Lisa Jordan

Marriage is What You Make It

2012-02-08T07:54:00.001-05:00

A while back, Hubby shared a story from work—he had been on third shift for 2 weeks due to a short-term project—andshared a story about one of the guys who hadn't been married long getting harassed by his co-workers about his wife.

Hubby took pity on the guyand told him everyone was just teasing. The guy laughed it off, but shared aconcern he had been hearing about marriages and the work place. Hubby told himthe workplace hours didn’t destroy marriages—marriages crumbled due to otherunderlying reasons. The workplace was simply an easy scapegoat. Hubby told himhe had been married 22 years, and the majority of those years were spentworking second shift. Hubby also told him most marriages fall apart due tofinancial reasons, and if the spouse was bringing home 80 grand, then financesweren’t usually the underlying cause in workplace divorces.

He finished his story, kissed me“goodnight”, then headed to bed. I pondered his words. No wonder I call him myVoice of Reason.

Marriage isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work.

In our 23 years, Hubby and I have gone through some trials--dark times that tested our commitment to each other. Those are times I wish I could forget, but those are the same trials that brought me to the foot of the cross too.

As my friend P. T. Bradley said in today's MBT Ponderers post, "So many times more emphasis is placed on the wedding than on a marriage. A total of $72 billion is spent annually on weddings. I wish couples would remember the wedding is for a day, but marriage should be for a lifetime. They will have many joys but will also have many arguments."

P. T.'s words are so true.

If you read the tabloids, you'll see headlines about thousands of dollars spent on weddings, but then the couples are separated in such a short amount of time. What happened to the sanctity of vows? What happened to their commitments to each other? And no, this isn't just in Hollywood either. It happens everywhere. Marriage is considered an outdated tradition by some, and it's as disposable as paper plates to others.

Hubby and I eloped. Part of me yearned for that fairy tale wedding, but then I realized I may not have had the wedding I always wanted, but I married the man of my dreams. Working together, we've been able to face many challenges. They weren't easy, but they drew us closer together.

Your Turn: What are your thoughts on marriage? Outdated? Too much work? Totally worth? Something you hope for someday? You're content being single?

Litfuse Blog Tour: Mornings WIth Jesus 2012

2012-02-04T20:28:00.001-05:00

"Be still and know that I am God.” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible, but it’s not easy to practice in this busy world. Mornings with Jesus will help you do just that—“be still” in Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence.

For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is (the Healer, the Son of God, the Comforter, the Good Shepherd) and what that means for day-to-day life.

With a warm and friendly voice, 365 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage readers to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into their day.

Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year. Each day’s selection includes: • a Bible verse • an entry based on Jesus: His words, miracles, and parables; His wisdom, compassion, and comfort; His mystery, power, divinity, and humanity • a “faith step” that will inspire and challenge readers to apply the day’s message to their lives

I received this book in exchange for my participation in the Litfuse blog tour. I received at the beginning of 2012, so it was a perfect start to a new beginning in the Word. Each devotional is written in a friendly, conversational tone that makes you want to keep reading even after the words stop. The encouragement from the devotions, the verses to ponder, and the faith steps at the end of the passages helps me to draw closer to Him. Written by some of my favorite authors, the devotions are great pick-me-ups in the morning and help me stay motivated to dive into the Word when my busy schedule beckons. Consider picking up your copy today. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the blog tour.

I'm giving away a copy of Mornings with Jesus 2012. Please leave a comment and your email address.

Litfuse Blog Tour: The Shadow of Your Smile

2012-01-12T08:12:00.000-05:00

Buy Here

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.

After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?

Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here.

I received a free copy of The Shadow of Your Smile from the publisher in exchange for participating in this blog tour. Even if I hadn't, Susan May Warren's books are an automatic buy. I loved reading The Deep Haven series through the years. Susie's books are always rich with details, storyworld and three-dimensional characters. In The Shadow of Your Smile, I felt pulled into each of the character's emotions. The depth of their pain pulled on my heart. Unfortunately I haven't finished reading this book due to my schedule, but each time I turn the page, I'm pulled back to Deep Haven on a journey that helps me to really appreciate the one I married. Reading how Noelle and Eli work to put together the shadow of their marriage helps me to appreciate the love and blessings I share with my husband. You must buy your copy of The Shadow of Your Smile today. You won't be disappointed.

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of My Book Therapy, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

Come Back to Deep Haven and Win a $200 Visa Card from@susanmaywarren!

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven andfind out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the DeepHaven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a standalone story.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treatyourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few greatbooks!)

The entire set of Deep Haven Books

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends aboutSusan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Clarification about Is Being Single a Choice

2012-01-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

I wanted to address Wednesday's post about Is Being Single a Choice? I absolutely loved the conversation the developed. After reading a few of the comments, I felt the need to clarify a couple of points. When I asked is being single a choice, I did not mean to imply that if a person is single, then they are that way by choice. I have several single friends who are single by circumstance, not by choice. They are hoping for a spouse someday, but it hasn't happened yet. My main purpose of the post was to say I did not believe people are meant to be alone. If a person desires be married, then I believe God will help them to find their mate or change their heart to be satisfied with being single. Many people who are single maintain their status by choice. I apologize if my post offended anyone. That truly was not my intent.

I'm blogging at MBT Ponderers today, talking about Change Equals Growth. Here's a snippet of the post:

Photo Source

I work with children on a daily basis. One of the most amazing moments of being an early childhood educator is seeing their physical and cognitive skills development. I praise my infant Little Darling for learning how to clap her chubby little hands. I praise my preschool Little Darlings for their letters and spelling their names. I praise my toddler Little Darling for sharing toys with her friends. One of the saddest things about these precious Little Darlings is they outgrow me. Their changes as they develop and grow older require higher levels of learning than what I offer.

And don't even get me started on my own boys. Our older son has chosen to leave his current university and course of study to enroll in culinary school ... three hours away. Our younger son is a senior in high school this year. In June, he will graduate and begin a new adventure as he studies photography. His flight from the nest will leave another empty place at the dinner table.

To read the rest of this post, go here.

If you haven't yet, please consider liking my Facebook Author page.

Is Being Single a Choice?

2012-01-04T07:51:00.000-05:00

I had a discussion recently with a couple of thirty-something single friends who are successful in their careers and have their own homes.

We talked briefly about being single--is it a choice or are certain people just meant to be alone?

Photo Source

I haven't been single for most of my life. I've had a steady boyfriend since I was 17. But when I was 19, I met Hubby and knew without a doubt he was the person I planned to spend the rest of my life with.

For me, being single was not a choice. I wanted to be married. I wanted to have a family. If you knew my childhood history, you may be surprised about my positive view on marriage. Marrying Hubby gave me the security I craved. We dated for 18 months before we eloped. Yes, we eloped. It was the right decision at the time. We planned to have a church wedding several months later, but life circumstances changed that, namely my pregnancy three months later and Hubby's orders (He was in the USMC).

More people are waiting until they're older to get married. They're establishing their careers, their homes, their futures before getting married and having children.

I have a single friend with a good job, a beautiful home, and no desire to get married. However, she plans to adopt someday. She said her life doesn't stop because she doesn't have a ring on her finger.

I have another single friend with a good job, a lovely apartment, and she wants to get married. But dating is not enjoyable for her.

Another friend is a little older than I am. She left an abusive marriage and stayed single for the rest of her adult life so far. I'm not sure if her marriage discolored her view on marriage or if it's a choice.

Another friend suffered tragedy when her fiance was murdered. She has been single since then.

Another friend believes some people are meant to be alone.

Perhaps my rose-colored glasses are on my face more than they're set aside, but I disagree that some people are meant to be alone.

Genesis 2:18 states, "The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

With that verse scrolling through my thoughts, I believe being single is a choice. You may be reading this and disagree. I'm totally fine with that. You may be single and wonder if you'll ever find that perfect mate for your life.

If you are single and want to get married, my best piece of advice is to pray about it. Offer your desire to God and ask for His will to be done. Ask Him to provide you with the right opportunities to meet the man or woman you're meant to share your life with. And this may take some work on your part too--developing right relationships takes time and patience. Most of all, you want to stay in the center of God's will for your life.

Your turn: Are you single? Is it by choice, or do you believe some people are meant to be alone? Are you married? Does being married change how you view those who are still single?

2012: A Year of Faith

2012-01-02T00:15:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

My son took this picture while walking in the woods with his dad.
He printed it and framed it for me for Christmas.
It sits on my desk as a daily reminder of God's faithful presence that shines in unexpected ways.

My friend Beth K. Vogt gave up making resolutions. Instead she chooses one word and focuses on that word throughout the year. She's been doing it for a number of years and said it has changed her life.

I've chosen one word since 2009.

2009 was the Year of Change.

Hubby lost his long-term job due to economic downsizing.
I graduated college.
Our older son graduated high school.
Our son headed off to college.
I finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest.

2010 was the Year of New Opportunities

I signed with Rachelle Gardner.
Hubby started college.
Tina James requested my full manuscript.

2011 was the Year of Hope.

I signed my first book contract.
Hubby graduated college.
Hubby started a new temporary job.
I signed a second book contract.
Hubby's temporary job ended.
My mother had major heart surgery & recovered well.

During our Ladies Christmas Luncheon, my friend Kathy spoke about Belief versus Hope. She said, "When we hope for something, we look forward with desire and reasonable confidence. When we believe, we are confident and have faith in something. Jesus is the Gift of Hope for all mankind. Once you accept Him, move beyond hope and into belief to show others who Jesus is. You may be the only Bible someone reads."

I pondered her words for weeks after her talk. We talk about hope, but I love what she said about moving beyond hope and into believe to show others who Jesus is. Others are watching us and how we react to our situations. I have to admit I've been a poor model to follow. I spent several months frustrated and discouraged. I lost my joy.

But God is good. He reminded me of His grace, His goodness in many unexpected ways.

This morning I wrote my one word for 2012 in my gratitude journal given by my friend Susan as a Christmas gift.

2012 will be the Year of Faith for me. Faith in God's promises. Faith in God's provision. Faith in God's protection.

Hubby is being considered for a new job. Our older son is making a new academic major change--leaving college to enroll in culinary school. Our younger son is a senior in high school and pondering his choices after graduation. I'm hoping to sell more books to my editor.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Basically faith is believing without seeing.

Even during the times when I'm wondering if God tuned out my whining, I want to step out and faith and cling to His promises. I want to be filled with joy as I continue to trust in Him.

Your Turn: What could be one word you focus on in 2012? How can that word have a profound effect on your life?

A Wild & Crazy Release Month: Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop Conclusion

2011-11-29T21:38:00.001-05:00

After receiving "the call" in January, I envisioned my book launch party, book signings, blog tours. I was going to do whatever I could to help spread the word about my book. I searched online about how to have a successful book launch party. Since I've participated in blog tours to promote other authors' books, I figured it couldn't be all that difficult--write a few guest posts, answer some interview questions, interact with commenters and readers.

Yeah, well, reality is a bit different than the imaginary world in my head. Don't get me wrong--for the most part, my Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop went okay.

Then life got complicated--hubby lost his job, a client's family member passed away and that ripped an emotional hole in my heart, Thanksgiving holiday, and NaNoWriMo. And I work full-time 50 hours each week. My demanding day job offers many rewards, but limits my time.

I'm so appreciative of the authors and friends who hosted me. I'm so thankful for the readers who read the blogs, posted comments and participated in the Lakeside Reunion Scavenger Hunt. Thank you so much!

