A.M. Heath | Author Interview

Today, I have a fellow Indie author -- who has become a great friend -- over for an interview! I got A.M. Heath's books last December and within two days, read them both (granted, I was sick and had nothing "better" to do). If you're a Civil War fanatic, you will want to pick up these books! And the good news is: they're only 99 cents on Amazon right now! To make it easier for you to go and purchase your own copies, book 1 is here and book 2 is here. You're welcome! ;)

In a nutshell, what do you write​?​
Christian Fiction or Christian Romance. At the moment, I'm in the middle of a multi-generational series. The first three books cover the Civil War and the last two are set in the present day. But at the heart of everything I write there is at least a touch of good, clean romance AND a God-centered message. 

Amen! And readers like me really, really, appreciate this!! What spurred on the desire for writing​?​
I think I've always wanted to write. For as far back as I could remember, I went through seasons where I wrote my own stories. As an adult, I started writing just for fun, but it soon turned into something more serious. 
Now, I've come to see that it's God's will for my life and the "spurring" comes from Him and the characters that refuse to be silenced. :) 

Definitely can identify there! How do you balance writing with living -- or is writing your full-time job?I'm a stay at home mom with 4 kids so balance is a really big deal. So how do I balance my life? First of all, I should tell you that I often feel like I'm anything but balanced and am constantly turning back to the basics and starting over. :) But Christians are great repenters, right?!
I have found the key to balance is to understand that your time is NOT your own. It's God's. So you need to be ready and willing to be where He wants you in each moment of each day. If I have a sick child at home that might mean snuggling on the couch or running to the doctor's office. It might mean setting aside my work to chat with a friend who is hurting. Or spending my plotting time doing the dishes and the laundry (which is a great place to plot, by the way!) When you understand that your time isn't YOURS, it becomes easier to roll with the punches without getting frustrated. I typically wake up everyday seeking God's will for my day. I also pray for God's blessings on my efforts since my time is limited and the work pile is great.
Knowing that curve balls are a normal part of my life, I try to make certain adjustments to help ensure that I'm getting a solid writing session. I cannot write when my kids are around. The constant "mommy!" interruptions are just too much for my nerves not to mention my creative thinking. So I don't even bother trying. Instead, I focus on something that I CAN do while my children are running through the house and save my writing for the quieter hours. Lots of trial and error has taught me some things about myself that I can put into practice to ensure a better writing session. For example, I've learned that picking up a fiction book interferes with my creative thinking so I've learned to write first and read last. So don't be afraid to try new things. Even if it fails, you might learn something about yourself that will help you find what works best for you and when you can get the best quality of writing time.  
So the key to balance is to 1) Seek God's will for you day/hour 2) Plan to work when you don't plan to be interrupted 3) Pray for God's blessings on your efforts 4) Don't be afraid to try new things 5) When all else fails, just roll with the punches. More than a book, God is writing the story of my life. How I handle upsets really does matter. And who I choose to spend my time on matters also. 

Wow, I'll have to revisit that answer! That's basically what the Lord has been teaching me (again and again) -- to put Him first and leave the minutes of writing up to His blessing.
Who do you hope to reach with your writing?I hope to both the believer and the unbeliever. It's my constant prayer that the Lord will use my work, whether it's a post on social media, a blog post, or one of my novels, to edify and draw the Christian closer to Him while also being a witness to the Lost. 

If someone asked you for your best writing tip, what would it be?I like to keep a collection of encouraging quotes displayed on my desk. Here's one of my favorites: 
"This is how you do it: You sit down at the keyboard and you put one word after another until it's done. It's that easy, and it's that hard." - Neil Gaiman
I had stumbled upon this quote at a time in my writing career when I was struggling. This simplified version of a writer's life helped me to set aside the big picture and just focus on the next word. I was so moved that I blogged about the experience. You can read the full lesson here: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/learn-how-to-climb-mountains/

What are three things that you greatly enjoy doing?

Wow, only 3 things....
1) I love to be creative. I've been coloring as an adult before it was the new fad. Lol I also love being creative with the camera (since my hands refuse to be talented with a paint brush or pencil). And being creative in the kitchen for sure!! I love to play with colors, textures, and table settings when I cook. If I didn't spend so much time writing Christian fiction, I would definitely be food blogging! Lol I'm also a cake decorator and it's where this artist "paints."
2) I love to relax. And I do that in many ways: snuggling with my family on the couch, reading a good book, drinking tea or coffee (hot or iced! I take it all!!! Lol), taking in some quiet time outside, napping, and snacking. 

