CSFF Tour - The Codebearers Series

This month's CSFF tour features Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow by the Miller Brothers.


I am impressed in investigating this book, because the Miller Brothers are 30 somethings who are writing books they would have liked to have when they were around 10. Of course, not much was written from a Christian perspective for that age range back then, but there also wasn't technology to allow said authors to create their own book trailer, rocking web site full of games and networking, and even allow a FREE read of the book online.


I appreciate what they've done, as I have boys getting into the age range for this book, and I want this type of work available as part (but not the only part) of what they read.


I didn't realize there was a free read available, so I don't have any original content to add. However, why not "borrow" the best of the CSFF tour? I've gone through all of the posts as of noonish on 3/18, the third day of the tour, and can recommend some high points to visit. You can see the links to all the participants below.

John Otte gives some critique, and talks about his hopes for Christian speculative fiction.

Fred Warren does the same thing I'm doing, giving a tour overview. His is more clever than mine. Curses, Fred!

Wade Ogletree gets the "Going Overboard Award", with not 1, not 3, but 6(!) posts about the book. (OK, they're all great posts!)

Becky Miller, our ringmaster (more in the circus way, rather than Sauronic fashion), always has great thoughts. Link is to March '09 archives, and look for CSFF Tour or allegory (great post there!)

Val Comer gives a good review of the book, and the opening paragraphs as well. Two for one!

I'll also highlight new CSFF member Ryan Heart and her coded post. Tricky.

Becky Miller always tracks EVERY post, a daunting task, so you can go to all the posts off of this link.

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
Wade Ogletree
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

Writing and Rewriting, Oh My!

I am slowly struggling to write a novel. I've had loooong periods of no writing, punctuated with some relative creativity. I'm slowly learning to shut off my internal editor to a degree to just get something, anything, on the page. If I don't, that confounded editor can freeze me up.

Lately I've hit one of those good periods, and have done more than what I've accomplished in a long time. Still, I'm probably only 1/4th of what I want to be. I'm determined to see this through, but I realize I'm in for a long haul.

On Facebook author Terri Blackstock wrote a note regarding the hard work of rewriting. She talks about the enormous amount of rewriting she does, and how it is the major part of working a novel into publishing state.

Good grief, Charlie Brown! I'm struggling as it is to get ONE draft done.

This is what she had to say regarding those beginning novelists she's tried to help:

But sometimes, they’ll receive what I’m saying with thoughtfulness, take notes, ask questions. That’s good. When I’m sure they understand what is needed to fix the problems, I send them on their way to rewrite their book. I’m thinking they’ll do what I do—take it through seven or eight or twelve more drafts, each time getting deeper into the characters, making the plot more intriguing, polishing the writing … For me, that takes months. But too often, they’ll call me a week later and say, “I took the afternoon off work yesterday and did all the rewrites you suggested. I think it’s ready to go.”

It goes without saying, she's not too impressed with this amount of effort. She did say that it doens't matter whether you write a full draft then rewrite, or if you rewrite page-by-page as you go. The key is that writing is talent, skill, but also perseverance and the willingness to put in the hard work.

*Sigh* Looks like I'm in this for the long haul. I'm willing, and I know it's not easy for anyone, but it's not easy with career and family/kids and ministry. Check back in 5 years when I've gotten my head on straight and gotten something substantial done, LOL.

A Little Help?

I need a little help here, from all my writing buddies or anyone who wants to give this a shot.

I have notes on my novel idea that I keep in my Palm Pilot. I've scribbled in there for 3-4 years. I review it every so often to see if I'm missing any ideas that could be the thing I need right then, or if I'm getting off track.

Yesterday I was looking at it, and in the middle of some notes there is a name.

Guido DiGregorio.

I have no idea who this is, or what he's doing in my notes. I can't remember for the life of me why this guy is there.

So, you tell me. Who is Guido DiGregorio? (Maybe I'll have to figure out a prize for the most creative.) For those who know what my project is, if you can fit him in, all the better!

Step up to the comments, and begin!
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My Treasure

I came across this while cleaning out some files. I thought I'd share it, rather than have it sit around. I wrote it in 1995 while I was in the School of Biblical Studies with Youth With a Mission in Canberra, Australia.

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Lord, where is my treasure? It is not where it should be. I had it all in hand, so that You would not have to worry about me.

I considered, "What will be the best? I do want to take care." Perhaps it would be wise to spread my treasure around. "Diversify," the money-man says. And if some disappears, I will have the rest to come back to, in my need of the days.

So I proceeded with my plan. I looked about, and I saw people cross my gaze. What a beginning-my fellow man. I then gave of my treasure: a man, a woman, relationships special and dear. But when I came searching, there was none to be found. Portions were gone, not to be returned, others strewn on the ground. "I am fortunate though, I have more." So I moved to my next trove.

What will make a mark in this world? What I can do, my knowledge, my talents, my potential. Of course I deposited a cache there. It was all in my power. But treasure was lost in each dream unfulfilled. Who can reach all their expectations? Not one, I'm afraid. More treasure in ruin, and less to get me by.

"I must take care of myself," was another consideration of mine. We only have one body to carry us through. It made sense, therefore, some treasure would stay with me. My strength, my mind, my pleasures were investments of sure benefit. Yet I am just flesh and mortal, no force in my own. The tears and the years each steal their own share. And from all of my efforts, my treasure was gone.

Lord, please tell me what happened! I thought my treasure was so secure. This was not supposed to take place; now all I am is broken.

My Lord spoke to me, "My child, now you will see. It is not in yourself that your treasure is protected. You were never asked to defend and stand your ground. My heart, My hand has always been available to cover what is precious to you. But only in your point of loss would you realize your fraility.

Now your treasure will be laid up in heaven-from My throne it will be guarded. It was never a burden for me, to be the watcher of your soul. Now you can rest in My delight, and know that you will find My inheritance for you!"

Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 22-34.

CFBA Tour - Daisy Chain

To end the week, I'm featuring Daisy Chain, the latest book by Mary DeMuth. I reviewed her parenting book, Authenitic Parenting in a Postmodern World, last year. When I saw this book on our review list for the CFBA, I was eager to read it. I appreciated her insights into parenting, so I wanted to see what her fiction was like.

The book is the start of a three book trilogy set in Defiance, Texas in 1977. Fourteen year old Jed Pepper is best friends with a vivacious young girl, Daisy Marie Chance. When she goes missing one summer night, he is convinced that it is his fault. He deals with his thoughts tormenting him on what he could have done differently, even as he battles personal demons that threaten his own family.

The book is labeled a "coming-of-age" story, and that description works for Daisy Chain. It has an authentic feel of a small Texas town. The reader feels the hot, sticky heat, can almost taste Hixon Jones' fresh lemonade, and lives the trials that Jed wrestles with throughout the book.

