Interesting illustration for authors.

It's A Plot courtesy of SEO-Writer.com

April is sexual assault awareness month! Here are some recommended books.

I have written about a variety of situations in my novels which include sexual assault from strangers, attacks while the victim is unconscious, incest, forced prostitution, and date rape, etc. Here are a few of my novels that depict different women's journeys (and one male's) showing how they deal with the after-affects of that kind of trauma. You can read about their emotional and spiritual healing and how they leaned on God and used the loving friendship of others to turn things around in their lives.

Some are in paperback and some are in e-book format only (at this time.) Just click on the covers to read more about the books...

Why so many books about this topic, you ask? I've been a social worker for over two decades and I've seen the after-effects of sexual assault that can damage many lives if ignored. The victim isn't the only victim when wounded people aren't able to function because of the pain. So I write about these situations to hopefully aid victims in the healing process. The more aware people are of these issues, the more they will realize that they have friends, neighbors, coworkers, family members, etc that have gone through similar scenarios. It's not as uncommon as you'd think. The statistics are staggering, in fact. So make yourself more aware by reading a good book! :)

Monday morning teaser. A kissing scene from "Decision to Love"...

To read just click on the link below

Sizzle from "Decision to Love"

Like the scene? Then get the book in paperback or ebook format on
Christianbook.com, Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Here are two sample chapters from Decision to Love.

Christian fiction... who says we don't tackle real-life issues?

While this is not an exhaustive list, I think it shows just how much ground Christian fiction does cover. If you see a topic on this list and know of a Christian fiction title that covers that topic, but that book isn't listed below, please post a comment and I'll make sure it's added. Thanks!!! (Oh, and I'll make my titles bold and maroon so you can see what I write about. Hey, it's my blog. I can do what I want, right?)


Abortion
Tears in a Bottle (2006) by Sylvia Bambola
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Showers in Season (2001) Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2009) by Allison Bottke
Cherished (2011) by Kim Cash Tate
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Hush, Little Baby (2011) by Deborah M. Piccurelli
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok

Abuse/Rape
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
What She Left for Me (2005) by Tracie Peterson
When You Believe (2009) by Deborah Bedford
Why the Sky is Blue (2004) by Susan Meissner
Mending Places (2004) by Denise Hunter
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Antonia's Choice (2003) by Nancy Rue
In the Still of the Night (1997) by Deborah Raney
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Afton of Margate Castle (2000) by Angela Hunt
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
A Distant Music (2006) by B.J. Hoff
Justifiable Means (1996) by Terri Blackstock
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
The Watcher (2010) by Sara Davison
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome


Adoption
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe (2010) by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Zora's Cry (2006) by Tia McCollors
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller

Adultery
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Forgiving Hour (1999) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Scarlet Thread (2000) by Francine Rivers
The Breaking Point (2003) by Karen Ball
Redeeming Love (1997) by Francine Rivers
Breach of Promise (2004) by James Scott Bell
Private Justice (1998) by Terri Blackstock
Times and Seasons (2002) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Ulterior Motives (1996) by Terri Blackstock
Lying on Sunday (2008) by Sharon K. Souza
Deceit (2010) by Brandilyn Collins
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David (2008) by Eleanor Gustafson
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Agoraphobia
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
The Awakening (2004) by Angela Hunt

Alcoholism/Substance Abuse
Walking on Broken Glass (2010) by Christa Allan
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Beyond the Shadows (2004) by Robin Lee Hatcher
Looking for Cassandra Jane (2002) by Melody Carlson
Shadow of Dreams (2003) by Eva Marie Everson and G.W. Francis Chadwick
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
My Name is Mike (2003) by Gail Sattler
Intervention (2009) by Terri Blackstock
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Burnt Orange: Color Me Waster (2004) by Melody Carlson
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel

Anger
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel
The Heart of Memory (2011) by Alison Strobel
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena

Anxiety
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Sheep's Clothing (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Bitterness
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton

Blended Family
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Broken Engagement
Love Turns the Tide (2009) by Gail Pallotta
The Perfect Blend (2010) by Trish Perry
A Man To Trust (2012) by Carrie Turansky

