PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
 
Monday, March 17, 2025
1:30 – 3:00 p.m
 
4Given Coffee Shop    
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220      info@4givencoffee.com
 
How convenient—grab a coffee or tea at the 4Given Coffee shop (and a Danish if you’d like) and attend the meeting in the conference room, which is located on the 2nd floor.

Thank you, Naomi for all the behind the scenes assistance that you provide! We appreciate you!  
 
WORK IT TOGETHER facilitated by Susan Marlene & guided by all of those attending. :) 
Let's talk shop and share ideas about our latest work in process (WIP). Let’s help one another stimulate ideas and be more motivated. What is your next step or do you need to decide on your direction.

Bring your needs to the table, and we will work together, share insights, and use our experience to move into marketing beyond for our future publications. Maybe we can spin some social media madness, too? Each of our WORK IT TOGETHER sessions will be unique and tailored to the writers in attendance. 
We will try to get to everyone's projects, but we must work within the time allotted. I appreciate the wisdom of our group who honestly and kindly worked together to help and inspire one another!

Be ready to learn some great info from each other and have a lot of fun!
PROMPT: THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Pens meetings are free and encouraging! We hope to see you there! 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

 

 

SPARK THE REVOLUTION by Multi Award-Winning author, Megan Soja

 

The Revolutionary period is so interesting! Megan Soga’s characters spring to life on the pages of this novel in full 1773 costumery, customs, and societal attitudes. 

 A book must be beautifully written, insightful, and adventurous for me to love it. Well, I love it! Patience and Will Abbott and Josiah Wagner’s story caused me to consider those actually living through such times of tested loyalties. How heart-wrenching to realize the division that happened or was threatened between families, friends, and neighbors. I drank in this novel, which offers so much to the reader. Not only does SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION offer colonial tensions with England, but this is a beautiful sweet romance. 

The stirring of the revolution brought so many pressures to bear on the colonials, and Megan took full advantage of the past to present a moving story thrumming with life—as though she held her finger on the pulse of the very tensions that plagued the people facing the most powerful nation on earth. 

This story fully captures the courage, motivations, and risks that brewed hotly in 1773. I highly recommend SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION. This is a historical novel that is clean yet romantic and inspiring! If you purchase this book—happy reading!

I’m looking forward to more from Megan Soga, and I anticipate you will also. I was given a free copy of SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION to review and these are my honest thoughts and impressions of Megan Sola's story! 

You may learn more about Megan Soga on her website. It is here that you can sign up for her newsletters, and discover her social media  https://megansoja.com/

BOOK TWO, SECRETS OF THE REVOLUTION will be published JUNE 10, 2025!

DREAM TO DESTINATION, GOD'S HELP FOR ASPIRING NOVELISTS by Award-Winning Novelest, Beth Ann Ziarnik

Did you catch that writing bug? Do you have a novel simmering and stirring in your heart that begs release? DREAM TO DESTINATION is the book for you. From the conception of your idea to delivery, Beth Ann takes you step by step.

DREAM TO DESTINATION is like having a personal coach helping you to realize the next step. Not just how-to and what-to details are listed, but encouragement mingled with the enthusiasm one needs to complete a novel. What I just listed is encapsulated in these pages.

When I first saw DREAM TO DESTINATION I thought I could review it for our writer’s group members. I found that I really needed direction from this award-winning author. As I went from chapter to chapter and topic to topic, I felt the inspiration rising and my knowledge increasing. I had run aground onto a dry space and felt every obstacle intensely. This book aided me to getting my train on the tracks and running again.

Something I loved about Beth Ann’s DREAM TO DESTINATION is that she included those who write slower and those who write shockingly fast. I felt there was no guilt or false expectation laid upon my shoulders. Setting up characters and getting to know them takes time. Also, setting up all the social media a writer needs whether they have a publisher or are self-publish isn’t accomplished in the blink of an eye.

Beth Ann includes a bonus—ideas for setting up a successful book launch. A lot of times writers want to rush in and publish their baby as soon as the last word is written but I agree with Beth. I recommend DREAM TO DESTINATION for seasoned writers and new to the dream writers along with everyone in-between.

This is a book with a fresh look, fresh insight, fresh encouragement from one who experienced difficulties and joys through her own publishing journey. Her first book was award-winning! Bravo, Beth Ann. This will be a book I will refer to keep on track, continued encouragement, and freshly remember why and who I write for!

You may contact or learn more about Beth Ann Ziarnik and her other books at her website:  www.bethziarnik.com

 

 

SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION by Megan Soja's Early Release for Barnes and Noble or Kobo on ebooks for 2 Weeks LIMITED TIME

 

Here is an early release alert for Megan Soja's novel SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION!  I'm enjoying her novel now, and I wanted you, sweet reader, to realize that this well-written, clean, romantic historical is available for you at 

BARNES AND NOBLE  and KOBO right now! 


