Watch out for Snakes

Special reader give away

The peace of the morning spent relaxing on the back deck was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected event. A threat rose against us which required immediate action. A snake had hidden itself beneath the gardenia bush in the flower bed nearest the deck striking at, but missing, our little dog.

Snakes are not unusual on our property as much of our two acres remains heavily wooded. I have an uneasy treaty with them. They are allowed to remain unharmed as long as they remain in the woods and pose no danger to us. The snake in my flower bed had violated that accord on two points. It was near our back door and it was a poisonous copper head. Action was necessary.  Unfortunately, the blade on my shovel was dull and though justice was carried out, it wasn’t swift. I fought against the enemy valiantly for many hours-okay maybe minutes-before he was finally vanquished. Had my blade been prepared the enemy would have been defeated instantly.

We may not all have literal snakes posing dangers in our world but we most assuredly have snakes in our lives. There is a great enemy who comes against us as slippery as any serpent. He comes against us with defeated talk, temptations, insecurities and fears. He attacks us with distortions and untruths seeking to doubt, distort or deny God’s power and sovereignty. When our blade is sharp from quality time spent in the Word and in God’s presence, he is easily dispatched. When it is dull, like my shovel blade, the fight is prolonged and damage can easily be done. There is no doubt that he is already defeated in the final battle but in the interim he can cause damage if we are not prepared to fight.  

Our children are just as at risk as we are ourselves. We can help them keep their sword blade sharpened by reading the Bible together, memorizing scripture, discussing Christian issues, and praying together. The more readily the Word comes to mind, the more easily the enemy can be crushed.  

Special reader giveaway- (now closed)

In honor of back to school, one reader will receive a set of DaySprings Back to School collection of binder, notebook, folder and spiral notebook. They have reminders of faith on the front and inside have scripture references to help them through their day at school. To enter the giveaway, simply post a comment listing your favorite class when you were in school along with your email. A winner will be chosen by random and notified via email.  

UPDATE:
And the winner is Louette De Jäger! Congratulations.

Wedding Belles Interview

(The contest is now closed)

This week I’m taking you along on a visit with the gifted and prolific novelist (and my sweet friend) Janice Hanna Thompson as we discuss her newest book release, Wedding Belles.

As a special treat, she is giving away a free copy of the book to one of my readers. Read on to find out how to win.

Janice, can you tell us about your latest book project?

Yes, I’m so tickled to share the news about my comedic historical, WEDDING BELLES, which released May 1st. Most of my readers know that I love to write light-hearted tales, and this one is no different!

What is the story behind this book?

I received a call from editor Susan Downs, who shared an idea she had for a series of books titled “Belles and Whistles.” The books in this series, she explained, must be historical, set in the west, with funny, quirky female characters. Because I write romantic comedy, she thought I would be perfect. I quickly put together a proposal for six books and two were picked up right away: WEDDING BELLES and SLEIGH BELLES. I was commissioned to write WEDDING BELLES first and had a blast doing so! The basic premise for the book was developed before I started writing, but something significant happened along the way to change my plans drastically. I needed a sneaky reason for Lottie Sanders (my heroine) to bring a group of women to Estes Park Colorado as potential brides for the town’s men. About a week after I got the contract for this book I went to a local restaurant that happened to be hosting a melodrama during the dinner hour. As I watched the drama take place, I realized this was my answer! Lottie would write and direct a melodrama to raise funds for Parker Lodge (owned by the young man she secretly loves). Out of that came the rest of this fun, melodramatic tale!

  

Is there any connection between the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series and this one?

Nope. None whatsoever. Just an interesting coincidence with the titles/names.

  

Cute cover! What’s the story behind it?

My heroine, Lottie, is a tomboy. She’s not much for dresses. In fact, she wears pants most of the time. The men in Estes Park make it their mission to get Lottie “gussied up and lookin’ like a lady” as the story progresses. Of course, she’s still pretty attached to her cowgirl boots, so giving those up isn’t an option. I love the cover, because it merges the boots with the wedding dress.

How much research went into this story?

