Whatevah Wednesday, Hmm

First, let me invite you to check out my interview on COTT today. April Gardner was kind enough to interview me and she did a great job making me not sound like a loon. :-P

Okay. Today for Whatevah Wednesday I'd love to hear your thoughts on something. What do you think of this story idea?

***

A woman shuffles out to the family minivan in her pajamas, herding the kids to school. In her rush, she almost doesn't notice that papers are protruding from the drawer beneath her teenage son's seat. The mug she'd left in the console the night before is rolling around on the floorboard. The bottle of lotion she's had in the door pocket since last Christmas is in the backseat.

She scrunches her brow and glances at the change dish. The pennies are gone. Had there been any quarters there? Her heart skips a beat. It dawns on her she hadn't needed to use the key to open the door this morning; the van had been left unlocked all night.

Home now from the school run, she investigates further and discovers something even more unbelievable than having her van broken into. A credit card that doesn't belong to her.

What?

Nothing seems to be missing other than perhaps a few pennies. Maybe this guy felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit as he lifted up her Bible and sifted through the church bulletins stuffed inside the glove box. More likely she just didn't have anything in there worth taking. But not only was this guy unlucky, he was stupid. She had his name, his debit card, evidence.

She comes up with an idea. Look him up on Facebook. Everyone's on FB these days, why not see what she can find?  She types in the name, wondering how many Mr. X's she'll have to look through. Suddenly, she sees the most shocking thing of all:

"Mr. X (2 friends in common)"

Her jaw drops. Is it possible? Which two friends do they  have in common? She gasps. Their mutual friends are from church!

What should she do? What would YOU do?

Well folks, strangely enough this actually happened, with a few minor details changed (it was my husband who found the credit cards this morning).

For the record, it turns out Mr. X had been a victim of this same punk earlier. His wife saw some kid in their driveway who took off running--but apparently continued looking for unlocked vehicles through the neighborhood and found mine. Why he left behind the cards I'm not sure. I'm guessing it was an accident. But what are the odds?? It is the strangest thing I've ever heard.

Two people who've never met, connected by Facebook friends and burglary.

Sounds like a book to me!

Social Media Monday: Meet April Gardner

Yay! I'm so excited to get to introduce you all to one of my favorite people, April Gardner. April, tell us about you:

Here’s a snap-shot of my life—I’ve been married 13 years to the USAF’s smartest computer geek. And the hottest. (Grin.) We have two amazing, elementary-age kids. One boy. One girl. We are America’s perfect family…at least until we take a road trip and inevitably end up trying to strangle each other.

I have the great blessing of being able to devote myself full-time to writing. Somehow, I still struggle finding hours in the day to actually write. It boggles my mind how other writers who work even part-time jobs manage to ever finish a book. I greatly admire them.

What genre do you write, and what are you working on right now?

My slogan is “History with a Christian perspective…and a little imagination.” I don’t read exclusively historical, but it’s definitely my fave. Right now, I’m hammering away at Warring Spirits, book two in my Creek Country Saga. I’m loving it and can’t wait to share!!

I've read some of it and I can say, it's looking real good--can't wait to see the finished product! Okay now it's time to share how you and I met?

If I remember correctly, you started commenting on my blog. Our relationship really got going when we spent the day on Facebook coming up with a name for my sequel. You were such amazing help! I don’t think I went with any of the names we were tossing around, but you sure helped me eliminate a lot of duds!

Surely MY suggestions weren't the duds? LOL j/k I know what you meant! Any interesting stories about the two of us?

I truly believe God placed you in my path for a purpose. He knew I would need you one day as my assistant editor at Clash of the Titles. At the time, Clash of the Titles existed only in God’s mind, but He knew who the site would need and paved the way. I’m so glad He did!

I have always been in awe over God whispering to you to ask me on board. I've felt His fingerprints were all over my involvement with COTT as well as my friendship with you. =) So what's the most exciting thing that has happened this year, relating to your writing?

Well, it didn’t technically happen this year, but the last day of November, my debut novel, Wounded Spirits, made the Amazon best-seller list. Talk about a high!

I remember that day! Wow, has it been six months already? How has social media affected your marketing strategy?

Since Wounded Spirits is only available for on-line purchase, I could never sell it without social media. My marketing platform would be non-existent. Thank you, Mark Zuckerburg!

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Never, ever assume you’ve “arrived.” As long as you are writing, your skills will continue to need improvement and growth. If you think anything other than this, you are in for a rude awakening. Trust me. I know!

Good advice! Can you share a snippet from your latest project?
How fun!

 An Indian, head shaved on the sides, loped from the front of the column toward Phillip. His black hair, collected into a long tail, flipped through the air behind him. His face was a solemn, purposeful mask and he clutched a tomahawk, as if ready for battle. But with whom?