Cancer
After Anne (2002) by Roxanne Henke
A Time to Mend (2006) by Angela Hunt
Healing Quilt (2002) by Lauraine Snelling
Season of Blessing (2003) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Seaside (2001) by Terri Blackstock
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Child Abuse/neglect
Secrets Under the Midnight Sun (2010) by Elisa Maria Crites
Daisy Chain (2009) by Mary E. DeMuth
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
One Smooth Stone (2009) by Marcia Laycock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Side of Darkness (2011) by Linda Rondeau
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Touched by Mercy (2010) by Tina Pinson
Refuge (1999) by Stephanie M.E. Gallentine

Depression
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Songbird (2003) by Lisa Samson
When Joy Came to Stay (2006) by Karen Kingsbury
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines

Disability
The Attaché (2012) by Dave Bond
The Fragrance of Roses (2009) by Nikki Arana

Disfigurement
Refining Fires (2010) by Erin Rainwater
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Embrace Me (2008) by Lisa Samson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Grow Old with Me (2010) by Melinda Evaul

Divorce
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Bitter Rose: Color Me Crushed (2006) by Melody Carlson
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Can I Get A Witness? (2008) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Last Woman Standing (2009) by Tia McCollors

Domestic Violence
Sadie's Song (2001) by Linda Hall
Serenity Bay (2005) by Bette Nordberg
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Evidence of Mercy (1995) by Terri Blackstock
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2011) by Sarah Sundin
Remember to Forget (2007) by Deborah Raney
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Nothing But the Right Thing (2005) by Stacy Hawkins Adams
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Drunk Driving
The Living Stone (2000) by Jane Orcutt
After the Rains (2002) by Deborah Raney
Waiting for Morning (2002) by Karen Kingsbury
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Eating Disorders
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Skinny (2008) by Laura L. Smith
She Walks in Beauty (2010) by Siri L. Mitchell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

End-of-Life Issues
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
The Living End (2003) by Lisa Samson
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel

Envy
Deep Green: Color Me Jealous (2004) by Melody Carlson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton

Family Obligation/Expectation
The Artist's Granddaughter (2011) by Robin Bayne
Love's Pursuit (2009) by Siri L. Mitchell
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Fear
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Sheep's Clothing (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2001) by Sarah Sundin
Just Between You and Me (2009) by Jenny B. Jones
Exposure (2009) by Brandilyn Collins
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart

Forgiveness
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (2010) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Undercurrent (2011) by Michelle Griep
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Risky Business, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Dare to be Different, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Seeking His Love (2012) by Carrie Turansky
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Gangs
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Gambling 
A Million's Blessings (2010) by Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and Marilynn Griffith
Til Debt Do Us Part (2009) by Michelle Larks
The Devil Is A Lie (2009) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Going for Broke (2007) by Melody Dobson

Grief
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
To Dance in the Desert (2010) by Kathleen Popa
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
It's Not about Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Decision to Love (2012) by Michelle Sutton
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
They Almost Always Come Home (2010) by Cynthia Ruchti
Powerline (2011) by Deb Kinnard
Lost in Dreams (2011) by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Rhapsody in Red (2008) by Donn Taylor
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
Burning Hearts (2011) by Nike Chillemi


Guilt
Bound by Guilt (2011) by C.J. Darlington
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Almost Forever (2010) by Deborah Raney
Damages, 2010 by Deb Kinnard
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Homosexuality
Tiger Lillie (2004) by Lisa Samson
Spring Rain (2001) by Gayle Roper
A Season of Grace (2004) by Bette Nordberg
Edge of Grace (2011) by Christa Allan
Bright Purple: Color Me Confused (2006) by Melody Carlson
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
My Soul Cries Out (2007) by Sherri Lewis
The Things We Do For Love (2008) by Xavier Knight
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Decision to Love (2012) by Michelle Sutton

Infertility
The Long-Awaited Child (2001) by Tracie Peterson
Lullaby (2002) by Jane Orcutt
In a Heartbeat (2004) by Sally John
Song of Erin ( 2008 ) by B.J. Hoff
Breaker's Reef (2005) by Terri Blackstock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Fill These Empty Arms (2011) by Janice Hanna Thompson
Every Good and Perfect Gift (2007) by Sharon K. Souza
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Abiding Hope (2001) by Angela Benson
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok
A Promise Kept (2009) by Cara Putnam
He Remembers the Barren (2011) by Katie Schuermann

Infidelity
Grown Folks Business (2005) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Sins of the Father (2009) by Angela Benson
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Interracial Relationships
Boaz Brown (2005) by Michelle Stimpson