I dropped the ball a few times and then there were a few unexpected glitches, but for my first event, I think it went okay. I've made notes on how to improve for next year when Lakeside Family releases in August. I appreciate your grace as I worked through my goofs.

Speaking of goofs, yesterday I was scheduled to be a guest on Julie Jarnigin's blog, but due to the holidays and being away from the computer more than I anticipated, I didn't plan ahead very well and forgot to send her a guest post. So the token that should have been for her blog is a breakfast basket.

The final token for the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hope is an engagement ring.

Thank you for sharing this wild and crazy release month with me. And please forgive me for the bumps and stumbles as I make my way down the writing road as a published author. I'm human and covered by grace. I appreciate you more than I could put into words!

If you participated in the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop, please email your completed sheets to lisa@lisajordanbooks.com by 11:59 PM EST.

Mocha Moment with S. Dionne Moore

2011-11-17T07:01:00.001-05:00

I'm delighted to have friend and fellow author, S. Dionne Moore, for a chat. I just brewed a cup of Good Hope Vanilla tea while S. Dionne is sipping a double mocha. As she says, "Nothing like a spike of silky, dark chocolate to get my attention. It's good for you, or so I hear." :) Grab your own cuppa and enjoy reading more about S. Dionne and her new release, Promise Brides. By the way, S. Dionne is giving away 2 copies of Promise Brides today, so leave a comment for your chance to win.

S. Dionne Moore started writing in 2006. Her first book, Murder on the Ol’ Bunions, was contracted for publication by Barbour Publishing in 2008. In 2009 she moved on to writing historical romances as an outlet for her passion for history. In 2010 her second cozy mystery, Polly Dent Loses Grip, was a 2010 Carol Award finalist and she was also named a Barbour Publishing 2010 Favorite New Author. In 2011 her first historical romance, Promise of Tomorrow, part of the Promise Brides compilation, was nominated a 2011 Carol Award finalist.

Born and raised in Manassas, Virginia, Moore moved to Greencastle, PA in 1993, then to Mercersburg in 2009. Moore enjoys life in the historically rich Cumberland Valley where traffic jams are a thing of the past and there are only two stoplights in the whole town. For more information, visit her Website at www.sdionnemoore.com. Follow her on Twitter: @sdionnemoore

S. Dionne, after getting your start with cozy mysteries, why do you write romance?

For a woman who adores mysteries, I’m not sure!! ButI do enjoy the dance of man/woman as they decide if they’re compatible. What afun (and sometimes frustrating) time! I don’t condone the notion that love canbe a quick decision. Infatuation, yes. Love? No. Love comes on cat feet. Twopeople considering the plunge need to be ever so careful to make sure they areready as individuals, as well as examine their motives for marriage. Enteringmarriage with the idea that you are going to change the other person is thewrong reason. But entering marriage with the idea that you might have to changeyourself. . .now that’s a solid first step!

Speaking of marriages, how did your husband propose?

Oh dear! He took me to this fancy restaurant in D.C., that bordered the waterfront. He was so nervous he couldn’t eat, and I suspected what was coming. He asked me to walk outside with him and, little did I know, he had a tough time finding a good place to stop and pop the question. The first place he had his eye on there was a dead fish floating nearby. . . He finally decided he needed to do it no matter the pollution!

Dead fish aside, that sounds wonderfully sweet. Since I'm all about romance here, share your favorite romantic meal.

Anything I don't have to cook! A fancy restaurant with a crackling fire, dimmed lights, a surprise bouquet of flowers, and a luscious, gooey chocolate dessert and I'm a happy girl. Oh, and I really prefer not to eat alone, so my husband should be there too. LOL!

Most definitely! What romance advice would you offer to readers?

Don’t be afraid to wait. Don’t be pressured to date for the sake of dating. Young people get such foolish notions because they listen too closely to peer pressure and not enough to God. It’s better to be single and wish you were married than to be married and wish you were single. Take it slow and easy, pray a lot, and pay close attention to the negatives, because, more than likely, they will be the issues you will have to roll with in marriage.

Fantastic advice! What romance theme runsthrough your latest novel? What about Promise Brides?

My latest novel, Valleyof the Heart, takes place right before the Range Wars of Wyoming. The themeis self-inflicted bitterness through unrelenting guilt--we can sometimes blameourselves for events beyond our control.

Promise Brides, a compilation of three historicalromances, deals with themes of forgiveness/betrayal (Promise of Yesterday), choosing sides and overcoming stress,specifically the hero’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Promise of Time), and that people are more important than things (Promise of Tomorrow).

Thank you for having this Mocha Moment with us, S. Dionne! Your novel collection sounds wonderful. S. Dionne is giving away 2 copies of Promise Brides today! Leave a comment for an opportunity to win a copy. Winners will be posted tomorrow.

Time seems to stretch endlessly for Ellie Lester after the death of her husband in the war that's tearing her country apart. Then Theodore Lester arrives in the North hoping to reveal the truth about her husband's death--and suddenly time stands still. Is Ellie's heart awakening to something new?

After rescuing several people during the Battle of Gettysburg, Marylu Biloxi is a true heroine in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. But even heroes have broken hearts, and Marylu's is shattered. Will rumors and secrets keep her from ever loving again?

As Alaina Morrison struggles to convince Jack Kelly that all she needs is love--not things--Jack is just as determined to convince Alaina that he needs to provide for her and their future family. Will Alaina and Jack allow God to bridge their growing differences--before a life together becomes impossible?

Will these couples risk everything to keep love?

Your Turn: What advice would you share with a new bride?

Tea Time With Author Rose Mccauley

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've invited author Rose Mccauley to come in for some tea. Pull up a chair, grab a cup and join us as Rose shares about herself and her new novel, Christmas Belles of Georgia. Leave a comment for a chance to win. I'll draw a name on Friday.

Rose has been writing for over ten years and has been published in several non-fiction anthologies and devotionals. She is happy for this to be her first fiction anthology because Christmas books are her favorites. A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for 43 years, she is also mother to three grown children and their spouses and grandmother to three lovely, lively kids with one more on the way! You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or blog at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com

Rose, why do you write romance?

I think life is all about God's romancing us and drawing us to Him through Christ, so our lives should reflect Him and His love to others, whether it is family, friendly or romantic love.

He is the ultimate model for love. Describe your favorite romantic meal.

Hmmm. Candlelight, white tablecloth, nice quiet restaurant with soft music playing and my hubby sitting across from me, making eyes at me! Food would be secondary, but grilled chicken or baked turkey and a salad and asparagus and rolls and dark chocolate dessert would be great!

Okay, now my mouth is watering. Tell us, how did your spouse propose?

We got married when I was 19 and he was 20 and the proposal wasn't super romantic. He told me he loved me early on, but I said I didn't know if I even knew what love was. So, when I finally told him I loved him, he was so excited he just started talking about when we would get married! On our 25th anniversay he bought me a 5 diamond anniversary band and got down on his knees and proposed again, so that time was romantic and very unexpected!

That's such a beautiful story! What romance theme runs through your latest novel?

Since it is a Christmas book, it does emphasize God's love and greatest gift of His Son. And it is about us sharing that gift with others. My hero and heroine had known each other as teens, so had to learn to forgive each other like God forgives us. And they grow more in love with each other as they share the joys of Christmas by giving to others.

What romance advice would you offer to readers?

Always put God first in your marriage, and your spouse next before children, job, or anything or anyone else.

Terrific advice, Rose. Thanks for having tea with us!

Nick Powers worked hard to earn his college degree and hisdream job. He doesn’t know what to expect when he finds out new owners will betaking over Bellingham Plantation soon. When Carol Peterson comes to town, sheand Nick get off to a rocky start, but soon combine forces to make Christmas ahappier time for others. Can they find their own Christmas happiness?

Your Turn: Rose is giving away a copy of her book. For a chance to win, please leave a comment along with your e-mail address so I have a way to notify you if you win. A winner will be drawn by Friday. What's the best romance advice you've received?

Operation Christmas Child: Putting Jesus in a Box

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Imagine waking up Christmas morning and not having anything under the tree...or having a tree...or food...or shelter...or protection...or maybe even a family.

For children all around the world, this is their daily reality, not just on Christmas day.

Operation Christmas Child is just one of the many ministries through Samaritan's Purse. If you're not familiar with Operation Christmas Child, visit their site to learn more and to get involved.

My church has a heart for missions and children, so participating in Operation Christmas Child allows us to minister to children around the world by packing shoeboxes.

We bring in toys, candy, socks, shirts, art supplies, stuffed animals, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. and fill boxes for boys and girls of all ages.

When we're finished filling the shoeboxes, we write a letter to the child whose box we filled and share some love.

Our church goal was 35 boxes, but we ended up filling 44! 44 children will receive a simple gift of love and hope in a shoebox.

Your Turn: Does your church participate in Operation Christmas Child? What is your favorite part of the ministry?

Update on Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop Scavenger Hunt

2011-11-11T08:14:00.001-05:00

I apologize for some problems with my Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop Scavenger Hunt. The past few weeks have been wonderfully crazy as I finished revisions for my second book, Lakeside Family, and prepared for my Lakeside Reunion Book Launch Party, which was held last Saturday--come back on Monday for a full report and pics! Great fun! Anyway, I didn't have enough hours in the day to stay on top of my blog hop. I apologize for some problems several of you have had.

I forgot to send in one post--so sorry, Ronie--so I took that blog spot off the scavenger hunt form. I needed to reschedule a few spots or delete a blog or two due to circumstances beyond my control. Anyway, here is the most recent blog hop listing. I made changes to the Google docs form. You can find that here: Lakeside Reunion Scavenger Hunt Form. For complete rules, visit the Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.

I appreciate a dose of grace and your patience. I'm making notes to make my next contest even better!


