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Upcoming Writers Contests!

21 Friday Nov 2014

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Old TypewriterCHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL HOLIDAY STORIES CONTEST

We want to hear about your holiday memories and traditions. During that time of the year we reunite with scattered family members, watch the wonder in a child’s eyes, and feel the joy of giving gifts. The rituals of the holiday season give a rhythm to the years and create a foundation for our lives, as we gather with family, with our communities at church, at school, and even at the mall, to share the special spirit of the season, brightening those long winter days. Please share your special stories about the holiday season with us. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS JANUARY 31, 2015.

2014 OWL Anthology

The Ozarks Writers League is calling for submissions to the OWL Anthology, of Ozark-centric short fiction and poetry under the prompt: the people you meet along the journey.

SHORT STORIES: Complete stories between 2,000 and 5,000 words on the theme put forth above.

POETRY: No more than three pages on the subject of the prompt, no style excluded.

NONFICTION: Complete essays or memoir between 1,000 and 5,000 words on the theme put forth above.

SUBMISSION: All documents must be in Times New Roman, twelve-point font, double spaced, with one inch margins all around. Please do not include extra space between paragraphs. Do not write in all caps. Please avoid excessive use of Italics, bold, and exclamation marks. All files must be in .doc format. Submissions not following guidelines will be excluded from consideration. All submissions must be sent by December 1st, 2014.

NewsflashThe literary journal, Tethered by Letters has the following call for submissions:


Tethered by Letters’ Fall Short Story Contest

We are currently accepting short stories of any genre ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words. The short story contest winner will be published as the featured short story in the Summer 2015 Quarterly Journal. Five finalists will be considered for subsequent quarterly journal publications or a TBL monthly feature. Each finalist will also receive free professional edits on their submission. International submissions welcome.

Deadline: December 15, 2014

Prize: $250 and publication in the quarterly journal

Entry Fee: $10 per entry

URL: http://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest-submission

Tethered by Letters’ Spring Poetry Contest

We are currently accepting poetry submissions of all genres and styles—from traditional form to free verse. Length requirements are no more than three pages per poem, single spaced with double spacing between stanzas. The poetry contest winner will be published as the featured poem in the Summer 2015 Quarterly Journal. Three finalists will be considered for subsequent quarterly journal publications or a TBL monthly poetry feature. Each finalist will also receive free professional edits on their submission. International submissions welcome.

Deadline: December 15, 2014

Prize: $100 and publication in the quarterly journal

Entry Fee: $5 per entry OR $12 for three entries

URL: http://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest-submission

Contact Info: Joe Reinis, jreinis@tetheredbyletters.com

Tethered by Letters’ Fall Flash Fiction Contest

We are currently accepting flash fiction submissions of 55, 250, or 500 words in length. The flash fiction contest winner will be published as the featured flash fiction in the Summer 2015 Quarterly Journal. Three finalists will be considered for subsequent quarterly journal publications or a TBL monthly feature. Each finalist will also receive free professional edits on their submission. International submissions welcome.

Deadline: December 15, 2014

Prize: $50 and publication in the quarterly journal

Entry Fee: $4 per entry OR $10 for three entries

URL: http://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest-submission

Contact Info: Joe Reinis, jreinis@tetheredbyletters.com

WRITER’S DIGEST SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION

We’re looking for short stories! Think you can write a winning story in less than 1,500 words? Enter the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition for your chance to win $3,000 in cash, get published in Writer’s Digest magazine, and a paid trip to our ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference! The winning entries will be on display in the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection.

Wondering what’s in it for you?

  • A chance to win $3,000 in cash
  • Get national exposure for your work
  • A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference

One First Place Winner will receive:

  • $3,000 in cash
  • Their short story title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference!
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents

The Second Place Winner will receive:

  • $1,500 in cash
  • Their short story title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents

The Third Place Winner will receive:

  • $500 in cash
  • Their short story title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents

Fourth through Tenth Place Winners will receive:

  • $100 in cash
  • Their short story titles published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015Guide to Literary Agents

Eleventh through Twenty-Fifth Place Winners will receive:

  • A $50 gift certificate for writersdigestshop.com
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection

Entry Deadline: December 15, 2014

For more information on how to enter the Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition click here.

The 2015 Utmost Poetry Contest is now open, and is accepting entries.

