Blog Tour: Holy Roller by Julie Lyons

My husband enjoys reading honest accounts about how the Holy Spirit moves in the lives of those in desperate need of deliverance so I passed this book on to him. He says:

Julie Lyons' description of her spiritual experiences in the Pentecostal church in south Dallas portrays not only the power of the Holy Spirit at work in people’s lives but also the false preachers who prey upon the congregation. This was an easy to read, honest account. The story moved smoothly with no dead spots. Julie Lyons obviously has no ax to grind since she still attends this church.


SUMMARY:

Julie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results? At The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, Lyons found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed. Lyons’s story landed on the front page of the Dallas Times Herald. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and Lyons is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.” It’s all here in Holy Roller–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power.


Author Bio:
Julie Lyons is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English from Seattle Pacific University. She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in Dallas with their son.

You can purchase this book from Amazon or from Random House.

Blog Tour: The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson

I'm a demanding reader. Or maybe the word I should use is spoiled. I want a book that yanks me into the story the moment I look at the cover and read the title. From there, I move on to the first sentence. If it doesn't grab me, doesn't make me read the entire first page, then I'm moving on to the next book on the shelf ... or in my stack. Take a look at this first sentence: Mackenzie Thorn looked up just in time to see two men walk into her classroom. Of course, what got my attention was 'the classroom.' Immediately, I'm curious to know why two men are entering this woman's classroom. She obviously doesn't know them. And so I read on...and on...and on.

Liz Johnson's debut novel is a story rich in plot with adventure and romance that will thrill her readers and have them watching for her next Love Inspired. I'm one who has no qualms about tossing a book if I don't like the author's writing style, but Johnson kept me turning pages because of her nice, easygoing way with words. Her characters are appealing (especially that hunk of a hero) and won my heart.

Your next trip to the bookstore or grocery story, be on the look out for The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson, on sale July 14th, 2009. This is a fast read, and you won't be disappointed.
Summary:.
Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead. But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie … but finds himself falling in love
About the Author:
Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines. Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing by adding her website to your favorites.

Happy 4th of July - Remember the Many Faces of Freedom

I just saw Rebecca Pepin interviewed on Glenn Beck. Rebecca Pepin co-anchors the 5pm and 10pm newscasts on WCYB and WEMT (Fox Tri-Cities) in Bristol, VA/TN. She is also the editorial director for the book Faces of Freedom. And that's what got my attention. If you purchase a copy of this book, you will be supporting Fisher House and Wounded Warrior Project, both worthy causes.

Faces of Freedom: Profiles of America’s Fallen Heroes by Editorial Director Rebecca Pepin, profiles fallen heroes who have lost their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11. It includes one service member from each of the 50 states along with D.C. and Puerto Rico. All branches of the military are represented.

A team of volunteer writers and editors helped this project become a reality. Wentworth Printing in West Columbia, SC printed the book.

Please contact Rebecca Pepin at beccapepin (at) yahoo (dot) com if you would like to become a corporate sponsor to help pay for the next printing.

All proceeds go to Fisher House and Wounded Warrior Project.

CFBA Introduces EXPOSURE by Brandilyn Collins

I'm reading Exposure now -- my first Brandilyn Collins book. It's hard to hook me, to keep me turning pages but Brandilyn knows how to grab her reader and build tension. Every time I leave the house I stick the book the in my purse just in case I find myself in 'waiting mode' somewhere. This is a fast read--I like Brandilyn's no fluff-lean style of writing. Check her out:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Exposure Zondervan (June 1, 2009) by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.

To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailer

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

Two Texas Girls: Farrah Fawcett and Me

Farrah Fawcett is dead and it brings tears to my eyes. I was a huge Charlie's Angels fan. Here's an EW article/interview with Photographer Bruce McBroom who shot the picture to the left.

Here's her obit in the Los Angeles Times.

Who in their 60s today didn't at least try to wear a Fawcett-do? Below see a picture of my attempt. The newspaper in my hometown--obviously desperate for a story--interviewed me about my desire to write. This was May, 1977. I wore my Fawcett hairdo for several years even though it was a lot of trouble to maintain. Yep, the vain me thought it was worth the trouble. I had to roll it daily, and then like Farrah, I sprayed and arranged.

I'm still crazy about the Farrah Fawcett hair--and I'm still a Farrah fan. :-) She was a beautiful young woman from Texas that will always bring a smile and good memories to my mind.

Prayers going up for her family.

Do you have any memories of Farrah?

Memoir Writing

I just finished a 4-week memoir writing class at McNeese University. Interesting. I felt a little funny signing up for it; I hate the thought of being “old enough” to write my memoirs. As you see, I had the wrong idea entirely.

Writer Anne Valente taught the class. Anne has worked as a feature writer for Sauce Magazine, a food monthly in Saint Louis, and as a music writer/columnist for Playback Magazine, a music and culture monthly. She’s also been published in The Washington Post, The Times of Southwest Louisiana and Divine Caroline, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Watching Anne interact with the class got my creative juices flowing. Since I’m a people-watcher, I studied her thoughtfulness, her tactfulness, her sweetness. Whether we really wrote anything worthy or not, we all felt we had by the time we left her class. Anne’s an encourager.
Several times I found myself mentally writing my hero and heroine’s memoirs. Jotting down a note or two that can be used if and when I ever get back to my novel.

There’s something about being with other writers—even beginners who don’t have a clue—hearing their questions, their ideas, their stories, seeing their excitement—that really stimulates my imagination.

The night before our last class, I was able to produce something. The words came so unexpectedly I wondered where they’d been. Writing doesn’t come easy for me—especially creative writing. I can turn out articles for our local/regional magazines with no problem, but if I have to be creative then I feel the pressure.

I suggest everyone take a memoir writing class. The memories you conjure up can be used in so many ways: essays, short stories, novels, nonfiction pieces, just to name a few. Check out these websites to get started:

Interesting site called Inkspell

William Zinsser's Memoir, Truth and Writing Well . This is a wonderful site. If you don't read anything else, please, please scroll down to his 'Here's What I Suggest' and read it.


Last, here is one of my favorite books:
An Old Friend Far Away by Natalie Goldberg.

There were several exceptional writers in my memoir writing class. A couple of them joined Bayou Writers Group and others plan to visit. I can't wait to get to know them better. With all these wonderful resources (and wonderful writers) at our fingertips, there's not one good reason to be blocked. Right? Right!

So let's write somethin'.

Quotes from Writers for Writers

I've sent questions to several Louisiana authors for my Louisiana Saturday Night postings but so far, no returns. Thought I'd post a few quotes on writing to entertain you. I like quotes. They make me think, encourage me, but they also show me that I'm not the only writer in the world that has doubts, blocks, multiple personalities or black moments. Here are a few that spoke to me today; hope you enjoy them.

Whether or not you write well, write bravely. ~ Bill Stout

Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those, who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic fear, which is inherent in a human condition. ~Graham Greene

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow

I refuse to write the same story twice. I keep experimenting. I keep learning how to work. I’ve been at it pretty much 50 years, and I’m now beginning to learn how to do the job well.

~Harlan Ellison

Half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at. ~David Gerrold

Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you're doomed. ~Ray Bradbury

I don't think it is possible to give tips for finding one's voice; it's one of those things for which there aren't really any tricks or shortcuts, or even any advice that necessarily translates from writer to writer. All I can tell you is to write as much as possible. ~Poppy Z. Brite

I get up in the morning, torture a typewriter until it screams, then stop. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

The faster I write the better my output. If I'm going slow, I'm in trouble. It means I'm pushing the words instead of being pulled by them. ~Raymond Chandler