long walk home by DiAnn Mills

DiAnn held me spellbound as she led me to Sudan with her novel, long walk home. What intrigued me most about this story was the emotional investment that DiAnn obviously spent to share the very real struggles of people from three different cultures in the face of civil war. Getting to know the complex main characters: Paul Farid, Dr. Larson Kerr, Colonel Ben Alier, and Nyok opened my heart to the people they represent in a memorable way.

This story was full of surprise and unexpected angles that were engaging and thought-provoking. long walk home is well written, captivating, and inspiring. I love the hope and struggle that DiAnn weaves throughout the characters’ challenges with expertise that seems easy to create. I couldn’t put this novel down, and I challenge you to say differently! Yes, this is a tale that put my boots on the ground and my heart on the line. This story has everything--entertaining to informative and heart-rending. Knowing that people live under extreme fear, oppression, and strife while we live in very safe locations is eye-opening.

DiAnn asks her readers to pray for the Sudanese. Their struggles are real and overwhelming, and thankfully we have a God who can answer prayers for people an ocean span away that will affect eternity for so many! I found the scripture DiAnn chose to introduce this story quite fitting, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."    2 Corinthians 4:8-9 

DiAnn Mills is an award-winning spunky writer who I am honored to recommend! Find out more about this very author-reader engaged writer on her website, https://diannmills.com/.

I found DiAnn's A Note from the Author so excellent and informative that I do not offer an interview with her at this time. May her account of how her novel came about thrill your heart too! 

Thank you, DiAnn, for how you share and encourage others along their journey!

METHOS, PLANS, & SUCH

METHODS, PLANS, & SUCH
Team Teaching with Pat Klein and Susan Marlene

Motto- a short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution. Definition found on: https://www.google.com/search?q=motto+definition&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS850US850&oq=Motto&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l7.5069j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Mottos can be expressed in any form: sentence, poem, or even a short paragraph. Whatever short phrase will motivate you to achieve your dream goal. Let’s take time to jot down what is important to you for your writing goals. Answer some questions such as: What legacy do you wish to leave? Who do you wish to (encourage, educate, relieve, etc., ect.?) What private achievement or character do you wish to pursue, develop or maintain? Why do you write and what motivates you to do so? NOW that you have thought about some ideas let’s take a few minutes to jot and share.
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​When writing a book idea, who do you see reading your words? Age, Education, Interests, etc.! This is your target audience.
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Bare essential one-liner: What’s your fiction novel’s real story? Following quoted from, How to Write a Novel Using the SNOWFLAKE Method by Randy Ingermanson. The Day of The Jackal, by Frederick Forsyth “Well, it’s a thriller about a professional assassin hired by French terrorists to kill Charles de Gaulle.”
What does this quote reveal? We need only write the basic info that will tell the reader what the story is about. No back story, please. Give the category with a summary of brief important highlights.
Let’s jot ideas! And share if you please! 
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File of recognition of appreciation and or Author’s Note which some authors include in the back of the novel: For example, ones who have encouraged or assisted you with information gathering for this novel, librarians, historians, family, beta readers, your readers, editors, agent, and publisher, and Father God, are some common ones. (Read some examples.) Laura Frantz, Susan Meissner, Susan May Warren

​Jot down some notes for this list of appreciated helpers.

Book 1 of the Grace by The Sea series, Matchmaker’s Rogue, is a beautiful step back into 1804 Dorset, England. I can feel the camaraderie from inside the hot mineral springs Grand Pump Room, hear conversations from hopeful introductions and the tunes played by Maudlyn at the harpsichord. Jesslyn Chance and Larkin Denby had known one another from a previous relationship and find themselves in an awkward reconnection.  He needs to visit this spa for clandestine reasons and she needs to hold her position.  

I love the personal interactions the glue that holds the characters together and tensions working to pull them apart! Regina’s entertaining plot uses the right amount of history to make this work. Oh, the mystery and intrigue and the beautiful location! I’ve read about hot springs and how people flocked to those for improved health before, but this is the first mystery that I’ve read that included one for the location!

Well done Regina! I always enjoy your adventures and can count on a pleasing and interesting story all the way through! 

QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

What led you to use the hot springs spa for your story? (Great location, by the way!)

I visited Bath in England some time ago, and the setting fascinated me. All those strangers coming in and out, the elegant assemblies, the making of new friends, hearts connecting. Of course, I had a story in mind as well, and Bath was a little too far inland for its purposes, so Grace-by-the-Sea was born!

Are the spa or Castle How true historical locations in Dorset England? If so, have you visited them? Any photos?

Grace-by-the-Sea is my own creation. I had this picture in my mind, and I went looking for a likely spot. Dorset seemed perfect. Then I discovered Lulworth Cove! It is exactly how I pictured Grace-by-the-Sea, complete with a castle on the headland, the Lulworth Cove does not have a spa. I have not had the pleasure of visiting yet, but it’s on my bucket list of places to go in England.