Date	Blog	Token
10/17/2011	Lisa Jordan http://www.lisajordanbooks.com/2011/10/lakeside-reunion-blog-hop-contest.html
10/18/2011	Amy Sorrells http://amysorrells.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/lakeside-reunion-blog-hop-guest-post-creating-white-space/
10/19/2011	Keli Gwyn http://keligwyn.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/writer-wednesday-lisa-jordan/
10/20/2011	Beth Vogt http://bethvogt.com/2011/10/debut-author-lisa-jordan-on-forgiveness/
10/21/2011	Inkwell Inspirations http://www.inkwellinspirations.com/2011/10/welcome-lisa-jordan-love-inspired.html
10/24/2011	Melissa Tagg http://www.melissatagg.com/2011/10/interview-with-debut-author-lisa-jordan.html
10/25/2011	Jaime Wright http://www.lisajordanbooks.com/2011/10/lakeside-reunion-blog-hop-jaime-wright.html
10/25/2011	Laura Hilton http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-lisa-jordan.html
10/26/2011	Pink Heart Society http://www.lisajordanbooks.com/2011/10/lakeside-reunion-blog-hop-pink-heart.html
10/27/2011	Heidi Main http://www.heidimain.com/2011/10/27/interview-with-lisa-jordan/
10/28/2011	The F.A.I.T.H. Girls http://www.thefaithgirls.com/2011/10/author-spotlight-on-lisa-jordan.html
10/28/2011	MBT Ponderers http://mbtponderers.blogspot.com/2011/10/ponderer-in-print-interview-with-lisa.html
10/31/2011	Katie Ganshert http://katieganshert.blogspot.com/2011/10/three-keys-to-following-your-hearts.html
11/1/2011	WordServe Water Cooler http://wordservewatercooler.com/2011/11/01/using-stolen-moments-to-write/
11/1/2011	The Borrowed Book http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/2011/11/welcome-debut-novelist-lisa-jordan.html
11/3/2011	Margaret Daley http://www.margaretdaley.com/2011/11/hero-interview-from-lakeside-reunion-by-lisa-jordan/
11/4/2011	Preslaysa Williams http://www.preslaysa.com/2011/11/05/fiction-fridays-guest-post-by-lisa-jordan/ (I forgot to give Preslaysa a token so I’m adding it here. You get a freebie! :) )	Puppy
11/4/2011	Seekerville http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2011/11/seekerville-welcomes-guest-blogger-lisa.html
11/8/2011	Camy’s Loft http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2011/11/excerpt-lakeside-reunion-by-lisa-jordan.html
11/9/2011	Novel Rocket http://www.novelrocket.com/2011/11/every-novelist-has-journey-this-is-lisa.html
11/10/2011	Patricia Woodside http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/2011/11/debut-author-lisa-jordan.html
11/11/2011	Harlequin Community http://community.harlequin.com/content/pubbing-10-how-i-did-it-lisa-jordan
11/14/2011	Rachel Hauck http://rachelhayeshauck.blogspot.com/
11/15/2011	Girls Write Out http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/
11/16/2011	Jessica Nelson http://www.jessicanelson7590.blogspot.com/
11/16/11	Wendy Payne Miller www.thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com
11/17/2011	Trish Perry http://trishperry.blogspot.com/
11/18/2011	Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
11/21/2011	Cecelia Dowdy http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/
11/21/2011	Sarah Forgrave www.sarahforgrave.com
11/22/2011	Ane Mulligan www.anemulligan.com/
11/23/2011	Sandra Orchard http://www.sandraorchard.blogspot.com/
11/29/2011	Julie Jarnigan http://juliejwrites.blogspot.com/
11/30/2011 Blog Hop Wrap-Up	Lisa Jordan www.lisajordanbooks.com

Coffee Time with Author Laura Hilton

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've invited Laura Hilton to stop by for a chat. She's drinking iced coffee, and I'm having tea. Join us and learn more about Laura, her writing and her newest release.

Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five childrenmake their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, astay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldestchildren are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include Hot Chocolate and Shadowsof the Past from Treble Heart Books; a devotional in a compilation fromZondervan; and the first book “Patchwork Dreams” in her Amish ofSeymour series from Whitaker House released in April 2011, the second book,“A Harvest of Hearts” in September2011, and Promised to Another inApril 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member ofAmerican Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer forthe Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at variousonline review sites.

Why do you write romance?

I write romance because I love to read romance; I love to hear stories about how people meet their spouses, etc.

I'm the same way. Give me the happily ever after! Describe your favorite romantic meal.

I don't really have a favorite romantic meal. I'm more of a down-home, country-style cook, and food is food, not romance. I know others would disagree. So I'll tell yo this, when my husband asked me out for our first date, he asked me to go with him for strawberry pie.

That's so sweet! How did your hubby propose to you?

Well (blushing). My husband didn't propose. I held him at gun-point and told him to marry me. He had no choice. Okay...it was a water gun. And I was teasing. But he accepted anyway, then held me to it.

That sounds so fun! You should include it in a novel someday. What romance theme runs through your latest novel?

Shanna is struggling to find her place where she belongs--Matthew is settled and sure. They form an instantaneous connection and romance flares from there...

What romance advice would you offer to readers?

Let God lead. Don't settle for anything less than who God intends.

Fantastic advice, Laura. Thank you for having coffee time with us.

A Harvest of Hearts Book2 of the Amish of Seymour series, September 2011

Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amishmen from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community inSeymour, Missouri. There isnothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and thelack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better futurein another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn’t waitfor her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quitschool in the 8^th grade to stay home and learn everything that makesa home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking collegecourses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters missher. And there’s something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws herattention. But is it enough togive up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

Your Turn: What's your favorite romantic meal?

Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop--The Pink Heart Society

2011-10-26T07:49:00.000-04:00

I'm sharing my first sale story at The Pink Heart Society. Be sure to stop by and collect your token for today's blog hop. Leave a comment! I love chatting with friends!

I updated the Lakeside Reunion Scavenger Hunt form because I received additional requests to participate on others' blogs. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information about the contests I'm holding to promote Lakeside Reunion.

This week's Blog Hops include:

10/24  Melissa Tagg
10/25 Jaime Wright
10/25 Laura Hilton
10/26 The Pink Heart Society
10/27  Heidi Main
10/28  The FAITH Girls
10/28 The MBT Ponderers

If you missed last week's, you can find them here:

10/17 My Blog
10/18 Amy Sorrells
10/19 Keli Gwyn
10/20 Beth Vogt
10/21 Inkwell Inspirations

Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop--Jaime Wright & Laura Hilton

2011-10-25T07:59:00.000-04:00

Thanks for celebrating my exciting news yesterday! I'm finishing revisions for Lakeside Family this week. I'm always so excited about the next step in the publishing process.

Today, the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop heads to Jaime Wright's blog where we're curled up in cozy chairs and chatting. My hands are wrapped around a steaming mug of Good Hope Vanilla tea while Jaime drinks her favorite coffee. If you know Jaime at all, you know she adores her coffee, but I'm so thankful she let me into her living room with my tea.

Then hop over to Laura Hilton's blog and learn more about my writing journey! Don't forget to collect your tokens--that's right two today. One from Jaime's blog and one from Laura's blog.

Remember the Lakeside Scavenger Hunt and Lakeside Photo Contest happening during the Blog Hop. Visit each blog to collect your next token. I'm terribly sorry lakeside photos for the photo contest haven't been posted. I'm having ~~operator error~~ technical difficulties in getting the slideshow to work, but I hope to have it up and running tonight! Check back for fabulous photos!

This week's Blog Hops include:

10/24  Melissa Tagg
10/25 Jaime Wright
10/25 Laura Hilton
10/26 The Pink Heart Society
10/27  Heidi Main
10/28  The FAITH Girls
10/28 The MBT Ponderers

If you missed last week's, you can find them here:

10/17 My Blog
10/18 Amy Sorrells
10/19 Keli Gwyn
10/20 Beth Vogt
10/21 Inkwell Inspirations

Fun News to Share!!

2011-10-24T09:22:00.002-04:00

She really is a
fairy godmother agent!

On Thursday, September 7, my stellar agent Rachelle Gardner sent me a tweet asking me to give her a call. So once my Little Darlings left for the day, I took a deep breath and called her. I love talking with Rachelle on the phone because she's such an encourager. But I have to admit I was afraid she had bad news to share.

Two and a half weeks prior, she submitted my second novel to my editor Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired. I had to put the submission out of my head because my mom was facing heart surgery. In fact, she was recuperating at our house when I returned Rachelle's phone call.

Rachelle asked if I would like to change my status from debut author to multipublished author! Melissa offered a contract for my second novel!

Lakeside Family will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired.

I didn't sob in Rachelle's ear this time, but I was very excited. We discussed terms, then I floated for the rest of the evening.

Lakeside Family is the story of Josie Peretti and Nick Brennan--Nick is the last man Josie ever wants to see again, but he's the only one who can save her daughter's life.

Lakeside Reunion readers will meet Josie when they read about Lindsey and Stephen.

Speaking of Lakeside Reunion, today I'm a guest at Tag(g)lines with a fun interview by my good writing friend, Melissa Tagg. Don't forget about the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop. I'm hosting a Scavenger Hunt & Lakeside Photo Contest with a $25 Amazon or Barnes &Noble gift card as the prize. All blog commenters will be entered into drawings for fun prizes--Breakfast Basket, Love Inspired Authors Basket, and autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit HERE for more information!

This week's Blog Hops include:

10/24 Melissa Tagg
10/25 Jaime Wright
10/25 Laura Hilton
10/26 The Pink Heart Society
10/27 Heidi Main
10/28 The FAITH Girls
10/28 The MBT Ponderers

Litfuse Blog Tour: Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-10-21T22:32:00.000-04:00

Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.

It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.

When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.

Read an excerpt here and find out the story behind the novel

I received this book in exchange for participating in this blog tour. Even if I hadn't, it would've been on my to-buy list because Susie could rewrite the phone book, and I'd buy it. Baby, It's Cold Outside has all the classic Susan May Warren elements--rich storyworld, three-dimensional characters that quickly become people you feel as if you've known them all your life, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. This story, though, has a gentler, slower tone, but it still packs a punch with spiritual truth. The metaphoric title reminds me no matter how cold life may feel, Jesus can warm us from the inside out.

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superiorshore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – warm up with a Kindle Fire from Susan May Warren
Warm up to Chrismtas early this year with Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside! To celebrate the release of her new Christmas book with Summerside Press,she and the publisher are giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting an early Christmas Party on Facebook!

Read what the reviewersare saying here.

One festive winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Fire
Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/26!

But, wait there’s more! Join Susan May Warren on 10/27 for merrimentand a few early Christmas presents at her Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas party!Grab your Christmas sweaters, socks and pj’s and join Susan and a few friends for afireside chat about her recent books (Heiress & Baby, It’s Cold Outside), holidaytraditions, favorite Christmas recipes, a trivia contest and more! Invite your friends anddon’t miss the fun!

RSVPhere and we'll see you on October 27th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST!

Check out the rest of the blog tour here.

Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop: Beth Vogt & Forgiveness

2011-10-20T08:05:00.001-04:00

Do you struggle with forgiveness? I think we all have at one point in our lives. Today I am guest blogging at Beth Vogt's In Others' Words blog. Visit and see what I have to say about forgiveness and find the next token for the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop Scavenger Hunt. Go HERE to learn more about the Scavenger Hunt and other contests I'm having to promote Lakeside Reunion.

And stop by tomorrow for exciting news I have to share!

This week's Blog Hop Spots

Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop: Keli Gwyn's Blog

2011-10-19T07:43:00.001-04:00

Hop over to sweet Keli Gwyn's blog and learn what elopement, pumpkin doughnuts and a toilet in a box all have in common. Be sure to read through her interview with me to find the next token for the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop Scavenger Hunt. Go HERE to learn more about the Scavenger Hunt and other contests I'm having to promote Lakeside Reunion.

This week's Blog Hop Spots

Lakeside Reunion Releases Today on Amazon & B&N!

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

If you couldn't tell from the title of this post, Lakeside Reunion is available today on Amazon and Barnes & Noble paperback! It will release on November 1 for Kindle and Nook users.

Be sure to hop over to Amy Sorrells' blog today for the second stop on the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop and read what I have to say about creating white space in your lives. You will find the second token for the Lakeside Reunion Scavenger Hunt too. And don't forget to submit your favorite lakeside photo for the Lakeside Reunion Photo contest. You can read all contest information here.

Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop & Contest

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

When my fabulous agent Rachelle Gardner called in January to say Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired wanted to buy my novel, November seemed so far away. The months have flown past at a flip book pace.

Lakeside Reunion goes on sale tomorrow at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It will be in stores next week. I've signed the contract, done the revisions, seen the cover, and finally held the book in my hands. Joy spread through my soul. Now let's celebrate!

I will be participating in a Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop with a few contests:

Lakeside Reunion Scavenger Hunt

Download the Lakeside Reunion Blog Hop Scavenger Hunt Form.
Visit the blogs listed in the table during their corresponding dates.
Read through the blog post and find the token mentioned within the text of the post.
Fill out the form.
Email the completed form to lisa@lisajordanbooks.com by 11:59 p.m. EST November 30, 2011.
Entries with the most correct tokens will submitted into a random drawing, using www.randomizer.org. One winner will receive a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble e-gift card.
Odds of winning depend on the number of participants.

