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

Kristan and Mark's Weedkiller Sashay

(Written by Jessica Patch, Jerri Harrington, April Gardner, Gary L Wade, Jamie, Paulette Harris, Therese, and yours truly, Michelle Massaro)



"What the heck is this?"

"Coffee."

Kristan Gellar looked at the cup of mud and frowned. "Did you just go rake up some goo from under your truck and microwave it?"
Mark adjusted his Stetson and smirked. "What's a microwave, city girl?"

"Who you callin' a "city girl", Mark? You know I grew up here in Pampa, Texas just like you! You are just contributing to the misconception that anyone with a southern accent is 'dumber than dirt' by callin' this stuff coffee!"

Kristan slung the liquid onto the sidewalk then shook the mug until the last drop fell. "Thanks. You just saved me eight bucks."
Mark's lips quirked to the side in that endearingly familiar way. "How do you figure?"
She jutted her thumb toward the coffee-drenched cracks in the walk. "Won't be needing weed killer any more."

He chuckled. "You know what weed killer is?" He took her hands and rubbed her palms. She was thankful for the sun. It was easier to blame for the heat on her cheeks than his touch. "These aren't hands of someone who does manual labor, city girl."
She jerked them away, the thrilling heat replaced with flames of anger. "You have no idea what these hands are capable of. In fact, they're quite capable of strangling you!"

Catching her off guard, Mark pulled her into his arms and kissed her. And just as suddenly, he made a face and pulled away.
"Yeah, that really was some bad coffee!"

Mark threw back his head and laughed. The look on Kristan's face was priceless. He looked past her and his jaw dropped, "Get out of the way."

He picked her up and swung her body sideways behind him before he put her down. A coiled rattlesnake coiled near where Kristan stood seconds before. Disturbed by the ruckus,his rattlers sizzled in annoyance as he attempted to sun himself on the warm cement sidewalk.

"Those swing dance lessons you made me take finally came in handy!"

"Huh?"

When she looked at him that way, his heart stopped and time stood still. He felt her spell spinning its web through his veins as he stood speechless, lost in her eyes. She looked down and he noticed her hands. "Well, pretty lady, I would rather be dancing with you than watching you strangle that snake with your hands."

When Kristan's eyes panned to meet Mark's, she realized for the first time that he was wearing a sneaker on one foot and a cowboy boot on the other. In the bright sunlight, she saw a stream of red run down the side of his sneaker.

***

Thanks for playing everybody! It's always a blast!

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 -->>

COTT: Exciting News, Poll Results, plus...Fish in a Barrel?

When it comes to books, how easy are you to reel in? Do you swim against the current, requiring a strong line to tug you along? Or do you flow right in to a story's net? I admit I can be a stubborn swimmer. I've become a more critical connoisseur of fiction. Occasionally I'll abandon ship, but I'll usually still swallow a tepid plot even while making a face. It just takes more to make my knees go weak from the complex flavors of a novel. Writing chops get me baited. Strong plotline pulls me in. It's a magical moment when everything comes together perfectly and I'm happy to leap into the boat without resistance.

A couple weeks ago COTT put up a survey asking how long you give a book to reel you in. We received 54 responses! So today we're going to share those results and many of the comments that came in:

     11.1% of responders said one page

     35.2% said one chapter
     46.3% said until they lose interest
     7.4% said they finish every book they start, regardless of interest. (God bless 'em)

What do you think? Here are some of the comments we received: 

• I know some stress the first paragraph and even the first line, but I don't want my reading to become fast food. Don't bore me with bad writing, but give me something to savor, something to enjoy for a while. Hopefully, my own writing will do the same.
• I always try to give the author a chance, as some great books have slow beginnings.
• I am the eternal optimist! I keep thinking, "I know its gonna get better. I just know it." So I trudge along, supporting the author the best I can until finally...I can't go any further. I have noticed that I have a much more critical eye than I used to, though. So maybe my patience isn't quite as long as it used to be. I just hate to give up on ANYBODY!
• I love it when I'm hooked in the first few pages. Definitely must be in first chapter. I no longer feel obligated to finish a book I can't get into. Twice this year I've chosen not to finish books that failed to hook me.

Thank you to those who participated in the survey--we love giving readers a voice! Throughout the week we will be interviewing our competing authors and collecting your names for our book giveaway so be sure and join us.

And now an exciting announcement:

We all knew it was coming...We at Clash of the Titles have had such fun getting to know new authors we decided to dive deeper into their novels. Join us in June when we launch a Clash of the Titles Book Club! Our first selection will be COTT Conqueror Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride, available for free Kindle download in the month of May. Which means...no reason why absolutely everyone can't join, right?  (To download the free Kindle for PC, click here)

Keep up to date on Book Club News right here

Make it a great week, everybody!