The book is deeper, with more to the story than a little synopsis like the one above can provide. I also don't like giving away too much of a story in a review. The book raises some challenges to the reader regarding family secrets and small town life. Just when you are convinced who the "villain" of the story is, Mary takes that character and shows a human side to them.

Sometimes the book was a little frustrating, because there are different plot threads that are introduced at various points of the book, and I didn't feel enough resolution at the end of the book. I understand that it is a trilogy, and some threads are being introduced to carry through the whole project, but to me there should have been a little more closure, or some points perhaps introduced in book 2 rather than here. I came away a little disappointed in the way the book ended. I had too much emotional investment to be satisfied. I know a good suspense series should leave one hanging, waiting for the next book, but I didn't feel a good enough set-up for book 2. The ending came rather abruptly, I guess.

I think Mary has created some very interesting characters, with flaws and a definite unique touch to each of them. No one is the stereotype here. Sometimes the viewpoint gets a little confusing, but otherwise I enjoyed most of the people we meet in Defiance (except for the ones you root against-you'll see soon enough).

Daisy Chain is not the typical book I would pick up at the bookstore. It is not my favorite book, but Mary DeMuth is a talented author, and I enjoyed much of her writing. If you like the psychological drama or a Southern-tinged coming of age story, then this should be a book that is well worth your time.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Daisy Chain, go HERE
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Themes in Art

I hope everyone around here read about Jeffrey Overstreet and his Auralia Thread books last week. They are intriguing books, and they managed to spawn some interesting conversation. (I started this post the day after the tour, but it has taken me time to finish my evolving thoughts)

Blog posts looked at the "Christian" aspect of these books, and asked about the process an author comes up with themes for their work.

Steve Rice had some strong opinions of the books. If I understood him correctly, he felt that a Christian artist ought to visibly show their faith in their works. He quoted a few verses about a light not being put under a basket and speaking from the heart (that if Christ is in your heart, how can we not help but speak of what is there).

He also brought up secularism, implying that Cyndere's Midnight was secular because possible themes or morals gleaned from the book weren't specifically Christian enough, undistinguishable from good messages from non-Christian books. I'm not quite sure how "secular" is the right term to use here.

Steve had passionate views, and I'm not trying to put him down, just to put out a point of disagreement. We may chalk this up to an "agree to disagree" type of issue. I have long felt and advocated on this blog that God is interested in beauty for beauty's sake, and not everything created in His name has to have a specific religious or practical function. I've gone to Francis Schaeffer's book Art and the Bible on this point a lot. One of his examples is a free-standing column in Solomon's temple that had no functional purpose from an engineering or spiritual standpoint, other than to add architectural beauty to the temple.

I don't think from the books themselves or Jeffrey's words about them that he is trying to hide any message. I think he is trying to write to a standard that he has set for himself regarding beauty of language and power of story. He has themes he sees, but he is reluctant to blurt them out and color what readers will take from the book. I certainly see Christian truths in his books, but it seems he's trying to let the reader decide what themes they see. What I do have a problem with is people judging motives without fully understanding what the artist is doing.

Also, what about Biblical books like Song of Songs and Esther. The Lord isn't mentioned in either of them, but we know the inspiration that comes from these books. The inspiration is derived from the interpretation of the books, even when it is not directly spelled out in the text.

I wish that Steve had taken more information from the fine interviews with Jeffrey. Robert Treskillard has a fine interview with the author, doing a discussion style back and forth. Then Shane Deal follows with a separate interview that further explores Jeffrey's style of writing and his purpose in his work. Make sure to read down to an extensive discourse in the comments, as there are points no one should miss.


The next point of discussion comes from my friend Becky Miller, in her discussion based off of Steve Rice's post from above. Becky and I have had a friendly disagreement on the nature of Christian art ;), and she talks about the intentionality of theme. Now, I agree with her that if there is a specific theme an author wants to communicate, and they do so skillfully, that it doesn't lessen the artistic value at all. In fact, I happen to believe that theme is very important to the structure of a novel. Otherwise the work is not going to have any strength to impact a reader. She mentions "backing into a theme," where Jeffrey talks about writing and letting the theme come to him rather than knowing it beforehand. I don't think I could fully do that (the control freak in me, I suppose), but I believe, if nothing else, from Jeffrey's experience, that it can happen.

My question is: if a Christian author writes a book that doesn't have explicitly gospel-specific themes, is that work "Christian fiction?" I see reflections of the "One True Myth," as C.S. Lewis termed the gospel, in Cyndere's Midnight? But I can't point to a specific Christ-figure or other allegorical character in the book. If the criteria to be called Christian fiction is to have a specific gospel feature, directly showing God, then I suppose Cyndere won't meet that criteria. I think Jeffrey's two books could have published by secular houses without changing the content, but I have to believe that he is trying to accomplish something in the market he's currently in.

I wrote a short story that doesn't directly deal with God, just in passing. Yet the themes of sanctity of life and fidelity in marriage are the points that make the story, IMO. The sanctity of life theme was what I had in mind when I started, but the marriage theme surprised me in many ways. Both points are informed and hopefully reflect a Biblical worldview, but the story wasn't the place to bring out all aspects of the Biblical narrative.

All art communicates something. Fiction is by nature more direct than other forms, such as visual arts. An artist fools themseleves if they think it won't communicate something. Sometimes an artist may choose a specific theme to explore up front, while others may see what emerges in the process. Both are valid starting points, and I maintain that a Christian artist, no matter their starting point, will reflect a Biblical worldview if they are truly transformed by their walk.


Becky has another post titled, Fiction Is... I had to laugh at her last comment this morning, because even though we've playfully seemed to disagree, she had this to say:

What I would like to see Christians come to is the idea that fiction can actually say something important. Does that have to be the plan of salvation? No. Does it need to be laid out overtly? No.
There is a third way, an artistic way of weaving in a theme so that readers “get it” without being told it.

And with this, we're in total agreement!

If you're interested in this discussion of Art, Creativity, and how it plays out in Christian expression, I invite you to check out these different posts and perspectives. It has been a highly intriguing discussion!
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Funniest Words in English

All you writer/literary types need to check out this link:

The 100 Funniest Words in English

This will make for some excellent fiction in the next few years, I predict!
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CSFF Tour - Cyndere's Midnight, Day 3

A Tale of Nobility and Savagery

This is the 3rd day of the CSFF tour for Cyndere's Midnight by Jeffrey Overstreet. See Monday for my overview of it and the first book in the series, Auralia's Colors, and yesterday for an interview with Jeffrey.

Cyndere’s Midnight is a swirling tale of noble and base elements, of a kingdom trying to find something they lost, and another kingdom in danger of losing what they have, and individual choices to embrace light over darkness.

If you picked up Cyndere without reading Auralia, you would understand the plot for the most part. As with most sequels, it is a deeper experience if you read the whole series. Jeffrey planted seeds for Cyndere in the first one, so there are nice connections to be made.

