CSFF Tour: By Darkness Hid, by Jill Williamson

Amazon Book Link

Visit Jill's Blog Here

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to read this book yet, although it sounds really good. I didn't receive one for the tour and my household is on a kind of spending freeze, so yeah. I've only heard great things, though, as I'm sure our other participants can attest to. Here are their links:

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Gina Burgess
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
R. L. Copple
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Sarah Flanagan
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

CSFF Blog Tour presents: Raven's Ladder, by Jeffrey Overstreet

MY REVIEW:

Displaced King Cal-raven and his people must leave the shelter of Barnasham and head off to the New Abascar Cal-raven has seen in his dreams. But there are many obstacles to re-establishing his people, one of which is House Bel Amica. Their wealth, beauty, bounty, and strange religion all draw Abascar's remnant in and ensnare them, making them want to stay in the seaside city instead of striking off for their new home.

Even Cal-raven gets sidetracked from his original plan (albeit it's a good sort of sidetracked), agreeing to help Cyndere, Jordam, and Ale Boy rescue the prisoners of House Cent Regus.

I liked that the author showed us several characters' points of view, including Jordam, Cyndere, Cal-raven, Tabor Jan, Emereine, Ale Boy, and others. I had hoped that many of the previous books' characters would come into play, and I was not disappointed.

I've loved this series from the beginning. The first two books were incredible. Overstreet certainly has a gift for story-telling and for immersing his readers into the fictive fantasy world. However, this third book in the series made me feel like I was wading through molasses--too slow of a pace. Much of the problem was probably that I didn't realize there would be a fourth book until the very end. That fact made me accept the open-endedness of this book and see it in a little different light. ('Course, I'm the person who hated The Empire Strikes Back because it was too dark, hopeless, and left things hanging, so take my opinion for what it's worth.) I think Overstreet focused more on character development here than packing the action, although there is plenty of that as well.

The positives far outweigh any negatives regarding this story. I have no doubt the last installment will be spectacular, and I look forward to reading it.

The Amazon Book Link
Author Website and Blog

Participant Links:
Brandon Barr
Rachel Briard (BooksForLife)
Keanan Brand
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Ryan Heart
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Unneeded disclaimer: I did NOT get a free copy of this book from the CSFF tour. However, I did get it free from another website that I review for, but no other compensation, and my words are my own.

Update

No reviews lately, but I have been reading. I just finished James Patterson's new Alex Cross book called Alex Cross' Trial. Extremely absorbing, if you can handle the language. He handled the story with excellence, in my opinion, as difficult as the subject matter was (racism around the turn of the 20th century).

I'm also re-reading The Bride Collector for review and have one or ten other things going on.

For now, I'm excited because I've gotten involved with extreme couponing and am obsessed with saving money. I just got two boxes (yes boxes, not reams) of Hammermill Copy Plus paper from Staples for $5 each! Wanna know how? Go here:

Southern Savers

This is my new favorite website. Jenny finds me all the deals!

Another Frugal Day!

I got these 16 items all for $13.86! That bag in the front is some more frozen fruit--you can't tell by my camera angle. Whoops. AND, I have a coupon for a free gallon of milk on my next trip. That's worth around $3!

Now a Frugal Fanatic!

Sorry for departing from the books/writing theme, but I just had to share.





Thanks to super-couponing I got the above 16 items for only $10.70!! The Coffee Mate creamer alone is usually around $3 and so is the Dole frozen fruit. We use these items all the time.

Taking advantage of coupons in the Sunday paper and printable ones online in conjunction with Harris Teeter Triple Coupon Week really paid off. Find out how to do this on the Southern Savers site. And no, I do not receive perks for mentioning Jenny's site. I just love it that much! You should see the deals I get from Walgreen's and CVS every week. Amazing.

Tea With Hezbollah

Expect a thoughtful review later. I haven't yet finished the book. Know now, though, that this is unlike anything you've ever seen from Ted or anyone else for that matter.

My One Word 2010 - Perspective

Amazing how long it took me to pick a word this year. Maybe it's because I had a hard time hearing from God. Admittedly, I made less use of my word "abide" last year than I should have. Somehow, somewhere, the spirit behind last year's word got lost and I wandered in a desert of wishy-washiness.

But all of that is aside now. For the last few weeks, I've been batting around possible words to focus on--words such as committed, consistency, example, disciple, obey, faithful. But as I thought about those words, I realized that they, as well as the last three words I've chosen (surrender, perseverance, abide), are "doing" words. They talk about something I should do. Pastor Mike said recently that we need to concentrate on what God wants us to BE, not what he wants us to DO. Sure, being godly requires doing some things. But it starts with that character, that attitude, that longing, that righteousness, that faith inside of us. Our doing overflows from who we are.

