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Kim Vogel Sawyer
WHO AM I? I am a lady who wears many hats--sometimes stacked to the rafters!
:o) I am wife to military hubby Don; mom to three girls; gramma to five precious grandsons; a writer, speaker, Sunday school
teacher, women's fellowship leader, drama troupe leader, petter of cats and consumer of chocolate...but most importantly,
I am a born-again child of the King!
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? I write predominantly
historical Christian fiction. Even as a child, I was fascinated by history. I taught social studies to fifth graders for many
years, and I loved making history come alive to my students. It is a pleasant excursion for me to travel into past times and
"live vicariously" through my characters. Life without all the gadgets and conveniences of modern is a challenge, yet there's
a simplicity that is appealing to me.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? In every one
of my stories, the underlying theme seems to be that hope exists when we rest in God's capable, caring hands. This world--and
everything in it--is temporal. Only a relationship with God is eternal. The settings and characters and storylines are different
in each book, but somehow that message creeps through: Our hope is in Him; our joy is knowing who we are to Him.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? Faith is
the thread that holds my stories together. If the faith thread were removed, all that would remain is a snarl of tangled,
broken yarns. God is so much a part of my life--in every heartbeat of my life. Thus He is always a main character in my stories.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: MY HEART REMEMBERS,
which released in March of 2008 from Bethany House. It is a very special story to me because it features three orphan train
siblings who long to be reunited. My dear step-grandma was an orphan train rider, so she inspired the story. Please watch
for WHERE THE HEART LEADS, the sequel to WAITING FOR SUMMER'S RETURN, also from Bethany House. It should be hitting bookstores
in early August.
Website: www.KimVogelSawyer.com
Email: kim@kimvogelsawyer.com
Carolyne Aarsen
WHO AM I?: My name is Carolyne Aarsen. I live in Neerlandia which isn't
Near much. We have a farm and horses and a dog and cats. The chickens died and ignoble death at the hands of coyotes and the
cows got shipped so my husband could work up the pasture. We have four children that used to be out of the house but seem
to be bouncing back and forth into our lives, our house and using up our storage space. We also have one grandchild and we
are the requisite mushy grandparents.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY?: My reasons for writing are wide and varied
and after 11 years, it's getting harder and harder to separate them. I write to tell a story that has to come out. I write
so that my characters can struggle with the same faith issues I struggle with. I write because when I don't, something
huge is missing from my life. And the other reality is, I write because I can supplement our household income. As Christian
writers, we often feel we have to see our writing as a calling. And I firmly believe that it is, but I also believe that I
wouldn't have done this for 11 years if I didn't have some monetary expectation. So I'm humbly thankful that I can write the
stories that can express my own faith in the Lord and, at the same time, not have to do it for free.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY?: My main writing goal is to take people
on an honest journey that might make them laugh or cry, but will, hopefully, challenge them to enjoy the fearsome power of
our Lord and to appreciate the people God puts in their lives through family and/or community. I want to show that God loves
us in spite of the darkness of our soul but also the foolishness of it. That gives me great comfort and, I hope, it can comfort
those who read my book.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING?: When I write, as I said, I use
my characters to struggle with my own struggles. They can ask God the hard questions, they can doubt and they can cry and
exult over the same things i do. I often find that the when I"m not afraid to show my own cracks, that's when I make a connection
with readers.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: Two actually. I'm working on a proposal for
Love Inspired and finishing up a contracted book for Guideposts' Home to Heather Creek Series.
Finally a Family, LI June
08
A Family for Luke, LI Jan 09
Mary Hawkins
WHO AM 1? An Australian farmer’s daughter from Queensland, ex-registered
general and midwifery nurse, Bible College graduate, speaker, women’s Bible study leader, writer, minister’s wife,
mother, and grandmother, living with my husband of over 43 years in Tasmania. Phew, what a list – and I’m sure
I’ve missed a few, including those three Africa short term mission and study teams. Then there were those two years
ministering in England and… Oh dear, I started off not quite knowing where to begin on this question and as I wrote
realised these are really all “outward appearance” stuff. I am so very thankful that despite all I may appear
to be or not be, I am certain my Heavenly Father claims me as His daughter because of what HIS son, Jesus, did for me at Calvary.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? I write mainly what I enjoy reading the most
myself – romance novels, both contemporary and historical. After writing five medical romances released by Harlequin
Mills & Boon I realised there was simply no time in my busy life to write inspirational romance for the then new Heartsong
Presents book club at the same time. Being able to include specific aspects of the Christian faith in my characters’
lives won hands down! I now have 17 titles released, including the CBA best-seller, AUSTRALIA, a Barbour collection of Heartsong’s
Search series. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK is the collection of my Heartsong Great Southland historical series. Recently released RETURN
TO BARAGULA, my first single title Christian novel, is Book One in another series set in Australia.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? As we commit ourselves to Him and His
ways, it is quite normal to be able to have a very personal, real relationship with God in every aspect of our lives. Choosing
a life partner is one of the most important decisions we can make. Christians need to seek, to know what the scriptural guidelines
are about love and marriage, including sex, but then to obey God’s ways to find the real love and joy He longs to give
in “Happy Ever After” relationships.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? I think perhaps I’ve already
answered that in the answers above. Because I have surrendered my life to God, this means a life of prayer, feeding my own
faith from the scriptures and fellowship with fellow believers, seeking to know and obey God’s leading to fulfil His
purposes in my life. What He has tried to teach me over many years I try to show in the lives of the fictitious characters
in my stories.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT. Released into shops in March, RETURN TO BARAGULA
is Book One in a new single title series. These are my first longer stories and about people who live and are associated with
a small fictitious town in rural New South Wales. Emily Parker's actions as a teenager not only impacted her own life but
the lives of many others. Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the
man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community's respected doctor. There is a touch of mystery, danger
threatens and Emily’s loss of faith and Matthew having become a committed Christian over these years have all to be
dealt with as their story unfolds.