Share your favorite lakeside photo

Submit your favorite lake photo by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, October 31, 2011.
All submitted photos will run on a slideshow on my site and be posted on myFacebook author page.
Readers may vote for their favorite photo.
The winnerwill receive a $25 Amazon or Barnes& Noble e- gift card.
Photos must be original, taken by the person who submitsit.
No private information aboutentrant’s identity will be shared.

Blog Hop

All blog commenters will be entered into a drawingfor the following prizes:

Grand Prize: BreakfastBasket Giveaway—pancake mix, syrup, blueberry muffin mix, Starbucks coffee, assortedteas, mug, and an autographed copy of Lakeside Reunion.
Second Prize: LoveInspired Authors basket—autographed copy of Lakeside Reunion & 4 December LoveInspired novels along with a mug of assorted teas, coffees, and hot chocolates.
Third-Tenth Prizes—one autographed copy of Lakeside Reunion.

Contest Rules

With the exception of the lakesidephoto contest, all winners will be selected using the number generator atwww.randomizer.org.
All contests begin at 12:01 a.m. ESTon October 18, 2011 and end at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30, 2011.
Contests participants must be atleast 18 years old by October 18, 2011.
Contest participation is limited toU.S. residents only.
No purchase necessary to participate.
The odds of winning are dependent on thenumber of participants.
Winners will be contacted via emailby Sunday, December 4^th. Winners have one week to respond to prizenotification. If a winner has not contacted me by 11:59 p.m. EST on December11, 2011, another winner will be chosen. Prizes that need to be mailed will bemailed via USPS within one week of contest closing.
Winners will be posted on my blog onMonday, December 5^th.

First token for scavenger hunt--Welcome to Shelby Lake sign. Visit the following blogs this week for more scavenger hunt tokens.

Blog Hop Spots

What Does it Mean to be a Submissive Wife?

2011-10-10T07:54:00.000-04:00

I am a submissive wife. By choice.

That does not mean I am a doormat to be used in any way by my husband.

Ephesians 5: 22 reads, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord."

The way I believe this is misinterpreted is many people focus on the first part of that verse and disregard the second half. To me, the second half is the most important part.

I honor my husband as the head of our household. He manages our finances and has final say in weighty matters. As his wife, I submit to his leading in that regard.

Why?

Because I love him. We discuss decisions and come to an agreement. If we don't come to an agreement, I try to get him to see things from my point of view, and he does the same. Then we decide to what is best for our family, home, finances. Sometimes it's not the way I would want, but I respect his decisions.

Submitting to my husband does not mean I cower in fear at his wrath. Submitting does not give him the right to abuse me for his pleasure. Submitting does not mean I'm a "Yes, Sir." kind of wife.

Submitting means loving him openly and honestly. Submitting means showing him the honor and respect he deserves. Submitting means appreciating his role as head of our household.

I am a submissive daughter to my Heavenly Father because I love him. He knows what is best for my life, and I need to respect His decisions. I don't always like them, but I respect them.

My husband and I have a healthy marriage. Yes, there's always room for improvement, but he has never broken my trust in him, nor has he treated me in any inappropriate manner. After 22 years, I love him more than the day I married him. I admire his strength, his courage, his willingness to compromise. Knowing his traits, I'm honored to be his submissive wife.

Your Turn: What does being a submissive wife mean to you?

Romantic comedies + Popcorn = Date Night at Home

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit

My friend Beth Vogt blogged yesterday about "meet-cute"--that moment when the guy and the girl meet in the movie for the first time. Her post reminded me of some of my favorite romantic comedies, including The Holiday.

Hubby and I have had a long, hard week, so maybe we need to pop some popcorn, curl up on the couch together and have a date night at home watching movies. I'll pick a romantic comedy, and he can finally see the new Transformer movie he picked up at Walmart the other day. That way, we're both satisfied, yet appeasing each other.

Your Turn: What's your favorite romantic comedy? Does your spouse or significant other watch them with you? What new release or old favorite would you recommend?

Keeping Everyday Romance Alive

2011-10-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hubby taking our photo outside The Bubble Room on Captiva Island, FL.
This habit started 23 years ago when we were dating.

Sanibel Island is one of our favorite places to vacation. If our budget could afford it, we would go every year. Instead we try to go every other. What makes the quaint island so special is we treat as an indulgence to be savored while we're vacationing. That keeps the magic alive.

Some things in life happen every day, but need to be treated as indulgences in order to be savored and kept special. Romance is one of those.

Romance is that fluttering in your stomach that you associate with love. Those moments that snatch your breath and make your heart sigh. Romance isn't limited to Valentine's Day or anniversaries.

With crazy schedules, mountains of laundry, dinners to fix, homework to check, romance can be pushed to the wayside. But you don't have to indulge in the grand gesture to be romantic.

¤ Beginning your day with a simple "I love you" and a good morning kiss go a long way in keeping that spark alive throughout the day.

¤ A quick text or email lets your person know he/she is in your thoughts.

¤ For me, romance is watching my hubby fix dinner while I'm working on revisions or just plain tired from my crazy day. Or seeing him fold laundry with military precision will cause my heart rate to spike.

¤ Men are physical creatures--at least, mine is. A neck massage followed by a hug encourages that non-verbal communication. Holding hands while walking through the grocery store makes an obligatory job a little more fun.

¤ Laugh together over a favorite movie or familiar memory. Or share something new. Go beyond talking about the kids, the house, the utilities and focus on each other--even if it's for five minutes.

¤ Taking time for each other will strengthen your relationship and cement the bond you share.

Your Turn: How do you keep the everyday romance alive?

Romantic Gestures

2011-10-03T11:15:00.003-04:00

When I saw my husband over 23 years ago walk through the door of the family restaurant where I worked as a server, I knew he was the one for me in his blue-and-white-striped short-sleeved button-down shirt, blue pants and white shoes (remember, we're talking late 80s here). But here's the kicker--we had never met, and I was dated someone at the time. Yeah, I was 19 and totally basing this on his appearance.

A fellow server, whom he knew, introduced us. We chatted as I took his order. He left, and I didn't know if I would see him again. The next night, he came back. He sat in my section and didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave. I learned he was home on emergency leave due to his mother's illness. He left, and I didn't know if I would see him again.

The next night, he came back. This time, when he checked out, he asked if I had considered a pen pal. By this time, I had learned he was a Marine stationed about six hours south of me. I couldn't write my address down fast enough.

We wrote for two months, sharing stories, telling secrets. This was before email so I had to wait an agonizing long time for a new letter. Each time I found one in my mailbox, my heart did the Lindy Hop.

My new pen pal came home two months later, and we started dating.

During our 18-month long-distance relationship, he wrote me beautiful letters, gave me books of poetry, bought me jewelry, and sent flowers. Those gifts were special and touched my heart, but his words were what I loved most. One of the most special gifts he has given me was a love letter written on a piece of peeled birch bark. He found a downed tree while on a fishing trip with his dad, wrote the letter, rolled it like a scroll.

Another gift that is precious to me is a cedar chest he made from old black walnut flooring. He took scrap and turned it into something beautiful that holds our precious treasures--my dress from the USMC birthday ball, his letters tied with a ribbon, baby shoes from our boys.

This month, that handsome Marine and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary.

Over the years, he shown his heart with flowers, gifts, words, but two weeks ago, he gave me one of the most supportive, romantic gifts--he read Lakeside Reunion.

Lakeside Reunion is the story of my heart that I dedicated to him. His act of heart is the most romantic gesture he has shown.

Your Turn: What is the most romantic gesture your spouse or significant other has done for you?

Guest Margaret Daley: 5 Ways to Avoid an Alligator Attack

2011-09-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled and honored to have Margaret Daley, multi-published, award-winning author and president of ACFW, as my blog guest today. Show her some love!

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-five books,has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance andlove. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with asuspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule herhousehold. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

5 Ways to Avoid an Alligator Attack
What in the world does avoiding an alligator attack have to dowith writing? This September I have two books out with swamps in them--From This Day Forward (swampy landaround Charleston and the river in 1816) and Hidden in the Everglades (I don’t have to tell you where that swampis). You can’t have a story with a swamp in it and not have something aboutalligators. They thrive in swamps. In fact, alligators used to be an endangeredspecies but have made a big comeback--one of our success stories for saving aspecies from dying out. Although I wouldn’t want to be swimming alongside analligator, I’m glad they were saved from extinction. The species is 65 millionyears old. They were roaming this earth when dinosaurs were. That’s cool.

So how do you avoid alligators?

1. Don’tgo to Florida or Louisiana. They have a large population of the animals. Otherstates have some, too. Even Oklahoma where I live does. But those two stateshave large swamps. Remember alligators love the swamps.

2. Sincethey are found in the southeastern part of the United States, don’t go swimmingat night. The usually feed and hunt at that time. I would prefer not beingtheir next meal so I think I’ll stay out of the water. I will point out herealligators rarely attack human. They go for easier marks--smaller than theyare.

3. Ifby some reason you do get caught by an alligator and he drags you into thewater, you have a VERY short time to do something before it drowns you. It canhold his breath up to an hour. I can hold mine about a minute. So what do youdo? Pound on the gator’s nose and head and stick your thumbs in its eyes (thatis a very sensitive area for it--hey, me too). Don’t give up the fight until ithopefully releases you.

4. Ifit doesn’t release you when you pound and gouge its eyes, then play dead. Thegator will release before eating you. Then you might have a chance to get away.

5. Ifone gives chase briefly (it won’t chase you around), it’s a myth to run in azigzag. Alligators don’t like to give chase and a human can outrun them even ina straight line. They can’t maintain their fast burst of speed like a cheetah.They like to wait patiently in the water for their prey.

Hidden in theEverglades:

Bodyguarding is Kyra Morgan’s business--but this was supposed to bea vacation. Still, she can’t refuse the request from childhood friend andneighbor Michael Hunt. Michael’s sister Amy ran away after witnessing a murder.Michael needs Kyra’s help to find her and keep her safe. Yet as Kyra andMichael follow the trail along the Florida coast, their search grows moredangerous by the day. Terrorists are at work, and the stakes are perilouslyhigh. It will take everything they have--including trust they’re both reluctantto give--to escape the Everglades alive.

From This Day Forward:

Rachel Gordon isstranded in South Carolina, pregnant, a recent widow when her husband felloverboard on the voyage to America. Nathan Stuart, a physician who came homefrom serving in the American army during the War of 1812, disenchanted with hislife and the Lord, rescues Rachel and saves her life. Feeling responsible forher, Nathan tries to discourage her from living at a rundown farm her husbandbought to start a new future in America. He wants her to return to England.

Rachel refuses togo back to England where her father disowned her for marrying against hiswishes. The farm is all she has, and she is determined to make it on her own.But Nathan has other ideas and becomes her farmhand to discourage her fromstaying in America. Instead he ends up protecting her and being challenged byher. Can two wounded people heal each other?

Your Turn: Share a fun fact you know about Margaret or one of her books for an opportunity to win a Margaret Daley novel!

Guest Post: Sandra Orchard--Marketing: It Doesn't Have to be Painful

2011-09-27T07:29:00.001-04:00

I'm excited to host my friend and fellow Love Inspired author, Sandra Orchard, on my blog today.