Jeffrey mentioned in his interview that he is trying to write a beautiful story with language that will stand the test of time. I don’t know if will rise to such a lofty standard, but it is not typical fantasy fare, or Christian fare for that matter. He takes great care in describing the details of the Expanse. His prose continues to be quite poetic, though I felt it wasn’t quite as poetic as Auralia. The subject matter could definitely be part of that, as the character Auralia was the center of the poetry last time. He doesn’t repeat words or phrases repetitively. It is apparent he is using language precisely.

The story is sweeping in its scope, and he keeps the suspense moving along. The confused beastman Jordam becomes the heart of the book as he struggles with the curse on his people. They are driven to drink a substance called Essence for their strength, but could it be corrupting them? Jordam sees hints of something greater in the colors Auralia has created, and a new nobility rises in him as he stumbles into Cyndere’s path.

Other characters are carefully constructed and there are only a couple of very minor characters that seem like throw-away “placeholder” characters. The contrasts in character development is very intriguing.

I really enjoyed Cyndere’s Midnight. In some ways I enjoyed it more than Auralia’s Colors, but other ways I didn’t. Both books are poetic, but I think the language in the first book was a little more lyrical. However, I connected more with Jordam than I did anyone in the first book.

Jeffrey’s writing is dense, and it won’t stand for a quick perusal of a page. You are forced to take it in and chew on it a little. This is mostly very good, but on occasion there are points where a reader can get confused. Also, there were many characters and sub-plots going on, so there were some times when I lost track of what was happening with them.

I mentioned with my review of Auralia’s Colors that I believed it to be a very important book for Christian fiction. Cyndere’s Midnight continues that legacy. In his interview yesterday, Jeffrey said,

Unfortunately, very little that is published in the CBA market stands up to that kind of test. "Christian fiction" is usually notable because of the "message." It is very rarely written with the kind of artistry that will stand up to critique. I don't want to write stuff that will only be read by people who believe what I believe. I want it to be read by people who love imaginative storytelling... and I want them to still be reading it a hundred years from now.

His answers inspired me to take a second look on what I’m writing and how I do it. I think he is taking a bold step, writing a different kind of book that can’t be categorized within the bounds of CBA fiction. I applaud him for setting a lofty goal for himself in his own creativity. I don’t think he fully realizes the potential, as I think the plot can be clarified a little more, but it is clearly an artistic work that is unique among other fantasy books.
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CSFF Tour - Cyndere's Midnight, Day 2

Hey! Day 2 of our CSFF tour featuring Jeffrey Overstreet and his new book, Cyndere's Midnight. I gave an introduction to the book yesterday, and listed multiple links to check out if you're curious about the unique approach Jeffrey has when it comes to his writing: other's in the tour, reviews of his previous book, Auralia's Colors, and links to Jeffrey's websites.

Jeffrey was gracious enough to answer a few questions I had, so please check out his replies below. Tomorrow I'll wrap up with my review of Cyndere's Midnight.

1. What are your writing influences?
It's tough for me to point to influences. I imagine readers will have a better sense of that than me. But I can tell you who I found inspirational while I was writing.

Annie Dillard writes about the natural world with passion, honesty, and stirring prose. Her attention to the wonders and horrors of our fantastic, fallen world are compelling, awe-inspiring, and sometimes truly disturbing.

I read a lot of poetry while I work on The Auralia Thread. I'm especially fond of Scott Cairns, Jane Hirshfield, and my wife Anne's poetry, which takes me to so many vivid places. Anne and I spend a lot of time exploring the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest and in the Southwest, and I'm sure that the places we go inspire my writing more than any writers do.

I don't think many fiction writers have had much influence on The Auralia Thread. I'm sure there are echoes of Tolkien, Lewis, Macdonald, and especially Richard Adams and Frank Herbert. But when it comes to style, I often revisit Patricia McKillip's The Book of Atrix Wolfe and Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast series for the music of their language and the phantasmagoric detail of their worlds.

2. What was your inspiration for the Auralia's Colors series?
My wife Anne and I had a conversation about make-believe while we were hiking near Flathead Lake, Montana. Anne said something about how most people reach a certain age where they stop using their imaginations, stop expressing themselves creatively, and put make believe behind them. I started thinking about that while we walked through this beautiful, forested landscape.

I began to imagine a kingdom in which the people bury all of their creative expressions. And then I envisioned an artist who wandered into that culture, and who was both celebrated and persecuted for her vision. That's where it all started.

3. You are known for your work in film critique. How did your film influence affect your writing?
Film reviewing has taught me to pay attention to small details, and to cherish those experiences in which characters take you into places and situations you've never thought about before.

It has also taught me to think about beauty, and how a picture can say so much more than a lesson or an allegory. So I focus on painting pictures in prose, trying to share images instead of morals, questions instead of answers.

The movies that stick with me are those that don't preach, but instead offer me encounters with beauty and imagery that give me new insights every time I enjoy them.

I want to write a story that does that. I don't want to tell readers what to think--I want to invite them on an adventure, and let them have their own unique experience, develop their own interpretation along the way.

4. What is your opinion about the state of Christian fiction in the CBA world and culture in general?
I don't have much time to read, so when I do, I read a lot of poetry and literature that has proven itself to be timeless and beautiful.

Unfortunately, very little that is published in the CBA market stands up to that kind of test. "Christian fiction" is usually notable because of the "message." It is very rarely written with the kind of artistry that will stand up to critique. I don't want to write stuff that will only be read by people who believe what I believe. I want it to be read by people who love imaginative storytelling... and I want them to still be reading it a hundred years from now. That's why Tolkien, Lewis, and L'Engle's books are standing the test of time. They're imaginative, rich with truth, and beautiful.

I don't read stories because I want a message. I read because I want to have an experience. I want to use my imagination. I only get the chance to read a limited number of books in my life, and I want to read the most beautiful, rich, meaningful stuff I can find. I firmly believe that that how we say something is just as important as what we say. Christian bookstores are full of books that say good things. But many of those books say good things very poorly, or without much imagination.

If a book is well-written, many readers all over the world -- Christian and non-Christian alike -- will find that book compelling. That's why most "Christian books" are only ever read by people who shop in Christian bookstores.

5. What would you like people to know about your two current books that they may not know already?
I hope that readers will open the pages of Auralia's Colors and Cyndere's Midnight out of curiosity and a desire for an adventure.

If they come expecting an allegory, I think they'll be frustrated. A lot of reviewers have said that this is a story about Christ, or the Christian life. Fine... there's nothing wrong with that interpretation. But that's not what I was thinking about when I wrote them. You might just as well read tehm as a story about an artist's struggles and temptations, or a story about talents and gifts, or a story about beauty and what it does to us. Readers have discovered themes that have pleasantly surprised me. But I know where this story is going, and it doesn't work as an allegory.

