Friday, February 28, 2014

Book Review: "Covenant Child" by Terri Blackstock


"Amanda’s heart broke as she watched them drive her beloved twins away. She resolved to hope . . . and to fight for them to her last breath.

Kara and Lizzie are heiresses to one of the largest fortunes in the country. But when their father dies suddenly, the toddlers are taken from the arms of Amanda, their loving stepmother, and given to relatives who only want the children’s fortune for themselves.

Kara and Lizzie grow up questioning their worth . . . until the day when they learn the truth.

Intensely involving, emotionally charged, and infused with hope, Covenant Child is an inspiring story that challenges us to embrace the life God holds out to us."



  • I absolutely LOVED this book. From the very first page, I could not put it down. 
  • I loved how it played out like a memoir rather than a fiction story, which made it seem even more realistic. 
  • The entire plot of this story has never been done before (as far as I know). The premise in itself was very unique. 
  • This is the first book I've read that is a "love story", yet without a romance thread (except for the beginning). 
  • My favorite aspect of this book was how powerful the spiritual element was, yet it wasn't preachy in the least bit. Instead, it used symbolism to illustrate God's love for us throughout the entire novel. That is exactly how Jesus used parables in the Bible, and I think it is perhaps more impactful than being overt about the book's message. I loved the overall theme of this book: how it illustrated the prodigal son story in a way that helps readers understand what they could miss out on when they choose to follow the world instead of God.
  • I loved the author's writing; the entire book played out like a movie. She added just the right amount of description to make me feel as if I was in the story, yet not too much to weight the story down. The voice of the protagonist was also very well-established, and the backstory was woven in without getting in the way of the story's flow. 
  • I think anyone could enjoy this book, not just Christians. 
  • I highly recommend this. Usually when I finish reading a book, I am ready to begin another one--but ever since I finished this one, I just haven't found the desire to pick up another.


"Maybe this is how God feels when the world takes us away from Him. Maybe His heart is just as broken as yours is."

"How ridiculous that I would choose the familiar, when I had so much more waiting."

"And I want everything she has planned for me, because I just know it's for my own good."

"I chose poverty instead of paradise. I created my own prison, thinking it was freedom."




  • Christian fiction
  • Contemporary novels
  • Women's fiction
  • Powerful, moving, and impactful fiction



"This book is one of the best books I have ever read. And that's saying a lot."

"Can't think of 1 thing I didn't like about it. It blessed me so much!"

"Many times in reading this book, my breath was taken. To then see the parallel with our inheritance through Jesus is awesome. Incredible book!!"





Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She is the winner of two Carol Awards, a Christian Retailers Choice Award, and a Romantic Times Book Reviews Career Achievement Award, among others. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

I received this eBook from Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.


post signature

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

How Publishing a Book is Similar to Climbing a Mountain

Pin It!
Being an author involves more than just having talent. An author must also have knowledge about the craft, industry, as well as the publishing process. 

They must have a passion big enough to do whatever it takes to accomplish their dream; a determination that will take them all the way to the finish line; and the perseverance to keep going, even when they feel their motivation level becomes low, and they feel as if the journey is never-ending.

However, you must remember: It’s not always about the destination, but the journey within itself.

Below is a “roadmap” of the publishing process that I have created so you can have a visual understanding of how the publishing process works:

Stage One: The Slow Zone

When one wants to publish a book, they have to first write the best possible novel they can. This involves researching the craft, reading books in their genre, as well as editing/rewriting their story (and possibly hiring an editor and joining a critique group). Although this is only the beginning, it is the most important part of the journey and should not be rushed.

Think of it this way: When the speed limit is 30 MPH, it must be for a reason. If you don’t want to get into a car accident or receive a ticket, then you must not speed. You will get to your destination eventually, but it is more important that you drive safely and according to the rules than rush.

It may take years for one to complete a book. But once they are finished, they may then move on to step two.