And so, after much ado, I've chosen the word PERSPECTIVE. Some important synonyms: mindset, attitude, frame of reference, viewpoint. I want God's perspective, not my own. I don't want to live by my own ideas of what to be and do. I want to know God and his word enough to see God's ways and methods and where he's moving. I want to see myself and others through his eyes. I need a bigger, better perspective--one that's not so selfish and myopic.

It's usually easy to pick a bible verse to go with my word. Usually my word is inspired directly by a certain scripture. Not this time. I had to think about it for a while to know which verse to relate to my word. Here it is:

I Corinthians 2:16b - "But we have the mind of Christ." The whole paragraph before this verse talks about how we can't know God's thoughts apart from God's Spirit, and how the Spirit reveals things to us. We have God's Spirit so (among other reasons) we "may understand what God has freely given us." I'm meditating on that part some more so I can figure out what it means to me. Like Paul said in Philippians 3, "I consider everything a loss to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ..." and in Romans 12, "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind." I have to change my attitude, my mindset, to the one God has, as much as possible. This is going to require more bible study, more prayer, more reflection. I'm not sure where this word will take me, but I have no doubt I will grow closer to the One that holds me in his hand. The great and glorious One whose thoughts and ways are higher than mine, and yet, who has given me the mind of Christ. Big stuff.

Lord, save me from my own view of things. Change my attitude and transform my mind. Give me your mind, eyes, and heart. Grow me into a person who knows you so well that I see things from your perspective and act accordingly. Amen.

Becoming New

It's a new year again. Time to take stock of our lives, seeking to use the present to redeem the past and consequently change our future.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come." (HCSV)

It goes without saying that our new lives in Christ should be different from our old lives without Christ. We are made for him, and our daily walks should reflect a moment by moment dependence on him. However, being is more important than doing. As my pastor puts it, "What will we be?" not "What will we do?" How should our mindset change in order to become what God wants us to be?

I've heard several pastors/teachers/speakers saying the same sorts of things about this very topic. My own pastor spoke last week of the importance of being quiet and listening to what God says to us in his Word. About slowing down and how you know that you're too busy if you don't have time for God. Is the pace we are running at right now sustainable? Or are we heading for an eventual breakdown? I have seen this happen and it's not pretty. It would behoove us to re-evaluate our priorities and see what needs to be switched around or canned completely.

Dr. Richard Swenson, a futurist, speaker, and author talks about putting margin into our lives. About how we have to say no to things. I recommend listening to him speak and/or reading articles he has written. He's an expert on many subjects and puts everything into perspective clearly and logically.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." - Matthew 6:33 (HCSV)

This is the most important thing when thinking about renewing our minds, softening our hearts, and slowing down our pace in order to listen to God--putting the kingdom of God first. After all, we belong to that kingdom, and its advancement should be of utmost value to us.

Ephesians 3:14-21: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. [I pray] that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. [I pray that] you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth [of God's love], and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think-according to the power that works in you--to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (HCSV)

Slow down and listen to God this year. Focus on being and not doing. If you are listening closely to the Spirit, he will tell you what you ought to do. But focus instead on being. Then look and see how your calendar/schedule changes as a result. See how your attitude and outlook changes. Our God is doing a new thing, and he is doing it through us.

Peace.
(cross posted at the Ted Dekker website on the Modfia blog)

Karri Compton is a contributing author to this collaborative fiction book, created by twenty-seven authors and artists from six different countries.













An immigrant and her young daughter, struggling to reach their dream…a special needs child, searching for hope…a newly released ex-con, seeking forgiveness. They have one thing in common—they’re about to be touched by God in a way they never imagined.

All through a simple postcard.

Brought up in a strict Muslim home in London, Sulafa has recently experienced the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Now, despite fear of discovery and its consequences, she knows she has to spread the good news. In an act of bravery, she sends out postcards with a single message: Let me pray for you. Her simple postcard request impacts lives and brings hope in the midst of hopelessness.

The second of many anticipated books from Peculiar People, Delivered is a collection of short stories that intertwine to deliver a single message. It is the work of twenty-five authors with one united voice, proclaiming the power of God to transform lives, and His ability to do the miraculous in the most ordinary of circumstances.

Quote of the Day

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." --Albert Camus


Stay tuned for my New Year's blog--it's in process now.

Old Fiction

I must admit, if a novel is more than a few years old, I probably won't pick it up to read unless it's one that was really popular and recommended.

Several weeks ago, I found a copy of Francine Rivers' As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion series), first published in 1995 in a library sale. If you're an avid reader of Christian fiction, you know how it has changed in the ensuing years as well as the publishing industry.

