Carla Stewart, a two-time ACFW Genesis winner, is a Guideposts Writers Workshop alumna who has been published in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, and several regional magazines and anthologies. Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs, released in June 2010 with FaithWords (Hachette). Carla enjoys a good cup of coffee, weekend getaways with her husband, and the antics of their six grandchildren.
Chasing Lilacs, a powerful and touching novel about a girl searching for the truth about her mother's love, is listed #19 on the August CBA bestseller list. It's back cover reads:
"It's the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for Sammie Tucker. She has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems, shock treatments, and whether her mother loves her. When tragedy strikes, Sammie's life careens out of control and she must choose who to trust with her deepest fears: her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious boy from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on.
"Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done."
Endorsements by other authors also give us insight into the book:
"A remarkable debut novel. Carla Stewart cleverly captures the stark simplicity of a young girl's voice with all the masterful qualities of powerful prose. Unforgettable." ––Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy
"CHASING LILACS is the kind of coming of age story that sticks to you beyond the last page. Unforgettable characters, surprising plot twists, and a setting so southern you'll fall in love with Texas. Carla Stewart is a new talent to watch!" ––Mary E. DeMuth, author of Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn
Congratulations go out to Carla for this heartwarming debut novel. You can read more about her on her website, www.carlastewart.com, follow her blog at www.carlastewart.blogspot.com, and find her on Twitter @ChasingLilacs.
Please comment below...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
This Week's Feature: Denise Hunter and her new novel, Driftwood Lane
Denise Hunter is the nationally published author of bestsellers Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. Wow! That's quite a list.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since.
Denise writes Christian romance novels for Thomas Nelson. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but she insists a good imagination helps too! When she isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband.
Her newest novel, Driftwood Lane, sounds like another winner. On it's back cover we read:
"Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she?
When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own.
Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane?"
Hmm... Sounds mysterious, doesn't it? Three siblings Meredith has never met ... an uncle with plans of his own posing as her handyman ... and secrets? I love secrets! This one has just become a must for my summer reading list.
To learn more about this talented author, check out Denise's website at www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or join her FaceBook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124248046980
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since.
Denise writes Christian romance novels for Thomas Nelson. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but she insists a good imagination helps too! When she isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband.
Her newest novel, Driftwood Lane, sounds like another winner. On it's back cover we read:
"Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she?
When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own.
Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane?"
Hmm... Sounds mysterious, doesn't it? Three siblings Meredith has never met ... an uncle with plans of his own posing as her handyman ... and secrets? I love secrets! This one has just become a must for my summer reading list.
To learn more about this talented author, check out Denise's website at www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or join her FaceBook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124248046980
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Today's Feature: Beth Wiseman and her new book, Seek Me With All Your Heart
Best-selling author Beth Wiseman's Seek Me With All Your Heart, book #1 in her Land of Canaan Series, is due for release in September, but it can be purchased now at ChristianBook.com.
Writing has always been a part of Beth's life. When she was introduced to the Amish, she gained an appreciation for their simpler way of life and began writing novels featuring this endearing group. Her first novel was Plain Perfect.
Beth is a wife, mother of two grown sons, a full-time author, and loves having a life blessed by God. She and her family live in a small town in Texas, in the country—God’s country. Beth says it’s beautiful there. They wake up to their rooster (Rusty!) crowing, and she spends her days writing stories that God puts in her head.
Her favorite verses are: 1 Corinthians 13: "... And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." and John 14:18: "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
In an interview with Beth, Christianbook.com asked her what inspired her to write Seek Me with All Your Heart. She answered, "This was a joint effort with my editor and publishing team based on an article that detailed how Amish families are migrating to Colorado—from Pennyslvania, Ohio, Indiana, New York, Michigan, and Missouri. Most of them are pursuing less-expensive land and more land for future generations."
When questioned about the location of the book's setting, Beth said, "The fictional town of Canaan is located near Monte Vista, Colorado. Monte Vista is Spanish for ‘mountain view’, and the Sangre de Cristo (which means ‘blood of Christ’) Mountains are to the east and the San Juans are to the west. I’ll be going back to the area in August to do more research. We chose that location because there is an Amish community just outside of Monte Vista."
On the book's back cover, we read:
"Emily Detweiler's family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can't get far enough to escape what happened there.
"David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Never mind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.
"Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?"
Hmm ... This raises quite a few questions that scream for answers. I've never read Amish fiction before, but I think I'll start now. This book is a must buy!
Writing has always been a part of Beth's life. When she was introduced to the Amish, she gained an appreciation for their simpler way of life and began writing novels featuring this endearing group. Her first novel was Plain Perfect.
Beth is a wife, mother of two grown sons, a full-time author, and loves having a life blessed by God. She and her family live in a small town in Texas, in the country—God’s country. Beth says it’s beautiful there. They wake up to their rooster (Rusty!) crowing, and she spends her days writing stories that God puts in her head.
