March 2016 Releases Duke it Out on COTT!

Welcome back to our arena! The following authors are stepping onto our sands, ready to wield their mighty pens. Please look at each of their covers and descriptions and choose a favorite. Which would go on the top of your to-be-read pile? Be sure to make your choice in the actual survey, as those in the comments section alone won't be calculated into the results. (web link provided below for those devices which don't display the embedded survey. We're thoughtful like that.)

Let the game... BEGIN!
~~~

The Gilded Curse by Marilyn Turk:
Responding to a cryptic telegram, Lexie Smithfield returns to Jekyll Island to sell her family's abandoned vacation cottage in the Millionaire's Club. Because tragic events in her family convinced her mother the island was cursed, it's been ten years since her last visit to the island. Lexie's trip is prolonged when suspicious incidents cause her to stay and discover the cottage's hidden secrets. Just offshore the presence of nearby Nazi U-boats threaten the coast and endanger the island's residents. While the management of the Millionaire's Club attempts to keep members unaware of the danger, Lexie discovers the real threat that lurks within this closed community and learns that her destiny is not determined by curses or her family's mistakes, but by the choices she makes.

Bitterroot Bride (American State Flower) by Angela Breidenbach:
No one knows the real Emmalee Warren, just what they want from the infamous prostitute. Men are coming out of the woodwork to stake a claim on the miner's widow. They wanted her body before. Now they want her money. Hiring a lawyer, Richard Lewis, to save her from financial ruin might let her start over where no one knows Miss Ellie. Becoming an unknown is the only way to freedom…or is it? Can she leave her past and build a new future?

Breaking Free by Jennifer Slattery:
Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters. Women’s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage?

Dressed for Death (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering:
A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, But it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery--and Murder--Are on the Guest List.

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Spec Fic Champ Wins Submission Request

Guest blogger: Jennifer Slattery

Sometimes Clash of the Titles highlights great talent. Other times we get to "discover it." This is exactly what happened with our speculative fiction unpub'bed clash.


Join me in welcoming Chawna Schroeder to the COTT family!


There's nothing like discovering great talent before it goes to print! And I have a feeling we're going to see our latest COTT champion's books on bookshelves very soon. When we do, we can all say, "We saw her on COTT first!" And this clash--a battle for best speculative fiction unpub'bed--was even more exciting because the winner has been invited to submit a full proposal to Asraea Press for immediate review!


Her winning excerpt was pulled from the pages of Metamorphosis, a gripping tale of a Beast and her master:


Once upon a time there lived a Beast…
Not in a shining castle, but among a pack of dogs.


For as long as Beast can remember she has lived among her master’s dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold, she dreams of one day becoming Master’s favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire.


Then strangers attack. Her pack scatters. Fire eats the village. And Beast knows: Master is no more.


Alone and unprotected, Beast tries to defend herself against slavers scavenging for any leftovers. But she is only one, and they are strong.


Tracked by men, sold as a monster, is Beast only prey to be hunted…
…or something more?


A few comments from readers:


"I enjoyed both excerpts! I am curious about the world created in A, but B really got me in the gut."


"Great job! Keep writing!"


"God has given you a gift. Your TRUE fans will always be there for you!! Never give up and follow your dreams!!! I am sending up a prayer for you and your family!!!"
Join us March 19-23 for a fun Flash Clash!

Guest post by: Jennifer Slattery

Do you remember those dances held during junior high and high school? How you and your friends would spend hours pre-dance talking about what you'd wear, how you'd do your hair, and...giggle, blush, giggle...who might ask you to dance? Only those dances never quite ended up how we envisioned, at least not in my school. Inevitably, the guys huddled near the far, heavily-shadowed wall while the girls spent their time crying in the bathroom or trying to comfort their near hysterical friend hiding in the stall. At least in Junior High. High School got a little better and people actually danced, and the bathrooms were far less crowded with splotchy-faced, sniffling girls.

But reading last week's excerpts actually brought me back even further...to sixth grade.
We didn't have dances--instead, our school hosted skating parties. Do you remember those? "Elvirah" blaring from those gigantic speakers while a disco ball lit up the room, making that feather pinned in your hair really stand out. (Those have come back, btw. Seriously.) We'd do the hokey-pokey, skate on one foot, then backward...but what the girls waited for, holding their breath and scanning the glittering room for their short, waif-thin and equally shy hero, was when the DJ announced, "Find a parnter!"

Now here's where it gets really fun, and extremely embarrassing, but remember I was a stupid kid with absolutely no life....

Who knew come skating party time, a boy--maybe even the boy--might hold my hand. Oh, the very thought made my stomach twirl.

In preparation, I slathered lotion on my hands the week leading up the event--and I mean slathered. Then, I'd rub it in and hold my hand out to my mom. "Are my hands soft? Feel them."

