I have a favor to ask you all! I'm so excited.
Bev Lewis has been nominated for the prestigious Quill Award. She's one of only five authors nominated in the Romance category and is up against big names such as Nora Roberts. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a Christian book win this award? If you would like to vote, the information is below. The final selection is made by the public, so consider passing the information along to all your friends or on your blogs.
Preacher's Daughter is one of 5 nominees in the Romance category for the 2006 Quill Book Awards!
Let's get out the word to VOTE for Bev online at http://www.quillsvote.com ! The winner of each category on the shortlist is now in the hands of the consumers, so spread the word and take a moment to VOTE! Voting is open through September 30th. Look for her in the Romance category, and don't forget to also vote for her in the Book of the Year category. Tell all your friends and family members, too!
The winners will be announced at a Black Tie gala ceremony hosted by NBC News' Lester Holt on October 10, 2006 in New York City, and the one-hour Quill Awards television special, hosted by Al Roker and NBC News' Natalie Morales, will be carried on the NBC Universal Owned and Operated Television Stations on Saturday, October 28, 2006, and will also air on various NBC affiliates across the country.
I went and voted for her. I think we all should. What a testimony of God's glory it would be for a Christian writer to get this award.
Have a great weekend.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Squirl's BACK!!!
I'm starting my very simple, very fun monthly prompt contest again. For a chance to win a new Steeple Hill release, check out Squirrel's Story Starter on my blog here: http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
Post will be titled: BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND.
Here's the best part of the deal:
One year from now, all entrants who have entered each monthly contest (whether that person won or not) will have the chance to receive a six month subscription to the Steeple Hill line of your choice, paid for up front by me. (Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Steeple Hill Women's Fiction, Steeple Hill Historical once the line is launched.)
Email me off loop with any questions.
If you're interested in this contest, leave a comment on my blog.
Cheryl Wyatt (Squirrel)
www.CherylWyatt.com
www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
Besides running really kewl contests, she has a funny and touching blog.
You'll love it.
Post will be titled: BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND.
Here's the best part of the deal:
One year from now, all entrants who have entered each monthly contest (whether that person won or not) will have the chance to receive a six month subscription to the Steeple Hill line of your choice, paid for up front by me. (Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Steeple Hill Women's Fiction, Steeple Hill Historical once the line is launched.)
Email me off loop with any questions.
If you're interested in this contest, leave a comment on my blog.
Cheryl Wyatt (Squirrel)
www.CherylWyatt.com
www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
Besides running really kewl contests, she has a funny and touching blog.
You'll love it.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Interview with Susan May Warren
Hi Susan! I'm really honored to have you visit my blog today.
Thank you for having me! I’m delighted to be here.
I really loved the book and Josey (instant identification with her). I am going to attempt to NOT give spoilers for those "gentle readers" who haven't had the privelege of reading your book yet.
Beings that this book is based "loosely" upon your missionary experience is Josey based somewhat on you?
Oh for sure! I can totally relate to Josey’s feelings of wanting to change the world, and to look good doing it! But more than that, her spiritual journey of discovering that God had a plan for her all this time, and that he could use someone that wasn’t the “perfect” missionary was certainly a lesson He blessed me with.
A lot of readers like transparent authors. Is it hard to put yourself out there on paper? Your faults? Your flaws? And how hard is it to share the lessons you learned? (Especially the hard and messy ones.)
Actually, I believe that transparency in my own life will hopefully allow others to see the ways God is working in my life. I believe God has done an amazing work of grace in my life, and continues to do so, and the only way people can see that is if I am honest and transparent. As far as what I put into my character, if I am willing to dig deep into my own wounds or joys, I believe that translates better for the character and helps them become more real.
Do you have a Jasmine or Tracey in your life? (You don't have to name names, just a yes or no will do.)
I have a Jasmine. (But she didn’t marry a former boyfriend!) And I’ve had Traceys.
If yes: Did dealing with them help you help Josey?
I think Josey probably did a better job than I did. I learned a lot from my own experiences and I guess Josey gave me the opportunity to have a second chance, perhaps a little more like I would have preferred to handle it.
I know most authors want their books to span not only genres, but also reader "groups". However, is there a particular type of reader that you feel God led you to reach out to with this book?
