Snoopy Dancing for new book contract, Gems of Wisdom

Hi all,

I'm tickled enough to be Snoopy dancing because my non-fiction book, Gems of Wisdom, has a release date of June 1, 2011 from Sheaf House's non-fiction imprint, Journey Press. It's actually a two book project. It's tied to a workbook/journal and an upcoming speaking tour. But also is integrally connected to the Gems of Wisdom line of jewelry that helps support the Sanctuary of Hope orphan homes in Kenya through the Hope's Promise missions.

I am celebrating and overjoyed! It's based on a women's seminar that I do and now I'll be able to share it in a bigger way thanks to Joy DeKok, Joan Shoup, and Tamela Hancock-Murray believing in me and this project.

No one achieves anything alone. I've had Michelle Sutton as a brain storming partner, Willy Kemp as a medical/scientific consultant, several dear people who shared their personal experiences with me for various chapters, my critique partner Pam Morris, Julie Cowan, Jonathan Nelson, Margaret Daley, my 30 test readers, hundreds of seminar/online class students, Finish-the-Book eloop, ACFW friends, my blog partners (Missy, Jennifer, Lindi, Christy, Mindy), the Montana Romance Writers, and so many more.

All of these people poured support and encouragement into this project in one way or another. I'm so grateful to have had such a blessing on my writing and in my life! Thank you for the opportunity you all gave me.

An unusual note is how many fiction writers had impact on my writing a non-fiction book. Who knew? But it's crucial to me to realize the power of creative non-fiction through analogy and story telling. No, I'm not done writing fiction. But I hope you'll think I'm a better non-fiction writer for the benefit of all the fiction training.

For now, just sharing a huge joy and a grateful heart!
Angie Breidenbach
Gems of Wisdom, Sheaf House/Journey Press June 2011
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces

Heartless

Bethany House (July 1, 2010)

Angie's Take: I enjoyed the foreshadowing of the prologue and the sense of opposites in the prince and princess's personalities. The author shows us through the character actions and words how each embodies their personality traits. She made me think about watching the people around me. How do they embody their personalities? How do they embody weakness, strength? Can they change once an awful choice is made? I love the questions and how Anne E. Stengle explores the answers in Heartless. Full of action and an excellent dose of romantic tension, just the right amount. See if you think an awful decision might lead to redemption.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be approaching Parumvir.

Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. When Una makes the wrong choice, catastrophe ensues for the princess and her family, and love, courage, and trust are needed when darkness engulfs the kingdom. Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil. There are some delightful things and scenes: the Twelve-Year Market that appears in its own good time and sells fairy goods; a clever blind cat who is invariably underfoot and has, of course, a secret!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Heartless, go HERE.

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference 2010

Angie here: I wanted to share with you all the opportunity for a wonderful conference happening next month in Philadelphia. I found out it had a press release and asked if I could post it for people to learn more about the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. Please take the time to read it through if you are at all interested in writing.
God bless,
Angie


By Becca Anderson
Special to ASSIST News Service

LANSDALE/LANGHORNE, PA (ANS) -- From August 11-14, 2010, hundreds of writers will gather at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference at Philadelphia Biblical University, Langhorne, PA, where many of the most important sessions of the conference will be open to the public free of charge.

Marlene Bagnull

"We live in a time when we need to be both encouraged and challenged," says author and conference director, Marlene Bagnull. "The sessions, which are open to the public, will address issues of social justice, reaching out to impact the world for the better, and encouraging reports of things going on from urban America to the Middle East and beyond."

Each day of the conference there will be general sessions.

Here is a rundown:

* Thursday, August 12, Dr. John M. Perkins will deliver the keynote address at 8:30 a.m. entitled "Love is the Final Fight." Perkins is a lifelong civil rights activist, with over fifty years of hands-on experience in working toward reconciliation and community development based on the message of the Gospel. His extensive foundation has impacted lives from the Deep South to California. His message is one of hope designed to stimulate listeners to take personal action.