Kleptomania
Fool's Gold: Color Me Consumed (2005) by Melody Carlson

Loneliness
Dark Blue: Color Me Lonely (2003) by Melody Carlson
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome
Shadowed in Silk (2011) Christine Lindsay

Marriage
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
One Little Secret (2007) by Allison Bottke
Happily Even After (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Mom's the Word (2009) by Marilynn Griffith
The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee
Faithful (2010) by Kim Cash Tate
Secrets and Lies (2009) by Rhonda McKnight
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Mental Illness
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
In The Midst Of It All (2010) by Tiffany L. Warren
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Secrets of the Heart (2011) by Jillian Kent
The Other Side of Darkness (2008) by Melody Carlson

Money Crisis
Samaritan (2011) by Robin Bayne
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Pain/Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Parenting
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Learning to Fly (2008) by Roxanne Henke
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Perfectionism
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh

Premarital Sex
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Courting Trouble (2007) by Deeanne Gist
Deep in the Heart of Trouble (2008) by Deeanne Gist
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Torch Red: Color Me Torn (2004) by Melody Carlson
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
A Heart of Devotion (2005) by Tia McCollors
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Only Uni (2008) by Camy Tang

Prostitution/Child Trafficking
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Redeeming Love (2005) by Francine Rivers
Deliver Us From Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
The Elite of the Weak (2011) by Precarious Yates
Deliver Me from Evil (2011) by Kathi Macias
Pearl in the Sand (2010) by Tessa Afshar

Pornography
Exposed (2010) by Ashley Weiss
Last Light (2005) by Terri Blackstock

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Digitalis (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Jenna's Cowboy (2010) by Sharon Gillenwater
Burning Hearts (2011) by Nike Chillemi

Racism
Trial by Fire (2000) by Terri Blackstock
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Above All Things (2009) by Deborah Raney
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Winds of Sonoma (2005) by Nikki Arana
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Chasing Moondrops (2010) by Jennifer Valent

Retirement
On a Someday (2010) by Roxanne Henke

Schizophrenia
House of Secrets (2011) by Tracie Peterson
Finding Alice (2003) by Melody Carlson

Self-Image
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
A Constant Heart (2008) by Siri L. Mitchell
Miss Invisible (2007) by Laura Jensen Walker
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Self-Mutilation
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred (2005) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel

Singleness
The Guy I'm Not Dating (2006) by Trish Perry

Spiritual Warfare
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Moon White: Color Me Enchanted (2007) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Substance Abuse
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes

Suicide
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
The Novelist (2006) by Angela Hunt
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Unlocked (2010) by Karen Kingsbury
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena
Traumatic Brain Injury
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton 
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
The Ex-Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray

Unplanned Pregnancy
Child of Grace (2001) by Lori Copeland
A Moment of Weakness (2000) by Karen Kingsbury
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Firstborn (2003) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

Workaholism
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel

Worry
Out of Her Hands (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Unforgettable (2011) by Trish Perry
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

In My Mailbox! (5/7/10)

Flight of Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer


 Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr


Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry, MD.

New Ways to Find a Publisher article by Penny C. Sansevieri

New Ways to Find a Publisher
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In an age of new media where the rules are changing faster than we can write them, it would make sense that publishing rules are changing too, wouldn't it? Does it still make sense to query an agent, go to conferences and network with other writers? Or should you just sit home and blog and hope someone finds you online? Truth be told, it's a combination of all of it. Sites like Twitter have really leveled the playing field. If used effectively, Twitter can really help you to leverage your market. You don't have to be a superstar when you start on Twitter but you can certainly become one by being on it. Then of course there's blogging, and social networking, video and on and on. So what should a budding author do to get noticed? Or, perhaps you have self-published a book and want to get a mainstream house to pick it up. The key here is to first identify your goals, then find ways to go after them both online and off.

Queries, do they make sense?

Yes they do. Publishing still lives by a few standards and this is one of them. There is a process and you should still respect it. This doesn't mean that you won't wake up someday to an email from a publisher or agent who has read your blog and wants to publish it (yes, some publishers will publish blogs) but until that happens, the submission process is a sacred, old world tradition that isn't likely to go away anytime soon.

Does networking matter?

Yes but here's the good news. You don't have to fly around the country to every conference to do this. You can network right from your own home. The key is to find a network that works, and stay connected. That network could be on Twitter, Facebook, Squidoo, it could even be through your blog, other blogs you follow or, an old fashioned email connection. Whatever it is, it's easier than ever these days to stay in touch with people without having to hop a plane to do so.

