Not a Fan

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Maybe I’m just getting old, but the costumes and decorating for Halloween have just become far too creepy for me. When my son was little and we lived in the city, he didn’t even want to walk down the street for the entire last week of October because of the frightening severed heads hanging from trees and other gruesome scenes.

Thankfully where we live now, the worst we see on a morning walk is a smashed pumpkin some rowdy teens threw at the mailbox.

As a kid I used to love the creative challenge of creating a really great costume, not one mom sewed from a pattern or bought at the store, one I made for myself.

Do kids do that anymore?

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow when all the chocolate goes on sale for half price! Okay, maybe I’d better avoid the stores for another week!!! 

Introducing a Cool New Site for Fans of Christian Fiction

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Novel Crossing is a comprehensive new website designed to be the go-to place where faith and fiction intersect.

Currently in its beta stage, the possibilities look enormously promising.

Novel Crossing wishes to build a community of Christian fiction readers by offering articles from top Christian fiction authors and others, reviews from readers, popular bloggers and media sources, an extensive database of all Christian fiction titles, and opportunities for readers to discuss Christian fiction.

While this is a project of Waterbrook Multnomah, Christian fiction books from all publishing houses will be included on the site. The database is still in the process of being built so authors who don’t see their books should let them know.

The site promises to be a true social media experience. If you sign up as a member, your home page will be customized with news pertaining to your reading tastes.

You’re supposed to be able to make “Novel Crossing friends” and share updates with them, but I haven’t figured out how. If someone knows, please share in the comments.

If you’d like to get updates on my upcoming releases from Novel Crossing, you can click on my profile, and below the picture and list of current books and a fancy scroll line, there’s a button that says “follow this author”.

You can also create book clubs or join discussion threads.

And…you can write 1-sentence reviews of your favorite books. 

If you’d like to add a quick rating or review for any of the books in my Undercover Cops series, here are the direct links to each book’s page:
Deep Cover;   Shades of Truth;   Critical Condition

You can be the first!

There are many other meeting places for Christian fiction lovers online.

Groups abound on Goodreads. I’m in Christian Fiction Devourers, Love Inspired Books, Christian romance readers, and fans of Christian romance. Family Fiction Magazine and Fiction Finder are other great sites to find information about Christian fiction. Fiction Finder also invites browsers to leave reviews.

Your Turn: Do you have a favorite online source that you consult for the latest in Christian fiction?

For Writers ~ How to Get Private Tutorials From Your Favorite Authors

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Are you an aspiring writer? Ever wish an accomplished author would come alongside and help you make your writing shine?

Friday we talked about the value of reading fiction for what we can learn from the characters and their story. But if you’re a writer and yearn for the day when you, too, will be published, there’s another reason for you to read.

To learn how writers write. To learn what works and what doesn’t.

For the price of their book, and a few colored pencils and paper, you can have private tutoring lessons from any author you want. The trick is to learn to read like a writer.

If you’ve been on this writing journey for long, you’ve hopefully learned by now that the characters in each scene need goals, they need strong reasons for pursuing those goals, things at stake, and they should face obstacles to achieving them.

So choose a compelling scene from your new mentor’s book. What are the goals of the characters? Why do they want these things? What’s at stake if they don’t get them?

Stop and think about what some obstacles to those goals might be if you were writing the story. Would those obstacles propel the character to push forward or change directions?

Now look at the obstacles the author throws in the character’s path. Did she surprise you? Why do you think she chose a particular obstacle? Did it deepen characterization? Did it simply get the character to the next place she needed him to be?

Did the scene tug at your emotions?

Figure out why. How did she draw you into her character’s skin?

Through thoughts? Through telltale actions that, at first glance, might seem incidental, but on a deeper psychological level clue the reader into the fact the character is trying to distance himself from his emotions, or the situation, or whatever?

Or did the author use a powerful symbol or metaphor that conveyed a deeper meaning, perhaps on a subconscious level?

Look at his word choice. How does he convey the character’s mood through the character’s perceptions of the world around him? For example, an author might show the same setting through different characters eyes to contrast their outlooks. Or he might show how a character’s perceptions change over the course of the story.

