Que Sera Sera, or… by Yvonne Lehman

Que Sera Sera
Or as Doris Day (back in my day!) sang it, “Whatever will be, will be.”

I’m not sure that’s theologically sound, but that’s not the point of this anyway. What I’m getting at is, some things just seem meant to be…even if it seems we sometimes are waiting…forever.

Lori Marett

That’s how my daughter, Lori Marett, felt through the years as she dabbled in writing while working and raising a family. A few of her articles were published in Focus on the Family but her interest lay in screenwriting. She said, “Mom, I’m going to write a script adapted from your novel, In Shady Groves.”

My eyes were stuck on her and my voice choked my throat and I couldn’t say what I was thinking, which was, “That’s impossible. You don’t know anything about scriptwriting.”

Fortunately, I couldn’t get the words out and she began to read books, teach herself, and wrote the script which placed and then won in contests, but was told it would be too expensive to produce. That just wasn’t meant to be.

Daunted but not defeated, she continued. She met faculty at writers conferences who were involved in movies. Then she began to think somebody should start a conference to bring all those in the arts together—writers, scriptwriters, producers, actors, musicians, etc.

But who? Well, after much praying and pondering and encouragement it seemed meant to be that she and her husband, Rodney should give it a try. I didn’t tell them how difficult it is to be founder and director of a conference. After all, I had started the Blue Ridge Writers Conference over 25 years ago and God showed how he could use a willing person, who didn’t have enough sense to know they couldn’t do it, and make it a success.

Her and Rodney’s efforts seem meant to be since they’re now in their sixth year of directing the Gideon Media Arts and Film Festival, held in Orlando, FL this year. http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com.

After years and years of trying, maybe it just wasn’t meant to be that she’d ever get a movie produced. But she continued learning, writing, networking, entering contests, and lo and behold, this year her first DVD was produced.

This is what Dove Worldwide had to say about it: If you want to see a powerful drama about abortion and one which features compassion for the young girls making life-changing decisions, this is the one to see. … The viewer will experience a few surprises along the way. … Due to the sophisticated theme, we are recommending this movie for ages twelve plus. This one entertains and makes one think, a pretty rare combination.”

Viewers have said this is not like most movies about abortion, but has that twist and difference which makes it unique. It’s now being used as a ministry in organizations and churches.

After years of trying and seemingly no results, it’s beginning to look like Meant to Be was…meant to be.

Yvonne latest novels are three Harlequin Heartsongs set in Savannah, GA. The Caretaker’s Son (April 2013), Lessons in Love (August) and Seeking Mr. Perfect (November).

 

 

PICKY STUFF

I saw a cartoon showing a teacher at a blackboard (or was that a whiteboard? Chalkboard? Power point? Maybe an Ipad? Anyway…
A teacher was standing in front of a class of young students and drew this:
She then said, “Yes, a winky face is correct. But in ancient times, the
semicolon was actually used to separate archaic written devices known as “complete sentences.”

Oh, can I identify with that. There are some things that label writers as amateur or professional in the eyes of an agent or editor. We’re told if you’ve been paid a dollar for your writing, you’re a professional.

Therefore, I was a professional until in the past few years when my expertise has become ancient as a result of changes in technology, writing rules, marketing expectations, demands of the business, etc.

A few years ago I had several friends but now I’m expected to have hundreds or even thousands of them and fans and followers. My tweeting consisted of swinging my grandson while making bird sounds. Now I’m supposed to be a social media whiz.

Recently, I even read that this business of writing is not a profession but a condition (thanks to Robert Frost). Wonder if he found that one on the path less traveled.

What I’m getting at is, let’s be patient when seeing mistakes and broken rules in what is written and in the books we read. Technology has changed a lot in just a few years. I’ll be teaching a class on PICKY STUFF at the upcoming Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. We’ll take a look at rules of writing that haven’t changed and discuss what is and is not acceptable or recommended.

We’ll look at the icky…I mean, picky things that are among the rules of the wrong or right way to present our writing, such as format, grammar, punctuation, apostrophes, ellipses, possessives, attributions, beats, passive or active, and words including it, was, and event he little word “the.”