Facebook strategies, what will get you noticed?

Social networking is a great way to get noticed but if you're using the page as your own personal go-to site for friends and family, then you're not using it to its full potential. Design your Facebook page to support your work: make sure your blog is feeding to Facebook, keep the site updated with current projects, events, you can even use it to become a filter if necessary. The key is, use Facebook as your professional resume. You should also consider "friending" people who are in similar industries, you can even go in and friend a publisher or two, you never know where this Facebook friendship could lead.

What's considered a "good" online presence?

A good online presence is one that helps build your platform. So a web site and blog, a social networking page and if you're really ready to push yourself online, maybe even a Twitter account. You should also consider a newsletter sign-up on your home page or an RSS feed to your blog. Publishers like to see when authors are building their tribe and once you start adding subscribers, you can also mention this to the publishers you're pitching.

What are the key pieces that publishers find attractive in a new author?

Your book is your resume: if you decide to self-publish as a means to get the book out there and/or find a publisher, remember that your book really is your resume. You would never send a resume to a potential employer that was full of typos, right? You should never send a book out into the world that isn't letter perfect. The quickest way to get noticed is by publishing quality work, the quickest way to get dismissed is by producing junk. Second, they want an author who knows his or her market and, if you're connected to it online, all the better.

Do publishers really care about all of this stuff?

You bet they do. When a publisher is considering an author, they will often look at the author's "reach" or platform, you can start pulling this together by working your Internet base, building your followers and getting buzz going on your book or topic even before it's published.

So what can I do right now to get started?

1) Get a web site
2) Start a blog
3) Get to know your online community, where do they hang out, what blogs do they read. You should be reading and commenting on those blogs. Get to know your virtual neighbors.
4) Find out how you can be of service. This is particularly true of non-fiction authors: find out what the need is and figure out how to fill that need. There's no quicker way to becoming a trusted resource than by becoming a trusted source.

The Internet has really leveled the playing field when it comes to getting published, getting noticed, and building a platform. With some marketing and careful effort, you can build your platform/audience base, and gain some much needed attention for your work. The years of sitting in some publisher's slush pile are gone. Now, thanks to sites like Facebook, Squidoo, and Twitter you can cultivate a voice, audience and, if you're lucky, even a publisher!

7 Things to do Before, During and Right After a Networking Event

1) Make sure you have enough business cards. I know this sounds sort of like a no-brainer but you'd be amazed how many times folks show up without business cards.

2) Make sure and have a pen with you at all these events. When you talk to someone and get their card, jot a few quick notes on the back so you remember what you talked about. If you don't I can almost guarantee you'll forget by the time you get home.

3) If there is a meal served, be sure to sit with people you don't know and introduce yourself. It's easy to make conversation with people you know, even better to network with people you've never met.

4) Send a quick handwritten note after the event: while it's easy to point and click and send an email, send a handwritten note instead.

5) Facebook friend them: when you get home be sure and send a friend request to your networking buddy.

6) Follow them on Twitter: it's always a good idea to become one of their Twitter tribe if they're on Twitter

7) If they have a blog, subscribe to their RSS feed so you can keep track of what they're writing about. From time to time be sure and chime in by leaving a comment on their blog!


Reprint permission ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are welcome to reprint any items from "The Book Marketing Expert Newsletter." However, please credit us as a source with the following paragraph:Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert newsletter," a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com

Create an outstanding newsletter by Penny C. Sansevieri

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What does it take to create an outstanding newsletter everyone will want to read? Here are a few simple steps you might want to consider:

1) Know your audience: this is first because it's most important. Know who you're writing for and who will be reading this. Make sure the information is relevant to them.

2) Go low on promotion: when it comes to promotional copy in a newsletter, I recommend the 95/5% rule: 95% helpful information and 5% sales copy. Trust me on this. I can't tell you how many newsletters I delete that are overly self-promotional. If the newsletter/email campaign is good, it will sell you. Trust me on this one.

3) Content, content, content: make sure the content is good and you've addressed the WIIFM factor (what's in it for me). If you don't ask this, your reader most certainly will. Over deliver on your content, you'll be glad you did.

4) Collaborate: if you're doing a newsletter and you don't think you have the bandwidth to write a whole newsletter yourself then collaborate with a few people who are in your industry but not direct competitors. Our newsletter does this, it's a collaboration of voices and, consequently, it is varied and rich in content.