What in the scene bugs you? Why?

Why do you think the author chose to include it? Do you think it was a conscious decision?

One thing that drives me a little crazy in romance stories is copious descriptions of what characters are wearing or the room they’re standing in. I don’t tend to visualize what’s being described so it doesn’t help me create a better image in my head.

Also as a mystery writer, I put elements into a story for a reason. So…

 When I read a bunch of details about a room, including that “gold” pillow on the sofa, I expect it to be there for a reason. Maybe that pillow was used to smother Aunt Agatha, or maybe the killer lost something between the cushions, or maybe the author is showing how this particular character, an aspiring interior designer, doesn’t miss a single thing when she enters a room–a quality that will prove important to the outcome of the story.

What promises, however inadvertent, does the writer make to the reader in the scene? Does he deliver on them later?

I could go on and on, but hopefully you get the idea. I will add though, that you will also learn a lot from dissecting books or scenes that you don’t find compelling, and analyzing why, so you can avoid similar missteps in your own writing.

Your Turn: What have you learned from reading other writers’ fiction? Any questions about why I made certain choices in my books? The answers may surprise you. ~grin~

Giveaway Winner: Jes you are the winner of Beth Vogt’s novel Wish You Were Here. I will be emailing you for your address. Thank you to all who joined Friday’s conversation!

Images courtesy of Ambros & photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fun Friday ~ Guest Beth Vogt & Book Giveaway

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

I’m thrilled to have Beth K. Vogt as my guest today. I met Beth a couple of years ago at an ACFW conference and have enjoyed “talking books” with her ever since. Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She is an established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, MOPS International’s leadership magazine. And now…is a multi-contracted author!

I invited her to stop by and talk about characters. Take it away, Beth…

FICTIONAL CHARACTERS WITH A DASH OF REALITY

I’ve heard people say they don’t waste their time reading fiction. Oh, the stories they are missing!

I see a novel as a wonderful opportunity – an invitation, really – to explore and to question, while “living” the literary lives of people like PJ Sugar (a favorite Susan May Warren heroine), or Joy Ballard (thank you, Rachel Hauck) or Anne with an “e” (compliments of L.M. Montgomery), or even my own Kendall Haynes, who wrestles with life not going according to plan in my upcoming novel, Catch a Falling Star (May 2013, Howard Books).

Kendall’s story was prompted by a conversation I had with a good friend – mixed with a little bit of “what if?”

I write fiction, so all of my characters are imaginary, right?

Well, sort of.

I’ve borrowed my friends’ names and loaned them to the people living between the “Once Upon and Time” and “Happily Ever After” in my books. And, no, I’ve never used a friend’s name for a villain. There are limits to friendship.

I’ve also given my main characters the same jobs as some of my friends, although none of them rescue bad-boy llamas like Aunt Nita in my debut novel, Wish You Were Here.

So far all my fictional characters live where I do (Colorado), although I take “novelist’s license” on the details of their homes. You won’t find me giving a street address for anyone, but I do mention specific locations like the Air Force Academy or a favorite restaurant or two. (On the Border, anyone?)

The most realistic aspect of the imaginary people in my stories? They confront true-to-life problems – the same issues you and I deal with. Things like:

· falling in love with the wrong person

· wrestling with the consequences of a poor choice

· navigating dicey family relationships

· unraveling misconceptions about God

· Choosing between forgiveness and unforgiveness

More specifically, I’ve had characters deal with topics like cutting and pornography and divorce and child abduction and infertility and adoption and singleness.

Why?

I like my fiction flavored with reality.

How about you?

Your Turn: When was the last time you read a novel and forgot you were turning the pages of a book? Do you have a character who is so realistic that you’re drawn back to that story again and again to re-read scenes?

Giveaway:

Wish You Were Here, Beth’s debut Christian romance novel, released May 2012. Her next book, Catch a Falling Star releases May 2013. She’s giving away a copy of Wish You Were Here to one lucky commenter. Winner will be announced Monday.