She'd laugh and feel my hand. Then I'd slather on more. "Feel them now."

She remained patient for about three or four applications.

What about you? Any stupid, cheek-burning stories to share?

Why I love Charles Dickens--Diving Into the Story World

by Jen Slattery


A few years ago someone mailed me a historical fiction about.... Well, I'm not sure what it was about because I never made it that far. I tried. Oh, my, did I try, but after page upon page of life-activities, my perseverance waned and I put the book aside. I learned the heroine wore her hair in ribbons, what she ate for breakfast, and numerous other details of her daily life. To the author, perhaps these events were significant. Maybe she had fond memories of getting her hair done and thought perhaps if she outlined these details, one movement at a time, she could invoke those same emotions in her reader. But sadly, her over-abundance of minute details, void of conflict, dulled my brain.


As I read over today's excerpts again--talking of spiritual warfare, castles, and jail sentences--I realized one of the things I long for in a story is the ability to visit a place other than my own. That doesn't mean I always gravitate toward time-traveling speculative fiction, but I don't want to relive the monotony of life either.


I love books that raise the stakes, introduce me to unique settings and unique characters, and allow my mind to drift from the day-to-day. One of my favorite authors is Charles Dickens. Upon first glance, I might conclude this is due to his "other-than" settings, but I believe it's more than that. His use of language creates images so vivid and emotive, he manages to turn a walk through the city into a unique experience. And yet, somehow he does this without losing the human element--the universal emotions we all share. So basically, he creates a world that is unique enough to grab my attention and propel me into the story, but he does it in such a way that I deeply connect with the characters.


This week's excerpts captured my attention with their unique settings and story-lines. The shuffle of monotony in a high school is intensified by the presence of evil. In excerpt B, I'm introduced to the magnificent Hearst Castle, and the world of antiquity. In both, I realize much more is at stake than castle restoration and chemistry class.


What about you? What are some things you look for in a story? Think back to a story you've particularly enjoyed. What was it about that novel that grabbed you? Is it a slightly quirky character or a castle shrouded by clouds and hidden behind a patch of trees?


(If you haven't already done so, read over both excerpts. And remember, there are numerous ways to be entered into our drawing for the book give-aways: leave a comment on any of the articles posted over the next week, fb share us, tweet us, or subscribe. Remember to shoot us an email letting us know you've shared, tweeted, or subscribed.)


To our blogging readers, if you'd like to join the COTT family as a blog alliance partner, shoot us an email at contactcott(at)gmail(dot)com. We'd love to tell you more.

Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, freelance writer and biblical studies major at Calvary Bible college. In 2009 she won first place in the HACWN writing contest in the book category, placed second in the 2010 Dixie Kane, fourth in the 2010 Golden Pen and third in the 2010 CWG Operation First Novel Contest. She has a short piece appearing in Bethany House's Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman, another piece in Cathy Messecar's A Still and Quiet Soul, and writes for Reflections in Hindsight, Christ to the World, Samie Sisters, The Christian Pulse, and reviews for Novel Reviews. She's also written for Granola Bar Devotions, Afictionado, The Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Romantic Times Review, Bloom and the Breakthrough Intercessor. 

Contact Jennifer: slattery07(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jennifer's Blog, Facebook

Social Media Monday: Jen Slattery

Everybody, I am excited to introduce you to Jennifer Slattery, my dear friend and coworker at COTT.

Jen, tell us about you:

I’m a wife, mother and writer who’s madly in love with Jesus and loves to see others experience God’s initiating, healing, life-transforming love in their life. I’ve found stories and dramas to be effective communicators of God’s love.

I agree with that. =) What do you write?

Wow, a bit of everything—freelance articles, Bible studies, radio dramas, inspirational fiction, devotionals. I write for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, Samie Sisters and Reflections in Hindsight.

lol, yes you really do write a bit of EVERYTHING. You are the busiest woman I know. What are you working on right now?

Again, a bit of everything. I am finishing a five part series on the life Joseph for Christ to the World, finishing a first draft a contemporary romance and working with another writer, Joanne Sher, on a fun, biblical fiction tween devotional series. I also do a fair amount of article writing.

How did you and I meet?

In person or via cyber-space? We met through April and a mutual invitation to join Clash of the Titles, then spent a good deal of time talking via email and skype. We first met in person, however, at the CWG writers’ conference in Denver. Of course, by then we were already great friends.

And I can't wait to see you in person again, too. What's the most exciting thing that has happened this year, relating to your writing?

