Christian Fiction - Fiction titles just arriving in LifeWay stores!

Q&A with Cathy Gohlke

2012-09-06T12:05:00Z

Today we have author Cathy Gohlke here to share about her new novel, Band of Sisters.

1. What motivated you to write Band of Sisters?

I’ve always been fascinated by the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement. But I was horrified to learn that there are more than twice as many men, women and children enslaved today than at the height of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This book was born of a passion to end modern-day slavery, and most of all, to ask, “What can I do to help in a need so desperate?”

2. Why did you choose NYC 1910-1911 to tell this story? And how does human trafficking in that era compare to human trafficking today?

I was inspired by an article I read of Alma Matthews. Alma was a small but determined woman who, armed with her umbrella and a hefty douse of fury, stood against dangerous men bent on exploiting immigrant women as they entered the U.S. through Castle Gardens, in old New York City. Alma ushered young women to her home, prepared them for employment, and helped them begin a safe new life in the city. It became a full time ministry involving many—all in the early days of the settlement house movement.

But my editor suggested that I set the story later, when immigrants entered the U.S. through Ellis Island. As I researched that possibility, I found that the problem of exploitation and human trafficking had not only grown during those years, but that the strikes of NYC shirtwaist factory workers had made public the desperate need for women to make a living wage in safe circumstances. Necessary elements for the story and high drama were all a matter of public record—everything from the passing of the Mann Act to address the fear of white slavery to the Triangle Waist Factory fire.

Even though our technology, transportation, communication, etc., is different from the story’s era, many countries today are no further in providing rights and safeguards for women than the U.S. was in 1910. Some are further behind.

Many of the same ruses are used by traffickers to lure women into their snare now as they were then: better paying jobs for themselves and/or money for their families, flirtation, pretense of emotional caring and support, marriage, offers specifically for modeling jobs, offers for education, appeals for help of various kinds, plays on sympathies, etc.

In some cases, after having sex with someone they trusted, or after being drugged and forced into having sex, women or children are/were blackmailed. Fearful that their families will not believe them or will accuse them of promiscuity and reject them, they are afraid and feel compelled to sneak out and “service” men when called. Some are sold to traffickers or users by members of their own family, or by someone they trust.

Once trapped—sometimes after being unwittingly drugged and/or blackmailed—women are often transported far from their home (crossing borders to other states or countries). Held against their will through abuse, enforced poverty, lack of ID, lack of language skills, lack of visas or passports, they may simply not know who to trust or where to go for help in the country in which they find themselves. Isolation, threats to their person or their family, repeated brain washing that they are dirty, worthless, unwanted, unloved, and good for nothing but sex with paying customers are all tools that traffickers use to intimidate and control their victims.

Fear of what will happen if they try to escape, fear that they have ruined their lives and will have no other way to live, fear for themselves and loved ones, resulting health problems, feelings of hopelessness and a constantly reinforced sense of self-worthlessness all form formidable prisons for victims of trafficking. Even if it seems they can physically escape, they may not be able to break the emotional or mental chains that bind them.

All those things happened then, and they continue to happen to victims today.

3. What research did you do?

My research began with human trafficking today and the fight to abolish modern-day slavery through books, the internet, and through organizations and individuals that are helping in various ways—raising awareness, rescuing, restoring and healing victims, tracking down and prosecuting predators, education of men and boys re. the human rights and intrinsic worth of women, safe houses, etc., and those who fundraise to assist organizations or individuals who are already doing these things.

For historical background I watched documentaries and read (books, old newspapers, archives) about the growth of old New York, the social conditions and desperation of the poor and of immigrants in particular, the disadvantages to those who did not speak English, the unique problems of women and children—the opportunities for and difficulties of making a living wage outside of prostitution, the threats made to women and their families to coerce them into sexual service, of their economic desperation without a male provider, of their few legal rights, and of the unfair treatment women received in court. Those studies led me to the development of the sweatshops, the growth, expansion and revisions of the settlement house movement, the work of Jacob Riis in making the abject poverty of thousands known to the public.

Learning of those conditions led to a special interest in Irish immigrants—their cultural and social strengths and weaknesses, their views of family, their aptitude for and reception in different types of employment in America.

My husband and I made two trips to NYC. From there we conducted research at Ellis Island, took several tours in the Tenement Museum, and bought more research books and maps, including more on the Triangle Waist Factory fire.