If Grace-by-the-Sea is not a real location, did you draw a map of how the spa and the Castle were laid out?
Absolutely. I have a map of the town as well as the layout of the castle itself. It plays a much bigger role in the second book, so I needed to know more intimate details.
Who was the very first character in this story that you developed, and why?
Jesslyn Chance, my heroine, was the first. I’m not sure why. She just came to me, smiling her welcoming smile, so organized and efficient. Maybe I secretly wish I was as organized as she is! 😊

Do you have any fun facts about spas and their popularity in the 1800s?
Bath was the most famous, with its Roman hot water soaking baths. Lyme Regis just down the coast from Grace-by-the-Sea in Dorset was also very popular, though more for the seaside bathing and shops. Jane Austen visited both frequently and lived with her family in Bath for a time.
On Regina's website, I enjoyed the historical elements that she posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/


Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

January 21, 2020

  Tuesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

                                      Manitowoc Public Library

                                        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.      

“METHODS, PLANS & SUCH” is our topic for January. Pat Klein and Susan Marlene will facilitate the meeting to assist our focus and organizing planning for 2020. May we be blessed and a blessing in all our endeavors this year!

PROMPT: Use some or all of these words for a poem, short story, devotion, or anything you please, for a five-minute read. (Hope, irritating, flawless, beggarly, jewel, minimal, strength, and or boldness.)

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

Sometimes our dreams can take an unexpected twist and can bring us up short in a place of decision. Deborah Raney catches her main character, Joanna Chandler, in the middle of such an impasse in “CHASING DREAMS,” the second book in the Chandler Sisters Novel series. Joanna set the bar rather high for her future, and she needs to reevaluate several aspects: her career—both current and her abandoned goal, as well as possible romantic interests.

Both Ben, who is an old flame, and wedding DJ, Lukas Blaine, desire Joanna’s attention. I believe that many single women would feel tugged by the circumstances Joanna experiences in this story—especially when dealing with truths and half-truths.

Deborah Raney has time and time again captured the heart-felt struggles and challenges that many people experience. I personally enjoyed this story’s varied characters and how they grappled with problems. I related to some of the family dynamics because I’m blessed by my sister’s rich support, and it was entertaining to see how the Chandler sisters interacted. Deborah connects with situations so relevant to today’s life in America. That is why Deborah Raney is an RWA RITA Award-winning author who has published thirty-five novels in Twenty-five years. Her first novel, “A VOW TO CHERISH,” was made into a movie! I do recommend Deborah’s novel, “Chasing Dreams,” and I invite you to check her out soon!

QUESTIONS FOR DEBORAH:

I sense that you enjoyed writing this novel, is that so?
I DID! And I’m thrilled that it showed. :) I really did have fun with the novels in this sister series, probably because it made me think of my own sisters and what fun we have together.
Has “Chasing Dreams” been simmering inside you for a long time?
Not like some of my novels! It really came about as a result of having a new series requested. And maybe that was part of the fun of it: something totally new that hasn’t been on a back burner for a while!

Who is your favorite character in this novel?
Mateo quickly won my heart! But I keep coming back to Quinn, now Phee’s husband, and he is my favorite character in the whole series.

Who was the most challenging character to write into this story, and why?
Definitely, Joanna because she has so much growing to do. It was hard to make her likable while she’s holding very unlikable attitudes! I’ve heard from some readers who were frustrated with that. But Jo came around in the end, and I hope those readers will too.
I remember that you volunteer, helping others that have challenges to overcome. I believe that you have moved. Do you plan to continue to dedicate your time to help others? How?
I’ve volunteered in many ways throughout my life, a result of my parents’ example. I took calls for a crisis hotline for teens, I’ve volunteered in a homeless shelter, in our kids’ schools, in our church, in the community. We did move from Kansas to Missouri and we’ve done some traveling in between so we are just now getting established in a new church and in our community. But yes, I expect the volunteering will continue in one way or another here in Missouri.

Do you like to snack on something special or drink coffee or something when you write?
I’m a huge coffee lover, with heavy cream, no sugar, thank you. :) Coffee Nips and M&Ms are some of my snacks of choice, but there are many, none of them too healthy, alas. ;)

In what way would you like your readers to share their enjoyment of your novels? (Word of mouth, on the internet….or other ideas?)
ANY way they’re willing! I’m not sure readers realize how much we writers appreciate when they write reviews, tell their friends, buy my next book, etc. etc. But we DO appreciate it so very much! Thank you!

How do you want your readers to connect with you?
I LOVE social media and have many ways for readers to connect:
http://www.deborahraney.com
http://tinyurl.com/DRreadergroup
http://instagram.com/deborahraney
http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney/
https://twitter.com/authordebraney
http://amazon.com/author/deborahraney
http://tinyurl.com/DRGoodReads
http://novelgarden.blogspot.com
http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/

Thank you for a wonderful review, Deborah! Your enthusiasm comes through and I appreciate getting to know you better, as I'm sure that your other readers will also!  :)

 

GOD'S NOT DEAD

This 2014 large cast drama was directed by Harold Cronk and produced by Pure Flix Production Company. A list of leading stars is as follows: Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A. R. White, Dean Cain, Trisha LaFache, Jennifer Taylor, Benjamin A. Onyango, Korie Robertson, Willie Robertson, Cory Oliver Lenore Banks, Cassidy Erin Gifford, Paul Kwo, Dean Cain, Hadeel Sittu, Pat Boone, Newsboys among so many others. As you can see, I was not joking about this large cast story of merit.