I've heard Rivers is an excellent storyteller as well as an impeccable researcher. Redeeming Love is probably her most well-known--all of my friends rave about it. No, I haven't read it yet. I know, I know, please don't start with the accusations. It's just that I don't like romance unless it's done right and the only other book I've read that's remotely close in nature to that one is Kay Arthur's Israel, My Beloved (I did like that one.) So, give me more time. :)

Anyway, back to As Sure as the Dawn. It's the third (and I think final) book in the series. I did not read the earlier books, and now I'm conflicted on whether to read them or not. Why? Keep reading.

This book is a story of standing up for Christ, being a witness, loving people into the kingdom, and much more. Atretes, the gladiator from the previous books, has bought/won his freedom and now lives in his own villa. He has been betrayed by his lover, Julia, who no longer wants to marry him and has, as far as Atretes knows, thrown their baby son into the sea to die.

He finds the boy in the care of one of John the Beloved's followers, an Ionian named Rizpah. The rest is a story of how she leads Atretes to Christ and they take the gospel back to his homeland of Germania.

I find no fault with the story line. It seems historically accurate and the characters leap off the page in their realness. For some, it may seem very preachy. Sometimes this bothers me, but not here. I found it inspiring and very moving.

Now for the downside. And this is, I think, the only downside I can find--the POV. Rivers uses 3rd omnicient POV, head-hopping from one line of dialogue to another. You never quite know whose thoughts you will be hearing. She usually pairs thoughts with whoever is speaking, but it's not a hard and fast rule. For someone like me who has mostly read deep/close 3rd person POV for years now (one person's POV at a time per scene), and been told that this type of writing is not appropriate or viable in the market anymore, it was something I could not get used to. It plagued me at every paragraph. The characters were developed well, but I could never really get into their heads because in one line someone would be thinking something and in the next, another person would be doing the same thing. It was like watching a ping-pong match, but more frustrating. She writes like a narrator is telling us the story, and whatever that narrator sees is happening, even if it's the way someone feels or what he/she thinks, it is written in that way, not from the person's sole POV.

Here's an example of what I mean with the omniscient POV(This scene is between Atretes and Rizpah--we see into both of their minds multiple times):

(Atretes speaking)"Give him to me, or by the gods, I will take him from you by force!"

Caleb awakened and began to cry softly. Rizpah felt his small fists pressing against her breasts. Eyes filled with tears, she looked up at Atretes and knew he would do exactly as he threatened. She could not risk Caleb being harmed. Loosening her shawl, she held Caleb out to him. The baby cried harder, his small arms flailing. Her milk came, increasing her anguish. "He's hungry."

Atretes hesitated. His son looked small and fragile. He looked at Rizpah and saw her anguish. Tears poured silently down her cheeks. Face rigid, he reached out and took his son. The infant cried harder. (The previous paragraph was in Rizpah's POV. We now see what Atretes is seeing. It's considered "telling" when words like "knew" and "looked" are used in 3rd close POV.)

Rizpah crossed her arms over her heart. She looked up at him. "Please, Atretes, don't do this." Never had he seen such a look of anguish on a woman's face. (See, you think you're going to be in Rizpah's head, but at the end of the sentence, you see that you're not.)

"Get out," he said hoarsely.

"Please--"

"Get out!" he shouted, and the baby began to scream.

Uttering a sob, Rizpah turned away.

"Don't forget this," he said and kicked the pouch of money after her.

She swung around at the door. Picking up the pouch, she flung it into the fountain, glaring at him through her tears. "May God forgive you, for I cannot!" With one last look at the child, she fled, sobbing.

Atretes strode over and watched her rundown the steps and across the courtyard. He kicked the door shut before she reached the gate. (from Atretes' view again)

~~

I'm told that this sort of writing would never get published these days. So I guess it's good Rivers got this in when she could. Those of us writing now can't get away with it anymore.

Set Apart Blog Tour

Because Living IN this World Doesn't Mean Living LIKE the World

I'm excited about this bible study. I heard Jennifer speak at my church about 11 or 12 years ago, and she made a big impression on me with her unique perspective on prayer. So much wisdom in this woman. She has a lot of good things to teach us about prayer, and after a cursory look at this study, I'm positive that she has much more to say about the Christian life. I've already decided to recommend this study to a women's group that I'm in--they need a new book to go through and I think this one might be the ticket. It is theologically sound, informative, unique, and not too lengthy. Perfect for a small group to tackle.

I'm happy for the opportunity to promote it.

About the Author:

Jennifer Kennedy Dean is Executive director of The Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. She is the author of numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specializing in prayer and spiritual formation. Her book Heart’s Cry has been named National Day of Prayer’s signature book. You’ll find articles and daily quotes from Jennifer at the National Day of Prayer website. Her book, Live a Praying Life, has been called a flagship work on prayer.