Once I knew my storyline, I mapped out locations of the story and trekked through Manhattan, exploring old sites, especially between Mid-town Manhattan, through Washington Square and the surrounding NYU area (including the site of the Triangle fire), the Bowery and the Lower East Side. As I walked, photographed the city, explored, and talked with residents, the voices of my characters erupted. I gladly followed their lead.

4. Your characters are strongly influenced by the question asked in Charles Sheldon’s classic, “In His Steps”—“what would Jesus do?” Why did you choose that book to help tell your story?

After all my research I knew I had the historical elements needed. What I didn’t know was the inner conflict of each character, or the answer to the all-important question: “what can I do to help in a need so desperate?”

I found my answer by confronting the question Sheldon posed in his very popular book of the time, “what would Jesus do?”

If we all truly do what Jesus would do, slavery will end. Jesus never exploited men or women—He uplifted them and showed them a path of hope, a new way of thinking and living. He never used children, or child labor for ease or gain—He blessed little ones, demonstrating their great worth. He never bought or sold babies to fulfill the bride “needs” of a one-child culture. He never bought or sold human organs, or fetuses, or body parts. He never lied to immigrants, never enslaved them, never threatened their families or loved ones or lives if they did not comply with His demands, never coerced or forced, never shamed or punished a single person into submission to His will. But in every way He set a moral compass, employed Divine compassion to the broken hearted and broken bodied, and held to account any and all who victimized others.

5. In Band of Sisters your characters maintain that the answer to human trafficking is found in the question, “What would Jesus do?” What do you mean by that and how does that question impact this modern-day crisis?

In recounting the things Jesus taught, and in thinking about the life He modeled, I realized that He has already given us the answers. It is only for us to employ them.

Jesus would:

· Open His hand and His heart to those society spurns—not only to receive those who come to Him, but He would go out and search for and engage them, as when He ate with publicans and sinners, as when He called Zacchaeus from the tree.

· He would provide medical help, as when He healed the woman with the issue of blood, the man born blind, the paraplegic let down through a roof, and countless others.

· He would not hesitate to confront the darkest of the dark in order to free victims—the things and people and forces we’d rather not see or deal with, as when He drove demons from the young man, and from Mary Magdalene.

· He would open His purse strings, even His home to the needy as when He commanded us to provide for widows and orphans, as when hounded by Herod, he personally demonstrated the helpless plight and needed solutions for refugees.

· He would expect that those who could provide financially for this ministry and need would do so, just as He accepted gifts from those able to finance His ministry.

· He would protect lives and argue for victims legally—even those who’d madae mistakes society deems unforgivable, as He did for the woman taken in adultery—the woman in danger of being stoned.

· He would accept the thanks of and stand for those who looked to Him for answers. He would maintain relationship with them, even when they were misunderstood by society, as He did for the woman who anointed His feet.

· He would hold to account those who victimize others, as He did when He declared that for anyone who makes one of His little ones to stumble it would be better if a millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea.

· He would raise awareness and educate society to be on guard against this evil as much as any evil, to be vigilant, to accept responsibility to change, to train children to love God and care for and respect one another, just as He taught them everyday of His life.

· He would advocate for the human dignity and worth of all people, women included, as He did when He breached society’s laws by allowing the unclean woman, desperately hoping for healing, to touch Him, when He reached out to the Samaritan woman, who lived with a man not her husband, and when He died on a cross in our place.

6. Band of Sisters takes place in NYC. Do you think human trafficking is limited to large cities?

No. That is why raising awareness of the crime and education re. the methods used by traffickers is so important. Small, rural, isolated or poor communities are targets just as vulnerable as big cities. Traffickers often enter such communities with bogus offers of better jobs, modeling opportunities for young people, and offers for education. But those dreams are crushed when willing applicants are unwittingly sold as sex slaves or used for pornography, with no way to get back to their homes and families. In some cultures, once a girl has been so abused, she is no longer welcome to return to her family, thereby compounding the problem and sense of hopelessness. Education and understanding is desperately needed on all parts.

7. Issues of sex slavery and human trafficking are foreign to most of us and uncomfortable to discuss. How can Christians respond?

By speaking for those who have no voice. These are among the poor and needy of our day, in many cases the orphans that Jesus commanded us to care for.