I'm very interested in hearing what readers think the story is about. Fantasy is a mysterious genre. We learn about each other when we share our experience of a work of art. I never want to write a story that has an obvious "moral" or "lesson." Why bother? If I wanted to do that, I would just teach lessons and not bother with a story. No, I want to tell stories the way Jesus shared parables -- I want to tell a story that teases readers' minds into contemplation, that gets them arguing about what it all means. I know what they mean to me, but that keeps changing. What do they mean to you?

CSFF Tour - Cyndere's Midnight, Day 1

This month the CSFF Tour is featuring Cyndere's Midnight, the latest book from film critic Jeffrey Overstreet. It is the second book in the Auralia's Thread series (the Blue Thread).

In the first book of the series, Auralia's Colors, we are introduced to the world of the Expanse, home of four great Houses. The House Abascar in the East is where a mysterious young girl is found as a baby. As Abascar grows cold and bleak, this girl breaks forth with a gift of colors that enchant and enrage. Events involving the royal family, poor servants, exiled criminals, and this young Auralia swirl together until the House is brought low, and the remnant must flee to the cliffs farther south.

The second book takes us to the western House Bel Amica, where a lonely heiress contemplates life without her consort and the pressures of being the sole heir of their throne. She shared visions with her love of helping the beastmen of Cent Regus, a once magnificent house in the South that has fallen into a literal corruption, with the people being transformed by a strange Essence into the form of animals, with the mind of savages as well.

Four brothers of the beastmen are led by their oldest brother toward a plot involving the weakened refugees of Abascar. However, one of the brothers, Jordam, has developed a new awareness by his exposure to Auralia's colors, and he begins to question his purpose and direction.

Passions, power, and politics threaten to engulf the Expanse as two solitary figures collide at a well, painted blue by an orphan girl, unaware of their place in the coming conflagration.
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I am excited for this tour for several reasons. First, I've finally managed to read one of the books (missed out on the last few offerings). Second, I was highly impressed with Auralia's Colors, and was curious on how the story continued in Midnight. Finally, I think that Jeffrey is an important voice in Christian fantasy, and I want to see what comes of his work.

I have several things, including a review of the book and an interview with the author. I have several past posts covering Auralia's Colors (here, here, here, and there).

You can also visit Jeffrey Overstreet’s Web site, blog, or find him on Facebook. And as always, see my amazing tourmates below (Rebecca LuElla Miller always keeps a list of those that have posted each day).


Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Kait
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Wade Ogletree
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Jill Williamson

CFBA Tour - Gingham Mountain

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Gingham Mountain, Barbour Books (February 1, 2009) by Mary Connealy.

Jason sez: My wife was going to read this book to review, but alas, Real Life Intervenes (TM) once again. Here's the official CFBA blurb.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary's writing journey is similar to a lot of others. Boil it down to persistence, oh, go ahead and call it stubbornness. She just kept typing away. She think the reason she did it was because she was more or less a dunce around people—prone to sit silently when she really ought to speak up(or far worse, speak up when she ought to sit silently).

So, Mary had all these things, she want to say, in her head; the perfect zinger to the rude cashier, which you think of an hour after you’ve left the store, the perfect bit of wisdom when someone needs help, which doesn’t occur to you until they solve their problems themselves, the perfect guilt trip for the kids, which you don’t say because you’re not an idiot. She keep all this wit to herself, much to the relief of all who know her, and then wrote all her great ideas into books. It’s therapeutic if nothing else, and more affordable than a psychiatrist.

So then a very nice, oh so nice publishing company like Barbour Heartsong comes along and says, “Hey, we’ll pay you money for this 45,000 word therapy session.” That’s as sweet as it gets.

Mary's journey to publication is the same as everyone’s except for a few geniuses out there who make it hard for all of us. And even they probably have an Ode to Roast Beef or two in their past.

There are two other books in this Lassoed In Texas Series: Petticoat Ranch and Calico Canyon


ABOUT THE BOOK


All aboard for a delightful, suspense-filled romance, where a Texan is torn between his attraction to a meddlesome schoolmarm and the charms of a designing dressmaker. When Hannah Cartwright meets Grant, she's determined to keep him from committing her orphans to hard labor on his ranch. How far will she go to ensure their welfare?

Grant Cooper is determined to provide a home for the two kids brought in by the orphan train as runs head-on into the new school marm, who believes he's made slave labor out of eight orphaned children. He crowds too many orphans into his rickety house, just like Hannah Cartwright's cruel father. Grant's family of orphans have been mistreated too many times by judgmental school teachers. Now the new schoolmarm is the same except she's so pretty and she isn't really bad to his children, it's Grant she can't stand.

But he is inexplicably drawn to Hannah. Can he keep his ragtag family together while steering clear of love and marriage? Will he win her love or be caught in the clutches of a scheming seamstress?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Gingham Mountain, go HERE

Super-sized Families?

The NY Times recently had an article entitled "And Baby Makes How Many?" that was triggered from the woman with the octuplets and 6 other kids, as well as the popularity of shows featuring The Duggars (17 kids) and Jon and Kate plus eight. The article discussed how family size in the U.S. is shrinking overall, which is making large families an exception that is more and more looked down upon.

Replacement level for a population is 2.1, and that is the current American birth rate, even though it has actually been lower recently and only got back UP to 2.1 in the last year stats were available. The article focuses on megafamilies, with 6+ kids, but it stated that people with more than 3 kids often get "raised eyebrows".

The article itself is pretty respectful and non-judgmental, although it mentions that people with larger families could be considered "freak show attractions" nowadays. The comments to the article...now that is a different story.

The commenters mostly decried people having more than 2 kids "irresponsible" and "selfish", trashing Earth's resources for their own self-fulfillment (or more clinically put, "evolutionary need to replicate"-reminds me of the part in The Matrix when Agent Smith compares humanity to a virus). Some were generous enough to deem it appropriate to have 2 kids, then adopt needy kids/orphans if you HAD to have more than two. Heaven forbid the carbon footprint that is left by a family of 4 kids or more.

The majority of comments were disturbing on many levels. Besides the judgments and disdain for some people's "choice" when it collides with their own self-interest, there were some issues that no one in the comments noted. I wanted to post there, but the comments were closed by the time I read the article.

First of all, do we want to become like other societies that have effective "family planning?" Countries like Japan, where a demographic crisis is looming because they are getting older without a young workforce to support the elderly? Perhaps Germany, which is rapidly becoming less German, since German families don't hit the replacement level of 2.1 kids, but immigrant families from Eastern Europe and Turkey are filling the void, keeping their own culture without assimilating to German ways in the process? I know, how about China? Since their one child rule, the percentage of male to females is dangerously imbalanced, which is already causing human trafficking from other Asian countries to provide wives to the men who can't find the very in-demand Chinese women?

Some in the comments cited the 70's era Population Boom scare, which has not occurred as doomsayers were predicting back then. Technological advances have continued to allow us to produce enough food, even if political and infrastructure problems still keep way too many people without proper resources.

