FantasyThyme

2011-11-01T02:00:00.012-05:00

Underground Rising
Tales from the Underground

based on the series by

Frank Creed

(click image for Writers Cafe link or click link below)

Underground Rising - available from:

The Writers Cafe: http://www.thewriterscafe.com/books/underground_rising

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/UNDERGROUND-RISING-Underground-Frank-Creed/dp/1934284122/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320107650&sr=8-1

Explore the world of 2030 where heavily armed Neros patrol the USA streets, German alleys, and New Zealand tunnels. Citizens are now protected from the new the One World State enemy, the Fundamentals, formerly called Christians. The ongoing battle has escalated onto two fronts, the physical and the spiritual. Saints, mindware enhanced believers, must fight ever encroaching darkness to save the mind, body, and soul of citizens everywhere. Underground Rising builds on the bleak future world created in Frank Creed's two award-winning novels Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground and War of Attrition: Book Two of the Underground.

Editor:
Frank Creed

Authors:

Stephen Leon Rice
Deborah Cullins Smith
Greg Mitchell
Gavin Patchett
Lydia Daffenberg
Karen McSpadden
Grace Bridges
Timothy Hicks
Terri Main

On Monday, October 17, five of the contributing authors gathered online to discuss the anthology Underground Rising here is a transcript of our discussion:

Greg Mitchell: As part of our festivities for the new Biblical Cyberpunk release, Underground Rising: Takes from the Underground, I held a roundtable discussion with series creator and editor Frank Creed, and three other (including myself) contributors to this groundbreaking anthology! First off, let’s just go around the room and introduce ourselves. I’m, of course, Greg Mitchell, author of “Ex-Communicator”, the first story up in the anthology.

Frank Creed: I’m Frank Creed. I wrote and co-wrote several contributions to Underground Rising: Tales from the Underground.

Steve Rice: I’m Steve Rice, proudly pseudonym-free for ages. I also wrote “Bear Feat” for the anthology.

Timothy Hicks: I’m Tim Hicks from western Kentucky. I co-wrote “The Sandman Cometh”, a prequel story from the Flashpoint timeline.

Greg: And Grace Bridges! Representing our ladies tonight.

Grace Bridges: Hello from New Zealand where it is currently tomorrow afternoon! “Underground Undersea” is my contribution.

Greg: Frank, how did the idea for the anthology come about? Correct me if I’m wrong, but is this the first Christian Fiction anthology where other authors have come in and added stories to an author’s pre-existing series?

Frank: It’s the first of which I know, but surely it’s been done before. The idea came from the Underground’s origin, back in a cyberpunk series called Shadowrun.

Greg: Yes, Shadowrun! Many a fond memory.

Frank: Many authors wrote that series of books and I wanted to see what it would be like for other Christian artists to share in the Underground setting. The Underground is like Shadowrun but without magic or fantasy races.

Greg: Street samurais and deckers all around! Was it hard assembling so many different authors with their own voices under the Underground umbrella?

Frank: Not really, the contributions really stood on their own merits. Nothing felt forced from the creative standpoint.

Greg: What’s it like to see the finished product? I know, just on my end, I felt an enormous sense of pride from the end results. …Good Godly pride, naturally :p

Frank: It’s the end of years’ worth of effort, so there’s a sense of relief! But from a qualitative perspective, these really are some great stories that I’m sure will entertain readers of Christian cyberpunk.

Greg: Here’s a question for everyone: Do you think it’s possible to jump into this anthology with little to no background knowledge of the Underground novels?

Steve: Not if you use established characters.

Grace: As a reader? Sure. As a writer, nope. Either way, it’s very immersive.

Steve: The major problem is the voice. It’s very distinctive, like noir.

Tim: Not too easy. Knowing the storyline helped work out how the story tied back to the books.

Frank: I think it is possible. There’re plenty of examples of showing the technology with a brief explanation of what it is.

Grace: I return to the Underground when I need my imagination provoked for whatever. Some of you know that Flashpoint caused me to write a novel.

[Frank adds a smile here]

Greg: Wow, I didn’t know that Grace. What’s the story behind that?

Grace: The night I read Flashpoint, it fired up my imagination so bad. I had this dream… Cyberpunky, but that was all it had in common. I had to write it down. It became Legendary Space Pilgrims.

Greg: Frank, you corrupted...er, inspired young minds! That’s got to make you feel good, sir.

Frank: It really does. There have been many events that have come from writing Flashpoint, and inspiring Grace was one of those.

Grace: Actually [my novel] Faith Awakened came out at the same time as Flashpoint, almost to the day.

Greg: Okay, so now we know Grace was familiar with Flashpoint going in--I have to admit, Frank had to give me a crash course before I wrote my story (though now I’ve read both books and am all caught up :)). How familiar were the rest of you with this series before coming on board?

Tim: I enjoyed Flashpoint and wondered about how the world got into that predicament. I asked Frank about a nickname after Flashpoint and why it wasn’t recognized by the One World Order. Frank told me that was answered in his next book. Both books made me think, “What if?” Grace’s Faith Awakened and Flashpoint. That’s where my story idea came from. I wondered about the history before the story. Kind of like Paul Harvey’s, “The Rest of The Story.”

Grace: You’ve read Faith? Oooh :)

Tim: Yes, I read an ebook version. It was a pretty neat idea.

Steve: I had read Flashpoint (and Faith Awakened, for that matter), as well as writing a few virtual reality stories (“The Story Machine” and “Virtual Messiah”). And I had discussed things with Frank. He still hasn’t gone to the cops, so that’s a good sign.

Greg: Steve, your story “Bear Feat” actually stars Calamity Kid and e-girl, the heroes from the main books--was that awkward coming into those characters that were already pretty well-defined in their voices?

Steve: Not really. I’m a mimic anyway. The fact they were well-defined simplified matters. It was integrating them with my type of story and character that was tricky.

Greg: Well I thought you did great. Two continuity questions that are bugging me. Frank, how many sisters does Tinker have?

Frank: For now, Tinker only has two sisters. We'll have to leave that one open to creativity, though!

Greg: And, Grace, when does your story take place on the Underground timeline? You’ve got Calamity Kid and Legacy, right? (For those who don’t know, Legacy is captured somewhere in Book One…)

Grace: Yes. This actually occurs way down the track in what could be Book 4.

Greg: Wow!

Grace: So it’s after a bunch of drastic stuff has gone on. I have another story set then, too.

Greg: Not in the anthology, though.

Grace: No.

Greg: Ah, you tease us then.

Grace: All in good time, eh, Frank? :P

Frank: Indeed! I’m still writing Devil’s Hit List: Book Three of the Underground. Book Four will be co-written by Grace.

Greg: Whoa, big announcement!

Grace: Old news? It’s been settled for 3 years that I know of ;)

Tim: Cool! :D When can we pre-order?

Greg: More importantly, is Big Hoss Dupree [from “Ex-Communicator”] in it... oh wait, that’s not very important at all :)

Frank: You heard it here first! Pre-orders in a couple years. I write slowly. : )

Grace: So do I, and I got some other stuff on the fire at the moment.

Tim: Quality takes longer than quantity :)

Frank: Everyone will like Hoss, by the way, Greg.

Greg: I hope so! Tim, we talked about your story “The Sandman Cometh” being a prequel to the main series--was that tough to talk Frank into?

Tim: I hoped Frank would take a chance on my story. I wondered how the equipment in Flashpoint came about. What about the Sandmen before they had all the spiffy gadgets?

Greg: I’m glad he did. It was a neat peak into the past. Frank, in the “About the Author” in the back of Book Two: War of Attrition, it talks about “The Last Newspaper”. Now that’s the same story in the anthology correct? You wrote that thing back in 1983? How long have you had all of this in your head, man?!

Frank: The original version of “The Last Newspaper” was written back in about 1982, but that story was lost through time--I no longer have a copy of it. The version of “The Last Newspaper” that appears in Underground Rising was rewritten last year to fit into the Underground setting. It was not originally an Underground story. This stuff has only been in my head for about twenty years. : )

Greg: Oh, is that all? Well, I guess it’s a start :) I have to say, I read through the anthology for the first time the other day and was really impressed with it. Even though there are all of these different authors, working in their own little corners of the globe, the stories fit together quite naturally to tell a story of the Church in persecution. It was actually really inspiring, I thought.

Frank: I’m so pleased with the end result. I guess you could say “proud”.

Greg: I’ll hit Grace with this one first, since she’s our resident small press (she’s the woman behind Splashdown Books)--Do you see Christian Fiction making a turn, getting away from the predictable and exploring more fertile imaginative ground?

Grace: I certainly hope so! I have a number of very interesting submissions in my pile right now. Especially of a sort that mashes up the genres. I love that stuff!

Greg: Steve, do you think something like the “Biblical Cyberpunk” genre will be able to spill over into the “mainstream” Christian Fiction market, or do you think it, in a sense, belongs underground? The wild untamed, and all of that?

Steve: Spills are always possible. All these clumsy people, you know. I suspect that the mainstream will only do unusual and genre-bending work to copy the secular media. So the “underground” will likely remain so unless/until there’s a breakout story that becomes a major movie.

Greg: And perhaps that’s a larger problem that many within the “Christian Fiction” market see—a tendency to follow the trends, rather than set them. But I think Underground Rising is trendsetting stuff, no doubt, and I hope people catch on to it. I see a lot of naysayers of mainstream Christian fiction--and I wonder, if the anthology did go “mainstream” in popularity, would that somehow take away from its coolness factor in the eyes of the naysayers? You know there’s always that garage band that gets a Billboard Top 100 hit and everyone accuses them of “selling out” :p

Frank: I do hope the Underground gets the chance to “sell out”! It would mean a great deal to me if our work reached that kind of exposure.

Greg: Grace, what are your thoughts? Do some things belong on the fringe--not for lack of quality, mind you, but just because some people won’t touch “mainstream”, no matter how pure-grade awesome it is?

Grace: I don’t subscribe to that at all. Yes, some things are weird, but weird is becoming ever more mainstream. The weirder the better, even. And those who won’t touch it for whatever reason--they’re missing out.

Greg: I agree. I think that anyone--whether they “get” cyberpunk or not--can be really encouraged by this book. A) It’s refreshing to see the level of talent and B) it’s talking about things people can relate to—the loss of freedom and how we fight to hold on—it just happens to be set in the future.

Tim: The Underground world makes the point that everything matters to The Boss (as God is known in the Underground books), and he is in control. That’s why I liked the series. It made me think.

Greg: Frank, fans get a special treat at the end of the anthology--You’ve got a sneak peak at Book 3! What’s in store for the next installment, Devil’s Hit List?

Frank: In War of Attrition: Book Two of the Underground, the heroes lose their HQ because the Ash Megacorp is turning it into a Rehab Ward, to produce something called “Virtual-e”, which is a virtual plague. In Devil’s Hit List, the saints battle production of virtual-e.

Greg: And how far are you into the writing process on that one, O Slow Writer?

Frank: It’s about halfway done. I hope to have a release date around August 2012.

Greg: So, what’s next for everyone? What projects are you guys working on?

Steve: I’m working on a few projects, but I’ve become increasingly skeptical of “Christian” fiction. It’s usually no such thing. That’s why I largely stopped doing reviews. But I’ll probably publish online now and then. Evolutionists excuse the lack of transitional forms by “punctuated equilibrium,” which posits occasional change at the margins of genetic society. I think that’s how Christian writing will have to work for the foreseeable future.

Grace: I’m barreling towards the end of Godspeed, the sequel to Faith Awakened. It stands at 47,000 words out of a projected 60k, and I’m deep into the tangle of virtual reality once again. All going well, it should be out late next year. I’m also very excited about the Avenir Eclectia project, where Frank and Greg are participants. There will be an anthology for that next year, too.

Frank: Good news.

Greg: Tim, what are you cooking up?

Tim: Thanks, I’m working on a supernatural story about a medieval piece of stained glass that shows a person’s true spirit. Forces don’t want things known. But the killer needs to be found.

Frank: How about you, Greg?

Greg: Lots of different stuff, but most immediately, the second book in my The Coming Evil Trilogy comes out in February. It’s entitled Enemies of the Cross and is chock full of drooling monsters. Frank, what say you? Might there be an Underground Rising 2 in the future?

Frank: Perhaps. It depends on how Underground Rising sells. If there’s a demand, there must be a sequel!

[To this, Tim gives a thumbs-up]

Greg: So, I open this up to you guys, here at the last. Anything you want to ask each other?

Frank: Greg, do you have any other Dupree stories in mind?

Greg: Ha ha, not at present. But give me about fifteen minutes and I bet I could come up with something ;) That was a pretty easy character to write! He wrote himself, practically.

Tim: What about a cross-over story between story worlds? Underground meets Faith Awakened?

Frank: Grace’s time setting is ahead of mine.

Grace: Mine is in 2079.

Frank: We would need a Tardis, no?

Grace: Well, in fact I have a very enhanced character in Godspeed... Frank, we should talk.

Frank: Oh, Grace is already on this!

Greg: Closing thoughts?

Frank: Underground Rising has taken at least three years to compile--I want to thank everyone for their patience as this has come together.

Greg: Thanks for the opportunity!

Tim: Yes, thanks Frank. It was nice meeting everyone here tonight.

Grace: Yup. Awesome!!

Steve: It was good to be around Frank and Grace again, and to meet the rest.

Greg: Thanks for participating everybody.

Frank: Cool--thanks for moderating this thing!

Greg: Well, folks, that’s all we got. We hope you were entertained, enlightened, and inspired to go out and buy this book! Go! Go now! Quick!

