Blog Tour with Kimberly Stuart
There are several things I love about summer: sleeping in, barbeques, sunshine, vacationing, a significant decrease in recycling (no more school papers!) and finally (finally!) having time to sit down with a good book. Kimberly Stuart specializes in one of my favorite genres - romantic comedies. A native of Iowa, Kimberly is a fellow book junkie and library lurker extraordinaire. She's fairly new to the publishing game, but she's certainly making a splash! Her first novel, Balancing Act, released in 2006 by NavPress Publishing, followed by Bottom Line in 2007. I'm thrilled to introduce her new book, Act Two: A Novel in Perfect Pitch. From Amazon.com:New Yorker Sadie Maddox is the toast of the classical music world and the queen of all she surveys in short, she's a bit of a diva. But lately her CD sales are sagging, not to mention parts of her anatomy. Maybe it's time for a change. Something new. A second act. So when her agent suggests she take on a professorship at a small liberal arts college, Sadie decides to give it a go. Ivy-covered walls, worshipful students . . . oh yes, the ivory tower has its appeal. And she needs the money. Except the college is in rural Iowa, and the closest thing to designer clothes is the western wear shop down on Main Street. Sadie's colleagues are intimidated, her students aren't impressed, and she has to live far too close to farm animals. And when Sadie meets Mac, a large animal veterinarian, she assumes they have nothing in common he is, after all, a country music fan. But when the semester ends, Sadie packs up and decamps for the city that never sleeps . . . and finds she can't, either. This laugh-out-loud novel about second chances will have readers cheering as Sadie struggles to find her life's second act.
I fell in love with Sadie from the first moment we met, over a Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino. Extra whip. Kimberly's use of dialogue hit me square in the middle of my funny bone, and I'm happy to report the occurrence of several genuine LOL moments. Sadie is believable, flawed, issue-laden (no surprise there; if this isn't chick lit, it's pert near close), yet likeable. Even the periphery characters are fun to hang around (they tend to be a bit stand-offish). Without invoking any spoiler alerts, I offer an appreciative nod to Sadie's romantic love interest, even at her (ahem) advanced age. This one's definitely a keeper and I'll just have to tell my friends to get themselves their own copy, I just may re-read mine over another Java Chip . . . . To learn more about Kimberly, her family, and her marvelous reading habits (I really like this girl), check out her website: kimberlystuart.com.
WINNER! - Book Giveaway for Leave it to Chance
Amy! Congrats! You're going to love it :-) Please contact me via e-mail so I can get your snail mail address:
jenn at jenndoucette dot com
Thanks to my other participants . . . better luck next time!
Blog Tour with Author Sherri Sand and BOOK GIVEAWAY!
LEAVE IT TO CHANCE, BY SHERRI SAND
Last year I met author Sherri Sand at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference. In fact, we shared a shuttle back to the airport after the conference (I think we may have shared car sickness as well). Besides the fact that Sherri is a wonderful person, a great judge of humor (she laughed at all my corny jokes!), and a fellow wife/mom - she's also a fantastic writer. Her first novel, Leave it to Chance, released this month from David C. Cook and I've already had the privilege of reading it. Straight from her website, here's a sneak peek:
After three long years of single motherhood, Sierra Montgomery can finally stand on her own two feet—until a gift horse threatens her finances, her family, and her budding relationship with a handsome landscaper
Leave it to Chance is a well-written romantic comedy written from a Christian worldview. Sherri's characters are far from perfect, and she tackles subjects like divorce, remarriage, and the deadbeat dad syndrome with grace, gentleness, and--at times--good humor. I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed her well-placed comedic missteps throughout the story. I give Sherri's book four and 1/2 stars (out of 5) and look forward to her next novel. For more information about Sherri, check out her website as well as the interview below.
How did you come up with the characters in your book?
They came to me. When I saw Sierra, I knew she was a mom who deeply loved her kids and wanted the best for them. Elise was so fun to write with her over-the-top ways. When she drove up to Sierra’s and pushed her ooga horn, I knew I was going to love her. And Sid is such a dear and reminds me so much of my father-in-law, Art. And Ross, how could you not love him?