I am willing to become a better steward of our resources, and I want to see poverty eradicated so people in undeveloped countries have more opportunities other than having many kids so some will have a chance of surviving. However, the crass hypocrisy and judgmentalism from the commenters is pretty remarkable in a country where all sorts of "freedoms" are promoted, unless it goes against the current postmodern, environment-worshipping culture we seem to have at this time. Overall, as a parent of four wonderful children, whom I plan on educating to be the best possible citizens of Earth during their sojourn, even as I hopefully help them reach their potential in the Kingdom of heaven, I want to say as carefully and intelligently as I can to those commenters:

Mind your own business.

(Bonus-I love some of the comebacks from parents of the megafamilies:

How can you afford so many? “Lifestyles are expensive, not kids.”
Don’t you know what causes that? “Oh, yes, I now wash my husband’s underwear separately.”
Do you get any time for yourselves? “Obviously, or we wouldn’t have six kids.”)

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Faith and Culture Devotional

I've been enjoying a new devotional that I recently picked up: A Faith and Culture Devotional: Daily Readings in Art, Science, and Life. I saw it mentioned on The Point blog, and so far I haven't been disappointed. I'm not very far into it, but it has already had articles from or quoting from Francis Collins of the Human Genome Project and Francis Schaeffer, with future articles from Erwin McManus, Chuck Colson, Scot McKnight, Dallas Willard, Lee Strobel, and J. P. Moreland.

The subjects are collected under Bible and Theology, History, Philosophy, Science, Literature, Arts, and Contemporary Culture. Quite a diversity, but the reading I've done so far is quite thought-provoking.

As a teaser, here's a quote from "Art-A Response to God's Beauty" by Lael Arrington, with an extensive quote from one of my favorites, Francis Schaeffer.

Schaeffer concludes, "What a Christian portrays in his art is the totality of life. Art is not to be solely a vehicle for some self-conscious evangelism...Christians ought not to be threatened by fantasy and imagination...The Christian is the really free man-he is free to have imagination. This is our heritage. The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.

CFBA Tour - Word Gets Around

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Word Gets Around Bethany House (February 1, 2009) by Lisa Wingate.


My friend Rhonda read this book. She noted some nice spiritual points that were encouraging, but she found the plot slow and overall it was hard to get into the book.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Romance Is In the Air, Word Gets Around Lauren Eldridge thought she'd wiped the dust of Daily, Texas, off her boots forever. Screenwriter Nate Heath thought he was out of second chances. Life's never that predictable, though. Cajoled by her father, Lauren is back in town helping train a skittish race horse set to star in a Hollywood film. But the handsome screenwriter gives her more trouble than the horse. And Nate is realizing there's a spark of magic in the project--and in the eyes of the girl who is so good with horses. Daily, Texas, has a way of offering hope, healing, and a little romance just when folks need it most.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Word Gets Around, go HERE

What people are saying:

"Lisa Wingate writes engaging stories that strike the heart. God has gifted her with a marvelous talent and I, for one, am most grateful."
—Debbie Macomber, New York Times #1 bestselling author

CFBA Tour - Desires of Her Heart

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Desires Of Her Heart Avon Inspire (February 10, 2009) by Lyn Cote.

Jason says: My wife is currently reading this book, but reading time for her depends on baby's mood, which hasn't allowed her to finish it. I'll post a little update review when she finishes. In the meantime, here's the plot synopsis.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A New Orleans lady and a half-breed frontiersman become unlikely allies as they travel the wilds of texas.

In 1821, when circumstances make it impossible for her to remain in New Orleans, Dorritt and her family head west to join Stephen Austin's settlement and recoup their fortune in Texas.

Quinn is a man of the frontier who has made a name for himself as a peerless scout. But as he and Dorritt's party begin a grueling trek across untamed Texas, the success of their journey is in grave doubt. Mexico has broken with the Spanish Crown, and armies from both countries—plus marauding Comanches—roam the pine forests and prairies. And one of the party is plotting destruction.

Now, with their lives joined in a virgin land fraught with peril, can Dorritt and Quinn put all their trust in God and receive the desires of their hearts?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Desires Of Her Heart, go HERE

The Unfortunate Label of "Evangelical Christian"?

I don't hit on Ted Dekker's site very often, but I did today after finishing his latest book Kiss, (a good read - recommended). He had an intriguing link to his blog, which had an even more intriguing title for his latest post: "The Challenge of Being Gay". Thus my own attempt at a provocative post title.

Anyway, I encourage anyone who is interested in the debate about "Christian fiction" to check out the post (and get past the title) to talk about labels and evangelical Christianity relating to fiction.

CSFF Tour - More on The Book of Names

The tour continues, focusing on D. Barkely Briggs' first book in the Karac Tor series, The Book of Names.

I want to mention first how impressive his website is. Most authors are going to have a site anymore, but I believe his is used exceptionally well to support his work. He obviously has spent a lot of time building an interesting back story creating his alternative realms. There are well done maps, character drawings, and tidbits of legends from Karac Tor. It drew me into his story and intrigued me. This alone made me wish I had been able to read his book for the tour. Thankfully he has a download available for the first three chapters, which I'll discuss below.

One more item on his site. He has a page with numerous links of myth and lore. It is clear he's done a lot of research and is a true fantasy fan. There's plenty here to keep one occupied for a while.

As far as the first three chapters, he sets a credible stage for his story. Yesterday I mentioned how Briggs started this story by telling it to his boys in the tragic loss of his wife/their mother. The book starts with the oldest of four brothers, Hadyn, clearing a bramble field in their new house. He discovers a mysterious rune stone in the brush with his next brother Ewan, while trying to avoid the curious eyes of the 9 year old twins.

Briggs sets up sympathetic characters that are well-rounded, yet distinguished from one another. He introduces the mystery early and keeps a measure of suspense developing. The language is descriptive, for the most part offering quality mental images. Sometimes he adds phrases for clarification that actually seem excessive, but it is a minor point. I'm probably only picking up on this because I am only judging three chapters. It appears to be, from the onset, an interesting YA fantasy fiction that should at least appeal to boys and girls who are fantasy fans. I'm not sure what female characters are ahead that may provide broader female appeal.

I'm glad to highlight this book. It appears that Briggs has taken a tragedy and made something beautiful from it, a work that should entertain and offer hope to others who may have had similar experiences. I will be looking to pick this up at sometime to read more.

Be sure to see Becky Miller's page, as she highlights those who have posted for the tour, to get more insight into The Book of Names.

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CSFF Tour - The Book of Names

What would you do if you were a father of four boys, and you had recently lost your wife of 16 years?

This is the subject of January's Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy Tour. D. Barkley Briggs has written a trilogy of the Legends of Karac Tor, and we are highlighting the first in the series, The Book of Names.