Dr. John M. Perkins

* At 7:30 p.m. that evening, Dr. Perkins will also take part in a panel on Justice, Compassion and Advocacy with Steven Lawson, Senior Editor at Regal Publishing Group, Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz of World Vision and others. The panel will discuss how we balance passion and objectivity and yet effectively communicate our concerns and suggested solutions. Perkins, Lawson and Ryerson-Cruz are also teaching a 6 1/2-hour continuing session about Justice, Compassion and Advocacy writing that is one of eight continuing sessions open to conferees.

The GPCWC has been known for 27 years for the multicultural and diverse emphasis it brings to encouraging writers throughout the nation. Those who register for the conference have an intensive education packed into a few days. In addition to general sessions and the eight continuing sessions, attendees will select from among 56 workshops on topics ranging from marketing to technique, getting published, issues inherent in the writer's life, and writing fiction and nonfiction books and articles for adults and children.

Face-to-face meetings between writers and those who are in the market for what they produce are invaluable in opening publication doors. GPCWC emphasizes such meetings, with each full-conference attendee having four 15-minute appointments to pitch their work to editors, agents and publisher representatives. Many published writers trace their first big sale back to a meeting at a conference. A roster of 70 faculty members will share their hard-won wisdom.

Other free sessions include:

* Wednesday, August 11, 7:30 p.m. - A concert with Becky Spencer, winner of the KCCM 7th Annual Inspirational Artist of the Year award.

* Friday, August 13, 8:30 a.m. - Rusty Wright of The Amy Foundation, speaking on sensitively communicating Biblical truth. The Amy Foundation is best known for its Amy Writing Awards, one of the most popular journalism contests in the nation that awards $34,000 in prizes annually to authors who present biblical truth reinforced with Scripture in secular, non-religious publications.

* Friday, August 13, 7:30 p.m. - Jeanette Windle, best-selling author of novels that take place in some of the planet's blackest corners, speaking on Writing to Touch the World. Windle grew up in the rural villages, jungles and mountains of Columbia as the child of missionary parents. She has lived in six countries and traveled in nearly thirty.

* Saturday, August 14, 8:30 a.m. - David LeCompte shares a stirring and sometimes controversial message entitled "God at Work in the Land of Islam." From Chechnya, Russia, to Tehran, Iran, David's passion is to go where few others go. He and his family have served with Gospel for Asia, Eastern European Outreach and for nine years they were the directors of In His Fields. He now serves with Mission International assisting believers in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

* Saturday, August 15, 4:15 p.m. - Prolific, award-winning author Jim Watkins shares the states most authors and speakers pass through on their way to becoming effective communicators in "Confessions of an Author and Speaker."

Full details regarding the conference are available on the website, www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia, including information on costs, housing, biographies of all faculty members and their current editorial needs, and descriptions of all sessions. A brochure can be printed from the website, or call 484-991-8581.

Becca Anderson is a freelance writer living in East Texas and has been published nationally and internationally on a variety of topics. She can be reached via her website: www.beccathewriter.com.

The Sister Wife by Diane Noble

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



The Sister Wife Avon Inspire (June 22, 2010)



by Diane Noble


Angie's Take: Wow! The emotion in the first few pages catapult you into the story. Incredible description and well-developed characters from the very first page. The topic immediately fascinated me because I've always wondered how anyone could share a spouse if they weren't raised in a community that saw it as normal. I can understand when that's all a person knows. But to enter it from the outside is a mystery. This book explores that question and the slide into acceptance of things a person doesn't fully believe regardless of religion.

Throughout history, human beings have used power and control to manipulate and get their own selfish desires fulfilled. The sadness is in those they hurt along the way. Concerns get brushed aside as nonsense. The targeted are made to feel small, silly, and inferior while the truth is twisted to induce guilt or pressure. Make a person appear untrustworthy, incompetent, and worthless so you appear wise, in control, and worthy. Feeling bigger, more important, and garnering admiration becomes a self-administered drug addiction. You need more and more. It's ironic that this drug of narcissism isn't only a male affliction. But once the addiction to entitlement and self-importance starts, it's one of the most insidious and difficult to overcome.

