Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Market Guide

This book and cd is a must-have for any writer interested in getting published, now or in the future! Even the first few pages were educational for me, it is a resource that I would recommend putting on your birthday/Christmas list every year.

Sally's notes at the beginning are invaluable - and her encouragement to writers that each of us has something unique and special to say that noone else will is something that I have never heard before, and will never forget! Get a copy of this...and get it now!

Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Market Guide
20 Comments
By Bonnie Calhoun on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 12:00 AM.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Christian Writer's Market Guide
by
Sally Stuart.
WaterBrook Press; Pap/CDR edition (January 16, 2007)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Sally E. Stuart is the author of thirty-four books and has sold more than one thousand articles and columns. Her long-term involvement with the Christian Writers' Market Guide as well as her marketing columns for the Christian Communicator, Oregon Christian Writers, and The Advanced Christian Writer, make her a sought-after speaker and a leading authority on Christian markets and the business of writing. Stuart is the mother of three and grandmother of eight.

ABOUT THE BOOKFor more than twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has offered indispensable help to Christian writers. This year, for the first time, this valuable resource comes with a CD-ROM of the full text, so you can search with ease for topics, publishers, and other specific names.The 2007 edition also includes up-to-date listings of more than 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, and greeting cards, including information on forty new book publishers, eighty-three new periodicals, and thirty-four new literary agents. Perfect for writers in every phase, this is the resource to get noticed–and get published.It contains listings for: 695 periodicals, 228 poetry markets, 355 book publishers, 133 online publications, 29 print-on-demand publishers, 1185 markets for the written word, 321 photography markets, 31 e-book publishers, 122 foriegn markets, 112 literary agents,and 59 newspapers.It also gives you comprehensive lists of contests, writers groups and conferences, search engines, pay rates and submission guidelines, editorial services and websites.Christian Writers’ Market Guide is a "must have' for any serious Christian writer that is looking to get published!

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400071259

Sally's website is: http://www.stuartmarket.com/

A powerful piece of history, this book reached in and grabbed my heart! It brought the story behind Amazing Grace to life in a profound way for me. I fell in love with each and every one of the characters. My heart ached for Mary in the waiting and the longing and all of the dilemmas inbetween; and I found myself seeing life through her eyes. I understood better the heart of the man who penned this powerful song. Only a man redeemed in such a way could be so compelling in his lyrics.

This is a well-woven story that will leave you thinking about it's pages long after you have finished it. I would highly recommend reading this!

The Longing Season by Christine Schaub
18 Comments By M. C. Pearson on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 at 12:00 AM.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducting The Longing Season (Bethany House July, 2006) by Christine Schaub.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christine Schaub is the author of the MUSIC OF THE HEART series, including Finding Anna, the “rest of the story” behind the writing of the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” (October 2005) and The Longing Season, the story behind “Amazing Grace” (July 2006) with Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Books.In 2003, Christine won the “On the Page” screenwriting contest at Screenwriting Expo 2 in Los Angeles. Her one-page story, written on-site in 24 hours for Jacqueline Bisset, was selected by the actress as the best Oscar Wilde-type comedy for her persona.While working in freelance corporate communications, Christine completed three feature-length screenplays, including a drama/comedy, romantic comedy, and sci-fi action/drama; developed four biopic teleplays for the stories behind the hymns; and published an online column for the MethodX website (Upper Room Ministries). Christine honed her writing skills after more than 15 years in corporate communications for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and entertainment companies. She has also been a featured conference speaker on working with at-risk youth and changed lives in the classrooms with her creative presentation style.Christine's love for the arts and creativity have taken her from church platforms to civic and professional stages, performing classics and dramas from her own pen. Christine graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She has served on numerous boards and committees, usually as Communications Chair, and has received both regional and national awards in writing and design.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
All of the books in the MUSIC OF THE HEART series are based on a hymns and their histories. The Longing Season is about one of the greatest redemption stories of all time: John Newton and his song, Amazing Grace.

Nature conspires against him, tossing the ship like a toy. Directionless--just like his life.
It seems his odyssey will end here, in the cold Atlantic.
Grief and terror grip his heart, but he will not surrender...not yet.
She reads the sentence again and again.
The first day I saw you I began to love you.
He'd written the words, sealed and posted them, then vanished.
She has a choice--turn toward the future, or wait, wating and hoping.
And so begins her season of longing.