Thanks to everyone who hung out in the chat and thank you all for reading :)

2011-10-26T02:00:00.004-05:00

The Bone House

The Bright Empires - Book Two by Stephan R. Lawhead

Blog Tour - Day 3
End of the Ley Line?

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Bone House - available from:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/159554805X/
CBD - http://www.christianbook.com/the-bone-house-bright-empires/stephen-lawhead/9781595548054/pd/548054?item_code=WW&netp_id=897894&event=ESRCG&view=details
CBD (Audio CD) - http://www.christianbook.com/the-bone-house-unabridged-audio-book/stephen-lawhead/9781401685119/pd/685119?item_code=WW&netp_id=898032&event=ESRCG&view=details

Author’s Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

I received a review copy from the nice people at Thomas Nelson of The Bone House
in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

Here on the last day I thought I'd mention some questions I had about the series, and ley travel in particular. Kit's great-grandfather Cosmo explained his slowed aging by travel the ley lines. I wondered if ley travel leaves some type of temporal field around the traveler. Since you can travel to multiple places in the past, and Kit's servant traveled with Kit to the servant's future, can Kit find a ley line leading to Kit's future? Could Kit, or Lord Burleigh, travel back to the time just before Kit first left and stop him from leaving? If Kit can't travel to his future, would he be safe from Lord Burleigh in a time-line after Burleigh existed? And, does the time spent in another ley time line equal the time gone on their home time-line? I guess I'm wondering if Kit and Mina will encounter a Rip Van Winkle effect and return years after they first left London. If it sounds like I'm thinking too deeply on the Bone House and The Bright Empires series, then that says something about how well I enjoyed the book.

The Bone House reminded me a bit of an earlier Lawhead book series, The Paradise War. In that series, two college students travel by means of a Scottish stone cairn at a special time of day to another place that seems another time. Both series involve moving two modern day people o another place, but The Bright Empires story adds another wrinkle by including travel through time. One of the things I enjoy about the Bone House is how the author works in real places, real times, and even a few real people. His eye to detail shows in how well he crafts the story and places the reader in a place and time totally foreign to a modern reader and still brings it to life.

Some readers may find The Bone House a harder read than most books, but I appreciate an author who writes to make you think rather than spoon feed you each detail to make sure you understand. I enjoyed the second book in the Bright Empires series, and look forward to reading what new twists and turns Mr. lawhead can manage to pull off in the third book of the series.

*Participants’ links:
Noah Arsenault
Red Bissell
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
CSFF Blog Tour
Jeff Chapman
Carol Bruce Collett
Karri Compton
D. G. D. Davidson
Theresa Dunlap
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Janeen Ippolito
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Marzabeth
Katie McCurdy
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Chawna Schroeder
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

2011-10-25T02:00:00.000-05:00

The Bone House

The Bright Empires - Book Two by Stephan R. Lawhead

Blog Tour - Day 2
Been There, Done That, Got the Papyrus T-Shirt

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Bone House - available from:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/159554805X/
CBD - http://www.christianbook.com/the-bone-house-bright-empires/stephen-lawhead/9781595548054/pd/548054?item_code=WW&netp_id=897894&event=ESRCG&view=details
CBD (Audio CD) - http://www.christianbook.com/the-bone-house-unabridged-audio-book/stephen-lawhead/9781401685119/pd/685119?item_code=WW&netp_id=898032&event=ESRCG&view=details

Author’s Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

I received a review copy from Thomas Nelson of The Bone House
in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

Skin Map(1st book in series) Trailer:

One thing that came to mind as I read The Bone house was how some of the locations were revisited, yet no one seemed to run into their self. This seemed confusing until I read that Mina told Kit to meet a man known as the Last Man on Earth Who Everything before a later meeting when the group would reconnect. The plan to collect an item before the Burleigh men seemed like a good idea. As long as Kit's group arrived earlier, they could gain the advantage. Yet even with this type of foreknowledge, plans didn't always work out as planned. In one timeline, a close run-in with the Burleigh Men and the Duke himself led to Kit's sidekick getting shot and almost captured. Kit tried to escape, but the ley lines failed to work as expected. He became separated from his team, and then Mina couldn't locate him. Kit became stranded in another place, in another time, and with no easy way out.

Through it all, a greater plan is in place for Kit, Mina, and the others' life. It's a plan the Master Planner has had in place since the beginning; a plan that existed long before the Skin Map. The idea of a Master Plan seemed a central theme of the book, and maybe the series. Life doesn't occur haphazardly. Things often happen because of choices made. Making a bad choice doesn't cancel the Lord's plans for a life, but it may require extra work one someones part for the same result. This is something I felt Kit has yet to discover. Though Evil may seem to be winning at times, the conclusion is already known and Evil is destined to be defeated.

2011-10-24T02:00:00.005-05:00

The Bone House

The Bright Empires - Book Two by Stephan R. Lawhead

Blog Tour - Day 1
Ley, Ley, La Ley Lines

Author’s Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

I received a review copy from Thomas Nelson of The Bone House
in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

Author Trailer:

The Bone House is second in the Bright Empires trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead. It's rare that a second book holds my interest as much as the first. Some how, Mr, Lwhead pulls it off. Kit and Mina are back and closing on the Skin Map's location. In this book, Kit strikes me as a character akin to Ralph Hinkley in the 1980's TV series, The Greatest American Hero. He's learning as he's going becasue he doesn't have an instruction manual. This makes for an exciting read as the reader isn't quite sure what to expect as Kit rides the ley lines from place to place and time to time. Wilhelmina, Kit's former girlfriend who goes by Mina, has hit her stride in the past. She's co-owner of the hottest, and only, coffeehouse in Prague, part owner in a shipping company, and knows the Austrian Prince. Just when things seemed darkest for Kit, Mina shows up with a ley line-type GPS.

One of the things I enjoyed about the Bone House is the history slice of life Mr. Lawhead brings the reader. He seems to understand each period, easily moving between changes of manerisms and speech as the characters travel the ley lines. One of the most interesting examples for me was the character ported to the Stone Age. We know little about the people and period, but the author brought the world to life. There was little dialogue, but you almost feel the excitement as modern man learns to communicate with stone age man.

Ley lines connect times and places and we find out they aren't always running. As I read, I wondered if ley lines farther from Kit and Mina's home time and place require some kind of re-charge period. This might explain the Stone Age ley line's limited window of opportunity. The leys remind me of a computer processor. Circuits open and shut, and sometimes one-way travel is allowed, but shunted off in a new direction. Billions of possible combinations exist, and it seems impossibly complex. Yet, to the one who design it all, it makes sense.

Day 2 Blog: Been There, Done That, Got the Papyrus T-Shirt

*Participants’ links:

Noah Arsenault
Red Bissell
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
CSFF Blog Tour
Jeff Chapman
Carol Bruce Collett
Karri Compton
D. G. D. Davidson
Theresa Dunlap
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Janeen Ippolito
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Marzabeth
Katie McCurdy
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Chawna Schroeder
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

2011-09-21T02:00:00.004-05:00

The Monster in the Hollows

The Wingfeather Saga - Book Three by Andrew Peterson

Blog Tour - Day 3
(The Final day)

Sometime Life Throws a Curve, Just When You think You Have Things Figured Out.

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Monster in the Hollows - available from:

Book link - https://store.rabbitroom.com/books/the-monster-in-the-hollows
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Hollows-Wingfeather-Saga/dp/0982621434/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316311564&sr=1-1
Series Web site - http://www.WingfeatherSaga.com/
Author’s Web site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

I received a review copy from Rabbit Room Store of The Monster in the Hollows
in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

The Monster in the Hollows opens in a ship's hold with Janner recovering from Kalmar's attack.

I remember thinking that the book had barely started and here Janner was withe aches and pains. The Wingfeather family just has one thing after another thrown at them. The family's tragic journey keeps going from bad to worse. It makes for good story, and suspense, but how much should a person have to take? Then I remembered the story of Job. The Wingfeather crew shares some similarities with the Old testament man of God. Job never wavered in his faith even when life went from bad to worse. The Wingfeather family lost their house overlooking the ocean after a Fang attack. Terrible foes attack and mistreat them. Yet, through it all the Wingfeathers hold on to their faith in The Maker and see him as their ultimate deliverer from harm.

Plans seem confounded at every turn, and expectations disappointed. But, it's not The Maker who brings the trouble but others acting on personal grudges or for personal gain. After winning their way across The Dark Sea of Darkness , I still like that title, Janner and his family are attacked by those they expected aid from. People change and people who survived hardship change even more. The Green Hollows were still green, but the Holish people had withdrawn from outsiders more than before in order to survive. Then, the unexpected treatment of Kalmar and by extension his mother, made me wonder why the Wingfeathers even bothered going to the Hollows.

After reading about their arrival is when I wondered if a part of the story is things happen to us or because of us for a reason. Did Leeli need to learn Hound speak? Did janner and Kalmar need to learn how to spy and protect each other? And did the people of the Green hollows need to learn that their choice to cut themselves off might eventually cause them more harm than good? A bad choice by Kalmar could still bring something good out of it later because The Maker sees what is to come, and not only what has already passed. AS i mentioned in an earlier post this week, I thought book three in the series was a little darker than the previous books. But sometimes we need to go through the valley before we strengthen enough to move up the mountain side and into the sunlight.

Once again Andrew Peterson wove a great tale. This book developed the characters and their story, and treated readers to the background story of how Podo Helmer, the children's grandfather, literally fought for his wife. It was a fun read. Hats off to Mr. Peterson's engaging tale. Sadly only one book remains in the Wingfeather Saga.

*Participants’ links:
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

2011-09-20T02:00:00.004-05:00

The Monster in the Hollows

The Wingfeather Saga - Book Three by Andrew Peterson

Blog Tour - Day 2

Guilding, What's Your Gift?

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Monster in the Hollows - available from:

Book link - https://store.rabbitroom.com/books/the-monster-in-the-hollows
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Hollows-Wingfeather-Saga/dp/0982621434/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316311564&sr=1-1
Series Web site - http://www.WingfeatherSaga.com/
Author’s Web site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

I received a review copy from Rabbit Room Store of The Monster in the Hollows
in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

What's Guilding? It's the Holish equivalent of specialized training. Peterson's regular education followed by your speciality makes sense. Students are allowed to study their area of interest. The three Wingfeather children meet an interesting character named Head Guildmadam Groundwich. Tall and powerful, the Head Guildmadam is described as a "ten-whiskered woman." When I read her description, the image that came to mind was someone like a female Hagrid from the Harry potter series. I wasn't sure if this was a possible antagonist, or a potential ally. It turned out Olumphia Groundwich hadn't fit in when she first attended the guild hall. The other students had picked on her and Nia had been her only friend. The idea of sticking by your friends and being considerate of other's feelings seems a reoccurring theme. The Wingfeather family are frequently saved by the kindness of friends.

Olumphia - her name reminded me of Mount Olympus - tours the children to the various guilds. Leeli has a way with animals and is assigned to the Houndry; a place for ... hounds. Janner and Kalmar are taken to classes with interesting names like the juicery, the needlery, the bookbindery - which Janner especially liked, and the boatery. There were other guilds of course, but these all came with active sounding names that described what they did. One of the things I enjoy about Peterson's stories are his creative names for people, places, and things.

I wondered if the guilds were in the book to represent our God-given gifts or life skills. Janner wanted to take the bookbindery classes, and the houndry was a perfect fit for Leeli. Kalmar was another matter. Like I mentioned in yesterday's blog, he still felt buyer's remorse over his choices and wasn't sure he would fit in with any guild. As the family find out, The Maker always has a handle on what is happening, and things happen for a reason. Leeli's training comes in handy during a confrontation. Later, Kalmar and his Throne Warden find their guild training was needed too.

Tomorrow I'll talk about the need to keep changing your plans. Life happens.

Tomorrow: Sometime Life Throws a Curve, Just When You think You Have Things Figured Out.

2011-09-19T02:00:00.009-05:00

The Monster in the Hollows

The Wingfeather Saga - Book Three by Andrew Peterson

Blog Tour - Day 1

Not All Monsters Are Scary Looking

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Monster in the Hollows - available from:

Book link - https://store.rabbitroom.com/books/the-monster-in-the-hollows
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Hollows-Wingfeather-Saga/dp/0982621434/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316311564&sr=1-1
Series Web site - http://www.WingfeatherSaga.com/
Author’s Web site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

I received a review copy from Rabbit Room Store of The Monster in the Hollows
in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

Book three in the Wingfeather Saga seemed a little darker in tone than the earlier books. I guess life isn't always sunshine and brightness, especially where Gnag the Nameless is involved. Janner and his family have fought their way across the sea to make the safety of the Green Hollows. But life has changed quite a bit since Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli's mother and grandfather left the area. The story opens with Janner recovering from wounds by his now furry brother. The Green Hollows are recovering from wounds of their own by Gnag and his Fang hordes. The Holish people judge Kalmar a monster and want to lock him away for their safety after the suffering faced at the hands of bloodthirsty Fangs.

Arrangements are made and promises are made but at a terrible price for failure. As Throne Warden, Janner must face his responsibilities to protect his stronger and faster brother, the King. Janner reluctantly agrees to defend his brother from physical and verbal assaults at their new school, but soon is confronted by the school bully time and again. Peterson seemed to paint Kalmar as more sad and emotionally hurting than scary. As I read the book I questioned more and more who the monsters really were.

Do we act any better toward to outsiders or new people than the Holish people? After we've been hurt time and again, are we too quick to judge those who may be innocent because they are different from us? Kalmar choose unwisely and regretted his choice each day. In the third Wingfeather book, Peterson made me wonder if the real monsters are those who do a great evil and desire repentence, or those who needlessly provoke someone else to harm them.

