I Need Your Help by James L. Rubart

A friend of mine posed a question to a group of authors last week I think is intriguing. Why do we buy the books we buy? Or put another way, what is the path you take when buying a book?

He posits there are three phases before someone buys a book:

• Stage One- Learning the book exists
• Stage Two- Becoming interested in the book once you know it exists
• Stage Three- The trigger that causes us to purchase the book

If you’d like to play, tell me the name of the last book you bought (not one of those free downloads) and what led you to buy it.

I’ll go first to show you what I mean: 

I was at a marketing seminar in Austin, TX in early April. While at the seminar, a guest speaker came and told about his journey of publishing. He showed his latest book, THE ONE THING, and explained the cover design and why they did the back cover copy the way they did it. It looked intriguing so I put it on my Wish List.

A few weeks later, my wife asked if I’d buy her a book. I went online to order it, and took a quick look at my Wish List. There at the top was THE ONE THING. I read a few reviews, liked what I saw and decided to order it.

Your turn, I’d love to hear from you!

Jesus: The Revolutionary with His Upside-Down Ideas

Have you ever thought about the many ideas that Jesus brought into human history? I was thinking about this, and it is clear that Jesus brought ideas that are upside down from the world’s way of thinking. We could call Jesus a revolutionary!

One of the major ideas Jesus brought into human history is that the one who serves others is the greater versus the greatest is one served by others. And, how about the idea that everyone is equal in the Kingdom of God regardless of race, gender, or social standing. That was a revolutionary idea that many did not like.  In the US today we see this idea played out for the most part, but in some areas of the world you still see women, children, and slaves horrifically abused. There is no equality. We should ask ourselves, how we perceive others. Do we look at people through a lens of inequality in various situations? Do we treat everyone as true equals? Still, another idea Jesus brought to the world is that those who give away, receive more. How many people actually live by that principle? I would guess, few. I looked at my life and asked myself, am I living as though this idea is truth to me? How about you? Do you believe this idea to be true? Are you living it out in your life? Really, all of the Beatitudes are ideas that are contrary to much of the world then, and now.Just take a look at them.

For instance, Jesus said those who are gentle and lowly are blessed and that the whole earth would belong to them. In the world then, and today we see all kinds of striving between people and nations. People fight to gain more power and position. This is seen in the workplace and even in the church.  People strive for control over more people and to gain land. We see governments and men in powerful positions and groups such as the Palestinians who desire to obtain land that belongs to another. Jesus characterized the lowly with humility, self discipline, and submission; whereas, the world’s attitude is one of self-exaltation and lust for control and position. Jesus said those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (satisfied). In the world all around us we see people thirsting for self gratification and yet they are left unsatisfied. We should ask ourselves, what are we looking to for fulfillment. Is it Jesus’ life being lived through ours or are we trying to find satisfaction in people, position, things, honor, etc.?

Jesus said the one who cares for others (charity) will be cared for. Most of the world is concerned to seek justice only for themselves, with no concern about justice for the weak and broken who cannot help themselves. Again, we can ask ourselves if we are more “me” focused or are we “other” focused. If we are not other focused, is it because we don’t believe in Jesus’ idea?

Jesus said that those who are peacemakers will receive the Father’s blessing and will be called a child of God. We see, even inside of the church, many who pursue peacekeeping instead of peacemaking. They do what they need to do in order to avoid rejection and to keep the peace. They fail to be transparent in relationships and sometimes fail to offer forgiveness although on the outside they wear a smile. This is the same idea promoted in the world – keep the peace at any cost. They pretend that there is no break in the relationship when there really is and they move on without the other person, who may even be unaware of what caused the break. This leaves that person in a hurting condition. But the one moves on unconcerned with how their actions affect them. They are just happy to look like they are keeping peace and happy that they themselves are protected from rejection. The peacemaker Jesus spoke of pursues peace at risk of rejection and is open and transparent, desiring a true unity in the spirit. They are quick to forgive others as they see themselves as ministers of reconciliation.

Jesus said that those who are persecuted for His name would receive the Kingdom of Heaven. We see believers in countries such as Iran and Afghanistan persecuted for their faith in Christ. There is a pastor who is imprisoned in Iran right now because he will not deny Christ. The world doesn’t understand why he and others like him would go through such suffering when they could be freed of it by renouncing Christ. These Christians choose to entrust themselves and their life circumstances to God knowing that as they share in Christ’s sufferings, they will also share in His glory. They are committed and faithful to God and empowered by His Spirit to stand. All of us who call ourselves Christian should ask ourselves would we follow the world if we were in this situation or would we stand. The key to standing is developing an attitude of commitment and faithfulness now in the small things concerning the Christian life. This will prepare us to stand committed should this type of persecution be in our future.