I think there are Christians out there who just don’t fit the “mold” of the Christian woman – they aren’t necessarily thin, with great hair, and the ability to juggle all their responsibilities with poise and class ….you know who I’m talking about. And that’s great for them, but for the rest of us, life is alittle like trying to squeeze goop into our hands – just when we have one area handled, the other side starts to go through our fingers. I write books for the less perfect gals who want to escape with a good story, feel happy, and know that it’s okay – God is still at work in their lives, just like He’s at work in my character’s lives. People often ask me what kinds of books I write because I am all over the place with genres (suspense/romance, chick lit, historical suspense). I’ve finally started saying that I write books that make people feel happy when they’re finished. At least that is my goal.
What sense of God did you want your readers to walk away with after reading Everything Coming up Josey?
That even when you don’t understand what is going on, God has a good plan for your life.
That ending was absolutely perfect! How do you do it?
Oh, I just followed my heart. *grin* But seriously, a lot of my writing is about, what would I like to see happen if I were a reader? And that answers my question.
Is there a deeper meaning to the Ring theme?
Well, I started out with an idea about the fact that the Moscow subway system is formed around a giant ring that encircles the downtown portion of the city (on their metro maps, it’s always gold or bronze). But when I started playing with that metaphor, I thought of wedding rings, and then of course the bronze ring that used to dangle from carousels, and how they represent realizing your dreams. I think that is a good summation of our lives…sometimes we just don’t know what those dreams are and that’s where God and Him knowing our hearts comes in. Josey’s on a journey of discovering that she can trust God with her heart’s dreams.
And one last question. When can we expect another book of this ilk because I'm already itching to read it. :D
Oh yes! Josey 2 – Chill Out, Josey comes out next summer for your NEXT summer read. Here’s the little plug:
Russia? Not again. Josey's finally living the good life - she's got theman, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of herdreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she hasthe guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sureshe can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having theperfect life.even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.
But can she find the courage to tell him the secret that will change their lives forever?
Thank you so much for answering my questions. It's wonderful having you to visit.
Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for reading Everything’s Coming up Josey!
Thank you for having me! I’m delighted to be here.
I really loved the book and Josey (instant identification with her). I am going to attempt to NOT give spoilers for those "gentle readers" who haven't had the privelege of reading your book yet.
Beings that this book is based "loosely" upon your missionary experience is Josey based somewhat on you?
Oh for sure! I can totally relate to Josey’s feelings of wanting to change the world, and to look good doing it! But more than that, her spiritual journey of discovering that God had a plan for her all this time, and that he could use someone that wasn’t the “perfect” missionary was certainly a lesson He blessed me with.
A lot of readers like transparent authors. Is it hard to put yourself out there on paper? Your faults? Your flaws? And how hard is it to share the lessons you learned? (Especially the hard and messy ones.)
Actually, I believe that transparency in my own life will hopefully allow others to see the ways God is working in my life. I believe God has done an amazing work of grace in my life, and continues to do so, and the only way people can see that is if I am honest and transparent. As far as what I put into my character, if I am willing to dig deep into my own wounds or joys, I believe that translates better for the character and helps them become more real.
Do you have a Jasmine or Tracey in your life? (You don't have to name names, just a yes or no will do.)
I have a Jasmine. (But she didn’t marry a former boyfriend!) And I’ve had Traceys.
If yes: Did dealing with them help you help Josey?
I think Josey probably did a better job than I did. I learned a lot from my own experiences and I guess Josey gave me the opportunity to have a second chance, perhaps a little more like I would have preferred to handle it.
I know most authors want their books to span not only genres, but also reader "groups". However, is there a particular type of reader that you feel God led you to reach out to with this book?
I think there are Christians out there who just don’t fit the “mold” of the Christian woman – they aren’t necessarily thin, with great hair, and the ability to juggle all their responsibilities with poise and class ….you know who I’m talking about. And that’s great for them, but for the rest of us, life is alittle like trying to squeeze goop into our hands – just when we have one area handled, the other side starts to go through our fingers. I write books for the less perfect gals who want to escape with a good story, feel happy, and know that it’s okay – God is still at work in their lives, just like He’s at work in my character’s lives. People often ask me what kinds of books I write because I am all over the place with genres (suspense/romance, chick lit, historical suspense). I’ve finally started saying that I write books that make people feel happy when they’re finished. At least that is my goal.
What sense of God did you want your readers to walk away with after reading Everything Coming up Josey?
That even when you don’t understand what is going on, God has a good plan for your life.