Sandra Orchard lives in rural Ontario, Canada where inspiration abounds for her romantic suspense novels set in the fictional Niagara town she's created as their backdrop. Married with three grown children, when not writing, she enjoys hanging out with family, brainstorming new stories with fellow writers, and hiking or kayaking in God's beautiful creation. She’s an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, and several RWA chapters.

Marketing: It Doesn't Have to be Painful

For most writers, the word marketing is akin to the sound offingernails scraped down a chalkboard. But with a month-long book launch behindme, I’m here to assure you that marketing can be a lot of fun, even if you don’thave a publisher with an unlimited budget willing to jet you off to whateverexotic location your novel is set in to do some fabulous publicity stunt.

No, gaining publicity can be as simple as locking out yourroommate.

Yes, for those who attended ACFW, I am the Sandra Orchardwho forgot her roommate!

But wasn’t that a great publicity stunt?

It wasn’t deliberate, of course, but a perfect example ofhow we can turn our foibles into fun marketing opportunities.

For those of whom my reputation hasn’t preceded me, and toset the record straight for the others, here’s what really happened: I had adifferent roommate for the first night of the ACFW conference. The nextmorning, she checked into her new room, but the hotel didn’t check her out of mine,so it remained in her name instead of mine.

Okay… I hadn’t remembered to add my second roommate’s nameto the reservation when I checked in, either. I blame that on Air Canadacancelling my morning flight, but that’s another story.

So when roommate number 2 arrived the next afternoon, thehotel staff couldn’t find her name OR mine in their system!

With 750 people at the conference, roommate #2 had littlehope of running into me, so…

Brandilynn Collins declared from the stage in the first general session that “Sandra Orchardhad locked out her roommate” and could she please meet her after the session atthe doors. We actually connected immediately, because she sat only a couple oftables away, but my reputation had been sealed.

The next morning, Brandilynn asked that Sandra Orchard meether at the stage before leaving for classes, and my tablemates burst outlaughing when I threw up my arms (yes, flying body parts) and said, “What did Ido now?!”

Later that day I played up my newfound notoriety during thedoor prize giveaway. Brandilynn asked for someone who’d forgotten somethingimportant. I stood up. When she asked what I’d forgotten, I looked at her inshock disbelief and said, “My roommate!”

Needless to say, after that almost every person I met said,“Oh, you’re the one who forgot your roommate!” the moment they saw my name tag.

Of course, I’d whip out a bookmark andoffer it to them saying, “It was a publicity stunt!”

Although not deliberate, it certainlyworked. My book sold out, and I daresay that few attendees didn’t knowmy name.

When Lisa invited me to do a guest post to shamelesslypromote my debut Love Inspired Suspense, Deep Cover, I had already agreed todo…um…forty-five-plus blogs in six weeks. As grateful as I felt about herenthusiastic support, I was a tad hesitant.

I don’t recommend taking on quite so ambitious a schedule,unless you don’t need to eat, sleep, or do anything but write blogs for sixweeks. But I highly recommend forgetting your roommate!

For the sole blog reader who may not have heard about Deep Cover, which is in stores for another week orso, it is book 1 in my series Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts theirlives—and hearts—on the line.

Deep Cover explores how a Christian undercover officer mighthandle the lying aspects of his job, including lying (for the sake of hiscover) to the woman he’s falling for.

Connect with Sandra:

Her website~ www.SandraOrchard.com

Her blog ~ www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com

Her authorpage ~ www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

Or to learnabout future releases, you can subscribe to her newsletter ~ http://bit.ly/OrchardNews

Drawing:

And forthose of you who can be bribed to feign interest in someone who would actuallyresort to locking out her roommate to sell a few books… On October 1^st,she’s drawing a name from all of her subscribers, blog commenters, and FB fansfor a $25 gift card for the winner’s favorite online retailer.

Your Turn: What’s the best marketing strategy you’ve seen or used?

LitFUSE Blog Tour: Fairer Than Morning

2011-09-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.rosslynelliott.com/books.php

Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in children's ministry.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com

To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she's giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh...romantic.Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews - Library Journal said, "A well-written historical series debut…". Read more reviews here.Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest -

One winner will receive:* Kindle with Wi-Fi* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn's Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.Then be sure to RSVP for Rosslyn's Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don't worry if you haven't read the book yet - you could win a copy!) & historical Fiction, testing your trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!

I received this book in exchange for participating in the blog tour. I started Fairer Than Morning, but have not had time to finish it. From the first page, Rosslyn's beautiful writing kept me turning pages. I look forward to completing the story. Buy your copy of Fairer Than Morning today! Check out the other stops in the blog tour.

Do Christians Have to Like the Will of God?

2011-09-05T09:08:00.000-04:00

Source

Last Monday I received a phone call from the cardiac ICU where my mother had been resided for three days prior. Mom's nurse called to say her doctor decided to take her back into surgery because Mom was not progressing toward recovery as well as he had expected. Mom's aorta valve that had been replaced the previous Friday was not working the way it should. The doctor needed to open her back up, evaluate the situation, and replace or repair the valve. Because he was not doing any grafting, the surgery would not take as long as it had the first time. As with any surgery, this one included life threatening risks.

The nurse's serious words sent my heart racing and panic clawing at my chest. She promised to have Mom's doctor call with more information about the procedure. I was unable to travel to the hospital due to my work obligations, but I called my sister at her school. She and my sister-in-law traveled to the hospital to be with Mom, who was not doing well, while I made calls to our church's prayer chain and family members. I updated Twitter and Facebook. Within minutes, an outpouring of prayer support and words of encouragement filled my inbox. My panic eased knowing others were calling out to God on Mom's behalf.

With a smile pasted on my face, I went through my daily routine, but my heart cried out to God. I wanted His will to be done, but I was afraid of what His will may be. Despite Mom's strong faith and her life placed in his hands, I was not ready for Him to take her from this home to her heavenly one. I was a selfish mortal who still wanted her mommy.

Source

God is sovereign. His omniscience sees what's best for us. Jeremiah 29:11-13 states, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Since I'm not all-knowing like God, I didn't know what He had planned. Despite not knowing Mom's future, I had to surrender my trust and place it in His hands. His will was perfect for Mom's life, and for the rest of us. I admit it was hard. And I did it knowing I may not like what He had planned.

I'm very pleased to say Mom is recovering at our home and doing well. She's an amazing person who gives God all the glory. She's an inspiration for me to surrender my will without reservation, even without knowing the outcome.

Your Turn: So what about you? Do you find it a challenge to "Like" the will of God? How has surrendering your trust during that time strengthened your faith?

Strangers Dressed as Angels

2011-08-28T21:01:00.000-04:00

Dear friend, you are faithful
in what you are doing for the brothers,

even though they are strangers to you. 1 John 1:5 NIV

Saturday morning I took the elevator to the second floor and headed for bed #5 in the ICU. My mom had a complete overhaul on her heart. Seeing the wires, tubes and monitors didn't bother me. Seeing my mom in pain and vulnerable cut me to the core. I stared at the ceiling numerous times to help the welling tears subside. I prayed and asked for God's strength because mine was shaky.

After leaving her room, I had a meltdown in the family lounge. I called my sister, begging her to come out because I couldn't handle being there by myself. I ended the call, dropped my phone on the chair next to me and sobbed into my tissues.

A woman knelt in front of me and asked if she could give me a hug. I launched myself into her arms and cried as she spoke soothing tones into my hair. I needed someone to comfort me at that very moment.

God provided an angel in a pink breast cancer awareness t-shirt and navy track pants.

Once I pulled myself together, I thanked her profusely for the comfort she gave me. I learned she had been there a week as her husband spent the past six days in ICU. My heart ached as she shared her story. As my friends and sister arrived, she sat next to us and said, "You have all of them. I have no one."

We swept her into our circle, offering prayers, hugs and chocolate.

My weekend in the ICU taught me valuable lessons in God's Divine Providence, empathy for my hurting friends and we are never so strong that we can't ask for someone to help us.

As we tear down those walls and expose our aching hearts, we are allowing others to bless us with words of encouragement and hugs of comfort. In turn, we are providing blessings for them.

Please pray for my friend Renee who so generously comforted me in my time of need on Saturday. She received devastating news this evening that will change her life forever as she makes a very tough decision. I had the opportunity to be a comfort to her. I told her I had my network praying for her and that God provides miracles.

Please pray for my mama as she is in the toughest fight of her life. As of today, she's having a hard time maintaining her oxygen levels without a breathing mask. When her oxygen levels drop, her heart rate and blood pressure rise. I prayed over her as I left for the evening and when I peeked in on her one last time, she was in a peaceful deep sleep and her oxygen was at 92 without her breathing mask!

Your turn: Have you been blessed by a stranger? Have you had the opportunity to bless someone you didn't know? How did it change you?

What is Christian romance?

2011-08-24T08:22:00.000-04:00

Christian romance--some people believe that to be an oxymoron because they equate romance with unbridled passion. Not necessarily.

Source

Christian romance is one genre of the Christian fiction realm. Christian romances tell the story of a hero and heroine overcoming obstacles to fall in love and making a lifelong commitment by the book's end. Sometimes those endings will lead to marriage, and sometimes the reader is left with the happy couple newly engaged.

Quality Christian romances include:

Hero and heroine
Character journeys
A believable plot
Conflict
Happily ever after resolution
An element of faith in Jesus Christ woven through the plot

Quality Christian romances do not include:

Strong language
Bedroom scenes
Same sex partners as main characters
Graphic violence
Intimate relationships between unmarried couples
Preachiness

Source

In the past I've mentioned I write romance, and many people ask, "Are you writing one of those smut books?"

I resist rolling my eyes and reply, "My books are Christian romances."

"Oh."

Sometimes the person will ask for an explanation, and other times that person will walk away before I stand behind my pulpit and give them a sermon. Of course, I don't preach to them, but some people hear 'Christian' and assume a sermon is right around the corner.

Writers of quality Christian fiction do weave in a thread of faith, but we try not to preach to our readers. Instead we strive to show our characters' faith in Jesus through their actions--you know, show not tell. We show our characters' longings from emotional tenderness than physical desire. There is a time and a place for those steamy scenes. In Christian romance, it's usually after the couple is married and happens behind closed doors. I say usually because a character may have a past, but once she commits herself to Christ, she should be depicted as wanting to honor God with the way she lives her life.

Publishing houses offer their own set of guidelines about the levels of violence, language and sensuality that may be included in a novel. My parent publisher Harlequin sells books to the ABA and CBA, so their Love Inspired Christian fiction novels must fit CBA guidelines.

Love Inspired's mission statement states, "The Love Inspired fiction program features wholesome Christian romance that will help women to better guide themselves, their families and their communities toward purposeful, faith-driven lives."

So when you think of Christian romance, think wholesome or sweet. Some people grumble about the stricter guidelines, but I believe publishers want their novels to glorify God. After all, isn't that what Christians are called to do?

Your turn: How would you define Christian romance? Do you find them sweet and wholesome or too restrictive for 'real life?'

Writing by Heart

2011-08-17T01:00:00.003-04:00

Credit: Michael Pohl

**I'm blogging at WordServe Water Cooler today. Stop by and see what I have to say about Learning to Let Go.

There's nothing to writing.

All you do is sit down at a typewriter
and open a vein.

~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

Last Wednesday morning after I hit snooze about three times, I came awake with a revelation—I have become my character.

When I began my current work-in-progress (WIP), my character struggled with financial hardships. About that time, my husband lost his job.