We must remember that the discomfort is ours, and the desperate need is theirs. Being a Christian, a Christ follower, isn’t easy in a fallen world. Doing what Jesus did wasn’t easy or comfortable. He confronted demons and hypocrites. He stood against people who cared more about the monetary value of their livestock than they did about freeing one human being from demonic possession.

Jesus ate with “publicans and sinners” to the ruin of His reputation. Just as He is our example in loving one another and in protecting innocent young children, so He is our example in setting captives free, in loosening cords that bind, in rescuing women and children from prostitution, men from slavery.

In many countries of the world Christians pay with their lives for standing up for their faith and/or for protecting others. I’ve heard it said that only in America do we expect it to be easy to be a Christian. Talking about things that are uncomfortable to our sensibilities don’t seem so hard in comparison to the challenges our brothers and sisters in Christ face the world over.

8. Human trafficking and the abolition of slavery is such a huge problem, let alone rescuing and restoring its victims. What can I do to help?

*First, learn all you can through reading and talking with individuals and organizations who have already joined the fight:

-- Google “human trafficking” to learn what is happening in the world.

--Contact your local library, social services, churches or police force and ask what is being done in your community to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking. They can help you find books, organizations, and on-line information to educate yourself about:

The crime (what is human trafficking and where in the world it occurs—you will be astonished)

The people at risk

The methods traffickers use to capture and enslave

The tracking down, arrest and prosecution of predators

The rescue, restoration, and healing of victims

The fight to abolish slavery through legal means

The education of men and boys re. the dignity and worth of women and girls

Organizations and/or Individuals that are already working to do the above-**See my website at www.cathygohlk.com for a growing list of these sites. If you find more, please let me know so I can add them.

*Once you understand what organizations and opportunities are already in place, determine what you are able and equipped to do. That might include:

Work directly with one of these organizations, either in this country or in a foreign country

Validate, affirm, encourage and engage girls or women who are at risk or in the process of healing

Welcome strangers into your church as part of the church family

Take a rescued victim into your home or provide housing

Mentor a victim, or a girl or woman at risk

Help a woman find safe and gainful employment and/or child care

Help a woman applying for a job find appropriate clothing

Provide childcare and/or transportation when needed

Tutor a student, young or not so young and encourage hopeful options

Invite women or girls for a meal in your home or take them out for a meal or event, using the opportunity to reaffirm their worth

Provide assistance for medical care—practical or financial

Speak up when others make slurring or disrespectful comments re. women, immigrants, homeless, etc.—attitudes must change to make change last

Do not patronize stores, hotels, sporting events or other venues where you believe women or children are trafficked

Provide legal counsel, assistance or finances for same for victims

Hold public figures and men within your circle of acquaintance accountable for their actions toward women and children

Write or speak out against trafficking

Support legislation to stop trafficking, to prosecute and to educate predators

Write letters of support and concern to elected officials re. human trafficking

Contribute financial support to one of the organizations that is already in place and helping

Create and/or support films, documentaries, plays, or various art forms that raise awareness or needed funds

Fundraise for organizations that are helping

Help to educate publicly or privately those you know re. all of the above

Work with others to create new possibilities

Pray—continually

*Most importantly, realize that while you can’t do everything, we can each do something. Together we will raise a symphony that must be heard.

9. If Band of Sisters was turned into a movie, which actors do you think would best portray what you imagined for your main characters? Can you describe a few main physical features that they have?

Maureen is striking—tall, slim, with thick, flaming red hair (tendrils escaping), and green eyes in a thin face. Victoria Smurfit, who played Hannah Randall in “Berkeley Square” could play Maureen’s role perfectly.

Joshua is also tall, broad shouldered, with black, thick curls, dark blue eyes, and the ruddy complexion of a man who’s worked outdoors all his life. Perhaps Hugh Dancy could play his role.

Olivia is lovely with dark upswept hair and brown eyes. She’s intelligent, with a quiet and cultured but determined air about her. I think Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abby, would be perfect.

Curtis is tall, slim, with dark brown eyes, curling dark hair, and alabaster skin. Perhaps Jamie Bamber could fill his role.

10. How does your faith impact your writing?

My faith is part and parcel of all I do. While writing my first novel I learned that I cannot divide the heart God knit inside me, cannot separate what I write from how I live in response to Him.