That ending was absolutely perfect! How do you do it?
Oh, I just followed my heart. *grin* But seriously, a lot of my writing is about, what would I like to see happen if I were a reader? And that answers my question.
Is there a deeper meaning to the Ring theme?
Well, I started out with an idea about the fact that the Moscow subway system is formed around a giant ring that encircles the downtown portion of the city (on their metro maps, it’s always gold or bronze). But when I started playing with that metaphor, I thought of wedding rings, and then of course the bronze ring that used to dangle from carousels, and how they represent realizing your dreams. I think that is a good summation of our lives…sometimes we just don’t know what those dreams are and that’s where God and Him knowing our hearts comes in. Josey’s on a journey of discovering that she can trust God with her heart’s dreams.
And one last question. When can we expect another book of this ilk because I'm already itching to read it. :D
Oh yes! Josey 2 – Chill Out, Josey comes out next summer for your NEXT summer read. Here’s the little plug:
Russia? Not again. Josey's finally living the good life - she's got theman, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of herdreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she hasthe guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sureshe can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having theperfect life.even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.
But can she find the courage to tell him the secret that will change their lives forever?
Thank you so much for answering my questions. It's wonderful having you to visit.
Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for reading Everything’s Coming up Josey!
Interview with Susan May Warren
Hi Susan! I'm really honored to have you visit my blog today.
Thank you for having me! I’m delighted to be here.
I really loved the book and Josey (instant identification with her). I am going to attempt to NOT give spoilers for those "gentle readers" who haven't had the privelege of reading your book yet.
Beings that this book is based "loosely" upon your missionary experience is Josey based somewhat on you?
Oh for sure! I can totally relate to Josey’s feelings of wanting to change the world, and to look good doing it! But more than that, her spiritual journey of discovering that God had a plan for her all this time, and that he could use someone that wasn’t the “perfect” missionary was certainly a lesson He blessed me with.
A lot of readers like transparent authors. Is it hard to put yourself out there on paper? Your faults? Your flaws? And how hard is it to share the lessons you learned? (Especially the hard and messy ones.)
Actually, I believe that transparency in my own life will hopefully allow others to see the ways God is working in my life. I believe God has done an amazing work of grace in my life, and continues to do so, and the only way people can see that is if I am honest and transparent. As far as what I put into my character, if I am willing to dig deep into my own wounds or joys, I believe that translates better for the character and helps them become more real.
Do you have a Jasmine or Tracey in your life? (You don't have to name names, just a yes or no will do.)
I have a Jasmine. (But she didn’t marry a former boyfriend!) And I’ve had Traceys.
If yes: Did dealing with them help you help Josey?
I think Josey probably did a better job than I did. I learned a lot from my own experiences and I guess Josey gave me the opportunity to have a second chance, perhaps a little more like I would have preferred to handle it.
I know most authors want their books to span not only genres, but also reader "groups". However, is there a particular type of reader that you feel God led you to reach out to with this book?
I think there are Christians out there who just don’t fit the “mold” of the Christian woman – they aren’t necessarily thin, with great hair, and the ability to juggle all their responsibilities with poise and class ….you know who I’m talking about. And that’s great for them, but for the rest of us, life is alittle like trying to squeeze goop into our hands – just when we have one area handled, the other side starts to go through our fingers. I write books for the less perfect gals who want to escape with a good story, feel happy, and know that it’s okay – God is still at work in their lives, just like He’s at work in my character’s lives. People often ask me what kinds of books I write because I am all over the place with genres (suspense/romance, chick lit, historical suspense). I’ve finally started saying that I write books that make people feel happy when they’re finished. At least that is my goal.
What sense of God did you want your readers to walk away with after reading Everything Coming up Josey?
That even when you don’t understand what is going on, God has a good plan for your life.
That ending was absolutely perfect! How do you do it?
Oh, I just followed my heart. *grin* But seriously, a lot of my writing is about, what would I like to see happen if I were a reader? And that answers my question.
Is there a deeper meaning to the Ring theme?
Well, I started out with an idea about the fact that the Moscow subway system is formed around a giant ring that encircles the downtown portion of the city (on their metro maps, it’s always gold or bronze). But when I started playing with that metaphor, I thought of wedding rings, and then of course the bronze ring that used to dangle from carousels, and how they represent realizing your dreams. I think that is a good summation of our lives…sometimes we just don’t know what those dreams are and that’s where God and Him knowing our hearts comes in. Josey’s on a journey of discovering that she can trust God with her heart’s dreams.