➙ Stage Two: The Winding Roads & Upward Climb

When someone feels as if their book is 100% ready, they can begin to finally submit their work out into the industry.

This involves:
  • Researching reputable agents that represent their genre
  • Sending them a query based on their submission guidelines
  • Most likely receiving several rejection letters
  • Most likely having to wait months until you hear a response from an agent or finally find one that is interested in representing you
This may also involve:
  • Attending writing conferences and meeting with agents and editors
  • Receiving more critiques on your novel
  • Receiving even more rejection letters
As I mentioned above, not everyone’s writing journey is going to be the same. For some, it may take less than a year to sign with an agent. But it is always wise to prepare for the worst, yet hope for the best.

➙ Stage Three: The Peak of the Mountain

This is the point when you, the writer, can finally relax. No, the journey hasn’t ended—but the peak of the mountain is beautiful within itself. You’ve made it this far, and you finally have an agent! Now you are no longer in this by yourself. Someone actually saw potential in your work and has decided to represent you.

Although there are no guarantees that you will receive a publishing contract, the chances are much higher than they used to be.

This process may involve a lot of waiting, similar to step two. You will need to create your book proposal with your agent and wait to hear back from a publisher. Meanwhile, you may go ahead and do what you enjoy the most: writing. And enjoying the view at the peak of the mountain. =)

➙ Stage Four: The Downward Slope

When your dream has officially come true and you have landed a book contract, this is when things finally start moving. You will receive a release date for your book (usually a year or more once the contract is signed); you will go through edits on your book with your editor; and you may now begin the marketing preparations for your debut novel. It is during this downward slope when things  start to pick up and finally become real for you: in at least a year, you will finally be able to hold your finished book in your hands!  

➙ Stage Five: The Landing

Once your book is released, you have officially reached the finish line (at least for your debut novel). But just because you have reached your dream doesn’t mean you can relax completely—you still have to promote your book and begin writing your next one. Of course, that means you will have to climb yet another mountain. However, thankfully, it probably won’t be as difficult as the first one. =)

Final Advice

Do not become scared or intimated by this process. Sure, climbing a mountain might take a while and involve much effort. But once you take that first step, you’re already on your way to achieving your dream.


     ✎ Which of the above stages are you on? If you've already completed this process before, which stage was the most difficult?

Tweetables:
  • It’s not always about the destination, but the journey within itself. @tessaemilyhall on the publishing process Click to Tweet!
  • You will get to your destination eventually, but it is more important that you drive safely and according to the rules than rush. Click to Tweet!
  • How publishing process works & why it's similar to climbing a mountain. Click to Tweet!


PS: Would you like to participate in monthly giveaways? Join the promo group for Purple Moon! Hope to see you there!



photo credit: twiga269 ॐ FEMEN via photopin cc


post signature

Monday, February 24, 2014

Monday's Minute Challenge: Writing Prompt Contest for Teens & Up


A quick writing challenge (and contest) to help get your creative juices flowing for the new week.


  1. The entry must be between 150 - 300 words. Otherwise, your entry will not be accepted. (In order to see how many words your entry is, write it in Microsoft Word, or you can copy and paste it here.)
  2. The deadline for the contest will be the following Friday. 
  3. You do not have to be a teen to enter the contest.
  4. The same person cannot win first place two weeks in a row. 
  5. If there is at least 5 entries, the panel of judges will select a 2nd and 1st place. If there is at least 10 entries, the judges will select a 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place. However, if there is under 5 entries, the panel of judges will only select one winner.
  6. If there are at least 10 entries, there will be a few Honorable Recognitions, which are the next highest winners. They will receive a badge, as well as 3 points.
  7. The winners will receive a badge for their blog, as well as extra points (see the point system below).
  8. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
  9. If you have entered at least 3 contests and have yet to place, send me an email and I will be happy to give you a critique of your last entry, which will include tips and suggestions.
  10. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)


*NEW* The point tallying will begin on 2/10. 
Prizes:

More prizes to come!
  • 30 points: You will be able to create your own prompt that will be used in Monday's Minute Challenge!
  • 40 points: You will receive a critique based on your current week's entry.
  • 50 points: You will receive a free blog critique and helpful suggestions.
  • 75 points: You will receive an 800 word critique on your novel, short story, article, etc.
  • 90 points: You can help judge one of the contests!
  • 100 points: You will receive a free ebook of PURPLE MOON. =)
  • 150 points: You will receive a personalized handmade notepad. 
Earning Points:
  • 5 points: If you post a review of Purple Moon on Amazon and/or Goodreads. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 5 points: If you join the Purple Moon Publicity Group on Facebook. (You will have the chance to participate in monthly giveaways!)
  • 3 points: If you post your entry on your blog, linking back to this post
  • 2 points: If you post a tweet about Monday's Minute Challenge, with hashtag #MondaysMinute (You may tweet more than once in a week, however the points will only count for one tweet.)
  • 2 points: If you follow this blog via Google Friend Connect. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: If you "like" my Facebook page. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: If you follow my Twitter account(Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: Become a "fan" of me on Goodreads. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: Follow me on Pinterest. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: If you respond to another person's entry. (Positive feedback only! You may respond more than once, however the points will only count for one response per week.)
  • 10 points: If you win 1st place in the writing prompt contest (beginning 2/17).
  • 7 points: If you win 2nd place in the writing prompt contest (beginning 2/17).
  • 5 points: If you win 3rd place in the writing prompt contest (beginning 2/17). 
  • 3 points: You receive an Honorable Recognition. 
Points Tracker:
  • TW Wright: 23
  • Mary B: 14
  • Elisabeth: 14
  • Funto: 9
  • Benj. Evans: 10
  • S. Brightly: 16
  • Jacqueline: 21
  • Rebekah B: 10
  • Anna: 3
  • His Princess: 14
  • Tara T: 15
*Points are updated every Monday.

 


Keep in mind that you cannot win first place two weeks in a row.

If you have entered at least 3 contests and have yet to win, please send me an email and I will be happy to give you a critique of your last entry and offer suggestions.

The judge panel chooses these winners based on a point system (not to be confused with the point system mentioned above!) 

Since there were two entries that had the same amount of points for 2nd place, we have decided that they both deserved to place. 

The entries that the judges thought was the most intriguing (based on rule #4) is ... 


Third place winner: 

When she called my name, I knew my life would never be the same again. I was by the lakeside still, pondering the course of my life when I heard my name. “Lachlan!” It pierced through my thoughts and rang out over the peaceful lough. I was being called away from my place of quietude back into the ebb of life. Turning my head I beheld her, Fiona. She was my brother’s sweetheart, who, after hearing the news had shut herself up in her house for weeks. The both of us had lost the one who had once brought fire to our lives, fire to my timidity, and fire to her heart. 

She was there before me, her long dark hair swept up in the light breeze across the lough, a hard look in her face, a new, deeper, dimmer gleam in her eyes that I had never seen before. What was I to do? We held a silence, a silence more powerful than multitudinous words, a silence that inferred a kindred spirit that we both held; a silence of mutual sorrow. 

We must have held that silence for a century. The gentle waves lapped the loughside, the leaves rustled, and our hearts beat, unsteadily at first, then surer and more even. The light behind me faded as the day drew to a twilight, half disclosing, half hiding what we both knew must be around us. One by one, my steps led homeward, through the trees and the fields I had known so well, but somehow they seemed more foreign to me than ever. 
Congratulations, Benj. Evans! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge sent to you. =) 