The editor of my last (oops! make that “recent”) book made me realize my characters all had the whooping scoff (that’s another subject). Sigh…so much to worry about.

So, readers, be patient with us as we try to grasp this writing profession. We try so we don’t get those rejections in our E-mail. e-mail? Email? email? Oh, all that stuff makes me onomatopoetically inclined.

It may seem PICKY, but it can mean the difference between Progress or Passé. Are you all up on technology? Am I just…ancient?

Who, me? Deny Christ? Never!

Last night I went to a Maundy Thursday supper at church where we were reminded of the events taking place before Jesus’ crucifixion. I remembered my visit to Israel.

I walked down into the same prison where Jesus was taken like a criminal. I saw the area where Jesus was beaten, the games etched in the floor where Roman soldiers passed their time and laughed while prisoners suffered in the dark, cold, stone, stagnant cells.

I walked the Via Dolorosa along where Jesus carried his cross. I saw the garden where he cried out, “If there’s any other way…not my will, but thine.” I saw the hill shaped like a skull, Calvary where he was nailed to a cross.

I walked up onto Caiaphas’ courtyard where there’s a statue of Simon Peter, where he denied Jesus. The disciple who was so sure of himself, spoke out for Jesus, claimed he’d defend Jesus to the death and tried when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was so loyal and determined he even followed Jesus and those who arrested him.

But that strong, eager, confident, bold man not only denied Jesus, denied even knowing him, not once but three times. Would I do that? Probably not. I probably would have run and hid at the first sign of trouble.

Then, as we stood near that statue of Peter, our leader asked, “Have you ever denied Christ?” Up until that time, I had not cried although most in our group had. But then I couldn’t hold back. The tears came as I thought what it means to deny Jesus. How terrible if anyone sincerely says, “I don’t even know him.”

I wondered if that’s what I say when I miss the opportunity to tell someone I know him. Or when I’m complacent and don’t do my best with what he’s given me. When I don’t fulfill my human potential. When I want things that are in my self interest instead of his. When I take Him for granted. When I don’t take advantage of walking and talking with him.

I went inside a tomb like the one in which Jesus would have been buried. Or I should say, like the one out of which Jesus arose. While our group partook of The Lord’s Supper in the garden outside that tomb, and sang, so did another group of another race who sang in a different language. We felt as one with that group. Brought to me thoughts of heaven.

As I partook of The Lord’s Supper, the words were said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” and I did. Just as he forgave Simon Peter, he forgives me. The bread was remembering his suffering body, the fruit of the vine his blood shed so I don’t have to suffer and shed tears about my denials.

How blessed I am to be able to ask forgiveness, turn from the denials and proclaim him in thought, words and action. Thank him and praise him.

Yes, I know him. Hallelujah, he is alive!

GRATITUDE AND CHALLENGE

“Look back with thanksgiving and forward with confidence.” –Nick Harrison in Magnificent Prayer – Dec 31 reading

I was praying about my daughter and son-in-law who will meet up in New York and be there when the ball drops and another year has ended and a new one begins. He is coming from Iraq and she from the mountains of North Carolina. I thought of the blessing of that. Both have done things they’d never believed possible. God has given them challenges and led them to start the Gideon Media Arts Conference. That hadn’t been a dream of theirs but they were led into it.

Through the Gideon and Writers Conferences they met Todd Starnes of Fox News. They contacted him and while in New York he has invited them to be in the studio during the TV program, Fox and Friends.

My daughter had the privilege of going to London with a friend and who sat in Handle’s chair and held the original copy of The Messiah.

As I prayed for their safety and thanked God for their blessings my thoughts went to how I would love to travel “everywhere” and do “everything.” My thoughts were checked as I wondered if I should have thought of what I wanted for myself or if that thought should have entered my mind.

It led to my remembering that God led me into starting a writers conference which I led for 25 years. I’ve been to Israel that is the Holy Land, the land of the Bible, and I walked where Jesus walked, saw where he was crucified, went into a tomb like the one from which he rose from the dead. I’ve been to Paris, the Romance City. I’ve experienced God’s spirit many, many times but in my writing of the book of my heart. Most of my books are written with work and struggle.