Book Two, OUTBACK FROM BARAGULA is the story of Matthew’s sister,
Jillian, from the family’s cattle station way out west and Steve, one of Emily’s old school friends and the son
of the man her aunt loves. Together they have to find Jillian’s missing twin brother and then do battle with cattle
thieves. OUTBACK FROM BARAGULA is completed and only requiring final revisions. Then of course, the third in the BARAGULA
series, JUSTICE IN BARAGULA, is waiting to be written – but more about that another time.
Autographed copies are available via PayPal on my website after an email
requesting cost.
DEVIN BROWN
WHO AM I?: I am an English Professor at Asbury
College. I live in Lexington, Kentucky with my wife Sharon and our 15-lb cat, Mr. Fluff
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY?: I am the author of INSIDE NARNIA and INSIDE
PRINCE CASPIAN, commentaries on C. S. Lewis and his Narnia books. I am currently working on INSIDE THE VOYAGE OF THE
DAWN TREADER, which will come out in 2010 in advance of the third film. I write about these books because they have
meant so much to me and played such an important role in making me who I am. I hope to share my passion for them with
others.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY?: That the life of the mind and the
world of ideas--in my case the ideas surrounding the Narnia stories--are of critical importance. That God wants us all
to use all of our mind and God-given reason.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING?: I teach at Asbury College where
our focus is on the integration of Faith and Learning. I hope that all of my writing shows this vital integration.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: INSIDE PRINCE CASPIAN: A GUIDE TO EXPLORING
THE RETURN TO NARNIA (Baker 2008)
J. M. HOCHSTETLER
WHO AM I? I am a professional editor, an author, and now a publisher.
I was an editor with Abingdon Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House, for twelve years, up until last
summer. My first two books, DAUGHTER OF LIBERTY and NATIVE SON, books 1 and 2 of my American Patriot Series set during the
American Revolution, were published by Zondervan. Then in 2006 I founded my own small press, Sheaf House, to publish outstanding
fiction, with an emphasis on new authors who have fresh new voices.
In my everyday persona, I’m the wife of a truck-driving, motorcycle-riding
retired United Methodist pastor. I live near Nashville, Tennessee, and I have three daughters, four grandchildren, and five
step-grandchildren.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? As most authors will tell you, I write because
I can’t not write. Writing is as natural as breathing to me. It’s the way I process life and make sense of it.
And it’s the way the Lord has called me to communicate his love, mercy, and grace to his people.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? The most important thing for me as
I write is to testify to the truth embodied in our Savior, Jesus Christ—his atoning work on the cross to cleanse us
from the stain of sin and to reconcile us to God. I want my readers to know that they are forgiven; that God longs to restore
them to relationship with him; and that no matter what they may have done, there is nothing that can separate them from God’s
perfect, redeeming love.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? In every way. When I sit down to
write, I ask God to show me what he would have me to write. I couldn’t do the work the Lord has called me to without
a deep reliance on him any more than I could live without air to breathe.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT: My newest project, ONE HOLY NIGHT, is set to
release in April. It’s a modern-day retelling of the nativity story set in the Minneapolis area during the Vietnam War.
It tells the story of a family torn apart by intergenerational strife, war, and illness that is brought together again by
the miraculous birth of a baby. It’s already getting great reviews!
At the same time, I’m in the process of getting two exciting projects
ready to publish through Sheaf House: a young adult romance by Michelle Sutton titled IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, and a cozy
mystery by A. K. Arenz titled THE CASE OF THE BOUNCING GRANDMA. Readers are in for a treat!
LAURAINE SNELLING
WHO AM I? Good question,
sometimes I wonder. I am Lauraine Snelling, daughter of the King, wife, mother, author of over sixty books, mostly fiction,
speaker, business woman, artist, gardener, seamstress, traveler, reader and dreamer of big things. I love to read, good thing
since writers need to read, and hate to put a book down until I finish it. Good thing I am a fast reader. I love to make people
laugh and I have a Phd. in hugging. I love animals, dogs and horses especially, but also cows and cats and elephants and…the
list goes on. And I love telling stories. Guess that’s enough, right?
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? I write
mostly fiction because I am a story teller and I figure that God tells stories so guess I can too. We remember things told
in story, He hardwired us that way. I write mostly historical fiction because I enjoy history and the families that I create,
like the Bjorklunds of Blessing ND who came from Norway in 1880. I guess I write because I can’t not write. In other
words, I need to write, I feel lost when I’m not writing. Not that I write every day but the stories grow in my mind
all the time. I have to get some written so there is room for the new ones.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY?
That God loves us and forgives us and asks us to do likewise to and for those around us. I think we’d rather just accept
and not go and do likewise. I want to take God at His word and rejoice.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING?