Second place winner (#1): 
When she called my name, I knew my life would never be the same again. I closed my eyes and sighed, but pasted on a fake smile like I knew everyone expected. I was the lucky boy that was chosen. The other alley-dwellers looked at me with envy. I would have gladly let them take my place. I stood next to the queen. At twelve years old I was just as tall as she. She grabbed my dirty hand and lifted it up. I was the prince’s playmate, the palace charity case. If I had known then, just how my life would change, I would have run despite the guards surrounding the square.
Now I stand in that same square, on the same platform. But this time, I’m not in ragged peasant wear. I stand garbed in newly-polished armor, a bright red cape, holding a recently-sharpened sword. A block of wood with a curved notch in it sits in the center of the platform. A man kneels before it with his chin in the notch. I raise my sword, but hesitate. I would recognize that mop of curly brown hair anywhere. Instead of swinging my sword, I grab the man by the hair and pull him up.
His eyes widen. “Adam?”
I release his hair. “Run.”
Congratulations, Jacqueline! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge and ebook sent to you. =)


Second place winner (#2): 
The wind toyed with her hair, cooling the perspiration that dotted her forehead. She stood alone at the edge of the mountain, staring into what felt like an endless picture of empty beauty. Wasn't this where her help was supposed to come from, the hills? The mountain had seemed like her last refuge. But now, exhausted and shaking, she was forced to face the truth: the mountain could change nothing for her.

She shut her eyes. Up here she was small and fragile. It wasn't hard to imagine how easy it would be to simply slip and fall to the tree-sprinkled ground below. Maybe it would even be better that way.

Her legs shook as she contemplated the option; her fingers trembled as she clenched the worn strap of her backpack. Why did she even fight so hard to stay alive? What was she living for? To watch all of those she cared about fade away? 

The silence taunted her at the same time as it comforted her. Maybe the question to ask herself shouldn't be why she continued clinging to life; it should be why she began dancing with death in the first place. 
Congratulations, S. Brightly! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge and ebook sent to you. =)


First place winner: 
Another night without sleep. How could I sleep with thoughts of John's death running around in my head. I went over to the mantel piece where framed pictures of our different family trips were placed. They all brought back memories of John, too many. Especially the one he took of me on our honeymoon hike in the Rockies. I can still feel the breeze on my face and hear John's lovely laugh. Tears start to blur my vision...again. In one quick movement I threw the pictures to the floor and fell to my knees among them. Why John? Why me? Why us? With my head in my hands I wept as the all ready shattered pieces of my heart broke further. Why was John taken from me so early and why must I go on with out him?
"Mommy?" The small voice of my daughter startled me. I held out my arms for her to come to me and buried my face in her soft blonde hair. Blonde hair like John's. "Its OK baby. Mommy is just upset." She reached up to touch the tears on my face. "Mommy sad?" I nodded. "Sad 'cause daddy's in Heaven?" I nodded again. In that moment I saw why I couldn't be with John. My daughter needed me. She was hurting too. She had lost her daddy in the same awful accident I had lost my husband.
But I would not let her lose her mother as well.
Congratulations, His Princess! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge sent to you. =) 


Honorable Recognitions

*NEW* Since some of you may be considerably younger than the winners, I have decided to award the next highest winners with an Honorable Recognition. These winners will receive a badge, as well as 3 extra points. 
  1. TW Wright (Pinterest entry)
  2. Tara T
  3. Anna
Congratulations! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge sent to you. =) 

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!




  • Submit your response in the comments below. 
  • Your response should range between 150 - 300 words. 
  • The deadline for the contest will be this Friday. 
  • Let me know which prompt you have chosen.
  • (Optional) If you submit your response on your blog and link back to this post, I will add your link to the list of participants at the end of this post.
  • If you'd rather not submit your post in the comments, you may email it to me instead.


CATEGORY ONE:

Please note that I have added two new rules this week:

1) Your response should range between 150 - 300 words. (Copy and paste your entry here to count the words, or you could write it on Microsoft Word.)
2) The deadline for the contest is this Friday.

Choose at least one:
  • Write a passage that could have this song as its soundtrack.
  • Write a passage based on this picture
  • Write a passage beginning with this line: I knew it wasn't the truth as soon as he uttered the words.


