Giveaway! Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade!

Welcome to Writing for Christ Becky Wade, it is great to have you here! So you’re a writer? What made you decide to start creating characters and story world?

     I've loved fiction since my mom started reading chapter books aloud to me when I was young.  I never thought to try my own hand at writing, however, until after I was married.  My husband and I had followed his job to the Caribbean island of Anguilla.  In an effort to protect jobs for the local people, the Anguilla government wouldn't issue me a work permit.

     Thus, I had an abundance of time on my hands -- a state which seems incredibly removed from my present situation.  I was reading a novel one day that I didn't like at all.  I held it out in front of me and thought, 'I wonder if I could do this better?'  I had a computer, and an imagination, and a willingness to learn how to write. 

     So, I started!  Of course, I quickly discovered (as the rejection letters poured in across the next four years) how difficult it is to pen a novel.  The publishing business is nothing if not humbling.

What is the one title that has significantly impacted your life?

     Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  That was the first book I can remember my mom reading to me that adored and couldn't get enough of. 

     It swept me away to another time and place.  It was the seed that my lifelong relationship with books grew from. 

If you could get a do-over when it came to learning this whole thing called writing, what would you go back and tell yourself?

     I'd tell myself to write inspirational fiction.  (I spent many years writing fiction for the general market before finding this wonderful niche.)  I'd tell myself to take my time and have fun and relax and enjoy NOT being published.  Because when you're not yet published you can write whatever you want on whatever timeline you want.  You lose that freedom once you're published and writing to a contracted deadline.

5 preference questions:

Homemade or take-out? Take-out

Email or snailmail? Email

Online shopping or Black Friday deals? Online shopping

Books or movies? Books

Note-taker or memorization? Note-taker

               

Yes, I’m asking you to play favorites…which of your books is your favorite, published or unpublished? And if this is your debut novel, has your favorite been published yet?

My favorite novel is the one I'm currently working on, Jake Porter's story.  It's my favorite because it's the one I'm 'living' in at the moment.  It's been my favorite from the time I reached about the halfway point on its first draft and will continue to be my favorite until I reach the half-way point on my next novel's first draft.  At which time my loyalty will gradually shift.

This is always my M.O., which, in all honesty, makes the first half of my drafts hard to write.  I'm always still invested in the previous book's characters!  I just push on, knowing that the new characters will eventually earn my love.  And they always do.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

www.beckywade.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

Twitter: twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Blog: http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com

Pinterest: pinterest.com/beckywadewriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade

Thank you for being with us today!

Thank you very much for having me, Casey!  You've featured each of my three books on your blog and I'm truly grateful to you.  It's always a treat to visit.  I appreciate your support of me and of Christian fiction.  God bless!

Readers, enter to win Becky's here!

Please leave an email address! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:

~Be a follower

~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on May 30th

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

God's Got This: So Dream Bigger!

If you’ve been following my blog for any point of this year, you might have discovered that my “one word” for 2014 is dream. I’ve never been one for these “one words.” It seemed to be like the New Year’s resolutions and/or goals I never stuck to.

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But this year after a talk with my dear friend and mentor, who continually makes me think in different directions, I felt a certain word being impressed upon me: dream. And not just to dream, but to DREAM. To pursue these passions that I have in life and see what God can do with my heart’s deepest desires.

I sat tonight, journaling to God and realized…He took a dream (to work in publishing) and blew it up so much wider than I could have ever imagined. He took care of things I would have never thought I needed, would have never thought to add to my “dream list” and fulfilled expectations so much fuller than I could have, well, dreamed!

For example: I have a safe place to live. Friends just a short drive down the road. A boss that values me and the work I do. A car that works. A swelling of savings. None of those things I would have considered as part of the fall out in chasing this dream.

I realized as I journaled, that if God can take care, exceedingly, abundantly, this dream I had, why have I been glancing down the road to the next dream? Of course, I’m going to chase these dreams. Pursue this desire of my heart—the greatest one of all: to be a wife and mother. BUT. Yes: BUT. He blew me away here. Living in Colorado. Working for Wordserve Literary. That’s insane—people! Really insane!

So why am I concerned with how He is going to move in this other dream? It’s not a new one by any means and it’s one many of the fairer sex has shared since the beginning of time. So if God can do so much more beyond what I dreamed of in this little thing like moving a thousand miles from home and getting a new job, what makes me thing He can’t take care of this finding a spouse thing?

For this needs-to-see-the-roadmap kind of girl, that’s a brand new concept. But it’s such a freeing one.