Often people couch a selfish desire behind a seemingly "godly" one. We see it in the overly sweet behavior that sits on the surface while steely determination maneuvers below. We see it in conversation that wields that odious "Christianese"--a conversation dotted with all the right Christian words to weave a net and capture the unsuspecting. Yet you can walk away from a conversation like that and know something just didn't add up right. It feels oily.

That's the hard part of discerning God's voice from man's. It's why some people are easily swayed and others are hardened against Christianity. Neither has studied the truth and so can be either tricked or angered because they don't know the genuine from the counterfeit. The only true weapon against manipulation of mind and spirit is the true word of God. Knowing it and being in relationship with God helps with recognizing counterfeits, even Christian counterfeits of any religious denomination or church. Really look at what's happening on the surface and below the surface of the character's lives in The Sister Wife. Diane Noble has deftly played out this age old addiction and even the trap of sliding into acceptance through tiny choices each day. I'm looking forward to the other books in this series because this author has gone much deeper into human character and spiritual issues than I've read in a long time yet she presents an entertaining read. Now that's talent!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diane Noble is a former double finalist for the prestigious RITA Award for Best Inspirational Fiction, a finalist for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Reviewers' Choice Award, and a three-time recipient of the Silver Angel Award for Media Excellence.

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.

For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She is currently writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one is The Sister Wife.

Diane’s hometown is Big Creek, California, a tiny village nestled in the rugged Sierra Nevada back country. As a child, Diane’s older brother Dennis fueled her creative streak by entertaining her with his own gift of storytelling. Growing up without TV and iffy radio reception, Diane became an avid reader, inhaling more than one hundred novels—both YA and adult—in a single year by the time she reached seventh grade. Her passion for reading continues to this day. Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.

ABOUT THE BOOK

What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife? What if that woman was your best friend?

Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new nineteenth-century sect known as the Saints, The Sister Wife is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith.

When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, Bronwyn, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage.

But can she really be married to the same man as her very best friend? Can Mary Rose and Bronwyn face betraying both their husband and their God to do what they feel is right?

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of The Sister Wife, go HERE.

Watch the book video!

Montana Mondays: Law of the Land

Living in Montana means learning how to protect the land and animals from a young age. Okay, this little guy thinks it's play! Caring for the land is an innate Montanan value taught to our very young. People here are strong stewards of the beauty that surrounds us. You'll find entire communities pitching in to weed the Bob Marshall Wilderness, build playgrounds with green products, and protect/recycle all over Montana. People here are huge volunteers for community and family. In the city, people have the standard 1/4 acre lots. But a little ways out from our four main cities you'll still find large ranches, farms, and homesteads.

There are a lot of laws put in place to protect the land, wildlife, and forestry. One unusual law that surprises people is called Fence Out. Fence Out means that if you don't want other people's livestock, pets, vehicles on your land it's up to you to put up a fence. If your neighbor doesn't mind a wandering herd, then it's tough when all the cows surround your car and it's time to go to work! (Yep, that happens to my friend often!)

 -Helping Grandpa do yard work with Louie, the dog.

Then there's Free Range. That means that if your dog bothers someone else's cattle, they have the right to shoot. Ack! Do I understand it? Absolutely! I don't want a strange dog harassing our animals. It causes dangerous injuries. Ranchers can't lose a cow or horses for a badly behaved dog. It's their livelihood. But if your dog accidentally gets out, it can be very sad. Most folks will call and warn you first though.

Then there's my dog. sigh. He has proven that more than cats have nine lives according to our vet. (See photo above.) He's managed to get out and help a few vehicles park when they didn't expect to be stopping. He happens to be an Olympic fence leaper! He's taken on a coyote and a white tail buck. In his mind, they were intruding in his territory. Let's say it was 1-1 since the buck sent us to the puppy E.R. but the coyote never came back, at least not while Louie is on duty. Of course when someone's sheep end up in our pasture, well, Louie gets to herd them back home. That's if our horse, Chief, doesn't take them out first. (He hates sheep!) But loves his mini buddy, Spanky. Spanky should have been named Napoleon for his "little man's" attitude. He thinks he should get all the attention!

Are the laws in Montana different than in your area?

Do you agree or disagree with them? Why?