Her favorite verses are: 1 Corinthians 13: "... And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." and John 14:18: "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
In an interview with Beth, Christianbook.com asked her what inspired her to write Seek Me with All Your Heart. She answered, "This was a joint effort with my editor and publishing team based on an article that detailed how Amish families are migrating to Colorado—from Pennyslvania, Ohio, Indiana, New York, Michigan, and Missouri. Most of them are pursuing less-expensive land and more land for future generations."
When questioned about the location of the book's setting, Beth said, "The fictional town of Canaan is located near Monte Vista, Colorado. Monte Vista is Spanish for ‘mountain view’, and the Sangre de Cristo (which means ‘blood of Christ’) Mountains are to the east and the San Juans are to the west. I’ll be going back to the area in August to do more research. We chose that location because there is an Amish community just outside of Monte Vista."
On the book's back cover, we read:
"Emily Detweiler's family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can't get far enough to escape what happened there.
"David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Never mind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.
"Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?"
Hmm ... This raises quite a few questions that scream for answers. I've never read Amish fiction before, but I think I'll start now. This book is a must buy!
Monday, June 28, 2010
The wait begins ...
I've finished Face From the Past, had it professionally edited, attended a writer's conference, and signed with a great agent who is busy promoting it to editors. So, what do I do now?
Hmm. Let's see. I could sit around biting my nails, waiting on that magical email that tells me an editor wants to read more, take a break from writing altogether and work on some of the many unfinished household projects that haunt me every day, or begin my next novel.
I'm sure all you writers know the correct option: Begin my next novel, of course. But suppose the emails finally come and all I get is rejection? What then?
One option comes to mind immediately. I could throw a huge pity-party and invite all my unpublished friends to join me. Fess up - I know a lot of you out there know just what I'm talking about. After all, the Lord has numbered our days and life is short, so why should we waste another minute working so hard at something no one appreciates? Right?
Of course not. We are writers––professionals, and we are compelled to write come what may. So, we grit our teeth and dig in.
Yesterday after church, I took my writing sabbath and read, read, read. I finished The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell. In it, Bell states that all writers, published and unpublished, need to continue improving their craft by consistently writing and reading. Writing - set a goal to write a given number of words per week and do it, regardless. Reading - we need to read books on writing as well as other novels in the genre we write. If you haven't read The Art of War for Writers, I strongly recommend it as the next book you read to improve your craft.
Bell's book inspired me, so today I have set (and met) my word-count goal, am starting to read Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll, and am actively exploring ideas for my next novel.
Where are you in your writing journey, what are you working on and reading now, and have you set a word-count goal for yourself?
Hmm. Let's see. I could sit around biting my nails, waiting on that magical email that tells me an editor wants to read more, take a break from writing altogether and work on some of the many unfinished household projects that haunt me every day, or begin my next novel.
I'm sure all you writers know the correct option: Begin my next novel, of course. But suppose the emails finally come and all I get is rejection? What then?
One option comes to mind immediately. I could throw a huge pity-party and invite all my unpublished friends to join me. Fess up - I know a lot of you out there know just what I'm talking about. After all, the Lord has numbered our days and life is short, so why should we waste another minute working so hard at something no one appreciates? Right?
Of course not. We are writers––professionals, and we are compelled to write come what may. So, we grit our teeth and dig in.
Yesterday after church, I took my writing sabbath and read, read, read. I finished The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell. In it, Bell states that all writers, published and unpublished, need to continue improving their craft by consistently writing and reading. Writing - set a goal to write a given number of words per week and do it, regardless. Reading - we need to read books on writing as well as other novels in the genre we write. If you haven't read The Art of War for Writers, I strongly recommend it as the next book you read to improve your craft.
Bell's book inspired me, so today I have set (and met) my word-count goal, am starting to read Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll, and am actively exploring ideas for my next novel.
Where are you in your writing journey, what are you working on and reading now, and have you set a word-count goal for yourself?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Back Cover - This Fine Life
Yesterday I finished increasing the word count of my novel and breathed a sigh as I clicked the "Send" button emailing it to my agent. Now the wait begins, and I covet your prayers. The next step is up to the Lord, and I praise God I have an agent who is led by Him.
While I wait, I am reminded of Psalm 31:14-15a: "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand ..." What a blessing to know the Lord is in control.
Today, I am delighted to post the back cover copy from a fantastic novel, This Fine Life, published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and written by Eva Marie Everson, a fellow Floridian, whose works I have followed for several years:
"It is the summer of 1959 and Mariette Puttnam has just graduated from boarding school. When she returns to her privileged life at home, she isn't sure where life will take her. More schooling? A job? Marriage? Nothing feels right. How could she know that the answer is waiting for her within the narrow stairwell of her father's apparel factory, exactly between the third and fourth floors?