Do you have a horse?
No, but I love horses, and desperately wanted one as a child. I did end up with a little Shetland pony named Sundance that I would gallop through the mint fields around our house. I spent countless hours sprawled across him backwards reading books. One time he’d apparently had enough of the dead weight on his back and he lay down. It was a shocking end to my reading time.
Did the theme of forgiveness / unforgiveness that Sierra deals with come from your own life?
In a way it did, though I didn’t consciously implement it into the novel. Just like most of us living in this fallen world, there have been a couple significant events in my life that I had difficulty forgiving. I finally realized that if I waited until I felt like forgiving, it would never happen. And I desperately needed to forgive. The bitterness was choking the life out of me. So with God’s help and through His grace I made the choice to forgive and forgive and forgive. I wish I could say that there was instant peace and joy. Though I think that can happen for people when they forgive, I’d lived in unforgiveness for so long that I had to continually make a choice to forgive until the freedom came. And when that freedom came, it was a wow moment for me!
In the story, Sierra has three young kids, you have four children. How successful are you at trusting God with their lives?
It’s been an ongoing process for me. Maybe because I’m a writer and have such a vivid imagination, I can always come up with the most gut-wrenching conclusions to the most innocuous circumstances involving my kids. That makes it hard to let go and trust. But how much control do we actually have over every day life? I had to learn that before we can trust God with ourselves or our children, we have to get to know him first. It’s only in knowing God and His character that trust can develop. And when we truly know the God of the universe, we can trust him with everything.
Ross worked hard in his landscaping business in an attempt to prove his value. Do you struggle with that?
It’s difficult not to get caught up in that. Our world is performance driven. How often do we praise others without attributing it to something they’ve done? Even with our children, we praise how well they unloaded the dishwasher or drew a picture or minded us. It’s difficult to find the words to value people for who they are, apart from anything they do. For most of my life, performance colored my relationship with God. I could not wrap my mind around the concept that He loved me despite less than perfect behaviors. Recently I glimpsed His grace from a new angle. Sin does create anger, but God’s anger was satisfied at the cross. So rather than His anger at our sinfulness, we have His pleasure in us. That has done wonders with my ability to be myself with Him, to honestly let His light shine on all parts of me—the good and the unsightly. When you bring your faults to God and discover He isn’t angry, you can fully experience His compassion and love.
Last but not least - the BOOK GIVEAWAY! Send me an e-mail or reply to this blog and I'll add your name to the drawing. One lucky winner will win a brand new copy of Sherri's book, one month from today: June 28th. Good luck!
EXPELLED Reviews and Reviews of the Reviews . . .
If you haven't noticed the heat being cranked up on the Intelligent Design versus Darwin's Theory of Evolution subject, you may want to consider moving out of that cave you're living in. I say that in all sincerity, since I'm a former cave-dweller myself and have had to take drastic steps to force myself beyond the bubble of motherhood that continually envelopes me.
Nuff said.
Ben Stein's movie, EXPELLED, has been getting more than a little publicity--much of it downright nasty. Here's a sampling of a Review from the far far far left:
John Derbyshire, NRO columnist
And a counter-review from the Discovery Institute titled:
John Derbyshire on "Expelled," or How to Review a Movie without Really Trying, by Martin Cothran
While both are worth the time and effort of a solid read-through, be sure to make time for the second one from the Discovery Institute. If you skew right in the political spectrum and are even slightly tired of being mocked and ridiculed by the left, you'll thoroughly enjoy Cothran's piece. Personally, I find it to be a breath of fresh air much appreciated from the stuffiness of my cave.
Intelligent Design - Indiana Jones Style
MAY 1ST, 2008 Fossil Hunter Release Date!
