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Thursday, May 7, 2015

Letters from a scatter-brained sister | Giveaway

Yep! I'm finally doing it: my first personal giveaway!!! I must admit, I'm a sucker for giveaways. They're just loads of fun. :)

So, up for giveaway (obviously) is a printed version of Letters from a scatter-brained sister (yes, you read "printed" - something that I don't offer for sale via online yet). But before we get into the giveaway, I like "behind-the-scenes" so here's a little...

Letters was one of my original short stories that I wrote for my younger sisters' Christmas gifts (Maggie's Hope Chest, Noelle's Gift, and Deb's Bible were written for other sisters). I had begun writing Letters a few years before, but, as was normal with writing projects, never completed it. My sister, Rachel, begged me to write more so as Christmas neared, I decided it would make a great gift and, with the Lord's help, finished it!

Letters is full of fun cooking stories and mishaps - stories which are actually taken from life (me, my sisters, cousins, and friends). In fact, much of this short story is based on real life. For example, the following excerpt (from Letters) was taken primarily from one of my real-life journal entries:
            Day before yesterday was full of company, it seemed. Easy company – family. You surely remember the difference it makes to have “just family” over versus “company-company” when you have to scour the house, prepare a full-course meal, and get into decent clothes and shoes. Blessed family-company means a straight house, normal food, and marvelous bare feet!!!!
            We played a lot of games with Uncle Marvin, Aunt Jo, and Betsy. Betsy and I were neck-to-neck but Uncle Marvin and Mom aced us all. Imagine that! Then, Anna and Thom came to spend the evening/time with Uncle Marvin and family. That, of course, meant enough players for volley-ball. It’s getting cold, but I braved the bare feet (so far, no consequent cold!). Those were some miserable games!!! It was me, Betsey, Thom, and Joe against Jonathan, Mark, Anna, Caleb, and Ben. Of course they had more “age” than us. We were slaughtered the first game. Then Ben and Caleb dropped out so Joe somehow thought he needed to switch teams to help “even us out.” What? My three brothers (and Anna) against me, Betsey, and Thom who never play together? I gave up. It was getting colder since it was close to evening, so I never moved from my new position: crossing my arms and keeping my hands tucked between my arms and warm body. I actually managed to hit a few balls and you know what? We even won! How did that happen? I guess I figured out my best way to play!!! By the way, you can pass the message on to Nathan that I missed him helping me out. Why did you have to move so far away?
            Of course you know we girls didn’t manage to get early to bed. Well, it was early – I think we stayed up until 1:00. But that doesn’t beat the boys. I woke up in the middle of the night and as I went to get a drink of water. I heard some laughing from upstairs so immediately trotted up to proclaim, “Boys, this is ridiculous! Do you know what time it is?” Jonathan, Thom, Mark, and Joe looked up from battling over the world in Risk. Mark’s reply was, “Oh, a little past 3:00.”
            “No! It’s 5:00!!!”
            They gave me a sheepish look, shrugged their shoulders, and continued playing. I didn’t even ask them what time they got to bed finally – I just know they didn’t drag it out until about 10:00. We gave them a hard time.

As you can see, Letters is written in a very lighthearted, easy-going, and informal. If you want more of a peek, you can visit here.

Now! For the giveaway! 

(Note: even if you don't have FaceBook, you can still visit my FB page and gain one entry! :))



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31 comments:

  1. My favorite book would probably have to be Hidden Rainbow by Christmas Carol Kauffman.:)

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  2. Do you find that short stories are more exciting if they cover a short time period or is it alright to have them cover a longer period of time?

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  3. My favorite book is Start Here by Alex and Brett Harris.

    My question for you: what got you started in publishing music books?

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  4. one of my favorite books is : A Girl of the Limberlost, by Gene Stratton Porter.
    very well written, great descriptions..
    I have enjoyed it thoroughly each of the numerous times I have read it.

    Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thes.5:16-18

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  5. @ Salinn,

    Haven't read that one yet!

    To answer your question, I think it depends on the short story. With a short, you can't get bogged down with too many details, so it might be necessary to skip some time. Not sure that's a real answer... ;)

    ~Amanda

    "Thou wilt shew me the path of life, in Thy presence is fullness of joy, at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

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  6. @ Alisha,

    I've heard a lot about Alex and Brett Harris but haven't read their books yet.