Jennifer was widowed in 2005 after 26 years of marriage to Wayne Dean, her partner both in life and ministry. They are the parents of three grown sons. Jennifer makes her home in Marion, KY.

About the Book:

(Marion, Kentucky) - In a world of self-love and materialism it's reassuring to know that God's Word has a better plan for living. Renowned author and speaker, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, provides insight to the life of Christ, specifically the Sermon on the Mount, in her new book, Set Apart: A 6 Week Study of the Beatitudes.

Through careful study of the Hebrew traditions of biblical times, Dean leads participants into a deeper awareness of this early ministry sermon series by Christ.

Jennifer guides readers to a heightened understanding of each beatitude, correlating the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount to tie these Old and New Testament principles together. Dean shares how living the Set Apart Life is an exciting and life-changing spiritual journey. Participants surrendered to Christ will see a total transformation: outward actions of holiness as well as inward attitudes of joy. Believers following along in this workbook will experience the life God intends. This blessedness comes from seeking and knowing God. Anything outside the realm of Jesus Christ results in emptiness--the ultimate opposite of blessing.

Each chapter includes interactive questions for readers to answer, emphasizing God's desire to reproduce the character and attitudes of Jesus in each Christian's life. Along with the Bible study book, there is a Leader Kit that includes six DVD sessions and a CD with bonus material for small-group leaders. Jennifer's website, www.prayinglife.org, provides opportunities for previewing the Set Apart materials and extra resources for pastors and leaders.


Click here for an introductory video to the study.


An Interview with Jennifer Kennedy Dean

You are known for your extensive research and your fresh insights. Do you have a method for gleaning new concepts?

Of course, the truths are not new, but I think I sometimes am able to frame old truths in new ways. I always find that when I put the words of Jesus into their original Hebraic setting and experience the scene through the viewpoint of His real-time audience, some new little fragment of truth finds its way into my thinking. I like to let the Scripture breathe. To let it sit in my heart until its full aroma has time to emerge. There's the hard-core research, and then there's the marinating. Turn your imagination loose and unfurl your curiosity, and listen to the living Word.

You have a series of Bible studies in the format of Set Apart, designed to be interactive. This series of studies has video series and leader's kits available. What is the advantage to this kind of format?

I try to produce a new Bible study with video series every year. I like the interactive format because I like to pull the reader into the Scripture to experience the Word. I like to challenge the reader to interact with the thoughts and ideas and to take the time to absorb them and apply them, rather than just to read. The other thing I like about this format is that it can be done by an individual, or as a group. In the video series, I like to be able to teach the main points of the material and set the learners' up for a productive week of personal study. I love feeling like I get to be part of your Bible study group! The kits have lots of other resources for leading a small group in the study.

Several of your studies have theme songs that go with them, as Set Apart does. How do these songs come about?

I have developed a song-writing relationship with a talented musician named Roxanne Lingle. I write poems, we turn them into lyrics, Roxanne composes and arranges the music, and Roxanne records the songs. For Set Apart, we have the theme song in the form of a music video, which is a new addition. In the leader's kit you have the audio track, accompaniment track, lead sheet, and the music video. The theme song becomes an important and worshipful part of the study experience.

The Music Video


Adapted from Set Apart by Jennifer Kennedy Dean

"I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:9-10).

My weakness is my greatest asset in the Kingdom. My weakness is where God meets me. My weakness is where Christ's power is most clearly displayed in me. Only when I am confronted with my own helplessness can I experience the power of Christ in me.

"Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness." (O. Hallesby, Prayer)

I recently had the tiniest glimpse of how powerfully helplessness speaks. A few years ago, I lost my husband to brain cancer. During the final months of his illness, he became utterly helpless. The man I had leaned on for 26 years, whose strength I counted on, was now dependent upon me for his every need. During those weeks, my ear was tuned to his every sigh, his every restless movement, every change in his breathing pattern. If I had to be out of his room for even a few minutes, I had a monitor with me so I could hear him if he needed me. When he was strong, I was not so attentive. His needs did not fill my waking moments, when he could meet them himself. His helplessness spoke louder than any word he might have spoken. Because of his helplessness--because I knew he could do nothing on his own--I was on watch day and night.

My experience is but a pale shadow of the reality of the Kingdom, but still it helps me understand how my weakness is the opening for His strength. The fact of my helplessness is the only prayer I need. It speaks louder than eloquence.

Let your helplessness and your weakness be the offering you bring to Him. He is not waiting for you to be strong. He is waiting for you to recognize that you are weak.


GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

Please leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win the following items from Jennifer. If you are a leader (small groups, book club, Bible Study, Women's Ministry), please note that you are--you will automatically be entered in the contest. If you are a member of one of these groups at your church or community, mention that you are a group member.