Tomorrow: Guilding, What's Your Gift?

*Participants’ links:
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

2011-06-01T11:44:00.004-05:00

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Novel-Chiveis-Trilogy/dp/1433509253/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306946618&sr=1-1

The Sword
by
Bryan M. Litfin

I found this book on Kindlenationdaily a few weeks ago as a free ebook. The story takes place four centuries in the future after a cataclysmic man made virus and then nuclear attacks. The Sword is an adult Christian fantasy with a good message about needing God both personally and as a society.

I enjoyed the characterization. The main characters were believable. Rather than all good or all bad, they possessed some of each. Society is defined by three secondary religions which are ruled by one supreme deity. All four religions seem to defer to man's baser instincts creating much of the conflict and tension. The Sword is the first book in a trilogy. Book two, The Gift, released this Spring, and the third book is due out next year.

Author Interview

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m30JSPN5TVQ2XS/ref=ent_fb_link

2011-04-20T02:00:00.005-05:00

The Strange Man

The Coming Evil Trilogy - Book One by Greg Mitchell

Blog Tour - Day 3

Rosalyn, Appearances Can be Deceiving

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Srange Man - available from:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1616381949 CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/the-strange-man-coming-evil-trilogy/gret-mitchell/9781616381943/pd/381943?item_code=WW&netp_id=805698&event=ESRCN&view=details Author Webpage: Greg Mitchell – http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/

I received a review copy from Realms of The Strange Man in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

Rosalyn struck me as someone you should take a second look at as a character. The town looks down on her, not for anything she ever did but for an alcoholic mother and a father who ran off.
A partier, a flirt, and more, yet Rosalyn has the strength of character that surpasses Dras. The two are best friends since childhood. Dras' parents took Rosalyn under their care when she was left alone. When others spoke harshly and thought ill of Rosalyn, Dras stood up to them for her. Years passed and now Rosalyn takes care of Dras; the little boy who never grew up. She's there when he needs the support of a kind word, when he watches horror movies late at night, and even when he's had to many drinks at The Rave club.

I guess a one word description for Rosalyn would be compassionate, while a one word description for Dras might be fun-loving. Yet, there comes a time in your life that you receive a wake up call to put away the ways of your youth and take up the responsibility of adulthood. This wake up moment for Dras came when he met the Strange Man face to face. His life would never be the same. He feels an overriding desire to warn Rosalyn about the danger, no matter the cost. She thinks he's joking at first, then tells him to leave her alone. The tension mounts as Dras tries to get help from his brother the minister, but he has been hurt too many times before by Dras' choices. The story builds and in the climax scene, Rosalyn is confronted by a truth long avoided. Will she decide to leave Greensboro for the promised greener pastures, or stay with Dras who has changed in a way she's not all that sure that she likes?

Read The Strange Man for an intense story. It's a tale that will leave you pondering long after the last page.

*Participants’ links Noah Arsenault Red Bissell Kathy Brasby Grace Bridges Beckie Burnham CSFF Blog Tour Amber French Tori Greene Katie Hart Bruce Hennigan Timothy Hicks Jason Joyner Carol Keen Inae Kyo Emily LaVigne Shannon McDermott Matt Mikalatos Rebecca LuElla Miller Gavin Patchett Andrea Schultz Kathleen Smith Donna Swanson Jessica Thomas Steve Trower Fred Warren Dona Watson Phyllis Wheeler

2011-04-19T02:00:00.000-05:00

The Strange Man

The Coming Evil Trilogy - Book One by Greg Mitchell

Blog Tour - Day 2

An Ill Wind Blows Into Greensboro

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Srange Man - available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1616381949 CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/the-strange-man-coming-evil-trilogy/gret-mitchell/9781616381943/pd/381943?item_code=WW&netp_id=805698&event=ESRCN&view=details Author Webpage: Greg Mitchell – http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/

I received a review copy from Realms of The Strange Man in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

One of our fellow blog tourers - tourists? - mentioned shared similarities The Strange Man with some of the Ray Bradbury stories. A few brain cells clicked, and movie scenes from Something Wicked This Way Comes came to mind. Both stories mention an ill-wind blowing in with an evil man who walked slowing down the middle of a small town street. Both stories involve an evil being using temptations and misdirections to bring suffering. Bradbury's tale occurs in Greentown, Illinois after a carnival travels into town.

Greg Mitchell's story begins in the forest outside Greensboro then picks up steam as the winds of change billow and boil the darkened sky. Dras' older brother, Jeff, is afraid of the darkened sky when the storm first appears, and with good reason. The scene where Dras is chased by a billowing tempest of imps made me wonder in a later scene if these same small evil creatures first appeared to the townspeople as a boiling, black cloud in the sky. The imp cloud roars through Greensboro like a speeding freight train howling wind as they chase their prey, Dras, through town. This tumbling wind and roaring sound were mentioned in yesterday's blog of I Peter 5:8 and the sound of a roaring lion. The author's description of a tumbling, torrent of grinning imps washing away cars, buses and small buildings in their wake created a strong visual as I read.

Now, when thunderstorms rumble outside, I'm sure The Strange Man story will come to mind. Tomorrow I will discuss more about the characters. One of the things that puzzled me most of the book was the reason why The Strange Man was determined to capture Rosalyn for his own.

Tomorrow: Rosalyn, Appearances Can Be Deceiving

2011-04-18T02:00:00.007-05:00

The Strange Man

The Coming Evil Trilogy - Book One by Greg Mitchell

Blog Tour - Day 1

Evil isn't Always Ugly at First Glance

(click image for Amazon link or click link below) The Srange Man - available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1616381949

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/the-strange-man-coming-evil-trilogy/gret-mitchell/9781616381943/pd/381943?item_code=WW&netp_id=805698&event=ESRCN&view=details

Author Webpage: Greg Mitchell – http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/

I received a review copy from Realms of The Strange Man in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour

Evil isn't always pretty. Evil isn't always ugly. In The Strange Man, Evil portrays both. Victims in this story didn't recognize Evil until it was too late. The Rave Scene is the local late night hangout for those wanting a little dancing, a little drinking, and a little carousing. One night, a tempest blow into town bringing with it Evil afoot. A gaunt man walks into town carrying a century old grudge against the town of Greensboro. He has savored this moment, and hopes to enjoy the the exquisite pleasure he gains from the suffering of others. He visits The Rave as the crowd are the most easily swayed to his pleasure.

At the Rave, The Strange Man blends into the background as he surveys those inside as potential puppets for his will. He spots the main characters' girlfriend, Rosalyn, and while fixated on her, the Strange Man bumps into Lindsie and displays his true features. Lindsie leaves The Rave. The Strange Man changes his appearance to appear handsome and tries to tempt Rosalyn away from Dras, who becomes drunk. His plans thwarted, the Strange Man chases down Lindsie displaying his true appearance.

I'll admit some of this book's scenes sent cold chills down my back. Normally I don't read horror, but I soon found myself getting into the story. The characterization is very good. Even the Strange Man seems just plain, well evil. When asked for pity or sympathy, he laughs and sets loose creatures of outer darkness on the victims. Little in the town of Greensboro is black and white. The townspeople look down of Greensboro look down on Rosalyn, because of choices by her parents. Dras' brother, the minister, has doubts and the strange storm heralding the coming of bad times bothers him more because of a childhood fright of storms. Dras is painted as a happy-go-lucky kid brother who watches scary movies with Rosalyn, and sponges off his elderly parents. Each of these encounter some facet of Evil, but as a different appearance.

Most of all, I think the author captured the essence of Evil. The Strange Man's actions and ploys reminded me of I Peter 5:8 where the Devil is described as prowling around like a roaring lion seeking to devour. We can never take our adversary Satan too lightly, lest we end up like the characters in this book and become devored through too readily giving in to temptations rather than leaning on the true source of strength.

2011-04-06T02:00:00.018-05:00

TALES OF THE DIM KNIGHT by Adam and Andrea Graham

Order Tales of the Dim Knight from Amazon Order Author Signed Copy from Cross Purposes $10.95 US (plus $3 shipping) Order the Kindle version (Readable on iPad and other devices) Order other eBook formats from Smashwords (PDF, mobi, rtf, lrf, etc.)

* I received a printed and Kindle copy of the book for the purposes of this book tour *

What's not to like about a super-hero who's a regular guy, except for the costume and super powers, and with the same worries as most people today; mortgage, getting ready for work, making time for family? Comic book ultra-fan Dave Johnson is granted special powers by an alien in a FBI closet. Now he has two jobs. Clean up the FBI building by night, and clean up area crime by day and during his free time. When's a poor super hero supposed to sleep?

Things go from bad to worse for Dave. His two sons feel forgotten, and his banker wife, Naomi, is convinced Dave has a new love interest. Dave keeps it all to himslef as he knows from his comic books what happens to a super-heroe's family when their secret identity is discovered. Along the way Dave discovers a bit more about himself, and finds he must face hard choices and harder regrets. I wasn't sure what to expect at first as I opened Tales of the Dim Knight. Was the book a medieval story with the usual wry Graham wit, or a space-opera judging by the cover image? Actually it was both in a way. A space alien resided in special bracelet inside a top secret closet at the FBI. The creature granted the main character fantastic abilities in the hopes of achieving his own gains. Every gift has its price, and this gift reminded me of the old saying about beware of aliens bearing gifts, or something to that effect. There wasn't a lot of action at the beginning of the book and I began to wonder when Dave would take up his super-hero mantle like movie super-heroes. But then, real life isn't as fast paced as in the movies. Dave didn't want to rush into his new crime-fighting job. He needed a persona. He needed an outfit. He needed a name. Dave was slow and careful at first, there were a lot of decisions to make. Through the story Dave grows a little as a hero, and a lot as a person. His response to a personal tragedy is to create a new hero who can respond with darker actions. A child's response makes Dave see a side of himself he doesn't like. Tales of the Dim Knight spoofs some of the directions society would have us move. When his wife, Naomi, is convinced Dave's unexplained absences could only mean another woman is involved, she turns to s self-help/divorce guru for help. When Dave tries to fight crime, he's hit with threats of legal action and red-tape from City Hall. when he trie to enforce one law, he's given a ticket for breaking another law. I also enjoyed some of the names involved. A group of super-heroes in New York join forces to combat terrorists with a nuclear bomb. I especially liked Captain France, Half-Brain, and The Group with No Name. It seemed like the authors had a fun time writing Tales of the Dim Knight, and I enjoyed reading it.

Interview: Where did you get the idea for your latest book, Tales of the Dim Knight? I've always loved well-done spoofs. I was a huge fan of "The Tick" growing up. So I decided to sit down at the keyboard and indulge in poking fun at as many superhero conventions as I could. Little things like "plot" came later. I noticed the main character, Dave Johnson, works as a night custodian for the FBI. Did you want to create a relatable hero with a believable job rather than another multimillionaire hero in a cape who runs around the city? I did think we had far too many single superheroes with large amounts of disposable cash. I wanted to explore how an ordinary person with a house, a wife, and a mortgage payment would manage. Plus I had the issue of introducing our hero to Zolgron, the symbiotic alien. The final scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark inspired me to decide Dave would be the janitor of a warehouse containing top secret stuff the FBI didn't want people to know about. Did you have any other places in mind when you chose the story location? I chose the city of Seattle as the location for most of the action because, for whatever reason, there's some East Coast bias on the Superhero front. Every major superhero is from New York or some New York-like city such as Gotham City or Metropolis. Though, Dave's hometown of Bryerton is the scene of some action, and, at first, I had the story set in the real city of Bremerton . But our research turned up some things about Bremerton that simply wouldn't work. I also fictionalized New York City as Megalopolis after we ran into a problem with an out-of-town scene involving the Empire State Building . We later cut that scene. However we'd already changed the book and it was a nice parody of Metropolis. How did you chose the names for the book's super-heroes and super-villains? I don’t struggle with coming up with names. If they don't work, Andrea renames them. :) Seriously, regarding Dave Johnson’s name and his family’s names, that was just what their names were. The superheroes and supervillains were challenging. The chapter where Dave searches for a superhero name was based loosely on my own search for a name that hadn't been taken by another superhero/supervillain. While it probably wouldn't be grounds for anything legal, I wanted to avoid any potential trouble. I think I succeeded. Although, I did find out after I'd written the book that there was a youth group somewhere named "Powerhouse." Andrea does seriously edit a lot of the names I choose for various reasons. She'll change names if she doesn't think it sounds right for the character, per the time she changed the name of an action hero of mine from Smithers to Snyder.) She also changes names too similar to another character’s name or if I chose a name she feels I’ve overused between manuscripts, or if the meaning or origin of the name does not suit the character, such as when I gave a proud second generation Italian-American mobster the Portuguese name Marcos, which Andrea changed to the Italian name Marco. From the comic book characters and storylines mentioned, it sounds like you know quite a bit about the genre yourself. Did you grow up on a steady diet of comic books yourself, and who were your favorites? My dad was actually pretty strict and wouldn't let me and my younger brother read comic books other than Disney ones or very old comics. We once picked up a huge stack of comics from the 1950s for about a dime each from a pawn shop. But I understand Dad’s decision. A lot of comic books have turned dark and cynical. Although, some new kid friendly lines have come out in recent years. However, my younger brother and I were allowed to watch Superhero movies and TV shows, and that I did quite a bit of. I was fortunate to be a teenager in the 1990s when there was a plethora of You-name-it: the Animated Series. Spider-man, Batman, Superman, Darkwing Duck, and the Ninja Turtles all captured my imagination. I was also a huge fan of the live action Zorro series and loved Lois and Clark : The New Adventures of Superman. I delighted at the adventures of old cartoon superheroes, too, including Hong Kong Fooey and Underdog. Curiosity led me to study up on the history of superheroes, which provided much of my understanding of their stories. And to think my parents thought I was vegging out. Little did they know that I was doing research. Any plans for a sequel or related stories? In the initial draft of Tales of the Dim Knight, the ending foreclosed the possibility of a sequel, or at least made it pretty hard for there to be one.) However, when Andrea and I were working through the rewrite last summer, she suggested a more open-ended finale and I agreed, since I have had some ideas for a sequel. I've found superhero plots that we hadn't parodied yet, such as time travel, alternate universes, a shrink ray, and our hero losing his sight (temporarily.) We haven’t really taken on the super-powered super villain or kryptonite yet, either. I've also debated spinning off a book or two about the detective character that makes his entrance towards the end of the book, which sort of makes him a parody of using an existing superhero series to test the pilot of a new hero. Thanks for your time, Mr. Graham.