That’s when I began praying, not just that the Lord would lay on my heart a “story,” but that He would lay on my heart His “purpose,” and a story to illuminate that purpose. Later I understood that "purpose” is what is known in writing circles as a “strong moral premise.”

All the characters must respond to that premise in some way or other. It is what ties the story together. Faith weaves the moral premise in my life, and as I live out that faith—as I respond to my Savior—my own life story is written.

11. Are you a plotter or a seat of the pants writer?

That’s a great question! My wonderful agent, Natasha Kern, is convinced I’m a “pantser.” I’ve thought of myself as a “plotter by force.” Over time, I’ve learned to plot enough to write a synopsis—but it’s like ripping teeth from their roots. I fear losing the passion for and organic nature of my story so am hesitant to commit or share details before writing a first draft. I’d much rather write a story and then severely revise and edit. But I’ve come to see that that is not always an efficient process—not for me and not for my agent or editors. The thing that’s helped me most is Michael Hague’s Six Point Plot Structure as he describes it in the DVD, The Hero’s Two Journeys, as well as The Moral Premise, by Dr. Stanley Williams.

Now I write a long and detailed—sometimes rambling—synopsis, then put it away, and only take it out if I find myself wandering off track. The finished product is often quite different from my original notes.

12. What spurs your writing?

Writing has become my way of making sense of the world, of putting into perspective the struggles of humanity and of my own—past and present—of trying to see the world as God sees it, as He redeems it by pursuing and claiming one heart at a time. I want to know what gives Him joy, what breaks His heart—those are the stories that matter, the stories that bring me continually closer to Him.

Frederick Buechner expressed it best, “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Finding that place spurs me on.

Guest Blogger: Dean Arvidson on The River

2012-09-05T14:08:10Z

I'm excited to have one of my awesome sales reps as a guest blogger today!

Dean Arvidson works at Thomas Nelson Publishers and handles a lot of the great books we have in our stores (I'm willing to bet you've read a lot of them!). He started telling me about a new novel that they were going to publish this Fall many months ago. I could tell from his emails that the man was fired up about The River by Michael Neale. Dean sent me an advanced copy of it back in the Spring. As I started to read it, I quickly realized why he was so excited about it.

Before Dean tells you more about the book, here’s a little bit about the story…

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back – the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old – something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest – and bravest – thing he has ever done.

Welcome, Dean!

Occasionally a book comes along that stirs the deepest areas of the reader’s heart, inviting the reader to rediscover the familiar and precious. And sometimes that book will also call the reader to face the unfamiliar and challenging, revealing a path to a deeper understanding of life and one’s identity in the larger redemptive story. The River has been such a book for me, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

As with so many great stories that connect deeply and move us, Gabriel Clarke’s life is messy. As a five-year old, he experiences a tragedy that will impact him the rest of his life. For years he suffers alone in the darkness of that trauma. The River is Gabriel’s story—the rocky journey that brought a most beautiful redemption to his pain. It is a compelling story of discovery in which Gabriel hears the voice of his destiny and faces his sadness, fears, confusion, and anger to finally recognize that he was made for The River.

It’s a journey he could not navigate alone, and the story reveals a wonderful community that joined him. At the age of five he moves from Corley Falls, Colorado, to Cairo, Kansas, to be raised by his mom, who had left he and his dad when he was 8-months old. She shares the weight of the tragedy on Gabriel’s life, and struggles to help him while dealing with the waves of guilt and shame that haunt her daily.

There is Mr. Earl, the farmer who reminded Gabriel of Grandpa Isaac back in Colorado and taught him so many life lessons as he grew into his teen years. And Miss Lily, his sixth grade teacher whose life story was so similar to Gabriel’s and allowed her to connect with his pain in a beautiful, heart-warming scene.

Ezra Buchanan is a fascinating and wise sage whose life has bridged three generations of Gabriel’s family, and his voice joins those of Gabriel’s father and grandfather who are heard through a well-worn journal—there is a wealth of life wisdom to be learned from such men, and they are a priceless gift to Gabriel’s journey.

A host of characters will draw you into the richness of The River, and invite you to a new appreciation for the arc of your life and the community you’ve been surrounded by.