For All Christian Poets – Total Prizes: US $3,000.00

Major Prizes:
FIRST PRIZE: 1,000.00
SECOND: $500.00

HONORABLE MENTIONS (10): 100.00 each

Special Prizes:
BEST RHYMING POEM: $300.00
HONORABLE MENTION RHYMING POEM: $200.00

Entrant can win Special Prizes in addition to Major Prizes.

We award all prizes, regardless of how few entries we receive. Some contests advertise big awards, but in the “fine print” you see that the prizes are only paid if a certain number of poets enter. Utmost is different. We guarantee to pay all prizes in our poetry contests, and we always announce publicly the winners. Entries must be POSTMARKED February 28, 2015 or earlier.

And for those writers that have the knack for short storytelling, you definitely want to check out Wanted: Short Fiction Stories!!

Mark for your calendars for Friday, Nov. 28th for the latest releases in Christian fiction, and Friday. Dec. 6th for more Upcoming Writers Contests!

 

~ post compiled by Kara Hunt.

Photo credits – stock.xchng

 

Upcoming Writing Contests!

17 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in Fiction, News & Updates, Writing Christian Fiction

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CHRISTIAN POETRY CONTEST

The 2015 Utmost Poetry Contest is now open, and is accepting entries.

Old TypewriterFor All Christian Poets – Total Prizes: US$3,000.00

Major Prizes:
FIRST PRIZE: 1,000.00
SECOND: $500.00

HONORABLE MENTIONS (10): 100.00 each

Special Prizes:
BEST RHYMING POEM: $300.00
HONORABLE MENTION RHYMING POEM: $200.00

Entrant can win Special Prizes in addition to Major Prizes.

We award all prizes, regardless of how few entries we receive. Some contests advertise big awards, but in the “fine print” you see that the prizes are only paid if a certain number of poets enter. Utmost is different. We guarantee to pay all prizes in our poetry contests, and we always announce publicly the winners.

 

ATHANATOS CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES 2015 CHRISTIAN WRITING CONTEST

ACM has been hosting writing contests for more than 5 years.  This year, it created a writer’s community so that poets, short story authors, and other writers can share their stories, get feedback, and consider carefully how their writing can exhibit a defense of the Christian faith (known as ‘apologetics.’)

2015 Novel Contest Details

  • Deadline:  October 6, 2014 — Noon.  New Deadline:  October 20th, Noon (CST)
  • Entry Fee:  $75 (Dwolla) / $80 (Paypal, Credit Card, Check)
  • $1,500 first prize! $1,000 second prize! Plus possible publication!
  • Winners to be announced in March-May 2015.
  • Winning authors’ books to be published Summer/Fall of 2015.
  • Manuscript length: recommend between 40,000 and 90,000 words.

Content: Manuscripts should be fiction, but can be in any genre: action/adventure, fantasy fiction, young adult, historical, etc. Stories can be written even for young people, say junior high, but illustrated books for children would not qualify. Think: Chronicles of Narnia, Wrinkle in Time, etc. If you have a specific audience in mind for your story please indicate as much in the story summary which must accompany your submission.

—-> Top 10-12 entries will be invited to revisit their entry in order to revise it for a final round of judging in light of judges’ feedback.

—-> All entries will receive a copy of the winning books–if the offers to publish the entries are extended and accepted–in digital editions (epub, mobi, or pdf).

—-> All entries will receive at least a 1 page document providing feedback from one or more of the contest judges. You may decline receiving the feedback.

—-> Manuscript length: recommend between 40,000 and 90,000 words.  Compelling stories will not be penalized for their length.  Just make sure your novel warrants whatever length you choose.  When considering whether or not to offer to publish, ACM will take the length in consideration.

Discounts: Second entry is an additional $65. Third entry is an additional $45. It is possible for the same author to win both prizes!

 

29th Annual Hook Line and Sinker

Ever hear an editor tell you that if the first three pages don’t hook them they will stop reading. Sad but true. Hone your skills in hooking an editor with our Hook Line and Sinker contest. Three judges at least two of them published will critique your first three pages. The top five entries will be ranked by Allison Lyons from Harlequin.

Deadline to enter – November 1, 2014.

 

WRITER’S DIGEST SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION

We’re looking for short stories! Think you can write a winning story in less than 1,500 words? Enter the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition for your chance to win $3,000 in cash, get published in Writer’s Digest magazine, and a paid trip to our ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference! The winning entries will be on display in the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection.

