November 2013 – Novel Anticipation

SINGULARITY, The Jevin Banks Experience Book #2 by Steven James (Revell) – As I mentioned in my What Books are on Your Nightstand? post, I’ve already read Singularity, so this is more of a Novel Recommendation than Anticipation. Steven James continues to put out intelligent, gripping, frightening, page-turning stories. In my opinion, he’s one of the best authors of suspense / …

Talking with Todd M. Johnson

I’m excited to introduce you to Todd Johnson today. He’s a fellow Minnesotan who pens legal suspense–very good legal suspense. I’m currently in the middle of his sophomore release, Critical Reaction, and I don’t want to put it down. While Bethany House is his publisher, I believe his books have a much broader appeal than the Christian market. Todd, thank …

What Books are on Your Nightstand?

If you’re like me, your nightstand is home to your reading-now and read-next books. Sometimes those piles are toppling over, and other times, it’s pretty thin. Right now, my pile’s pretty average. Here’s what you’ll find: Currently Reading: Singularity, Jevin Banks series #2, by Steven James (Revell). Loving it! James keeps getting better–he really knows how to dig into your psyche. …

What Do You Read?

Which do you prefer? Fiction or Non-fiction? Contemporary or Historical? Comedic or Serious? Literary or Popular? Christian or General Market? First Person or Third? New Author or Veteran? Actual Book or eReader? Classic or Current? Paperback or Hardcover? My answers: Fiction, Contemporary, Serious, Literary, Christian, Third Person, Both, Actual Book, Current, Paperback

Finally on Facebook!

Knowing how easy it is to get sucked down into the Social Media drain, I’ve been doing my best to avoid creating an author Facebook page, but I finally gave in. While creating a post at Inkspirational Messages that spotlighted our members’ Social Media links (see them here), I figured it was the perfect time to take the plunge. So, …

Talking with Shannon Taylor Vannatter

I first met Shannon Taylor Vannatter about six years ago, shortly after I joined ACFW. I was assigned to a critique group with Shannon, Lorna Seilstad, and Jerri Ledford. Being placed together with these three talented authors was truly God orchestrated. In the years I’ve know them, I’ve had front row seats as all three authors published their first novels …

Congratulations Carol & Genesis Award Winners!

While I couldn’t enjoy the ACFW Conference in person this year, thanks to Facebook I was able to live vicariously through everyone’s pictures and status updates. (Although all the photos of my friends with Frank Peretti and with Tosca Lee made me a little bit jealous. ;)) Also, I love that the Awards Gala is now broadcast online. While I …

September 2013 – Novel Anticipation

September delivers a diverse selection of books–historical, literary, speculative, romance–something for every taste. I’m looking forward to reading all of these. LOVE’S AWAKENING, Ballantyne Legacy Series #2 (Revell) by Laura Frantz – I’ve read this already having received the novel courtesy of Laura Frantz and Revell. (Thank you!) Once again, Laura penned a story that was beauty all around: plot, …

Research Along the North Shore

One of the great pleasures of being a writer is doing location research. With the advent of the Internet and wonderful tools such as Google Earth, it’s easy to research locales we’ve never visited. Still, there’s nothing like actually being there where you can capture the sounds and scents. The experience becomes tactile rather than visual. A week ago my …