Briggs began the story after the loss of his wife. He writes:

...Briggs decided to tell a tale his four sons could relate to in their own journey through loss. Thus was born The Legends of Karac Tor, a sweeping adventure of four brothers who, while struggling to adjust to life without mom, become enmeshed in the crisis of another world. Along the way they must find their courage, face their pain, and never quit searching for home.

I haven't read the book, but Briggs has developed an impressive website and mythology to his tale. I invite you to take a look for yourself at The Hidden Lands. I will post tomorrow with a discussion of the first three chapters (which are available for free download) plus some other impressions from his site that leave me with a good feeling for this series.

Also, please check out my tourmates listed below:
Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

Star Wars - Warped

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

Hat tip to The Point.

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My Favorite Book from 2008

I posted last week about my favorite books from 2008, but I must confess that it was a list of my favorite fiction from '08. The book I read that meant the most to me was The Culturally Savvy Christian: A Manifesto for Deepening Faith and Enriching Popular Culture in an Age of Christianity-Lite by Dick Staub. It is a mouthful of a title, but it was a powerful book that encouraged and challenged me deeply. I blogged about it before I finished it, and it held true through the end of the book.

I'm very interested in discussing the intersection of faith and culture, as the dearly departed site Infuze Magazine used to put it. I've always tried to be serious about Jesus and His Kingdom, concerned not just about the "sweet by-and-by", but also the "nasty here and now." I learned about understanding life through a Biblical worldview at a fairly early age, so I've tried to view the culture I partake in through that lens. As I've delved into writing as a hobby and hopefully part of my vocation, I've become more focused in this area.

The Culturally Savvy Christian is a book that fully reaches the sweet spot of faith and culture, yet it is very worth reading for its insightful analysis of our current faith circumstances in the West as well as popular culture.

My original post for this started to break the book down, but I realized quickly that the book was too deep to properly address in one post. Check back over the next week or so as I attempt to break down the book a little bit, and hopefully we'll be able to discuss our own opinions on faith and culture.

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Maintenance

The service that hosts my images is getting reorganized, so the blog will look plain for a couple of days. It should be back up soon!

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Linkage

I've come across a few links today that I'd like to share.

Conversant Life is a community that discusses faith and culture. This is right up my alley, and so far I've enjoyed searching through its many offerings. Looks like a new favorite for me. I'm even posting to some indie music they let you sample.

I Am Second. What do Jason Castro, Joe Gibbs, Greg Ellis, and others have in common? I encourage you to check it out. Be curious.

Finally, win 10 bucks!
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Top Books of 2008

Yes! It is that self-indulgent time when we all get to post our "Best of the Year" awards. You may ask if I'm so cynical about it, then why do I participate. Well, I don't want to be left out! Actually, I am interested in promoting books I have read this year.

I kept a running list of what I read in '08, as I got tired of forgetting which books I had finished. I'm sure there are more prolific readers out there, but it was an impressive list for me (44 in all).
This is my best of for fiction. There was a non-fiction book that was my definite favorite of the year, but I'll hit that one on its own. It really can't be compared with fiction.

1. Less Than Dead by Tim Downs:
This was my first foray into Tim's "Bug Man" novels and I found a unique protagonist, a humorous yet suspenseful plot that kept me guessing until the end, and high quality writing. Tim Downs should be one of the top authors in the CBA, in my opinion. Why isn't he? Probably because he hasn't written a prairie/Amish romance yet, though if he wrote one, I'd read it!

2. Try Darkness by James Scott Bell:
Bell got me into the genre of legal fiction last year with his very good Try Dying, but the second book in the series was a shifty, funny, poignant, and thrilling ride through Los Angeles. Bell is another author that should have a higher standing in CBA. If you're missing his work, you're plain missing out.

3. Boo by Rene Gutteridge:
Boo is one of her earlier novels, and it kicks off a whole series based on the residents of Skary, Indiana, where the world's most beloved horror writer lives. The trouble is, he finds Jesus, and the man who made Skary scary no longer wants to write horror. What will the town do to survive? I've seen the novelist who can't write his usual stuff written a few different ways, but Gutteridge is such a talented humorist that her quirky characters drive along a great story and bring home some touching themes as well.

4. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson:
This is classified as a young adult (YA) novel, but it was a delight for myself as well as my boys. Peterson is a singer/songwriter who's foray into story-telling is a natural. He crafts a slightly off-beat world with danger, humor, and toothy cows. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it twice, once by myself and again out loud to my boys (which was probably even more enjoyable). Any book that has a Nameless Evil (named Gnag the Nameless) is a winner in my eyes.

5. The Begotten by Lisa T. Bergren:
The Begotten is the opening book for her trilogy of The Gifted. It is a historical speculative fiction set in Italy of the 1300's. A long prophesied group are drawn together to use their spiritual gifts to help the people and draw the Church into renewal. Both politics in the Church and evil forces without threaten the ragtag Gifted. It paints a remarkable picture of historic Italy with a suspenseful plot and sympathetic characters. I enjoyed the whole series, but the first book was probably my favorite.

Other notables:
Adam by Ted Dekker
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Merciless by Robin Parrish

Busts:
The Shadow and Night by Chris Walley
Whispers by Dean Koontz (an older Koontz-I asked for a recommended book from him, and mistook this book for Watchers- Whispers is grotesque and profane)

CSFF Tour - The Lost Genre Guild

Time for one last Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy Blog Tour for 2008. (Wow, I'm only caught up to like, May of '08. Do we have to rush into '09 so soon?)

Anyway...

The Lost Genre Guild is a site devoted to promoting speculative fiction that follows a Christian worldview. They have the simplest formula I've seen for describing what speculative fiction is:

Entertainment + scriptural framework

It was started by some of the members of the CSFF tour to raise awareness and respect for Christian spec fic according to their "About" page. These folks haven't just endeavored to write about other works, they are also actively producing their own to try and self-fulfill their mission. The site and group is open for new members to join as well.

Their most ambitious product to date is the self-produced anthology "Light at the Edge of Darkness". Check out more about it at the link.

My only critique is that they don't have reviews or apparant support (that I can find on their site) for spec fic produced by mainstream CBA publishers (such as the Dominion trilogy by Robin Parrish through Bethany House Publishers). I admit that I didn't get to do an exhaustive search of Lost Genre Guild, so maybe I missed something.

It is impressive to find people to see a need and do something about it. I am interested to discover more about their group and works. If you're a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror and are looking for alternatives, then check out the Lost Genre Guild.

Also see my fellow tourmates below, and we'll see you on the other side (in 2009, if everyone is in such a rush to get there...)

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

Sleeping Dart

I Celebrate the Day

And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say
to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me,
in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be

And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize
that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare
the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here

To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life

Relient k
I Celebrate the Day

The Short and Long of It

I have a friend who is going through a crisis right now with her baby. My heart breaks for her as she asks for prayer and shares her family's struggle in keeping strong. She has great faith and has been an admirable testimony through it all, and I know that all the prayers people are offering for her, and especially her own cries to the Lord, are offering a deep source of strength for her that she can't fully realize at this time.