Wondering what’s in it for you?

  • A chance to win $3,000 in cash
  • Get national exposure for your work
  • A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference

Early-Bird Entry Deadline: November 17, 2014

Entry Deadline: December 15, 2014

One First Place Winner will receive:

  • $3,000 in cash
  • Their short story title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference!
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents

The Second Place Winner will receive:

  • $1,500 in cash
  • Their short story title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents

The Third Place Winner will receive:

  • $500 in cash
  • Their short story title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents

Fourth through Tenth Place Winners will receive:

  • $100 in cash
  • Their short story titles published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s July/August 2015 issue
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection
  • A copy of the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
  • A copy of the 2015Guide to Literary Agents

Eleventh through Twenty-Fifth Place Winners will receive:

  • A $50 gift certificate for writersdigestshop.com
  • A copy of the 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection

Early-Bird Entry Deadline: November 17, 2014

Entry Deadline: December 15, 2014

For more information on how to enter the Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition click here.

 

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL HOLIDAY STORIES CONTEST

We want to hear about your holiday memories and traditions. During that time of the year we reunite with scattered family members, watch the wonder in a child’s eyes, and feel the joy of giving gifts. The rituals of the holiday season give a rhythm to the years and create a foundation for our lives, as we gather with family, with our communities at church, at school, and even at the mall, to share the special spirit of the season, brightening those long winter days. Please share your special stories about the holiday season with us. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS JANUARY 31, 2015.

~ post compiled by Kara Hunt.

Photo credit – stock.xchng

When Your Computer Tells On You

21 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by in Faith & You, Non-Fiction

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When Your Computer Tells On You - Image ID 659209 This time when my computer bit the dust, I was ready. Past experiences had prepared me, so I’d backed up everything of importance to three different devices. And when the dreaded “black screen of death” appeared and my beloved PC refused to start up last month, I wasn’t worried. At first.

But last week I realized I hadn’t backed up as carefully as I thought I had. One folder in particular, a folder that held tons of information regarding my family’s genealogy back to the 1800’s was missing. Hours of research and interview notes that couldn’t possibly be duplicated, were nowhere to be found.

I placed a phone call to our computer guy. The same guy who last month informed me that my previous computer was indeed dead, due to overheating. He added however, that he may be able to recover some items from my hard drive if I needed him to. I proudly informed him, that I’d been through this before, learned my lesson the hard way, and backed everything up thrice. So I told him thanks, but no thanks.

Now here I was days later, on the phone with him, desperate and asking if he could please see if this particular genealogy folder could be pulled from that fried hard drive. I could almost hear the smile in his voice as he let me know that he was already a step ahead of me. He told me that before he returned my computer, he’d already completed the recovery process and was just waiting on my phone call.

The one lesson I hadn’t learned from those past experiences was that all of the storage devices in the world were useless if the PC owner didn’t know how to utilize them properly. But evidently, our computer guy knew, and he waited patiently for me to realize it too.

Excited, I told him the name of the folder I needed to locate. One by one, he called off the name of every folder and every file he was able to recover. As he did this, panic set in. I had lots of personal files, photos, and notes on that computer. And he had access to them all. Right there at his fingertips.

But what concerned me the most was my journal. For the past six years, I’d faithfully kept one on my computer. It not only contained personal thoughts about me, but others as well.

And because I’m a writer, another thought hit me. He’d had this information stored at his place of business for at least a couple of weeks. At any time, over a cup of coffee and a bagel, he could’ve been privy to my most inner thoughts. Thoughts about me, my friends and my family.

One of the definitions of blackmail is, “extortion or coercion by threats, especially of public exposure”. And there was more than enough material in my journal for that.

Like I said, I’m a writer. I knew my mind couldn’t help but think of these things.

But the thought still paralyzed me.

I MUST add here, that we’ve worked with our computer guy for years now. And from previous conversations, I believe him to be a Christian and a patriot, and there was nothing he said or did, that suggested in any way that he’d even consider such a thing. It was my overactive imagination that was the villain here, not him.

And it was all because I felt exposed.

Not only because he had access to very sensitive information, but because he also knew that I professed to be a Christian. Was there anything on there that would cause him to doubt that? Or worse, cause him to doubt his faith? Or cause him to stumble in his walk?

I needed to find out.