My character discovered a maintenance issue in her place of business. We had a major leak in our bedroom. Then we found another one in our back entry area.

When my character needed hope, God provided me with a book contract.

I’m editing the Black Moment where the character’s daughter is rushed to the ER. Three weeks ago my mother was taken to the ER by ambulance. Last week she was admitted to the hospital again for more testing for her heart. Next Friday, she will have a triple bypass.

The waiting, the worrying that Josie is feeling—I get that.

Writing is about creating relationships with your readers, allowing them to feel the same character emotions as they turn the pages.

In order to create those emotions, you have to sacrifice a part of yourself—become vulnerable on the page.

Before you write a scene, think about the emotion you want the character to feel, then think back to a time when you had a similar experience or emotion. Now bleed how you felt onto the page.

Tuesday night when I visited my mom in the hospital, I smiled and laughed because I didn’t want to stress her out by the worry bouncing around inside my head. When I came home, I channeled those emotions into my scene and wrote this:

Birthdays were supposed to be celebrations, not spent fighting to breathe in a hospital room painted the color of chicken soup.

Children’s laughter should be bouncing off the walls instead of beeping monitors and hissing tubes. The scent of sulphur from extinguished birthday candles and the sweetness of frosting should be lingering in the air. Not the stench of antiseptic that had become as familiar as Josie’s own shampoo.

Her gaze fixated on Hannah’s closed eyes, memorizing every curve and line of her face. Her chest rose and fell in a peaceful rhythm. Too peaceful. Too final.

Please, God, one more birthday . . .

She’d pray that prayer every day for the rest of her life if necessary.

Losing her only child would surely shred her heart beyond repair. Hannah was a piece of her. A small representation of the good in Josie’s life. She’d lost so many people already. Couldn’t He spare her daughter?

She swiped at the tears crowding her eyes, swallowing back the boulder-sized lump that seemed to be a constant part of her anatomy. Hope appeared to be the large tanker in the middle of the ocean and she resided on the island of despair with rescue being a stranger.

When Nick walked away, he took another piece of her heart with him. Would he return? The voice inside her head screamed for him to stay. She couldn’t bear to be alone anymore, to lose someone else she loved. Instead, she told him not to bother coming back.

Your turn: How do you write emotion? Do you find it a challenge? What suggestions do you have to offer?

Repost: What Makes You Smile?

2011-08-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

One of the highlights of my day is logging into my instant message accounts and chatting with friends I've made all around the world. I have several friends in the U.S., three in various provinces in Canada, one in the U.K., and one in India. I met most of these friends through shared interests. I've been chatting with four specific friends for seven years.

Sara, one of my U.S. friends, started asking me, "What makes you smile?" Right away, I rattle off two or three things like the sound of baby giggles, hugs from my boys, having hubby home for dinner, and chatting with good friends make me happy.

A positive attitude invites people to be around you. No one wants to hang out with someone is always a downer. Having a positive attitude helps you to stay healthy. A positive attitude builds self-confidence. It is infectious.

Your turn: So, what makes you smile?

Who is in your driver's seat?

2011-08-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

Credit: Mexikids

Sunday afternoon, I spent over an hour in the passenger's seat while teaching my son how to drive in the high school parking lot. He drove uphill, made left hand turns, learned to stop without giving his passenger whiplash, pulled into parking spaces and backed out.

Honestly I was impressed with his first lesson with him. And funny thing is, he was impressed with how cool and collected I stayed. "Mom, you didn't freak out like I thought you would."

I'll admit there were a couple of dicey moments when he took a curve a little too sharply or picked up more downhill speed than I would've liked. Overall, though, we both walked away from that experience with a little more confidence--he with his driving skills and me with my teaching skills.

That same evening, my younger son needed to be taken into town for Ultimate Frisbee. I recommended that my older son drive. After all, it was a Sunday evening and traffic would be minimal. He wasn't crazy about the idea, but relented. So the three of us buckled into the car and set off down the road, going a different route than our usual one because when DS1 backed out of the driveway, he turned his wheels the wrong way. No problem.

We live in a township just over the city limits. So close, in fact, that it takes me less than three minutes to hit the business district. It's a matter of driving over an overpass and crossing railroad tracks.

So we made it to the field to drop off DS2. Again, the drive over had a few shaky moments with speed and balanced steering, but we survived. I do believe some grays sprouted on my head, and I believe I pulled a muscle in my hand from gripping the door handle so tightly while repeating STOP!STOP!STOP! when a white van came to a quick stop in front of us.

At the field, we had to drive down into the middle school parking lot to turn around. It's a little tricky, but before DS1 did it, I talked him through it. Well, he managed to get stressed and couldn't focus on what I was telling him. I became frustrated when a car came up behind us and we were in the middle of the exit. DS1 ended up getting mad, slammed out of the driver's seat for me to crawl over the shifter to drive and hurled himself into the passenger seat. A silent ride home.

Carrie Underwood sings, "Jesus, take the wheel,"which is about a girl driving in the snow on her way to see her family. When she is in a potential accident, she cries out for Jesus to take the wheel because she can't do it in her own.

I love the beauty of the song because driving is just the overt message in the lyrics. No matter what we have going on in our lives--marriage, parenting, family issues, work issues, education problems, emotional stress--we can't do things on our own. God allows trials to come in our lives to serve as wake up calls and to encourage us to lean on Him.

Just as my son had a basic idea of driving, he couldn't do it alone. He needed my encouragement, knowledge and support. He's far from ready to take his test, but by sliding behind that wheel, he conquered the jitters from his very first driving experience that almost landed him in a snowbank--no, I was not in the passenger seat when that happened. He proved to himself that he could do it. Now he simply has to keep practicing and lean on those with more knowledge.

We can do things alone in life, but we may come face to face with mountains that seem too unbearable to attempt. With Jesus in our lives, He goes before us and forges a way with hope and grace. Ask Jesus to take the wheel, and He will steer you through life's challenges.

Your turn: What was your first driving experience like? Other than the obvious increased skills, what did you take away from learning how to drive? Who is in your driver's seat now?

Marketing Strategies for New Authors

2011-08-01T09:46:00.004-04:00

Signing my first contract!

Any editor or agent will tell you story is key in getting a writer's career started. Once a writer signs that contract, she is thrust into a world that sometimes leaves her wondering if she just slipped down Alice's rabbit hole. Or was that just me?

In today’s economy, publishing houses are expecting writers to step up their marketing game. So how is a debut author supposed to market a book that isn’t even on the shelves yet?

When I learned my debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, would be published by Love Inspired and released in November 2011, my brain shifted into gear to figure out how I could reach out to my future readers. Love Inspired novels are category romances, which means they are on store shelves for only a month, although they can still be ordered online until the print run ends.

I really didn’t know much about marketing and had no idea what would work, but I had to focus on what I thought would work for me. The first thing I did is ramp up my website. When readers find an author they love, one of the first things they do is search for the author’s website. I wanted my site to by my online home where readers would feel welcomed and want to learn more about my books. Jim Rubart spoke at the 2009 My Book Therapy pizza party and talked about making your website stand out from the rest. One thing he mentioned was to go beyond the "Welcome to my site" home page. Taking his advice, my homepage introduces visitors to my Romance With the Written Word.

www.lisajordanbooks.com

I designed my site using iWeb software on my Mac. I chose colors based on my author photo taken by the very talented and uber friendly The Clik Chick's Amber Zimmerman, daughter of one of my favorite authors, Diann Hunt. Amber did my author photos at the 2010 ACFW conference. I loved working with her and was pleased with the result. A professional author photo tells the world that writing is your business, not just a hobby.

Another way unpublished writers can get their names out to the public is by getting involved in writing organizations—volunteering at conferences and writing for newsletters. I’m actively involved in My Book Therapy as the forum coordinator and Voices e-zine editor. I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers where I volunteer at the conferences and participate as a bi-monthly columnist for Afictionado, ACFW’s e-zine.

Additionally I blog on my personal blog and my writing support group’s collaborative blog—MBT Ponderers. Plus, the WordServe authors have gotten together to collaborate on the WordServe Water Cooler blog--publishing, marketing and industry information for writers. Our blog debuts on Tuesday, August 2. Be sure to check us out! We look forward to getting to know you!

With the explosion of social media as the latest avenue for marketing, I opened Twitter and Facebook accounts. I'm still trying to work those two media opportunities into my schedule. Since I work full-time in my home and write in the evenings, there isn't a lot of time hang out on Twitter or Facebook. Edie Melson's new e-book, Social Marketing for Writers, is a great resource to help writers balance an online presence with their busy schedules.

Amazon has my novel available on October 18. To raise interest, I put together a blog hop that will go from October 18 to November 30. I say blog hop instead of a blog tour because readers will be participating in a virtual scavenger hunt for an opportunity to win the grand prize at the end of the blog hop. I hope to raise interest about my book while taking the traditional blog tour and giving it a little twist.

Once my cover is available, I will be ordering my new business cards, bookmarks and postcards. I'm not sure about other promotional items like pens or sticky note pads because they're pricey. I created an advertising budget and need to stay within those guidelines.

On November 5^th, I will host a public book launch party for Lakeside Reunion. I plan to send a bulletin-sized announcement to all of the churches in my area, contact my local papers and library to generate more publicity about my book.

Lakeside Reunion is set in the fictional town of Shelby Lake and hopefully, the first of several novels in my planned series. To give readers an inside glimpse into Shelby Lake and its residents, I’m working on a Welcome to Shelby Lake website. The site will offer character insights, facts about the town and recipes.

Thankfully, Harlequin--Love Inspired's parent company--provides some marketing for their authors. I'm not sure if my marketing strategies will generate buzz for my book or not, but at least they show my publishing house I'm willing to partner with them to help make my book a success.

Be sure to visit Rachelle Gardner's blog tomorrow for information about the WordServe Parade of Blogs on MARKETING to learn how other WordServe clients are marketing their books.

Your turn: What marketing strategies are you using to help create buzz for your books? If you're not published yet, what are you doing to help build your platform?

Going Unplugged

2011-07-18T12:56:00.000-04:00

I'm unplugging from social media for two weeks so I can finish my current WIP. It's been in limbo for too long. Yesterday, God used my pastor to give me me a wake up call. I've been struggling with finishing my second book. I can see the scenes. I know the ending. I've been struggling with the wordsmithing.

So during yesterday's sermon, my pastor said, "God never gives the command unless He gives the life and power to do it. He does not set us up for failure. It may not be easy, but God makes a way."

Light bulb moment--God didn't give me one book contract to fail with the second one. Any failures are my own. I need to stop my internal whining, buck up, and get the work done.

So that's what I'm doing. I'll see you on Monday, August 1. Have a great rest of July!

Say What?

2011-07-15T07:47:00.002-04:00

I received a letter in the mail with this bit information printed on the front. I read it a couple of times to be sure I was reading what I thought. I even had my son read it too.

Can someone tell me how I'm supposed to know what the enclosed document is if I don't open it?

Your turn: Have you received or seen ambiguous signs that made you pause and go, "Hmmm?"

After The Call

2011-07-13T11:15:00.002-04:00

Every Wednesday, I will post about my writing journey from unpublished author to published author with Love Inspired. My posts reflect my experiences and may be different then others' experiences. You can read about my experience about receiving "the call": From Dream to Reality: The Story of My Heart

Credit: alvaspappa

Your phone rings and it's your agent or prospective editor, giving you the news you've been waiting to hear--your book sold.