You will be entered to win:

A Set Apart Leader's Kit (video and leader resources and a student book) retail $79.99

A copy of Fueled by Faith (retail $19.99)

Jennifer will have a live web event just for your group.


THIS BLOG TOUR COORDINATED BY KATHY CARLTON WILLIS COMMUNICATIONS. A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE BOOK, SET APART, WAS GIFTED TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR RUNNING THIS TOUR ON MY BLOG.

Something I Don't Normally Do...

My focus here is usually the reading, writing, reviewing, and promoting of Christian (or if you wish, biblical worldview) fiction. However, now and then I'll read a book from the general market. Some contemporary novelists I enjoy include John Grisham, Dean Koontz, Sue Grafton and James Patterson.

My latest foray into this realm came last week with my discovery of Koontz' Relentless. Some reviewers say Koontz is stuck in a rut--that all of his characters sound the same and his plots are overused. I don't agree. While Relentless wasn't his best, in my opinion, it certainly ranked somewhere near the Odd Thomas novels, which are my favorite of his.

Some things I like about Koontz:

1. His villains are always completely evil. (Perhaps there is an exception I can't remember. Feel free to comment and enlighten me.)
2. His heroes are normal people who somehow cross a bad guys' path, and as a consequence must fight for their lives. In other words, they are not public figures, especially talented, or have anything too remarkable about them.
3. The characters are quirky. He uses characters who are autistic, geniuses, have a specific medical problem, see dead people, have a dog or a kid with a special gift, etc.
4. There is always laughter. The dialogue is dry and witty. Always.
5. There is love. He portrays strong family relationships and shows family fighting for each other at all costs.

He also frequently uses dogs that are extraordinary, and though interesting, isn't really one of my favorite things about his novels.

So, for the something I don't normally do. I will recommend Relentless. It's a little graphic in spots, but I think the positives far outweigh the negatives. It's engaging, funny, and inspiring. And the good guy wins. :)

CSFF Tour this week: Haunt of Jackals, by Eric Wilson

My review:


This novel, second in the Jerusalem’s Undead series, continues the story of Gina Lazarescu, a special lady who is more than what she seems. She must hide from the Collectors—immortal spirits who inhabit the bodies of the dead in order to wreak havoc on humanity—partially by finding and killing the Nistarim, the Concealed Ones, who carry the world’s cares on their shoulders and aid Those Who Resist.

Cal Nichols, one of the original Nistarim and Gina’s father, works to keep not only Gina safe, but also Dov Amit, a young boy on the side of good. One of the orphans in Gina’s care, Pavel, shows signs of being a Concealed One. They must both escape to America in order to stay under the Collectors’ radar. Throughout the book, Gina and Cal fight Collectors and banish the blood-drinkers forever to torment.

Wilson is in his element in his treatment of themes, fleshing out ideas such as: God uses ordinary people, love covers a multitude of sins, evil may be unseen and yet deadly, things happen for a reason, and there is strength in numbers (two are better than one). True to form, Wilson brings many historical elements into play, such as the Dracula legend, Nazi programs, and Russian czars.

From Italy to Romania to Israel to Germany to China to the Pacific Northwest, the scope of this tale just keeps growing. The Collectors are everywhere, but so are Those Who Resist, and the Nazarene blood will prevail.

Usually, the first book in a series is the best--sometimes the second story in a trilogy loses something and wanders a bit without satisfying resolution. Not so with Haunt of Jackals. Everything is in full swing here and the action doesn’t let up. We are let in on more secrets, such as finding out who the mysterious journaler is and more about Cal’s past. All told I found Haunt to be even better than Field of Blood, and I didn’t know how that would be possible. I eagerly anticipate the release of Valley of Bones next year.

Learn more about Eric's writing here:
Eric's Website
Jerusalem's Undead trilogy site

Buy the book here:
Book Link

And finally, here are our other tour participants' links:

Brandon Barr
Wayne Thomas Batson
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Julie
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Nissa
John W. Otte
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

May I recommend...

This is my second Bug Man novel, and I'm wishing I had caught all of Downs' books in order. I've read some dry humor in my day, but Nick's dialogue had me frequently bursting into laughter. The other night I actually got in trouble because I was up late reading and my husband was asleep next to me--"was" being the operative word. I literally had to stop reading because I couldn't silence my chuckles. I blame Nick.

Lest anyone think it's only a funny book, fret not. It's got a great plot, great characters, and a few serious as well as dangerous parts. Definitely suspenseful and definitely a must-read.

