Back to "normal" (whatever that is)

Now that the Summer Reading Blog Tour is over, I'll return to posting stuff for writers.

Today I'd like to share with you two blogs:

Kristen Lamb's most recent blog,"Reduce Stress, Increase Joy & Productivity- Why Is It So HARD?" hit me where I needed it. I've been feeling stressed lately - a result of a combination of things - and I so needed her words. I find myself thinking about the cabin that was our summer vacation spot when I was growing up. My BFF and her husband own it now, and my husband and I are joining them for a weekend in August. I am looking forward to relaxing, unwinding, recharging, and not having a do list or schedule.

Andy Scheer, an agent for Hartline Literary Agency, wrote a great piece that resonated with me, and I'm sure all you pantsers out there will love: "All Star Jazz." I'm all for letting the muse dance as she will.

HELPING HANDS PRESS NEWS:

HHP has revamped their website and blog, and, added a newsletter to help keep both readers and writers up-to-date. Check them out - the links are in the right margin.

If you're looking for a publisher to submit your work to, check out Helping Hands Press (my publisher). Click here for the submission guidelines.


 

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD

I'm really excited about the way Christian Writers Guild has revamped their courses, making them more doable and affordable.

"If you wish to write professionally, either full- or part-time, these courses will give you a solid foundation. Step-by-step, you’ll learn to produce and polish words that touch lives. Each course prepares you for the next." - CWG website

WEBINARS are one-hour writing classes you take from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. You can tune in live or download them at a time that's most convenient to you. "Offered twice a month, it’s like attending a writers conference in your home." (CWG website)  Click here to see a list of past webinars.

WRITING FOR THE SOUL CONFERENCE has gone on the road, being held in different parts of the country: "Writing for the Soul will now be more accessible in terms of cost, timing, and convenient venues around the country. We’re targeting book authors with classes in three areas: how to write your book, publish your book, and market your book." (CWG website)

The next one is Sept. 19-20 in Murfreesboro, TN. Click here for more information.

That's it for today.

Happy writing,
Michele

Summer reading, Day 14

Today is the last day for the Summer Reading Blog Tour. I hope you've enjoyed browsing this virtual library and have discovered new titles and authors to enjoy.

Today we meet Louellen Friesen, a 25-year-old Amish wife trapped in a loveless marriage, in Marsha Hubler's Amish/Mennonite novel, Love Song for Louellen:

1. What is your name? Mrs. Louellen Friesen
2. What one word best describes you? Forgiven
3. How do you first become involved in this novel? I make my entrance on the first page. I am cleaning house for an “English” doctor, David McAndrew, and, God forgive me, I have strong feelings for this man even though I’m married to Eli Friesen.
4. What worries you? I am childless, which is a blight in the Mennonite community. I worry that I’ll never have children.

Continue reading . . . 

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 2013

 

Twenty-five-year-old Amish Louellen Friesen finds herself falling in love with forty-year-old Englishman Dr. David McAndrew, a widower with two children, for whom she cleans house regularly in Mapletown, Snyder County, Pennsylvania. There’s only one problem. Louellen is already married.

Well past the “marrying age” at twenty-two, Louellen Bidleman had wed Amish man Eli Friesen three years prior, mostly because of pressure from her family. Eli, also in his mid-twenties and in danger of being “passed over,” had married Louellen for one main reason, to have sons.

Louellen has some love for Eli, but because of her church vows, sets out to be the best wife and mother she can be, especially when God blesses them with little ones. However, after three years, there are no children. Louellen is devastated, and Eli becomes bitter, feeling trapped in a marriage that has produced no offspring even though he knows that he has the medical problem, not his wife. Although he treats Louellen civil in public, at home he ignores her needs, and their wedded life is nothing but a disappointment to both.

What should Louellen do? Turn her back on her husband and her Amish Ordnung? Should she leave, become “English,” and marry Dr. McAndrew, a man who has promised her the moon?

 

More about Marsha Hubler.

Summer reading, Day 13

Today we'll meet Verity Wilde, the main character in I.O. Kirkwood's series, The Needless:

My name is Verity Wilde. No nickname though some people try to get away with Veri. Just say the short name and my last name together and you’ll figure out why I’m not happy about it. What was my mother thinking?  Continue reading . . . 

Book Description

Verity Wilde joins the Gamer's club that’s led by a 17-year old Junior named Hendrix Cobain (gamer handle: Dead Rockstar) and includes three other unlikely members: Chad “StayPuff” Fulton, Alexi “Chameleon” Parma, and Mike “Bruiser” Cruise. Together they go on magical quests, slay mythical monsters, discover surprising inner strengths, and test outmoded beliefs. Overcoming challenges together, they find friendship and acceptance. After “Bruiser,” the most unpleasant member of the club, disappears in the middle of a game, Veri and the gang have to find him. To do that they’ll have to win each level, fighting bigger and scarier foes along the way, until they face off with the Big Boss.