Angela Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference 2010

I've had the pleasure and benefit of attending the Colorado Christian Writers Conference run by Marlene Bagnull. It blessed my life in ways that are still unfolding. She has put together another one on the East coast and I urge you to attend! Here's the information:

hy should I come to GPCWC?

 

Most "advertising" is exaggerated, but the best part about what you've written is that it's all true.
GPCWC can have a great impact on your writing, but even more on your life.
I trust that God will use your words to encourage people to come. They won't be sorry!

Esther Lovejoy – 2009 conferee

Dear Writer -

Why should you come to this year’s conference?

If you’re a beginning writer, GPCWC will give you a solid foundation to build upon. It can save you both time and disappointments in your journey to publication.

If you’re an advanced writer, there’s always more to learn.

Whether you have never published or even submitted a manuscript to an editor or are publishing regularly, GPCWC is an opportunity to grow your writing and marketing skills through eight continuing sessions and 56 workshops. As one conferee said, “It’s the equivalent of a semester course in writing.”

If you’re working on a novel, GPCWC has a strong emphasis on fiction. See the article in July’s Christian Fiction Online Magazine at http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/home_publisher.html.

GPCWC will give you face-to-face opportunities to present your ideas or manuscripts to editors and agents or to authors who can provide needed encouragement and direction. Free one-on-one 15-minute appointments with our faculty are included with your registration. The more days you come, the more appointments you may request. And this year there are 70 faculty members to choose from!

Need hands-on help with your manuscript? Apply by July 15 for the Women’s Fiction Clinic with Susan Meissner, the Not Yet Published Novelists Clinic with Joyce Magnin, or the Nonfiction Books Clinic with David Fessenden, managing editor at CLC Publications. Or choose one or more faculty listed at www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia/2010_paid_critiques.htm to review a portion of your manuscript pre-conference and meet with you for 30 minutes during the conference. Manuscripts for paid critiques need to be postmarked by July 21.

Do you long for deep friendships with others who share your passion for words and the Lord? You’ll meet them at GPCWC.

Have rejection slips or writers’ block caused you to become discouraged? You’ll find answers and encouragement at GPCWC.

Do you need direction from the Lord and confirmation that you’re writing what He wants written? GPCWC is not just a writers’ conference; it’s also a retreat where those who are listening have heard from Him in ways that have changed their lives.

Are you running on empty spiritually? The worship and messages in our general sessions will fill you to overflowing.

And there’s still more, for in addition to being a high-quality professional conference, GPCWC seeks to be on the cutting edge of issues and world needs.

“Love is the Final Fight,” Dr. John M. Perkins will proclaim in his Thursday morning keynote. “Without love,” he says, “our words just sit on the page going nowhere, having no impact for God. With love, what we write, do, and say—what we live out—will make all the difference in the world.”

What about issues such as human trafficking, child slavery, world hunger? Do you long to be a voice for the voiceless? Thursday evening’s “Justice, Compassion & Advocacy Panel” will address how we can balance passion and objectivity and effectively communicate our concerns. You may want to attend this continuing session as well or get the CDs.

Do you carry a heavy burden for those who do not know Jesus? Friday morning Rusty Wright of the Amy Foundation will speak on “Effectively Communicating Christ to Secular Audiences.” And you won’t want to miss his Thursday afternoon workshop “Seekers and Skeptics at Your Door.”

Are you concerned about the eroding moral climate in our nation and increasing hostility toward Christianity? Rick Marschall’s Thursday afternoon workshop, “Writing His Answer,” is one you’ll want to attend as well as Dr. Rebecca Price Janney’s workshop on Friday afternoon, “Wise as Serpents.”  “We live in a culture that is greatly at odds with our Christian beliefs and world view,” Rebecca says. “How can we be ‘salt and light’ to a perishing society?”

Yes, GPCWC by God’s plan and design is much more than just a writers’ conference. I’m excited to see what He is going to do and  know that it will be “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20 NKJV).

Serving Christ joyfully and expectantly -

P.S. The sooner you register the better opportunity you’ll have to get your top appointment picks. The price increases July 16. Scholarship help is available for those with financial need as well as time payments.