After you express your joy, you may wonder, "Now what?"

When Rachelle, my wonderful agent, called to give me the news that my novel is going to be published by Love Inspired, I freaked out on the phone. Poor woman. I tried, oh I tried so hard to pull myself together, but sweet Rachelle very kindly asked if I wanted to call her later when things had quieted down--my house was very noisy at the time.

After my day job ended and I knew I wouldn't hyperventilate on the phone, I called Rachelle back.

She explained the details of the sale, including the advance and how it would be paid, told me a few things about her conversation with Melissa, my new editor, regarding the manuscript and told me what to expect in the next few weeks with Love Inspired.

The following Monday I received a welcome letter from Melissa, welcoming me to the Love Inspired family, congratulating me on my sale and telling me how much she loved my manuscript. She attached a revision letter of items to change in the manuscript. Her suggestions were few. We set up a phone date for that week when it was convenient for both of us.

My first impression of Melissa was how encouraging she was on the phone about my manuscript. She talked about how she related to my heroine, the strengths in my story and then we talked about the things that needed to be revised. Again, I didn't have many revisions--8 in all. Five were minor things and three took more time. Believe me, my brief revisions were not the norm. Plus, they were pertinent to the publishing house guidelines. Some of those revisions would not have been asked by a different publishing house.

You can't compare your revisions to a friend's from a different house. Each publishing house has its own set of guidelines.

I needed to soften my heroine sooner. Even though she had every right to be upset, in a short contemporary novel, she needs to have a quicker attitude adjustment. I had to remove a couple of words that went against Love Inspired guidelines--scumbag being one. :) My hero had a conversation with God. I had to rewrite part of that scene. Overall, the changes strengthened the book.

Partnering with my agent and my editor to sell my novel has been an encouraging experience. They believe in my story and my writing ability. They want my novel to be as much of a success as I do. After all, we're all invested in one way or another.

If you are considering submitting to Love Inspired, read through their guidelines to ensure you send what they're looking for. Also, read Love Inspired novels to get a feel for the quality and style.

Next week I'll talk about my experience with the Art Facts Sheet.

Your turn: What are your expectations regarding revisions? Do you enjoy the editing process?

Stepping Out in Faith

2011-07-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

Over the winter, we had a build up of ice on the roof that caused water to leak in our back entry. This weekend Hubby and our boys spent hours in the heat stripping & repairing that section of roof. Hubby expected it to be a simple project because the area was fairly small.

Hmm, not so much.

Hubby accidentally put his foot through a portion of the roof. He stepped out in faith, expecting the section to hold him. Stripping away shingles showed ants had infested the wet wood, causing damage to the core of the roofing structure. Hubby had to replace the rotted, damaged wood with new wood.

As Christians, we have to work hard to keep our foundations solid and protected from things that want to eat away at our structures. Reactions to our circumstances can support our faith or eat away until our cores are weak and unstable. It's so much easier to say we trust God than to actually step out in faith doing it. Stepping is an action verb. We need to do more doing than saying. And no matter what, God is beside us every step of the way.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Your turn: Do you struggle with stepping out in faith sometimes? What keeps you moving forward instead of taking steps back? How would you encourage someone else who may be struggling in their faith walk?

Interview With Ronie Kendig, Author of Discarded Heroes series

2011-07-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

Note: This interview is cross-posted on MBT Ponderers

I'm thrilled to have my friend and fabulous author Ronie Kendig as a MBT Ponderers guest today. I met Ronie online through ACFW. Her sweet spirit and transparency shine in her novels that will grip your heart and not let go.

Ronie grew up an Army brat and married a veteran. Together, she and her husband have four children, a Golden Retriever, and a Maltese Menace. She has a B.S. in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Rapid-Fire Fiction, her brand, is exemplified through her novels. Dead Reckoning, a spy thriller, and the military thriller series, The Discarded Heroes, which includes Nightshade (Retailer’s Choice Award finalist & IRCA Romantic Suspense finalist), Digitalis,Wolfsbane, and Firethorn (January 2012). Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com or www.discardedheroes.com

As the wife of a former Marine, I love military romances. When I learned Ronie was writing this series, I was excited to read them. I was not disappointed.

I've been an influencer for Ronie's Discarded Heroes series. Each novel is action-packed with flawed characters who showcase God's redeeming grace. I've loved each one of them, but I have to admit Wolfsbane, the third book in the series, is my favorite so far. I finished it way past my bedtime, but the lack of sleep was so worth it.

In Wolfsbane, Dani and Canyon burrowed their way in my heart. Ronie uses them to show people--yes, even Christians--make mistakes and poor choices. But those choices have lasting consequences. I appreciated the edginess in this novel and the way Ronie handled it with sensitivity and grace.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know Ronie and her novels a little better.

What inspired the Discarded Heroes series?

Real life. Watching the marriage of a Navy SEAL fall apart because of his anger and inability to manage it. Nothing like watching a beautiful family crumble despite prayers and efforts to save it. Seeing that, watching the news of suicides, my heart broke…then engaged in an effort to simply be a voice for those who often don’t speak up for themselves to get help.

In your eyes, what defines a hero?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary person, but he is braver five minutes longer.” To me, that’s a hero—someone who doesn’t give up, despite the pressure or fears.

How have your life experiences influenced your writing?

Greatly! I am who I am because of those experiences and those seep into my writing in an organic way. Chuck Holton (author, editor, adventure reporter) told me once that he learns about an author by reading their books. It sounds common sense, but it goes deep—your values, your histories layer thickly into your writing. I can’t imagine it not.

You wrote while homeschooling your children, earning your psychology degree, and moving a couple of times. How did you manage to juggle all of your obligations and still write?

I just pressed on. Oh man, did I feel like quitting—a LOT, but as my husband kept saying to me,” What’s there to quit to?” He’d make me angry when he said that, but only because he was right! :-D Giving up accomplishes nothing. I don’t want to go backward, so I am pushing onward.

Writing and marketing go hand in hand these days. What marketing techniques have worked for you? What would you suggest for newly published authors to get their books out there?

Many years ago in counseling, I was a basket case and felt like a complete failure. It’s then that my pastor explained I had unrealistic expectations of myself. I demanded perfection (Ha! Haven’t’ gotten close to that by a mile).

I think that many new writers—myself included—fall into that trap, or are shoved into it by the industry. We want to succeed, we want to see our books hit bestsellers lists, final and win contests, but what happens when all that doesn’t happen. I had a writing break down shortly after my first book released. I’d *killed* myself trying to market it, and the efforts seemed like a failure. *I* felt like a failure. Again, I had unrealistic expectations.

It took me a while to realize that success is out of my control. I can only do the best that I can do, write the best story I can write, but the rest is completely up to God.

One tidbit of advice: the best thing for any writer to do is establish an online/social media presence. And I don’t mean throw into everyone’s face every review, every status point. Be real. Be YOU! Readers want to connect with the AUTHOR. It’s fine to post a great review, but not every review. Show people you are real, share how you burned the chocolate chip cookies or how the new puppy makes you feel really old (LOL Ahem, speaking from experience here…).

What other page-turning fiction can readers expect to enjoy soon?

Firethorn, Discarded Heroes #4, will release January 2012—and THEN!! I am so excited for August, because the first in my military war dog series, TRINITY, will release. I think that’s going to be a fantastic series (if I do say so myself). Loads of fun and lots of barks, er, action.

Ronie, thanks again for being our guest! I am looking forward to reading Firethorn and Trinity. Ronie is hosting a contest on her blog to kick off the launch of Wolfsbane. Visit her blog for more details.

Your turn: Have you read one of Ronie's books? If so, who is your favorite character? Why? If you haven't, run to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed!

It Sings Because It Has a Song

2011-07-01T07:21:00.000-04:00

Our house, built in 1926, could be described as quirky. In my opinion, it's full of charm and character. We bought the house as an estate. When we took the walk-through, we closed our eyes to the boring beige walls, 70s decor complete with orange ceilings, two-toned kitchen cupboards, and ugly carpeting--even in the kitchen. We had a vision of what the house could look like. While we waited to hear if the sellers accepted our offer, we dreamed about changes we could make.

Fast forward fifteen years later. Some of those dreams are still captured in our heads as our budgets didn't match what we'd still like to do. While we made immediate changes with blue paint, new window treatments and tearing up carpeting to reveal gorgeous wooden floors, some of the other higher-end projects needed to wait.

One of my least favorite rooms is the kitchen. It lacks counter space, cabinet space, and the dark wood closed in the room. Paint is my best friend. I've been spending the last couple of months working on my kitchen by repainting cabinets, walls, trim, and the window. I've been reading thrifty decor blogs to do room makeovers on a budget. The blue walls with white trim and green and yellow accents have really brightened my kitchen with it's updated shabby chic decor. I'm not finished yet, but it's finally coming together.

Yesterday my very talented friend Kathy painted a gorgeous mural on my wall. While visiting the thrifty decor blogs, I continued to come across birds sitting on branches used in many ways--baby shower invitations, headboards, greeting cards. Since my kitchen has a few butterfly and bird accents, I wanted a bird on a branch on my wall, but with personality.

Kathy captured exactly what I had envisioned.

The quote under the tree limb reads, "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." The quote has been attributed to both Lou Holtz and Maya Angelou. In the heart, I "carved" Pat + Lisa 4 ever. We have two sons. DS1 talks a lot and DS2 ignores a lot, so Kathy captured their essence unexpectedly when she made the little birds. Here are some close ups:

Your turn: How do you add personality to your home? What's your style?

Wounded Hearts

2011-06-27T08:08:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Kiomi

For a person who talks a lot, there are times when I have no words.

Yesterday I hugged a friend who is going through the grieving process of losing a loved one. I asked how she was doing and she replied, "Not very well." I tightened my arms around her and told her I was sorry for what she was going through. She said it hurt. I agreed. She said it was a process. I nodded. She said it takes time. She was right. She cried. I cried.

What do you say to someone when her heart is wounded?

Platitudes sound meaningless and insincere.

A couple of years ago, someone close to me miscarried. I made the comment about all in God's time or something like that. She replied, "I don't want to hear a meaningless platitude. I want to grieve and be angry. I'm hurt and angry. Please don't take that away from me."

That was an ear opener for me.

When those around us are hurting, we have to let them. We have to allow them to go through those stages of grief or loss in order to heal. If we seal their wounds with meaningless platitudes, then we are denying them the right to process their emotions. Of course, that is my completely non-academic Lisa-world way of thinking.

Life stinks. Sometimes things happen that are so unfair. One thing to always remember though--God is always there. We can be angry, yell and scream about the unfairness of the situation, but He waits to hold our hands when we're ready to allow Him to lead us down the road of recovery.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Your turn: How do you handle a friend's or family member's wounded heart? Have you ever been at a loss for words?

CFBA Blog Tour: Winning Him Without Words

2011-06-21T08:19:00.000-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Winning Him Without Words Regal (February 15, 2011) by Lynn Donovan & Dineen Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Lynn Donovan

Verse: John 15:5 Apart from Me you can do nothing.

Tagline: Challenging Women to Live in Truth

A passionate writer and speaker, Lynn is a woman who presents a compelling message to encourage women to thrive in their marriage. She speaks at events nationwide where she challenges the myths women believe about love, pointing them to life-changing freedom through a relationship with Jesus. She reveals the zany yet meaningful stories of marriage challenges, truths, and triumphs in her life and invites women to share her view from her front row seat to an amazing journey; life lived for Christ.

Married since 1992 to her best friend and biggest enthusiast, Mike, she lives in Temecula, California. They have a son and a daughter and a wacky dog named Peanut. She loves to laugh, enjoys a strong cup of coffee and Fantasy Football and not necessarily in that order.

She lives each day in awe of the grace of God in her ordinary life.

Dineen Miller

Verse: Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Tagline: Igniting the Soul

Dineen readily admits that one of the greatest lessons she’s learning about life is that there’s purpose in our trials. And it’s all about trusting God and putting our hope in Him. Her favorite stories will always be of the miracles God has wrought in the lives of her family.

Through this lens she also believes her years as a youth counselor, a Stephen Minister, a women’s ministry leader, and a small group leader have prepared her for God’s calling on her life—to write for and speak to those in mismatched marriages like hers.

In addition to writing for Spiritually Unequal Marriage, Dineen writes for Laced with Grace and various other fiction online magazines and newsletters. She’s also won several prestigious awards for her fiction, and her devotional writing has been featured in Our Journey and Christian Women Online Magazine.

Married for 23 years to a guy who keeps her young, she lives in the Bay Area with her husband, two precious daughters, and their dog Shasta, who no doubt is an angel in disguise.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Week after week, they sit in church . . . alone. They are the spiritually mismatched, those who are committed to a spouse who does not share their faith. Feeling abandoned by their spouse and forgotten by their church, they live out their faith in survival mode, guarding the spiritual flame yet never feeling free to share it. But God wants them to thrive—not just survive.

Winning Him Without Words presents 10 Christ centered keys to thriving in a spiritual mismatch. Readers are encouraged to commit to Christian community, to release their spouse to God’s capable hands, to find peace in their relationships with Christ and with their spouse, to continue their pursuit of a growing faith and to love their spouse with fresh enthusiasm. God wants every marriage to exude peace and love, and Winning Him Without Words empowers readers to create that environment in their homes and thrive as God works.

Watch their book video:

If you would like to read a sample chapter of Winning Him Without Words, go HERE.

How do you like to read?

2011-06-17T08:42:00.000-04:00

Taking an unscientific poll...

How do you like to read:
*Traditional book?
*eReader?
*Listen to audiobook?

My favorite way is reading a traditionally-bound book, but I love my Kindle for traveling. I love listening to audiobooks while doing tedious tasks like painting, housecleaning, or exercising.

I'm looking for a new audiobook to listen to since I completed The Help. What do you recommend?

God's Fingerprints

2011-06-13T00:01:00.005-04:00

**This post was scheduled to go out on Monday, but instead of
posting as scheduled, it had gone to draft. Sigh. Hope you enjoy it today.

One of my jobs as mom and early childhood educator is wiping sticky fingerprints off windows, tables, appliances. Those little fingers may be covered in paint, markers, Play Doh residue, or even bodily fluids. Don't cringe--you know it's true.

But you know what? I don't mind those small fingerprints. Those children are learning to leave their marks on the world. Today they may be drawing four-fingered people with arms and legs coming out of lopsided heads, but tomorrow, those fingers may be holding pens signing laws into action, their autographs on published novels, contracts to better society--their possibilities are endless.

Turn your hands over and check out those swirls and whorls on the pads of your fingers. Amazingly, with the billions of people who populate this planet, no two fingerprints are alike. Mind blowing, isn't it?

While someone may share your skin tone, hair or eye color, or body shape, no one will share your fingerprints. When God made you, He gave you a distinctive mark--one of His own choosing. Short of burning them off, there is no way of removing God's identifying mark from your body.

Now think about God's fingerprints. What do those look like? Again, those are identifiers unique to the only one true God. His fingerprints are imprinted all over. Look out the window at His artistic nature creations. Who else could create gorgeous blooming cherry blossoms and the three-toed sloth with the same hand?

What about God's fingerprints in our lives? In our daily activities? In our writing? What do those look like? Our past experiences and the ways God has worked within our lives gives us boldness to recognize His fingerprints.

Think about your salvation moment. Mine came during the darkest time in my life. Yes, I wish I could take back some of the things I've said or done, but those actions helped identify God's fingerprints in my life. He changed my heart for the better.

Think about your writing. When did you want to write for the first time? Have you recognized God's fingerprints in your writing? No matter what phase you are in your writing, God's fingerprints are all over your future or present career. The key is being able to recognize that and to have the courage to step out in faith to go where He is leading you.

Like those smudgey prints on the bathroom mirror or living room window, our pasts are smeared with stains of our sins. Shame drops us to our knees, but Grace lifts us up. Our actions, thoughts and attitudes can show God's fingerprints in our lives if we allow Him to mold us and shape us into the people He desires us to be. I don't know about you, but that's one set of fingerprints I never want to wipe away.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV

Your turn: Do you see God's fingerprints in your life? In what way?

LitFUSE Blog Tour: My Foolish Heart

2011-06-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

My Foolish heart

Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

Lisa's Thoughts: I received this book in exchange for promoting it on my blog. Even if I hadn't, Susan May Warren's books are instant buys for me. Her solid plots, flawed characters and artistic storyworlds are what keep me collecting her books on my shelves. Her Deep Haven series is what drew me to her as a reader. I have a fondness for the characters and was thrilled when I learned there were more Deep Haven books to come. In My Foolish Heart, Issy's world is limited, but when she breaks free of her fears, she realizes her perfect love is right next door. Susie takes her love of football and weaves it into a compelling story that even athletically-challenged readers like me can enjoy.

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her latest Deep Haven book, My Foolish Heart!

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)

* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel

* The entire Deep Haven series

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

Painting Through Second Book Syndrome

2011-06-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

My house, built in 1926, is a constant work-in-progress. When we moved in 15 years ago, the house was outdated with orange ceilings--no joke--and 70s decor, but had character and showed promise. Slowly, we’ve been working at making changes. Unfortunately the money tree in the backyard withered and died, so our changes are done on a budget.

My kitchen…sigh…is in need of a wrecking ball. In the meantime, paint has been my best friend. So since Memorial weekend I’ve been listening to The Help on audiobook and painting my kitchen. And I have to say, I’m loving it—both The Help and my newly painted blue and white kitchen. Definitely won’t be booked on the Better Homes & Gardens tour, but it’s definitely in keeping with my style—a cross between shabby chic and homey.

So what does repainting my kitchen have to do with writing? Well, in a clichéd way, you could compare it to writing the rough draft that lays the foundation for the final polish.

I'm blogging today at MBT Ponderers, so head there to read what painting helped me escape my fear of writing my second book.

LitFUSE Blog Tour: Mission of Mercy Series

2011-05-23T00:01:00.014-04:00

About Susan: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Love Inspired and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of My Book Therapy, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

For more about Susan and her other books, please visit her newly-updated website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

About The Mercy of Missions series:

Three heroes, all on missions of mercy, who discover that God not only saves us from evil, but from the darkness inside.

Point of No Return: An American boy and a warlord's engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet's former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail. Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?

Mission: Out of Control: Brody "Wick" Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent-with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it's protecting a diva American rock star while she's on tour in Europe . Except Veronica "Vonya" Wagner isn't just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way-she's the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she's hiding a dangerous secret. When Wick discovers what's at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?

Undercover Pursuit: The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding? An undercover mission as groomsman. He'll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say "I do." Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense-and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his "fiancée" for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn't his contact. Isn't an agent.

Isn't trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke's falling for her-which is not part of the assignment.

Lisa's Thoughts I received these books for free in exchange for participating in this blog tour. Even if I hadn't received the books, they would have been automatic buys for me. Susie talked about this series a while back, and I couldn't wait to read them. If you read her Mission: Russia series, you'll be pleased to know this series is a continuation of that one. Favorites from the Mission: Russia series are named in these books.

I love the way Susie crafts high energy plots, characters that grip your hearts and settings that make you feel as if you were there. Her plots kept me turning pages. Each time I thought about putting down the book, something new happened that kept me sucked in to the very end. Her flawed characters help us to realize Christians do not have to be perfect to find redemption. The emotional journeys with the characters had me laughing and tearing up. Her word choices and descriptive painting created a visual world for me to picture as I read. A visual vacation. If you like page-turning plots that will cause you to hold your breath, real characters who stumble and fall, but learn God will be their rescuer in those dark place, then Point of No Return, Mission: Out of Control and Undercover Pursuit are books you will want to read!

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her 3 book Missions of Mercy series!

Three heroes, all on missions of mercy, who discover that God not only saves us from evil, but from the darkness inside.

Point of No Return: Can God deliver us from our mistakes? This question is posed to Chet and Mae as they race to save Mae’s nephew from an evil warlord in the Republic of Georgia. More here.

Mission: Out of Control: Does God turn his back on us when we fail? Brody and Vonya discover the answer as they conspire to capture an international smuggler and free a child soldier from war. More here.

Undercover Pursuit: What if we deliberately sin and harbor bitterness in our hearts? Is there a rescue from the dark places inside? Luke and Scarlett find out as they work to protect a bride-turned-informant whose courage could dismantle a human trafficking web. More here.

To celebrate the series, Susan is giving away a Missions of Mercy Prize Pack worth over $200! One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new FLIP HD Camera
* The entire Missions of Mercy series

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. You may enter once per email, facebook, and twitter. The contest ends on May 31st. Tell your friends! Winner will be announced on June 1st at the Litfuse Publicity site and at Susan May Warren's website. (While you're there, check out her rockin' new website!)

Visit the other blogs on this tour to learn more about Susan May Warren and her Missions of Mercy blog tour!

Sometimes You Have to Want it Badly Enough

2011-05-06T07:10:00.000-04:00

With the help of SparkPeople and accountability partners, I’m striving to lose weight. Again. My weight has been a constant battle for the past 15 years . Part of my weight increase stems from health issues, but some comes from liking food and disliking exercise.

Losing weight is more helpful this time because I have a tangible goal—Lakeside Reunion, my debut novel releases this fall. I would like to have a stronger, healthier, and smaller body by my book launch party on November 5.

With SparkPeople and Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away the Pounds, I’m able to stay within my nutritional limits and strengthen my body in a way that doesn’t feel like work. This time, I want it enough to make it happen.

The same goes with writing.

You’ve heard people say “I want to write a book someday.” The difference between those who do and those who don't is writers write.

Many wanna-be writers have plenty of reasons—lack of time, lack of ability, lack of inspiration.

Time is tough when you’re juggling family, work, and life, but it can be done. Several years ago, I worked full-time, went to school part-time, cared for my family, and still wrote. It wasn’t easy. I wanted it badly enough so I did it.

I hosted a My Book Therapy chat last year about Carving Out Writing Time. FlyLadysays you can do anything in 15 minutes. One of my favorite writing tools is adownloadable timer. My Book Therapy offers amazing resources to learn the craft of writing. And inspiration is everywhere.

You may be going through challenges in your life right now—job changes, losses of loved ones, health issues. This post isn’t meant to make you feel guilty about not writing. Those stresses make it hard to focus on a fictional happily ever after. Capture those feelings in an emotional journal to use when you do have time to write. You’ll be able to provide a deeper emotional journey for your characters and a stronger reading experience for your audience.

Stretch your writing muscles. If you want to write, find 15 minutes in your day, and write something. Keep at it each day and soon, you'll see the fruits of your labor.

Your Turn: Are you a writer or someone who plans to write someday? If you’re a writer, how do you write through the tough times? If you’re not writing yet, but want to, what steps do you have in place to get started? How can the MBT Ponderers help you?