 

Publication Date: July 2, 2014

 

One more day left on the Summer Reading Blog Tour!

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com

 

 

 

Summer reading, Day 12

Today we meet Jai, born with useless eyes - and one of author Mark Venturini's favorite characters in his fantasy novel, Whispers from Forbidden Earth:

My name is Jai. I was born as you see me, with useless eyes. Yet I see in ways very few can. Perhaps I’m the only one still alive on the vast world of Eversong with spirit-sight. I don’t know. I have not sensed anyone else for many years. Continue reading . . . 

 ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT ON THE BLOG TOUR!

Monday  July 28 – Iola Kirkwood  http://iokirkwood.com/

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com

 

I hope you've discovered some fun new authors to read!

Happy reading,

Michele

 

Before I Die

Linda Laverly wants to fall in love again—to experience deep in her soul that head-over-heels, I’m-crazy-about-you feeling just once more. She leaves her unromantic, predictable husband of thirty-two years and the secure, comfortable life they built together. Is her quest worth risking her family, her job, her reputation, her faith? As she wrestles with issues of aging and self-image, anger and betrayal, she finds the love she’s longing for where she least expects it.


Advanced Copy Reader review:

"OOOOOOOH, Michele!! I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT! My eyes were filled with tears at the end. You had the courage to write about the secrets of women our age - that longing to be loved and not just taken for granted - or to feel like we're 'stuck' with each other now, so let's just make the best of it. I saw my own self in your character. Thank you for writing this story. May God bless it and cut it loose to touch the lives of many others." - Kerin M.


Read the first chapter and leave a comment! Click here. . .

Entire novel will be released Aug. 7 in ebook and paperback!

Happy reading!
Michele

Summer reading, Day 11

If you like sci-fi, today's characters will intrigue you. Author Travis Perry conducts today's interviews:

Our scene is a tent, someplace dusty, with wind blowing hard outside. I sit across the a wooden table from two men also seated. One I recognize from Colony Zero, the other from Medieval Mars.

Continue reading . . .

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT ON THE BLOG TOUR! 

Sunday  July 27 - Mark Venturini  http://markventurinijourney.blogspot.ca/

Monday  July 28 – Iola Kirkwood  http://iokirkwood.com/

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com

 

 

Summer reading, Day 10

From author Joy Ross Davis:

This morning I’m "visiting" with Keeva, one of the sisters in my newest work, Sisters Divided.  Keeva and her sister Maeve are twin angels who are working to earn their wings. The first volume in the story Sisters Divided, entitled "WINGS," is available at Amazon for 99¢

What is your name? My name is Keeva. I have no last name.

What one word best describes you? Loving

How did you first become involved in the story? Since the story is about me and my twin sister, I have been involved from the beginning when Maeve and I were in our Angel Initiate class. Oh, that sister of mine can cause some trouble. But, she means well.

Read more . . . 

ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT ON THE BLOG TOUR! 

Saturday  July 26 - Travis Perry http://travissbigidea.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 27 - Mark Venturini  http://markventurinijourney.blogspot.ca/

Monday  July 28 – Iola Kirkwood  http://iokirkwood.com/

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com

 

 

 

It's Thirsty Thursday!

 You're Invited! Our 'Thirsty Thursday' Party starts @8PMEST! Please join us!

5 things you didn't know about novelists

This is so true: "5 Things You Didn't Know about Novelists"

But if you're called to write, write anyway!

Happy writing,
Michele

Summer reading, Day 9

Today we meet Lester Tibbett of author Tracy Krauss's Neighbors series:

Former radio cowboy Lester Tibbett is back after a near death experience that has put a few things in perspective. It hasn’t stopped his friend Jed from harassing him about women or the upcoming bull riding competition. Nor has it made life any easier when it comes to dealing with his teenage sister. Just when he is at the end of his rope, he makes an unexpected discovery. Is it fate or mere coincidence? Click here to read more about him, straight from the cowboy's mouth . . .

 

 Volume 6 - Navigating the Neighborhood

 

Summer Reading Blog Tour Schedule:

See what other Helping Hands Press authors are up to:

Monday  July 14 - Ruth L. Snyder  http://ruthlsnyder.com

Tuesday  July 15 - Cindy Noonan http://CindyNoonan.com

Wednesday  July 16 - Mishael Witty  http://bluebrownbooks.com/

Thursday  July 17 - Michele Huey  http://michelethuey.com/

Friday  July 18 - Patti J. Smith  http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

Saturday  July 19 - Amber Schamel  http://amberschamel.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 20 - Mark Carver   http://www.markcarverbooks.com

Monday  July 21 - Marian Baay  http://marianbaay.blogspot.nl/

Tuesday  July 22 - Jen Cudmore  www.jencudmore.com

Wednesday  July 23 - Tracy Krauss  http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/

 

Thursday  July 24 - Marcia Laycock http://marcialeelaycock.com/thespur/

Friday  July 25 - Joy Davis  www.joyrossdavis.com

Saturday  July 26 - Travis Perry http://travissbigidea.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 27 - Mark Venturini  http://markventurinijourney.blogspot.ca/

Monday  July 28 – Iola Kirkwood  http://iokirkwood.com/

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com

 

 

Don't believe the Big Lie

A publisher told Sammy Tippet he couldn't write fiction. He took some courses from Christian Writers Guild and proved them wrong. (James Scott Bell calls this "The Big Lie.")