I wondered why I wanted “more.” Then I knew. Like Oliver Twist who was hungry and held out his bowl for more, I too am hungry for doing more, being more. If I had been content with only one great experience, then I wouldn’t have had more of them. If I had been content with Israel, I wouldn’t have gone to Paris. If I were content with that book of my heart, and didn’t want to experience that again, I wouldn’t write another book.

The devotional in the Prayer Book gave me understanding of my thoughts when they take me from the blessings others are having to thoughts about what I want for myself. It isn’t selfishness, or begrudging anything another has. It brings me to the point of remembering my own blessings, thanking God for them in the past, and looking forward with confidence to what challenges lie ahead.

Christmas (anytime) Blessing

My daughter, Cindy, called this morning to share what was impressed upon her this morning while reading her Bible. She was reading in Jude. The first question she asked was, “Do you ever feel like a failure?”

I said, “Much of the time.”
She continued to say what the reading in Jude meant to her. The realization that God doesn’t see all the negatives we see, but he sees us as good and loved and forgiven.

We discussed negative thought which is so prevalent within ourselves and in our culture according to news media, etc. Even when compliments are given, they’re often followed by, “Thank you, but…” and a negative follows.

As we talked she said that my books mean so much to her mother-in-law, who doesn’t attend church, which in turn influences her son (my daughter’s husband), my daughter’s son. On and on. My daughter thanked me for having taught her about Jesus.

She works as a nurse on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, so on Tuesdays she’s out-of-sorts because she doesn’t want to go, although she’s thankful, knows it’s a service, and appreciates the benefits to self, family, and others but doesn’t look forward to those two all-nighters and no sleep and then trying to get into routines again. She home-schools her son, and they have tennis tournaments almost every weekend, so hers is a busy sleepless life.

This Tuesday, her thirteen-year-old son said, “You seem a little depressed.”
She said, “Oh, it’s just that going to work thing. But I’m fine.”
He said, “I knew you weren’t feeling too good, so I’ve been praying for you.”
Now, that’s something from a teenage boy.
I told her that yes, he hears and notices her negativity, but he also notices her faith and she has taught him where to turn for life’s answers and that’s to Jesus.

What a blessing that our influence, although we may feel like failures, reaches out with the positive things we’ve said and done and touches other people’s lives.

What a Christmas (anytime) blessing.

HE STOLE MY HEART

HE STOLE MY HEART

So much to be thankful for. I have a new addition to my family. My three granddaughters called me to come and look at rescued dogs. I wasn’t sure I wanted to care for a dog again. The last one I had was a miniature chow.

Okay…you may know more than I do about the miniature description. After I got the little black ball of fur with a purple tongue, and even named him Haiku after Japanese poetry, I took him to the vet and was told there’s no such thing as a miniature chow.

I was thankful for him anyway even though I could never see him in the dark, but he was quite visible in the snow. As he grew he began to take me for walks, then on runs as I held onto the leash and at times I felt I was flying around our loop. Great for getting rid of those extra calories!

After we had to let him go for several reasons; our downsizing, his personal problems, mood changes and his biting another dog, and frightening children, I thought my doggie days might be over. If ever I was to have one, he’d need to be small and basically an indoor dog.

So, when the grandchildren called, I thought I’d oblige by taking a look. Well, the moment I saw him, I feel in love. He’s a small bundle of fluffy white and cream fur—a beautiful Pomeranian and I knew he was mine. He’s a beautiful Pomeranian, two-years-old, well behaved, and wants to be near me all the time. His name is Bandit. I didn’t think I cared for the name until my family discussed it and tried out several names. Many of us liked the name Fairfax (named after the hero in my current novel). Until, my daughter said she liked Bandit and it suited him because he stole my heart.

She was right. His name is Bandit.

He’s a special Thanksgiving treat this year. But more than that, I’m thankful all the time for my family, and that we pause from our busy lives and get together on special occasions set aside on our calendars. We ate turkey and all the trimmings, went shopping the day after for discounted Christmas presents, laughed and talked, and appreciated each other.