5) Frequency: watch this one very closely. The general rule of thumb is that the more often you send out your newsletter the shorter it should be. So, if your newsletter goes out weekly, think of offering just a quick tip. If it goes out monthly then it can be longer. The same holds true for general email campaigns.

6) Give your newsletter a "voice". What I mean by this is give your newsletter a personality. You don't want a stale, monotone, unfriendly marketing piece that doesn't speak to your reader, do you? Show your personality, let it shine through. I like to think that our newsletter has a lot of our voice in it. In order to create "voice" you might want to follow some of the same rules that you do when blogging: don't hesitate to share an opinion, viewpoint, stance, advice, whatever. Speak to your reader, not at them.

7) Don't just sit there and read, do something! Make sure that you have a strong call to action in your newsletter, if you have several calls to action even better. Get your reader to do something, engage them in what you're writing, send them to helpful links, offer them bonuses, specials, exclusives. Remember, if they took the time to open and read your newsletter they should get something besides great content. Great links to helpful sites, maybe even a free download, all these things are enticing and will keep your reader coming back for more!

8) Don't sell 'em fluff. Ok, I know I said seven tips but I couldn't help but add a bonus one (see what you get for reading all the way through this article? That's what I mean by over-delivering). Readers want the information and they want it fast, don't use a lot of fluff words or extra (and sometimes useless) content just to puff up your newsletter and make it seem bigger than it is. Give readers the information they want in clear, concise language and then send them on their way.

When it comes to the timing of your newsletter that depends on you and your audience. Our newsletter goes out once every two weeks. We find that to be a good balance: not too much, not too little. But each audience is different so experiment with yours and see what gets readers to open your email.

And finally, get your newsletter edited. This is a big one. Don't put some disclaimer in it saying "it's not edited" because all that says is: you're not professional. I've seen this done and to me, it deters from the message. Also, don't hand email your list unless it's small (less than 100 people) Why? Because your cable or DSL provider might decide that you're spamming people and will cut you off. People who do this will tell you that if you keep it to less than 50 email addresses per message you're fine but I've found that even 20 names in an address line can set some service providers on alert. Trust me it's not worth the hassle.

Effective email campaigns can really help promote your book and your brand. When done right, they can become a critical and very effective piece of your marketing plan. We've had our newsletter for over seven years, in that time we've never placed a single ad for the company or my books, not anywhere. Why? Because I have never believed in ads. Frankly (and with all due respect to advertisement budgets everywhere), ad placement is easy and doesn't always bear the kind of return you want, especially in today's market where consumers are blocking out advertisement. What we're talking about here takes time and effort but if done right, the pay-offs can be enormous.

WHO ARE WE

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Author Marketing Experts, Inc. is a full-service book marketing, promotion, and publicity company. We serve authors at all stages of marketing and promotion. We offer a full range of packages and services to choose from.
To see a price list or schedule a free consultation, send your e-mail to penny@amarketingexpert.com with the subject line "Author Services Info." You can also visit our Web site at www.amarketingexpert.com.

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You are welcome to reprint any items from "The Book Marketing Expert Newsletter." However, please credit us as a source with the following paragraph:Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert newsletter," a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com

It's Faith in Fiction Saturday again!

The Question:

Christian fiction is growing as a market, but there are still many unexplored storylines and under-represented genres. What issues or ideas would you like to see tackled from a Christian worldview? Or, what setting would you like to see? Which genres would you like to see more books?

My answer:

I would love to see some Christian fiction written by African American MALE authors. I would also love to see more fiction where Christians make the wrong choices and have to deal with the consequences rather than just stopping themselves short of doing bad things all the time.

This really blessed me today! For authors only!

The following "devotion" was written by Cynthia Ruchti and used with permission. I hope it blesses you like it blessed me. Enjoy!

One simple Scripture that helps propel us through the smoking, sulphurous swampland of Writer Doubts.

Jesus did not say, "Take up your paycheck and follow Me." He didn't say, "Take up your accolades and follow Me." Or "Take up your family's admiration and follow Me."

He said, "Take up your cross."

He laid out a writing path for each of us, all steps but the one we're on shrouded in shadows. "Take up your cross and come on. Let's go."

What do writers' crosses look like?

Writing is our bliss, our joy, our fulfillment. We know that few are called or equipped to write and that gives us such a sense of awe that the Lord would choose to gift us that way.