Christine's website link is: http://www.christineschaub.typepad.com/
The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764200607

Germ by Robert Liparulo

Germ by Robert Liparulo
19 Comments By Bonnie Calhoun on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 12:00 AM.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducting GERM(WestBow Nov 1, 2006) by Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert's novel paints a scenario so frighteningly real that six Hollywood producers were bidding on movie rights before the novel was completed. His acclaimed debut novel, Comes A Horseman, is being made into a major motion picture by producer Mace Neufeld and his short story "Kill Zone" was featured in the anthology Thriller, edited by James Patterson.
Robert is an award-winning author of over a thousand published articles and short stories. He is currently a contributing editor for New Man magazine. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Travel & Leisure, Modern Bride, Consumers Digest, Chief Executive, and The Arizona Daily Star, among other publications. In addition, he previously worked as a celebrity journalist, interviewing Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Charlton Heston, and others for magazines such as Rocky Road, Preview, and L.A. Weekly. He has sold or optioned three screenplays.
Robert is an avid scuba diver, swimmer, reader, traveler, and a law enforcement and military enthusiast. He lives in Colorado with his wife and four children.
He is currently working on his third novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK
If you breathe, it will find you...
The list of 10,000 names was created for maximum devastation. On it are business leaders, housewives, politicians, celebrities, janitors, children. None know what is about to happen...but all will be part of the most frightening brand of warfare the world has ever known.
The GERM...a more advanced form of the Ebola virus...has been genetically engineered to infect only those people whose DNA matches the codes embedded within it. If your DNA is not a match, you simply catch a cold. But if your DNA is a match, within days your internal organs liquefy and you die a most painful death. There is no cure.
The release of the virus would usher in a new era of power...one in which countries are left without any form of defense, where one person or millions could be killed with 100% accuracy yet result in no collateral damage to property or those not targeted.
That time isn't coming...It is now!

GERM is coming.

Pray the assassins get you first.

Bob's website link is: http://www.robertliparulo.com
The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785261788

If the Shoe Fits by Marilynn Griffith
2 Comments
By M. C. Pearson on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 12:00 PM.

No, you aren't seeing double. This month we are reviewing not one, but two books by Marilynn Griffith! This prolific writer has TWO books coming out this month! This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about If the Shoe Fits (Steeple Hill Cafe', 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother of seven)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and Tangerine (Revell, January 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Have Glass Slipper, Need Prince...
If the Shoe Fits is the second book in the Sassy Sistahood Novels. The first in the series was Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006).
In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back!

The book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373785763

Marilynn's website link: http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer

My take on the Book:

I really enjoyed this piece of historical fiction! It was obvious that the author had done her research, then brought the era to life for her readers. It’s got it all – action, romance and mystery. The well-woven plot twists made this book a page-turner with a lot of surprises along the way! I would definitely recommend reading this book – and look forward to seeing more from this author.

Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer
19 Comments By M. C. Pearson on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 12:00 AM.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Arms of Deliverance (Moody Publishers, 2006) by Tricia Goyer (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and homeschooling mom!)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is one the members of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (Tricia's Blog, "It's Real Life" Tricia's Parenting Blog, "Generation NeXt") and we are pleased to be able to review her exciting historical fiction book, Arms of Deliverance. She was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. Tricia was also a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award and won ACFW's "Book of the Year" for Long Historial Romance in 2005 AND in 2006. She has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction (three other WWII novels, From Dust to Ashes, Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights. Night Song, the second title in Tricia’s World War II series, won ACFW's Book of the Year for Best Long Historical Romance.) She's and non-fiction books. married to John, and they have three great kids whom she homeschools: Cory (17), Leslie (14), and Nathan (12). They make their home in Northwest Montana with their dog, Lilly.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II.
EUROPE, 1944
Katrine, a Czech Jew, is so successful in her attempt to pass as an Aryan that she finds herself dating a Nazi officer. Having convinced him of her genetic purity, the officer sends her to stay at a Lebensborn home--a Nazi breeding program in which children are raised and indoctrinated by the state.
Meanwhile, two friends, Mary and Lee, one a socialite, the other a working class girl, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war’s outbreak. Now rivals with assignments on the frontlines of war-torn Europe, Lee joins troops sailing for Normandy, while Mary's destiny lies in the cramped quarters of a B-17 bearing down on Berlin. Before the presses roll, their lives will be indelibly marked by a caring American navigator, brave French resistors, and a maniacal Nazi officer. Arms of Deliverance is a story of unexpected redemption.
Read Chapter One on Tricia's Blog.