3) And I also really enjoy serving my Lord. I love to witness to the Lost, teach my children and those in my Sunday School class, and encourage other believers to persevere and cling to Christ. 

Thanks so much for your wonderful answers! I had so much fun reading them!

ABOUT A.M. HEATH

Bio: Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Site: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHeathfanpage/

Classical Music for the Church Musician (Should we Learn it?)

At youth camp this summer, one of messages preached was on music, and how it was created to glorify God. Afterwards, one of my students came up to me and asked, "If music is for God's glory, what about classical music?" It made me stop and think, because that is a question that I had battled for years. I'm not about to say that all of these classical composers were Christians and wrote the pieces for God's glory. So, if music is to be for God's glory, why do we learn classical music? Or go through lesson books, for that matter?

 

I can't answer this question for others, but for me, I have a total peace about using classical and lesson books. The ultimatum is the goal. I never learned classical music with the goal of becoming a classical musician for the world's applause. Classical music was but a tool to help me better use my music for God's glory. Just like I didn't use only the Bible to learn reading and mathematics, I didn't use only hymns to learn music.

In Bible times, Christian musicians were the maestros. Sadly, Christians are not the top musicians of our day. Look at the contemporary Christian movement. All you need to know is a few simple chords and you can be part of the praise and worship team. Excellence in praising God is no longer our standard, like it was in King David's time (read 1 Chronicles 15:16-22).

While I do not judge beginning musicians as they learn to worship God in song, and I fully believe that God can use musicians of any level, is the attitude of "I don't have to put in effort" God's desire? Are we willing to work to multiply the talents that God has given us, so that we can better be used for His glory?

Not at all do I think of myself as the prime example, but looking back, I can clearly see a few things. Because I learned classical music and secular theory, I not only can arrange at a higher level, I can write it down for others to use for God's glory as well. Because I learned classical music, it has equipped me to teach. Because I learned classical music, it has given me many more opportunities to use music for God's glory.

Are there downfalls to learning classical? For sure, yes. I personally believe it goes back to our motives and goals though. Are we learning classical to "one-up" our fellow musician and become top dog? Or are we learning it to master musical techniques that cannot be found elsewhere?

This is definitely an issue that each musician needs to determine in his own heart as he seeks the Lord.

What do you think about this issue? Is it okay for the church musician to use classical music in training and musical influence?

Seeking from Thence

So often, we get imprisoned by "how far we've gone" that we never stop where we are at to seek God.

Deuteronomy 4:29 gives a special look on this, "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (emphasis mine)

God promises that when we seek Him "from thence" (where we are, at that moment), with our whole heart, we will find Him.

Are you caught in a place you know you shouldn't be? Stop and seek God from right here.

After the Storm

The other night, a quick storm blew through. Afterwards, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful array of clouds. So, out came my camera and tripod and began the playing. As I took pictures,  I couldn't help but draw a parallel to our lives. After God allows a storm in our life, He also gives us beauty. Sometimes we just have to look for it.

These pictures are completely unedited -- straight from the camera (okay, so I converted them from RAW to JPEG and added a watermark). For those of you interested, these were taken playing with f-stop on 22 and 32, shutter speed between .5-1 second. And for the rest of you who are interested, yes, the trees are so thick out here that it's practically impossible to get a sky picture without treetops waving their hands.

What was the last thing you took a picture of?

Me? Teach Piano? - ready for review

It’s almost time, folks! “Me? Teach Piano?” is on the brink of release and I’m getting reviewers signed up to read it. Are you interested in getting a free eBook of “Me? Teach Piano?” Email me at withajoyfulnoise{at}gmail{dot}com and I’ll send a copy your way in exchange of a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

Table of Contents:
1. Welcome to the World of Teaching
- Can you do this?
- Not all musicians are teachers
- When a pianist should begin teaching
- Some personal advice
- The one thing I wish I knew

2. Running a Piano Studio
- How do you get students?
- Where should you teach?
- How much should you charge?
- How to organize billing/payments
- Creating a studio policy
- Scheduling lessons
- Recitals
- How to organize lessons or lesson plans

3. Parents and Students
- You and the parents
- You and the students
- Practice
- Student problems

4. About Books
- Lesson books and beyond
- Supplemental material
- Duets
- Theory
- Hymn Playing

5. About Teaching
- The fundamentals (piano keys, finger numbers, note reading, timing, chords, cadences)
- This thing called “ear”

Keturah Lamb | Author Interview

This week, we have Keturah over for an interview!