I'm so excited to tell you about a book launching today (May 1st) titled, FOSSIL HUNTER. It's an Indiana Jones type thriller from my Christy award winning good friend, John Olson. Wanna help him? Then take a couple minutes to do the following:
1. Go to Amazon and check out the book.
2. If it looks good, go to John's site and buy FOSSIL HUNTER today. (He gets an extra kick if you buy it on Amazon through his Web site).
3. If you like the book, send an e-mail to your friends telling them about it, and cc: John on your e-mail (johno at litany dot com).Everyone who copies him will get a free, slightly strange gift. (Trust me, coming from John this is a good thing.) The best, most creative e-mail (as judged by John's impartial wife) will receive an brand spankin' new ipod Touches. (Clarification: The e-mail won't get the ipod, the writer of the e-mail will get it.)
Note: John's book is being co-promoted alongside Expelled, a fascinating examination of how intelligent design has been swept under the rug and stomped on in academic circles. It stars Ben Stein and is at the theatres right now. Since John incorporates intelligent design as part of his book, Expelled is helping promote FOSSIL HUNTER and vice versa.
**If John's book and Expelled do well, they'll make FOSSIL HUNTER into a movie. Whoo hoo!!
Thanks for listening - John's a great guy, wonderful writer, and, well. . . . a genius.
EXPELLED - the movie
Ben Stein's movie, EXPELLED - No Intelligence Allowed, is a must see, regardless of your worldview or political stance. It’s classic water cooler fodder, guaranteed to raise hackles, concerns, and eyebrows of both Christian fundamentalists, hard core atheists, and everyone in between.
But it’s just science, right?Wrong.Were this to be a purely scientific question, based on facts, indisputable data, and measurable results, there wouldn’t be the public outcry or the ugliness being played out in the media and cyberspace.I give this movie 5 big huge honkin stars. I loved it. Ben Stein has made a great film, with an important premise: “What if?”As in: What if we didn’t evolve from a crystal? What if Someone had a purpose for our existence? What if denying the possibility of Intelligent Design has resulted in a worldwide de-evolution of our morals, mores, values, and ethics? What if Charles Darwin missed the mark?What if?
I’m not afraid to question my beliefs from time to time. God can handle my questions. What I don’t understand is why evolutionists are so intimidated by the questioning process.Maybe because the question isn’t just scientific. Perhaps it’s a Spiritual question after all.**My very good friend, John B. Olson's novel, Fossil Hunter, is being released in tandem with the movie, EXPELLED. From the back cover:
In the desolate Iraqi desert, a lone shepherd stumbles across a whale fossil. Initial analysis indicates that it could be a new speciesa discovery that could shed light on the evolution debate.
Paleontologist Dr. Katie James is asked to lead an expedition to recover the rest of the fossil before her archrival, Nick Murad, can find it first.
But while shes there, Katie also uncovers the unexpecteda human fossil so controversial shes forced to collaborate with Nick to analyze the find before it can be destroyed by a fundamentalist faction of the Iraqi government. Their initial results fly in the face of current scientific theory, and it seems the whole world turns against them, including those they thought they could trust most.
Then the fossil disappears, sending Nick and Katie on a chase that could cost them their reputations, their careerseven their lives.
Fossil Hunter is part of the Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed campaign. Look for the feature-length documentaryhosted by Ben Stein and produced by Premise Media Corporationavailable now on DVD. Visit www.expelledthemovie.com for more information.
Interviewing Author Camy Tang!
Q: Your characters are so fun and quirky! How did you come up with four completely different personalities?
A: I have to admit I used archetypes. I absolutely love the book 45 MASTER CHARACTERS by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. I also read a book, PSYCHOLOGY FOR SCREENWRITERS by William Indick, which explains why archetypes are so effective. Psychologically, our brains are geared to understand archetypes, which is why they resonate with us. I took four archetypes and stuck them a bit on their heads to make them unusual, but essentially they're four archetypes from Schmidt's book.Q: I know you're not supposed to have favorites, but between the four cousins (Lex, Trish, Venus, or Jenn), which one would you most consider for a best friend and why? A: I'd be friends with Jenn because she cooks up a storm and I can't resist a friend willing to feed me! LOL
Q: Follow up question: Okay, be honest - which cousin are you most like? A: Probably Trish, because she's a dingbat. She has strengths I don't have but wish I did--like her fearlessness, her enthusiasm for life and learning new things--but her general character and weaknesses are all things I can relate to.
