The 12 Books of Christmas - Lynette Sowell

This week's author is Lynette Sowell, whose story Where the Love Light Gleams is included in the anthology, Big Apple Christmas. I just love the rich colors and gorgeous scene on the cover of this book, don't you? Leave a comment on this post to be automatically entered to win a copy. The winner will be announced on Saturday.

Here's a blurb of this beautiful Christmas anthology:

The anthology A Big Apple Christmas features four stories that capture the sights and sounds of Christmas in New York City. Christmas plans are set askew when a schedule-bound professional organizer meets a free-spirited poet. Holiday bustle is the means two tourists try to use to get lost in the crowds. The gift of the Magi comes full circle for two lonely Latinos. Romance is in the air from Fifth Avenue to Chinatown.

Where The Love Light Gleams features Gwynn, a widowed grandma whose children surprise her with a trip to New York City at Christmas time to see the family's tree on display in Rockefeller Center. Theophilus Stellakis, a set-in-his-ways professor, doesn't expect a house guest at Christmas time and is used to his quiet routines. When Gwynn's stay in New York is prolonged, they make a delightful discovery that sometimes love does come around a second time.

You can find A Big Apple Christmas at Amazon and also at Christian Book Distributors.
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Lynette's favorite holiday memory:

The Christmas of Candle Glow

We never had "silent nights" during Christmas at my grandparents’ house in South Hadley , Mass. Gagnons always celebrate large and loud—just like our French Canadian family. Lights blazed in every room (occupied or not). The Christmas tree sparkled in front of the picture window with its view of snow-covered Mt. Tom .

One fateful Christmas night, someone cranked up the hi-fi stereo until it blasted out Christmas tunes. Then a helpful someone turned on the dishwasher.

We were plunged into darkness and silence. Grandpa Armand ranted and went to find some fuses.

Someone else rummaged for candles, and soon a soft glow filled the living room. Then we began to sing Christmas carols.

“Let’s pass a candle around,” one of the great-aunts said. “Whoever holds the candle has to start a new song!"

The house grew warmer as we sang. Everyone took a turn to lead a song and hold the special candle. My grandfather and one of my uncles worked on the fuses, but the delay didn’t concern the singers. Without a lit tree and without recorded music, the spirit of the season united us.

One photo remains from that night. My great-grandmother Pearl Majeau-Gagnon-Ringuette-Misek had buried three husbands in her lifetime, yet she still found it a merry Christmas. She held the candlestick in one hand, the other hand raised in song. Her mouth formed an "O" as she sang.

We were disappointed when the lights came back on.

Death, divorce, and distance have touched our family through the years. The old house on Parkview Drive was sold in the 80s. Time spread us farther apart, from Massachusetts , to Texas and California and other states in between. We’ve never been together that way since, but I will always hold the memories of Christmas ’77 on Parkview Drive close to my heart.

Electric lights and extra trimmings and digital music don’t make Christmas special. Take those away and what do you have? The silence of candle glow, the simplicity of voices singing age-old carols. An imperfect family, celebrating the joy of the season in a perfect way.

I’m married with my own family now. Each Christmas Eve we light a candle and fill the house with friends. We celebrate the Light that came into the world long ago. We make memories that will not fade, just like the Christmas when the lights went out.
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Lynette Sowell is a Massachusetts Yankee who makes her home in the heart of Texas. She has written a cozy mystery series for Heartsong Presents: Mysteries, and authored four novellas for Barbour Publishing. Lynette is a former secretary of American Christian Fiction writers. Away from Deadline-Land and Writing World, Lynette works as a medical transcriptionist for a large HMO. She loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family.

You can find Lynette on Facebook or visit her web site at www.lynettesowell.com

**Contest disclaimer: Void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Only one book allowed per person throughout the duration of the event.

Winner of One Imperfect Christmas

Well, the results are in...the results of my random pull out of the hat for this week's 12 Books of Christmas winner, that is.

And Myra Johnson's One Imperfect Christmas goes to....

DEBRA!

Congratulations to Debra and thanks to ALL of you who entered. For those of you whose name hasn't yet been selected, don't give up! There are lots more books to be given away!

Check back on Monday for the next featured author and the Christmas book she's offering.

Writing Contests and where to find them

I've heard arguments for and against writing contests.

Some anti-contest writers say they don't enter because the judges are unqualified - according to one writer on a recent message board post, not nearly as skilled as the writers he/she is judging. Some feel that writing contests are too subjective and don't serve any purpose at all, except to promote pride or dejection.

I, on the other hand, am a proponent for writing contests. This may be partly because I love the feeling I get when I win! (Does anyone NOT?) But really, it's more than that. It's the feedback I receive from the judges. Although is sometimes stings, I'll take the bad with the good. AND I'll take that feedback from judges who may not be as qualified as I am. Hey, God can teach me things through very unlikely sources.