Finaling in the Operation First Novel was a blast and opened a lot of doors for me at the CWG conference, but what I am most excited about is the contemporary youth program I’ve been assigned by Christ to the World. The series of dramas, which will be aired on radios around the world, will deal with intense, real-life issues today’s teens face, pointing them back to Christ. This series will be especially fun because my daughter will be helping me. I’ve always dreamed of writing with her, so it’s fun to see this dream materialize. Plus, I welcome the open-dialogue this series will likely stimulate.

I was a teensy bit green but so excited for you when you finaled in OFN. How has social media affected your writing relationships and/or marketing strategy?

Social media has provided a great support system and has eliminated the loneliness I used to feel as a writer. It’s also helped me connect with other writers who may be in need of encouragement, something I believe I’m called to do. As far as marketing, I do receive a lot of hits on my personal blog and bi-monthly column from facebook friends. It certainly is a cost-effective way to connect with readers.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Keep your eye on the goal and your heart surrendered to Christ. Don’t get so caught up in your inspirations and dreams that you lose sight of God’s big-picture plan. Ultimately, it’s all about working out God’s will. For some, that may mean writing a best-seller. For others, that may mean writing a Sunday school curriculum for your local church. God alone knows how best to work out His plan and has invited us to participate. True fulfillment comes from surrendered obedience.

Awesome. Can you share a snippet from your latest project?
Ainsley’s neighbor awakens the Cinderella hidden in her heart, but her self-absorbed fiancé won’t give up without a fight.

To Ainsley Meadows, “true love” is synonymous with irrational emotionalism. Raised by hedonistic parents who cycle through relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, she runs from the irresponsibility demonstrated by her parents straight to the safe, predictable, and dull. Yet deep in her heart, she longs for more.

Three months before her wedding to a self-absorbed psychiatrist, a kind-hearted California hottie moves next door and awakens the Cinderella in her heart. But before she can accept true love, she must come to terms with who she is, including the similarities she shares with her mother. To find herself, she must forgive her mother and accept her for who she really is.

I can't wait to see how that one turns out. =) Thanks for spending time with us this morning. To my readers, make sure you connect with Jen and keep an eye on her--she's moving fast!
http://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte
http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/
http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/
http://www.clashofthetitles.com/

Increasing the Odds as You Climb Towards Your Writing Destination

by Jennifer Slattery
Writing is definitely not for the thin-skinned, nor for those seeking instant gratification. It is one of the few jobs where the applicant can spend years, decades even, doing all the right things with nothing to show for it. So much of the writing industry is beyond the writer's control, at times it may appear to be an endless upward climb with a perpetually elusive destination. And although it is true there will be much that forever remains beyond our control, there are concrete steps a writer can take to increase their chance of success.

The first thing a writer needs to do is develop a long-term focus. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. In fact, quite the opposite. If you want to be successful as an author, expect years of sweat and tears and start by focusing on the foundation.

This is where contests come in. At the American Christian Fiction Writers conference last September, I reported on one of the late night agent panels, and something Kathy Helmers from Creative Trust, Inc , said really resonated. When discussing the importance of developing a platform she said it was easier for an unpublished author to land a contract than it was for a published author with low or diminishing sales. What this means is, before you sell that first novel, make sure you have a wide reader-base to support it.

That's where Clash of the Titles comes in. Each week, we draw readers from over nine different countries, including the Ukraine, Peru, India and Germany. Competing authors point readers to our site and search-engine friendly key-words draw even more. This ensures a great deal of exposure for all participants, which in turn, offers the potential for an increased reader-base.

We also offer authors valuable reader feedback. All contests provide great feedback, but Clash of the Titles is unique in that we provide unbiased, authentic reader feedback. Let's face it, you can do everything right technically and still pen a dud. If your characters don't grab the reader and your plot falls flat, so will your book. And although editors, agents, and traditional contest judges have learned to "read the market" so to speak, they'll never be able to dive in the reader's head. But we can, in a way. By inviting readers to choose their favorite excerpt and leave comments in our survey, we get a glimpse into their psyche. We learn what they like and what they don't.

So why would an unpubb'ed author subject themselves to a contest on Clash--one where their work will be read by thousands and perhaps even dissected line by line? Because we offer great exposure, the potential for an increased reader-base, and honest feedback.

Yep, it's a win-win. (And remember, we're not just for the unpubb'ed. In fact, most of our competitors are published, but every once in awhile, we open our clash to the unpubb'ed, giving our audience a chance to get to know emerging authors before they make it big.)

So, hop on over to our submissions page to find out how you can throw your excerpt into the ring. Remember, every tweet, fb share and comment enters you in our drawing to win a free book and builds up an author who very well may be in need of encouragement.

Bio: Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, columnist and freelance writer living in the midwest with her husband of fifteen years and their thirteen year old daughter. She writes for Christ to the World, the Christian Pulse, Samie Sisters, and Reflections in Hindsight, reviews for Novel Reviews and is the marketing manager for Clash of the Titles. Find out more about her and her writing at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/