Readers’Favorite—AWARD FINALIST—MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH, ALIEN INVASION

Readers’Favorite—AWARD 

FINALIST—ALIEN INVASION

What a fun story! I purchased this book for my granddaughter. While I’m waiting for her to get older so that we can read it together—I sampled the pages—kept reading and enjoyed the whole experience!

MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH, ALIEN INVASION is Dominic’s third adventure at Point Beach State Forest, and yet this is a fresh story with an interesting spin to it. Sailor and Forest—important friends from the first and second books—are there to add assistance as well as their humor! I love the situations the kids find themselves in. The mysteries are believable and keep me guessing.

The characters are so different and entertaining that I find myself laughing out loud.

​I like all of the main characters that I’ve already mentioned along with GB, Windsong, Ranger Rick, and one I’d met in person—Ollie. I find that I actually learn about stuff as I’m enjoying how the mystery builds. Also, I live in the area and learned about the local Sputnikfest event. Now, I want to make it a point to attend this unique-to-our-area festival. I’ve never stayed at our local Point Beach Park either, but it does sound like an exciting place to camp and share summer memories. If I ever do, I will be sure to look for the famous Nimrod. For if Nimrod is there, I’m sure that Dominic and friends might possibly be solving another fun mystery. Thank you, Kate and Deborah Ann, for another fantastic and entertaining story of merit! I’m glad to have read this adventure, and I do highly recommend this book to other readers.

QUESTIONS FOR KATE & DEBORAH ANN:

Dominic is a real person! I know this from attending one of your book signings. Which story in this series is his favorite?
DEBBY: Dominic likes all of the books. He’s looking forward to more adventures from his namesake.
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You have such interesting and different mystery topics in each book. How did you come up with the “Alien Invasion” focus for this book?
KATE: I thought about the reading audience, and what keeps kids entertained at that age—that’s where the aliens come in. Since the books each include local history, I also drew off of an eye- witness account involving a spacecraft spotted near Point Beach and a newspaper article about a green meteor that landed in Lake Michigan a few years ago.  It’s fascinating story material—even for adults.

Do your children influence your writing and topics?
KATE: Definitely. They give me a pocket full of insight as to what interests young people, how they talk, and react which I can then apply to the main characters’ personalities. Also, it helps that I can go to some of my son’s favorite books and study the writing techniques used by other authors for that age level.

Do you have another story idea brewing?
KATE: Just one??? LOL Right now, we’ve been approached by someone who is encouraging us to turn book 1, Sundae Wars, into a play that would be performed locally. Other than that, we were contemplating a story that revolves around the “ghost” of a lumberjack for book 4.

Without revealing who Ollie is, may I ask whose idea it was to include him? (By the way, I was touched when I read his part in the story.)
KATE: Debby had a great idea for the mystery portion of this book, which involved this additional “character.”  We chose the name Ollie, because he was a “Big” part of one of our fellow writer’s life, and she missed him very much. He was one of a kind!
Where can your readers find you online? Do you have fun activities for your readers there?

DEBBY: We’re online at Facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach and on our website: www.MysteryatPointBeach.com. Be sure to check out the fun game our web designer created!

​Mystery at Point Beach: Alien Invasion is a 2019 Readers' Favorite Finalist in the Children - Mystery genre!
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

You can learn more about Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Ann Erdmann and "Mystery at Point Beach" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/mystery-at-point-beach/1 where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

DiAnn Mills' use of deep characterization, thoughts, emotions, and motives of the main characters—Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert—securely pinned me to “Fatal Strike’s” pages. I’ve raved about every one of DiAnn’s novels that I’ve read, but she has plunged into a new level that I appreciate and celebrate! Thank you, DiAnn, for offering this novel to me for my honest review. You wrote on the inside cover, “Expect an Adventure,” which you delivered with excellence.

I felt heat burdening Galveston and Houston Texas as descriptive local countryside and shoreline scenes aided the plot. Local restaurants and businesses etc. became realistic as the character’s sweating and or other reactions moved the suspense forward. DiAnn lead my imagination easily through the layers of conflict and anticipation. The support characters and antagonists were varied, mysterious, and kept me guessing until the very end. Okay, I’ll admit it, I did think the main bad person was a different character. What a fun puzzle of a story with characters I enjoyed getting to know. The preverbal feeling of being that fly-on-the-wall—observing interactions as the story progressed—followed me throughout this adventuresome read.

FBI agents have a difficult and dangerous occupation, and this novel helped me to become aware of their sacrifice and courage. They engage in emotionally charged emergencies and gang-related activities which I can’t imagine facing. Strong, dedicated, and focused agents are willing to put in long hours to conquer threatening situations. Yet, how many are appreciated for their full worth?