Marlene Bagnull, Litt.D., Director www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia

Write His Answer Ministries
951 Anders Road
Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone & fax:: 484-991-8581610-626-6833  

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Ozark Weddings by Janice Thompson & Anita Higman

This delightful three-in-one collection is sure to appeal to lovers of Christian fiction, particularly those who enjoy inspirational romance.

Three Stories in One Great Collection: Ozark Weddings

Larkspur Dreams is a lighthearted, whimsical tale that will appeal to inspirational romance readers, particularly those with artistic leanings. The Love Song reaches into the depths of the reader's soul, dealing with the topic of overcoming past hurts. Castles in the Air provides a humorous look at the way we are perceived by others, and teaches us that our prejudices (comical as they might be) often keep us from the very thing God has planned for us.

All three stories are set in Arkansas: Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Larkspur Dreams and Castles in the Air are romantic comedy, while the middle story, The Love Song, is more dramatic in tone
About the Authors:

Anita Higman: Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-four books published (several co-authored) for adults and children, and she has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston. Some of Ms. Higman's publishers are Bethany House, Summerside Press, Barbour Publishing, McGraw-Hill, Lillenas Drama, Roman & Littlefield, and Howard Publishing. Anita Higman has also written for radio, television, ezine, and advertising. She has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art from SNU, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Anita has lived in Texas for the past twenty-five years, but was born and raised on a wheat and cattle farm in western Oklahoma. Besides writing, Anita's other interests are reading great books, going to the movies, and cooking brunch for her friends. She lives with her husband near Houston, Texas.

Janice Thompson: Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over sixty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.

What Readers are Saying about Ozark Weddings

An enjoyable collection of three stories set in Arkansas, I felt propelled back to the land of my childhood. With sensitivity, master of lyrical writing, the authors take the readers deep into the hearts of three wonderful couples, where romance is pure and sweet. So grab your favorite drink, curl up in your favorite chair, and spend a summer day immersed in the beauty that is the Ozarks. - Cynthia Hickey

When Someone Else Puts You First

Ever have someone do something amazing for you?

I had a recent disappointment. But instead of letting me drop through the cracks, one person wanted to make sure things went right for me. She's a lovely soul, mind you, but I had no reason to expect that disappointment to blossom into a spectacular garden of opportunity. But God knows ahead of time when things are going to feel like we are losing and has a better plan already in place.

An appearance that would allow me to be in North Carolina canceled this coming weekend. But it seems that it's working out even better. Instead of a short few days with only one appearance, now I will have the potential for 8-9 days! I'll be able to spend more time and actually speak into the hearts I long to reach.

In addition, I'll have the joy of being able to connect with family members that I have rarely seen in the last 15-17 years. By recognizing the benefits of being patient, both my personal and professional life will have a more joyous experience.

Sometimes I think we live only in the immediate and miss the reality that waiting may be more beneficial than rushing in and attacking the problem. I'm still surprised, but I think it's a better plan for me to take several deep breaths, pray, and believe God has something better planned. He's actually proving to me this year that He is faithful in the small things so that I will trust Him with bigger things.

Does that twist on scripture surprise you?

I started to realize lately that what God asks of us He already models. He says that when we are faithful in the small things, He can trust us with bigger things (paraphrased). So it makes a lot of sense to me that God is showing me how to learn more trust through small steps. I trust Him more and more because He's coming through in the small ways.

It's affecting me so much that I'm now watching for the little things God will do to prove His love and ability to provide. But I'm also conscious that I need to be faithful in the little things too! It's become a conversation between God and I. The more I see attributed to God, the more I want to be faithful. I have begun telling Him about it each time I see Him come through with an answer to prayer.

Now I see how God works through others to help us feel in community with Him. I see how He has been showing faithfulness to me. I see those little things I want to be in synch with God's will because He first showed me how to believe He will do what He says.

When someone else puts you first, do you see God's hand reaching out for you? Do you see Him providing for you and/or answering your prayers?

Angela Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com
Gems of Wisdom, June 1, 2011, Sheaf House/Journey Press