CATEGORY TWO:

*NEW* Pinterest Writing Challenge:

This category will have its own set of winner(s) -- but only if there are at least 3 participants. Keep in mind that you can participate in both categories. (If there are less than 3 participants, then your entry will compete in category one.)
  • Create a new board on Pinterest. Title it: Monday's Minute Challenge.
  • Pin the above Monday's Minute Challenge picture.
  • Then, pin 3 different things: 1) A picture of a setting (beach, mountains, school, etc.), 2) A quote or song lyrics, 3) A photograph of someone (or multiple people). Choose these at complete random.
  • Now, write a passage based on these 3 pictures.
  • When you submit your entry, be sure to give the link of your Pinterest board.
  • Good luck!


Participants: 

Are you participating on your blog? If so, make sure that you have linked to this blog, and included the above picture. Submit your post's link and I will be sure to add it to this list! (You will also receive 4 points if you post your entry on your blog.)




*NOTE


Would you like to participate in monthly giveaways?
If so, join my new Purple Moon Publicity Group on Facebook! You will have the chance to win several prizes, including: a signed copy of my book, a free critique of your writing, a handmade journal, a Purple Moon coffee mug and sleeping mask, an Amazon gift card, etc. 

Hope to see you there! =)
post signature

Friday, February 21, 2014

Our Strength Renew-er: Guest Post by Katy Kauffman

I thought I had found a secret treasure.

When I was a teenager, I found a Bible verse that I thought no one knew about. It was a new discovery, a secret gem. It even talked about eagles. About a week later, I discovered the gem was no secret. It was printed on journals, bookmarks, and pictures. It turned out to be everywhere. Others had seen it and cherished it as well. And rightfully so. This beloved verse promises renewed strength and unfailing endurance.

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NKJV

Recently it’s been hard to wait on God and still have joy. But Scripture says we will have renewed strength if we wait on Him. The wait is worth it.

Why does God give us strength if we wait on Him? How would you answer that?

Perhaps it’s because when we wait on God, we’re saying we trust Him above relying on ourselves. We’re depending on Him to meet our needs and desires instead of satisfying them our own way. Perhaps it’s because we’re seeking Him above anything else. Knowing God and growing in a close, personal relationship with Him produces strength like nothing else can. We were created to know Him and love Him. So why shouldn’t being close to God enable us to handle what comes up in life and equip us to do what He’s called us to do?

So, there is joy in the waiting. When we wait on God, we get the joy of knowing Him, loving Him, and being loved by Him. We get the joy of staying close to Him and seeing Him do things only He can do. His dreams, His goals, His plans for us are so much better than anything we could think up on our own. When we wait on Him, we get Him. And the best He has to give us.

God is the ultimate strength renew-er. His strength never runs out. When we stay close to Him and look to Him, He will infuse us with His strength and enable us to soar to the heights He has for us, in joy and peace, in usefulness and effectiveness, in hope and endurance.

♡ ♡ ♡

Author of 2 Timothy: Winning the Victory

Katy Kauffman is a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies, a ministry which seeks to connect people to God through His Word. She graduated from Luther Rice Seminary with a BA in Religion, and she has taught the Bible to women and teens. Katy has seen in her ministry experiences at home and abroad that every person has the same need for God and His Word, and the same desire to be loved. She teaches and writes to enrich women's understanding of Scripture and to inspire them to experience the life God has for them. Katy wants to help women to know God on a personal level and love Him more each day; to flourish in God's love, walk in His joy, and rest in His peace; and to overcome the obstacles of the Christian life and live victoriously. Katy enjoys scrapbooking, learning to play the guitar, and spending time with family and friends. She makes her home in a cozy suburb of Atlanta, Georgia.


photo credit: skersting66 via photopin cc


post signature

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

5 Tips for Teen Writers: Things I Wish I'd Done

Pin It!
Now that I am no longer a teen, I can look back at the beginning of my writing journey and see all the things I did that helped bring me to where I am today. However, I can also look back and wonder what could've happened if I had done some other things that I failed to do.