Other Tales of the Dim Knight Blog Tours:

4/7 Joan Nienhuis http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com 4/8 Carol E. Keen http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/ 4/9/ April Erwin http://www.projectinga.blogspot.com/ 4/11 Morgan L. Busse http://morganlbusse.wordpress.com 4/14/ Emily LaVigne http://southernfiberreads.wordpress.com/ 4/15 Chawna Schroeder http://chawnaschroeder.com 4/22 Frank Creed http://afrankreview.blogspot.com 4/28/ Beckie Burnham http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com 5/3/ Amy Cruson http://the160acrewoods.com

Be sure to visit the other blogs for more on this enjoyable book!

2011-04-05T11:08:00.003-05:00

TALES OF THE DIM KNIGHT by Adam and Andrea Graham

* I received a printed and Kindle copy of the book for the purposes of this book tour *

Blog Tours for Tales of the Dim Knight

3/20 David James newauthors.wordpress.com This review includes a contest. Rack up the most points to win an autographed copy of Dim Knight! 3/27 David James interviewed Powerhouse, Emerald Avenger, and Dave Johnson. 4/3/ Phyllis Wheeler www.Christian-Fantasy-Book-Reviews.com 4/4/ Noah Arsenault http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/ 4/4/ Sarah Sawyer www.sarahsawyer.com/blog 4/5/ Tammy Shelnut http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com/ 4/6/ Timothy Hicks http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com/ 4/7 Joan Nienhuis http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com 4/8 Carol E. Keen http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/ 4/9/ April Erwin http://www.projectinga.blogspot.com/ 4/11 Morgan L. Busse http://morganlbusse.wordpress.com 4/14/ Emily LaVigne http://southernfiberreads.wordpress.com/ 4/15 Chawna Schroeder http://chawnaschroeder.com 4/22 Frank Creed http://afrankreview.blogspot.com 4/28/ Beckie Burnham http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com 5/3/ Amy Cruson http://the160acrewoods.com

Questions how your children might view the book and is it appropriate?

(Read this link) Would Tales of the Dim Knight Be A Good Book for My Kids?

2011-03-27T13:36:00.006-05:00

A Worker/Writer is Worthy of his Pay

Getting paid for your writing effort isn't bad. It is expected that now or later you will get paid for your labors. 1 Timothy 5:18 KJV (For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward. ) A problem occurs when your misuse of a writing gift creates a negative or harmful result. For example, if you have a gift of writing and decide to write material that leads another to sin, isn't your writing creating a stumbling block for others? Romans 14:13 KJV (Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.)

You can write a story for the right reason, but deliver it in the wrong manner. As Nissa pointed out in her comment, a preachy, negative tone gets in the way of a story. What is your reason for writing the story? Is it a sincere attempt to aid others through your writing, or are you using the story as a soapbox to pound someone over the head until a desired belief is accepted? Fictional stories can contain a theme and a message. A story shouted too loudlyat the reader to persuade them of a certain view may prevent the reader from staying to hear either the theme or the message because they have already closed the book.

2011-03-26T14:24:00.004-05:00

Are you Called to Writing?

During a recent discussion the question came up whether writers should view writing as a calling. If you are crafting words merely as a way to make lots of money, then your writing may not be a calling. That's not to say you won't ever make money as a writer, but what is your primary purpose in writing? If it is to become rich, then you may view writing as a way to support you and your family. If you write to share your faith or help others strengthen their faith, your writing focus has a spiritual focus .

In that case, if you are called to write and fail to write that for which you are called and gifted, are you not a little like Jonah? Jonah was called to take the word of God to Nineveh, but kept getting side-tracked. God had a plan for what he wanted Jonah to tell the Ninevites. Someone may need to read that story you keep putting off until a better time comes round. Your story may not make the New York Times bestseller list, but your story may make a difference in another person's life. What you wrote even make a difference in your own life.

You'll never find out until you place yourself before a keyboard and start typing.

2011-03-19T16:22:00.003-05:00

The Catholic Writers Conference Online

http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/

March 21 - March 27, 2011

Workshops, Chats, and Pitches gathered on one website.

2010-11-03T02:00:00.002-05:00

The Skin Map:
The Bright Empires Series - Book One
by
Stephen R Lawhead

Blog Tour - Day 3

It's Not Just Skins versus Shirts in the Grand Scheme of Things

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

The Skin Map - available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Map-Bright-Empires/dp/1595548041/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288545476&sr=1-1

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/the-skin-map-bright-empires/stephen-lawhead/9781595548047/pd/548047?item_code=WW&netp_id=793674&event=ESRCN&view=details

Author Webpage:
Stephen R Lawhead – http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

I received a review copy from Thomas Nelson of The Skin Map
for this blog tour

On the third and final day of the Skin Map Blog Tour I wanted to mention some of the little details Mr. Lawhead included that helped bring the settings to life. One of the most painful chapters to read concerns when the original Skin Map owner, Arthur Flinders-Petrie travels to China during the early days of Chinese-British trade. Arthur returns to the House of Wu, the most gifted tattoo artist in China, to render on Arthur's chest the most important location yet found. Until reading the tattoo scene I had never realized the pain suffered through to gain the tattoo. This chapter is aptly named "In Which an Honorable Skin is Notably Inscribed."

Another chapter title I liked is, "In Which Wilheminia Changes History Much for the Better." As mentioned in yesterday's blog, one of the themes, or lessons, I liked is that things work out for a reason. In Wilhemina's case, her terrible plight is instead the best thing that might have happened to her. How she turned the tables on the businessmen in 1600s Prague reminded me of Mark Twain's book, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. She used her modern knowledge to level the playing field for her and Etzell.

A small detail I appreciated about the Skin Map layout are the inclusion of the swirls and marks appearing at the top of each chapter, and alluded to on the Skin Map. The symbols helped me visualize how the Skin Map may have been marked in like manner. I even wondered if the symbols in some way point to the locations of each chapter.

In closing, I want to say how well I enjoyed reading the book. When the book arrived in the mail Friday afternoon I was afraid I might have too short a time to do the story justice. Instead, I finished the book by the next evening and hated to close the cover as the last chapter ended. Fans of Sliders and The Time Tunnel will appreciate the rich storytelling and scenes found in The Skin Map. I wish the sequel released early next year, but craftsmanship takes time and makes it worth the wait.

*Participants’ links
Red Bissell
Thomas Clayton Booher
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Jeff Chapman
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
George Duncan
April Erwin
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Shannon McDermott
Allen McGraw
Matt Mikalatos
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Gavin Patchett
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Kathleen Smith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Donna Swanson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Elizabeth Williams
Dave Wilson

2010-11-02T02:00:00.003-05:00

The Skin Map:
The Bright Empires Series - Book One
by
Stephen R Lawhead

Blog Tour - Day 2

Grow Where You Are Planted or
Things Happen Because of a Grand Plan

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

The Skin Map - available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Map-Bright-Empires/dp/1595548041/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288545476&sr=1-1

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/the-skin-map-bright-empires/stephen-lawhead/9781595548047/pd/548047?item_code=WW&netp_id=793674&event=ESRCN&view=details

Author Webpage:
Stephen R Lawhead – http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

I received a review copy from Thomas Nelson of The Skin Map
for this blog tour

One of the spiritual themes I liked in the Skin Map is the concept that everything works according to a celestial plan. When Kit's former girlfriend, Wilhelmina, is dropped into a strange world and time she thinks everything is horrible thanks to Kit sending her to a such a cold, muddy place. In her time she was a baker's assistant and endured the work as best she could.

She meets Englebert Stifflebeam, or Etzel as he prefers, who is on his way to Prague in 1606 to open a bakery. When Etzel finds out she knows how to bake, he tells Mina - her nickname - that God's providence brought them together at that time. She scoffs at first, but finds in Etzel a strong faith in God and patience that she needs, and Etzel finds the business sense and baking skills he needs. Over time, Mina admits to herself that she is far happier than she ever was in London, even without modern conveniences.

Kit the Questor-in-training learns from his great-grandfather that all things work with a purpose toward a final goal. Through harrowing experiences Kit also gains a faith in God as he learns to trust in a higher power, rather than believe his life existed at the whim of fate. The Skin Map shows but a small portion of this great causeway though space and time, and the reader will gain a idea of Creation's vastness. Kit also learns that the choices we make can have far reaching consequences. A kind gift of bread by Cosmo, Kit's great-grandfather, to a poor lady may have averted the Great London Fire. But Kit is warned that Wilhelmina may inadvertently grave affect another time stream.

Our lives are like Kit's interactions with the past. Our choices and actions do ripple out like a stone cast into a quiet pond, influencing everything we come into contact with; directly or indirectly. When we chose to follow the right path, our influences can provide a long term positive effect for others.

2010-11-01T02:00:00.001-05:00

The Skin Map:
The Bright Empires Series - Book One
by
Stephen R Lawhead

Blog Tour - Day 1

SLIDERS MEETS THE TIME TUNNEL

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

The Skin Map - available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Map-Bright-Empires/dp/1595548041/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288545476&sr=1-1

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/the-skin-map-bright-empires/stephen-lawhead/9781595548047/pd/548047?item_code=WW&netp_id=793674&event=ESRCN&view=details

Author Webpage:
Stephen R Lawhead – http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

I received a review copy from Thomas Nelson of The Skin Map
for this blog tour

One of the things I've noticed from past books I've read by Mr. Lawhead is how richly he paints a setting. The Skin Map myriad settings surpassed his prior books as the characters are catapulted from modern-day London to a 19th Century sea-side town to 17th Century England to ancient Egypt. In his latest book, readers are treated to a mad journey through time and across the Globe to recover the elusive Skin Map. At first the title and idea of a map tattooed on someones skin brought back memories of old pirate movies, but I soon found myself getting into the story and rooting on the good guys.

The main character, Kit Livingstone, meets his great-grandfather after a series of London subway and bus mishaps. His ancestor convinces Kit to follow him down a misty London alleyway that opens on a fishing village on the coast. Kit thinks the village a quaint reenactment site, but finds he landed over a century in the past. Over a loaf of bread and fresh cheese, his great-grandfather explains that Kit has the gift of walking Ley lines - a naturally occuring energy source - and traveling to other places and othe times.

Cosmo, the great-grandfather, continues that not everyone can locate and travel these Ley lines. His small, close-knit group known as the Questors have travelled and recorded the more common paths, but are looking for the Skin Map; a vast compendium of paths and connections that is comparable to the London underground but vastly more conplex.

What's a good story without bad guys? That's where the Burleys come in. Henchmen for Lord Burliegh have trailed and almost cornered the Questors in an attempt to gain control of the Skin Map and control of the Ley lines. It's a race against time, for he that controls the Ley lines controls time itself.

Tomorrow: Grow Where You Are Planted or Things Happen Because of a Grand Plan

*Participants’ links
Angela
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Melissa Carswell
Jeff Chapman
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
April Erwin
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
James Somers
Kathleen Smith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

2010-09-29T02:00:00.018-05:00

Venom and Song:
The Berinfell Prophecies Series - Book Two
by
Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Blog Tour - Day 3

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Venom and Song - available from:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Venom-Song-Berinfell-Prophecies-Book/dp/1400315069/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285523835&sr=1-2
CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/2-venom-and-song/wayne-batson/9781400315062/pd/315062?product_redirect=1&Ntt=1400315069&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCN

Author Blogs:
Wayne Thomas Batson – http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper – http://www.christopherhopper.com/blog/

Months before I heard about the Venom and Song CSFF Blog Tour,
I purchased a copy of the book at SAMS Club because
I enjoyed Curse of the Spider King so much.

This is Day 3 of the CSFF blog tour for a great read by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper. The book title is Venom and Song, a sequel to another arachnophically titled book named, The Curse of the Spider King. I mentioned the Spider King in my tour day 2 blog. Today's blog title comes from the view that the Spider King would have everyone at odds with one another so that he can achieve what is best for himself. In contrast, Ellos the Creator, would have his followers work together to achieve for is best for all. The Spider King's focus is ever inward, while Ellos focus is on others around us.

The Spider King would have everyone the same, much like tiny chess pieces he continually moves around his strategy board. Ellos created each one with a different gift. Even among the young Elf lords, there are differences between what each can accomplish as different situations require different abilities.

There are temperament differences , and even skin colors like Kat Simonson the blue-skinned Elf. I liked the way the authors handled this point for young readers. Kat Simonson thought she was strange and different, but at the coronation she realises her skin is merely a different manifestation of Elven kind. Young readers who feel left out because they look or act differently than their peers will empathize with the blue-hued Elf maiden. Reading Venom and Song may help readers come to realize their differences are what provide different abilities complimenting and augmenting the abilities of others.