First off, tell us a little bit about your books.

I haven't published anything, but I've written many, many short stories, most of which I think of as master pieces, lol. Included in those are an original fairy tale, a Beauty and the Beast retelling, a story about a girl and her 13 outlaw boy cousins, and a retelling of the Pied Piper story. I also wrote a Novella called Silent Thoughts, which I am hoping to publish soon. I just completed another short story called When Souls Breath On, about a young girl in charge of her retarded brother, on a strange and soul-changing journey - beneath the waters.

And yes, for novels. Those are coming! My first is almost written, and I have several others in the making! :)

I don't necessarily write in a specific genre. I just write stories about people living life and having to make choices - or sometimes making choices that will lead them to some place they never imagined.

I write stories about people journeying through their thoughts and emotions, and going through hard things. I write comedy, sadness, laughter.

I write it in my fiction. And in my non-fiction and articles - I write things that I'm passionate about.

Sounds like some exciting times are ahead for you with getting your writing out in the world! What spurred on the desire for writing​?​I really don't know. I have just always wrote. And read. And wrote. I've always knew I should write.

When I was little it was weird short stories.

Then grew into a bunch of poetry and even a song.

I had a bunch of good ideas for stories at a young age, but I couldn't write them for some reason.

Until I found Go Teen Writers. They gave me the encouragement to JUST write.

But even that wasn't enough. I had joined a knitting site called Ravelry. On here I found a community of like-minded girls, and I joined their monthly writing challenge.

Here I found the motivation (especially since there was a time limit) to complete a story, and found the support of others reading and liking my stuff.

From there I joined a Go Teen Writer's challenge to write 100 words a day for 100 days with a friend.

I say I write because I have to. But I'm also extremely extroverted and a people person, so I also wrote for others - and to show others that we don't have to live in unreality, but accept life as a beautiful gift from God.

How do you balance writing with living -- or is writing your full-time job?

It's quite hard, honestly. And being extroverted and living an active life doesn't help any.

I'm the oldest of 11 children. I have a babysitting job and several housecleaning jobs. I do custom sewing, knitting, embroidery, and such, plus I have a lot of friends and keep my social life busy.

But I still try to write every day.

I do my daily journaling every night before going to sleep (I've been doing this since age 11 and only skipped a handful of days.)

I work on my stories one at a time...and force myself to keep at it.

I have decided to write once a week for my blog and every other for another blog. And I do.

Sometimes the post isn't done until the night before it's scheduled - but it always gets done.

You're definitely more committed to your journal than I am! Who do you hope to reach with your writing?

Any one needing joy or hope in their life. So basically everyone.

I want to show all that there's beauty in whatever situation you are in. I want to give them a story they can enjoy and laugh at and find hope from.

And I also want to show them that despite others saying contrary, God does exist and does care.

Nice goals. If someone asked you for your best writing tip, what would it be?

Keep writing. And that writer's block doesn't exist. It's just an excuse to not write. If that still doesn't work - then why are you writing?

Find a reason worthy of doing what you are doing, then get last what you feel like doing - not writing - and write!

Hmm...great tip! What are three things that you greatly enjoy doing?

Three things only! Wow...

Ummm...

1. Dancing!
I love to dance, especially fast extricate dances. My favorite are Posties Jig, Cotton Eye Joe, and the Cupid Shuffle - for those that don't dance those are three totally different dances, haha!!! ;)

2. Knitting.
I love to do textured things and use bright colors and make up my own patterns. I really like to make socks and hats. Love hats. Like I really, really like hats.
I used to never be seen with out a hat of some sort - normally a cloth fishing type of hat. Now I hardly wear hard as much...but still love them!

3. Reading books or studying any interesting fact.

I have always collected books...and own boxes and boxes of books (all organized by the author). And most of them are old books. I love R. M. Ballantyne, Robert Louis Stevenson, George Macdonald, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Alcott, Katherine Paterson, and Nancy Drew mystery books. Katherine Paterson is probably my favorite author...and I would love to write like her! And I love studying and reading non-fiction books, biographies, history, mythology, some philosophical stuff, and such! 