Girls, if we are serious about giving our lives—all of our lives—to God for His control, then we need to be serious and trusting about this too. He doesn’t want to see us settled with some bum, He wants the very best for us. That means BEYOND what we can dream.

I know, novel concept, that our dreams are so finite and God’s are infinite. It’s a peaceful place to be. He knows this desire. This dream. He placed it there. Wow. How amazing is that to think about? And we get to that moment where happily ever after is breathed our direction, it truly will be happily so far beyond 

everything we could have dreamed.

Shall we dream together? God’s got this. 

New Novel, New Giveaway Notice from a Favorite Author!

Casey here: I am a huge Dani Pettrey fan. From her well-written stories to her suspense filled platforms for how to tell a great book, I have reviewed and/or bought every single one of her titles and I can't WAIT for Silenced to hit my hands. Due to my schedule right now, I was unable to request the book for a formal review, but I wanted to make sure you know about this book and the great contest that Dani is hosting. I'm excited to share with you Silenced...and has anyone else read the book yet? I'm dying to know what ya'll think!

In SILENCED, Book 4 of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, a relaxing day of rock climbing takes a dark turn when Kayden McKenna’s route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Was the climber’s death a terrible accident or something more sinister?

When the case is handed to Yancey’s overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With the truth of Jake’s past now revealed, Jake agrees to use his investigation skills for this one case–but nothing could prepare him for where the case will take him.

As Kayden and Jake work together to uncover the truth, will they also find a refuge in each other?  Or will the deadly plans of a killer destroy their chance at love?

To celebrate the novel, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the RUGGED ROMANCE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts May 1, 2014 and ends May 21, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST).

Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Friday, May 23, 2014, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

About the Prizes

GRAND PRIZE:

ALASKAN AIR ADVENTURE

In SILENCED, Kayden’s adventurous nature and skills as a pilot come in handy as she and Jake race to uncover the truth. If you’ve always dreamed of hopping on a plane to chase your own adventures, but don’t have a well-trained pilot and a Cessna at your disposal, we’ve got the perfect prize for you.  

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: a $250 gift certificate to Alaskan Airlines, good toward travel to multiple destinations across the Continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii

SECOND PRIZE:

DENALI DEVOTION WALL ART

As Jake and Kayden crisscross the Alaskan wilderness looking for answers, they also see some of the most glorious scenery on earth:  soaring mountains, crystal clear lakes, and incomparable wildlife.  Could there be any better setting for a glowing romance? Now you can share in the romantic scenery, even if you don’t live in Alaska.  

Our Second Prize winner will receive: The Kiss at Wonder Lake 31″ x 23″ Framed Art Print

THIRD PRIZE:

RUGGED ROMANCE PICNIC PACK

Kayden has always been practical, no-nonsense, and slow to trust. She’s definitely not a romantic-at-heart who longs for a handsome man to whisk her away for a picnic in the mountains.  Right? ; )

If you, like Kayden, have secretly dreamed of a romantic mountain-top picnic, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: The ultimate picnic pack for a romantic afternoon. This insulated backpack includes silverware, plates, napkins, plastic long-stemmed glasses and a wide selection of gourmet picnic snacks

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/rugged-romance-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between May 1 and May 21.

Giveaway! Somebody Like You by Beth Vogt!

Welcome back Beth Vogt! Since this is the third time for you to visit, I thought I would throw in some fun questions, maybe some that aren’t part of the norm in other interviews. :- )

If you could go anywhere on vacation where would it be?

Venice, Italy! I visited there once when my husband was in the air force and I would love to go again – just Rob and I. This time, I would make certain we indulged in a gondola ride.

Do you have any pets?

We are the keepers of our adult daughter, Amy’s, dachshund. Twister is our little old lady dog, and she spends most of the time snoozing on the couch unless you say, “Want to go for a walk?” Then she becomes a puppy again. Our youngest daughter has a mixed breed dog, Jo, which we adopted from a rescue group.

Your favorite book that you have written?

Oh … this question is unfair to ask writers. It’s the “which child is your favorite?” question. All of my books are favorites for different reasons. Somebody Like You is my favorite because of the issues I explored: twins, grief, estrangement.

What is your favorite pastime?

Spending time with family and friends.

Favorite book?

The first book I ever read – because it opened the door for all the other books I ever read.

Favorite movie?

The Kid, which stars Bruce Willis as an image consultant who has to deal with his 8-year-old self showing up in his life.

What people have inspired you in your writing journey?

Donita K. Paul invited me to join my first-ever fiction critique group – wow. I was so humbled by that.