I drove to Estes Park while working on this book. Even though I had been many times before, I needed to see the area again so that I could envision it through Lottie’s eyes. The wonderful people at the Estes Park Museum spent a great deal of time with me, talking about the history of the area and pointing me to just the right research books to write. So, I would like to think I’ve got most of the historical elements right. I added the Stanley Hotel, of course, and the Stanley Steamer. But the setting for my story is Parker Lodge (which is completely fictional). Because I’m passionate about photography, I took dozens of pictures of the area. I particularly enjoy my trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park, where I did my best to absorb all I could about the scenery.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

I was directly inspired by the team of actors and actresses (here in Texas) who performed the melodrama. That little “spark” of inspiration completely changed the layout of my story and allowed me to tap into one of my strengths: directing. Many people don’t know that I spend part of my time working as a director at a local Christian theater and I love anything and everything about putting on shows.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

Two things: I hope they see Lottie as the precious girl she is. I also hope they learn that perceptions are just that. . .perceptions. They’re not fact. Sometimes we look at situations and think we’ve got them figured out. When we give them a second look (and a third) we realize we were dead wrong.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m currently writing a novel titled LET THEM EAT CAKE, which is part of the new WEDDINGS BY DESIGN series from Revell Publishing. Many of my readers know me as the “Bella” author (from the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series). In this new series, readers can catch up with Bella, DJ and the whole gang!

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I feel so incredibly blessed at this particular season in my life. I’ve been through several hard things over the past several years, but through it all, God has been right there, walking me through one book project, then another. He has used the writing to bring healing in so many areas, and I’m so grateful for that! I’ve made Ephesians 3:20 – 21 my life verse:  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. God IS able to do so much more than I could ask or think, and He keeps proving that to me. In spite of any weakness on my part (and there’s plenty, trust me), He entrusts me with this gift (writing). I will use it to His glory as long as He allows.

Please give us the first page of the book.

A Reckoning in the Rockies

Estes Park, prepare to be razzle-dazzled! Parker Lodge, located on the beautiful Fall River, continues to offer the best entertainment in town. This month’s event is certainly no exception. Join us this coming Friday evening, April 27, for a rousing performance by local musician Jeb Otis, who will play several well-known ballads and folk tunes on his saw. Otis, who hails from the Estes Valley region, will be appear- ing at the lodge for one night only, performing before a packed house. C’mon out and share in an evening of fine food, rousing entertain- ment, and heartfelt fellowship. Front-row seating for the first ten guests to arrive. —Your friends at Parker Lodge

Estes Park, Colorado, 1912

“Jeb Otis says he’s going to jump off Longs Peak and end it all.” “What?” Lottie Sanders looked up from the rippling waters of Fall River into her boss’s worried eyes. “He’s going to end it all? Why-ever would he do that?”

“Oh, you know how he is.” Gilbert Parker plopped down next to her and sighed. “Melodramatic. Always wanting attention. Just like the other men in this town. He’s frustrated because the Widow Baker won’t give him the time of day, so I guess this is how he plans to remedy the problem.”

“He’s going to remedy the problem by taking his life?” Lottie swallowed hard. “Won’t that defeat the purpose?”

“Who knows?” Gilbert offered a little shrug, and a hint of a smile turned up the edges of his lips. “But if it’s any consolation, I reminded him that he’s got a concert coming up this Friday evening, so maybe he’ll wait till after then to do himself in.”

“One can hope.” Lottie thought about the many times Jeb and the other fellas who frequented the lodge had posed such ludicrous threats. How weary she’d grown of their antics. “What’s it going to take to convince Jeb that he and Althea Baker are as different as night from day, anyway?” she asked. “They would make a terrible match. I’m surprised he can’t see that for himself.”

“True.” Gilbert released a sigh. “But I guess it’s true what they say—love is blind.”

“Mm-hmm.” It’s blind, all right.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website: www.janicehannathompson.com

Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson

Twitter: booksbyjanice

My online courses: www.freelancewritingcourses.com

Where can readers buy this book?

They can email me for an autographed copy: booksbyjanice@aol.com. They can also purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com.