Sounds like a lot of fun stuff! I'm so glad to have you here on my blog and get to know you better! Best wishes on your writing!

ABOUT KETURAH
Hi! I'm just a crazy almost 20-year old writer - that loves to make people laugh most of all. Laughter and joy are necessities in life, I believe, but I still love it when my writing makes people cry, think, or change their mindset and the world around them.

That's what I really love - getting reactions out of people. But more than that? I like to help people make a difference. I want to be a part of God's great work in changing the world through His people with  kindness, unselfishness, and servant-like love.

Blog: keturahskorner.blogspot.com

Other places my readers can connect with me:
Facebook: Keturah Lamb
Facebook Page: Keturah's Korner
Twitter: @KeturahAbigail
Instagram: Keturah Lamb
Email: keturahskorner(@)gmail(dot)com
Fashion Blog: A Pinch Of Classy

Joyful, Joyful | Music Video

"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" is one of the well-known, exuberant hymns of praise. What is one of your favorite songs of praise?

Believe

This was said to the disciples immediately before the dark day of crucifixion. Yet, Jesus commanded them not to be troubled, but believe. As we face dark days ahead, how we need this reminder! Don't be troubled ... believe!

Claire Banschbach | Author Interview and Book Review

This week I have both an interview and book review. If you like non-magical fantasy, check out Claire's Rise of Aredor series!

INTERVIEW

1) In a nutshell, what do you write​?​

I write fantasy/adventure books, mostly for teenagers. But I want anyone of all ages to be able to enjoy my stories. Mainly I want to write clean adventure stories that are worth reading.

2) What spurred on the desire for writing​?​

Basically I had an entire book in my head for almost five years. These characters were always there and I enjoyed hanging out with them. Then one day, I decided to pick up a notebook and a pen to see if I could get it all on paper. Once I discovered how much fun writing and letting myself brainstorm new stories was, I never stopped.

3) How do you balance writing with living -- or is writing your full-time job?

I’m currently in Physical Therapy school, which takes up most of my time. So during semesters, I don’t get to do a lot of writing since I’m always studying for something. During breaks is when most of my writing gets done. But I have a weekly serial story I publish on my blog, so that makes me write something at least once a week.

4) Who do you hope to reach with your writing?

Anyone and everyone! I know it’s something authors say a lot, but it really is true – if my stories can impact at least one person’s life, then that will make me happy.

5) If someone asked you for your best writing tip, what would it be?

Don’t force yourself to write. I’m not a big proponent of the whole “you must write every day or so to break out of a slump” thing. If you don’t want to write, then don’t. It’s my thought that your writing will be better when you actually want to do it. And maybe that’s just the lazy person in me talking. ;)

6) ​What are three things that you greatly enjoy doing?

1. Reading. Obviously.

2. Horseback riding. I started lessons when I was 12, but it’s been a while since I’ve

been on a horse due to school and everything. :(

3. Hiking. It’s something I don’t get to do very often, but I love it!

7) You created your own world for "The Rise of Aredor" series. How did you go about doing that?

Landscape wise, I took some inspiration from a few other books and the rest was just countryside that I personally like. Culture wise, Lawhead’s Arthur and Robin Hood books helped me develop a fascination for ancient Welsh culture which inspired Aredor. I’ve always loved anything Irish or Scottish (I used to Irish dance) which inspired Braeton. As for Calorin, some people have noticed that the name resembles a Narnian country which indeed did inspire it, but I also think that Arabic culture is fascinating as well. So with that long winded answer, I basically took elements of cultures that fascinate me and used them as a basis to construct my world.

8) What was the thing you enjoyed most about writing "The Rise of Aredor" series?

Since Corin is the main character, he’s obviously my favorite. But I love his and Aiden’s friendship, so basically any scene with them together, no matter the situation, was always a blast to write.

9) What was the hardest thing about writing "The Rise of Aredor?"

The girls. Weird answer I know, but I tend to find that writing guys is easier than girls. Odder still since I only have one brother and six sisters, so I don’t have a lot of experience with the male persona. Anyway, out of the three main female characters in the series it was a bit more difficult to construct individual characters and not have them quite so cardboardy.

10) How are your other books different from "The Rise of Aredor?"