But there are crosses involved. REAL crosses.

One of them is that in ministry and in writing, we will never be paid a decent hourly wage. NEVER. We will never be paid MINIMUM WAGE! Even those with a five thousand dollar advance have probably put two thousand hours into their project!

Those called to devote themselves to ministry or writing bear the cross of being misunderstood by those who find their joy in or don't mind bagging groceries or working at Kwik Trip or punching a time card at the shoe factory. We admire their tenacity and endurance for their tasks. We admire their willingness to do whatever it takes to put food on the table. But they won't always admire ours because to them, capturing words is like skipping through the meadow with a butterfly net.

We will be misunderstood by those who put in fewer hours than we do and make ten times the income. We will be misunderstood by caring but misguided family members who ask, "Why can't you get a real job?"

We will also bear the cross of forgoing normal signs of approval for what we do. No steady paycheck (for most of us). No merit increase. No performance evaluation where we hear, "You are so prompt!" Or "I can always count on you to do your work with excellence." If the Lord allows, we'll sometimes hear an editor make a comment like that. But mostly, we have to draw our own conclusions from an acceptance or rejection letter and an occasional positive critique.

Writers are artists and artists bear the cross of living in the intangibles. We can't lay that paycheck on the kitchen table or point to our company's 401K. We lay our words on the altar. Most of us can't pay for new carpeting. We wear it out on our knees. We can't bring home groceries. We write article ideas or character qualities on the back of our grocery list and forget where we put it.

When we look at those issues as facts of the writing life, when we doubt that we have anything to offer because we have nothing to show, we slip off the one-step-at-a-time path and onto the unstable bog of the slurpy swamp.

When we recognize that the weight we feel pressing upon us is a writer's cross, we stand taller, shift the weight, take a deep breath, and keep climbing. (Did I mention the path is all uphill?)

Pressing on, picking splinters, guarding against infection,

Cynthia Ruchti

What are you reading? - Tagged!

Okay, I was tagged by Margo to do this, but it gets tricky for me because most of the books I'm reading now are ARCs or galleys and they specifically say not to quote from them before they are released as the content may change. So I grabbed the nearest book that is not a galley.

You want to know what I'm reading? The "tag" says to turn to page 123 of the nearest book, go to the fifth sentence and post the next three! Then tag five more people.

So I obey. Here goes...

It was a tiny enclave, a mere remnant of what once was, casting a ghostly pall over their revelry. But Daria attempted to smile, engage the villagers who stood aside, mouths agape at the visitors.

They paused to purchase a salted ham and fresh bread, even two oranges, from several merchants and pushed forward toward the oldest church in all the region.

This comes from The Betrayed by Lisa T. Bergren and was published by Berkley Books and released in 2007.

Now I'm tagging Trish Perry, Deb Ullrick, Angela Breidenbach, Laura Williams, and Cara Putman.

Love Edgy Christian Fiction??? Come join me...

To check out the group and possibly even join, scroll up to the top of this main page and click on the purple box. Then you're in! See you there!

Models for my book cover. So what do you think? Comment on your preference.

This is the cover model of Annie, my main character.

The pictures (above and below) contain the two brothers with Annie. They fight over her through much of the story so this shows the conflict. Do you have a favorite picture? If so, tell me why you like it best!

Review of The Christmas Card. Hot, but clean kisses! This is one to watch!

I rarely watch television (almost never) but last night as I was warming by the fire my husband had the Hallmark channel on and the movie The Christmas Card was playing. I think I've just stumbled upon two of the hottest kissing scenes (in a clean film) I've ever viewed. So you have know that at least one of them will find their way into a future novel of mine. Plus, the actor who plays the soldier is so gorgeous and sexy I'd watch the movie just to gaze at him! The humor in this movie was laugh-out-loud funny, too. But best of all, the message is great! You never know where a small act of kindness will lead you and who it will touch. And maybe, just maybe, it will change your life forever.

Current pics of my niece. You get to see it here first!

My niece is sleeping. Awww....

She is gearing up to take a walk for the cameras...

She did it! How proud we are!!!

I've really got to stop reading books that don't interest me.

No matter how popular some books are or how much I may like the author, I really need to stop reading books that I get a sense of dread about reading and that I want to avoid opening up. Sometimes I'll rationalize and try to tell myself it will get better, but sometimes it doesn't and then I just feel cheated like I wasted time. I will not name every book this happens to me with because most authors would rather not know that I didn't like their book or have me announce that I'd rather chew glass than finish their story.