Another reason I love writing contests is for the possibility of getting my work in front of agents and/or editors. Contests and writing conferences are the two ways to guarantee your work will actually get read instead of sit at the bottom of the slush pile. One contest I finaled in resulted in the agent requesting my full manuscript. Other writers I know have actually acquired contracts this way. It really does happen!

So it usually costs something to enter. Financially. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. But hey. Does anything worth having NOT cost something? Even Jesus' free gift of salvation requires that we reach out our hand and take it. Not to mention simply being a believer requires sacrifice on our part every day.

But I digress. This isn't about whether you should or shouldn't enter contests. This post is for those who DO want to enter contests but don't know where to find them.

A while ago, I came across a great site that provides links to a ton of writing contests. The site is regularly updated and lists the contests ending the soonest on top. But not only is this a chart of contest deadlines, it also includes details about what type of contest it is, eligibility, how to submit, who the judges are, what the prize is, and the cost to enter. I do not know Stephanie Smith personally, but she offers a great resource for writers interested in entering contests. And I just wanted to share it with you guys.

So here is the link. Hope it helps! STEPHANIE SMITH'S CONTEST CHART FOR WRITERS

You could be the 2,000th member of ACFW!

American Christian
Fiction Writers


OK, so I just found out that ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is THIS close to reaching 2,000 members. Pretty cool, right? What's even cooler is that YOU could be the 2,000th member and walk away with a mega box of books and/or other prizes. Now THAT would be even better than cool. That would be STUPENDOUS! (Wow, it's been so long since I've used that word--or have I ever used that word?-- I had to use it here).


First, let me brag on ACFW. I joined in early 2007 and it has been nothing but a blessing to me. More of a blessing than I ever thought it would be. Here are just a few reasons I love this organization:

The members! When I first joined, I'll admit I was star-struck. Rubbing shoulders with multi-published authors I loved to read was slightly intimidating. Authors like Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, Kristin Billerbeck, and dozens of other authors on my cool list. But seriously, it wasn't long before authors like these were answering questions I posted to the Loop (see below) and even critiquing my work. It was amazing to me (and still is) the ways these pros go out of their way to help newbies like me.

The Loop. Have a question about writing? The Loop is an active email loop where you can get questions answered, chat about the Topic of the Week, and stay in touch with what's happening at ACFW. There have been times when I've asked a question and have gotten 10 responses within ten minutes of posting. See what I mean about being quick to help?


The Genesis Contest. The first year I entered, I didn't final. But the feedback I received from the judges was awesome and I took their advice and polished up my manuscript. The following year, I entered the same ms and ended up placing 2nd in my category. Just getting my work in front of an agent and editor was priceless. This year, I entered a different novel and finaled again. Many members who entered the Genesis have gone on to receive contracts and their books can now be found on bookstore shelves. Click HERE for more info on the Genesis.


The Conference. I attended my first conference in September and cannot even tell you how fabulous it was. The speakers, the workshop teachers, the coordinators, fellow writers... I get teary just thinking about my experience. I am counting the days until next September, when the next conference will take place (within driving distance this time! Yay!) Read about my conference experiences HERE.


The Courses. One of the perks of membership is the FREE writing courses, all done through email correspondence. One of the most helpful was the Conference First Time Attendees course, where all of my questions about attending my first conference were answered. The courses are all taught by published/trained authors. This month's course is "How to Write Your Passion and Still Get Published."


Critique Groups. I joined my first official critique group through ACFW. That group has since broken up but three of those authors are now published! I am currently involved in another ACFW crit group with 4 other members. In addition to critiquing, we encourage each other, pray for each other, brainstorm together, and sometimes give each other a much needed kick in the pants. I adore my group!



So this is only a few of the many reasons I love ACFW. And I guarantee, if you join, YOU'LL LOVE IT, TOO!

As I stated above, ACFW is THIS close to reaching 2,000 members. If you are the 2,000th member to join, you will win a fabulous prize! And if you do sign up, mention my name because the referring member also gets a few goodies.

Seriously, if you are an aspiring Christian novelist, there is no better organization than ACFW to help you along the way.

Hope to see you there!

P.S. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I can't guarantee I'll have an answer, but I can either find out or point you in the right direction.

The 12 Books of Christmas - One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson

This week's featured author is Myra Johnson and the book she's giving away is One Imperfect Christmas, just released in September. Leave a comment on this blog post to be automatically entered in this giveaway.


Here is a synopsis of the book:

Christmas is the season of miracles, but when blame and guilt keep people apart, a miracle needs a helping hand.

Natalie Pearce loves Christmas so much she’d gladly make it a year-round celebration—until her mother suffers a massive stroke while taking down the decorations.