It got me thinking about our response to crisis times, and the long term effects of such times. I've had two events in the last 5 years that have been major upheavals in my life. Four years ago my mother succumbed to COPD (basically emphysema). Then two years ago I was laid off from a job when my contract wasn't renewed, under some interesting circumstances (you can read all about it on this blog even...whee).

I know I relied heavily on the Lord for strength during those times. In one sense my mom's death was easier, because she had taught us that death was a natural part of life and she didn't fear it. We knew she didn't want to suffer anymore, and in that way it was a blessing. Still, my father died when I was 5, so she was essentially both parents to me through my life, and it was still hard. God brought a lot of peace into the situation.

When I lost my job, that was a little incredible because there wasn't a really good reason for it. There were lots of circumstances in the background that made it a difficult road, and I didn't get a job right away. It took four months to start my current job from when I finished at the old clinic, and I spent three months at the job I was losing the way my contract was written (90 days notice). It was a real battle to go to work each day to a place I knew didn't want me, but again, God moved in my life during that time, and He proved Himself extremely faithful.

So where is this babbling going?

In the short term, I really turned to Jesus and received strength, grace, whatever you want to call it. I spent time with Him, and I felt like the tree in Psalm 1, with roots planted by streams of water. Especially in the job situation, where I had reason to be very bitter and angry, I can say I had a supernatural enabling to walk in pretty good attitudes (hey - I wasn't perfect).

Today as I was thinking about my friend's trial, I thought about the long-term position I was in regarding my big crises. I was dealing with anger at my mom that she missed out on our new little girl, because she chose to smoke. I still deal with anger and bitterness over my former employers. A couple of people were gossiping about one of the doctors, and part of me didn't want to hear at all, but part of me delighted in hearing about his problems since I left.

What happened to the good responses?

I can testify that it wasn't God's fault how my spirit, my response has darkened. It was fully my lack of endurance in seeking His will in all of these areas. As time passed and the busyness of life took over, I no longer spent time with Jesus regarding these events and attitudes. I focused on what was immediately in front of me, without fully submitting all of my life-past, present, and future-to Him.

I think my point in all this is that the Christian walk is a long-term marathon. I thought that the problems were over just because things had moved on. I stopped actively asking for His Word and light to help in those areas. Therefore a root of bitterness, starting small, was able to take hold. These events are affecting me years down the road. Now, the death of a parent is supposed to do that. The loss of a job is also one of the major life stressors someone can endure. Yet, with the grace that was given me during those times, it seems out of line that I reacted this way.

I don't want to take God's grace for granted anymore. I don't want to let things from my past rule my present. I feel like I enjoyed His grace for a season and left it behind when things turned and started going "my way" again. How terrible to disregard such a gift.

Ugh. I didn't mean to get so maudlin. But it is an important point I want to make: we keep going to the well of the Lord, whether good times or bad. We don't stop when times get good. We turn to Him in the short term and when things go well, we leave Him in the long term.

Thankfully these are heart attitudes that aren't huge. I haven't lost my faith or anything near it. But He deserves better from me, and I'm not happy with where my heart is in these areas.

Here's to the short and the long of it.

Shopping for Christian Fiction?

This might be all too true.

HT to Dave Brooks

Alternative Christmas Gifts

Yesterday I mentioned my friend's baby boutique, Lovely Lullabies Boutique, as an online option for Christmas shopping. If you don't have anyone that is in baby mode that you need to shop for, and you're frustrated about what to get them, I have a couple of suggestions.

Many of us in the West don't really NEED anything. We have wish lists of the latest toys and gadgets, styles, or whatever. I am definitely talking about myself in this as well. What if we could give something that was meaningful and made a difference in people's lives?

I have a couple of examples of things that can be done.

There is a new trend with charities that gives a concrete example of what is given, and it is a great opportunity for kids to see what they are doing with their gift. If you've got a family member that has everything, then you can also give something in their name via the charity.

World Vision is one of the best charities when it comes to financial accountability. They have a "gift catalog", where you can give $25 dollars to by chicks for a village, or $250 worth of food for $50. The catalog explains how a $75 goat can be such a windfall for a family providing protein-rich milk, cheese and yogurt as well as the possibility of offspring. For just $30, 5 ducks can be provided, with eggs and extra ducklings to sell for money. It is an awesome opportunity to help those who really need the help, and again it is a concrete way of seeing the money spent, rather just sending a check into the void.

International Justice Mission is another of my favorite charities. They work on behalf of oppressed peoples in slavery and trafficking around the world, whether for sweat shops, forced prostitution, or other instances of injustice. They also have a freedom catalog. Gifts of $25 - $50 can buy a half or whole day of investigative work, which is needed to find the people in need and line up the proper government authorities to enforce the right laws, or aftercare for abused girls. The gifts here are a little more abstract, but still the money is going to a specific activity, which can be much more meaningful.

I hope people can consider these options in their gift-giving plans. I'm sure there are other charities out there that do similar things, these are just two of the charities I have chosen to support because I believe in their mission and trust their accountability. Since we're celebrating the birth of Jesus, let's remember His words about "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." (paraphrase of Matt 25:40)

Christmas Gifts - A Suggestion

I want to put a plug in for a friend of mine. She has started a wonderful baby boutique in St. Louis, Lovely Lullabies Boutique. It features high quality baby furniture, decor, toys, gifts for Mom, special occasion items (like for baptism/christening) and other items you don't see in the typical department store. It is a quality start-up, and it has online shopping available. There are items for the expectant mother before delivery as well.

I don't usually advertise for businesses, but I wanted to see if I could drive a little traffic to her site, as the timing wasn't ideal for a new business considering the economic slowdown. You won't be disappointed. If you want a choice other than Wal-Mart or Carters, then I strongly encourage you to check out Lovely Lullabies Boutique, whether online or in person.

Christmas Memories

I want to have traditions for our family, especially around Christmas. However, I didn't intend for our yearly Christmas tree hunt to be traditionally filled with bloopers. Last year we had a memorable experience. I thought this year would be quiet. Yeah...

We decided to go to a local guy who has a small Christmas tree farm to have a fresh tree. My sister-in-law decided to tag along with us and pick up one as well. We made quite an entrance with 7 kids between us all.

She quickly found a tree and her teenager cut it down. I started to pull on my leather work gloves, which I had grabbed from my back porch before leaving. I got the right glove mostly on when I felt a prick in the space between my index and middle finger. Huh. Must have a needle in it or something. Except the sharp pain started getting worse.

I yanked the glove off. A wiggling wasp fell out.

So THAT was the culprit. Darn thing trying to get warm. I hope it froze out there.

Well, if that was our excitement for the day, it wasn't bad (as I write 2 days later with my finger still swollen). I made sure to shake my gloves out, then found our own tree and did my best Paul Bunyan.