Because of who and whose I am, faith always plays a part in my characters’ lives. We all struggle at times and so do
my characters. If they are doing the struggling and learning, I don’t have to preach. My readers pick up the message
from my characters.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: SOPHIE’S DILEMMA came out this summer, book two in the Daughter’s
of Blessing series. BREAKING FREE came out in August, my latest contemporary and one of my favorites because of the theme
of rescue, this time a Thoroughbred horse gone crazy and characters who are trying to save him. They are all breaking free.
I am writing ONE PERFECT DAY, a contemporary of two families and the giving and receiving of a donor heart. I cried a lot
writing this one, to be released next October.
Website: www.laurainesnelling.com and www.blessingnd.com. Since Drayton, ND has decided to incorporate my fictional
town of Blessing into part of Drayton, readers can learn more about the town becoming reality and the Bjorklunds and people
of Blessing on the second site. Such fun.
Email: tlsnelling@yahoo.com
Carol Kent
WHO AM I? I'm Carol Kent--a wife, mom, and an international Christian speaker and author.
I work at my favorite hobby, which is leading people to Christ and reminding them that the answers to today's problems are
in God's Word. Many of my weekends are spent speaking at women's conferences and retreats on the subjects of my books, A NEW
KIND OF NORMAL, WHEN I LAY MY ISAAC DOWN, BECOMING A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE, TAME YOUR FEARS, SECRET LONGINGS OF THE HEART, and
SPEAK UP WITH CONFIDENCE. Several times a year I hold a Christian communications seminar called, “Speak Up With Confidence.”
WHAT
DO I WRITE AND WHY? I write nonfiction books, including some Bible studies. My goal is to help people to find hope in the
middle of challenging circumstances and to address felt needs that lead readers to Bible-based solutions.
WHAT
MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? My major message is to encourage people to make hope-filled choices when life turns upside down.
My husband and I have launched a nonprofit organization called “Speak Up for Hope” (see www.SpeakUpforHope.org), a ministry that benefits inmates and their families. I also train Christians to share their
personal testimonies and to study and teach the Bible with clarity through the “Speak Up With Confidence” seminars.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? My faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior impacts
everything about my writing. I know part of my mission in life is to encourage people to turn fear into faith and to choose
confident action steps as they focus on an eternal perspective.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS A NEW KIND OF NORMAL (Thomas Nelson) (See Review under October
07 Non-fiction.)
The framework for A NEW KIND OF NORMAL is based on the choices my husband, Gene, our son, and
I have made as we continue to face a life situation that has completely changed the rest of our lives. Our only child, Jason
Paul Kent, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland with a stellar personal and military record, murdered
the biological father of his two stepdaughters when he believed their father, who had allegations of abuse against him, was
about to get unsupervised visitation with the girls.
In an instant, everything we were looking forward to in
our “normal happy lives” was no longer an option. There are many people who discover in an “upfront and
highly personal way” how a single event, a moment in time, a word carelessly spoken, an accident on the freeway, a job
loss, an unwanted diagnosis from the doctor, the wrong choices of your child/children, the death of a loved one, a child born
with a disability, or a betrayal by a spouse or a friend can forever reshape the future of their expectations for normalcy,
their definition of happiness, their understanding of true joy, and their dreams for the future.
This book is
about the importance of making eight positive choices when life doesn’t turn out the way we anticipated. The "God's
Power in Your Circumstances" section at the end of each chapter outlines study questions on each topic for self-study or for
small group interaction.
Website: www.CarolKent.org
Email: Speakupinc@aol.com
Kathleen Y'Barbo
WHO AM I? In addition to being a bestselling author, I am a
cheer mom, former hockey mom, and publicist for Books & Such Literary Agency. I've got a Marketing degree from Texas A&M,
and I have a paralegal certification from Southwestern. I am a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the Author's
Guild, and Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild. I was the first elected treasurer of American Christian Fiction
Writers and, back in 2002, I created the Noble Theme contest, the original ACFW contest for unpublished writers, the precursor
of the Genesis contest. A tenth-generation Texan, I have three grown sons and a teenage daughter and live near Houston. I
have a grumpy orange tabby cat named Baby and a miniature Schnauzer named Baxter who I believe secretly conspire with one
another when I'm not around.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? I started writing romance in kindergarten when I fell for a boy named Dennis.
After asking how to spell 'my heart beats for you' I was on my way down a career path that's taken me places I never dreamed.
I love the plotting and planning of a book, loathe deadlines, and love seeing the finished product for the first time. When
I came to a saving knowledge of Jesus, I realized that all those things I'd written, going back to kindergarten, were done
in anticipation of the day I would write for Him. Now He is what I write and why I write.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? There is only one message: Jesus is the way and the truth. While I
don't aim to hit people over the head with a Bible, I do stand for the truth. During the process of writing, I keep a friend
in mind who is not saved. She reads my books, and I write each hoping that the message I send will soften her heart and, eventually,
bring her to Jesus. I know some who can effectively spell out the Gospel in overt ways, and I applaud them for that.