The new series I’m working on right now is a little different in the fact that it’s magical fantasy. With most of my other books I’ve started to include more noticeable religious overtones, something that The Rise of Aredor series does not really contain as far as giving a message of faith. It’s been fun but challenging so far to work it in.

ABOUT CLAIRE

Claire Banschbach was born and raised in Midland, TX, the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled through high school and is now a proud member of the Texas A&M University class of 2014. An avid reader of Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and many other adventure novels, Claire was prompted to begin writing her own fantasy novel at seventeen after several years of daydreaming.

She continues to write in her spare time (and often when she doesn’t have spare time). When not scratching out stories and homework with pen and pencil, Claire partakes in the joys of watching the Boston Red Sox, Aggie football, and playing volleyball. She hopes her strong foundation in God will help to guide her writing. 

She is currently working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Texas Tech Health Science Center.

Connect with Claire:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+ | Website | Blog

THE RISE OF AREDOR

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lost in a foreign land and separated from his family, Corin does his best to survive as a slave in the household of a Calorin lord. With newfound friends he fights for survival in ambushes and wars. For one act of bravery, he is awarded his freedom and returns to a home that has been invaded and ravaged by the Calorin armies. When Corin sets foot on Aredor's shores, he has one goal in mind: find his family. He is driven into the forest, where he is reunited with childhood friends. From the shelter of the woods, they begin a spirited rebellion against Corin's former cruel master, who now holds sway over Aredor. Follow Corin's path in his quest to free his imprisoned brother, find a father who has vanished, and ultimately free his country in The Rise of Aredor.

MY REVIEW

This book is divided into two segments or "books" (Book One: The Phoenix Guard, Book Two: Hawk Uprising), basically defining two parts of Corin's (or Hadmid's) life.

I couldn't really discover a plot for the first part of the book -- it seemed like the story was being driven from event to event, told in an overview sort of way. I didn't really get "into" the characters. However, when it came to the second book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! There was definitely a strong plot as Corin set to work at finding his family and summing up the courage of the Aredorians. In some ways it made me think of Robin Hood.

There were a few things that I either missed or they weren't there -- for example, who was the inside informant of Lord Rishdah?

What I liked:
- I appreciated the "no magic" in this book!
- It was very clean as far as no morally compromising situations (really, no romance at all), no bad words; there weren't any scenes that made me feel uncomfortable
- Karif. You'll have to read the book to find out who Karif is. ;)
- The humor. Ah! I did laugh a few times throughout this book!
- I didn't find it extremely gruesome, though about 90% of the book was descriptions of war and fighting. There were tortures, but they were mentioned, not detailed.

What I didn't like:
- I can't call this a Christian book. The higher powers of Zayd and Lleu is mentioned. Hope of earning a place in Lleu's halls.
- I'm not big on dreams, and there were two scenes: one where Hamid dreamed that a dead friend warned him of upcoming danger, another where a wounded man dreamed that he talked with a messenger from Lleu then was healed. Those were just a little weird to me.
- From a fictional point of view, I enjoyed it. They seemed to always get the inside scoop, always be one step ahead, always have mistakes turn into victory, etc. (exception at the climax, of course) If I wanted to read a story where the good guys always managed to be smarter and more skilled than the bad guys, this was it. But if you like realistic stories (which, I tend to...), too many good things happen to make it believable.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading The Wildcat of Braeton in the next month or so!!!

*I received this book from the author in exchange of my honest review*

Jesus Paid it All | Music Video

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe..."

Another piano solo from WAJN.

Sheet music available here.

Historical Hints

Historical fiction. It has to be my favorite genre! Not only do I enjoy reading it, I also enjoy writing it. And as I have read and written it, there have been a lot of things that I've noticed. Sometimes it is simple things that will make or break your story.

Characters

1800 - You have this kid who says cool.

Actually, it wouldn't be a kid at all -- it would be a child. And "cool" is totally out of his century.

1750 - All of the families have 2-3 children.

Depending on the culture, some of the families would have had 2-3 children, but that was probably due to deaths of children (during childbirth, as infants). Otherwise, if you're speaking English culture, families would have had larger families.

1550 - "I'm just kidding."

What? Your character is having a baby goat? Nay. He would be in jest.

980 - "This is my dad."

The first known use of "dad" is 15th century (how do I know that? Simple online search). He would most likely be "Father."