I Corinthians 12 points out that we can not all be an eye, for then where would be our sense of hearing? Venom and Song points out that not all Elf Lords are able to cast fire or perfectly aim arrows. Each gift strengthens Ellos' work when the members combine forces. Even the Spider King grudgingly admits that removing one Elf lord will change little, but it will weaken the seven lords' group as a whole. The seven young lords were brought to Allyra because they are part of a grand plan that was centuries in the making by Ellos. Returned home, they must learn to unite for this plan to work together, or all is lost.

2010-09-28T02:00:00.007-05:00

Venom and Song:
The Berinfell Prophecies Series - Book Two
by
Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Blog Tour - Day 2

LORD OF THE THINGS OR THE SPIDER KING STRIKES BACK

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Venom and Song - available from:

Author Blogs:
Wayne Thomas Batson – http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper – http://www.christopherhopper.com/blog/

Months before I heard about the Venom and Song CSFF Blog Tour,
I purchased a copy of the book at SAMS Club because
I enjoyed Curse of the Spider King so much.

For day two of the Venom and Song blog I wanted to discuss the series' arch-villain, The Spider King. The name works well on a couple of levels for me. The Spider King controls thousands of gwars and their warspiders. So visually he reminds me of a large spider carrying multitudes of tiny, less powerful spiders. On a spiritual level, the Spider King lives up to his name because he is the ultimate planner/schemer that tries to track his prey within his web before disposing of the body, or in this case the spirit. The Spider King preys on weaknesses and uses deceptions to twist truths and beliefs.

Early on in Venom and Song, a Wisp - a shape shifting trail of smoke - nearly kills one of the Elf lords after assuming the form of Jimmy's teacher, Mr. Wallace. The Spider King uses the Wisp on the inside to provide information and remove the young lords as they come into their powers. These powers, or abilities, are most evident and strongest in the royal bloodlines, so the Spider King must remove the lords before they help thwart his plans for conquest. The Spider King wants to remove these pure bloodlines once and for all, so that he will triumph over all of Allyra and eventually Ellos himself.

The Spider King sees himself as the ultimate strategist; able to out wit, out think, and out plan anyone. His pride is his undoing. That and his undying thirst for vengence against the Elfs. These actions by the Spider King's struck me as allegory for Satan's vain attempts at killing Christ. The Elfs were defeated and driven underground for a time, but came forth again, though the Spider King thought he had won. Much of the Spider King's strength derives from lies and deceit. Those who remain faithful to Ellos find more strength than they possess alone, making it harder for the Spider King to warp them into pawns for his plans. The Spider King is the anti-thesis of Ellos; pure evil for Ellos' pure good. Small wonder the Spider King would see all Elfkind removed. The Elfs are a reminder to the Spider King that someone greater than he exists, and that person is Ellos; Lord of All.

Tomorrow: WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

*Participants’ links
Angela
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Melissa Carswell
Jeff Chapman
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
April Erwin
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
James Somers
Kathleen Smith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

2010-09-27T02:00:00.009-05:00

Venom and Song:
The Berinfell Prophecies Series - Book Two
by
Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Blog Tour - Day 1

CAVE SURFING ELVES

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Venom and Song - available from:

Author Blogs:
Wayne Thomas Batson – http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper – http://www.christopherhopper.com/blog/

Months before I heard about the Venom and Song CSFF Blog Tour,
I purchased a copy of the book at SAMS Club because
I enjoyed Curse of the Spider King so much.

After reading Curse of the Spider King, I expected lots of action and a great story from the sequel by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper. Venom and Song didn't let me down. After an opening battle continued from the escape in book one, the second chapter drags six of the seven young elf lords on a harrowing trip through underground rapids in small watercraft called cavesurfers. Holding a torch, let alone keeping it dry while shooting twisting, turning currents is near impossible, so the cavesurfers carry their own torchcells that work like headlights in the darkness. Of course, if the group survives the rapids, there is always Dalage Falls and the deadly whirlpool below to endure. And this is only the first three chapters.

If you read Curse of the Spider King, you may remember there were seven elfin lords brought to Earth as babies for their protection. Only six of the young lords fought through the watery passage. Gravely injured, Autumn is carried ahead to Nightwish for intensive healing. But secrets uncovered at Nightwish will forever change the relationship between brother and sister, Autumn and Johnny. All seven lords must survive the trip and attend the investment ceremony as lords if the Elfs of Berinfell are to ever regain their cities and life above ground.

Venom and Song is filled with action, plot twists, and more action. The teenagers may survive their coronation ceremony, but will they survive drill camp and train enough to face more of the Spider King's troops? Things aren't always what they seem, even among your own kind. The Spider King has prepared too, and he wants to finish off those annoying Elfs once and for all. More about that tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Lord of the Things or The Spider King Strikes Back

*Participants’ links
Angela
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Melissa Carswell
Jeff Chapman
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
April Erwin
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
James Somers
Kathleen Smith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

2010-08-24T12:23:00.006-05:00

CSFF August 2010 Blog Tour - THE FAVORITES

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Book Trailer from Bryan Davis' new book: Masters and Slayers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA2DgBJ9PYs

I first met Bryan Davis at the 2005 ACFW Conference in Nashville. At the time, the only Christian fantasy or science-fiction books I had heard of were the Lord of the Rings, or the Narnia series. Mr. Davis took time from his busy conference schedule to discuss writing and Christian fantasy. Ever since, I've enjoyed his various series; especially ones involving dragons. Mr. Davis still takes time from his writing schedule to speak at schools, bookstores, and churches.

His two new series, Starlighter (reviewed here just last month) and Tales of Starlight, are set in two worlds connected by a portal. Dragons rule one world, and are thought a children's fantasy in the second world.

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310718368/
CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/1-starlighter-bryan-davis/9780310718369/pd/718369?item_code=WW&netp_id=683787&event=ESRCN&view=details

Bryan Davis: http://www.daviscrossing.com/starlighter.htm

Author blog - http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/
Author Web site - http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/

Blog Tour Participants:

Brandon Barr
Thomas Clayton Booher
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Jeff Chapman
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
George Duncan
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Mike Lynch
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Jason Waguespac
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-08-23T02:00:00.008-05:00

CSFF August 2010 Blog Tour - THE FAVORITES

FLASH TO THE FUTURE!

Frank Creed's
FLASHPOINT:Book One of the UNDERGROUND
WAR OF ATTRITION:Book Two of the UNDERGROUND

The Writers Cafe Press: www.thewriterscafe.com/projects.html

Author Frank Creed creator of the Christian cyber-punk series the Underground announced plans for two new books in his near-future trilogy - War of Attrition (Underground book II) and Into the Underground ( An Underground anthology set in the Underground world). The expected release dates are some time during year's end.

I enjoyed the first book, Flashpoint, and look forward to more stories from the world of the Underground. One of the things I liked about the first book was that only the bad guys actually kill or badly hurt anyone. The good guys, called Sandmen, use their God-given gifts of projecting a mental blast that blows the fuse of the bad guys' mind and causes the bad guys to black out.

The series struck me as a cross between Matrix and Blade Runner, but with a sactified bent. The two main characters are a video gamer and a hacker. What's not to like with today's techno-savy culture?

I had the good fortune to interview Frank for the October, 2007 CSFF blog tour and include the link here:

http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com/2007/10/october-book-blog-tour-for-frank-creeds_22.html

During the series' interim Writer's Cafe Press created a role playing game set in the Underground world.

Blog Tour Participants:

2010-07-26T02:00:00.006-05:00

Tales of Starlight
by Bryan Davis

For those of you who enjoyed Bryan Davis' recently featured book, Starlighter, he now offers an adult track set in the same worlds. Masters and Slayers follow the story of Jason's older brother, Adrian.

To: Learn more: http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/2010/07/masters-and-slayers-pre-order.html

Masters and Slayers is available for pre-order from Amazon, with an autographed copy straight from the author for only a couple of dollars more.

2010-07-21T02:00:00.002-05:00

STARLIGHTER
Book 1 in the new Dragons of Starlight series
from
BRYAN DAVIS

Blog Tour - Day 3

END OF THE TOUR BUT NOT END OF THE STORY
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Starlighter - available from:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310718368/
CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/1-starlighter-bryan-davis/9780310718369/pd/718369?item_code=WW&netp_id=683787&event=ESRCN&view=details

Bryan Davis: http://www.daviscrossing.com/starlighter.htm

Author blog - http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/
Author Web site - http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour,
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan Press.

Today is the third and final day for the July CSFF tour of Bryan Davis' Starlighter. Starlighter is the first in a planned four book series. Mr. Davis mentioned on his web site that the story and characters introduced in Starlighter will bring to light new mysteries and new questions in later Dragons of Starlight books.

One of the things I liked about the characters in Starlighter is the way the two protagonists act as role models. Teens today face lots of stress and the temptation to take the expedient path to their desires. In Starlighter Koren, tries to do what is right and remain loyal to her friends and her promises. A one word description that comes to mind for Koren is Integrity. On Major Four, Jason tries to help others when the need arises and follow the code of conduct he learned from his older brother. Jason is willing to step out and take chances, yet he follows the Knight's code of chivalry when it comes to his treatment of ladies; so chivalry is a good one word description for him.

Jason and Koren must strike out on their own on their respective worlds and leave what passes for comfortable surroundings to discover the truth. A single truth connects the two worlds. The truth of a portal that was used to force humans of Major Four as slaves on Dracon. As

mentioned on the first tour day, the portal has become little more than a myth used by of the leaders of both worlds as a way to control the general population. Control what people learn and believe, and you control those same people.

But, truth has a way of winning over deceit and lies. Somtimes the truth sounds quesionable, or at least the source. This was the case with Tibalt, called Tibber the Fibber. In order to survive, Tibalt acted half-crazed around the Govenor and the jailers while captive in the dungeon. Jason finds that his friend Elyssa wasn't killed by a mountain bear, but held captive to help Govenro prescott locate the portal. On Major Four, the governing body has outlawed all portal stories and jailed those who would spread the truth. Dacon took the opposite tack by relageting

the portal stories to the status of children's tales.

It seemed one principle of Starlighter was to that we should uphold the truth; watching what we believe or follow lest half-tuths or outright lies lead us astray from what is true. There are many deceivers today who, like the black egg, talk a good talk but whose only concern is for their own gain.

Starlighter is a good tween and teen story with likeable characters and a bit of action mixed in to keep things moving along between the two story lines. I'm looking forward to the next Starlight book from Mr. Davis to see where the story will take readers.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
R. L. Copple
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Jane Maritz
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
SarahFlan
Chawna Schroeder
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

2010-07-20T02:00:00.001-05:00

STARLIGHTER
Book 1 in the new Dragons of Starlight series
from
BRYAN DAVIS

Blog Tour - Day 2

Interview withe the Author
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Starlighter - available from:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310718368/
CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/1-starlighter-bryan-davis/9780310718369/pd/718369?item_code=WW&netp_id=683787&event=ESRCN&view=details

Bryan Davis: http://www.daviscrossing.com/starlighter.htm

Author blog - http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/
Author Web site - http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour,
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan Press.

Mr. Daivs kindly took time from his busy writing and speaking schedule to answer a few questions on Starlighter and writing for the CSFF Blog Tour:

Where did you get the idea for your latest dragon book, Starlighter?

Zondervan wanted me to write a book with dragons for them, so I asked my kids for an idea. My daughter Amanda came up with the idea, I presented it to Zondervan, and they loved it. It’s as simple as that. I embellished the seed of the idea greatly, so I’m not sure if my daughter would recognize it at this point, but it definitely came from her.

Did you have any particular Bible verses in mind as you began writing Starlighter?

Yes, since this story is about rescuing slaves from bondage, two passages are often in my mind:

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

What would you say is the theme for Starlighter, and for the series?

For the series, the theme gaining freedom from spiritual slavery by faith. For Starlighter, theme is willingness to sacrifice for those less fortunate than yourself.

Was Starlighter originally planned as two worlds; a world where dragons keep humans slave versus a world where humans keep other humans slave?

It was originally planned as two worlds, but I didn’t include the idea of humans enslaving humans until the story developed. The slavery in the dragon world is overt and cruel, while the slavery in the human world is somewhat subtler, but it was interesting to contrast the two in the storytelling.

For those aspiring writers, how long did it take you to create Starlighter’s first draft?

I wrote the first draft of Starlighter in about three months and took another month to polish it before sending it to the publisher.

Did you begin your first draft with a well-developed outline, or find thatthe story flowed from your imagination as you discovered more about thecharacters and setting while writing?

I don't outline at all. I have a seed of an idea, and I sit down and writeabout the main character's normal way of life. Then, once I know thecharacter well enough, I create a crisis that sends him into the adventure.I am what some call a seat-of-the-pants writer, and I discover the story asI write it.

How long after finishing your draft did you have to wait until Starlighter hit the shelves?

It takes about a year for Zondervan to process a finished manuscript and get in to the bookstores. Not all publishers take that long.

Thanks again to Mr. Davis for the interview and insights on writing.

Tomorrow: Some final thoughts on Starlighter ofr Day 3 of the blog tour.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
R. L. Copple
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Jane Maritz
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
SarahFlan
Chawna Schroeder
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

2010-07-19T02:00:00.007-05:00

STARLIGHTER
Book 1 in the new Dragons of Starlight series
from
BRYAN DAVIS

Blog Tour - Day 1

A TALE OF TWO WORLDS
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Starlighter - available from:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310718368/
CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/1-starlighter-bryan-davis/9780310718369/pd/718369?item_code=WW&netp_id=683787&event=ESRCN&view=details

Bryan Davis: http://www.daviscrossing.com/starlighter.htm

Author blog - http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/
Author Web site - http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour,
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan Press.