Attending Susie May Warren’s first-ever Storycrafters Retreat taught me how much I needed to learn about writing fiction – and Susie has such a heart for teaching writers about story. She knows story like no one else. I am thrilled she is both a mentor and a friend.

Rachel Hauck … what can I say? We Skype. We IM. We FaceTime. She prays with me. Brainstorms with me. I. Love. Her.

What character in a novel you have read has stood out and seemed to stand the test of time? 

 Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind. People are divided on whether they admire Scarlett or hate her – but she still gets a lot of attention after all these years. Scarlett’s a strong woman and she loves Tara, her home. She’s not going to be beaten by the war. But she’s also selfish and willing to hurt others to get what she wants. By the end of the novel, she’s changed, but she’s still an imperfect heroine, which makes her real.

If you could meet one person from history who would it be and why?

I love quotes and am often drawn to quotes by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, wife of aviator Charles Lindbergh. An aviator in her own right, Anne was also a writer, wife and mother. I would love to sit down and have a conversation with Anne, rather than being limited to quoting her.

Okay, last one and a fun one for our readers today: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing, what would it be? Why?

I would take my Praying in Color Box, with an endless supply of paper and pens. I’m not terribly artistic in a “draw me a picture” kind of way. But I love the Praying in Color method … where you can scribble your prayers using colored pens and pencils … I use words (No surprise!) and designs, shapes … and it’s a beautiful way to pray.

Too fun, thanks for joining us for a third time!! It is a privilege. :- )

Readers, enter to win Beth's here!

Please leave an email address! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:

~Be a follower

~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on May 23rd

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

I Hate Your Book!

Give me a book I don’t like and I’ll quietly slide it to the side.

Show me a bashing review on Amazon for the same book and my hackles lift like a Doberman Pincher.

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There is nothing that frustrates me more than a hateful book review. It is inevitable that not every book is for every reader. Any author knows that there will be readers who won’t enjoy their book. But dislike, in no way, calls for a hateful review.

I’ve seen reviews bash the author’s marriage, label the author inappropriate descriptions, state the author can’t write and on the list goes.

Notice the pattern? It all focuses on what the author can’t do. But the book isn’t about the author. Yes, there is a person behind the words you’re reading, but what about the editor that first requested the book? Or the pub board that decided to publish it? Or the line and copy editors that made sure that the book was shiny before final printing? Are those reviews going to slander those peoples’ marriages too? Once that book is sold to a publisher, it’s not just that author’s investment, though those reviews are going to hurt the author the most.

Once a book is published, it is no longer about the author and all about the story. There was a motivation and drive for that author to write this story—whatever that might be—which should be reason enough to respect that author. They have crossed tremendous barriers and risen against dominating odds. That doesn’t mean that we’ll like their book. I’ve disliked many New York Times bestsellers and titles recommended to me in frenzied excitement. And I’ve had to write some reviews for those books.

But.

I hope to encourage you as reviewers and readers of reviews, to never purposefully harm the author. There is truly nothing to be gained from using our words as knives. Once a book is released from the author’s hands out into the world, it is no longer about that author. It’s about the story and how readers like the story.

The best way to make it only about the story in your reviews? Don’t mention the author. Not the author’s name or even the phrase “the author”. Say why you did or did not like the story. That is what needs to stand on its own spine, not the ability (or lack thereof) of the author.

I do admit to holding a very strong opinion to this topic. (can’t you tell? ;-) I think there are so many ways to avoid defaming the author while also stating in simple (and gentle) terms why you did not like a book. 

Because when it comes down to it, there is still an author on the other side of the story. I encourage you to take a second look at those reviews that while being honest, can also be kind without jeopardizing the review’s integrity.

What are your best review writing suggestions?    

Giveaway! Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg!

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Melissa Tagg, it is great to have you here! So you’re a writer? What made you decide to start creating characters and story world?

Well, I’m your typical always-wanted-to-be-a-writer girl. I loved books as a kid, still do, and at some point had this realization as a child that, whoa, people could write stories for a job. I decided that needed to be my job one day. It was nice because it made things like answering the question “What do you want to do when you grow up?” and picking a college major really easy. 

What is the one title that has significantly impacted your life?

Eek, just one?? Since I just finished reading this book for the second time in a month, I’m going to have to go with Jonathan Merritt’s new book, Jesus is Better than You Imagined. Hands-down one of my favorite nonfiction reads ever and I couldn’t have read it at a better time. I’d been feeling spiritually and creatively blah…wrung out, really. And that book got me stirred up in a really good way.