Read Sammy's story here.

Happy writing!
Michele

Summer reading, Day 8

Today we meet Bryan Leland Tate, M.D., the handsome ortho surgeon from The San Francisco Wedding Planner series who is romance-challenged wedding planner Heather Donovan's love interest. Says author Jen Cudmore:

"I picture Bryan much like Paul Rudd. Not a total hottie but definitely a cutie pie. He’s about 6 feet tall with blue eyes and typically clean shaven. He’s 36 years old when he first meets Heather, owner of Donovan’s Wedding Service.He’s about 6 feet tall with blue eyes and typically clean shaven. He’s 36 years old when he first meets Heather, owner of Donovan’s Wedding Service."  Continue reading . . .

The complete San Francisco Wedding Planner series now available in one book, print and e-book.

Click here for print book.

Click here for download.

 

Summer Reading Blog Tour Schedule:

See what other Helping Hands Press authors are up to:

Monday  July 14 - Ruth L. Snyder  http://ruthlsnyder.com

Tuesday  July 15 - Cindy Noonan http://CindyNoonan.com

Wednesday  July 16 - Mishael Witty  http://bluebrownbooks.com/

Thursday  July 17 - Michele Huey  http://michelethuey.com/

Friday  July 18 - Patti J. Smith  http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

Saturday  July 19 - Amber Schamel  http://amberschamel.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 20 - Mark Carver   http://www.markcarverbooks.com

Monday  July 21 - Marian Baay  http://marianbaay.blogspot.nl/

Tuesday  July 22 - Jen Cudmore  www.jencudmore.com

 

Wednesday  July 23 - Tracy Krauss  http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/

Thursday  July 24 - Marcia Laycock http://marcialeelaycock.com/thespur/

Friday  July 25 - Joy Davis  www.joyrossdavis.com

Saturday  July 26 - Travis Perry http://travissbigidea.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 27 - Mark Venturini  http://markventurinijourney.blogspot.ca/

Monday  July 28 – Iola Kirkwood  http://iokirkwood.com/

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com

 

 

Summer reading, Day 7

Today we meet Private Calvin Mitchell - a female soldier during the Civil War in Marian Baay's Civil  War romance, "The Officer's Daughter," volume 2 of Murray Pura's Let Freedom Ring series:

From author Marian Baay: "I invited Private Calvin Mitchell for a cup of tea and a nice little chat. It may surprise you that this private is not a man but a woman. In 1864, women were not allowed to fight in the war between the States – but Calvin did. She has tried hard to keep her true gender a secret, but the captain of her company found out." Continue reading . . .

Book Description

Nashville, 1864. Canadian Andrew Burns is captain in the 10th Minnesota Infantry. One day he discovers that one of the privates in his company is a woman, dressed like a man. When he gets to know the woman behind the male facade he falls in love with her and promises to keep her secret.

Together with Corporal Dean, Private Calvin Mitchell is sent on an errand in the hills south of Nashville where the Confederate army is gathering and preparing for the upcoming battle. When two days later only Corporal Dean returns and tells a story that Private Mitchell is killed, Andrew becomes anxious. He is the only one who knows that Calvin Mitchell is a woman and he is determined to find her—dead or alive.

Publication Date: May 29, 2014

 

Summer Reading Blog Tour Schedule:

Monday  July 14 - Ruth L. Snyder  http://ruthlsnyder.com

Tuesday  July 15 - Cindy Noonan http://CindyNoonan.com

Wednesday  July 16 - Mishael Witty  http://bluebrownbooks.com/

Thursday  July 17 - Michele Huey  http://michelethuey.com/

Friday  July 18 - Patti J. Smith  http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

Saturday  July 19 - Amber Schamel  http://amberschamel.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 20 - Mark Carver   http://www.markcarverbooks.com

Monday  July 21 - Marian Baay  http://marianbaay.blogspot.nl/

Tuesday  July 22 - Jen Cudmore  www.jencudmore.com

Wednesday  July 23 - Tracy Krauss  http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/

Thursday  July 24 - Marcia Laycock http://marcialeelaycock.com/thespur/

Friday  July 25 - Joy Davis  www.joyrossdavis.com

Saturday  July 26 - Travis Perry http://travissbigidea.blogspot.com/

Sunday  July 27 - Mark Venturini  http://markventurinijourney.blogspot.ca/

Monday  July 28 – Iola Kirkwood  http://iokirkwood.com/

Tuesday  July 29 – Marsha Hubler  http://marshahubler.wordpress.com