About Wish You Were Here: 
Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom. Read more

Visit with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Meet the Author ~ Sharon Srock

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Debut author Sharon Srock is visiting today to tell us a bit about the heroine in her book The Women of Valleyview: Callie.

But first let me tell you about Sharon.

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

Take it away, Sharon:

When I first started to write Callie’s story, I had no clue that the characters would become so real to me. I guess that happens to all writers. I think it’s impossible to eat, sleep, and work with people and have it any other way. I’ll admit that I initially fashioned Callie after me in a lot of ways because it seemed like the easy way out.

She’s in her mid fifties, she teaches a Sunday school class. I even gave her a job in an OB/GYN clinic, one of my fondest working experiences. I could identify with this person, I knew who she was (me), I could hear her voice in my head, and I was comfortable in her skin.

Who knew things could get so out of hand? Callie turned out to be a completely contrary individual. She had a story to tell that had nothing to do with me and I wouldn’t get any rest until it was told. She has a depth and strength to her character that I will never see in myself. Her walk with God is closer than my own. I’m an introvert, she’s an extrovert. There are several scenes where she stands toe to toe with one of the other characters in a fashion so bold that it makes me cringe. I hate confrontation. I still don’t know where some of the advice she doles out came from. I’ll never understand how this character, mined from my heart and soul could be so opposite from me.

So, is Callie Stillman Sharon Srock? Only in minor ways. I’ve decided that Callie is who Sharon wants to be when she grows up.

Sandra again. Are you intrigued?

Here’s back cover blurb:
Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

Your Turn: Do you have any questions for Sharon? Every reader who comments gets an entry into a drawing for the prize package pictured below. If you wish to be included, please include contact info. On Monday November 19th, Sharon will draw a winner from all names collected during her book blog tour.

You can also connect with Sharon here:

BLOG: http://www.womenofvalleyview.blogspot.com/
Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads

What a Difference A Week Can Make!

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Saturday I had fun hanging out at the local library with other local authors. DJ Murphy and I showed off our youngest readers…and I tried not to be put out by my grand daughter’s apparent preference for DJ’s book to mine. LOL.

It was a treat to be away from the computer for an entire weekend.

Anyone miss me Friday?

Last week was a challenge for me as I wrestled through revisions, while fighting a series of migraines due to the unsettled weather…and probably somewhat due to my unsettled feelings about a couple of scenes in the story that I was struggling to make work. 

I’m ecstatic to report that I typed “The End” on Friday evening and celebrated by reading other people’s stories all weekend. What a treat!

One of the stories I read was an advanced reader’s copy of Margaret Daley’s 2013 release, Scorned Justice. Oh my. She kept me up until 1 am. There were lots of twists and turns in the plot, but wow, I did not see the big one coming. If you love romantic suspense, you’ll want to add this one to your to-be-read pile.

This week, I’ll read through my own story one last time, and write a revised synosis for the art department, as they begin their task of creating a cover for the story, which… still hasn’t been named.

My apologies to all who offered suggestions on that front. We haven’t won over my editor with any yet.

Your Turn: What do you like to do for a change of pace?

Migraine

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Yesterday, I was knocked out by a migraine, which killed my productivity. Then again…maybe not.

Ever find that sometimes it’s a blessing to be sick? To give yourself permission to rest?

I read the story about Mary and Martha in my Bible, where Jesus comes to their house and Martha is distracted by all the preparations that have to be made while her sister Mary sits listening to Jesus.

For days, I’d been praying for direction with my story, trying to be still and listen, knowing that’s what I needed to do, but feeling way too distracted by the writing awaiting me as a deadline loomed.

But feeling like my head would explode if I sat up and looked at a computer screen gave me lots of time to be still and listen. It was good.

Jesus said, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Have a blessed day!

What’s Your Secret?

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Everyone has one or two. Right?

In fiction, a character’s secret is a wonderful catalyst for unexpected twists or added tension, because its revelation will have (at least in the mind of the secret-keeper) catastrophic repercussions.

In my first novel, Deep Cover, the reader is in on the hero’s biggest secret–he’s an undercover cop–right from the outset. Keeping this secret from the heroine creates tension on several levels–in the investigation, in the romance, and on an emotional and spiritual level. 