A drumbeat sounded from nearby.

Phillip braced himself, gripping the barrel of his rifle. Sweat dripped into his eye, but he refused to blink and miss even one of this warrior’s breaths.

The Indians had caught him unawares before. Never again.

As the man neared, the path cleared before him. Ahead, a commotion scattered the column.
This was it. The moment Phillip had been dreading. One swing of this warrior’s blade would be the signal for the rest to attack.

By sundown, every last American scalp would dangle from a pole. Unless he did something to stop it.

The drum increased its tempo. He was back at Fort Mims, the fires licking at his heels. The world narrowed to the warrior streaking toward him. Phillip had known better than to trust these savages, but Colonel Clinch hadn’t listened.

He should give some sort of call to battle, but his brain was numb. Breath ragged, Phillip raised his weapon to shoulder height and pointed the barrel at the warrior’s chest. His sweaty finger trembled against the cool trigger, waiting for the red man to raise his tomahawk.


Wow, thanks for that intense peek at the book. If you want to read Book One, Wounded Spirits, click the cover image above. I've read it and given a copy to my mom and we both are looking forward to Book Two! Before we go, how can people connect with you? 
www.aprilgardner.com
www.aprilwgardner.blogspot.com

Social Media Monday: Elizabeth Veldboom

One of my favorite friendships I made this year is with this sweet girl right here. She has such a gentle spirit that draws you to her. She can be a little bit shy--the quiet one in a group--but with a little bit of prodding she'll open up and reveal such grace and faith you will be blessed.  Keep an eye on this one, folks! And bless her with a word of encouragement today. =)

Introduce yourself:
My name is Elizabeth (Lizzie) Veldboom. I am a newly-minted twenty year old, and a student in Jerry B. Jenkin’s Christian Writers Guild. I live in a small town in Colorado, where I enjoy eating mint chocolate chip ice cream, singing, and playing with my niece.

What do you write?
Mostly nonfiction articles, for now. That includes devotions, how-to pieces, and pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy. I’d like to get more into developing my fiction soon. In the long run, I’d love to be an author.

What are you working on right now?
A new blog post, as well as a submission for a Christmas version of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

How did you and I meet?

We met at the Writing for the Soul Conference in Denver. I actually got to meet Michelle only one out of the four days of the conference. I went with her and a few other ladies to a local Starbucks where we talked and laughed about everything from book ideas, to funny regional phrases, to being afraid of cats. It was a good time, and one of the highlights of my trip!

Mine too, Lizzie! What's the most exciting thing that has happened this year, relating to your writing?

My first “official” article was published by Susie Magazine, which is run by the former editor of Brio Magazine, Susie Shellenberger. I grew up reading Brio, so to write for Susie now was such an honor and dream come true.

That's awesome--congratulations! I can't wait to check that out. Lizzie, can you talk about how you use social media in your writing career?  

Social media has immensely affected my writing relationships. I attended my first ever Writing for the Soul Conference this February in Denver, and met some awesome new friends I really wanted to stay in contact with. The problem was, all of them lived in other states! Without things like Facebook, email, blog sites, and websites, I would never have stayed in touch with any of them. With Facebook and the internet, one of the people I have managed to stay in contact with was Michelle, which I am tremendously grateful for! (Goes both ways, my dear!)

Through email, I have also forged a really great friendship with someone else I met at the conference. We pretty much email each other daily, and I feel as if I’ve found the Anne to my Diana--a kindred spirit. Without email, I might never have talked to her again.

Social media has also affected my marketing strategy (if it can even be said I have a strategy!), although on a lesser level. The blog I keep helps my readers to stay updated on things I have published, either through a link I place on my blog or by telling them to be on the lookout for something. My blog has also provided a few new fans to my writing I have never met before.

Facebook is another great avenue for this. Whereas before I could verbally mention that I’m having something published, I’ve gotten a lot more interest when I can provide a link on Facebook anyone can click on to see what I’ve had published. It also helps me keep friends and relatives who have moved or live far away updated.

You've nailed it. Where would our relationships be without global technology? What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Definitely keep God first in everything. Pray the entire way, and seek His advice on every decision you have to make. Don’t give up and keep your dreams alive. As my great aunt who used to be a missionary would say, “If God’s called you to it, then nothing can stop it from happening.”

Perfect advice, Lizzie. You are wise beyond your 20 years! Before we go, can you share a snippet from your latest project?
From my current work in progress, tentatively titled: Flawless
Words: 153

Choosing a seat near the back, Parlan flung his book bag on the floor. Like the two students sitting next to him, he just wanted to avoid the professor’s questions. He got out his sketchpad and began drawing the Eiffel Tower as Professor McGinnan opened class. He’d only been to Paris once, with his father. But he didn’t need a picture. He drew from memory.