Q: Without giving away the story, tell us how you came up with the title Only Uni. A: Uni is a form of sushi, and originally I was trying to come up with something to pair with "only" since there was a singleness theme in my titles. My marketing team liked the "uni" part as it referred to "one," like "unicorn," and I think they didn't really realize how disgusting a type of sushi uni really is (it's raw sea urchin). But they liked the play on words, so ONLY UNI it was.
Q: This one might be a bit more difficult: what overall message do you want your readers to come away with after reading Only Uni? A: Biologists are dingbats!!! Oh, I need to be serious? Shucks. I want people to understand that God is always there for us, even when and especially when we make massively bad choices, as long as we realize we've messed up and are trying to do better.
Q: When does book 3 come out and which cousin will be showcased? A: Book 3 is SINGLE SASHIMI, and it comes out in August 2008. It stars Venus, the woman I wish I could be. Here's the blurb:
Drake Yu. Why would Drake call her after … what, five years? Six? Venus heard in his voice that resonance that was almost a growl, that titanium-hard determination to get what he wanted. And he usually got what he wanted. The voice said: "I want you to work for me." Not this time… If it was a choice between Drake and McDonald's—she'd choose french fries. She'd never work for him again. It would take an act of God. Venus Chau is determined to start her own game development company and launch the next Super Mario-sized phenomenon. However, she needs an investor to back her idea. When Drake Yu, an old nemesis, approaches Venus with a contracting opportunity at his sister's startup, the offer to become Chief Operating Officer tempts Venus to think the unthinkable. Venus would rather throw away her PS3 than work for Drake again … except Grandma bribes Venus to do this favor for Drake's wealthy family with a coveted introduction to the most respected investor in the game industry. It's also a short job—only a few months—so Venus won't have to stand Drake's presence for very long. But one wild youth group, a two-faced assistant, and Grandma's determined match-making threaten to make them both fail—or go insane.With the encouragement of her three cousins, Lex, Trish, and Jennifer, Venus discovers that even a wounded heart can undergo a beautiful transformation …
Q: I'm in a cookie mood. What is your favorite cookie? (mine's ginger snap - my grandma Egge used to make them for me when I was a little girl) A: You mean I have to pick just one???? I'm in an oatmeal mood these days, and my favorite are these apricot cranberry cookies from Good Housekeeping:http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/healthy/cookies-breakfast-1006 They are AWESOME! Thanks for having me here, Jenn!
****Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away five boxes of books and 25 copies of her latest release, ONLY UNI.
Author Brenda Nixon - Blog Tour!
I'm up to my ears in Blog Tours lately! It's fun to check in with other authors out there and pick their brains a bit to find out how and why they ended up where they are today.
My guest this go around is Brenda Nixon. Brenda authored and published Power Parenting in the Early Years, a highly practical book for parents of young children.
She is also a contributing author to many books, including several books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, WriterSpeaker.com, and Intimate Encounters with God.
Her work has been featured in parenting and online magazines including Christian Women Today, CBN.com, and iParenting. Last October, she was quoted in McKinney Kids, a Texas parenting magazine, and has been quoted on WebMD, in Working Mother, and Child magazines.
1. How long have you been in the publishing industry?
I began professional speaking in 1996, and writing soon followed. So, I guess you could say I've been in the industry around 10 years.
2. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Can't quote a date or moment, Jenn. Through traveling and speaking to audiences, I gradually realized the marriage between oral and written communication. People wanted something beyond the platform. I began writing parenting articles and columns for local publications. After attending Christian Leaders and Speakers Service (CLASS) training in 2000, I went home with enthusiasm and resolve to write my first book, Parenting Power in the Early Years.