As a teen writer, you may think that the only way you should fill your free time is to write. Although that is obviously the best thing to do if you want to become an author one day, there are also several other things that could help strengthen your writing, prepare yourself for publication, and build a readership:


     1. Hire a professional editor.

No matter how good you think your writing is, it needs some improvement. I'm not saying this just because you're a teen; I'm saying this because every book should be edited before it is shown to agents or publishers. And no, being edited by your mom or best friend doesn't count. You need to hire a professional editor (such as this young woman) to edit your manuscript, provide feedback, and offer suggestions. 

Doing so will pay off tremendously. You want to make a good first impression when you submit to agents/publishers; you do not want to come across as an amateur in the writing business. Instead, you need to perfect your writing craft in a way that will make it difficult for an agent to tell a difference between your writing and an adult's writing.

And one way to do this is by hiring an editor (once you have a complete manuscript, of course). 


     2. Join a critique group.

If you don't have one in your area, find one online. Critique groups can be very beneficial because not only will you receive feedback from several people, but you will also have the opportunity to meet other writers. (I think one reason why I didn't join a critique group as a teen was because I didn't want any of the adults to look down on me because of my age. However, most adult writers do encourage teen writers, so don't let your age hold you back like I did.)

Receiving a critique from different pairs of eyes will enable you to spot your weaknesses and learn how to improve them. Again, this will most likely increase your chances of finding an agent.


     3. Publish your work online.

There are several websites that allow writers to submit their work. Doing this is beneficial because you will meet other writers, receive feedback, and build a readership even before you publish a book.

Here is a list of websites that allow teens to share their writing:
  • Teenink. This is a magazine and website that is completely written by teenagers. You can publish your fiction, nonfiction, reviews, and even poetry. 
  • Wattpad. On this website, you can post your fiction book--even before it's 100% written--and hear back from your readers! Your followers will read your book, chapter by chapter, as you write. Teen author Beth Reekles, who was first discovered on Wattpad, has recently had her books published (which she wrote on this website) by Random House. 
  • You can also send an article, short story, poem, etc. to several magazines that accept submissions from teen writers. Doing so will help build your resume, which in turn will look impressive to agents and publishers.
  • Figment. This website is similar to Wattpad--teens can share their writing, receive feedback, and possibly have your writing read by a HarperCollins editor!

     4. Participate in writing contests.

There are several contests for unpublished writers that you can submit to. If you win, this would also look very impressive on your resume.

Here is a list of contests that you can submit your short story, novel, poetry, article, etc. to:

     5. Write a book during NaNoWriMo.

If you aren't aware of National Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), it's when writers all over the world share the same writing goal for the month of November: Complete a 50,000 word book within four weeks. Since I was always in middle of a project during this time, I have never participated. However, I think it would be a great way to practice self-discipline, stretch yourself to reach a goal, complete a book, and meet other writers.


     ➙ Extra Resources

As a teen writer, it is important that you use this time to develop your craft and prepare for publication. The best way to do this is to read books in the genre you write and books on the writing craft; study industry blogs and become familiar with how the publishing process works; and, of course, write.

Below are a list of books and blogs on the writing craft (for teens):

     ✎ If you are a teen writer, have you accomplished any of the above? If you are older, what do you wish you would have done as a teen writer? 


♡ ♡ ♡

PS: Would you like to . . .
  • discover new, clean YA/New Adult books?
  • discuss these books with other young readers?
  • participate in a monthly giveaway?
  • support authors and promote clean books?
  • possibly win some prizes?
If so, head over to my new website, ReadingClean to join a 100% free virtual book club! You can find everything you need to know about this club on its about page. I hope to see you there! =)
photo credit: Slaff via photopin cc

post signature