I’ve lost family members and am particularly thankful for the ones I still have. When they’re busy getting on with their lives, I’m thankful for the times we’ve had together. Today I’m thankful for Bandit who is right here beside me. And beyond that, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus who has saved my soul, my life, and I’m thankful for God who loves me, enabling me to have a heart filled with love for him and his blessings.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving season and wish you a thankful every day life.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”
- I Chronicles 16:3

DO YOU READ OR WRITE?

The tongue can get us into a lot of trouble. Words come out unedited. When my publisher for my Titanic book came to spend the day at my book signing at the Titanic Display in Pigeon Forge, TN, she and her husband took me and my friend out to dinner.
The conversation turned to books being read and written and I looked at the publisher’s husband and asked, “Do you read or write?”
He said, “I do both.”
Oh, I felt so ridiculous, having wanted to make a good impression as an intelligent, successful author. I failed.
Fortunately, everyone laughed good-naturedly, knowing I was referring to the writing process which requires a lot of both.
But that reminds me of the many times (every time) that I’m trying to write my story in a way the reader will enjoy, I feel like a failure.
A while back I emailed my agent with the words, “Everyone is going to find out I’m not really a writer.”
He emailed back, “Ha. Ha. When that email came in, I was on the phone with another client who was saying the exact thing, that she’s not a writer and never will be.”
I’m now writing my 54th novel. But only once in this writing business, did I ever feel like a “real” writer during the process, and that was with my 50th novel, Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic. From the time the editor said, “Yes, if you can do it in a short period of time,” I wrote the first draft, 120,000 words in six weeks and it required very little editing. My craft and creativity came together in a remarkable way. I felt it flowed.
All the others have required work, and time, and change, and editing and wondering if I’m a real writer. After each book is finished, I’m surprised that the effort came together and I can remind myself that I am a writer, one who works hard in this profession.
When I begin reading a book, I think of all the time and effort that went into getting those words down and realize again how much effort this and any profession requires. And I’m so grateful for readers.
I can read. I can write. And am so glad I don’t have to “speak” my novels.

WRITING AS WORSHIP

Recently I was engaged in an email discussion raised by another writer about whether our writing is worship. The general consensus was that our gifts are from God and our using them in a way that serves others is serving him. But what about worship? That got me to thinking about how I looked at it.

When I was in my 30′s, I taught in Sunday school, headed up mission programs, promoted special offerings, taught Bible studies, was in church every time the doors opened. That was good. I needed it. Was good for my family. Now, I get more depth by personal study and worship by having a faith message in my books. I have to think about the characters’ problems, and while solving them for the characters, I’m confirming my own faith, teaching myself, and giving the reader something to think about.

For example, in my current WIP my author/character’s mentor had encouraged him from childhood to always have a “good” ending when he came up with his wild “bad” stories. In his mature, successful author years they have a discussion about opposites– bad/good, evil/good and concluded good is opposite of bad. One can do “bad” things and combat that with “good.” But being/doing good is not the opposite of evil. I loved that discussion, made me think about and present to my readers what is the opposite of evil.

I love it when I stop to realize (as the discussion reminded me) that I’m not just writing stories, but I’m learning more about my own faith and imparting that to readers who need to think about the faith message. God is teaching me as I write, and in turn I’m teaching the reader. I think when we’re experiencing that, it’s worship.

The Joy of Reading

Many of the posts recently are about reading, so I’ll jump in and mention what I’m reading. I have several shelves of books in the garage (although gave away half of them when I moved in my present home, which is almost impossible for me to do). I’m still giving some away because our church hosts Queen for a Day each October for about 100 needy women in which they try to meet their needs with anything from toothpaste to clothing. What I do is donate books.

In my office I have an entire wall-length closet with shelves of books. Most of there are written by my writer/friends and I can’t bear to give those away. I give away duplicates, some of my own, and those I get through book clubs. The women love these because they can’t afford to buy books, computers, or kindles, etc. This is the only way I can feel comfortable parting with my books.