Okay, I love this movie. The story is so relevant for today. Christians’ have been pressured and challenged for years to separate personal beliefs from their social interactions. That is just as impossible as individuals cloning themselves into an edited—unoffendable copy. Discouragement and out and out blatant opposition toward anyone who dares to share hope in Christ at Universities as well as their employ is finally really being challenged. God’s NOT Dead is a fictional story of Josh Wheaton’s college experience that sadly reflects our son’s and daughter’s experiences—at least those willing to stand up for Christ, whom they believe in.
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I love how the character’s varied stories intertwine and converge into a very inspiring and hope-filled story. The plot and characters were first-rate and engaging. This is a memorable tale if ever there was one! This is a movie that matters!  

To see what other films Pure Flix Production Company offers, visit them online at:
http://pureflixstudio.com/movie-library/
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MISS SERENA'S SECRET, Regency Brides, A Promise of Hope by Carolyn Miller

Serena Winthrop, an artist of true merit and sensitivity, has suffered a terrible blow that causes her to abstain from using her God-given gift. Her struggles are relatable for far too many readers, and yet Carolyn Miller weaves heart, hope, and challenge—creating an engaging story that is beneficial.

I admire Serena, the main character, and her unpredictable hero, Viscount Carmichael. Both of these characters held my interest and caused me to cheer them on! I especially love the depth and familiar feel of how these characters could be modeled after someone I know for they are complex, endearing, and frustrating—sometimes at the same time! I luxuriated in the setting and the breath-taking vista of the Carmichael’s home. I love how Carolyn writes Regency and I’ve never been disappointed! This story, with amazing detail, delivers characters within their society, as well as the beautiful ambiance that I look for with any Regency novel.

If you are looking for an entertaining historical which allows you to emotionally invest in the character’s journey, this will be an excellent novel for you to peruse! I do so love a series that stays with many of the characters from the previous novel for I hate to leave a loved character behind! Don’t worry, I’m really not confusing my fictional favorites on the pages of a lovely novel with real life people—but still my curious imagination wants to know more of what has happened to those characters after I finished an excellent story.  
Thank you, Carolyn for MISS SERENA’S SECRET and the care you took to deliver a sensitive topic with class and encouragement! I highly recommend this second book in the A Promise of Hope series!

Questions for Carolyn:
Your main character, Serena, is shared so true to life and when did you begin to desire to write her journey?
I love Serena! I began writing her story as a NaNoWriMo project immediately after finishing her sister’s story in Winning Miss Winthrop, so I had the story world, characters and settings and themes pretty clear in my mind. This was actually the 4th historical I wrote, and I wrote it in 2015.
Have you been to the Carmichael’s home though maybe not called by that name? How did you keep track of writing the characters into the rooms and porches of this amazing home?
This home is an amalgamation of a few stately homes in England: Castle Howard (for the domed outward appearance - which I have not been to) and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire (which I have been to - simply glorious! - and Derbyshire is where this story is mostly set). The magnificent view is based on a grand hotel here in New South Wales, Australia, the Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains, which perches on a cliff and overlooks a beautiful valley with vistas for miles.
Keeping track of where characters were and the various rooms did involve drawing some maps and house designs - which wasn’t a chore at all as I once wanted to be an architect!
Do you paint or did you have to interview an excellent artist so that you could write with authenticity?
I have done some painting, but the descriptions here are mostly based on research. The materials used 200 years ago vary to today’s paints and brushes, so I had some fun trying to find the exact hues and colours used to give a true sense of that era.
What message do you wish to give to those afraid of developing, using, and or sharing their God-given gifts?
Do it! It’s too easy to live afraid, and hide away and live less than the potential God has for us - and I think that leads to a shrivelling of our hearts and souls. Jesus talked about using the talents for the sake of God’s kingdom, and while talents in this gospel story might refer to money, I think we can apply the same principle to the gifts God gives us. Use the gifts and talents God has given you, be brave and have a go, because doing so is a way of honouring our Father who made us. And we never know what awaits us on the other side of our obedience.
I see that I need to go shopping, for you have written a couple of other novels that I don’t have.  By the way—I love your website! You have interesting pages on there for your readers! What do you want to tell us about connecting with you on social media?

Oh, I so appreciate you! Yes, I try to post lots of behind-the-scenes details on my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) with photos and information about my England travels and book details. I love to connect with readers, and I post regular updates about my writing news via my newsletters, which people can subscribe to at www.carolynmillerauthor.com and my Facebook page, so please come follow me there and say g’day!
facebook | pinterest | twitter | instagram
 
Thanks so much, Susan Marlene - so appreciate you!
Happy reading!
Carolyn xx