In this unique and tender story of an unlikely romance, popular author Eva Marie Everson takes readers on a journey through the heart of a young woman bound for the unknown. Readers will experience the joys of new love, the perseverance of true friendship, and the gift of forgiveness that comes from a truly fine life."
This heartwarming read will make a great addition to your summer list. You don't want to miss it.
While I wait, I am reminded of Psalm 31:14-15a: "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand ..." What a blessing to know the Lord is in control.
Today, I am delighted to post the back cover copy from a fantastic novel, This Fine Life, published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and written by Eva Marie Everson, a fellow Floridian, whose works I have followed for several years:
"It is the summer of 1959 and Mariette Puttnam has just graduated from boarding school. When she returns to her privileged life at home, she isn't sure where life will take her. More schooling? A job? Marriage? Nothing feels right. How could she know that the answer is waiting for her within the narrow stairwell of her father's apparel factory, exactly between the third and fourth floors?
In this unique and tender story of an unlikely romance, popular author Eva Marie Everson takes readers on a journey through the heart of a young woman bound for the unknown. Readers will experience the joys of new love, the perseverance of true friendship, and the gift of forgiveness that comes from a truly fine life."
This heartwarming read will make a great addition to your summer list. You don't want to miss it.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Finished book––need agent?
Well, finally, I have more to share about my personal journey from finished book to publication. I know it has been a while since I posted, but I have been quite busy as you will see below ...
One huge question I had to answer after I finished my book was: Do I need an agent?
If you read my last blog, you know I attended the Florida Christian Writer's Conference in early March. I went there with the agent question already answered––I did not need one, but I came home well aware that an agent is almost essential for a debut Christian author who wants to be published. What happened? At the conference, I attended an agents' panel, and boy did I learn a lot!
Why do I need an agent? To me, the most important reason can be found quickly by viewing websites of Christian publishers. Most of them work only with agents and do not accept proposals directly from authors unless they (1) have met them at a writer's conference and (2) have also given them permission to send a proposal.
There are other reasons to hire an agent, as well. These include the fact that your agent works with you and for you, answers your questions, gives you wise advice, and is eager to see you succeed. Good agents are well-versed and well-connected in the industry and also protect your interests when it's time to sign a contract with a publisher.
So, if your book is finished and you want to publish with a Christian publisher, your best bet is to seek out a reputable agent––reputable is the key word here. There are blogs and websites that help you find lists of reputable ones and some also give you criteria to use in evaluating an agent. Other sites list agents with whom other authors have had difficulty and explain the problem.
If you Google "Christian Literary Agents," you will find plenty sites to investigate. Michael Hyatt's comments about agents on MichaelHyatt.com are, in my opinion, quite informative. Author friends who have an agent are also an excellent source of information. My Facebook friends have answered many of my questions and given me great advice.
After you select the agent(s) you want to contact, be sure to carefully follow each agent's individual submission guidelines. These usually differ from agent to agent, and it is important to be meticulous in following each little detail. If you are submitting to more than one agent, be sure to say you are sending a simultaneous submission.
As you prepare your submission, remember to pay attention to spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc. It might seem ridiculous to mention this, but it is so easy to be careless and slip up. You want to present yourself as a professional.
In many ways, preparing the proposal seemed more difficult to me than writing the book. I can't remember exactly how long it took me, but it was at least a couple of weeks––maybe even a month. Be patient as you go through the process. It's important not to get in a hurry and make mistakes.
After you've finally finished the proposal and sent it off, you will have yet another opportunity to practice patience. It can take weeks or months before you hear anything. If you submitted to more than one agent, when you choose and sign with one of them, common courtesy and professionalism dictate that you notify all the others and let them know you have chosen another agent.
Well, there you have it––my humble opinion about why you need an agent. Fortunately, my agent search is over. The Lord blessed me with an excellent agent whom I met at the Florida Christian Writer's Conference, and I have already learned that an agent earns every penny you pay. (Of course, you pay nothing until your book is sold.) It is comforting to know that someone who is a lot wiser and well respected in the industry is looking out for me.
This brings me to the reason this blog has gone untouched for the last five weeks. My agent has advised me to increase the word count of my novel, and I have been working hard to do just that. He knows what the publishers expect––they each have their own word-count range. Since few Christian publishers include this information on their website, he was my only source of information. Just one more reason I needed an agent!
Do you have an agent? Are you looking for one? Have you submitted and not heard back? Received rejection letters? Feel free to share ...
One huge question I had to answer after I finished my book was: Do I need an agent?
If you read my last blog, you know I attended the Florida Christian Writer's Conference in early March. I went there with the agent question already answered––I did not need one, but I came home well aware that an agent is almost essential for a debut Christian author who wants to be published. What happened? At the conference, I attended an agents' panel, and boy did I learn a lot!