Michael Neale has crafted a great story that will connect with a broad group of readers, both male and female. It is a compelling story, a fast read, and a book that I believe you’ll find yourself talking about and recommending often. It is a story of a life redeemed and filled with hope. Don’t miss reading this one. Let it stir your heart toward discovering the greater adventure ahead of you, the call to what you were made for.

I borrow these words from Gabriel’s dad, John Clarke, and wish them for you, as he did for his son.

I hope you experience The River someday as I have. Only you can make that decision for yourself. Great adventure awaits you. Don’t ever settle for the shore. Get all the way in...realize you were made for The River.

Thanks, Dean! Check out the first chapter of The River. It will grab you right away, trust me!

Tuesdays that feel like Mondays

2012-09-04T19:51:59Z

I don't know about you, but I may have had yesterday off but today sure feels like a Monday! Whew!

I'm really hoping that we'll have the new blog set up this week. I'm waiting to hear back from the guys who have been working on it when I can start posting. I've got things to share with you but I don't want it to get lost in the transition! Hopefully I'll hear back from them ASAP!

In the meantime, don't leave us! We'll have our new fancy-smancy site up and running soon. I think you'll really like it.

Have you been reading anything good lately? I'm about to start Man in the Blue Moon by Michael Morris. Can't wait to dive into it!

Author Talk Friday

2012-08-31T12:34:00Z

Are there any new authors that have grabbed your attention?

There are a few authors (new in the last 2 years) who have become auto-buy authors for me: James L. Rubart, J. Mark Bertrand, and Bob Hamer. - Ronie Kendig, author of Firethorn

I’m keeping a close eye on Becky Wade, whose debut My Stubborn Heart is coming out this summer. Even though I write historicals, I adore a good, deeply emotional contemporary romance, and she fits the bill. – Elizabeth Camden, author of The Rose of Winslow Street

I recently finished Into the Free, a debut novel by Julie Cantrell, and wow! That might have been one of the most beautifully written, captivating stories I’ve ever read. It would make an excellent book club book, especially because of what happens at the end. I think the discussion would be very rich.

I’m also looking forward to reading debut novels by Beth Vogt, Olivia Newport, and Dani Pettrey. Since the four of us are all debuting in May, we’ve formed a bit of a support group. These ladies have been such an incredible blessing in my life. - Katie Ganshert, author of Wildflowers from Winter

Yes, Rosslyn Elliot. I haven't read her novels yet but I interviewed her on my radio show Living Inspired (www.toginet.com/shows/livinginspired). I LOVED how her novels were inspired by true people. That's my passion, too. – Tricia Goyer, author of Beyond Hope’s Valley

They're not new, so you're going to roll your eyes and wonder what rock I've been hiding under. But two new-to-me authors that have grabbed my attention this year are: Deeanne Gist and Susan May Warren. Their books are DELIGHTFUL! - Becky Wade, author of My Stubborn Heart

Confession: I’m still hooked on C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. Their stuff inspires me, and I’m not finished with them yet. At some point, I’ll move on to the 21^st century. When I do, I’ll dive into Stephen Lawhead’s new stuff. -Tracy Groot, author of Flame of Resistance

Funny you should ask. I’ve just been reading The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura grew up reading by authors like Janice Holt Giles. Very, very good. I’m definitely a new fan. - Tracey Bateman, author of The Widow of Saunders Creek

Currently, I am enjoying books written by Tosca Lee, Andrew Peterson, Mary Conneally, and Jill Elizabeth Nelson. These authors write in four different genres. What they have in common is the strong Christian worldview that allows for Christians to be flawed. Through the characters’ weaknesses, they demonstrate God’s greatness. - Donita K. Paul, author of Dragons of the Watch

I can’t wait for the release of Stephanie Landsem’s book The Well from Howard Books in the Summer of 2013. Stephanie and I met two years ago at a writer’s conference because we were both too cheap to stay at the conference hotel. It was the first conference for both of us and later, when we exchanged critiques I couldn’t believe that I’d randomly stumbled onto such a gifted writer. I can’t wait until everyone knows her. – Regina Jennings, author of Sixty Acres and a Bride

August Best Sellers

2012-08-30T12:15:00Z

Good grief! August is almost over already? I feel like it started like a week ago. While I'll lament how fast time flies, take a look at the top selling novels at LifeWay Christian Stores for the month of August!