I was excited to hear that our July CSFF tour book would be Starlighter by YA author, Bryan Davis. We have been fortunate to host Mr. Davis at area schools where he spoke to students about books and writing. During his most recent visit, he mentioned an upcoming series from Zondervan that dealt with a human slave living on a planet run by dragons. After enjoying his two previous dragon series, Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire, I wondered whether the author might create another modern day adventure, or begin afresh in a new world.

The Starlighter story occurs in two locations; the human-run world of Major Four and the dragon-controlled world of Dracon, or Starlight. One of the things that struck me was the similarities between the worlds and he two main characters. Koren, the female lead, works as a slave for the stargazing dragon, Arxad. Jason, the woodcutter's son, serves as Lord Prescott's bodyguard. Both Koren and Jason have some small semblance of freedom, yet both are frequently reminded of their stations in life.

Prescott and Magnar both want to keep the location of the portal between worlds a secret to protect the status quo, and ultimately benefit themselves at the expense of others. Magnar holds the humans captive as her tries to unlock the inter-world portal and bring through more slaves. Prescott hopes to use captives in the lower dungeon to find the path to the portal and steal the expected dragon treasure. Both leaders know the other world stories are true. Magnor has convinced the humans the stories are mere fables to amuse children. Prescott has tried to keep the portal secret by outlawing the stories, and punish those who pass on these untruths.

I'm not sure if it was intended, but it struck me that these same doubts of faith are practiced in our own world. Those the world call wise, ridicule Bible teachings and call Bible tales fables, or stories fit only for children. Like Magnar and Prescott, I wonder if it is less a question of belief in the teachings of old regarding the wise of the world, so much as it is a fear of loss of power and control.

Tomorrow: An interview with Mr. Davis on his new book and writing.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
R. L. Copple
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Jane Maritz
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
SarahFlan
Chawna Schroeder
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

2010-07-18T12:48:00.004-05:00

STARLIGHTER

Book 1 in the new Dragons of Starlight series
from BRYAN DAVIS

Pre-Blog Tour

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Starlighter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310718368/
http://www.christianbook.com/1-starlighter-bryan-davis/9780310718369/pd/718369?item_code=WW&netp_id=683787&event=ESRCN&view=details

Author blog - http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/
Author Web site - http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour,
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan Press.

The CSFF Starlighter blog tour begins officially on July 19th and runs through July 21st. This begins a brand-new dragons series by YA fantasy author, Bryan Davis.

Below are some comparison prices for Starlighter at sites I've purchased from in the past:

$10.00 Author Site (Autogrpahed copies)
http://www.daviscrossing.com/starlighter.htm

$9.99 Amazon http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310718368/
$7.99 CBD http://www.christianbook.com/1-starlighter-bryan-davis/9780310718369/pd/718369?item_code=WW&netp_id=683787&event=ESRCN&view=details#curr

$5.00 Author Post-Tour Special (while supplies last) http://www.daviscrossing.com/starlightersale.htm

Tomorrow: A TALE OF TWO WORLDS

2010-07-06T02:00:00.004-05:00

Momentum Writer
by Black Obelisk Software

According to the program web site, Momentum Writer is designed to keep you moving forward with your writing. It's built to overcome that habit I admit that I'm guilty of, constant editing and re-writing. NaNoWriMo
is a great way to keep on plugging ahead. Constant interruptions by your internal editor are a sure way to cripple or maim your inner muse as you're typing.

Momentum Writer forces you to move forward in with your story. It also saves you from over typing your previous work. The program is only 700K, and can run on your computer or from a flash drive. That's a handy feature when you use multiple computers but still want to get in some typing. Work is automatically saved, and you start back when you last finished.

The only cost for all these fine features is a small amount of your time to download and install the program.
In other words, Momentum Writer is free! You can't beat the price, and Momentum Writer just may help you finish that novel you've always wanted to write.

http://www.blackobelisksoftware.com/momentumwriter/index.html

2010-06-06T13:14:00.005-05:00

Preditors and Editors Site
http://pred-ed.com/

The Preditors and Editors site provides good useful information to writers and hopeful writers
about the potential dangers of the writing industry. The site by-line is "A guide to publishers and writing services for serious writers!"

Some of the areas of interest listed are: agents, art, awards, book publishers, contests, conventions, jobs, organizations, writing software, and the very important 'warnings' page. Preditors and Editors has been around since 1997, and has saved many a writer from possible misfortune through their warnings.

These warnings and things to watch for haven't made them the friend of groups planning to prey on unsuspecting clients. These pre-emptive warnings could well explain the current legal action faced by Preditors and Editors.

If you want to save yourself heartache later, or just want to learn some good, general writing tips, check out the Preditors and Editors site. While you are there, consider contributing to the Preditors and Editors legal defense fund.

Donate and help prove that might doesn't make right, only the truth does.

http://pred-ed.com/

2010-05-19T02:00:00.003-05:00

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 3 - An end to the Tour, but not to the story!
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

BY DARKNESS HID (Blood of Kings - Book 1)
By Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104952
MarcherLord Press Store: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--To_Darkness_Fled.htm
Author Web site and blog - http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/

Vrell Sparrow is the second of two main characters. She is introduced to the story during a fitting for a special undergarment that acted as an extreme corset and allowed Vrell to pass as a boy. Before this time, Lady Caroline was Vrell's only confidant and confessor, for who else could she trust with this carefully guarded secret?

In contrast to Achan, Vrell already knew how to bloodvoice by the time she went into hiding. Though untrained, Vrell could sense others and read the mind of others, a skill that proves invaluable later in the book. Her bloodvoice gift helps Vrell keep her identity a secret and avoid the cruel and powerful Gidon Hidar who would force her into marriage.

Under Vrell's false identity, she took up position as a apprentice to the local apothecary, or druggist. Vrell wanted to help deliver children and assist the midwife, but couldn't as a boy. Instead, she soaked up what knowledge she could in preparation for helping others in the future.

This empathy struck me as a similarity between Vrell and Achan. Vrell dwelt among people and felt their needs and pains. Achan worked among the livestock and animals, and he could read their feelings and needs. Both developed strong bonds communicating with their associated group. Both felt strong empathy and compassion for others, and wanted to protect those less strong.

But as all good things must end, Vrell must make a run to stay free as the Prince's men close in. Her bloodvoicing gift becomes a beacon to those with the same ability. Capture seems certain. But an even bigger danger than the Prince looms on the horizon. The Darkness is growing, changing the hearts and minds of those involved; and worse cutting them off from Arman, the Creator. Agents of Darkness sense the power of Vrell and Achan, and hope to either twist their bloodvoice gift to the Darkness, or remove the threat.

Well, this is the last blog tour day for By Darkness Hid. Take the leap. Avoid the Darkness. Buy a copy for yourself, or better yet buy both books together so you won't have to wait to continue the journey. It's a great trip of a story!

Buy By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled at Amazon for $25.72 shipped, as both total more than $25.

Book 1: By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Hid-Blood-Kings-book/dp/0982104952/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Book 2: To Darkness Fled - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Fled-Jill-Williamson/dp/098259870X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

*Participants’ links

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Gina Burgess
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
R. L. Copple
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Sarah Flanagan
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-05-18T02:00:00.002-05:00

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 2
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

BY DARKNESS HID (Blood of Kings - Book 1)
By Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104952
MarcherLord Press Store: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--To_Darkness_Fled.htm
Author Web site and blog - http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/

Two story lines run through By Darkness Hid - that of Achan Cham a poor stray, and Vrell Sparrow a noble girl forced into marriage to someone she detests. These two story strands intertwine and eventually form a whole greater than its parts. It will take these two speakers of the blood to overcome the darkness building to overtake their land.

Achan was left before his earliest memories of Sitna Manor where he served Lord Nathak. Less than a peasant slave, Achan was a stray - a person of unknown past or parentage. In this world's pecking order he was stuck at the bottom, and the manor bullies always found ways to remind Achan of his place. But Achan dreamt of more from life, he wanted to become a Kingsguard. A chance meeting with a passing knight encourages Achan to become more than he dared hope. Lord Nathak took Achan in many years earlier, and forced him to drink a horrible tasting 'tonic' each day.

When Achan misses his morning drink, he starts hearing voices in his head. More and more voices join the cacophony in his head, increasing his confusion. Were these voices a precursor to madness, or some minion of the Darkness? As Darkness spread across the land, an enveloping mist cuts off the light, and cuts off those within from Arman - the Creator if All.

Sir Gavin sends Achan deeper into the forest and tells Achan that each Squire must kill his first beast alone. Achan has always had a gift with animals, and has felt empathetic toward them. Achan hears a doe's thoughts and tells it to step closer. He pats it and gulps as he raises his dagger and strikes. The extinguishing of life strikes home with Achan as he realizes, the doe's fawn like him, is an orphan, a stray. Achan must redeem himself and learn to control his latent powers if he is to become a Kingsknight.

But, what must he go though, and overcome, along the way?

2010-05-17T02:00:00.010-05:00

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 1
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

BY DARKNESS HID (Blood of Kings - Book 1)
By Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104952
MarcherLord Press Store: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--To_Darkness_Fled.htm
Author Web site and blog - http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/

I first reviewed By Darkness Hid, by Jill Williamson, last Fall. http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com/2009/04/by-darkness-hid-by-jill-williamson.html

You may wonder why return to By Darkness Hid? So new readers will have the opportunity to read Achon and Vrell's stories. These two speakers communicate through bloodvoicing over great distances with others of the Blood both young adults are unsure and scared of their new found ability. Achon is running to escape an unjustly hard life and what he sees as the evil of bloodvoicing. Vrell is running to escape a forced marriage, and attempting a return home.

What's great about this reblog - is that a word? - is the bundle offer of volume 1 and 2 of The Blood of Kings.
Buy By Darkness Hid and To darkness Fled at Amazon for $25.72 and get free shipping since the total is over $25.

Book 1: By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Hid-Blood-Kings-book/dp/0982104952/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Book 2: To Darkness Fled - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Fled-Jill-Williamson/dp/098259870X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

2010-05-05T12:17:00.007-05:00

Kentucky Christian Fiction Conference 2010

June 11- 12, 2010

Northside Baptist Church
1800 Pear Orchard Orad, elizabethtown, KY

Website: http://kychristianwriters.com/

Keynote Speaker - Virginia Smith

Other Faculty
Michael Brewer, Wendy C. Brown, Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress,
Tracy Crump, Ann H. Gabhart, Carlton W. Hughes, Dara Lehner, Kim Peterson,
David W. Pierce, Mary Lou Redding, Emily Akin, Andrea Merrell

Workshop Topics include:
• Turning Facts into Truth: Fiction Techniques in Non-Fiction
• The Writer’s Ministry: Employed by God
• Heads & Tails: Beginnings & Endings
• Beginners’ Basics
• Proof & Profit: Selling What You Write Again & Again
• Dive Deep–Taking POV to a Deeper Level
• Revise, Revise, Revise Stirring the Pot: Writing for Chicken Soup
• Making Sense of Market Guides
• Making Characters Come to Life • Writing for Your Children’s Ministry
• Kids Want to Know: Writing for Children’s Magazines
• Writing for Young Adults
• And the Secret to Mystery Writing is . . .
• Get Organized and Sell Your Work
• Speaking to Millions: the Reach of Devotional Writing
• The Plot Thickens . . .
• Oil Cans & Flashlights: Writing Techniques from Scripture
• Tackling Tough Topics
• Understanding How the Me in Memoir Works

If you're looking for a good mid-sized writing conference, not large enough to get lost in the crowd but larger than a dozen people, The Kentucky Christian Writers Confence may well fit your needs. Writers at all writing levels will have the opportunity to improve their craft with the knowledge gleaned from the confernce speakers and and workshops.

Website: http://kychristianwriters.com/

2010-04-14T02:00:00.003-05:00

Blog Tour - Final Day

Names Speak for Themselves in Lost Mission

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Lost Mission - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416583475
Author Web site - http://www.atholdickson.com/
Author blog - http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Well, this is the final blog tour day for Athol Dickson's book, Lost Mission, so I thought it might be a good way to close by discussing the author's use of descriptive names and how the book's title holds a double meaning.

Delano Wright, one of the main characters, feels his actions are vindicated for following the rules makes him 'right'. He shares traits with the Pharisees because he wants to protect the status quo, and knows that rules are rules, and so rules must be followed.

Tucker Rue, is a counterpoint to Delano's strict rule adherence. Tucker believes rules exist, but should only be followed when they are beneficial. The one rule he does follow is the ends justify the means. As he strays farther from what he knows deep down is right, he works harder to justify his actions. Tucker Rue's name fits as characters who deal with him for long, come to Rue or regret the relationship. By the time his sins are made known to him, he begins to regret or rue himself.

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, many of the characters started out with good intentions. When they took their eyes off God they lost their life's focus or mission. This was true in the past with the Franciscan monks as their mission to build an abbey and lead the unsaved to Christ, was forgotten in a flurry of enforced rules and striking back for perceived wrongs. Eventually the physical Mission itself falls into ruin and is forgotten; lost to time and to memory.

