Inspire Christian Writer's Group

Fatima's Fate by Dana Sudboro Releases from White Rose Publishing

Congratulations to Inspire’s own Dana Sudboro on the publication of his novel, Fatima's Fate.

Fatima Dede has only thirty days before her visa expires and she must leave the United States. If she returns to Mauritania she will have to submit to an arranged marriage to a Muslim or die as a martyr to her newfound Christian faith.

She begs her pastor to help her find a husband so she can stay in America.

He suggests three candidates: Stuart, a practical-minded widower with two children; Amir, a self-styled playboy who loves to spend his father's money; and Barry, who drops out of the running when Fatima shows up late.

Time and circumstance introduce a fourth candidate: Chad, a secret admirer who finally works up the nerve to ask Fatima out. He knows nothing of her crisis, and she's afraid to tell him, lest this serendipitous chance of romance fly away. Will Fatima find the courage to reveal her plight?

Fatima’s Fate is now available through White Rose Publishing.

To see the book trailer, go to White Rose Publishing

Or order  Fatima’s Fate in eBook format.

Watch for more exciting news from Dana Sudboro and the other Inspire writers.

Gratefully,

Beth

Book Review and Give-Away: Turning the Paige by Laura Jensen Walker

Are you a Laura Jensen Walker fan yet? If not, you will be after reading Turning the Paige, her latest novel in the Getaway Girls series.

Okay, I admit it; I was already a fan before reading Turning the Paige. But I must say it is one of my favorite titles from this talented story-teller. (My other favorite is Reconstructing Natalie, the 2006 Women of Faith Novel of the Year.) Here's my take on Laura's latest novel:

Paige Kelley is a people-pleaser with a huge problem setting boundaries, especially with her medically fragile, emotionally manipulative and controlling mother. As a dutiful daughter Paige struggles to meet all her mother's needs at the expense of living her own life. When she realizes her extreme devotion is causing her to miss out on the things she wants most, marriage and a family, she decides to set boundaries and step out of her mother's shadow and into the light of her own life. Paige discovers an inner strength as she places the demands of her heart above the demands of her needy mother. And she will need that strength as she embarks on a new relationship with her estranged sister and opens her heart to the possibility of love.

If you have ever struggled to find a balance between fulfilling your duties and pursuing your dreams, you will enjoy Turning the Paige.

If you would like to win a copy of Laura Jensen Walker's Turning the Paige, head over to Writing Fom Home and leave me a comment describing your dream and one small step you are taking to make it a reality. I will choose a winner next Friday, March 27.

Gratefully,

Beth

 

Inspire Writer Greg Cochran Holds Book Signing

 

On Saturday, March 14, Greg Cochran held a book signing at The Bible House of Elk Grove. It was a fun event and I am excited to finally have a copy of Greg's book, Saving Grace. Even though The Bible House had light foot traffic, Greg had a very successful event. Most of his books sold within the last half an hour. He enjoyed interacting with readers and signing their books. I enjoyed meeting Greg's family (Hello Edie!) and listening to him and my husband share stories of growing up near San Francisco.

From the back cover:

While visiting his hometown, Jake Brodie encounters and angel, who sends him back to 1938 to complete an unknown task. While there, Jake meets his great grandparents, his father as an infant, and comes to blows with his grandfather. Jake discovers that his task is to stop a man from killing any more children. His task is completed by Susan, a young Asian widow who falls for him, which poses a problem since Jake is happily married.

Doesn't it sound intriguing? If you would like to purchase a copy, it is available through Amazon.com. Or you can visit Greg's website for more information at www.gregcochran.net.

Check back for more exciting news from this novelist.

Gratefully,

Beth

Guideposts Seeks Contributions for Upcoming Book Series on Prayer

Hello Inspire Writers,

Here's a great writing opportunity:

Guideposts is seeking contributors for a new twelve-book series: The Incredible Power of Prayer.

They need submissions for the first three volumes, Praying from the Heart, The Healing Touch, and Expecting Miracles. Submission deadline is June 15^th for these three titles.

If you are interested, leave me a comment and I will send you more specific information. I know some of you have wonderful stories about prayer that would be a great fit for these Guidepost books.

Gratefully,

Beth

 

Congratulations Lance Shaw: Parenting Dad Book Now Available

 

Please join me in congratulating Lance Shaw on the release of his first book, Parenting Dad (&/or Mom).

Lance was an early Inspire Group Member and has been away for several months as he finished the book. Parenting Dad helps parents create an atmosphere conducive to learning and developing leadership skills. Parenting Dad is filled with examples from Lance's creative single-parenting, including "idea safari's" and "creativity dividends." Lance helped his children grow into crucial leadership abilities and through his book, he can coach you to do the same with your children.

Lance was featured in a Sacramento BEE article today.  