Of course, I love keeping secrets from the reader, too. The biggest being who dun it. But I usually have one or two others that throw little twists into the story.

Which brings me to my current dilemma. While revising my next romantic suspense manuscript, I realized that the hero’s sister let the heroine in on his secret in chapter two.

I had my reasons.

And there is more to the secret than the sister is aware. But…

It does pull the punch of his later reveal.

And it was bugging me. 

The most obvious solution would have been to nix the earlier revelation, but I didn’t want to do that. I decided to turn the revelation on its head. Make it inadvertently cause her to reveal something, too–her doubts about God’s goodness.

She doesn’t blame the hero for what he thinks he should have prevented. She blames God.

After all, he’s, well, God! If he wanted to stop the tragedy he could have.

Trouble is I’ve written myself into a black hole. There’s no reasoning a person out of that emotional state. Is there?

I spent pages and pages trying. Crumpled them as being far too preachy. Because it pretty much comes down to believing that God is good despite the tragedy, that He loves you more than you can fathom, and that He wants you to find rest in His peace. And that peace, when you find it, seems to defy explanation.

Your Turn: What would you say to someone who asks how you can still trust God when your life derails?

Image courtesy of basketman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fun Friday ~ The Giveaway Winners & More

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Thank you to all who made the “suspect interviews” so interesting!

Image courtesy of chainat at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I had such fun seeing the suspects of Critical Condition squirm on Wednesday with your questions that I decided to give away 3 copies of Critical Condition AND an advanced copy (when it becomes available) of Deadly Devotion, my upcoming book with Revell, due out next summer.

Yippee!!

 If you haven’t yet had a chance to read the first two books in my Undercover Cops series, check out these giveaways:

For Book 1, Deep Cover, visit Christian Bookshelf Reviews (open to US & Canada) ends Oct 20th

For Book 2, Shades of Truth, visit Inkslinger Blog also ends Oct 20th

And without further ado… 

The winners of Critical Condition are: 

Angela Holland 

Laura AKA Loves to Read Romance and 

Lisa at Two Bears Farm

The winner of an Advanced Copy of Deadly Devotion is: 
Denise

Congratulations! Please email me your snail mail address this week. See link at top of sidebar.

If you’d like to read heroine Tara Peterson’s interview, stop by the Craftie Ladies Blog on Sunday (link will work Sun) Then stop by Margaret Daley’s blog next week to read Zach’s. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Last 3 images courtesy of kongsky,  imagerymajestic, and foto76 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Suspect Interviews for Critical Condition & Giveaway

Posted on: by Sandra Orchard

Visiting with us today are secondary characters from Critical Condition, Dr. Whittaker, intern Dr. McCrae, and nurse Alice Bradshaw. To help you better follow the interview, allow me to first share a brief description of the main characters.

Zach Davis (aka Zach Reynolds) ~ Undercover cop working as an IT specialist at Miller’s Bay Memorial Hospital to figure out if a murderer is behind recent suspicious patient deaths.

Tara Peterson ~ Head nurse of the cancer ward at Miller’s Bay Memorial. She brought the deaths to the police’s attention after a patient and the patient’s husband died. The husband’s dying request was that Tara stop the killer

Between you and me, I haven’t informed our guests that they are suspects, nor are they all the suspects in the book.

Sandra: Alice, I understand that you were pretty upset that Tara Peterson was recently appointed head nurse instead of you.

Alice: Of course, I was upset. I have ten years seniority to her. That should count more than the couple of extra years of schooling she’s had. Experience is the real teacher in our profession.

Sandra: Some would have us believe that you were upset enough to sabotage her work, to make her look incompetent.

Alice: That’s ridiculous. She’s quite capable of digging her own grave without any help from me.

Sandra: Dr. McCrae, I understand you’re pretty passionate about helping cancer patients find cures. Can you tell us a little bit about what drives you?

Dr. McCrae: All doctors are passionate about helping their patients become well, but I have a particular heart for cancer patients, because I lost my brother to cancer.

