by Lisa Jordan I’m a sucker for happy endings. I admit it and make no apologies for it. I’ve heard complaints about romance novels being predictable-they end the same way with the hero and heroine concluding with the realization they’re in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together. Isn’t that the point of a romance? So, …
Do You Need That Character?
by Mary Connealy I’m doing an interesting and very educational thing with a book. The third book in the Kincaid Bride series which releases this August. Over the Edge, the crazy brother’s story. At my editor’s suggestion I’m taking out a character. Not taking out a character like I’m a a HITMAN or something, that would be rude. No, my …
Book Review: Skip Rock Shallows
Title: Skip Rock Shallows Author: Jan Watson Publisher: Tyndale House Date: June 2012 ISBN: 978-1414339146 Genre: Historical Romance Reviewed by: Lisa Lickel Coalmine country in early 20th century rural America is no place for a single woman. Certainly not for Lilly Corbett, even if she is the new doctor interning at Skip Rock coal camp. When Dr. Jones, Skip Rock’s …
Honest Criticism: What Every Writer Needs
by Fay Lamb A writer who will not listen to honest criticism of his work, who continues to march solo into his writing adventure without heeding the suggestions of others, is unlikely to fulfill his dreams of publication. And this is why critique partners are essential if you wish to grow and to achieve success as an author. A critique …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
In our Volunteer Spotlight this week is D’Ann Mateer. I wanted to thank her for coordinating the Young Adult category for the Genesis Contest. She has done a terrific job and we appreciate it. Also D’Ann has volunteered at our annual ACFW conference. As I’ve said before, I invite anyone else who has something to share about the volunteers in …
May 2012 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar — The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin, Sarah, has come to two conclusions about life: that God does not love her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth. Caught in an arranged marriage, Sarah must learn to love …
Thanks to Authors
by Lorraine Walker I have found the advice of established authors to be invaluable on my writing journey. To all of you who are inundated with deadlines, revisions, research, and marketing, please know that your writing tips, blog posts, and info on your websites are golden nuggets to others. You have lived the writer’s life and your expertise helps those …
Book Review: Heart Echoes
Title: Heart Echoes Author: Sally John Publisher: Tyndale House Date: Feb 2012 ISBN: 978-1414327870 Genre: Women’s Fiction Reviewed by: Patricia Woodside Secrets drive this story about a female attorney, wife and mother, who will do whatever is necessary to help others, but who has severed ties with her family and hometown because dealing with them are more than she can …
Make a Difference with the Doing
By Davalynn Spencer This winter as I highlighted passages in a writer’s magazine, dog-eared favorite pages in a how-to book on fiction, and sucked the life-blood of encouragement from the tale of a successful writer’s personal journey, I recognized a note of familiarity. I’d read it all before. Was there nothing new under the publishing sun? Since embracing professional development …
How to Eat a Book Review
by Crystal Laine Miller The title is a rip-off from a poem I vaguely remember from grade school by Eve Merriam called “How to Eat a Poem.” It starts off like this: “Don’t be polite. Bite in. Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that may run down your chin. …” Eve alluded that reading a poem …