Jesus Christ was definitely a revolutionary! Please feel free to comment on the few ideas I have shared that Christ brought to us. Or, share another idea that He brought into human history that is upside down from the world’s way of thinking.

 

Is Bigger Better?

 

Just received my author copies for my upcoming release, Riptide, yesterday. Actually I received only four of them because they are the True Large Print versions. Not LARGE PRINT, but TRUE large print.  This version is like a trade-sized novel and yes, the words are huge.

Of course, on our e-readers we can adjust the size of fonts to make for easier reading if needed.

So choosing your book is no longer just about about whether or not you prefer to hold the hard copy in your hand, it’s what size of font you prefer. I’ve picked up some mass market books with print so small that even with my glasses it was a strain to read them.

So what’s the consensus out there—bigger is better?

Blessings!

Elizabeth Goddard

 

Finding Joy

With the events of Boston still fresh in my mind this past week, I found myself thinking about joy in the midst of hardship or tragedy. Finding joy during hopeless situations of life can be difficult. Impossible even. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to find it. The Word says,  “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”(Neh 8:10)  Yeah, well when times are hard, we sure aren’t thinking about strength. Our first inclination might be,  how do I get out of this in one piece!

Tragedy has a way of making you look at life differently. Of living your life differently. What was once normal is now strange. The strange becomes normal. The new normal, as it is called. Life begins to move on a different track. We don’t see life; our relationships, family, jobs, the same. How do we deal with it?

Having lived through the worst possible tragedy a parent can face, the death of my twenty-three year old daughter, I believe I had two choices. Give in to the grief or seek out the comfort of the Lord. I chose joy. This is how we beat the enemy in tough times. With joy.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut 31:8

God has promised he will never leave us. During times of extreme grieving and pain, I wondered how that could be true. Honestly, I didn’t feel the presence of the Lord because I didn’t want to. That would require more energy than I was able to muster at the time. Spending time with God was raw, it hurt, because I hurt. But I learned that God has big shoulders. He knows what you and I are going through. And He is there, never leaving us.

Through this whole process I’ve come to trust the Lord more. It isn’t easy, but I have purposely looked for joy in every area of life, even on days when I don’t feel up to it. I hope you can do the same by calling on His name.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10

Have You Read This Guy Lately? By Hannah Alexander

I have a habit of reading an author’s book, then if I like it, I’ll find all of that author’s other titles and read them back to back, overdosing on the style and characters and stories created by that one author. I’m sure no one else has ever done this, right? It’s something I wish more readers would do with my books. I have a lot of favorite novelists, and James Scott Bell has always been one of them.

If you haven’t read Jim’s books yet, you’re in for a treat, and the best way to test the waters is to find one of his novelettes online at a very reasonable price and download it to your ereader of choice (Sorry, Jim Rubart, but it’s only on ebook). My latest favorite character of his is a nun named Sister Justicia Marie, and Justicia is a name with meaning. She kicks bad-guy butt with style in Force of Habit.

Something I’ve always looked for in a good novel is humor. I’m not talking over-the-top humor or slapstick comedy, but just the right set of words at the right time so the trials of my favorite characters don’t draw me into depression. Both Force of Habit novelettes have that just-right touch of humor that had me laughing out loud. That’s hard to do, but Jim does it quite well. One of his latest novels, Don’t Leave Me, has dizzying, fast-paced action, and he puts his main character through all kinds of grief, but he layers it well with moments of humor and touching characterization that lighten the dark spots, adding depth and warmth to a fascinating read.

Let me put it like this–for thirty years, my very favorite novelist of all time has been Dean Koontz. If you like Dean Koontz, you’ll probably like James Scott Bell. Enough said.

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?

Reading to Escape

This week has been tough all around. I watched the prayer service for the attack on Boston and the news anchor asked how we go back to living our lives.Good question. As I write this post I’m watching the news on the blast in Waco.

Of course we need to face life and deal with issues, but there’s a time and season for everything. Real life is one reason I enjoy reading books that take me away, stories that give me an escape. I don’t want to read a heart-wrenching novel consumed with tragedy. 

Recently one of my readers shared that when she gets down she picks up one of my books and it just takes her away to good places. That warmed my heart to know that I had helped her in this way.

We all read for different reasons. Is reading to escape one of yours?

Blessings!

Beth

Words by Tara Randel

How often do we think about the words we say? Or read? We are bombarded with words from television, the internet, and books. Do we listen or tune them out? Do we take them to heart?