#1. The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

#2. The Choice by Robert Whitlow

#3. Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury

#4. Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

#5. Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

#6. The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

#7. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

#8. Loving by Karen Kingsbury

#9. Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson

#10. Beauty to Die For by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark

The Last Temple by Hank Hanegraaff & Sigmund Brouwer

2012-08-27T13:45:00Z

Following the success of The Last Disciple and The Last Sacrifice, comes the long awaited third novel from the team of Hank Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer. Here's a look at The Last Temple:

The Beast is dead, yet lives on.
War tears apart the Holy Land.
And Roman legions are on the verge of fulfilling an impossible prophecy of the Christos: the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Even after escaping death in the arena and crucifixion in Judea, Vitas is denied the comfort of settling down with his wife and child. Powerful men are conspiring against the emperor, and Vitas has his own motives to seek revenge against Nero.
Amid the empire's turmoil, Judea continues to defy Rome. Jerusalem is in danger not just from Rome's military might but from its own warring factions. Would God truly abandon the Holy City and the Temple?

Check out the first chapter to The Last Temple.

Author Talk Friday

2012-08-24T13:14:00Z

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

When I suffer from writer’s block I organize something like a closet, a desk drawer, or if I’m really blocked, my attic or garage. I love nothing better than to put something in order. The act of filing papers or arranging my flip-flops (I love flip-flops) by color calms me and gives me a feeling of accomplishment. In addition to being an author I’m college librarian. It must be the librarian in me that wants everything in its proper place and thinks alphabetizing is fun. – Amanda Flower, author of A Plain Death

I play! I’ve learned that our creative “self” is a child who needs room to play freely without feeling self-conscious or criticized. If I feel blocked I will leave my desk for a while and take a walk in the woods or go for a bike ride. I also like to absorb other people’s creative works by visiting the Art Institute in Chicago, reading a good book, or attending a concert or a play. And then I take time out to write something fun, just for me to read—but many times those “fun” exercises end up in my book after all. - Lynn Austin, author of Wonderland Creek

When I face writer’s block, I tend to walk away from the computer – literally take a walk or work out. And sometimes the answers come to me at the strangest times, like right before bed or waiting in line to catch a plane. During those times, I scribble the thoughts on anything handy, including paper napkins. - Michael Morris, author of Man in the Blue Moon (September 2012)

I take a walk or find something relaxing to do for a while. – Wanda Brunstetter, author of The Struggle

This doesn't happen very often. I stop writing for the day in the middle of a sentence sometimes or the middle of a paragraph. That way I know I have a place to go the next time I sit down and don't have the anxiety of going in to look at a blank page. Sometimes I feel stumped about where to go in a story and then I'll take the dogs for a walk (we have two) and I'll think through the theme, the story goal for the character etc. I might putter by cleaning a closet (I really have to feel blocked to do the closet thing!). I may read poetry or a short devotional and I might take some time to pray. In my writing classes I encourage people who experience the block to write "I don't know what to write, I don't know what to write" etc. until they start writing, "this is stupid" or "I think my character needs to go back home..." It's amazing how stream of consciousness can take us past that block. - Jane Kirkpatrick, author of Where Lilacs Still Bloom

I ask…what does my character want Right Now? And what do they fear Right Now. And then I try to pit those two answers against each other. Usually the arising conflict gets my creativity flowing again. - Susan May Warren, author of The Shadow of Your Smile

I’m one of those truly freaky people who if I say I’m going to do something, I do it. If I’m stuck, I’ll brainstorm with one of my friends or my husband, but I won’t go past 24 hours of not writing. Copies of my contracts are taped on my overhead. That’s great motivation! - Robin Caroll, author of Injustice for All

I have three friends who edit my drafts before I submit them to my editor. If I get stuck, I email them, and we brainstorm on-line. I’m so thankful for them! My mother is always a wonderful plotting partner. I bug her often when I’m planning out a novel. I’ll say, “Okay. So then what happens?” and she’ll throw out an idea. - Amy Clipston, author of A Life of Joy

Sit down and write anyway. It also helps to have music. And also reading a book on craft-- or another piece of fiction by someone I respect-- inspires me and makes me want to try again. - MaryBeth Whalen, author of The Guest Book

I go do something else. Walk, work, drive, dig, chop— anything to get the blood flowing and shake something loose. Sometimes all that's necessary is to leave the computer, go in another room and write with a pen on a legal pad. – Dale Cramer, author of The Captive Heart

An Adventure with Sarah Sundin

2012-08-23T13:00:00Z

It's been awhile since I've "Flat Stanely-ed" a book. My last adventure was back in the spring with Tamera Alexander's book so it's high time for another installment! While I was in Poland last week, I took along Sarah Sundin's new book, With Every Letter, which is now arriving at LifeWay Christian Stores. Let's see where all it traveled, shall we? Oh, and a special "thank you" to my friend Kasia in Warsaw for being my trusty assistant for several of the photos!

