for me. I don’t always get the answers I want to my prayers, but I get the answers I need to fulfill God’s plan for my life. Whenever I’ve needed a miracle, Jesus has supplied one. There are several hymns that touch on how I feel about my relationship with Christ. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and “He Leadeth Me” are two. My daughter recently gave me a CD, Elvis, An Evening Prayer. The first song on it, “His Hand in Mine,” conveys how I feel about my relationship with Christ. It’s an old gospel song written by Mossie Lister. It’s on YouTube. The URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulTtL_YaC-w

Beautiful testimony! A mother’s faith is essential in a child’s life, and you’re proof of that!
None of us are perfect though, so what’s the craziest thing you did as a teenager?

Gail Pallotta

I grew up at the foothills of the mountains. At a reunion a few years ago, many of us told our beloved biology teacher how much she meant to us. She replied, “Well, I had to teach biology. There was no one else in town that could.” Teachers were scarce. We had a very old algebra teacher. He couldn’t stay awake during class. Nope. He took the roll and told us to turn to the next chapter and work the problems. Then he pushed back his seat and propped his feet on the trash can. We’d give him about ten minutes, and he was out like a light. His classroom was in the basement with a window level to the ground. In the spring as soon as he started snoring, we went out the window, got in my friend’s convertible (she had the only car) and went to the lake.

No way! That’s so funny!! How long were you gone? What is something else people would be surprised to know about you?
At age twenty-two when I graduated from college, I packed my clothes in a medium-sized suitcase and moved to a large city with eighty dollars in my pocket. Had no car, no job, and nowhere to live.
Wow! You can’t leave us hanging, lol! How did that work out for you?

On a slightly more serious note, what is the nearest book to where you’re sitting?
I love to read anything, non-fiction, fiction, any genre, Christian and many secular. But the book closest to me, probably because I also write as well as read, is Essentials of English.

I’d imagine that covers grammar? Forms of writing? Sounds like a must-have for every writer! What are three things you can’t live without?
Faith, family, fun

Three very important f’s! Makes me wonder though, when I say the word “fun,” what’s the first thing to pop into your mind?

What is the message you most want to convey to readers with your writing? God loves you. Accept His love and let the greatness of it overcome the imperfections of this world.

That brings to mind. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NAS (©1995)
Anything else you’d like to add?
I was honored when asked to be part of the Clash of the Titles Staff. I love helping to promote Christian books and writers.
And we love having you!!
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Get to know Gail better by visiting her website or her blog.

Cardinal Directions, Creek Country A to Z

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Creek Country A to Z

C, for Cardinal Directions

The Southeastern Natives placed much importance on the four cardinal directions, correlating them with colors and social values.

They were actually two sets of opposites.

This is how the Creek viewed them:

East=white, sun, Sacred Fire, blood, life and success;

West=black, moon, death

North=red, cold, trouble and defeat;

South=blue, warmth, peace, and happiness

I’d be interested to learn why the Creek viewed cold as “red” and warm as “blue.” Their neighbors to the northeast, the Cherokee, classified them as we do—red/warm and blue/cold.

Personal photo of a town square. Note the logs of the fire
also point in the cardinal directions.
Diorama found at Ocmulgee National Monument.

The seating around the square ground was arranged with the cardinal directions in mind. They built “sheds” which were really three sided buildings with the side facing the central sacred fire left open. Each shed housed two to three rows of benches. The miko (chief) and his assistants sat in the shed on the western side. The warriors sat on the northern (red/war) side. The men who oversaw communal affairs sat on the southern (white/peace) side. The eastern shed was reserved for youth, visitors, and elders. During their ceremonies, they blew tobacco smoke (or sprinkled dried leaves) in the four directions.

The Seminoles (refugee Creek and other tribes) believed that when a person fell asleep his soul left his body and went north where it experienced dreams. It usually returned when the person woke up, but when it didn’t, he/she would fall ill, particularly when a soul left north and went east. A priest would try to coax the soul back into the person, but if it kept going all the way east and ended up in the west (black/death), the person died.

It’s all quite fascinating and a way of thinking that is so far removed from our scientific times and Judeo/Christian beliefs, it’s hard to comprehend. I believe that being an illiterate society they did the best they could with the basics. Not only that, but they didn’t possess the drive to explore, conquer, and obtain that propelled those of European descent.

The Native Americans lived a hard life, but they were happy with it just as the Master of Breath had given it to them. There’s a lesson in there for us all.