I hope that my books entertain while gently leading. If someone picks up one of my books not knowing it's a CBA book and reads
about Jesus in an unexpected way, then I'm just as happy as if a brother or sister in Christ enjoys it.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? As a Christian, my faith impacts every aspect of my life. Writing
with a Christian world view, spans all genres, even going into the general market. When a book starts with the premise that
the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, there is no doubt it will be a faith-filled book.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: BELOVED CASTAWAY releases in November 2007 through Barbour's trade line:
Isabelle Gayarre was born of dubious parentage. The illegitimate daughter of a rich white gentleman and
his quadroon mistress, she was born into a gilded cage – loved and adored but a slave nonetheless. Her only hope was
to secure passage to England aboard The Jude to escape to an English country cottage given to her by her half-sister, Emilie.
The cottage—an ocean away from the racist constrains of New Orleans—would give Isabelle a life of freedom.
Yet Isabelle's flight to freedom is almost over before it begins when fire breaks out on the docks of
New Orleans. Narrowly avoiding destruction, Josiah Carter captains The Jude through the flames. The fire, though, has taken
its toll and Captain Carter must find medical care for his men. On the way, he finds himself drawn both to Isabelle and her
faith as those aboard his ship suffer with their fire-induced injuries.
When still another catastrophe strikes the ship in the Florida Keys, Josiah is forced to come to terms
with his faith—and his love of a slave woman whose gilded cage bars her forever from the bonds of matrimony. Does love
truly conquer all? Even the racist society of nineteenth century New Orleans?
See ACR Review of her book next month at http://idealinhope.com/bookreviews/fiction.html
Website: www.kathleenybarbo.com; www.booksandsuch.biz
Email: kathleen@booksandsuch.biz
Neta Jackson
WHO AM I? Neta Jackson, half of the writing team
of Dave and Neta Jackson. We live in Evanston, Illinois.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? After many years of co-authoring
books with my husband (e.g. the Trailblazer Books, 40 titles of historical fiction for middle readers about great Christian
heroes), in 2002 I began writing women's fiction with my first novel, THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP. That novel has since become
a series of seven novels, the seventh of which will be released by Thomas Nelson this Fall, 2007.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? The Yada Yada
novels are about a group of Chicago women from different ethnic neighborhoods, as diverse as mismatched socks, learning to
"go deeper in prayer" and "higher in praise" as they tackle life's challenges, joys and sorrows, together. If there is a consistent
"message" in the Yada Yada novels, it is the reality of 1 Corinthians 12, which says that the different parts of the Body
of Christ need each other.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? I'm a Christian
who is a writer, and my faith impacts my worldview, my values, my choices, and my perspective on life and relationships. And
like any writer, my worldview, values, and perspective on life and relationships permeate my writing. The Yada Yada novels
reflect my own journey of faith, and I draw on many of my life experiences and relationships, although in a fictional way.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP
GETS DECKED OUT, the seventh and final book in the Yada Yada series, a Christmas (or Seasonal) Novella, which will be released
this Fall, 2007. And now I'm working on a new series, which doesn't have a series name yet! But readers can check out our
website (below) for information:
Website: www.daveneta.com
Email: daveneta@daveneta.com
See review of THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP GETS
ROLLING under fiction.
Robin Lee Hatcher
WHO AM I? I'm a follower of Christ who seeks to serve the
King in a ministry of writing. Christian fiction is my area of service. I'm now working on my 55th book. I'm a mom to two
grown daughters and a grandmother to a small tribe of six, ranging from barely 15 to almost 2.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? I write contemporary women's fiction
that explores things that affect both believers and non-believers -- alcoholism, out of wedlock pregnancies, marriages in
crisis, forgiveness, God's grace, and much more. While entertaining, my novels also point to the hope that can be found in
Christ.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? No matter what storms beset
us in this life, the Father loves us more than we can comprehend. He will be there with us through it all.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT MY WRITING? In every way. I write
about what God has taught me or is teaching me. Faith is infused into my stories because it is an essential part of me.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: RETURN TO ME from Zondervan (June
2007). This is a modern day retelling of the parable of the prodigal son. Only in this story, the prodigal is a daughter,
and the perfect sibling is her sister. The novel is ultimately about grace -- the grace we need to give to others and the
grace available to us from the Father.
The novel I'm currently working on is THE PERFECT LIFE (Women
of Faith/Thomas Nelson, March 2008) about a woman who believes her life is perfect in every way, until her world tumbles down
around her ears, causing her to wonder if it all has been the perfect lie.
Website: www.robinleehatcher.com
Email: readers2007@robinleehatcher.com
WHO AM I? Stephen Bly
Besides spending time
as a speaker and writer, I'm a pastor of a community church, a mayor of a town of 308 in the mountains of north Idaho on the
Nez Perce Indian Reservation, and I collect old Winchester rifles, which reflects my desire for historical accuracy. I also
have a fondness for Jimmy Buffett music. Hey, there's not a whole lot of difference between a pirate and an outlaw.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND
WHY?
Just completed my 100th
book. A lot of it's fiction. I write about the West (historic and modern) from the inside. I worked family farms and ranches
in California for several decades. Some think the frontier has long passed along with 'the code of the west.' Truth is, both
are still around. The West is so big, so diverse, so enchanting, it's a thrill to write about it in any era. I have both the
heart and mind to describe things as they really were . . . and are.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I
WANT TO CONVEY?
I want my readers to laugh
some, tear up a bit, discover characters who find if not completion, at least partial healing from the past, and provide hope
for their own situations, no matter how different. Every story has some encouragement for plugging away at life's tough draws.
There's a way to resolve the struggles.
HOW DOES MY FAITH IMPACT
MY WRITING?