After our phone call ended, I frantically searched my brain, desperate to remember what I had written in that journal. Every folder, file, document, photo and video came under scrutiny as well.

The computer guy also knows I’m a writer, so I hoped some things would be self-explanatory. However, I’m not sure that he knows that I write Supernatural Suspense. Information in my research files about demonry, cults, Satanic worship and witchcraft would undoubtedly cause him to raise an eyebrow or two, but one glimpse into my WIP’s and MS (also on that computer) would easily put those concerns to rest.

But what about the others? Was there anything else? Was there gossip about my friends? Dirty laundry on my family? Secret love letters? Were there photos that needed to be explained, or videos I needed to create an excuse for?

Was there anything on there that would cause me to hang my head in shame when I picked up the recovery disc?

After a couple of minutes of this, I took in a deep breath, relaxed and remembered how far God has brought me. And how that relationship with Him, has not only changed my eternal destiny, but my life. It’s changed not only what I write, but how I write, whether that be a book, an email or a journal entry. And it also changes the way I see people. And the things I watch, and the activities I participate in.

I slept peacefully that night knowing that there was nothing in those journal entries that my friends or family didn’t already know. And if there was something of a more controversial nature, such as my views on the culture, politics and/or politicians (yes, there are a lot of those type of notes in there) those could easily be discussed and resolved over a hot cup of tea and a couple of blueberry scones.

I could now face the computer guy with a smile on my face and my head held high.

Not because of anything I’ve done or didn’t do, or something I wrote or didn’t write, but because of God. And His grace. And His mercy.

And His never-ending love for a sinner like me.

A God who loved me enough to show me through a single phone call, how important it is that I am who I say I am. Not just in word and deed and the places where someone’s looking, but in the places they aren’t. Not just for my sake, or God’s sake, but for the sake of others who are traveling this Christian journey. And for those who are about to begin one.

He also taught me that what really mattered wasn’t what the computer guy thought or even if I could lift my head up high the next time I saw him.

But whether or not I’ll be able to hold my head up high when I see Him.

And only by the continued grace of God will I be able to do that.

Kara R. Hunt

PHOTO CREDIT: stock.xchng

Trusting The Original Story Teller

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by in Faith & You, Writing Inspirational Fiction

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Old Bible God is not only the Creator of all that exists, He’s also the Master Author of our lives. We may be familiar with how our life stories began, but only He knows the entire character arc our lives will take. He knows how much to show us and how much to tell us. He knows what type of protagonist we’ll be and if we’ll be victorious over the obstacles thrown at us by the fiery antagonist. He knows the choices we’ll need to make, and the consequences if we choose unwisely.

But Hebrews 12:2 also reminds us that He’s the Author of our faith as well. God’s in the faith business and so are we when we write to glorify Him. He’s the original Story Teller. The Author of All. And if we trust Him, He’ll also be our Divine Agent. We can then rest assured that He’ll make the necessary preparations for us to succeed in our walk with Him and our writing career.

But that takes faith. Faith in the stories God has given us. Faith for the right words to tell it, and faith that we’ll be able to see it through without losing our minds. But more importantly, faith that our fictional stories will mimic our true life stories and bring those who read it one step closer to Him. One page at a time.

Because at the end of every story, fictional or otherwise, that’s all that really matters.

– Kara R. Hunt

July 2013 New Releases!

02 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by in News & Updates

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

Children’s Books:
The Blessings Jar: A Story About Being Thankful by Colleen Coble Alexa Grace is having a bad day, but then Grandma arrives with something special for “Grandma’s Little Punky Grace”-an Ebenezer jar that she thinks is very peculiar. Grandma explains that an Ebenezer is a “stone of help” and represents God’s blessings. Alexa Grace wonders if she can fill the jar with some of God’s blessings. She goes on the hunt with her furry Newfoundland puppy and Grandma, and Alexa Grace’s new blessing jar soon overflows with God’s wonders. (Children’s Book from Thomas Nelson)

Romance Releases:

Charisse by Fay Lamb — He wants a family. She wants retribution. Charisse Wellman’s husband has been gone a year, and she’s about to lose the only home her son, V.J., has ever known. She’s quit law school but the money just isn’t there. Her only option is to work as a law clerk for her ex-friend, Gideon Tabor. The only problem: Gideon is the judge who let her husband’s killer go free, and Gideon doesn’t know the connection. (Contemporary Romance from Write Integrity Press)