I hope you, my reader, enjoyed spending time with Janice as much as I did. For a chance to win a free copy of Wedding Belles simply leave a comment saying you’d like to win and include your email address. I’ll choose a winner by a random drawing and notify them by email.

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And the winner is......Denise. Congratulations! You will receive an email shortly with the specifics.

Prepared for Back to School

It's hard to believe, but it's already time for school to begin again. And it's even harder to believe that we'll have a high schooler in our house. Over the past few weeks, we've been gathering all the things she needs to prepare for the year: clothes to replace those she's outgrown, new uniforms for sports, and a backpack to carry the ton of supplies purchased.


While we prepare our kids for school, we need to also prepare them for battle. As they roam the halls, temptations of many kinds will be roaming after them seeking to claim them. We can help prepare them for the challenges to come through prayer, discussing Biblical truths, and helping them memorize scripture--planting God's word in their hearts and minds.


One way to help them recall verses is to write them down in places they can readily see them. A bathroom mirror is a great place to write notes of affirmation and verses with a dry erase marker. You can also slip notes in lunches or books.

Another idea is to use notebooks and folders with pre-printed scripture like this DaySprings assortment. It includes binders, notebooks and pocket folders and comes in several collections to choose from. We are using the God Recycles set. Each time your child takes one out for class, their heart and mind will be refreshed with a scripture.

Let's not just prepare our kids for back to school, let's prepare them with a purpose.

Disclosure: Daysprings provided me with a free collection in exchange for this review. All opinions stated concerning the product are my own..

Love Finds You Giveaway

I thought I would take a break this week from my regular posting and introduce you to an immensely talented novelist and all-around wonderful person, Janice Hanna Thompson.

To give you an idea of Janice’s creativity, she has published more than seventy novels and non-fiction books. She’s also published more than fifty magazine articles and several musical comedies for the stage.

She lives in the Houston area, near her children and grandchildren, which is where I first meet her several years ago when we worked on a youth musical for our church together. She amazed me then and continues to do so with her creativeness, talent and heart for people. I hope you’ll come to love her as much as I do.

Recently, I had a chance to talk with Janice about her newest release, Love Finds You in Groom, Texas (Summerside/Guideposts, June 2011). She is giving away a free copy of the book to one of my readers. Read on to find out how to win.

Please tell us a little about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas.

Always the groomsman, never the groom… It’s 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals: He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the woman to capture his heart. And now with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.


Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Texas, but a train derailment forces them to seek shelter in Groom, near Amarillo. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that Anne will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is repaired and ready to pull out. Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas. Anne has no idea of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!


Why did you decide to write this story?

My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story idea was better suited to the turn of the century.


Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?

Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel.


Why will readers enjoy your novel?

In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.


What sorts of transformations take place in this book?

How much time do you have? (Ha!) Seriously, there are so many! The heroine, Anne, has been through tremendous losses and struggles with her faith from the get-go. By the end of the story, she is a woman transformed. Likewise, the hero has been through far too much taunting and teasing. He, too, has faced losses. With Anne’s hand in his, transformation comes. Even precocious Emily, Anne’s younger sister, goes through a bit of a metamorphosis as the story progresses. The biggest change of all, however, is in Uncle Bertrand. I don’t want to give away too much. You’ll have to read the story to see for yourself!


Have you had any feedback from readers?

So far the book has all five-star reviews on Amazon (which makes me smile, of course). Here’s a review I found that really got me excited:

5.0 out of 5 stars: A Delightful Read
This delightful tale of romance which emerges out of tragic circumstances is set in a wonderful town called Groom in the panhandle of the great state of Texas. It is a story of tragedy, love, and God's divine hand of providence that enters a situation just at the right time and changes everything. Young Anne finds herself on a train heading to Dallas with her two younger sisters after the loss of their father. When fate intervenes, the trail derails and their future is forever altered. And then there is Jake, the last available young man in Groom who finds himself to be the recipient of many jokes about his situation, especially from his brothers. Jake's mother, Maggie, embodies everything wonderful that Anne remembers about her own mother before she died. Throw in the mixture of the antics of Aunt Bets and the perceived sternness of Uncle Bertrand, and you have a story of new revelations and delightful outcomes.