Where can you find your copy?? I'm so glad that you asked! You will find the links for Megan's wonderful novel on her website:  

https://megansoja.com/ or at the BARNES AND NOBLE or KOBO websites! 


If you prefer to read from your Kindle or purchase a paperback copy SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION will be available in two weeks! 


There you have it--or can get it online. ebook is available NOW  at those locations! 


EXCUSE ME WHILE I DIVE BACK INTO MY COPY OF MEGA'S SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION! 


If you like the American Revolution--you will love this novel!

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS MEETING -- WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 2025

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
 CHANGED TIME TO 10:00 – 11:30 a.m

SNOW HAS NOT BEEN OUR FRIEND! :) Hope to see you there!

 
4Given Coffee Shop    
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220      info@4givencoffee.com
Room 204 -3 on the second floor (Past the green chairs!)
 
How convenient—grab a coffee or tea at the 4Given Coffee shop (and a Danish if you’d like) and attend the meeting in the conference room, which is located on the 2nd floor.

Thank you, Naomi, for all the behind-the-scenes assistance that you provide! We appreciate you!  
 
REVIEWING STORY PLOTTING facilitated by Susan Marlene & guided by all of those attending. :) Don’t want to get stuck when writing your story? That would be peachy, but many of us fall into the mire of where my characters go from here and who are they really. I’ve wandered around in my first attempts at writing stories before and it isn’t fun. This past year I admit to getting stuck in the mire and not knowing my characters well enough to proceed. Then I remembered to go back to the basics and revisit a book on writing called GMC GOAL, MOTIVATION, & CONFLICT by Debra Dixon. Ideas started firing! I’m focused. I’m back! Hooray!

How about your project? I will plop down some helpful strategies and show you Debra’s book (one I believe every author should use) for navigating and creating characters and plot. Then let’s dig in and see what everyone is working on and wants help with. The great thing about GMC is that no matter what kind of writer you are (plotter or seat-of-the-pants), this book has direction for you and lots of mileage on successfully published stories influenced by these goal, motivation, and conflict principles. 

So we will keep back time from teaching for anyone who wants to bounce some ideas or brainstorm their work in progress—if they want to.  

We will try to get to everyone's projects, but we must work within the time allotted. I appreciate the wisdom of our group who honestly and kindly worked together to help and inspire one another!

Be ready to learn some great info from each other and have a lot of fun!
PROMPT: 2025 Goals to bring a good start!
Pens meetings are free and encouraging! We hope to see you there! 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

AUTHOR INTERVIEW about INTENTIONAL FIRES, Book Two of Sunrise Crik Series by Rebecca McLafferty

 

 

Rebecca gently pulled me into INTENTIONAL FIRES but then snatched my concern with a memorable scene from the past that offered a firm base for the story that unfolds. Toni Stevens is a single mom who runs her tree farm and financially provides for her children, mother, and tree farm workers during a difficult time. Fires and tree theft are wreaking havoc on her land, and Toni must find the courage to discover who is sabotaging her family's future. 

U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan, Toni's fiancé, has a dangerous job. Not only is he trying to connect with one of his fiancé's sons, who isn't interested in accepting him, but he is actively investigating possible arson, where someone perished in the fire. As he moves deeper into the forest, he faces other dangers. Drug runners are busy protecting their products from anyone who would get in their way. 

The main characters are strong and grow stronger as they meet each new disaster and challenge Rebecca brings to life with pen and paper. The character's struggles make them feel like personal friends. The thread of family history, unity, joy, and pain makes this novel a rich read for me.  I encourage you to check it out, too. 

Characters from INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Book One of the Sunrise Crik Series, were an added adventure and delight. INTENTIONAL FIRES was well-written. The tension kept me turning pages, and the hidden reason behind everything that happened in this story took me by surprise at the very end. What a satisfying and well-researched novel. The theme of INTENTIONAL FIRES is about overcoming your past. Certainly, it is a read worth visiting and revisiting.
​
Who do you trust? Who is worth trusting? Those questions circled my thoughts as I read INTENTIONAL FIRES, Book Two of the Sunrise Crik Series. I love a novel that inspires my soul and one that I can relate to. I couldn't wait to share my review of this novel with you.

Author Interview with Rebecca McLafferty

When I reviewed your interview from INTENTIONAL HEIRS, I realized how interesting those answers would be for those who stop in and visit my website for this INTENTIONAL FIRES interview! So, let’s delve into some fresh questions for Book Two of your SUNRISE CRIK series!
  
 
Question: What is your favorite inspiration for overcoming? This could be a scripture, or experience, or both! 
 
Answer: That's a tough question! There are so many wonderful verses! One of my all-time favorites is Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
 
I love that verse for multiple reasons. It reminds me that I am not in control; my God is. If I'm in the middle of something that I can't make sense of, or I've run into a roadblock, it probably means I'm trying to do something by myself. I need to turn my focus onto God for clarity, understanding, and guidance.
 