SPECIAL interview with my friend and soon-to-be-world-famous author (prophetic, yes?) Kaci Hill

*insert wild applause here*

So, everyone who knows me should know I'm an avid Dekker fan. Kaci and I "met" online through Ted's message boards. I met her in real life at the 2nd annual Gathering and saw her again at the 3rd. I've gotten to know her better now that I'm a moderator, too, and I'll tell you I like her more and more all the time. She really has her head screwed on straight and is so very talented. (Yes, I like certain adverbs.)

Anyway, I asked her a bunch of weird questions--well, maybe not weird, but certainly invasive and time-consuming--which she was kind enough to answer. Here's the transcript for your enjoyment.

First, a few words about Kaci for those ignorant enough not to know already (kidding):

Writing has been a way of life for Kaci Hill since she was a child. She wrote long-hand until high school and felt lazy when she received her first laptop. During and after college, she found a unique love in substitute teaching at both the junior high and high school levels. When she's not dealing with drama and English, tutoring, editing, or grading, she reads, blogs, or frequents The Circle, home of Ted Dekker's message forum. It was in The Circle that Ted read some of Kaci's work and asked her to co-write what would become her first published novels with him, Lunatic and Elyon. Kaci lives in Texas with her family and yes, she has seen the bats.

1. When did you start writing?
I’ve been telling stories since before I could actually write. I started putting pen to paper as a fifth grader (at the latest). My sophomore year I got a laptop and started going back and forth between writing by hand and using a computer. I didn’t start considering writing as a profession until somewhere in college, however. It’s just something that’s always been a part of me.

2. How many completed novels have you written?
I’m honestly not sure. Several.

3. What is your favorite genre to read? To write?
I read mostly suspense/mystery and supernatural fiction, only recently coming into the fantasy world. My writing…I like to think it tends to cross genres, mostly in the alternate reality and fantasy-esque worlds. But then, people tend to consider anything that doesn’t quite fit in a box “fantasy.”

4. List some of your favorite and most influential books (fiction and nonfiction).
Fiction: I cut my teeth on Peretti and Bill Meyers, Ted, of course, Robert Liparulo, Brandilyn Collins, Kay Arthur’s Israel, My Beloved, Karen Hancock, Donita K. Paul, Tim Downs, Stephen Lawhead, Tosca Lee, Clay Jacobsen’s Interview with the Devil. That’s…a lot of supernatural influence. Sad part is I know I’m forgetting someone. I will say my middle school years were saturated in the end times and supernatural stories (Blood of Heaven trilogy among them).

As for non-fiction: Josh McDowell (mostly his speaking), Dallas Willard (lately), John Piper, J.I. Packer (Knowing God), A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, Voice of the Martyrs’ various books, Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God, the Understanding the Times authors, Kelly Minter, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Ergun Caner, David Nasser, and, again, I know I’m forgetting several people.

5. How does your faith make its way into your fiction?
How does it not, is the better question. In 2003 (I think) I decided to make a point to try to leave my faith out of it, and it turned into one of my most blatantly faith-inspired writings. Honestly, I see the supernatural as merely something outside our range of perception, but something no less tangible, just like some light and sound is outside our range on the spectrum. Moreover, faith is never in a vacuum, and I think that to speak as if the Scriptures are no more realistic than Greek mythology is to deny a key element of our faith. The history of Christianity seems to be getting lost, the heritage and inheritance, and I think that’s largely part of the frustration we see today. So my faith is in my fiction because, honestly, faith and religion are a part of life, and there’s no escaping either.

6. Describe the Books of History series and give a brief glimpse into Lunatic and Elyon.
It begins with Johnis, Silvie, Billos, and Darsal in Chosen, when the four are given a secret mission by two Roush to retrieve the four Lost Books of History. And from there things go a bit crazy. They eventually cross into the Histories and…that’s all I feel comfortable saying. Lunatic picks up where Chaos leaves off, with three of them returning into the world they left behind, only five years later. For readers, again, that makes Lunatic two and a half years after the events in White.

7. What do you hope readers take away from Lunatic and Elyon?
Lunatic and Elyon are largely about loving the enemy, and the idea of living as a missionary among people who may well kill you. There’s a lot going on, sacrifice, prejudice, the seductive nature of evil—but it all, in the end, boils down to who your heart belongs to. The love of Elyon, the love for Elyon.

8. How did you make acquaintance with Ted Dekker and eventually come to co-write with him?
I met Ted at a book signing, and also joined his website, where I eventually became a moderator. We traded writing-related emails, and the mod staff had several teleconferences. I also used to post excerpts, which he evidently read. Eventually he contacted me saying he was looking for a co-writer and asked me if I was interested, and would I send him some samples.

9. What are some things you wish you had known about authors and publishing before you started the process?
I think on some level I’ve listened just enough to people who’ve done this for decades that I can’t say anything surprised me. I think I can say, however, that this has been the most intense editing process I’ve ever engaged in. More or less, I don’t think I fully appreciated how many people go into the process before, and how much goes just into the preliminaries.