The link for the book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802415563

Tricia's blog: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

My Take on The Book:

This book about a handful of “pagans” left behind in a world of “zealots” (reverse rapture, very creative) will have you laughing out loud! Listening to Christian Radio, seeing bumper stickers and even perusing Christian catalogs has reminded me of this book so many times already – and made me chuckle all over again.

I have grown up in church, and at the ripe-old age of 31, appreciated the tongue-in-cheek humor Ray uses while observing some of the outrageous things we do in the name of religion. If we as Christians had the opportunity to over-run the world today, what a riot it would be! There’s the “TV Evangelist” who dreams of world domination, the remakes of popular songs, the Christians talking in “code” (we’re all guilty of it, even if we don’t realize it).

And, woven with the story, is the journey of an author and his editor. Makes you wonder if the author is writing about his own real-life experiences and author/book-selling fantasies?

I felt a special kinship with Hurricane Gretchen.


My Observations regarding The Author:

A new and promising writer with a great sense of humor, Ray Blackston has created a very unique piece of literature.

A Pagan's Nightmare 8 Comments By Bonnie Calhoun on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 12:00 AM.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Pagan's Nightmare.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ray Blackston of Greenville, South Carolina, worked as a buyer and a broker for eleven years before cashing in his modest 401k and leaving his corporate cubicle in 2000 to write full time. He is a graduate of the University of south Carolina, with a degree in Finance and Economics.
He serves on the drama team at his church, participates in a weekly men's accountability group, serves on the missions committee of his church, has traveled to rural Ecuador on a summer missions program, and coaches his seven-year-old nephew, Action Jackson, in T-Ball.
When he is not crafting a new novel, is exploring south Carolina beaches with friends and family. He competes in golf tournaments, leads a writers' critique group, and relives his youth through a large collection of eighties music!
His first novel Flabbergasted was one of three finalists for the Christy Award for best first novel, and was chosen as Inspirational Novel of the Year by the Dallas Morning News
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Pagan's Nightmare
Christians can buy gas for twelve cents a gallon, while everyone else (the pagans, that is) have to pay $6.66. The radio stations alter all song lyrics to conform to "Christian" standard--the Beatles belt out "I Wanna Hold Your Tithe"; ABBA's "Dancing Queen" becomes "Dancing's Wrong". Even French fries, newly labeled "McScriptures", are tools for evangelism.
Larry's novel is a big hit with his agent, Ned. But Ned's wife..a committed Southern Babtist...is less than amused. And Larry has yet to show the manuscript to his new girlfriend, even though he's made her the unsuspecting heroine. It will take deft handling from both men to keep their lives and their relationships intact when the world witnesses A Pagan's Nightmare.Ray's website link is : http://www.rayblackston.com/The book link is : http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446579599

Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith

This book is must-read fabulous! I absolutely enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.

This is the story of a woman who is both a wife and a mother, but she has to make the impossible decision between the two people that she loves more than life itself. It is a story of desperation and hope, endings and beginnings, dead-ends and second-chances. Most importantly, it is about the power of God’s love and a tale of restoration – in unexpected ways – because God’s plans are anything but predictable, but, in the end, perfect.

So, years later, when her daughter’s life has fallen apart and her husband re-enters her life – in a most unexpected place, the world of fashion and design – chic and girly meets handsome – with a healthy twist of the heavenly – and the battle begins to regain what was lost. True Love. But it’s going to take more than a kiss to mend their broken hearts, and what they have to ask themselves is, are they willing to pay the price?

I enjoyed this so much; I’m going to read more of Marilynn’s books!!!

Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith
5 Comments By M. C. Pearson on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 at 12:00 AM.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Tangerine (Revell, January 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother of *GULP* seven!)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and If the Shoe Fits (Revell, 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tangerine is the third book in the Shades of Style Novels.
Fans of Pink and Jade will eat up Tangerine, the third book in the cutting-edge Shades of Style series. Jean Guerra, a designer at Garments of Praise design firm, doesn't like surprises. These days though, the unexpected meets her everywhere. Since Jean's return to the church a year ago, her God-encounters occur with increasing frequency, along with thoughts of her husband-the one she vowed to divorce and gave up on long ago. The one nobody at work knows about, not even her best friend, Lily, or her boss, Chenille. But when the designer assigned to work with Jean on a line of men's suits shows up, her heart flips. It's her husband, Nigel Salvador. Jean is finally rendered speechless. Can her bruised heart become whole enough to love again? Or will she remain in the trenches of loneliness forever?

The book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800730429

Marilynn's website link: http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/