Known for rigorous research—DiAnn spends quality time with FBI, border control, or whatever occupation employs her heroine. Her stories shine with authenticity. Thank you, DiAnn, for taking the time to become familiar with those who serve our country with selfless tenacity. In my estimation, you exude that same tenaciousness with the written word, exploration of hot issues, as well as those who counteract very real danger.

“Fatal Strike” is a highly recommended suspense story because quality writing and interesting subject matter keep me intrigued. I suggest that you not wait for Christmas shopping to include this in your must-read list. “Fatal Strike” is an emotionally impacting and exhilarating tale of bravery, intelligence, and synergy that burned my midnight candle until the very last word was read.

Questions for DiAnn:

Bravo, DiAnn, for a perfect title for this unique story of a gang using venom to murder and spread fear. How did you come up with this idea?  I wanted a different method for the villain to eliminate victims—no fingerprints, bullets or a gun. Snake venom injected into the heart worked.

Did this story idea wake you, sending your active imagination soring in the middle of the night? Did you jot down story ideas by nightlight?  A number of factors played into the storyline for Fatal Strike. 1) The idea of using injections of rattlesnake venom. 2) A female sniper who longed for reconciliation with her family. 3) A hero who was running from guilt. 4) A setting that is normally seen as a peaceful, a vacation resort. Thoughts rolled through my mind until I had to write the story.

Do you have a theme message in this story especially crafted for your readers?  Yes! Adoption provides a sense of belonging, but we all choose our behavior. Throughout the story, adoption is a thread that binds the characters.

How much time did you spend with FBI agents to come up with these characters?  I interviewed a FBI SWAT member who was also a hostage negotiator. I also spent considerable time researching a sniper’s mindset, what skills are required, and how a sniper processes after a mission.

Can you tell us about your next story venture?  The title is Airborne. An FBI agent boards a plane for Salzburg, Austria for a much-needed vacation and to make decisions about her future. Her husband has asked for a divorce, and he doesn’t know she’s three months pregnant. Two hours into the flight, several people on board begin showing evidence of a deadly virus. 

How do you wish for your readers to contact you? 
My website has all my social media, contact, and blog sign up information. I love hearing from readers! https://diannmills.com/ diann@diannmills.com

Author Bio:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com

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PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

September 17, 2019       Tuesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Manitowoc Public Library in the Franklin St. Room
                                      
707 Quay St, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Street parking and parking in rear available. Wheelchair accessible.
 
Franklin St. Room located on the first floor, to the left of the service desk.      
 
STORIES OF MERIT is our lesson this month. We will explore the power, visibility, and usefulness of short stories. Susan Marlene will be facilitating and invites you come bring a friend!

PROMPT: Short Story of Merit
Write a short story or devotion on an important or life changing topic and turn into a submission—if you want to. 

Let Susan Marlene know if you are attending so that she can save a seat for you and a handout. 

susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share and Pens Meetings are free.
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or
Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

ABIDE IN HIM

Blessed is the man who trusts in you! Psalm 84:12


Does anything else really matter compared to the astonishing presence of our Lord? All the upsets, the judgments, the hurry and flurry we experience each day because stressed out or broken individuals seem to influence our moods. Maybe even our choices.

So why do we permit interruptions and demands to hold precedence over our thoughts? Instead, why don't we allow ourselves to enjoy His company?

King David said in Psalms 84:10, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." Oh yes—at least that, but I genuinely want to be closer to His side. I want to experience Him. The joy of His fellowship and that holy twinkle in His eyes reflecting the sincere love He offers to His own.

Oh to know when He is pleased or moved by compassion.

To hear His whisper or the roar of His command, which trump all competing sounds--that is the wonder my heart seeks. Father God's words are His love song, and He plays the perfect melody tuned to melt my heart.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

One does not arrive in the place where His whisper redirects decisions, alters negative thoughts into life-giving encouragement, or prevents disasters unless their attention belongs to the song that He sings. This relationship costs something. The price is laying aside entertainment, busyness, or maybe a meal. Then one has to quiet their mind. We don't have to perch on high craggy mountainsides. Nor do we have to hide in the deepest space we can find in a cave. We only need quiet moments when we can abide in His presence to worship Him in our hearts. To know Him is to trust Him. Will you spend some time and learn how to believe in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords today?

Blessed is the man who trusts in you! Psalms 84:12

I wrote this for our Pens of Praise meeting in May of 2013.