10. What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?
I’m not sure I have one. I will say, by drafts five and six I’m honestly reaching the point of mental exhaustion. There were a few days I couldn’t remember which version we were on.

11. Are you a planner or a seat-of-the-pantser or a mixture of both?
I’ve moved from total SOTP to a combination. To date, I rarely look at my notes once they’re written, but I do storyboard some now, though I tend to equate it to planning a road trip. And I will reorganize, revamp, and rewrite those notes multiple times, often without looking at previous notes—and finally learned that dating them is…helpful.

12. Which comes first? Plot or characters?
As far as when ideas come…either. As to which is more important, neither. Plots are nothing without characters; characters alone do not a story make.

13. How do you get into the heads of your characters?
I generally just sit down and start writing. I also tend to write many apocryphal scenes (meaning they aren’t part of the “canon” of the story). Occasionally I act out a scene, but only if I need the visual. I also tend to use the Google image search to get ideas for scene setting. It’s like meeting anybody else—the longer you’re with them, the more you know.

14. Do you do a lot of research?
I don’t do a ton, but it’s mostly on an ‘as needed’ basis. For Sins of the Son, for example, I spent a month and a half comparing religions and reading mythology. For Lunatic and Elyon, I mostly consulted the other Circle books.

15. Where do you get ideas for your stories?
More accurately, where don’t I get ideas? If I sit long enough something will come to mind, caliber notwithstanding. I’ve gotten ideas reading books, watching movies, driving down the road and noting a billboard, TV ads, real life stories, and…just people-watching.

16. What is your best advice to up and coming novelists?
Two things. One, be around people—the real ones. Other writers, people who hate to read, etc. And they aren’t assets; they’re friends. Two, keep writing. More accurately, keep learning.

17. What is your last completed work?
Bogswallow.

18. What are you working on now?
Cinderbeast (sequel to Bogswallow) and a potential, untitled project that’s only in the brainstorming stage.

19. What are your future plans as far as which project to put forth next?
TBD. I obviously want to publish on my own. At the moment it’s a matter of the right story in the right place at the right time.

20. You have a friendship as well as a working relationship with Ted. What is he really like?
I already felt I knew Ted fairly well, so I can’t really say he took me by surprise or anything. If you went to the Gathering, the Ted you saw is Ted. For those who didn’t, he’s passionate about everything, and he’s been a great friend, co-worker and mentor. He doesn’t get mad or impatient, and he’s been a constant. Honestly, working with Ted was great.

21. Tell us what it’s like to work closely with a professional editor.
Enlightening. Again, nothing too profound, other than with multiple editors you really do have to pick a direction sometimes. And, really, most of the time the editor is right.

22. Parting words?
Thanks for letting me play.

GREEN, by Ted Dekker - my review

What started out as an epic trilogy now becomes the Circle Series with Green: Book Zero. Electrifying readers everywhere, Dekker now brings us full circle with a novel that ties up all the loose ends from Black, Red, and White, and draws from Showdown, Sinner, and the Lost Books of History also. Talk about all-encompassing. It still amazes me that over all these years, Ted has kept this massive story cohesive, absorbing, and meaningful.

So much happens in Green, it would be impossible for me to give a rundown of it, especially without using spoilers. But since I’m used to doing reviews without spoilers (over 200 in the last 4 years) I’m going to stick with what works for me.

Thomas Hunter’s world is not Paradise. His son Samuel is questioning every belief the Circle holds dear, and threatening to destroy them all by waging war with the Horde. After years of non-violence some are indeed ready to take up the sword and follow Samuel into battle to finally rid themselves of evil once and for all.

On our earth, 36 years after the Raison Strain, Billy Rediger (most recently seen in Sinner) is back with an agenda of his own--find the one remaining vial of Thomas Hunter’s blood--but for what nefarious purpose? Can Kara stop him before he,too, falls off the deep end?

Everyone’s reality is turned up on its end in this apocalyptic conclusion. Time travel abounds as does the violence and treachery in both worlds. Good or evil: which will triumph? Will Thomas and his beloved Circle survive? What will become of the Horde and the Eramites? Of Samuel?

Nothing can prepare you for the final moments. Go in with your eyes and heart open to the love of Elyon and encounter the experience of a lifetime. I know I will forever be changed because of Ted and this series in particular. No one I know of in Christian fiction has created such an apt depiction of our history and the workings of our God in such fashion. We can only hope and pray that Ted’s mind is brimming with more genius and he continues to share it with us.

For more in depth discussion, visit http://thecircle.teddekker.com/and join the Circle Series group. Dive deep.

And the winner is...

MARGIE VAWTER!!!