He needed to get the image out of his mind. The Eiffel was always there--looming and brilliant. He had a lot of pictures like those in his mind. The only way he could get rid of them was to draw them out. He could recall them if he wanted to--in flawless detail. But not now. Right now it reminded him of too many things, and he wanted it out.

He pushed down harder on the pencil.
“Mr. Christofferson!”
Parlan looked up to see Professor McGinnan glaring at him.

Thanks for the peek! Tell us where we can find you online.
My blog:
http://www.thefearlist.wordpress.com/
contributing book reviewing website:
http://www.ireviewchristianbooks.com/
My article from Susie Magazine on preventing teen suicide: http://www.susiemagazine.com/Magazine/Library/January-2011/How-to-Save-a-Life-Three-Ways-to-Respond-to-a-Suic.aspx

Lizzie, thank you so much for spending this time with us today.  I pray many blessings on your writing and I hope to see you again next February at the WFTS conference so we can have more fun times like THIS -->>

This Week's Clash Winner

Hear ye, hear ye!  Clash of the Titles has just crowned Delia Latham CHAMPION!

For her excerpt from Destiny's Dream, Delia Latham received the cyber-laurel in a Clash against fellow contender Tracy Kraus for best Conversion Scene.  In an impressive display of sportsmanship, both Tracy and Delia praised each other's work and assure us that both books-- Destiny's Dream and My Mother the Man Eater-- are worth a read.

Of her experience on COTT, Delia says: These competitions are wonderful - I love participating, and they're a lot of fun. But at the end of the day, it's PEOPLE that matter.

And it's clear that she means that.  With praise for fellow authors and a winning scene depicting the redemption of a lost soul, Delia is not shy about delivering what people need most- the gospel.  In her interview with COTT Senior Editor April Gardner, Delia says: I do feel that call. I consider my writing a ministry, and every book seems to come with some kind of gospel message, though not always one of a call to salvation. Many times it’s a nudge to greater faith and trust, or forgiveness. Why? God gave me the talent for writing. In my mind, that’s a clear call to write for HIM. 

Visit Clash of the Titles to read her full interview here

About her book:

***

DESTINY’S DREAM:

Is a little respect too much to ask at a funeral? Apparently it is for Destiny May. Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting when he shows up late to her mother's "going away party." When it turns out he's not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day's dreary proceedings. Spending time with a handsome stranger who makes her laugh is more therapeutic than fighting with her overbearing family. Clay finds Destiny beautiful, charming...and intelligent. So why is she stubbornly determined to open a Christian dating service? Clay has little respect for such a frivolous profession, and doesn't think the small, conservative town of Castle Creek will welcome such a progressive business. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm's way. Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses, and Destiny may be the one thing Clay can't escape... if he even wants to.

***

Delia is partnering with the John 3:16 Marketing Network to host an Amazon book launch for Destiny's Dream on Tuesday, Jan. 18th.  More information regarding the launch can be accessed through her website: www.delialatham.net

COTT's next Clash begins Monday with excerpts for the Most Gut-Wrenching scene.  Make sure you stop by and vote- and don't forget the tissues!

Decompressing, Clash of the Titles and My First Interview

I've been MIA for the past week, busy doing what I set out to do after mailing in my manuscript, which is shore up the non-writing areas of my life like family, church, and homeschooling my daughter.  So I hope you will forgive me for my absence. 

It's funny how so often when a challenging situation is upon us we are able to roll up our sleeves, step up to the plate, and get to work.  Tasks we might consider near impossible get done when we rise to the occassion and eat that elephant one bite at a time.  But as soon as we take that last bite or fulfill the last responsibility, the stress we shrugged off along the way seems to finally come crashing down, doesn't it?  That's what I felt like after the thrill of mailing off my manuscript.  I had been laser-focused for months on getting my edits done and psyching myself up for entering the contest, and a day or two after it was in the mail I found myself battling a mini-depression.  Luckily I knew the source, and I knew how to handle it (prayer and support of family).  I wonder though if other writers experience something similar whenever they send a final draft to their editors/agents.  Is this a cycle I should expect regularly?  So I've allowed myself the time to re-center and just slow down the pace and decompress. 

However, as the first official "Clash of the Titles" week approaches, the excitement is building!  I hope all of you, my followers and lurkers, will check out COTT and participate in our voting process- you won't be disappointed!  And with that in mind, I am also so excited to share my first interview.  Today I visited over at Lynda Schab's blog and answered some questions regarding COTT.  So stop by and say hello!  I'll be sure to smile and wave to you from my spot in the blogosphere. =)

~ Michelle