Thanks to multiple flight delays and cancellations, we find ourselves with a 5 hour layover in Amsterdam. Fortunately they have a lovely outdoor area where disgruntled passengers can enjoy some fresh Netherlands air and the roaring sounds of airplane engines.

Here we are at the best little ice cream shop in Warsaw. Obviously we're too focused on the flavors of lody (that's ice cream in Polish) to turn around and face the camera. Might I suggest the cytrynowy (lemon) lody? Yummm...

Next stop? Shopping for Polish pottery!

Ah, scenic Old Town Warsaw. This area was completely destroyed during World War II. All of the buildings were rebuilt in the 1950's to resemble the original buildings. They did such a great job that you can't tell they aren't the same buildings from 200+ years ago.

When in Warsaw, you must visit the Mermaid. Legend has it that a merchant captured her and put her in a wooden shed. Her cries were heard by the son of a fisherman who along with a friend, helped to free her. The mermaid promised at that time to help protect the city and her inhabitants if they were ever in danger. It's always good to have a mermaid in your corner.

Next up, the Royal Palace. This was the home of Polish kings for many centuries.

Visiting with one of the locals.

Another point of interest in Warsaw is Sigismund's Column. It has been knocked down several times since first erected in 1644. Each time it's been rebuilt, it's been made taller and taller. The last time it was destroyed was by the Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising on Sept. 1, 1944. The original broken pieces of the column are laying just behind us in this picture.

Pope John Paul is still seen all over Warsaw since he's a local boy from Poland. Shout out to the Pope!

Our last stop in Warsaw? The St. Kazimierz Church in New Town. It was originally built as a Palace but was later transformed to a church in 1688.

And now we're on our way home. We have just enough time to browse through the gift shop at the Paris airport. I don't think the Eiffel Tower will fit in my carry on.

Back on American soil and we're grabbing a snack before we board our last flight of the day.

Now that you've traveled around with Sarah Sundin's new book, here's what it's about:

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she's never met - even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence- he's been trying to escape his infamous name for years.
As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?
Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing - and true love.

Giveaway Winners!

2012-08-23T01:16:54Z

We've hit a record, folks! We had more people enter our giveaway today than any others we've done. Whooo hoo! Thanks so much for stopping by.

We've randomly chosen four winners. Congrats to:

Emily from Alabama

Shane from Arkansas

Rick from Florida

Sheryl from Georgia

I'll be emailing you soon to get your information.

Be sure to check out the Fiction Blog tomorrow for a trip to Poland... and you don't even after to leave your house!

Book Giveaway!

2012-08-22T12:05:27Z

So I come back to work after being gone for a week and a half to find that a ton of books have been dumped on the floor in my sample closet. Where they all came from, I have no idea. Since I am already out of shelf space, I thought I would pass some along to you!

I have four sets of books to giveaway today!

Set #1: Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell & The Frontier's Daughter by Laura Frantz

Set #2: Stand by Me by Neta Jackson & Beauty to Die For by Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark

Set #3: The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo & The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker

Set #4; Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater & Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

For your chance to win one of these sets, answer this simple question:

What state do you live in?

Yep, we're keeping it that simple today! Leave your response in the comments section of today's post by 7:00 p.m. central time today. We'll randomly choose 4 winners from the responses that are left.

Ahh, jet lag...

2012-08-20T17:58:27Z

Hello! I'm back from my mission trip to Poland. It was a great trip but man, I'm now struggling with jet lag. A 7 hour time difference is hard to overcome! Although the picture above is not of me, it sure reflects how I feel today!

I hope to be back in the full swing of blogging this week! I worked on a fun post while I was in Poland so that will be coming later this week once I get my pictures together.

Have a great Monday!