Every book's written from
a Christian worldview. That's who I am. That's the influence I bring to my stories and the characters, whether they're believers
or not. But I strive to entertain as well as inspire. I aim to be real to true life situations, not preachy. I leave that
for the pulpit.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT
IS . . . ONE STEP OVER THE BORDER published by Center Street/Hachette Book Group USA, released June 12, 2007
It's a romp.
A buddy road adventure. It's romantic comedy with character. Some call it CowboyLit. Rodeo cowboy Hap Bowman's on a search
for Juanita, the gal of his dreams, whom he hasn't seen in 18 years. He's stuck on 12-years-old and the enchanting girl he
met back then.
"An idiot obsession,"
his roping partner, Laramie Majors, chides. But Laramie agrees to a final summer's trek along the Rio Grande. If they don't
find the mystery senorita during those months, Hap promises to drop the whole idea. Fans have already been getting
involved in the Juanita search. Find out all about it at www.OneStepOverTheBorder.com. The book's available through your local quality bookstore,
your favorite online bookstore, or can be ordered at our website. Another one of Hap and Laramie's adventures, not found in
the book, is available on AmazonShorts at www.Amazon.com. It's entitled Aim Low, Shoot High.
Website: www.blybooks.com and www.OneStepOverTheBorder.com
Email: stephen@blybooks.com
Stephanie Grace Whitson
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? Historical fiction because I am personally encouraged
by the lives of our foremothers.
Contemporary fiction because. . . . well. I had the ideas and my publisher
was willing.
Non-fiction because I was burdened to share what I had learned about
how to help grieving friends so they wouldn't be like me -- well meaning, but clueless.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? There is a personal God who works in
the lives of His children to accomplish his eternal glory and their eternal good. . . .in all circumstances at all times.
. . and true peace arrives only when we stop "kicking against the pricks" and accept what He is doing, whether we understand
it or not.
The Bible is applicable to my life today. It is true and reliable
for every person in every place in every time of history.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS: JACOB'S LIST, a contemporary novel set in
Lincoln,
Nebraska, that releases in August. Jacob is a college student with a list of ten things
he wants to accomplish before he settles down. When he is unable to reach his goal, his estranged parents decide to do it
for him. Jacob's list ends up having far more impact on the people around Jacob than anyone ever dreamed. The theme is "reconciliation
against all odds."
Website: www.stephaniewhitson.com
Email: stephanie@stephaniewhitson.com
Jeanne Marie Leach
(Read the review on Jeanne’s THE PLIGHT OF MATTIE GORDON under fiction.)
WHO AM I?: I am a creative
person and a dreamer. After passing the age of 50, I was surprised and delighted to find that life still happens past that
age. David and I have been married 32 years. We never had children of our own, so we borrow other people's kids for a while,
spoil them rotten and then give them back. We have two large Alaskan Malamutes, whom we spoil too.
We live in the mountains
of Colorado
at an elevation of 9,097 feet above sea level. I work part-time at a Bed and Breakfast as Assistant Innkeeper, and write as
often as I can during the rest of the week. I've recently started a freelance editing business. My hobbies are: show shoeing,
hiking, biking, jeeping, scrapbooking, winning the local annual chile cookoff, reading, interior decorating, eBaying, and
attending Denver Broncos games with my hubby.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY?:
I write Christian historical romance. First and foremost I write this because I am a Christian and couldn’t write anything
that wouldn’t please God. I also love studying history. Whenever we travel somewhere, I never buy tee shirts as souvenirs,
but rather I get books on the local history of the area. And lastly, romance because I am a romantic at heart. The first Christian
fiction book I ever read was Love Comes Softly, by Jeanette Oke. I was hooked from the first chapter, and have enjoyed all
her books, as well as a myriad of other Christian romance novels. It is said that one should write what one loves and knows,
and this is a comfortable fit for me and my personality type.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO
CONVEY?: Prov. 13:12 tells us that hope deferred makes the heart sick. I've been
heartsick before, and it's not a good feeling.
But Jeremiah 29:11 says,
"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." The passages that follow that say that if you seek him with your whole heart, he will be found by you.
This message of hope has
become the theme of all my books. In fact, one woman who has read my book sent me an e-mail message saying she now had hope
for her 16 year-old son because of Will and Mattie. So my message to readers is to NEVER GIVE UP! As long as you have breath,
you can hope for a bright future, a future led by God.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS:
Out From The Shadows, being released late spring, 2007
Return to
Sender, a short historical romance set in the tiny mountain town of Boreas,
Colorado. What happens when a mail-order bride arrives at her destination, only
to find the man she’d come to marry had died a few days prior? This book is almost ready to submit to my publisher.
Website: http://www.jeannemarieleach.com
Email: jlmtnlady@colorado.net
Kim Sawyer
WHO AM I? I am Honey to my military-hubby Don,
Mom to three wonderful girls, Gramma to three--soon to be four--delightful grandchildren, a petter of cats, a lover of chocolate,
and--most importantly--a child of the King.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? I write
inspirational fiction, both historical and contemporary, with a gentle message of hope. This world is an uncertain place,
but it's also a temporary place. The only thing of lasting value we can possess is a relationship with God through His Son
Jesus. My stories are meant to entertain, but also to edify God's children and offer encouragement as we travel this life's
pathway.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY?