3. Can you think of a particular individual who inspired/motivated/encouraged you at the beginning of your career?
Thankfully, there've been many people who have provided input and encouragement to my career. And along the way, God has planted various people to influence me. Currently, my precious prayer partner is Gloria Penwell.
4. What’s your favorite topic to write about?
Oh, now that's an easy one - parenting! Building healthy, happy families one parent at a time is my passion – my profession – my goal. I am a speaker and writer devoted to parent empowerment through education and encouragement. One of my articles, "Bedtime Resistance Remedy" is published at http://christianwomentoday.com/parenting/bedtime.html. There are also free parenting articles on my website www.BrendaNixon.com.
5. Do you have any writing advice for up-and-coming writers?
I encourage writers to get connected with other writers. Don't be a lone ranger. The writing life can be lonely and you desperately need to surround yourself with like-mined people who understand your heart and passion and with whom you can swap ideas, critiques, and industry news.
Also, make plans to attend a writer's conference. I know it cost money and time away from family, but if you want to improve, network, and feel more professional you need to go to industry events. It was at Write-To-Publish, that I met my literary agent and now have book contracts. Below, are some upcoming conferences along with their website:
February 16, 2008. Oregon Christian Writer's One Day Winter Conference at Corban College
in Salem, OR. Gail Sattler, Keynote Speaker.
More info: http://oregonchristianwriters.org/members/
Feb 28-March 2, 2008. Florida Christian Writers Conference in Bradenton. Keynoters include
Paul McCusker and T. Davis Bunn. Includes a special Teen Track taught by Bryan Davis. More
information: http://www.flwriters.org/
March 14-18, 2008. Spring Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon. Debbie Macomber
and Jerry B Jenkins. More info: http://www.mounthermon.org/writers/
(Secular) April 3-5, 2008. Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop in Dayton, OH. More info:
http://www.humorwriters.org/2008SpeakerBios.html (NOTE: this one always sells out fast, if interested I suggest you hurry and make your commitment for 2009)
April 12, 2008. Spring Writers Day. Orange County Christian Writers, CA. Featuring Beverly
Lewis, Dan Benson, Brian Bird and Chip MacGregor. More info: http://www.occwf.org/
April 17-19, 2008. Delaware Christian Writers Conference. Newark, Delaware.
More here: http://www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com/
April 19, 2008. Mini Conference, St. David's Christian Writers at Emmanuel Christian Church
in Stoneboro, PA. More info: http://www.stdavidswriters.com/home.html Click on
"Mini-Conference."
May 2-3, 2008. Northwest Christian Writers Renewal (formerly SPU Writers Renewal).
Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, Washington. Cec Murphey keynotes. Editorial reps
include Mick Silva, Waterbrook; Don Pape, Cook; and Jesse Florea, Focus on the Family
magazines. More info: http://www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=8785
May 2-3, 2008. Antelope Valley Christian Writers' Conference. Tim Riter, Keynote. More
info: www.avwriters.comMay 3, 2008. Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop at the Best
Western Inn/Country Cupboard Restaurant, Lewisburg, PA.
More info: http://www.marshahubler.com/workshop.html
May 18-22, 2008. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Ridgecrest, NC. More
information: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D152237%252526M%25253D201125%2C00.html?
June 4-7, 1008. Write to Publish Conference. More info upcoming:
http://www.writetopublish.com/ (NOTE: I've taught at WTP and it is one of the foremost, well-organized conferences. Recommended)
June 13-14, 2008. Dayton Christian Writer's Conference. Englewood, OH. More info: http:/
/www.dougtoles.com/upcominggospelevents/
June 16-21, 2008. St. David's Christian Writer's Conference. Grove City, PA. Featuring
Sally Stuart, Jane Kirkpatrick, Robbie Hess and Lisa Crayton. More info:
http://www.stdavidswriters.com/home.html
September 8-12, 2008. Maranatha Christian Writers Conference. Muskegon, MI. More
info: http://www.writewithpurpose.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
September 29-October 2, 2008. Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference. More info:
http://watkins.gospelcom.net/sandycove.htm
6. Favorite book of all time? (note: The Bible doesn’t count!)
Oh my, Jenn, that's a tough one. I have to say . . . many favorites. For devotion, I like to read Oswald Chambers and Max Lucado books. For professional growth in child development, I like anything written by Drs. Ross Campbell, T. Berry Brazelton, Brenda Hunter, and Sal Severe. For pure entertainment and relaxation, I do crossword puzzles.