A Wedding for Julia by Vannetta Chapman — Julia Beechy is so stunned, she can hardly breathe. Her mother’s announcement that she must either marry or move from the family home upon her mother’s imminent death catches Julia by surprise. How can she leave the only home she has ever known? What about her dream of opening her own Plain café? When Caleb Zook offers support, comfort, and a solution, Julia is afraid to accept it. Can she marry someone she barely knows? Is it the right thing to do? Is this God’s plan for her future? Caleb thought his time for marrying was long past, but he feels a stirring in his heart he cannot shake for this beautiful, forlorn woman. Amid the circumstances of this life-altering decision, the people of Pebble Creek weather the worst storm to hit Wisconsin in the last hundred years. Where will Julia and Caleb be on the other side of it? (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House)

Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — A spoiled rich girl spends years lassoing one cowboy after another with no strings attached until she runs into the man who broke her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Cooking Up Love by Cynthia Hickey — Tabitha McClelland knows accepting a job as a Harvey House waitress can be risky. Traveling alone to the rough-and-tumble West just isn’t done by young ladies of good breeding. But far more dangerous is her powerful attraction to Adam Foster. Family means everything to the widowed chef, but the self-sufficient Tabitha cherishes her freedom above all else. Adam is captivated by the fiercely independent Tabitha. Fraternizing with the female employees is strictly forbidden, but the Harvey Girl awakens feelings too compelling to ignore. Can Adam convince Tabby to share his dream of a future in California-together? (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Courted by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams — Sam Castlerock’s return to Bear Creek, Wyoming, may be the answer to Emily Sands’s prayers. Though she’s not the kind of girl to rely on anyone else, the handsome cowboy-turned-banker may be able to get her family a much-needed extension on their loan. But Sam also reminds Emily of her dreams of a husband and family of her own. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired)

Mistaken by Karen Barnett — Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rum-running gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough — Sarah Marshall just wants to go home. It wasn’t her idea to leave Chicago and head west in search of gold, but her uncle’s ambition left her no choice. Neither was her intention to settle in Kansas City with her ailing aunt, but being penniless and without possessions brings little bargaining power. Ethan Harper, the youngest of three brothers, enjoys a peaceful existence helping run his family’s stage shop along the Santa Fe Trail. Only one cloud continues to darken his horizon-guilt over the tragic death of his oldest brother’s wife. The only acceptable penance Ethan can think of is finding another woman to marry his brother and help raise his motherless children. A match so incompatible, it just might work. (Historical Romance from Whitaker House)

Small Town Girl: A Novel by Ann H. Gabhart — Kate Merritt worries love’s passing her by until Jay Tanner shows up to charm her hesitant heart. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

Romantic Suspense Releases:

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink — The deadliest animal in the jungle is the two legged kind as missionary nurse Truman is about to find out. (Romantic Suspense from River North [Moody])

Rosemary Cottage (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble — Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . . The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder. (Romantic Suspense from Thomas Nelson)

Fiery Secrets by Stephanie McCall Dr. Grace Taylor, a driven pediatrician and single mom, needs divine intervention if she’s going to heal from the actions of her cheating, abusive ex-husband. But she never thought God would work through Chris Anderson, a tutor at the local learning center whose secrets keep him from opening up to her. Both Grace and Chris have been asked to walk through their trial by fire; they’ve come out alive, but they still smell like smoke. (Romantic Suspense from HopeSprings Books)

Historical Biblical Fiction Release:

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar — An arranged marriage. A man whose heart is closed to love. A king whose life hangs in the balance. A nation on the brink of annihilation. Sarah and Darius’s story continues in this long-awaited sequel to Harvest of Rubies. Fighting impossible odds, Sarah and Darius have to overcome the enemy against the king, against Jerusalem, against their marriage, and against their souls. Will they finally learn to love and trust one another? The prophet Nehemiah tries to help the struggling couple while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The only problem is that he comes under constant attack. Will he overcome? (Biblical Fiction from River North [Moody])

Angel In The Storm

30 Thursday Jun 2011

Posted by in Interviews

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Lisa Grace’s, “Angel in the Shadows Series” – Has been named by AOL as a Christian alternative to the Twilight series. Here’s more about this fascinating book and its author: 

Angel in the Storm, Book 2

Fifteen year-old Megan’s younger brother Max has been kidnapped by Judas, an evil angel, who is determined to make Max hate God and lose his soul. Framed for Max’s murder, Megan, along with the help of Johnny who is a good angel, and her friends, must stay one step ahead of the police and an approaching hurricane in an attempt to save Max’s life and soul before it’s too late.