Now, reading them is a different matter. I make a habit to read about an hour before going to bed at night. Other than that, my reading is limited to mentoring the work of my students through the Christian Writers Guild. And I judge many contests and read the works of both beginners and published writers.

And then there are the books of my Novel Retreat faculty that I try to read. My most difficult reading is my own books as I’m writing them. Takes a while for the story to take shape and be enjoyable.

But one reading time I don’t want to give up and that’s my morning Devotional time. I try to read in order to deepen my faith, understand God’s word better, just spend time with him but inevitably the reading and the meditation time results in my getting story ideas or the answer to the problem faced my characters. My latest novel has the theme of the verse from the Bible that says, “the truth shall make you free.”

Don’t you just love it when another writer’s work, and God’s word, speaks to you about a particular time in your life when you needed just that? I’m so grateful to Christian writers. I love teaching and mentoring writers so they have the joy of reaching out to others in their stories.

And yes, that’s definitely a way to bring up the Novel Retreat that’s coming up October 14-17 here in the mountains of North Carolina. Our faculty is made up of established authors (Ray Blackston, Lynette Eason, Mark Mynheir, Deborah Raney, Ken Raney, Ramona Richards, Janet Roller, and Ann Tatlock) who have that desire to teach, influence, and motivate other writers to reach their dreams, not just read all those great books but to write them. Come join us!
Ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/novelist or contact me at yvonnelehman3@gmail.com

Writer Interview

My plans are to feature the faculty members of the October Novelist Retreat for the next few weeks. I’ll begin with me since Jim Callan has his interview up on his blog today: http://www.jamesrcallan.com/blog – the website for the Retreat is ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/novelist or contact me at yvonnelehman3@gmail.com
Prolific Author & Conference Director
Posted on August 9, 2012 by James Callan
Reply
Today, Yvonne Lehman is visiting with us. She is not only a best-selling author of fifty books, she is also the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She says that in each of her novels, she tries to integrate the important ingredient – hope. Sounds like a good person to spend some time with.
JRC: I understand you were the founder of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference, and its director for 17 years. Now, you’re the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Is there a story behind those two conferences with a “mountain” between them?
Yvonne: The BRCWC was organized with that name. After sponsoring it myself and holding most of the conferences at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, I stopped holding the conference for a couple of years. When I started it up again under the sponsorship of LifeWay and held it at the Ridgecrest Conference Center they added the Mountains. The offerings are the same. After 25 years however, I turned it over to Alton Gansky. I founded and now direct the Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat held at the Ridgecrest/LifeWay Conference Center. It’s for beginning and advanced novelists and is smaller and more intimate than the BRMCWC. It’s held annually in October. Visit: ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/novelist of yvonnelehman3@gmail for information.
JRC: My friend Donn Taylor is on the faculty for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, in the area of poetry. How large is the conference, and what does it cover?
Yvonne: I’m on the faculty too and that’s a little more relaxing for me than when I directed. Attendees average between 360-400. The May Blue Ridge Conference covers all genres of writing including devotionals, articles, non-fiction, fiction, and many categories of each for writers of all levels. It also offers contests, critiques, and editor/agent appointments. Donn Taylor wrote the poem that is in my Titanic novel as written by my character John. The acknowledgements of this book tells the wonderful way Donn went about writing it that made it perfect for my character.
JRC: I directed the Northeast Texas Writers’ Conference for about fourteen years. And it really takes a lot of time. What is your writing schedule like?
Yvonne: Yes, the BRMCWC took most of my time. It’s sort of a full-time endeavor. The Novel Retreat takes much less of my time. It’s smaller and I use fewer faculty and the focus is only on the novel. We do offer contests and critiques but do not have editor and agent appointments. The focus is on learning, improving, absorbing, and writing.
JRC: Your latest book Hearts that Survive: A Novel of the Titanic just came out in April. Can you tell us a little about it, and how you happened to select the Titanic as the background for your book?