My deepest prayer is that readers will discover a nugget of truth that leads them to more intimate relationship with their
Father God. Our hope is in Him--only in Him--so that's where we need to place our trust.
MY LATEST BOOK/PROJECT IS Where Willows
Grow from Bethany House, an historical story set in 1936 Kansas, and Bygones from Barbour, a contemporary story set in an Old Order
Mennonite community, both release in April of 2007. It is exciting to have two books coming out at once! God has done amazing
things.
Website:
www.KimVogelSawyer.com
Email: author_kim@yahoo.com
Vickie McDonough
WHO AM I? I've been married thirty-one
years, the mother of four boys, mother-in-law to one sweet gal and grandmother of a darling baby girl. I've lived all my life
in Oklahoma,
except for one year when my husband and I lived on a kibbutz in Israel.
I love reading, traveling, watching movies, doing counted cross stitch and gardening. I've been writing a little over six
years and have sold nine novels and novellas
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY?
My books have different themes. My goal in writing a book is to entertain readers and inspire them in their Christian walk.
I also believe Christian fiction is a great way to reach people who might never step inside a church. In my stories, the characters
deal with normal issues of life, though sometimes the problems can seem overwhelming. I like to show that God is with you,
no matter what you are facing or experiencing.
MY LATEST BOOK IS “The Bounty
Hunter and the Bride.” It is the second book in my Oklahoma historical
series, although it is a stand alone book and can be read without the reader having read the prequel, “Sooner or Later.”
It's the story of a sheriff who quits his job when his wife is killed by an outlaw. He goes on a long search, tracking the
criminal, who leads him to a young bride about to make the worst mistake of her life.
Website: www.vickiemcdonough.com
Email: fictionfan1@cox.net
PHIL VISCHER
See Review under September Kid’s
web page: Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY?
WHO AM I? My name is Phil Vischer, and
I am the creator of the kids' video series VeggieTales.
WHY DID I DECIDE TO DO THIS? I wrote Sidney
& Norman - A Tale of Two Pigs because I had noticed something interesting about how God relates to us and the messages
we need to hear from him. The Bible says God loves all of us equally, but some of us find that idea easy to accept and some
find it very hard. Norman has no problem believing God loves him, because he has always been a 'good pig.' But Sidney struggles
every day – with accepting himself, and with accepting the idea that God could love him, in spite of his messes. When
each pig is invited to visit with God, the messages he gives them are as different as they are - and just what they need to
hear.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT. In addition
to Sidney & Norman, I am completing another children's book called 47 Beavers on the Big Blue Sea, and a book for grown-ups
about my own story and the creation of VeggieTales called Me, Myself & Bob.
Websites: www.jellyfishland.com www.philvischer.com
Email: info@philvischer.com
ROBERT ELMER
I'm Robert Elmer, and I write fiction
for adults, fiction for middle readers (younger kids), and a little bit of nonfiction. I think that covers it. For my grown-up
books, I enjoy writing stories about relationships, stories that touch the heart. Generally no murders or mayhem, but plenty
of emotion, faith and real life. A lot of times they're set in small towns (because I love small towns and think they make
a great stage) but my latest takes a small-town couple and transplants them to the big city. It's called The Recital, and
it's a follow-up to my earlier book called The Duet. Here's the official synopsis for that book:
Life isn’t just “happily
ever after” when Gerrit and Joan decide to marry, but the baggage each brings to the altar certainly makes life interesting.
So when the couple moves to Chicago to pursue a teaching opportunity for Joan, Gerrit must find new purpose in an unfamiliar
new world. In the process, Joan and Gerrit both redefine the meaning of love and home as they learn painful new lessons about
mutual submission in love.
That's all for now, except please feel free to visit my web site at www.RobertElmerBooks.com.
Lori Z Scott
WHO AM I? My name is Lori
Z. Scott. (I keep the middle initial in my name to distinguish myself from all those other “Lori Scotts” across
the country.) I live in Indiana. I’m married to a smart and supportive husband, and have two wonderful children. My
hobbies include drawing cartoons, reading, swimming, running, and eating large bowls of buttered popcorn.
I work part-time supervising
student teachers for Indiana State University, so I spend a lot of time in classrooms. It’s a privilege watching others
teach…sometimes I even learn a thing or two! It’s especially fun to see the elementary kids respond to my students.
I guess I enjoy teaching so much because I’m still a little bit of a kid at heart. Like I said on my Extreme Diva Author’s
Blog, I buy cereal for the prizes, reach for the comic section first in the newspaper, and prefer reading YA novels.
Over the years, I’ve
taken an active role in the lives of children from preschool through middle school. I’ve been involved in Vacation Bible
School, Sunday School, AWANAS, Pioneer Club, and a puppet ministry. I’ve served as a Children’s Museum volunteer,
tutor, FCA camp leader, Honey Rock Day Camp leader, and Team Kids leader.
For me, a typical day includes
a lot of time set aside for taking care of my family, time for Bible study and exercise, haphazard meal planning (six times
out of ten I produce something that’s actually edible for dinner), work and/or volunteer time at the school, and at
least one hour spent waiting at one of my children’s sporting event practice. Oh yeah…and writing.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY?
The “what” part of that question is easy to answer. I write about what interests me! I’ve contributed to
nine books, including REAL MOMS (Zondervan) and CUP OF COMFORT DEVOTIONAL (Adams Media).