 As an author, I know that words have a very powerful impact in my life. I chose them carefully in my fiction. And I appreciate thoughtful words from the authors I read. To me, that’s the joy of reading. A wonderfully crafted sentence or the clever use of a word that makes me think.

 Some of my favorite words? Love. Compassion. Redeemed. Thankful.

 As a wife and mother, I know that words have power in the lives of our loved ones. Do we speak words of encouragement and love, or are we critical and judgmental? When we decided to have children, I wanted to speak life and encouragement to them. I made my husband promise me that he’d tell me when I veered from this. Apparently I did, because he reminded me of this. Once. Then I made a concerted effort to choose my words wisely. Not that I’m perfect, there are trying days when you regret things said, but for the most part, I’m glad I took that path. I have a wonderful relationship with my children. And, because I never shied away from using ‘big’ words around them, they have great vocabularies. I’m very proud of that.

 On the flip side, do we listen to other people? Really listen? Do we stop our stream of words long enough to hear what others have to say? So many folks talk, but have not learned the art of listening. Maybe as a society we get our clue from TV, with the over abundance of reality and news shows were everyone speaks over everyone else, or they don’t care what they say as long as they get five minutes of fame. Really, those types of shows wear me out. Sometimes I sit in the silence of my living room, enjoying no words at all.   

 Words are all around us. Books. Magazines. Newspapers. The radio. Sitting in a crowded coffee shops with multiple conversations all around us. It makes for a very interesting life.

 So here is an uplifting way to think about this topic.

 

1. Try to use a new word every day.
2. Make an effort to use positive words with family or friends. You never know what one mighty word can do to lift a person’s spirits.
3. Listen. No matter how much you want to add to the topic, let the other person have their say. You never know, you might learn something new.

 Let me know some of your favorite words.

A Doctor With A Heart by Hannah Alexander

No, I’m not going to lapse into song about my wonderful husband and our new clinic. That time for promotion has passed, and most folks reading this can’t drive far enough to have Mel check them out, anyway. We live in the boonies of Missouri.

Last week, however,  I searched for and found a doctor in Parsons, KS, who is a dream come true for any patient who has longed for a doctor to  sit and listen to medical burdens, who will never overcharge, will make house calls if the situation is serious, and who truly cares more for his patients than for the bottom line. At first, talking to this man, I had trouble believing him.

But Gary Yarbrough, MD, turned out to be the real thing. He has no overhead because he runs his own office, from answering phones to keeping patient records. He was a great deal of help to me when I asked him about our own clinic, and how we might increase patient load. I discovered he makes house calls for many more than I expected, especially the Amish in his area, who would have to ride horse and buggy through snow or heat to get to his office. He drives his PT Cruiser to them. He works with midwives and treats them with respect, and he keeps up with his beloved patients over the years. Like us, he keeps his business a cash-only set-up so he can pass along his savings to his patients.

After he asked me if I worked in the clinic with Mel, I explained that I’m not much practical help for Mel because I’m a novelist. That brightened Gary up. He, himself, has written a delightful book of stories about working with Amish and English alike, and he gives quite a good insight into the lives of the Amish without, of course, betraying patient confidentiality. If you think you might want to read some of his very well written vignettes about his experiences as a country doctor, check out his novel. I’ve tried to transfer a link to his Kindle Ebook titled House Calls by Gary Yarbrough. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=House+Calls+by+Gary+Yarbrough

I know, I’ve tried and possibly failed, but it would be worth your while to find and read the book if you want to read an inspiring book written by an inspiring human being.

If you do happen to read the book and enjoy it, please take the time to write a review. He’s a newbie in the writing business, and he could use as much support as he gives to his patients.

Today Only Special Sale: James L. Rubart’s SOUL’S GATE

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.

Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.

Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.

They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity—and how to step into the supernatural.

Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn’t fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he’ll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.”

If you haven’t read Soul’s Gate,  or you’ve read and loved it and want to gift it to a friend, there’s no better time than right now.

For today only, Barnes and Noble has the Nook version listed as its Daily Find, and that saves you a lot of money.  Regularly $10.39, just for today, you can get the Nook version for $2.99!

Want to buy it now?  Just click the button!

EasDon’t Think About the Cross this Easter by James L. Rubart

The cross has not only become the symbol for Easter, it’s become the symbol for all of Christianity.

The reason I say “become” is because it hasn’t always been that way. For the early Christians, the symbol of Christianity was the empty tomb. And by early, I don’t mean the first few years of the church.

The cross didn’t become into prevalent usage in art or churches until the 4th century.