Anyway, the wildly popular Yada Yada Series is just not working for me. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out is one of those books I'll never finish, I've decided. While some things in the story were good, I can't get into the story. I think there are too many things that don't feel natural in this book. SO if people have read the series and are invested in the characters already then this story will turn their crank. For me it's just tedious reading and the main character I can't identify with at all. She also prays in her head too much. I normally love a strong faith element but in this story it didn't feel natural to me. The continual reminiscing didn't help. I haven't read any of the other books and I'm convinced that this has a lot to do with me having trouble getting into this book since it concludes the series.

So if you loved any of the other books in this series just ignore me. If, however, you are considering this book, I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to read the whole series. That's my ten cents that you never asked for.

I've discovered Technorati and now I need some links...

Anyone who has a technorati tag on their site can make me a favorite. I would REALLY appreciate it. Then I'll be what they call "an authority" and though I'm not sure what that means, it sounds good to me. :)


Here is the link. Click on it to select me. Thanks!!!

My thoughts on what I'm reading this second week in November 2007.

It's been awhile since I gave you all an update on what I'm reading. I'll make it brief. Here goes...

• A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman - great first chapter with tension. :)
  
• After the Leaves Fall by Nicole Baart - great "voice" and beginning.
  
• Deadfall by Robert Liparulo - typical male suspense, but interesting.
  
• Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt - so far so good.
  
• Guilty of Love by Pat Simmons - great drama. I'm liking it.
  
• I'm Fine with God...It's Christians I can't Stand by Bruce Bickel - VERY sarcastic. Not sure how I feel yet. Good points made.
  
• Nobody by Creston Mapes - Intense and suspenseful.
  
• Shadow of Treason by Tricia Goyer - barely started.
  
• Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter - interesting and seems good so far.
  
• The Amen Sisters by Angela Benson - WONDERFUL!
  
• The Betrayed by Lisa T. Bergren - this is taking me awhile, but it's good.
  
• The Master of Verona by David Blixt - daunting sized book, but we'll see.
  
• The Return by Austin Boyd - great stuff! I wish I could finish it soon!
  
• Try Dying by James Scott Bell - WOWser. This is one killer story!
  

Want to see a daunting TBR pile???

What's a TBR pile, you ask? It's a to-be-read pile, as in I need to read them soon. And boy do I have a lot of books that need to be read. This is only one bookshelf. They are stacked in double rows. The weight is so heavy that the shelves are bowed (if you look closely you can see that.) I also have books on my night stand (about ten more), at my office, on my dresser, stacked on a chair, on the coffee table, in the bathroom, etc.


Here is an up-close view. So if one of your books is in the stack, I will read it, eventually. I just have to do what I can. If a book doesn't enthrall me it tends to get set aside for awhile. I have to be motivated to finish a book and that means it has to draw me...a lot. If it takes me months to finish a book it was still good enough for me to finish, right? So if you're an author, please hang in there. I have so many authors I love and it's so hard to say NO. Help me, Lord?

My thoughts on what I've been reading lately...

I can't seem to finish a book right now. Part of the problem, I think, is all the blog tours coming so fast and furious that I start one book and before I can get to far into it I have to start another. Anyway, I have the books I'm reading listed and I thought I'd do something different and put a brief comment or just a few descriptive words after each rather than just highlight a few books. SO here goes...

* All the Tea in China by Jane Orcutt - funny, entertaining.
* Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer - different and sweet
* Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt - deep and edgy
* Footprints on the Horizon by Stephanie Grace Whitson - great "voice"
* Glastonbury Tor by LeAnne Hardy - compelling and edgy
* Illuminated by Matt Bronleewe - strange and suspenseful
* Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn - thoroughly engrossing. My #1 read right now.
* My Life, Unscripted by Tricia Goyer - interesting and fast paced
* Nobody by Creston Mapes intense, edgy
* Shadow of Treason by Tricia Goyer - haven't actually started yet
* Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter - awesome, romantic, emotional
* The Betrayed by Lisa T. Bergren - edgy and intense
* The Master of Verona by David Blixt - Shakespearean, complex
* The Restorer by Sharon Hinck - allegorical and bizarre, yet interesting
* The Return by Austin Boyd - page turning pull, my second most compelling read right now
* The Ultimate Guide to Darcy Carter by Teresa Slack - barely started