    Honestly, I have to say "The Lord" got me started into publishing music books. I'm not a real big "get out there and promote yourself" type of girl. I'd rather just give all my stuff away. However, in about a years' time, the Lord kept bringing it back to my attention. Deuteronomy 31:8 has been very instrumental in keeping my focus. :)

    By God's grace,
    Amanda

    "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

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  7. @ Julia,

    I think you're all giving me a list of books to add to my ever-growing stack of "To-Read!" :) That makes number three I've not read. ;)

    ~Amanda

    "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17

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  8. One of my favorite books is Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret; it has been such an encouragement to me in my walk with the Lord!

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  9. @ Rebekah,

    Another book I've not yet read. But Hudson Taylor has an amazing testimony!

    ~Amanda

    "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

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  10. My favorite book without question would be From the Dark to the Dawn by Alicia Willis

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  11. One of my favorite books is Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  12. @ Lauren,

    Loved that book! It had me captivated from beginning to finish!

    ~Amanda

    "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands." Psalm 100:1

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  13. @ Alicia,

    Yet another book I've not read. :) You're welcome - thanks for joining us!

    ~Amanda

    "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." Psalm 103:8

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  14. I enjoyed reading "Letters" so much!!! Get choice for a giveaway, Amanda!

    One of my many favorite books is "Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford. My entire understanding of the Pilgrims was greatly enriched, as well as seeing how God protects those who choose to obey Him rather than man.

    ~ Kenzi

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  15. My question would be which of your stories have been your personal favorite thus far and why? :)

    ~ Kenzi

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  16. @ Kenzi,

    Thanks!

    I've heard that was a good book before. Will have to look into it!

    Answer to "Which is my favorite and why?" Usually the last written tends to be my favorite because it's fresh and new - in this case, "Debt of Mercy." :) I like the time period, the fun of different POVs and, of course, how neat it was to see God write it through me.

    ~Amanda

    "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

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  17. ONE book??? I have so many favorites! I love the Emma Rae series by Sandra Bricker, the Left Behind series, anything by Mitch Albom or Rabbi Kushner.

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  18. @ Diana,

    I agree - it's hard to choose one. :)

    ~Amanda

    "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

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  19. Hello! Thanks for this give-away; sounds fun!

    I have so many favourite books...Any book by Tessa Afshar... :D She has four and I love them all.

    Question for you: How long did it take you to write this one? :)

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  20. @ Raechel,

    I'll have to look her up. :)

    I started writing "Letters" in 2010 but didn't get very far and let it lay dormant until 2013 when my younger sister begged me to finish it. I think I started to add to the original story in October and had it finished by December. :)

    ~Amanda

    "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:23

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  21. My favorite book is The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen...thanks for the giveaway!

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  22. Question for author:
    How do you find the inspiration for your novels?

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  23. @ Hope,

    Another book for me to look up! :)

    First and foremost, I believer that it is the Lord who gives any good ideas and praise Him for the story ideas He has given me and allowed me to write. Secondly, I take a lot from personal experience. Whether it is fun stories from my family's experience or lessons that Jesus taught me individually. Thanks for asking!

    ~Amanda

    "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

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  24. one of my favorite books? "Set Apart Femininity" by Leslie Ludy

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  25. @ Katie,

    I don't think I've read that Ludy book yet - though I read and appreciated "Sacred Singleness."

    ~Amanda

    "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3

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  26. Thanks for the give-away Amanda!

    I love to read and have /many/ 'favorites' - narrowing it down to one is pretty challenging! But definitely one of my top favorites is "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris.

    Question: What is one of your favorite books :) ?

    Soli Deo Gloria!

    -Megan
    <><

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  27. @ Megan,

    I know, I need to read those books by the Harris'! :)

    One of MY favorites? Wow...well, besides God's Word... I really like "Evidence Not Seen" (Darlene Diebler Rose), "From the Dark to the Dawn" (Alicia Willis), and... several many others. ;)

    ~Amanda

    "For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:26

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  28. @ Sarah,

    Believe it or not, I've still never read a Christy book. :) Heard a bit about them though.

    ~Amanda

    "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17

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  29. My Favorite book is "The Hidden Hand" by Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth. It was written in 1859, and is amazing!! (It is available to read for free here: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/southworth/hand/hand.html

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  30. @ Heather,

    I'm not sure I've read any of E.D.E.N. Southworth. I'll be sure to look that one up!

    ~Amanda

    "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

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Thank you for stopping by! I pray that you have found something that encourages you today. Thank you for taking the time to give me a little comment - they always brighten my day. :) I usually stop by and reply to as many comments as I can, but sometimes it takes me a week or so. But if you asked a question, be sure to check back!

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)