Forgive me for repeating myself, but it was the EMPTY TOMB that the early Christians kept in the forefront of their minds.

Do we do the same?

I’m not trying to lessen our attention on the cross, only make sure we give equal focus to the power of the resurrection -which is the triumph of Life over death. It is the picture of our rebirth into men and women who have become the temple of God and have the Spirit living in the new Holy of Holies, our hearts.

He is risen. The tomb is empty. Let us focus and rejoice in that, the greatest news of all time, and live our own resurrected life because of what He has done.

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!

Happy To Be Here by Tara Randel

 Hello! My name is Tara Randel and I’m excited about posting here at Christians Read.

I’ve been writing for what seems like forever, but published since 2000. It’s been a long process, a lot of ups and downs along the way, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Writing is a passion for me and I believe that when you have a God-given gift, you should use it.  So with a giant leap of faith, I decided to take a chance and put my work out there. I’m so glad I did.

Since writers spend so many hours at the keyboard with only the stories in our heads to keep us company, it’s great to have a place to interact with readers. First and foremost I’ve always been an avid reader and love being in a community that allows me to touch base with others who love to read.  And being able to share my faith journey with others? That’s icing on the cake. We all have different paths we’ve traveled down.  Every one of us has a different life story and no matter what we’ve been through, when we band together, we grow stronger. You never know where life will take you and sitting here at my computer, writing this blog, is one of those places I never imagined I’d be.

This journey of life is not for the faint of heart, with all kinds of ups and downs and everything in between, but books help make the way more enjoyable. I know I have my absolute favorites, as I’m sure you do too, the dog-eared copies we can’t get rid of so we can reread those books from time to time. Books take us away from the day-to-day and bring us to a place where everything is right with the world as we spend a few hours immersed in a story we love. I’ve always been an avid fiction fan, but I have to say that most times in my life when I’ve needed a lift or answer to a problem or want to know God better, I reach for my Bible. No matter what I do, for me, it all comes back to books.  

In  August, Orange Blossom Brides, my newest title, will be released by Harlequin Heartwarming. I’m excited to be a part of this new line. While not an inspirational line, I believe the stories will still be an inspiration. The books I have previously published are similar to the Heartwarming line. Love. Family. Small town values. Books your daughters and granddaughters can share. I love the to write about those values. 

So I’m ready to take a new journey. Won’t you join me?

 

A Day in the Life

Of a writer.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. That’s a line from one of my favorite classic novels. Raise your hand if you can’t remember which one. Or Google it. (I love saying that.)

 
Those words best describe my week.  Yesterday I picked up my new laptop. That should count as the best of times. I’ve had my other laptop for four or five years and it crashes about fifty times a day. Now I have to transfer four years’ worth of information stored in every nook and cranny of software over to the new laptop. That should be easy, right?

 
How about more like getting a root canal? That seems an appropriate simile, and falls under the worst of times. Transferring my junk has been most painful and I haven’t even made a dent. I’m working off two computers now so that I can get everything done.

 
But add to that—and get this—I actually went in for a root canal this week. A root canal in addition to having to learn a new operating system and transfer all my information. What are the chances? Again, the worst of times.

 
Unfortunately the root canal turned into a complete extraction because apparently I cracked my tooth in half–thank you very much Peanut M&M’s. But I need the M&M’s to get me over the tough afternoons when my brain is drained and I need to push through a scene. (Ah, Peanut M&M’s—the best of times)

 
Since I’m a writer, I know how to turn the scene around. Having a tooth extracted means a liquid or soft diet at least for a day. Hello chocolate pudding. Chocolate ice cream. Many flavors of yogurt, oh and cream of potato, cream of everything soup.

 

 

One again. . .
It was the best of times.

Blessings!

Elizabeth
Words from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

It Can’t Be Done? by James L. Rubart

Do you believe in the can’ts? I do. I believed in them before I got published.  I believed the voice that said, “You can’t write.” I believed in the cant’s when I wanted to sing on the worship team at church. So many things I believed I couldn’t do that turned out to be lies.

You can do it, whatever your “it” is. Really. If God is for it, you can. Now there is the necessity of gifting and desire to be in sync. For example, I still have a desire to play in the NFL. But the talent isn’t there. It just ain’t going to happen in this age.  And I have a talent for playing guitar, but I don’t have the desire needed to do anything significant with it.

But if you have the gifting and the desire … look out. The only thing that can stop you is the can’ts you allow to stay in your mind and heart.

And now for little inspiration from a young man doing something I have neither the skill or desire to do … but WOW! He’s shown me something I thought couldn’t be done certainly can be.