For more information about Brenda, check out the rest of her Blog Tour Schedule. Be sure to visit Brenda's next stop at Melonie's Blog on January 28th.
Author Susan May Warren - Blog Tour!
I'm a fiction junkie. I love novels. Eat 'em up as fast as I can. So when I discovered author Susan May Warren, I dove in head first and haven't looked back. Some of my favorites include:
Reclaiming Nick, Everything's Coming Up Josey, and her new release, Chill Out, Josey.
I had a chance to interview dear Susan recently. As a new novelist, I was particularly interested in her publishing journey in the world of fiction.
QUESTION : You’re a novelist, so what’s your writing style? (ie: seat of the pants, detailed outlines, etc.) Oh, I’m a plotter! I have to have my outline, my character drawn out as much as possible, and my chapter sketches. However, although I know the goal for each of my characters in their chapters, when I sit down to write that chapter, I let my imagination free and that’s when my SOTP side takes over. I never know how a scene will play out until I’m actually sitting in my writing chair. So…maybe it’s a little of both?
QUESTION: Regarding deadlines, how do you combat inevitable challenges such as life interruptions and writers’ block? Writer’s block is something I just have to muscle through. Honestly, I can’t wait for the “muse” to catch up to me – I schedule my writing time and force words onto the page until the flow starts. I do usually start with an idea, so once the pump is primed, even if the beginning of the chapter is horrible, by the end, I have some flow. Then I go back to the beginning and hit delete and fix the first few paragraphs. As far as life interruptions go, I try and write every day, even if I have to drag my computer to bed with me. Thankfully, early on I trained my children to respect my writing time, so even if it flows into suppertime, they have gone so far to just make dinner instead of bothering me. But, I do try to keep to a schedule. However, I live in a small town and people have been known to see my typing at the library, the playhouse, the coffee shop, my hubby’s hotel, in the car, at church, in the park, or even at a local restaurant!
QUESTION: Do you have any books to recommend to newbie writers? How to Grow a Novel by Sol Stein, Anything by James Frey, and the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas
QUESTION: Who is your favorite Susan May Warren character? Josey!! I love her spirit and her courage. And I love the fact she is so herself in every situation, and God still works through her. As far as guys…I am currently in love with Rafe.
[aside from Jenn: Okay, I've got a little crush on Nick, Rafe's brother]
QUESTION: Favorite Novel Of All Time? (I know, I know, this is a toughie) My Standard answer is Redeeming Love, because it’s true. But, because that is also the favorite novel of half of the entire world, I’m also going to say a really strange one that someone recently sent me to bless me with after hearing how much I loved it – it’s an obscure, incredibly well plotted time-travel novel called “Twice Upon a Time” by Dennis VanWey. (I love Time Travel plots!)
Big thanks to Susan, as well as congrats for her newly released Josey book. 
For more information about Susan and her plethora of published books, visit her website.
Good luck to all you Moms out there!
Finally, An Update!
On November 30, 2007 I sent my completed manuscript, along with a healthy dose of authorial (yep, I made that up) angst to my agent, Steve Laube. The proverbial ball is in his trustworthy court. I await his instructions, recommendations, and more than likely, a healthy dose of edits.
Now I'm working on my comedy material, planning my high school reunion, and perfecting the art of not checking my e-mail for news from my agent, the aforementioned Steve Laube.
This is random, but if you need a laugh, check out this YouTube Clip titled, "The Evil Eye":