Sandra: That’s admirable, but as an intern, you must have a heavy debt load from your years of education. Heavy enough perhaps to be tempted to pilfer a few pills here and there to sell on the street.

Dr. McCrae: Absolutely not. I’m the one who requested more security cameras to combat precisely that concern.

Sandra: Does that mean you believe a thief killed the husband of that patient, because the husband caught him stealing the patient’s pills?

Dr. McCrae: As I explained to the police when they questioned me, it is my medical opinion that the patient died due to complications from a seizure, and the husband died of a heart attack. Since Miss Peterson claims someone else had been in the room and rushed out upon her arrival, it seems reasonable to assume that perhaps this person had a confrontation with the patient’s husband before his heart attack.

Sandra: You report to Dr. Whittaker is that correct?

Dr. McCrae: Yes.

Sandra: Has he ever asked you to falsify reports so that patients, who normally wouldn’t qualify, might be allowed to participate in experimental treatment protocols?

Dr. McCrae: Absolutely not. I would never do such a thing and he knows it. Personally, I have serious questions about the efficacy of his current pet project, but clearly, his rapport with the pharmaceutical companies brings much needed funding to the hospital, as evident by the newly built cancer wing.

Sandra: Ah yes, the wing they named after him. Are you suggesting he’s testing drugs that he knows are of no value purely for the profit it brings him?

Dr. McCrae: He’s not interested in the profit for himself. He thrives on prestige. You’ll have to decide for yourself if that hinders his judgment with respect to his patients’ treatments.

Sandra: Some of his patients have started to request to see you rather than him. Can you tell us why?

Dr. McCrae: I care about getting them well, not about satisfying a treatment protocol.

Sandra: But I thought patients called Dr. Whittaker Dr. Wonderful because of his wonderful bedside manner.

Dr. McCrae: (laughs) I believe that’s what the single nurses call him, which probably has more to do with his good looks.

Sandra: Dr. Whittaker is it true that you’ve solicited donations from patients toward the construction of the new cancer wing?

Dr. Whittaker: Absolutely, and I’m proud of the level of donations brought in by such personal requests.

Sandra: I understand one couple donated their entire estate, then died soon after.

Dr. Whittaker: Yes, very sad case that. But at least their money will go on to help others.

Sandra: Tell us a little more about the experimental drug you’re providing patients.

Dr. Whittaker: Only terminal patients are permitted into this program, and yet we have seen some stunning reversals in tumor growth in several participants.

Sandra: Isn’t it true that those shrinkages of tumors occurred after the patients withdrew from your program?

Dr. Whittaker: Yes, several withdrew due to the side effects. But clearly the drug has a remarkable latent effect. There is no other explanation. Unless of course you believe in miracles.

Sandra: And what about those who suddenly died? How would you explain those deaths?

Dr. Whittaker: As I said, all of the participants are terminal. We cannot predict whether they will react favorably or unfavorably without further testing.

Sandra: Are you concerned that Tara’s allegations about murders on the cancer ward will have negative repercussions on the hospital’s reputation?

Dr. Whittaker: Of course I am. They couldn’t help but sour people’s opinion of our work here.

Sandra: Are you concerned enough to put a stop to the allegations?

Dr. Whittaker: Yes. I’ve warned Tara several times to keep her opinions to herself.

Your Turn: If you would like a chance to receive an autographed copy of Critical Condition, please leave a question in the comments for one of today’s guests. (no spoilers please) Winner will be announced on Friday’s blog and asked to email me. You do not need to leave your email address here.

EVERYONE’S AT RISK

There’s a murderer in the hospital, and nurse Tara Peterson is determined to prove it. With mysterious deaths in the cancer ward, anyone could be next. But no one wants to believe her…except undercover agent Zach Davis. The murderer wants Tara’s suspicions silenced, permanently. To protect Tara, Zach lets her in on his secret, and unwittingly into his heart. Tara and her three-year-old daughter are like the family he lost years before. Zach will risk everything to keep them safe, no matter the cost.

“Alice” Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“Dr. McCrae” Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“Dr. Whittaker” Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net