Congratulations to Margie Vawter, the winner of my totally random drawing for The Knight. I'll get in touch with her tonight and get that baby in the mail!

Thanks to those who commented. I'd really like to give away more books, but the truth is, I can't afford the postage to give away a book a week like I'd like to. I guess you all will just have to settle for my reviews and other ponderings about writing, God, and whatever else tickles my fancy.

How is Music like Fiction?

There has been quite a lot of disagreement in the world of Christian fiction in recent years (and I suppose in Christian music, too) about balancing story and message in Christian (biblical worldview, CBA, or whatever you want to call them) novels. Many readers are tired of the same old story lines with a preachy style and a mandatory character conversion. Other readers denounce more "edgy" books that uphold story and questioning over overt message and giving answers.

I was listening to an old CD of mine this morning, produced in 1994, called "Everything That's On My Mind" by artist, composer and producer Charlie Peacock. On the last track, an interviewer asks him questions about the CD, his life, and his music. Charlie talks about why this album is different than some of his other ones, and why it is so introspective. He also talks about using a live band to record with instead of doing so much of his instrumentation alone on his computer, and why he wanted the music to be simple and consistent. Below is a partial transcript of his answer to one of the questions. I'll tie this in to fiction in a moment.

Interviewer: Why was consistency so important to you?

Charlie: Because I didn't want people to miss the lyrics. When you're all over the map musically, there's gonna be some degree of people that can't enter into the music simply because they don't like the form of it, and I felt by creating a consistent style of music and consistent instrumentation that it would serve the content. I don't think Christians can ignore the degree to which the medium is the message in our culture. Let's try not to do that. More often than not, people need to be able to walk into the music first, and then the lyrics, second. That wouldn't be my first choice of the way I would want it to be, but that is the way it is. And if people can't do that, that is, to walk right into the music and enjoy it and then find their way into the lyrics then the chances of them ever getting to the meat of what the artist is trying to say is pretty slim.

When I heard that I thought, wow, that's the way it is in fiction, too.

The medium is so important to the delivery of the message. In essence, Charlie is saying we have to please, or entertain, the listener (or for my purposes, reader) in order for them to enter into the music and connect with the lyrics (the message of the story). We can't just plop the message out there any old way and expect people in our time and our culture to lap it up just because it's truth. Who are we trying to reach in our music or our fiction? The medium is as important as the message. The message will never be heard if there isn't something for the listener/reader to enjoy and get into first. Only if they're already engaged will they be able to hear the message. So write the novel with the story in mind. Make sure it's great, so the reader can engage. Don't just write to bash them over the head with a message.

Baker/Revell Blog Tour for THE KNIGHT, by Steven James

Comment on this post by Friday midnight for your chance to win a FREE copy of THE KNIGHT. And make sure you leave some kind of contact info in case you're the winner--I'll e-mail or PM you to let you know if that's the case. Book will be mailed Monday, August 31st.




MY REVIEW:

Just when I thought James’ thrillers couldn’t get any better, he shatters my erroneous notions. Third in the Bowers Files series, The Knight holds nothing back. The most diabolical killer yet is on the loose, committing some of the strangest murders Denver has ever seen.

Patrick Bowers, an environmental criminologist for the FBI and expert in geospacial investigation is called in when a woman is found dead inside an abandoned mine holding a human heart that’s not her own. Along with fellow agent Cheyenne Warren, Bowers follows the dead bodies and clues until he is close to losing his own life.

While the investigation continues in Denver, Bowers must also travel to Chicago to testify in the trial of a criminal he arrested on one of his previous cases. What happens there will determine the course of both of their lives.

James maintains a fine balance between masterful storytelling and character development. The plot will entertain and hold the reader’s absolute attention with its elements of surprise. Fans of James’ earlier novels will enjoy Tessa’s maturation, as well as her growing relationship with Patrick. Romance brews, marriages are strained, parental secrets are revealed, and additional minor characters add to the complexity of existing character relationships.

I honestly don’t know how James is going to one-up himself next time in The Bishop. Every chapter is exquisite, every word necessary. When it comes to other suspense authors, I’ll admit to skimming through paragraphs sometimes to “get to the good parts,” but not so with James. I actually catch myself re-reading sometimes just to savor the words a second time. It’s surprising that I haven’t read the whole thing again, though I’m planning to soon.

I’ve been torn in regards to whether or not I should add spoilers to my review. Hopefully, people will see the warning and stay away if they haven’t yet read the book. But sometimes accidents happen and I certainly don’t want to ruin the story for anyone. So I’m going to stay away from commenting on the culprit, who for now will have to remain “Giovanni,” and my thoughts on his revelation.

Just one parting thought--I now wish I would have paid more attention in World Literature class. :)


Available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.