Question: Did someone you know (or read about) inspire you to create a character for this novel?
 
Answer: Yes and yes! :) I read a few years ago about a mother and daughter who were working together, trying to save their family tree farm. That idea intrigued me. With the Sunrise Crik Series being set in Montana, the venue was perfect. My husband and I had planted acres of Christmas trees on our alpaca farm, so we had first-hand knowledge about the process. I researched Christmas tree farms to make sure the details were completely accurate. I love Christmas trees! And I have great memories of searching for and cutting down that "perfect" tree. (Side note: In my cozy farm store, I kept a Christmas corner decorated year-round, a tree included.)
 
Question: What is the greatest benefit for the person who forgives someone who wronged them—in your opinion?
 
Answer: I learned years ago that a person who has been wronged is likely to experience turmoil over the situation. That angst can last the remainder of their life. The issue can become obsessive or blown out of proportion. Often, the person who did the wrong-doing has either forgotten about it or never paid much attention to the offense in the first place. When the victim forgives the offender, they remove a bitter burden from their own heart. The lifting of that burden can be life-changing.
 
Question: Why do you write novels and devotions?
 
Answer: I write so people can experience walking in the shoes of my characters. Plant Christmas trees! Climb mountain paths! Ride an all-terrain vehicle across bumpy ground! How do characters relate to one another and how do they face problems? As my characters grow in their relationship with Jesus, I pray that my readers will do the same. It is my goal that they will not only be captivated by the story's plot, but they will be reassured that God loves them regardless of their faults. God will forgive all wrongdoings and He yearns for us--His children--to have a relationship with our Savior, Jesus.
 
Question: What is your favorite drink to sip on and favorite snack that gives you energy when writing?
 
Answer: Wow, how long can this list be? Just kidding. My morning go-to is sipping coffee while nibbling on Belvita Breakfast Biscuits. In the afternoon, I switch from coffee to either herbal tea or water. I try not to snack much in the afternoon. A midday pickup might be trail mix or mixed nuts. (Disclaimer: I try not to eat chocolate until after supper, but temptations may possibly--very occasionally--come in the form of a Snickers bar.) 
 
Question: What do you love about your writing journey?
 
Answer: Almost everything! I love looking back to where I started. It truly has been a journey. Christian friends have grown together, nurturing our writing passion and developing into lifelong friendships. I've learned through writers' groups, conferences, and hands-on experience. God has always been my rock, opening doors and closing others. The only thing better than worshipping God is worshipping Him with like-minded writers! I love learning and when something new is a challenge, and then it works--whaala! That's a great feeling. I'm excited about what lies ahead and what impact we will make.
 
Thank you so much for allowing me this author interview. It's been such fun!
 
Rebecca, thank you for taking the time to share such a wonderful interview!

Here is my review link for INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Book One of the Sunrise Crik series:
You will want to really check out the author interview following my book review of INTENTIONAL HEIRS! 

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/06-2020

You may find out more about Rebecca McLafferty and be advised of her next novel offerings at:

https://mclaffertyenterprises.com/books/
https://www.facebook.com/author.rebecca.mclafferty

P.S. Such a perfect cover by Roseanna White Designs 

THE HUNTRESS OF THE CITADEL, BONDED REALS, Book Three by Regan Allen

 

Sweet. HUNTRESS OF THE CITADEL is the sweetest of the Bonded Realms stories. Yes, I've been given this book to review, and I never take on books unless I'm absolutely sure I will love them. Regan Allen met my expectations and exceeded them too! Let me tell you why. 

Because her characters melted my heart. The storyline kept me turning pages, concerned, and intrigued. Regan has the marvelous ability to use this unique fantasy world and the cultures to afford room for her characters to interact, struggle, and grow. Regan's characters practically breathe on the pages, and their struggles and concerns are relatable. I love that in characters. Strong, unique, and courageous characters are a must for me to love a story. I've read the whole series so far, and I  recommend them by word of mouth. HUNTRESS OF THE CITADEL is hot off the pages and freshly published and I've already been telling others about this wonderful read.

This fantasy world holds charm, warmth, and danger. I love wandering around through these pages. I feel as though I'm somewhere special, like the AVITAR movies! The cultures are so different from one other making them interesting and ripe for conflict! Oh, I love conflict in a story! (So much better than real-life conflict!) 

I do hope for more in this series. Fantasy has not been my go-to genre to read, but the fullness of these pages with a story that matters keeps me glued to the pages and wanting more. Suprise and humor are weaved in just for a touch of delightfulness. 

A review for Regan Allen's FREE prequel, SEER OF THE WILDWOOD may be found on my website: 
​http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/08-2024

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/princess-of-the-shadows-by-regan-allen

You may find Regan Allen at:

 https://reganallenbooks.com/ 

I highly recommend this story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!