To learn more about Parenting Dad, visit Lance's Website. While there, be sure to send him a note of congratulations.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from Inspire Writers!

Gratefully,

Beth 

Lord of the Ringless Book Signing with Dee Aspin

You're invited to a book signing!

Inspire's Dee Aspin will be signing her new book, Lord of the Ringless Valentine's Day, February 14^th

Berean Christian

2659 Alta Arden

Sacramento, CA

From 12:00-2:00pm

Do you know a single Christian woman who would rather be married? Lord of the Ringless is the perfect book for her. It is filled with insights and encouragement for women who love the Lord and desire marriage. Dee challenges readers to walk in faith and surrender their singleness to God. She shares glimpses into her life as a single woman who desires a godly mate. It's clear that she desires Jesus even more.

Grab your single friends and join us for a fun event!

Stay tuned for more exciting news from Inspire,

 

Beth

Peeking Over the Fences of Christian Publishing

We walked along the levee of the American River last week and Mike said, "I don't know what it is but I like looking over the fences into people's backyards."

"You're just nosey." I said.

Aren't we all? I know I am. I love to peek into backyards, eavesdrop on conversations at nearby tables and generally be "in the know" about whatever is happening around me.

If that is true of you, here are a few blogs that will keep you "in the know" about the Christian publishing industry:

 

From Where I Sit, by CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers Mike Hyatt

Rants and Ramblings, by Christian Agent Rachelle Gardner

The Writing Life, by Christian Agent Terry Whalin

Chip MacGregor.com, by Christian Agent Chip MacGregor

Between the Lines, by Books & Such Literary Agency

 

If you read these blogs regularly, your industry knowledge will grow and you will discover how down-to-earth and approachable the gatekeepers really are.

 

Keep writing and growing,

Beth

 

PS: Are there any great blogs you want to recommend to me and our group?

 

Lord of the Ringless Book Signing

Dee Aspin held her very first book signing yesterday at Borders in Davis. This was also the first book signing for an Inspire writer. We know there will be many, many more!

 

Dee's recently released book, Lord of the Ringless is a devotional study guide that encourages single Christian women who are dating and waiting (for a husband).

Here's Dee talking with her first interested Borders' Shopper. (See his face up in the left hand corner.)

Dee drew a crowd by playing, Do You Hear What I Hear? on the guitar. It was great to have such a wonderful song filling the air and many customers grabbed a song sheet and joined in.

I've been to many book signings, but never one that included a group sing-a-long. Of course, I knew Dee would have a unique event. You can tell by her bright smile that she is in her element here.

The gentleman standing nearest Dee is her brother Michael. They lead worship together at Juvenile Hall every other weekend. So, naturally he lent his voice to the occasion.

 

Julie Williams also provided her lovely voice. Julie is a voice-over expert and is the audio talent in the CD version of Lord of the Ringless.

Here's Julie reading Pink Tarantula, one of the devotionals in Lord of the Ringless. She has voiced many books, but this is the first book-signing she has participated in as a reader.

 

The second time Dee led a Christmas song, the crowd grew even larger—with several dozen volunteer singers added to our ranks. That's Prez and her five children near Dee. And the handsome young man in green is my son, Nathaniel, who has a passion for books and book signings.

Here's Gabby (my firstborn) singing between sips. She also is a passionate reader (and gifted writer, but you didn't hear that from me).

Prez and Michael singing along with Dee.

Julie Williams is showing the crowd Dee's audio book version of Lord of the Ringless.

 

 

Another highlight of the event was meeting Noreen Jacks. Noreen wrote a beautiful book that examines the olive tree and its symbolism of restoration and growth. Promises from the Olive Tree helps parents raise godly children in an ungodly world. By divine coincidence, Noreen is looking to connect with other writers for support, encouragement and critique. I hope she will find a comfortable spot in our group.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at Jericho Coffee and next week at my house for our annual Christmas party.

Gratefully,

Beth

Lord of the Ringless Book Signing with Dee Aspin

You're invited to a book signing!

Inspire's Dee Aspin will be signing her new book, Lord of the Ringless on Sunday, December 7^th at the Borders in Davis. Join us from 2-4pm.

Do you know a single Christian woman who would rather be married? Lord of the Ringless is the perfect gift for her. It is filled with insights and encouragement for women who love the Lord and desire marriage. Dee challenges readers to walk in faith and surrender their singleness to God. She shares glimpses into her life as a single woman who desires a godly mate. It's clear that she desires Jesus even more.

Karen Ball: Publishing Will Survive

Hello Inspire Writers,

Karen Ball gave us all a wonderful gift yesterday in her post at Novel Journey. I hope you will take a moment and read it. Soak in the encouragement and keep doing what God has called you to do.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Gratefully,

Beth