How absolutely wonderful, in this day and age when problems seem to loom on every side and people have lost faith and hope, to read a story that is all about faith and hope. It is refreshing to read a story set in an era when one's words meant something, when prayer was the first course of action, when faith ruled our very existence, when people looked out for one another even during hard times. Perhaps after reading this book, your faith will be renewed, as well. – Cherri Taylor



How long have you been a full-time freelancer?

I’ve been writing full-time since 2005. I write novels, non-fiction books, magazine articles and a variety of other things. I’m so fascinated with the world of freelancing that I decided to create an online writing course to teach others how to do what I’m doing.


From personal experience, I know you to be an excellent teacher. I also know that you truly enjoy teaching. Tell us about your online courses.

Thanks for asking. I enjoy teaching almost as much as I enjoy writing! For many years I taught creative writing at a school of the arts. These days I teach through my online courses. They’re audio/video driven, which is great fun. I get to go into a recording studio to record them! My courses are, as follows:


Becoming a Successful Freelance Author
Fiction Writing Master Course
Navigating the Business of Freelance Writing
Magazine Article Writing Master Course
Creative Writing
U.N.I.Q.U.E. – Finding Your Unique Place in the Writing Industry
Non-Fiction Book Writing (coming in August, 2011)


Readers may notice that you write under two names (Janice Hanna and Janice Thompson). Why?

Those who’ve been reading my romances over the past several years know me as Janice A. Thompson. My joy is mixed with a smidgeon of sorrow as I explain the change in my last name for some of my current releases. In 2006 I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. His last name (Hanna) is my maiden name—and it’s a name that means even more to me now that he is gone. In memory of my father, I use the Hanna name in my historicals. My Revell books will still release under Janice Thompson. I hope you my readers will stick with me, no matter which name I use!


You’ve recently started a VIP book club. What can you tell us about that?

Yes, I’m so excited about this, too! I came up with this idea several months ago: Why not create a “club” where members can get each new Janice Thompson/Janice Hanna book as it releases for a set price of $11, shipping included. Books are autographed and mailed out to club members before they ever hit the stores. I also encourage my VIP club members to leave reviews, as they are able, on amazon, christianbook.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. If people are interested in joining the club, all they have to do is shoot me an email at booksbyjanice@aol.com with the words “VIP bookclub” in the subject line and their address in the body of the email.


Besides writing and teaching, what are your favorite things to do?

Honestly? I love hanging out with my grandbabies. They grow up so quickly and I don’t want to miss a thing! Maddy is four now. She’s the oldest. Avery is three. Peyton is three. Ethan is two. Boston is one and a half and baby Brooke turned one this week. I love them so very much. They keep me young (and give me plenty of fodder for books).


Is there anything else you want to share?

Yes, I’m very passionate about my faith, which is why I write Christian books. I could no more leave out the faith elements than I could stop eating chocolate. They are integral…to my stories and my life. I’m a huge believer in stirring up the gifts that God has placed inside of us, which is what I hope to do through my teaching.


Do you have any suggestions for writers who are trying to get published?

Learn the craft. Take courses. Go to conferences. Do the work. But don’t ever let what you’ve learned rob you of your natural, God-given voice. There’s only one you, after all.


Where else can you be found online?

I love to connect with my readers at the following places:


http://www.janicehannathompson.com/
http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/
www.facebook.com/jhannathompson


Where can I get the book?

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas can be purchased at any number of online stores, as well as my website: www.janicehannathompson.com (front page). Readers can always join my VIP bookclub and get the locked in price of $11 (no shipping) by contacting me directly at booksbyjanice@aol.com.


Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!



I will be choosing one reader to win a copy of Janice's book Love Finds You in Groom, Texas. To be considered, leave a comment below about a time when love found you AND share this article on either your Facebook or Twitter page. If you don't have either, then share it by e-mail. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so that I can notify you if you are chosen.

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And the winner is....Aletta Cherry! Congratulations.