The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

2012-08-20T12:12:00Z

Just arrived at LifeWay Christian Stores: The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

Daphne Sweeten left Paris - and a job she loved - to marry the man of her dreams in the U.S. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, she's left reeling and senseless. Literally. She's been trained as a perfume creator and now her sense of smell has disappeared along with her fiance!
She has to figure out why her nose isn't working, fix it, and get back to Paris. Meanwhile, she'll rely on her chemistry skills and just hope her new boss at Gibraltar Products, Jesse, doesn't notice her failing senses. They'll be working together on household fragrances, not posh perfumes. How hard can it be?
As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work as never before. And the promise of what's possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

Author Talk Friday

2012-08-17T13:06:00Z

What is one book (other than the Bible) you would want on a deserted island?

Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This book rocked my cozy little insulated and isolated world, inspiring and convicting me all at the same time. I need a constant reminder that we are here to love God with everything in us and liberally (and sacrificially) share the grace, love, forgiveness, and material blessings He showers on us. Of course, if I’m all alone on an island, I’m not sure how I’d be putting that into practice! I imagine I’d need to be reminded to enjoy the opportunity for sweet, uninterrupted talks with the Lord and hours of intercession rather than whimpering about my circumstances! – Becky Melby, author of Tomorrow’s Sun

I have a volume that I bought for a college course of the complete works of William Shakespeare. His writings are not only a feast of words, but his characters and plots cover the full gamut of human frailties and joys. I could live vicariously for quite a while on his stories— until help arrived! - Lynn Austin, author of Wonderland Creek

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand – Rene Gutteridge, author of Troubled Waters

My all-time favorite book is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. I'd pick that for sure! – Tricia Goyer, author of Beyond Hope’s Valley

So many books to choose from! I would probably take Pride and Prejudice. The love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is so very timeless. – Nancy Herriman, author of The Irish Healer

The collected works of C.S. Lewis. Hmm, that might be stretching it so I’ll go with The Chronicles of Narnia. - James Rubart, author of The Chair

That’s a tough question! There are so many good authors to choose from. I’ll take the coward’s way out and say that I’d like to have an endless blank journal and a pen that never runs out of ink so I could write and plot books while waiting for someone to rescue me. - Amy Clipston, author of A Life of Joy

A blank book to write in. That way I could keep making up new stories. - MaryBeth Whalen, author of The Guest Book

The complete works of Shakespeare, all in one volume and annotated. It has everything—tragedy, comedy, romance, poetry—and it would keep me busy for years. - Meg Moseley, author of When Sparrows Fall

I’ll go with George Bernard Shaw on this one and ask for a blank book. - Susan Page Davis, author of Lady Anne’s Quest

I can think of several books that have been life changing. I think if I could have only one, though, I’d choose my mother’s worn old Mennonite cookbook – given to her by her mother on her wedding day in 1971. Both my grandmother and mother have passed away, and that book holds so many memories and splatters of cake batter and sloppy joe sauce. - Jennifer Spinola, author of Sweet Potato Pie

This is such an unfair question. And since it is unfair, I’ll answer it in kind and give you not one but five answers: East of Eden, by John Steinbeck, A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, the boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis, Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo because I haven’t finished it yet and it’s looking like it’ll take a desert island stay, and finally How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O’Shei. - Tracy Groot, author of Flame of Resistance

Beverly Lewis Pre-sell

2012-08-15T13:45:00Z

You still have time to pre-buy the next release from Beverly Lewis at LifeWay Christian Stores! The Bridesmaid will release on September 11.

We have a great pre-sell offer for you... Whe you pre-buy the novel, you get it at the great sale price of 9.99 ($15.99 is the regular price) plus you receive a free dessert recipe sampler that's full of yummy Amish receipes. I've flipped through it... they look great!

But hurry! The free dessert recipe sampler is while supplies last! Visit your local LifeWay Christian Store or click over to our website to take advantage of this special offer!

Are you following me on Twitter yet?! I feel like such the social media gal right now! Join us on Twitter @LifeWay_Books!

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

2012-08-14T13:12:00Z

We're down to just about 7 weeks until a brand new novel from Dee Henderson hits our shelves! Full Disclosure will release on October 2.

You can go ahead and pre-order for just $9.99 at lifeway.com. That's one of the best prices out there, folks! This pre-sell offer is good online only.

In Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson, Ann Silver is the Midwest Homicide Investigator who is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is.