How does your character dress? How do they speak? How do they interact with others? What do they call their grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles? How do they spend their days? What is their occupation? The answers to all of these questions help set the tone of your historical fiction novel.

Setting

What is the terrain? What do the houses look like? Are the streets crowded and dirty or clean and free of clutter? The more you describe, the more the reader "feels at home" in your story.

Food

What did they eat? Did they have crackers then? Soup? Bread bowls? Salads? Dressing? You could omit these details, or you could do a little research and make your story authentic.

Items

She looked around the parlor.

What did she see? Were there couches (or were they called sofas or settees)? Did the windows have curtains or drapes? What were the colors? The ambience?  Going from the parlor, what is in the kitchen? A butter churn? What about the barn? Are the walls lined with tack?

Things to Remember

Don't assume. Do not assume that a published fictional book is accurate. It might be a good place to start with research, but don't use it as the encyclopedia.

Research pays off. But be sure that you're researching in the right places. The internet has great sources and the library has great books, but anyone today can have a website or publish a book. Check your information -- if you find 2-3 places that say the same thing, chances are you're pretty accurate. And remember: the best place to find solid information is in original documents, newspapers, etc.

Read books that were published in your era. If you're writing in the 19th century, you have a world of books you can obtain that were written in the 19th century! And who would better know their century than those authors?

Writing historical fiction is the best tool to learning history -- and you will unearth some pretty amazing treasures as you research! Don't let the magnitude of work discourage you from writing. Learn as you go, and be willing to test your historical authenticity.

What makes a historical fiction novel authentic to you? 

What hints do you have for writing historical fiction?

Whose Doctrine?

"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me." John 7:16

We would do well to test the doctrines to which we cling. It is easy to get swept into the doctrine of men and then cling to it with a vice-grip, not even weighing it against God's Word to see if the doctrine is of God. A good test is to consider verse 18 of this passage, "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." 

Whose glory are we seeking? When someone contradicts a doctrine (or belief, conviction) that we cling to, what is our reaction? Are we grieved because such does not glorify God -- or merely upset and try to prove that our way is right? 

Kellyn Roth | Author Interview

Today is the start of a fun weekly event on my blog: author interviews!! Some of these authors, I have just discovered and haven't read their books yet (like Kellyn), others, I have already read their books, and am sure you'd enjoy them as well.

1) In a nutshell, what do you write​?​
I'd say I write historical fiction with a dash of Christianity. I like the idea of writing romance, but have a terrible fear of it ending up sounding corny. Overdone romance is one of my biggest pet-peeves, and I certainly don't want to write it! I guess I'll just have to make sure someone with more common sense than me reads it if I end up writing more romance-y novels. I've always dabbled in fantasy and steampunk ... but nothing has been good enough to publish as-of-yet. Oh, and I wrote a couple contemporary pony stories a while back that I might rewrite should my adoration of books about horses return. I doubt it, though. ;)

2) What spurred on the desire for writing​?​
"The voices in my head" is my stock answer for when people ask me this. But, really, I don't know. I've been writing ever since I could talk ... poetry, songs, short stories, little bits of prose ... and I've never stopped. I always loved words and characters. My love for plots came later as I began to read, and I started wanting to make my own. Though for the longest time I had no writerly aspirations.

3) How do you balance writing with living -- or is writing your full-time job?
Well, I have a pretty relaxed schedule. I'm homeschooled, and I have an average of 2.5 things to do a week during the school year (not counting church). During the summer, it's a lot less. I usually am able to find a couple hours to write every day.

4) Who do you hope to reach with your writing?
At the moment, I'm writing for upper middle grade and young adult readers, although I think some adults might be interested, too ... it really depends on the person. However, I'd like to write for adults in the future (once I am one myself) and smaller children. I've always adored kids (I kind of am one myself still), and I really want to write interesting books for them. Also, I'd like to write light, happy books that a mom could spend an afternoon reading while her toddler naps. I know this sounds shallow, but my main goal isn't to touch people or bring them to God or anything like that ... it's just to make them happy and give them entertainment,  and perhaps to spark their imaginations a little (which is a goal a bit more worthy). And ... that sounds like just Disney ... But, you know, Disney's great, and I have no objections to touching people in my own way like old Walt did.