Before publication, a scene that was deleted from Wounded Spirits. It depicted an important council meeting. For a clearer, more colorful view of a town square, you can read that scene here: http://www.aprilwgardner.com/2011/01/deleted-scenes-prologue.html

***

To learn more about the Creek and their ancient country and to experience one of the most exciting adventures in historical fiction, I invite you to read my novels.

Purchase your copy today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Also available for Kindle and Nook

Another COTT Winner Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:02:00 +0000

*Guest post by--COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

*This clash sponsored by WhiteFire Publishing

The first five hundred words of any story are usually enough to clue us is as to the author's style, the tone the book will take, and whether or not the story will hold our interest. It's those five hundred from two different unpublished novels that Clash of the Titles presented to you last week.

Will Ramirez's Soul Yearning

and

Nancy Kimball's Chasing the Lion

****

We asked our readers which they would be most likely to continue reading and this is how they voted:

CHASING THE LION

by Nancy Kimball

In addition to a hearty welcome to the COTT family, as announced yesterday, Nancy was invited by Astraea Press to submit a complete proposal for immediate review.

Maybe one day very soon, we'll see Chasing the Lion come back to Clash of the Titles to compete as a published novel!

This is what our readers had to say about Chasing the Lion:

*The first excerpt really grabbed my attention- especially since it stirred my emotions... and my love of mystery.

*What was the answer his mother gave that caused this strong boy to run away? Very well done!

* Who's the dad?!?! I'm hanging off a cliff wondering!

About the novel

Author Nancy Kimball

From the blood-soaked sand of the Roman arena, a divine destiny will rise.
For as long as Jonathan Tarquinius can remember, everyone has wanted something from him. His brothers want him dead. His master’s wife wants his innocence. The gladiator dealers want him to fight, and die, for their greed. The humble slave girl who tends the wounds on his body and the hidden ones on his soul yearns for him to return to his faith in God.
God wants something from Jonathan, too. Something more than anyone could ever imagine.
What Jonathan wants is simple—freedom.
The young warrior’s journey will push him to the very limits of human endurance and teach him the only true freedom is found in Christ. The greatest battle Jonathan ever fights will not come in the arena, but deep within himself, when he is forced to choose between vengeance and forgiveness, knowing the fate of all he holds dear hangs in the balance.

***

Monday, March 5, COTT will see the start of yet another unpublished clash. This one however, carries the theme of speculative fiction, a newer genre that's taken the market by storm. Come on by for another opportunity to vote and win a copy of previous COTT Champ Diane M Graham's new novel, I Am Ocilla!

Clans, All in the Family--Creek Country A to Z

noreply@blogger.com (April W Gardner) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Creek Country A to Z

C, for Clans

One of the most difficult aspects of Southeastern Native culture for me to understand has been how they view family. Since we're on C for CLANS, I won't delve into their--what is for us--complicated matrilineal kinship. "Matrilineal" is a fancy way of saying that they traced their blood relatives through the mother's line, not the father's, as we do. It's a fascinating system, but another post for another day.

Clans, on the other hand, are categories of people who thought themselves to be blood related but couldn't actually trace it through ancestral links. The clans were named for animals or some part of nature--Bear, Raccoon, Wolf, Wind. These groups of people were spread out in various villages over the entire Creek Confederacy, so that everywhere a person went, they could usually find "family."

They could enter any village for the first time, find someone sharing his clan name and be expected to be invited into their home to eat and sleep. The visitor would call all the women of his mother's age tcki ("mother"), everyone his father's age pawa ("father"), and so on.

Two people from the same clan could never marry, even if they lived on opposite sides of the nation and their blood could not be traced. To our way of understanding, it's odd, but for them, it was like marrying family.

Clans were the most important, the strongest, social entity. They were expected to exact blood revenge on the wrongful death of another member. On the other hand, a captured enemy could be adopted by the clan, making certain that person was forever protected, just as though they'd been born into the family. If something malicious were done to the adopted captive, the person responsible would do so at the risk of vengeance from the adopting clan.

And that's why in my novel, Wounded Spirits, Nokose adopts his captives, Galena and her two daughters, into his clan. In essence, he secured their freedom and acceptance.

There's infinitely more to be learned about Creek clans, but that's all I have time for today. Next time, we'll talk "cardinal directions" and what they meant to the Muscogee people.

To learn more about the Creek and their ancient country and to experience one of the most exciting adventures in historical fiction, I invite you to read my novels.

Purchase your copy today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Also available for Kindle and Nook