The problem was how to get home. I had planned on putting the tree on my van's roof. My sister-in-law had brought her Expedition with a travel case on top. She didn't really want needles in her vehicle. As her teenaged son wondered why they hadn't brought his truck, I confidently said we could put both on top of my Caravan. After fighting bungee cords and pine needles, we were ready.

For trouble.

It is about a 5 mile trip on the highway back into town. I drove slowly, since my boys expressed concern that the trees might fall off. As Dads do, I reassured them that it wouldn't happen...

Hey, was that a couple of Christmas trees that landed in the middle of the road?

Yep, our trees did a nice bounce off the pavement. We both pulled over, and thankfully there wasn't much traffic as my niece and nephew jumped in the road right away. Also, I was impressed as our trees weren't reduced to kindling. They relented and shoved their slippery spruce in the back of the Expedition, as I firmly lashed ours back to the van. We all managed to arrive at home without further excitement.

So far.

CFBA Tour - Dark Pursuit

I've taken a little time off from reviewing books in order to avoid commitments I can't meet. However, I couldn't pass up this week's book from the CFBA: Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins. This is her first book (a stand alone) since her lauded Kanner Lake series.

Darell Brooke is the King of Suspense, having written 99 books. Since his car accident two years ago, he is a shell of his former imposing self. He needs a cane to get around and he can't concentrate enough to hold a plot. He badly wants to reclaim his glory and write book #100, but he can't push through the mental fog.


When his estranged granddaughter Kaitlan returns to his door, with a tale of a murderous boyfriend after her, he wants to help her. He's a police officer and has hid the evidence, so she can't go to the local police. Can the King of Suspense help save his only family and reclaim his fame with the plot inspiration drawn from the trap?

I admit it was a little different reading this book. I was invested in the lives of the people in her Kanner Lake books, so it was a shift to get into the characters of Dark Pursuit. Brandilyn continues her expert pacing and building of suspense. The book never fails to be a page turner.

The new characters grew on me after a while. Darell Brooke is a prickly old man, bitter about his new circumstances, and it is hard to empathize with him initially. Kaitlan is a sympathetic character, and she's easier to root for, especially when she is in danger.

I also struggled with the apparant direction of the book for a while, because it seemed un-Brandilyn. The reader knew everything up front, and it seemed like I was just following along. I should've known better. I don't want to give away anything more than there's more than meets the eye, and I was very pleasantly surprised at the end. The twists and turns are very satisfying.
I had a little problem with the obsession of the killer, but this comes into focus better at the end. Still, it seemed a little too outrageous to me. There was also some repetition of phrases describing the suspense that caught my eye after a while, distracting me.

Up until the last part of the book, it wasn't my favorite Brandilyn Collins book. It was a worthy enough suspense, but I wasn't savoring it. After finishing it this morning, it really turned it into a very enjoyable, satisfying read. She sucks us in, then pulls a fast one. I shouldn't be surprised. Her fans will find this new book continuing her tradition of Seatbelt Suspense, while new readers should find this a solidly entertaining suspense.

Also, for more behind the story, check out this interview with Brandilyn in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine. You can also read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

Movie Review - Twilight

It's the movie everyone is talking about: Twilight.

So what is it about this movie that has half of the 12-30 year age group of females wildly excited?

Maybe a guy in his 30's isn't the best judge.

Anyway, unless you've been under a rock (considering the economy, it may be more secure than your mortgage), Twilight is based off the first book in the best-selling series by Stephenie Meyer. First, the quick summary to make sure we’re all on the same page. Seventeen year old Bella moves to Forks, WA, to live with her dad in the wettest, cloudiest place in the US. While adjusting to a new school, she meets Edward Cullen, a very handsome boy who at turns shuns her and acts interested in her. Her dogged pursuit reveals his secret: that he is a vampire, part of a “family” of vampires that only drinks the blood of animals so they don’t have to be killers. Edward is drawn to Bella both in love and to the scent of her blood, fighting his natural urges. As Bella and Edward explore their relationship and she is immersed in this strange new world, other forces enter their lives that threaten all they are trying to build.

How’s the movie? It isn’t as good as the book (when is a movie ever?). It stays pretty true to the book, so fans of the series should be pleased overall. The director tries to visually create a mood with filtered shots and lots of dreamy/vexed/glaring looks by the love-struck couple. The movie slows down at times due to this, but doesn’t bog down. There are hints of suspense interspersed enough to move things along.

The actors who play Bella and Edward have some chemistry, but it wasn’t enough to convince me of their resolve to press forward into such an unorthodox relationship. Kristin Stewart (Bella) portrays teenage awkwardness well and anchors the movie, although she is asked to pose gaping way too often. Robert Pattinson (Edward) is charismatic enough, but he isn’t always an imposing, remarkable figure. I don’t know whether to blame the screenwriters or the actors. Other characters like Alice are under-utilized, but I’m sure it’s hard to compress a long novel into two hours.

There’s been some controversy about the novel and movie, both in regular reviews and specifically Christian reviews. One general complaint is that Edward has stalker tendencies, since he watches Bella as she sleeps and always seems to be around. This is shown in the movie somewhat, but it doesn’t come across as creepy. My 12 year old niece picked right up on it and recognized that’s not a good trait for a boyfriend. The couple only kisses passionately a couple of times, but there is a lot of restraint, even though once they talk late into the night and she ends up sleeping and cuddling up to him (no nudity or intercourse).

Spiritually, there are obvious concerns about the whole concept of a vampire and drinking blood to sustain life. I’ve read blogs that point out the perversion this idea makes of Christ’s sacrifice for us and the sacrament of wine specifically. Personally, if I can accept the idea of an impersonal Force in Star Wars and random mutation and evolution in the X-men series as acceptable platforms for story-telling, then I don’t have a problem with vampires. I understand the above criticism, but it doesn’t strike me as blasphemous.

With the specific story, there are positives. Edward’s family is “vegetarian”, meaning they have learned to survive on animals. They hold to their promises to the local Native American tribe, and they back each other up. They work hard to protect Bella when danger arises, and Bella is willing to sacrifice herself to save a loved one.

Overall the movie was enjoyable, and it was fun to see it in the theatre (although it exposed some weak special effects). I’ve seen other reviews that state the movie will appeal to fans of the book and not bring in the uninitiated. Since I’d read the books, I can’t judge very well. They may not have created enough magic as the book’s author, Stephenie Meyer, did. My niece hadn’t read them and enjoyed it, even not being one for romance (tomboy has her picture next to it in the dictionary). There’s probably not enough explosions to draw a hard-core male audience, but it is a good introduction into a new world (ready for the already announced sequel). Using discernment is always needed, as writers and directors always have some form of agenda, but it is not a scandalous movie that need be feared and shunned. If you have a pre-teen or teen who is prone to becoming too emotionally involved with something, then Twilight is a bad choice. If they have some judgment, then it can create some interesting discussion.

Stars? If I had 'em, probably a 3 1/2 out of 5.