Why do I need an agent? To me, the most important reason can be found quickly by viewing websites of Christian publishers. Most of them work only with agents and do not accept proposals directly from authors unless they (1) have met them at a writer's conference and (2) have also given them permission to send a proposal.
There are other reasons to hire an agent, as well. These include the fact that your agent works with you and for you, answers your questions, gives you wise advice, and is eager to see you succeed. Good agents are well-versed and well-connected in the industry and also protect your interests when it's time to sign a contract with a publisher.
So, if your book is finished and you want to publish with a Christian publisher, your best bet is to seek out a reputable agent––reputable is the key word here. There are blogs and websites that help you find lists of reputable ones and some also give you criteria to use in evaluating an agent. Other sites list agents with whom other authors have had difficulty and explain the problem.
If you Google "Christian Literary Agents," you will find plenty sites to investigate. Michael Hyatt's comments about agents on MichaelHyatt.com are, in my opinion, quite informative. Author friends who have an agent are also an excellent source of information. My Facebook friends have answered many of my questions and given me great advice.
After you select the agent(s) you want to contact, be sure to carefully follow each agent's individual submission guidelines. These usually differ from agent to agent, and it is important to be meticulous in following each little detail. If you are submitting to more than one agent, be sure to say you are sending a simultaneous submission.
As you prepare your submission, remember to pay attention to spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc. It might seem ridiculous to mention this, but it is so easy to be careless and slip up. You want to present yourself as a professional.
In many ways, preparing the proposal seemed more difficult to me than writing the book. I can't remember exactly how long it took me, but it was at least a couple of weeks––maybe even a month. Be patient as you go through the process. It's important not to get in a hurry and make mistakes.
After you've finally finished the proposal and sent it off, you will have yet another opportunity to practice patience. It can take weeks or months before you hear anything. If you submitted to more than one agent, when you choose and sign with one of them, common courtesy and professionalism dictate that you notify all the others and let them know you have chosen another agent.
Well, there you have it––my humble opinion about why you need an agent. Fortunately, my agent search is over. The Lord blessed me with an excellent agent whom I met at the Florida Christian Writer's Conference, and I have already learned that an agent earns every penny you pay. (Of course, you pay nothing until your book is sold.) It is comforting to know that someone who is a lot wiser and well respected in the industry is looking out for me.
This brings me to the reason this blog has gone untouched for the last five weeks. My agent has advised me to increase the word count of my novel, and I have been working hard to do just that. He knows what the publishers expect––they each have their own word-count range. Since few Christian publishers include this information on their website, he was my only source of information. Just one more reason I needed an agent!
Do you have an agent? Are you looking for one? Have you submitted and not heard back? Received rejection letters? Feel free to share ...
Monday, April 5, 2010
Writers conferences are a must ...
In early March, I attended my first writers conference––The Florida Christian Writers Conference held at Lake Yale Conference Center in Leesburg, Florida––and caught conference fever.
Sequestered away from the dog-eat-dog fray of the world outside, I entered a community of vibrant Christians who not only loved books and writing as much as I do, but also cared deeply for others and for the Lord. Quite frankly, I know of no other assemblage where such unique vibes can be found.
The Christian fellowship, fantastic speakers, and uplifting worship would have been sufficient reason to attend, but the additional benefits to my writing craft and career were phenomenal. Opportunities abound whether you are a newbie beginner, listed on the New York Times best seller list, or somewhere in between. You can attend classes taught by masters of the craft, discuss your work and ideas one-on-one with agents and editors, receive help for an ailing manuscript from freelance writers, submit proposals to agents and/or editors for their critique, and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
It was a terrific experience, and one I intend to repeat next year. There are many conferences scheduled in different geographic areas throughout the year. If you have a chance to attend any one of them, grab the opportunity. It could be the door-opener you can't afford to miss.
Sequestered away from the dog-eat-dog fray of the world outside, I entered a community of vibrant Christians who not only loved books and writing as much as I do, but also cared deeply for others and for the Lord. Quite frankly, I know of no other assemblage where such unique vibes can be found.
The Christian fellowship, fantastic speakers, and uplifting worship would have been sufficient reason to attend, but the additional benefits to my writing craft and career were phenomenal. Opportunities abound whether you are a newbie beginner, listed on the New York Times best seller list, or somewhere in between. You can attend classes taught by masters of the craft, discuss your work and ideas one-on-one with agents and editors, receive help for an ailing manuscript from freelance writers, submit proposals to agents and/or editors for their critique, and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
It was a terrific experience, and one I intend to repeat next year. There are many conferences scheduled in different geographic areas throughout the year. If you have a chance to attend any one of them, grab the opportunity. It could be the door-opener you can't afford to miss.
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