Yvonne: The story covers 50 years, basically of one ship, two families, three generations. The story is divided into three parts. Before, during, and after the sinking. Lydia Beaumont and her new friend Caroline Chadwick plan Lydia’s wedding aboard the “grandest ship ever built.” Yet their lives take a tragic turn when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down.
This epic tale of faith and perseverance follows their lives and the lives of their descendants as they struggle with all that was lost on that fateful night and what the future holds for those brave enough to face it.
Again, the acknowledgements give much of the story. My friend had visited Nova Scotia several years ago and became aware of the important role NS played in the aftermath of the sinking. She suggested the project. As the 100th anniversary of the sinking came near it seemed the time for me to write the book. Such disasters are memorable and the lessons learned from them are invaluable.
JRC: How many books do you have in print in print? What genres have you covered?
Yvonne: My Titanic novel was my 50th book. I’ve written historical and contemporary, romance, mystery, biblical, six young adult, women’s fiction, and mainstream.
JRC: Which is your favorite?
Yvonne: The Titanic book is my favorite because everything from the time of acceptance until I finished was different from the writing of any other book. I usually take three months to write a 50,000 word book. The proposal (three chapters) had gone to editors after most had already acquired Titanic books or didn’t want one (or mine).
At the May BRMCWC, though I knew it was too late for any company to publish it in time to be released for the 100th anniversary the following April, I asked Ramona Richards (Abingdon) if she had a Titanic book. She said, “No.” I said, “Do you want one?” She said, “Yes.” That was the beginning. By July 5, I had written 120,000 words.
JRC: You’ve won many awards. Which one are you most pleased about, and why?
Yvonne: The first one. When I attended the Billy Graham School of Christian Writing more than 30 years ago, I knew nothing about writing. Students could submit to win their top award and scholarship the following year. I won the Award of Excellence in Christian Literature for my short story. It’s my favorite because it gave me confirmation that I could become a published writer.
JRC: So, what’s next for Yvonne Lehman?
Yvonne: I’ve recently signed a contract for a three-book series of contemporary novels set in Savannah, GA called Secrets in Savannah series. The first one is The Caretaker’s Son. These will be in Harlequin’s Heartsong line. They’re schedule to be released in March, July, and November of 2013.
JRC: Any last word of advice for those readers who are struggling to get book number one published?
Yvonne: Writing and publishing is a business. Learn all you can about the craft. Practice all you can of your creativity which means… write and write again. Writing is really re-writing until you get it write. Read the craft books. Read what others write. Take courses, attend a writers group, attend workshops and conferences. Pray about where God wants your product to be used. When you’re ready and when your product is ready, there will be a place for it. Sometimes… the waiting and the returns are part of the learning process. Ohhh, did I have to say that? If it’s what you believe is your gift, develop it. Don’t give up.
JRC: Thanks for a great interview, Yvonne. And for some very good advice. You can find more about Yvonne’s books at: http://amzn.to/P2wq7V
And she’s given us plenty to comment about. Please leave her a comment if you have a moment. Thanks.

Another Writing Opportunity by Yvonne Lehman

 BLOG – Gideon August 11-16, 2012

Mission Statement

To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all types of media with
an emphasis on television, film, theater, church drama, music, graphic arts, marketing and distribution, screenwriting, youth ministries, and spiritual encouragement.

The Gideon was started to give Christians who are interested in the media arts a place to encourage their talents, a venue to meet, learn, network and get advice from experts in the industry, and the opportunity to develop working and personal relationships that extend long after the Gideon is over.

Our faculty are prayerfully considered and wonderfully selected by God. They are comprised of Christian producers, directors, writers, graphic novelist, musicians, actors, DJ’s, performers, speakers and teachers and are chosen for the Gideon, not only for their accomplishments and expertise, but for their servant’s heart. We are blessed and humbled that these incredibly talented individuals are designing classes and workshops to stretch your mind and help you discover the path that God has placed in front of you.

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere.”
~ Acts 1:8

http://gideonfilmfestival.com/film%20festival/index.cfm

http://www.facebook.com/#!/lori.marett

 

More CONTESTS, Critiques, and Great Reads by Yvonne Lehman

If you have a novel in progress or considering writing one, you might like to join us:

For additional information, go to the website listed on the flyer.