If you could get a do-over when it came to learning this whole thing called writing, what would you go back and tell yourself?

Ooh, another great question. Frankly, there’s not a ton that I’d actually do over…because even the missteps proved to be amazing learning experiences. But one thing I’d tell myself, for sure, is to trust God. Which sounds so simplistic, I know. But I feel like more and more I’m realizing life and faith are about trusting God. Either I trust him or I don’t. I want that living, breathing sort of trust that says, “I don’t have to know what’s going to happen next year or next month or even tomorrow. All I have to know is God is good. He loves me. And it IS going to be okay.”

5 preference questions:

Homemade or take-out?

Homemade if it’s someone else doing the making! LOL…

Email or snailmail?

My dad works for the USPS so snail mail forever! :-)

Online shopping or Black Friday deals?

Online shopping. No question. Not that I don’t like to venture out on Black Friday now and then. But if I’m going to go out on Black Friday, I care more about laughing at the hyper-intensity of deal seekers rather than actually trying to get a good deal myself. It’s too stressful to be a serious shopper on Black Friday.

Books or movies?

This is too hard. Too hard, I say! I love both so much. So I’m going to totally cheat and take ALL classic movies out of the equation. If we were going solely with current moves versus books, then I’d say books. But shoot, then I’d miss out on Thor and any movie Benedict Cumberbatch is in…sad.

Note-taker or memorization?

                Note-taker—it’s the former reporter in me. But actually, if I have to memorize something, then note-taking is how I do it. Once I write something down, it tends to stick in my head. That’s why I still write appointments and reminders on post-it notes rather than solely relying on a Google calendar.

Yes, I’m asking you to play favorites…which of your books is your favorite, published or unpublished? And if this is your debut novel, has your favorite been published yet?

Oh man, that’s difficult. I honestly don’t know. In many ways, Made to Last will always have a special, special place in my heart simply because it was the first one published. Here to Stay, though, challenged me in a huge way. I feel like I dug deeper as I wrote that one—there were definitely personal nuggets in Made to Last, but even more in Here to Stay. So at this moment in time, Here to Stay is my fave.

Of course, if I ever get book three finished, it’ll probably be favorite. Then same with book four… :-)

Places for readers to learn more about you?

Website: www.melissatagg.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaTagg

Twitter: @Melissa_Tagg

G+: plus.google.com/+MelissaTagg

I’m also on Amazon, Goodreads, and YouTube…and even make occasional appearances on Pinterest.

Thank you for being with us today! 

Readers, enter to win Melissa's book here!

Please leave an email address! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:

~Be a follower

~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on May 16th

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

The Great Match-Making Game

Being single sometimes is just plain funny. I’m sure all the single ladies (put your hands up!) will agree with me on this statement—for one reason or another. Our friends have the best intentions (or so they say!) for our love lives, but don’t you sometimes just…wonder? Sometimes we just shake our heads and bite back that smile while pretending to be annoyed, but really are flattered and find the entire event funny. If not a little bit awkward.

 ahem. ;-) Being single often prompts all kinds of comments in emails, Facebook messages, chats with friends that they all know someone who would be perfect for you and if only they could introduce you to him (or her if the other way around)!

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Being single prompts the butt of many jokes, especially when you’re the youngest in a group of 9 other happily married women…

I love my friends in spite of all this, I really do. Even if some of their tactics sometimes make me squirm just a tad under the proverbial microscope.

Like…one time in a visiting church, my friends pushed in the direction of the young man in question and then proceeded to “find” directions on their smartphone while surreptitiously pointing said phone camera our direction and clicking away.

Or…the time my group of girlfriends (same unnamed group as mentioned above… ;-) conspired to leave me all alone with the object in question of the male variety. I cannot be held responsible for the flirtatious things that came out my mouth while forced into that situation. What is a girl to do when backed into the corner in front of a good looking guy?

Sheesh.

They expect so much from me. ;-)

 And I won’t even go into all the comments made in fast and furious email exchanges and the quips made in person about marrying me off. Finding that perfect guy. And when I move, what should be the first thing on my agenda? Well finding Prince Charming of course. And of course this all comes with a healthy dose of advice on what to do, how to walk, what to say, what to wear and how fast I should flutter my eyelashes.

Oh my dear friends! I love them so for the advice and grief they do indeed give me. And yet, they would be the first ones to see the diamond on my left hand and the first ones I would squeal with when that happens. Even if my cross is so heavy in the meantime with their well meant attempts and unending teasing. ;-))

What are some of your best stories on how a friend has set you up? Was it an epic fail or the start of a great love story?