5) If someone asked you for your best writing tip, what would it be?Well, I don't know. I'm a rookie writer myself ... I don't think I have any great advice to share with the world. :) How about, um ... show, don't tell! (wow, the was cliché!)

​6) What are three things that you greatly enjoy doing?

Um, let me see, sky-diving, shooting baby deer, and ... ok, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I'm terrified of heights, and I like Bambi just as much as the next girl. Three things I enjoy doing ... let me see ... horseback-riding, swimming, and reading (which is kind of a given). :)

Links and Books

My blog: https://kellynroth.wordpress.com/

My website: http://kellynroth.wix.com/author (which I almost never update ... and on which the formatting is off)

My Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/KellynRoth

My Google+ page: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100598179246085811693/posts

The Dressmaker's Secret on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dressmakers-Secret-Chronicles-Alice-Book-ebook/dp/B01AF700LG?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AF700LG&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_glide_bb&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20

And on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28576266-the-dressmaker-s-secret

About the Author

Kellyn Roth lives with her parents, two little brothers, incredibly needy cat, and faithful border collie Gidget on a ranch in the country. She has been reading obsessively since she was seven, writing poetry and short stories since she was eight, and writing novels since she was ten. Her goal is to write historical fiction novels (which slight branches out into other genres) with Christian themes. Her debut novel, The Dressmaker's Secret, can be found on Amazon.

Doxology and Fairest Lord Jesus | Music Video

One of the age-old favorites is the Doxology, or “Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow.” WAJN now has an arrangement of this timeless piece coupled with “Fairest Lord Jesus.” This intermediate level piece is suitable for a 1-2 minute offertory.

Find out more information on the sheet music here.

Getting the Keys in the Ignition (Starting Your Story)

You have an idea. And it really is a great idea. A fantastic idea. But first, you have to get past that blank page. You have to somehow get the key in the ignition and start this story -- get the story engine revved and moving

Many would-be writers stop right there. If this describes you, then get your pen out and just start writing! Guess what the first draft of a story is called? Wow, you're smart: a first draft! It means this isn't the finished product. Some writers go through ten, twelve, twenty drafts before their story hits the public. What do you have to worry about now? Not about getting your story perfect. And not about getting that "gripping first line" perfect. You have to start your story. Get your ideas on paper.

Those of you in the "would-be-writer" group, you may stop reading the article and get to work. ;)

Now, some of you are here and all of your stories start with "Once upon a time" or "The sun rose in the sky" or another cliché idea -- anything to get you to the story. If your rough draft is finished, congratulations! You started and finished a story! But. You cannot leave your beginning like that. The first sentence of your story will either engage your reader, or turn them away. It is extremely important! Because of this, 99% of the time, the beginning of your story will need to be changed. For the fun of it, I asked a writer's group that I'm in, "How many of you changed your first sentence, paragraph, or even chapter, after rough draft?" Guess the answers I got? "A hundred times!" - "Oh yeah, over and over!" Several of them said they cut the first chapter completely out -- one of them even cut out the first two chapters. They realized that it wasn't necessary to the plot they had.

Some of you might be at loss with what to do for a new beginning of your story. I wish I had easy answers, but as I'm still working on crafting the beginnings of my stories, I can only give you some tips and ideas.

     - Write something that will hook your reader in the first sentence or two ("The sun rose in the sky" isn't very gripping. But what about, "Sarah refused to acknowledge that morning had finally come"?)

     - Choose an interesting first scene (start in the middle of your story -- Prince Reginald just discovering that he wasn't really the prince is more interesting than describing the back story of his life as a prince, which might not be relevant to the tale you're telling)

     - Raise questions about your character and his/her goals (In the examples above, why did Sarah dread this morning? If Prince Reginald wasn't the real prince, who was? and why did he live as if he was the prince for so long?)

Two things stop your story and make readers groan:

     - Information dump ("Sandra had grey eyes, sandy-brown hair, she was thirteen, had seven siblings who were ages ___. Her parents were both alive and loved the family and they lived happily together in Texas with their dogs, cats, cows, and rabbits." -- instead, weave this information throughout the story)

     - Back story (where you explain why your character is here and detail their past life after you've already started the story moving forward. Immediately going into back story instead of pushing the story forward to the future takes careful skill and purpose)

Thinking about the beginning of your story might be tedious and frustrating, but it is worth it!