Here’s a list of our amazing faculty and mention of their recent accomplishments:

Ann Tatlock’s latest release: Travelers Rest  – she will attend the Christy Awards in July. Promises to Keep is a finalist in the Contemporary category.

Ray Blaxton, multi-published author of the bestselling Flabbergasted. His latest novel is Last Mango in Texas

Ken Raney will teach and exhibit at The Gideon Media Arts Festival in August. He’s recently completed two covers for Greenbrier, Melody Carlson’s Looking for Cassandra Jane and Armando’s Treasure.

Yvonne Lehman’s latest release is Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic (I’m having another 3-day book signing at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN on Labor Day Weekend), and currently working on a three-book Savannah, GA series

Ramona Richards, Senior Acquisitions Editor for Fiction at Abdingdon Press – see
www.ramonarichards.com for her books and activities

Mark Mynheir mystery/suspense novels includ Rolling Thunder, From the Belly of the Dragon, The Void, and The Night Watchman, which was a Christy Award Finalist, and The Corruptible.

Janet Powers Roller has been a Christian speaker, singer and writer since being named Miss South Carolina 1997 and will lead the praise and worship sessions

Deborah Raney’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the film of the same title. Her newest books, the Hanover Falls Novels, are from Howard/Simon & Schuster.

Lynette Eason’s current release, When the Smoke Clears, hit #8 on the CBA bestsellers list this year. Currently, she is working on her third series for Revell

Any questions, just let me know.

Yvonne

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #21 by Yvonne Lehman

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! From 5/31 at noon MST, until 6/4 midnight EST, you can make the loop through 23 different Christian fiction writers’ blogs and read new, exclusive material about all our new or about-to-be-released books. The best part? If you gather all the scavenger hunt clues, you’ll know what the secret quote is, and if you’ve registered for the Grand Prize, you could win all 23 books! And there are some additional prizes along the way… (To begin at the beginning, head over to www.LisaBergren.com, for stop #1.)

KIM VOGEL SAWYER

It is my good pleasure to be hosting Kim Vogel Sawyer on the scavenger hunt. She’s the author of many “gentle stories of hope,” and has made it a mission to write books that encourage and edify believers.

Here’s what her new book, SONG OF MY HEART, is about: To naïve and determined Sadie Wagner, Goldtree, Kansas, and its opera house offer fascinating experiences and colorful characters—the likes of which she never saw in the Indiana mining town where she was raised. Can she manage to keep herself out of trouble as she pursues her dreams?

And here’s an EXCLUSIVE from Kim:

SONG OF MY HEART was birthed in the basement of an antique store in Paxico, Kansas. I’ve shared about the stage beneath the store, which was originally a mercantile in the late 1800s/early 1900s, and how wondering what kind of performances took place down there led to creating the underground opera house and its illegal dealings. While browsing the store, I came across a lovely little teacup from England. The blue bands captured my attention–such a delicate blue! The color of a robin’s egg or of the Kansas sky on a clear, sunny afternoon. I brought it home, and as the story emerged, the blue worked its way into the story…in a little gift from Sid to Sadie, in the way Thad described the color of Sadie’s eyes, in the wildflowers growing outside of town. 

The teacup has given me pleasure, but it served its purpose, so now its ready to bless someone else with its graceful presence. If you’d like to win it, just comment on this post and Yvonne will pick a winner out of a hat. Good luck, and I trust you’ll enjoy this beautiful little cup as much as I have!  –Kim Vogel Sawyer

That’s sweet of her, isn’t it? A teacup given between friends is the best kind of gift. You can find more about Kim at her site, and you can purchase SONG OF HER HEART at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, or your local bookstore.

Thanks for joining me for this stop!

STOP #21 SCAVENGER HUNT CLUE: me.”

Next up? Stop #22, Winnie Griggs!

Pictures

The Craft and Creativity of Writing

TITLE: THE CRAFT AND CREATITY OF WRITING(thought I’d share with you this article I wrote for Novel Rocket

THE CRAFT OF WRITING