Additionally, I’ve been published in POCKETS, an inspirational magazine for children ages 6 to 12, and DEVO’ZINE,
a devotional magazine for teenagers. I’ve also published short fiction, poetry, personal essays, and cartoons. Twice
my stories have been radio broadcast by MomSense radio for MOPS International.
The “why” part
of that question is more difficult to address. And I suspect I shall wander a bit when I answer it, so bear with me.
Although I enjoyed writing
when I was growing up (I made “books” in grade school and wrote for my high school newspaper and yearbook) my
interests pulled me into education. I taught mostly first grade for almost ten years before retiring to stay at home with
my children.
Then one day while the kids
and I browsed through picture books at the library, I saw a flyer for an amateur fiction writing contest. With nothing better
to do than change diapers, I decided to enter. The short period I spent writing that story (late at night while the kiddos
slept) rekindled the creative part of my life that I’d let go dormant. My mind spun with ideas, imaginary conversations,
and possible plots. And I won second place in the contest!
After that, I was hooked
on writing. I joined a local writer’s group (best move I ever made), where my rather raw skills were developed and encouraged
by a wonderful and patient mentor… Carolyn R. Scheidies.
WHAT MESSAGE
DO I WANT TO CONVEY? I write for more than the joy I experience when writing. Just like I felt called to the education field
and then later to stay at home, I feel called to write for this period in my life. Perhaps God wants to use my writing as
tool for encouraging others in Christ. Until writing came along, my ministry was limited to children. But with writing, I
can branch out to reach teens and other mothers.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST
BOOK. Now I’ve joined up with the Extreme Diva Media team to create a book called “Busy Moms’ Devotions
to Go” for mothers who, just like me, need to find God when life picks up speed. The book contains thirty devotions,
enough for a full month. Each has a short scripture verse, a quick devotional insight, and a suggested activity. It’s
due for release right around Mother’s Day (May 2006), and would make a great gift for new moms and mothers of school-aged
children. I included stories from my own life that will make you laugh (ever accidentally super-glue YOUR lips?) and think
(everyday situations with a-ha moments that point to God). There are even a few fun ideas for encouraging your kids!
I enjoy working with Extreme
Diva. Their philosophy is fourfold: reduce stress, increase joy, simplify life,
and enhance relationships. They do that through publications (like my book), presentations (you can book many Extreme Diva
authors—including me—for speaking engagements) and products. In addition, they have an online magazine called
“Simple Joy” that’s full of practical advice and tips for cutting out stress on a daily basis. You can find
the magazine at www.simplejoy.org .
WEB SITE/EMAIL: Check out
my new book at www.extremedivamedia.com . ========
Tricia McCary Rhodes
WHO AM I? I am a grandma,
a mom, a pastor's wife, an author, teacher and lover of Jesus.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY?
I write books on Christian spirituality because God has stirred my heart with His beauty, and now I long for people to experience
the wonder of intimacy with Christ. He is worthy of worship and obedience and hearts that adore Him, but unless we know Him
deeply and personally, we'll never follow or give Him the honor He so deserves. This is what fuels my passion to write.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO
CONVEY? That knowing Jesus, the Lord of the Universe, is a joy beyond anything we can ever imagine, and that having an intimate
relationship is our destiny and thus must be our drive. With each book I write, it is my hope that readers will throw off
duty and obligation and all the rules about being a good Christian, and just fall in love with Jesus, as an older aunt challenged
me to do when I was 18 years old. I want people to live their lives for His glory by finding their greatest delight in knowing
Him and making Him known.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST
BOOK: I tell in the beginning of the book about how when I was a little girl, I loved wearing my mom's shoes -- for a little
while. Soon my tiny feet would squish down into those pointy toes and they would hurt so much, all my dreams of Hollywoodesque
grandeur would go out the window as I donned my saddle oxfords to go play outside and have some real fun.
I think we all find ourselves
trying to wear someone else's shoes when it comes to spiritual disciplines -- especially intercession. We read of this person
or that method and start trying to be as spiritual as they are, but we end up feeling squeezed into some mold and uncomfortable.
The purpose of the book, then, is to help people find their own style of praying for others so that they can be free to walk
in the wonder of knowing Christ's heart for the broken world they encounter every day. While God doesn't need us to accomplish
His purposes, He invites us, and then gives us grace to join Him in bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth, one prayer at
a time. My desire is that people reading this book will be set free to enjoy intercession as an incredible form of intimacy
that Christ yearns for us to have with Him.
WEB SITE/EMAIL: http://www.soulatrest.com tricia@soulatrest.com
Nikki Arana
WHO AM I? To the eye of a casual observer, I’m a woman, a devoted wife, the mother of two sons, award-winning
writer, and successful real estate broker. In the eyes of God, I’m a sinner who would be lost but for the saving grace
of Jesus Christ.
WHAT DO I WRITE AND WHY? All of my books touch on social issues, illegal immigration, abortion, and children
with disabilities for example. And I always have at least one main character who would be judged “less than” by
the world. A one-legged beggar, a child with Down syndrome, or a poor, illiterate stableman become the catalyst of the story,
impacting the other characters in the book in positive, life-changing ways. I do this as a way of breaking stereotypes.