And one last question. When can we expect another book of this ilk because I'm already itching to read it. :D
Oh yes! Josey 2 – Chill Out, Josey comes out next summer for your NEXT summer read. Here’s the little plug:
Russia? Not again. Josey's finally living the good life - she's got theman, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of herdreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she hasthe guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sureshe can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having theperfect life.even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.
But can she find the courage to tell him the secret that will change their lives forever?
Thank you so much for answering my questions. It's wonderful having you to visit.
Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for reading Everything’s Coming up Josey!
Thank you for having me! I’m delighted to be here.
I really loved the book and Josey (instant identification with her). I am going to attempt to NOT give spoilers for those "gentle readers" who haven't had the privelege of reading your book yet.
Beings that this book is based "loosely" upon your missionary experience is Josey based somewhat on you?
Oh for sure! I can totally relate to Josey’s feelings of wanting to change the world, and to look good doing it! But more than that, her spiritual journey of discovering that God had a plan for her all this time, and that he could use someone that wasn’t the “perfect” missionary was certainly a lesson He blessed me with.
A lot of readers like transparent authors. Is it hard to put yourself out there on paper? Your faults? Your flaws? And how hard is it to share the lessons you learned? (Especially the hard and messy ones.)
Actually, I believe that transparency in my own life will hopefully allow others to see the ways God is working in my life. I believe God has done an amazing work of grace in my life, and continues to do so, and the only way people can see that is if I am honest and transparent. As far as what I put into my character, if I am willing to dig deep into my own wounds or joys, I believe that translates better for the character and helps them become more real.
Do you have a Jasmine or Tracey in your life? (You don't have to name names, just a yes or no will do.)
I have a Jasmine. (But she didn’t marry a former boyfriend!) And I’ve had Traceys.
If yes: Did dealing with them help you help Josey?
I think Josey probably did a better job than I did. I learned a lot from my own experiences and I guess Josey gave me the opportunity to have a second chance, perhaps a little more like I would have preferred to handle it.
I know most authors want their books to span not only genres, but also reader "groups". However, is there a particular type of reader that you feel God led you to reach out to with this book?
I think there are Christians out there who just don’t fit the “mold” of the Christian woman – they aren’t necessarily thin, with great hair, and the ability to juggle all their responsibilities with poise and class ….you know who I’m talking about. And that’s great for them, but for the rest of us, life is alittle like trying to squeeze goop into our hands – just when we have one area handled, the other side starts to go through our fingers. I write books for the less perfect gals who want to escape with a good story, feel happy, and know that it’s okay – God is still at work in their lives, just like He’s at work in my character’s lives. People often ask me what kinds of books I write because I am all over the place with genres (suspense/romance, chick lit, historical suspense). I’ve finally started saying that I write books that make people feel happy when they’re finished. At least that is my goal.
What sense of God did you want your readers to walk away with after reading Everything Coming up Josey?
That even when you don’t understand what is going on, God has a good plan for your life.
That ending was absolutely perfect! How do you do it?
Oh, I just followed my heart. *grin* But seriously, a lot of my writing is about, what would I like to see happen if I were a reader? And that answers my question.
Is there a deeper meaning to the Ring theme?
Well, I started out with an idea about the fact that the Moscow subway system is formed around a giant ring that encircles the downtown portion of the city (on their metro maps, it’s always gold or bronze). But when I started playing with that metaphor, I thought of wedding rings, and then of course the bronze ring that used to dangle from carousels, and how they represent realizing your dreams. I think that is a good summation of our lives…sometimes we just don’t know what those dreams are and that’s where God and Him knowing our hearts comes in. Josey’s on a journey of discovering that she can trust God with her heart’s dreams.
And one last question. When can we expect another book of this ilk because I'm already itching to read it. :D
Oh yes! Josey 2 – Chill Out, Josey comes out next summer for your NEXT summer read. Here’s the little plug:
Russia? Not again. Josey's finally living the good life - she's got theman, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of herdreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she hasthe guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sureshe can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having theperfect life.even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.
But can she find the courage to tell him the secret that will change their lives forever?
Thank you so much for answering my questions. It's wonderful having you to visit.
Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for reading Everything’s Coming up Josey!
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