With the discovery of the lost Mission, old wrongs and sins are revisited on the modern towns and people. Delano and Rue want their respective churches to succeed, but are their reasons for their missions good and true? It's not until the original mission is restored that wrongs are righted and evil desires overcome.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-04-13T02:00:00.005-05:00

Blog Tour - Day 2

Sometimes Suffering Occurs Even When You Did the Right Thing

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Lost Mission - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416583475
Author Web site - http://www.atholdickson.com/
Author blog - http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Dickson manages to portray similarities between the two periods, 1870s and present, by comparing a character from the past with a character from the present. Alejandro thinks himself plain, and shows his faith by helping others without complaint. One of three Franciscan monks, Alejandro should feel a part of the group, but keeps finding fault with the failure of faith by others. When the Abbot, Fray Guillermo, decides to punish an innocent Indian who appears at their camp by placing a heavy stone burden on his back, Alejandro grabs a stone that he might share the Indian's burden in spirit if not in person.

In the present, Lupe helps young missionary, Tucker Rue, with founding and opening a mission that ministered to her people, the Hispanics, who crossed the desert for a chance at a new, and better life in America. Like Alejandro, Lupe, feels others have lost sight of the true meaning behind a church, and a mission. She sees many sins, even among church members, that go unchallenged. Peoples' priorities are completely out of balance.

Alejandro had begged his Abbot to help those less fortunate by sharing out of their abundance with the Indians. Lupe shared out of her meager money supply to help the disadvantaged. As she rides past the great churches in town, she dwells on how much might be done for the poor if the rich only shared their tithe rather than building ever larger houses of worship. This theme of withholding money by the rich is repeated frequently by Tucker Rue and Lupe. Maybe that was part of their character's financial background growing up and the reason both dwell on the subject.

A contrast to the the poor in the past is Fray Guillermo. The abbot has a large storehouse of wealth used to set up the mission, and takes comfort in counting and recounting their supplies. He struck me as a type of religious miser. Ready to pitch in when it came to enlarging their building, but withholding when it came to the Indians that they planned to minister to. Guillermo sees everything as either black or white, like the Pharisees of old. Rules must be followed at all cost, even if the reasons for following them have been lost over time.

Delano Wright is the modern day rich man. After his daughter's car is struck by a group of illegals in a truck, Delano retaliates in the manner he knows best. He concocts a plan to move money at his mega-church from local missions, temporarily, into a giant land development that will grow the church even larger. Because of a broken promise, Delano feels completely within his rights, and justifies his actions by saying the legal maneuvering will help the church. Delano also sees everything as cut and dry. Yet the more he tries to follow his set of rules, the more at odds he becomes with life around him.

The next contrast between centuries is that of Fray Benicio and Tucker Rue. Both men are new in their life's mission, but both take steps to expedite what they see as the 'proper' goal of their respective missions. Benecio leaves the abbey and take what he needs to win over the unchurched out the confines of the abbey and the abbot. When the Abbot refuses to share a small bag of grain, Benico takes it. His actions cause an innocent man to face the a whipping at the stocks.

Tucker Rue falls for a rich girl, and convinces himself that marrying her will help others by accessing her money so he does this for unselfish reasons. When faced with a great need by someone with a sick child, he yields to temptation, causing many to lose jobs their families depended upon.

Tomorrow, I'll discuss how some character names seem to fit the person, and what it seems is the meaning behind the title, Lost Mission.

Tomorrow: Names Speak for Themselves in Lost Mission

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-04-12T02:00:00.006-05:00

Blog Tour - Day 1

A Tale of Two Centuries

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Lost Mission - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416583475
Author Web site - http://www.atholdickson.com/
Author blog - http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

As I read the first few pages I wasn't too sure what to make of this story. Lost Mission transitions indiscriminately between the 1770s and the present. This seemed a little confusing in spots until I started to get used to the method. As the story progresses, the author brings the reader up to speed by connecting the tale of two centuries through the characters and areas.

I'll admit I alternately liked and disliked Lost Mission at first. The story spent a lot of time in developing and describing one character or setting, then seemed to jump back to the other period and character. It was kind of like a playground see-saw - one side then the other side is more important. And, like a see-saw, Lost Mission is entertaining as time goes by and you grow used to the ride.

Lost Mission begins with the tale of a newly founded mission in 1770s southern California. Athol Dickson very aptly describes the harsh life of a Spanish monk during this period, and the harsher life of the unsaved 'pagans'. The most important of these is Fray, or Friar, Alejandro Tapia Valdez, a deeply devout Franciscan monk. His mission is to preach Christ to the the unsaved in the New World. Skip forward to the present, and the reader is introduced to Guadalupe Soledad Consuelo de la Garza, or Lupe, whose mission is to preach Christ to the ungodly Americans of southern California.

Both Alejandro and Lupe are strongly committed in their faith, yet both encounter obstacles that sidetrack them from their mission. Tomorrow, I'll discuss more about the many interesting characters in Lost Mission, and how they seem at complete odds with these two missions that are separated by centuries.

But, what is the two missions' connection with the sparkling haired Indian seen by both Alejandro and Lupe, though hundreds of years and miles apart? Does he mean good or evil for their goals?

Tomorrow: Sometimes Suffering Occurs Even When You Did the Right Thing.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-03-24T02:00:00.003-05:00

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 3 - The Final Day

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
Friends Come in All Sizes and Places, Both Faery and Human.

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

*Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006155474X
Author Web site - http://www.rj-anderson.com/
Author blog - http://rj-anderson.livejournal.com/
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rj_anderson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy
of this book from the nice people at HarperCollins Publishing.

As Knife/Byrony's story progresses, she seems to feel everyone is against her. Catching sight of a human, leads Byrony to the kitchen where Mallow assigns Byrony the hardest, dirtiest jobs. She felt limited because Wink, her foster mother, watches and restrains her too much. When assigned to Thorn, the Oakenfolk Hunter, Byrony feels Thorn doesn't have any faith in her and is too critical in every attempt. Later, when Byrony wakes to find herself in a strange place she feels trapped by the human, Paul.

Yet, as the story ages and grows, Knife matures herself. From Paul she learns to put others first, and not only do the things that benefit only you. This is at odds with what she has heard and learnt her whole life within the tree. Knife finds that as she opens herself to others, and cares for others, she grows a little herself. With each new expression of compassion and caring, knife strengthens the bonds between herself and others. Increasing her value in the sight of her friends.

It's a good thing too, as each struggling step forward in her quest for truth requires help from these friends she'd earlier thought disliked or ignored her. Thorn's orders and harsh training enabled Knife to survive the outside world and even triumph over larger foes, for Thorn saw Knife's greater potential beyond her early missteps. Wink deeply cared for Byrony, and wanted to protect Byrony from any potential harm, not suffocate her with rules and restrictions. Mallow? Well, she never became a friend as such, but Knife gained her grudging acceptance if not her respect. Paul at one point encloses Knife in a box, but not to trap her; rather to protect her from unknown dangers.

The Gardener put each of these, and others, into Knife's life so that she might accomplish her life's mission. Even Mallow served as purpose in Knife's development. Through Mallow, Knife learned first hand about hard work, and learning not to grumble. You don't give up even when things seem impossibly hard, for there may be a new direction in your life greater than you could ever imagine.

I think that's one of the lessons learned from Faery Rebel. The Gardener has a purpose for everyone. It might not be easy, or even seem fair, but looking back later you may realize that without learning what you did, you would never have arrived at your destination at this point of your life.

If the Faery Rebel blog tour postings piqued your interest that's good. It's not every day you have the opportunity to finish a book that leaves you feeling good about life and maybe a little hopeful. The world of the Oakenfolk is a fun place to visit, and I'm looking forward to R. J. Anderson's return to Faery world.

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Amy Browning
Melissa Carswell
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-03-23T02:00:00.008-05:00

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 2

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
Faery Magic, One Size Does Not Fit All In the Gardener's Eyes

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

*Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006155474X
Author Web site - http://www.rj-anderson.com/
Author blog - http://rj-anderson.livejournal.com/
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rj_anderson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy
of this book from the nice people at HarperCollins Publishing.

Magic has left the Oakenfolk, except for Queen Amaryllis. It wasn't always so, but since before the time of the Queen the faery folk are unable to work magic. At times of stress, small magic or changes can be worked, but the spells soon wear off returning the people or objects to they way they were before. Born into the repressive life of the old oak tree, Byrony yearns for something more, something larger than her world inside. She even questions why The Gardener, the whole world's creator, would make such a big world and expect faeries to remain secluded inside.

Faeries have lost their creative abilities along with their magic. No one has created new art, or new dresses, or new songs since the magic has left the Oakenfolk. It may be that their magic helped create these things. With power to create unavailable the faeries must preserve the irreplaceable beauty of the past and only bringing these items out during very special occasions

Early in the story Bryony escapes through a large window in the seamstress room and encounters a young human boy. The chance meeting surprises both, and Byrony scurries back inside the tree. The Queen hears of Byrony's unprotected venture out of the tree, and Byrony is hurried to their physician. Inside, Byrony encounters her first case of the Silence as it has hit one of the older faeries of their tree. No one knows for sure of the cause, only that the results are final, but most think the disease comes from contacts with humans lik ethe one Byrony just met.

Byrony's curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins searching for answers the Oakenfolk, especially the Queen, would rather she didn't ask. Turned away from the answers by her elders, Byrony, who becomes Knife, searches the Library. Her thirst for knowledge impresses the librarian who takes her to a special room holding old books from the time before the loss of magic. Shocked to find a glimpse of the real reason behind the Oak's loss of magic, Byrony now known as Knife, begins to doubt the truth of those around her, especially the Queen.

It seems that once one question is answered, a new question begs creation. Is the Silence to blame for the loss of Faery magic? If so, where did the Silence originate? Was it something members of their tree did to disappoint the Gardener. Maybe it was a disease caught from the giants known as humans.

At first I thought it odd that all the characters were female. Instead of giving birth, faeries lay a magical egg that changes into a faery youngling over time. That made sense as magical beings would reproduce in a magical manner, but it begged the question of what happened to the male faeries. Midway into the book even Byrony asks this question. Her search eventually leads to an answer so odd, so outlandish that she denies it could have ever been true.

Her answer worked on multiple levels. The story struck me as an allegory for our own world. Over time, the faeries had become so seperated from the Gardener's plan, that they lost their way and had come to think of their limited, inwardly-directed lives as the way life was meant to be. Questioning society upsets the status quo because 'that's the way we've wlways done it.'

On the third and final day, I'll discuss how friends care about you especially when they don't always agree with you.

Tomorrow - Friends Come in All Sizes and Places, Both Faery and Human.

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Amy Browning
Melissa Carswell
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-03-22T02:00:00.013-05:00

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 1

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
Tinkerbell for the 21st Century

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

*Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006155474X
Author Web site - http://www.rj-anderson.com/
Author blog - http://rj-anderson.livejournal.com/
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rj_anderson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the nice people at HarperCollins Publishing.

When I first heard the title, Faery Rebels, I half-expected something along the lines of Artemis Foul meets Lord of the Rings. It sounded fun, but maybe a bit predictable. Happily, I was way off base. Faery Rebels recounts the tale of a young faery named Bryony that lives in an ancient oak tree located at the forest edge. The faery community has survived for centuries within the same tree. Over time, the population has dwindled due to fewer and fewer births, and a growing number of faeries succumbing to the Silence, a degenerate disease that is always fatal. Bryony is the only young faery in the midst of older faeries who all live in the tree

Inside the great oak, everyone has a job, from the lowest cook to Queen Amaryllis, who protects them all with her more powerful magic. I'll touch a little more on the magic aspect in tomorrow's blog.

You may wonder, like I did, how Bryony becomes the faery, Knife. Within the great tree the Oakenfolk, as they call themselves, are each given a job based on a vision by the Queen. The appointments allow everyone to use their gifts and talents in the most beneficial way for the community. Over time, the Oakenfolk have become petty and selfish. They never offer to freely help one another, only exchange goods for services or favors. This barter system struck me as a sad commentary on our own society. Few help others out of the goodness of their hearts any more. Even volunteers may be helping with the idea of a future benefit. When Byrony freely receives help, she is unsure why the other person would help. She keeps expecting an angle in play by the giver; no one gives something of value away without a reason.

As a very young faery, Bryony catches a glimpse of the world outside their home. Her greatest wish is to become a Gatherer; one of the select faery groups allowed into the dangerous world outside the tree. While the outer world is fresh and green and beautiful, Gatherers must stay on a constant lookout for dangerous animals like foxes, or worse, crows, while gathering food for the faery community. Byrony is granted a job, but not what she expected, or had even dreamed of receiving.

R. J. Anderson does a great job with setting and characterization in Faery Rebel, and without giving away the story, I thought the ending created a strong start for a new story. On her website, I found that Faery Rebel is the first book in a new faery series. The next book in the series is available in the United Kingdom as Rebel, and as Wayfarer in the United States. Wayfarer is available for Amazon pre-order with a June 22ND release date. What's the future of the faery series books? On her web site, Mrs. Anderson mentions Arrow and Swift as two books due for a U.S. release in 2011 and 2012.

Amazon lists Faery Rebels as appropriate for ages 9-12. Readers who enjoy a good fantasy tale with an strong, upbeat ending may also find the book enjoyable. I finished reading Faery Rebels and left feeling pleasantly surprised by how quickly time passed while immersed in the story.

Tomorrow - Faery Magic, One Size Does Not Fit All In the Gardener's Eyes.

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Amy Browning
Melissa Carswell
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

2010-01-29T02:00:00.003-06:00

North or Be Eaten
Beware of Toothy Cows, Terrible Trolls, and Evil Fangs!

DAY 3

Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871
Series site - http://wingfeathersaga.com/?p=464
Author site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the publisher, the nice people at Waterbrook Press.

North or Be Eaten positions itself as a young adult fantasy, but you might also think of it as a teacher of spiritual truths. The Igiby family often refer and defer actions to The Maker, the creator of their world.