WHAT MESSAGE DO I WANT TO CONVEY? Often things are not what
they seem. God has a plan for every life no matter what the circumstances. If we will approach the challenges that come to
us with an eye to discern His divine hand at work, and a willingness to be a vessel of His love, we will overcome. And in
that process, further the kingdom.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST BOOK. My first book, The Winds of
Sonoma, was released by Revell last month. (See review) It is the story of a poor, illiterate Mexican stable hand and a young
attorney who is the only daughter of a wealthy heart surgeon--and a love ordained by God!
I use a lot of symbols and double meanings in my books. In this book, the wind is a symbol of the Holy Sprit.
Every time the wind blows, I mean if a leaf flutters, God is acting in the lives of the characters. It was inspired by a true
story. My story. It is the first of a three book series, so I was thrilled to learn it has been picked as one of the "Top
Twenty Fiction Books" by ChristianBook.com and got 4 Stars from Romantic Times.
COMMENTS: If God has called you to write the books of His heart,
rest assured, He will prosper what He ordains. Face your writing future with excitement and anticipation for what He is about
to do. Watch for the opportunities that are surely before you. My life experience has taught me, He never performs His will
in the way I expect, and it is always a thousand times better than anything I imagined.
WEB SITE/EMAIL: www.nikkiarana.com
Nikki@nikkiarana.com
WHO AM I? Sandra
McLeod Humphrey is a retired clinical psychologist and children's author
WHAT DO I WRITE
AND WHY? I write inspirational, motivational, and values books for children, and my books include: If You Had to Choose, What
Would You Do? (Prometheus Books, Ages 6-12) It's Up to You...What Do You Do? (Prometheus Books, Ages 8 and up) MORE--If You
Had to Choose, What Would You Do? (Prometheus Books, Ages 6-12) Dare to Dream!: 25 Extraordinary Lives (Prometheus Books,
Ages 8 and up) Keepin' It Real: A Young Teen Talks With God (CSS Publishing, Ages 10 and up)
As a clinical
psychologist for over 31 years, I worked with young people who were burned out not from street drugs or alcohol but from life
itself. They had no values, no sense of direction to their lives, and no sense of their own identity. In short, they had given
up and they had no hope. I write my books to encourage our young people to believe in themselves, to help them develop some
coping skills, and to give them hope.
WHAT MESSAGE
DO I WANT TO CONVEY? I want my books to help our young people develop strong moral character and a strong sense of who they
are and where they are going. And I also want my books to inspire them to dream dreams and to have the perseverance to follow
through on those dreams even in the face of great obstacles and even when sometimes it may mean standing alone.
TELL US ABOUT
YOUR LATEST BOOK. My most recent book Dare to Dream!: 25 Extraordinary Lives is a collection of 25 biographical sketches of
ordinary people from different walks of life who overcame great obstacles in order to attain their extraordinary dreams, and
it has received outstanding endorsements from nationally recognized educators including: Philip Bigler, Director, the Madison
Center, James Madison University, and 1998 National Teacher of the Year; Gene Bedley, PTA National Educator of the Year; Donald
Draayer, 1990 National Superintendent of the Year; and Terry Hitchcock, Executive Director, The Heroes & Dreams Foundation.
COMMENTS: I just
recently received the Helen Keating Ott Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children's Literature (July 2005), and this
was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences for which I am most grateful. I love writing for young people and I
love visiting classrooms to dialogue with students about life issues.
The ongoing essay
contest I have on my website gives students an opportunity to tell me about the most difficult moral choice between right
and wrong they have had to make so far, and some of the essays have been so poignant that you wonder how someone so young
can have already experienced so much pain. But underlying the pain I see incredible strength and survival skills, and these
young writers have earned not only my respect but my admiration.
WEB SITE/EMAIL
website: www.kidscandoit.com
e-mail: Sandra305@aol.com
Max Elliot
Anderson
WHO AM I?
I grew up around the production of Christian films for rental to Churches. My favorites were usually the dramatic films for
children. I like to tell people that, at the age of 8, I was “killed” by a hit-and-run driver while riding my
bike. Since the film I was in was shot in black and white, my blood came from a chocolate syrup bottle. I’ve carried
that love of production throughout my life, and have my own video production company now. It is this rich, highly visual,
motion picture experience that finds its way into my books. Readers tell me the books are like being in an exciting or scary
movie when they read them.
WHAT DO I
WRITE AND WHY? As a child, I hated to read. After a lengthy period of research I determined that I have always been a
reluctant reader. So, I decided to begin writing the kinds of books I would have liked when I was growing up. Hopefully I’ll
be helping others who think they hate to read, but just haven’t found the right books yet. These books are not only
for reluctant readers. Even though my initial target was boys, the books are also widely enjoyed by girls and even adults.
WHAT MESSAGE
DO I WANT TO CONVEY? My adventures are for readers 8-13. Each has completely different characters, setting, and plot.
One of the reasons I did this was to give myself the freedom to deal with real issues that kids might face. It seemed harder
to do this with the same set of kids in every book. My message would be character building, moral and spiritual concepts,
and Christian principles. Reviewers say that I’m accomplishing this without being preachy.
TELL US ABOUT
YOUR LATEST BOOK. I’ve written a total of 33 manuscripts so far, and my 8th book will be published within the next
couple of months. Reckless Runaway tells the story of a boy who mistakenly believes that his parents’ discipline
is proof that they don’t love him. After reading the manuscript, a girl wrote to tell me that’s what she thought
of her parents, but she never really understood their love until she read the book.
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