Main Characters

Megan Laughlin – The heroine, a fifteen year old who has the “gift” of seeing angels, demons and other spiritual creatures.

Judas – A handsome evil angel bent on destroying Megan, her classmates and everyone she loves.

Johnny – A warring angel sent to earth to fight Judas.

Seth – Megan’s boyfriend who is now a target.

Vania – a Gothic girl who was almost destroyed by Judas and now helps Megan battle this evil angel.

Robby – Seth’s best friend, a boisterous, handsome jock who gets pulled into the fight between good and evil.

What is the setting for your novel? 

Angel in the Shadows, takes place in the present, starting at a summer camp, in North Carolina, and then back in Megan’s hometown of Clearwater, Florida, in time for the new school year. Megan’s high school becomes a battlefield in the fight between good and evil. Book 2 picks up right after Book 1 leaves off, and takes the gang on a trip to New Orleans in an attempt to rescue Max.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing stories when I was five years old. I requested a typewriter for Christmas that year so I could write “Star Trek” scripts. I always have an idea notebook on-hand.

What is your motivation?

I love books about the supernatural. There are so many about vampires; but hardly any of the books out there deal with the supernatural from a biblical point of view. Angels and demons are mentioned over four hundred times in the Bible. Other supernatural creatures are discussed too. Few of the books make it cool to be human. We have a soul and a spiritual war is going on whether we choose to “see” it or not. Our soul is important. I think this is a frightening and awesome prospect. I wanted to write novels from these perspectives.

I also wanted to confront the issues teenagers are facing today, drugs, sex, teen pregnancy, abortion, etc… The Angel series characters are dealing with these problems head-on.

Who or what was your inspiration?

My main inspiration came from the Holy Spirit. They are in the classic style of good vs. evil, saved vs. unsaved. I think all teens will enjoy how my human heroines and heroes find the strength to do the right thing.

The people I admire the most are the ones who do the right thing day in and day out because that is who they are. I know several in my community.

What are your future plans?

I plan to write several books for the Angel series since there are so many problems teenagers face in their high school years that I haven‘t touched on yet. I am currently working on the third book in my Angel series which is planned for release in November as an ebook.

Also, I have started working on another series called, Society of the D. E. A. D. It will be in the same vein as Angel in the Shadows but with a twist to the main characters you won’t discover until the end of the novel. When I’m not writing or reading, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

What is your next book?

My first book, Angel In The Shadows, ends with Megan’s younger brother Max, missing. In book two, Angel in the Storm, we find out that Max has been kidnapped by Judas the evil angel, and sold to a human trafficking ring. In the book I will be touching on the issues of child pornography, runaways, homelessness, and hunger as Max makes his way home. Evil angels and demons are hunting for Max while Johnny, Megan, Seth, and Vania search for him.

At the same time, a hurricane is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. Help and danger appear from unexpected sources and one of the main characters will die at the end and book. Book three will continue the saga.

Where did you grow up?

I lived part of my childhood in Milwaukee and had to walk five blocks to school, even in the snow! In the summer we would head to the north woods of Wisconsin and stay in cabins or go camping in tents. In my teen years I grew up in Clearwater, Florida, where my friends and I would take the bus to the beach in the summers and stay all day. I also spent many hours volunteering at the Clearwater Public Library and acting with the Clearwater City Players.

Where do you live now?

I spend part of my summer in the northwoods of Wisconsin, and live full-time along the Gulf Coast of Florida. I just saw a wild turkey in the backyard yesterday. I was going to post a picture of it on Facebook asking, “What kind of seagull is this?”

We visit Knoxville, Tennessee as often as we can to see my brothers. One lives in Knoxville and another lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Who are the authors that you admire?

The writers who inspire me the most are those who clearly define good versus evil. My author friends: Frank Perretti, Janalyn Voight, Debby Mayne, Katie Weiland, Linda Yezak, John Robinson, Jen Jones, Jill Williamson, Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky, Jeff Gerke, Christina Berry, Jerry Jenkins, etc…

And then those I don’t know: C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, Lee Strobel, and Dean Koontz. I admire Stephen King’s work ethic, his book On Writing, and some of his works like The Green Mile, Needful Things, The Stand, and the novella, The Long Walk. I still don’t understand why no one’s made that one into a movie.