I leave you with an assignment: go to your bookshelf and pull out ten books. How many of them entice you with the first sentence? How many take a paragraph? How many are just a little dull? Why? Use these observations as a key to start the engine in your own story.

---

What are some of your favorite story beginnings? What are some things you do when mastering your story's beginning? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Trusting Without Feeling

So often, we want to see God at work. To feel Him working. But, we don't have to see evidence to know that He is there, working in hearts and lives.

"Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him: On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him: But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:8-10)

Sometimes, we just have to trust the promises of God's Word, even if we feel nothing. As the next verses in this passage indicate, we must continue in God's way and commandments even if we "feel" no change.

"My foot hath held his steps, His way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." (Job 23:11-12)

Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not!

The Silent Blade | Cover Design

Have you ever had those times when you just wanted to do something, so randomly prayed, "Lord, I realize I don't have to do this, but it'd be nice if..." That was me a few weeks ago. Since all of my writing projects are in the baby-stages of planning and writing, I've not had a reason to do one of my favorite hobbies: book cover designing. So, I prayed that, if the Lord saw fit, He'd bless me with the opportunity to design a book cover for someone.

Not even a week after that, I beta-read a book by a Goodreads friend, The Silent Blade. Long story short, we ended up discussing covers and such and she hired me to design her cover! I had so much fun going back and forth, getting to know Jesseca and what she liked, AND finding out that a church-member had a sword for me to photograph! (you never know what happens when you post on FaceBook, "Does anyone have...?") I am very grateful that the Lord allowed me to come up with a cover that Jesseca loves. That makes it completely worth it for me!

Okay, okay, some of you probably skimmed over all of that so you could see the cover (because, after all, if you're like me, looking at covers is one of the best things ever!). Here it is!

And the full cover:

For those of you who love reading, The Silent Blade will be releasing on July 22, 2016. I may post about it on my blog, but in case not, Jesseca surely will post about it on her blog, so follow her there!

What's a prayer that God answered for you recently?

Giveaway Winners!

The fun time has come for drawing the giveaway winners for "Surrender" and "The Solid Rock!" While I greatly wish everyone could have won, the winners are ...

Jewels for Surrender

Rebekah E. for The Solid Rock

Congratulations! I'll be sending an email your way!!!!

The "S" Word (a New Age of Story Telling) | Guest Post

By Hope Pennigton

And by the "S" word I mean "Social" of course. What were you thinking?

Writers tend to be rather hermity kind of folk in an endearing poetic kind of way. They like to think. To study. To read. To be introverted and in libraries, in the rain, with tea.

Unfortunately if you're the most amazing, brilliant, best writer in the universe and you're keeping it in your cosy poetic library or under your bed amidst My Little Pony coloring books it's not gonna become a best seller.

In today's writing world sadly and regrettably being social is a part of being a writer.

Now don't start hyperventilating. *hands a paper bag* This can actually be a lot of fun.

First of all, getting in social group online or in person can kind of be like going to ComicCon or hanging out in your favorite book because your ideal readers and partners are the people who get you, who get your writing and your outlook and want you to succeed.

If there are no preexsisting groups for your niche, create one! Be the leader in that step-into-the-world-of-authors-hanging-out movement.

Most people won't even know they needed or wanted a social life that promotes their creativity until they've been a part of a good one.

And as you step from your house into a group of humans remember: at the end of the day you're awesome and epic no matter how anyone else sees you or your work.

So go make friends and colleagues!

It can really be a lot more fun then you thought.

If you have tips or thoughts on socializing in the author world let us know in the comments below! :)

~*~*~

About Hope:
Hope Pennington is a nerdy homeschooled grad who loves writing, reading and imagining she's in the TARDIS with the Doctor. Jesus is her best friend and she loves Starbucks too.

Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, and her Blog.

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget! WAJN's giveaway for the CD/Paperback Surrender is ending tonight! ENTER HERE.

And, if you've already entered, you can still share again for another entry!



Another thank-you to all of the bloggers who participated in this release and giveaway. Stop by their blogs -- they all have great posts!

http://BookishOrchestrations.blogspot.com

creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com

jessaswhimsicalwritings.blogspot.com

www.honeyrockhills.com

www.thedestinyofone.com

readytobeoffered.com

thoughts-on-life.org

Readinginjune.blogspot.com

http://kelseysnotebookblog.blogspot.com/

peculiaronpurpose.blogspot.com