Natalie’s guilt over not being there to help her mom soon builds a wall that separates her from the rest of her family, including her husband, Daniel, and their teenage daughter.

As the next December approaches, the last thing Natalie wants to be reminded of is another Christmas season. Only her family’s tenacious love and an unexpected Christmas gift from her mother can help Natalie mend the broken pieces of their lives.

A warm, inspirational story of faith, hope, and love for the holiday season!

View the book trailer of One Imperfect Christmas on my Examiner.com page.

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Myra shares a favorite holiday recipe:


A favorite menu item for our family’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners is a recipe contributed by my daughter Johanna. It gives the traditional sweet potatoes and marshmallows side dish a tangy new twist.

Yams & Cranberries (serves 8)

½ cup flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup uncooked oats

Combine above with 1/3 cup margarine

2 17-oz. cans sweet potatoes, drained
2 cups cranberries
15 regular marshmallows

Toss ½ oat mixture with yams and berries. Place in a casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining mixture on top, arrange marshmallows.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until heated through. Finish under broiler until lightly browned.

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Myra’s roots go deep into Texas soil, but she’s proud to be a new Oklahoman. Empty-nesters now, she and her husband share their home with two loveable dogs and a snobby parakeet. Her debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas, is a September 2009 release from Abingdon Press. She also writes for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line. Autumn Rains, winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript, releases November 2009, soon to be followed by two more contemporary romances set in Missouri. Myra writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups. She and her husband have been married since 1972. The Johnsons have two married daughters and five grandchildren.

Visit Myra’s Website at http://www.myrajohnson.com/.


**Contest disclaimer: Void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Only one book allowed per person throughout the duration of the event.

Winner of Currier & Ives Christmas

PLEASE NOTE: Originally, I drew out a different name as the winner of this week's giveaway. Unfortunately, as the disclaimer at the bottom of the giveaway post states, this giveaway event is open to US residents only and the winner was from Canada. I had no choice but to retract and draw another name. So sorry if the guidelines were not clear. And a bigger apology to the entrant I had to withdraw and, ultimately, let down.

So, the new winner of Currier & Ives Christmas is...

COLEENE!

Congratulations!

Enjoy this beautiful holiday keepsake!

Remember to check back on Monday for the next giveaway in The 12 Books of Christmas!

Review of Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman

Recently, someone posted on a message board I regularly visit that they are tired of sappy Christian novels that always include the message of salvation. They wanted to see stories that deal with believing characters who that struggle with everyday choices and issues. Issues that aren't always able to be wrapped up in a pretty little bow.

Well, let me introduce you to Leaving Yesterday, by Kathryn Cushman.

This was the first novel I've read by this author and I have to say it definitely won't be my last.

Alisa Stewart has experienced more than her share of heartache. First, she lost a son to murder. Then, her other son, Kurt, left home for a life of drug use and addiction. On top of that, she and her husband are separated, leaving Alisa to deal with her pain alone while taking care of their 10-year-old daughter.

When a police officer appears at her door, Alisa fears the worst - that her prodigal son, whome she hasn't heard from in forever, is dead. But the officer is only there following a lead on a recent murder about which her son may have information.

When Kurt calls out of the blue, saying he's checked himself into rehab, Alisa is overcome with joy that God has finally answered her prayers. Then the cop returns and makes it clear that Kurt is a suspect in the murder. But Alisa refuses to believe it. Her son may have fallen into addiction, but murder? No way. When questions begin to arise, she reluctantly finds herself doubting her son. And those doubts are what prompt her to make a choice: "keep silent and keep her son...or risk everything in a quest for the truth."*

This story is about just how far a mother is willing to go to protect her child. Alisa is a Bible believing Christian who is faced with tough choices. Choices that will ultimately bring her closer to or farther away from God. Choices we all face. This book makes the consequences of sin very clear. It also shows what happens when we do things God's way instead of our own.

I loved the pacing of this book, which kept me turning pages. But more than that, it was the characters who stole my heart. I couldn't help but be drawn to Alisa as her mind and heart battled over the right thing to do. A mother myself, how could I not understand the depths of desperation she felt?

The secondary characters were also well developed, especially neighbor-slash-lawyer, Lacey, who brought a bit of humor to the story.

Leaving Yesterday was honest, heart-wrenching, emotional, and real. I would not describe this novel as one ending as "happily-ever-after" with a neat and tidy bow on top. In essence, this is a story that not only leaves yesterday behind but also offers hope for tomorrow.

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. Her two previous novels were Waiting for Daybreak and A Promise to Remember, which was a finalist for ACFW Book of the Year in Women's Fiction. Kathryn and her family live in Santa Barbara, California.

Visit Kathryn Cushman online at http://www.kathryncushman.com/

*Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with this book for review. All opinions are solely my own.