Why do you write?

I write because I have stories to tell. Behind the story is a truth. I’m afraid not to write them. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “What if…” Also, I honestly believe if I don’t write them, someone else will. When I write the story the characters take on a life of their own. Many of my plot twists come to me as I’m writing and are not planned in advance.

When did you realize that you wanted to write a novel?

I’ve always considered myself a writer. At the age of five I asked for a typewriter so I could write down my Star Trek scripts. This last few years I finally got disciplined and set a goal of writing two thousand words a day, no matter what, day in-day out. That advice came out of Stephen King’s book, On Writing.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

No, I haven’t had a problem with writer’s block. I just ask myself, “What if…” or “What happens next?” I just have them go to the next place, take the next step and voila an idea pops into my head of where the story, plot, or character is to go. If you get in the car and drive, you’re bound to wind up somewhere. Getting to where you want to go from there just might be the best part of the drive.

When do you write?

I write whenever I get a block of time. The most important thing is getting in the two thousand words per day. I pour myself a cup of coffee, sit down at my desk, close the door, and get into my character’s world.

How did you feel when you finished your novel?

Validated as a writer. Elated that I could say I am a novelist. Thankful to God that one of my dreams had come true. And now that I’m starting on my fourth, (a third one is in the editing stage right now) I realize I can do this for a living.

What other careers have you had outside of writing?

I used to work in the computer industry, I was a Sales Director for eight years at major cosmetic company, and most recently I was a Musical Theater Director for a dance academy in Florida. I’ve also served as a volunteer at a Crisis Pregnancy Center. I enjoy helping to rehab wild animals and letting them go. I’ve been blessed to have followed many of my dreams.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to finish your novel?

My largest obstacle was time management. I am married and have a seven year-old. Also, I was still working on a major production of Cinderella for the dance academy and teaching Sunday School, all while writing my two thousand words a day for my first novel.

Are there any of your own life experiences in the book?

Absolutely. I loved going to camp as a kid and a young adult. I still do. Also, my volunteering at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, gave me a window into the conflicts and mixed messages society gives teenagers.

Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

Yes, two things.

AOL picked the Angel series as the Christian alternative to the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers for their Top Ten Most Challenged Book List of 2010, and the best pet I ever had was an opossum. A full-size Virginian Opossum. He was paper-trained and we had him for almost four years before he passed away from old age. He would talk lovey talk, cuddle on our laps, and travel in a cat carrier. Opossum’s deserve more respect as America’sonly native marsupial!

AOL named it the Christian alternative to the Twilight series. see link: http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/05/07/top-ten-most-challenged-books/

Angel in the Storm, Book 2 by Lisa Grace is an ebook available on Amazon.com for 2.99 July 1st, 2011

Contact the author at lisagracebooks@yahoo.com and http://www.lisagracebooks.comto read an excerpt from her 2nd novel in the Angel series, Angel In the Storm.

Angel in the Shadows

Book 1

Megan Laughlin, a fifteen year old sophomore in high school has the gift of seeing  angels and demons. Megan then attracts the attention of Judas, an evil angel, who wants to destroy her, her classmates and loved ones. Megan must deal with being a target of Judas and still handle all the problems of a normal teenage girl. She manages to save some teens from over-dosing at a rave, confronts damaging gossip and watches her best friend make a life altering decision. Meanwhile, Megan feels helpless as Judas manages to destroy two classmates and sets out to seduce or destroy Megan in the process. Can Megan save others while being a target herself?

Angel in the Shadows, Book One by Lisa Grace, hard cover is distributed through Ingram Books and is available through Barnes & Noble, www.Amazon.com

The ebook launched May 24th, 2011 and is available through http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052AI5W8 for 99 cents. It has been on the Teen Top-Twenty Amazon List since its debut. See Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_12?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Akindle+books%2Cn%3A%211000%2Cn%3A28&bbn=1000&keywords=kindle+books&ie=UTF8&qid=1307412306&rnid=1000#/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Akindle+books%2Cn%3A%211000%2Cn%3A28&page=2&bbn=1000&keywords=kindle+books&ie=UTF8&qid=1307412318

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24 Monday May 2010

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Welcome to our Fiction with Faith blog!

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