Recapping the job description of the Igiby family members, everyone has a job and each is important. Nia, the mother, loves and nutures her family. A member of the royal family, at times she must step in and take charge when things get out of hand. Podo, grandfather and former pirate, is a wealth of first-hand knowledge about the world and self-protection. Peet the sock man, or Uncle Artham the previous Throne Warden, strikes me as a sad character. As first son, he was presented the responsibility of protecting the his younger brother, the King. With overwhelming forces killing the King, Artham lost both his brother and his sanity.

The next generation begins with Janner, the new throne warden, and I couldn't help but notice the similarities of Janner and Peet. Both care for their brother, the King, but if something happens to Tink, the new king, will Janner better cope with the loss? As the new protector, Janner finds an inner strength and braveness when the family faces legions of Fangs and trolls. He looks to his Uncle Peet and wonders how Peet would handle the situation. The youngest, Leeli, must use crutches to move because of a troubled leg. Rather than dwell on her problems and sink into self pity, Leeli works to improve her gift, her voice, and finds she her singing brings encouragement, hope, and happiness to the sea dragons and other people.

Oskar Reteep, brings a new hero class to the story, a book-loving librarian. A bit chubby, and balding on top, Oskar provides comic relief with his recounts of various facts he has learned over the years. This guy would excel at Trivial Pursuit. What's nice about Mr. Peterson's story,is the way he meshes the various personalities and gifts into a group that's stronger than it's parts. Each party member has a job, and without one of its members, the group would be a little weaker, and a little less likely to accomplish their goals. Like our own place in life, everyone has a purpose and the best place for each of us is where the Maker would have us be. When we work contrary to that plan, or that job with which we are gifted, we accomplish less and go through more troubles than needed. Mr. Peterson's book, North or Be Eaten, illustrates that point well by showing everyone has a worth and a contribution they can make.

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve and Andrew
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher

2010-01-28T02:00:00.008-06:00

North or Be Eaten
Beware of Toothy Cows, Terrible Trolls, and Evil Fangs!

DAY 2

Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871
Series site - http://wingfeathersaga.com/?p=464
Author site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the publisher, the nice people at Waterbrook Press.

2010-01-27T02:00:00.016-06:00

North or Be Eaten
Beware of Toothy Cows, Terrible Trolls, and Evil Fangs!

Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871
Series site - http://wingfeathersaga.com/?p=464
Author site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the publisher, the nice people at Waterbrook Press.

The Igiby family is back, and bigger, bolder, and braver than before. The story picks up after the harrowing escape of the family from the terrible Fangs in the previous book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

For those who missed the opportunity to hear the first book, Mr. Peterson is offering the unabridged version on iTunes for $3.95. It's eight-hours of fun, adventure, and narrow escapes for the Igiby family.
A great price for a fun read. Click here if you have iTunes.

You may want to order the first book too, as North or Be Eaten references back to pages in the previous volume, and contains some great sketches of the scenes and characters. North or Be Eaten (NoBE), includes some nice sketches of creatures, places, and things Janner, Tink, Leeli, Nia, Podo, and Peet encounter along the way.

Once again, Mr. Peterson has written a book that's not only a good story, but a fun read. The Toothy Cows of Skee are a good example. "The toothy cow defies description. It oozes fear as it oozes slobber from its oozy teeth." The story is sprinkled with side notes like you would find in a traveler's journal, that provide a deeper, fuller understanding of whatever the family has recently confronted. Rather than the dry details of some boring encyclopedia, the side notes let the reader feel as if they are being let in on extra journey details.

Okay, this book is a bit less light-hearted than the first book. But life isn't always goodness and light, sometimes we go through the tough times in the middle. NoBE keeps the tension turned up. Each time you think a problem is solved, a newer, larger problem presents itself. These are darker days for the Igibys, but through it all they depend on The Maker, and never lose sight of the importance of family and friends.

This brings up the them for tomorrow's blog. Everyone has a job that is important, be it a King, a Throne Warden, or a singer to sea dragons.

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve and Andrew
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher

2009-12-28T10:38:00.007-06:00

Digital Dragon Magazine
Fictional Fun for the Family

Digital Dragon Magazine: http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/

(December 2009 cover)

Digital Dragon Magazine offers family friendly fantasy, science-fiction, and speculative fiction online. December marks the seventh issue for this monthly short story collection. The first issue released in June 2009, and each month the issues normally contain seven or more short stories and an editorial column.

I enjoyed Angel Wings by Fred Warren in this month's issue. If you thought body piercings and tattoos were bad, just wait until animal augmentation becomes popular. This month's Wary Wizard, by Sarah Ashwood, is also a fun read when a guardian dragon must solve his own riddle.

Back issues:

http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/vault.php

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Tina Kulesa
Melissa Lockcuff
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Nissa
John W. Otte
Cara Powers
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

2009-11-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

Writers Should Read - Why not read faster?

Part of learning to write is to develop a love of reading. Reading the classics and different genres, or types of books, will expand your vocabulary and give you a taste of various writing styles. My problem, and what many run into, is limited free reading time. If you could read faster, you could read more of those books or articles you have put on hold.

With an iPhone or iTouch you're in luck, there's a handy app called QuickReader. This speed reading program works to train your eyes to jump across each line. As your speed increases, you can adjust the highlighted words per minute and the line pauses. There are display options for color, size, and fonts, so the program modifies to fit your needs.

Another thing I liked about QuickReader is try before you buy option using the 'Lite' version.

The site address is: http://www.quickreader.net

2009-11-18T17:29:00.008-06:00

Writing Tools

Randy Ingermanson, the Snowflake Guy, has released a new and improved version called SnowflakePro version 1.0.3. The previous version required the storyteller to enter and edit the story outline to create a better story plan. SnowflakePro lets you enter directly into the program and follow the steps to expand the plot and characters until you have a strong synopsis. The part I like is the ability to create a separate synopsis - either short or long - for use in a proposal. Randy has recorded a nice introduction that plays within the program.

SnowflakePro is on sale through Midnight Friday, November 20th, for $20. That's 80% off the normal $100 price, so this is the week to check it out. Two bonuses are free lifetime upgrades and a five-user family license to cover more than one computer.

http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/info/snowflake_pro/96a.php

2009-11-18T02:00:00.001-06:00

BLOG TOUR - DAY 3
The Good, the Bad, and the Drefids

Curse of the Spider King
by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Wayne Thomas Batson’s blog - http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper’s Web site - http://www.christopherhopper.com/
The Prophecies of Berinfell series Web site - http://www.heedtheprophcies.com

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595540873

Today's title comes from the character group traits in Curse of the Spider King. Before the destruction of their world the Elves focused on beauty, and goodness. They strove to express their appreciation for a higher existence through their music, arts, buildings, and their lives. In contrast, the Spider King and his forces strove to destroy the works of the elves, not for any reason other than destruction for the sake of destruction. Where the Elves worshipped light, the Spider King's army worshipped the darkness that they might hide their actions within it. The Elves cared for the sick and wounded, the Spider King forces enjoyed causing pain and suffering. Over time, these twisted feelings and emotions twisted the Drefins and Gars in body too.

That's where the last group in the title come in. Inner darkness had spread throughout body and soul; disfiguring them for so long and so completely they lost the ability or desire to follow their conscience. Drefids looked like hags with long bony fingers that extended out into sharp blades along their knuckles. War Spiders are gigantic arachnids that are capable of carrying Gar soldiers on their backs. Even when the Elves had a war spider backed against the wall didn't mean the spiders could be counted out. War spiders climbed impossibly steep walls, and used their legs like eight lances against the enemy.

Further confusing the battles are the Wisps. At any moment an Elf might turn to find those they thought of as a friend literally stabbing them in the back. These wisps reminded me of dopplegangers. They took over someone else's identity, but were able to pickup the person's knowledge and speech. Now the Elves fight those attacking from the front while watching for those nearby who might attack.

That's it for the final day of the Curse of the Spider King Blog Tour. It's a good book, a great story, and a fun read. It starts out slow, building the scenes and characters, but draws all together in tight weave over the ending chapters.

*Participants’ Links:

2009-11-17T02:00:00.002-06:00

BLOG TOUR - DAY 2
E.T. - Elfin Terrestrials!

Curse of the Spider King
by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595540873

Today's blog tour title comes from the fact that the seven elfin children have been dropped off on Earth. Each has grown up on Earth, and yet while in the world they are not from or of this world. I took this idea as an allegory of sorts in Curse of the Spider King. Seven young elfin children are raised on Earth, yet they still feel separate from others around them. Like the elfin seven, we are admonished to be in the world and yet not of the world. In the case of the elfin children, though they grew up here on Earth, each wanted some more. Each knew a better place awaited them.

That better place is Berinfell, their true home and that of their ancestors, the great Elven Lords. The people of Berinfell looked to the Elven Lords for protection, when the city fell and the Lords destroyed nearly all hope was lost. Yet some kept to their faith that the lost offspring of the Lords might one day return and defeat the Spider King. While only a few years passed on Earth, hundreds of years pass in the Elven lands. Through diligent faith and expectation of their Lords return, the elves held to a slim hope of deliverance from the Spider King. The problem was, the elves didn't know when the Lords might return, and for a long time, if they would return.

When at last the children are found, Elven warriors must do their best to protect their young charges by keeping them hidden until the proper time. The elves soon noticed that the Spider King's own troops also searched for the children, and not with the children's best interst in mind. Gateways connecting our two worlds allowed passage between, but the Spider King's minions watched these in case the world housing the children was found. With time running out, elven waarriors must locate all the children and return them safely to their true home. The Spider King has other plans and means to destroy the last of the elven people once and for all.

Tomorrow's Day 3 blog review discusses the battles, and how evil neer wants to fight fair.

*Participants’ Links:

2009-11-16T02:00:00.006-06:00

BLOG TOUR - DAY 1
Anacrophobia with an attitude!

Curse of the Spider King
by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595540873

Curse of the Spider King begins with a neat premise. A group of average

children find the reason for most of them not fitting in is that they don't really belong here. At first this sounds like a bad thing, but the world they came from is so much better there is no comparison between our world and their home world. There's just one little problem, the seven children don't know why they feel different and someone named the Spider King wants them removed; permanently.

This first book in the series centers around special books of Berinfell history that come to life. The authors handle back story in an interesting way, touching the writing word in each book transports the reader into that scene in Elven history. Talk about bring a book to life. Closing the book severs the story connection, returning the reader to normal life. Of course, reading certain sections at night with most lights out isn't a good idea.

These scene shifts between the two worlds seemed a little confusing at first. But, the back story is important to explain where the seven children came from and why they must survive. Without the seven, the Elven race can't hope to win against the Spider King. One thing I enjoyed about the settings for the seven Elven children are the differences in environments. One came from a rich human family, one from a poor one. One possessed athletic skills, and another musical gifts. One child even had a condition that set her apart from other students. Yet, with all their differences, each had a connection in the common goal.

Tomorrow's Day 2 blog review discusses the idea of faith and waiting patiently for good to win; hopefully.

*Participants’ Links:

2009-09-23T02:00:00.005-05:00

New Problems with Old Problems Can Create a New Person - Things in Life Happen for a Reason

BLOG TOUR - DAY 3

The Vanishing Sculptor
by Donita K Paul

Donita K. Paul's Web site - http://www.donitakpaul.com/

Donita K. Paul's Blog- http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073391

Tipper Schope has learned to cope with life without her father, Master Artist Verrin Schope, over the past few years. Verrin has become a distant memory at the family estate. With a missing father, and a delirious mother, responsibility has come early into Tipper's life. Sir Beccaroon, a giant parrot left as Tipper's protector, filled in as surrogate parent and instructor during the absence. Tipper has managed the family estate, or at least the two remaining life-long servants, and seen to the daily chores around their home. From Beccaroon she learned about the great jungle they live near, and about the principles that guide a life for good.

Tipper questions her lot in life, wanting more than her daily routine around the home, but realizing her responsibilities keep her in this place of life. She wishes for her father's return, or at least an explanation for his sudden departure. But the weeks and months have stretched into years without resolving either desire, until one day a young, well-dressed tumanhofer named Bealomondore appears at her doorstep craving a chance to apprentice himself under Verrin Schope. Tipper tricks Bealomondore into painting a mural for her, and feels remorseful for how she treated him.

The Vanishing Sculptor isn't merely about the missing sculptor, Verrin Schope, it's about how Wulder has orchestrated unrelated actions and people to achieve a greater good and greater event. Tipper must regain the trust of Bealomondore to help in their quest. When she briefly sees her father, she learns he has been far away in Amara with Fenworth and Librettowit learning about Wulder. Verrin left abruptly when a spell gone wrong pulled him from Chiril to Fenworth's study. The spell went wrong partly because of material Verrin used in his sculpting.

Like pieces in a large puzzle, each new character brings a new connection to the big-picture of Wulder's plan. Each piece, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, becomes important as you see how it connects to bring everyone together. In Tipper's case, she learns of her importance to Wulder by all the steps it took to bring her to Wulder. If not for her father, she wouldn't have heard about Wulder. If not for her father's sculptures, he wouldn't have upset Fenworth and Librettowit's spell. If not for the spell running awry, Verrin Schope wouldn't have been pulled to Amara. If Verrin hadn't pulled pulled to Amara, he wouldn't have learned about Wulder. If Verrin hadn't learned about Wulder, he wouldn't have learned of Wulder's love and concern for him. Each event connects to the next, and that one to the next, like a sculptor working with many small pieces to create a greater whole.

This is the final blog tour day for The vanishing Sculptor, a great start to a great new series.

*Participants’ Links:

*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Rachel Briard
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Linda Gilmore
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen (posting later in the week)
Nissa
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Crista Richey
Cheryl Russell
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher