Congrats to Jill, Christina and the rest!
Christy Award Nominations were released today – two of which included the amazing and talented Christina Berry and Jill Williamson from OCW and the Portland ACFW chapter. Both nominations are well deserved!
Here is the full PDF press release: http://ajast.com/ChristyNomineesPR2010.pdf
Congrats!
Read MoreReview: Wildflowers at Terezin
Summary:
When nurse Hanne Abrahamsen impulsively shields Steffen Petersen from a nosy Gestapo agent, she’s convinced the Lutheran pastor is involved in the Danish Underground. Nothing could be further from the truth. But truth is hard to come by in the fall of 1943, when Copenhagen is placed under Martial Law and Denmark’s Jews—including Hanne—suddenly face deportation to the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia. Days darken and danger mounts. Steffen’s faith deepens as he takes greater risks to protect Hanne. But are either of them willing to pay the ultimate price for their love?
My Review:
I was excited to see a new perspective on the World War II era, especially from the world of Christian fiction. There was so much going on in the rest of the world, aside from America’s viewpoint. Elmer’s work was full of detail and I felt I was a part of the Danish people and their struggles under Nazi rule.
Hanne’s determination and drive are admirable and drew me to her immediately. Born to be a nurse, she serves others at all times and I found her selflessness very moving. Steffen’s willingness to help the Jews escape to neutral Sweden also touched my heart.
Their paths intertwine beautifully and the story felt so authentic to me. What a delightful read with both the ugly realities of the Nazi rule and the shining moments of redemption.
Learn more about the author, Robert Elmer, at his website!
Read MoreBlog, Interrupted…
By life.
It’s 10:14 p.m. and I realized I’d forgotten my regularly scheduled Thursday blog.
I apologize. Had planned on writing about the Christian Historical Fiction Challenge that I just now learned about (that started in January)… But I cannot devote my full attention to the matter now.
Its definitely been one of those days where life simply gets in the way of everything. Even life.
The to-do list gets longer.
Pesky little issues keep coming up.
Everything seems to go wrong.
Then the dog has an accident by the door and you nearly step in it. Nearly. Thank goodness.
Sigh. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a downer – I dont like to let little things like this get me down, because in the grand scheme of things, days like this are nothing. There will always be a more trying time ahead and I’ll look back at these silly little things and think, “What was I whining about?”
It’s that thought that helps keep me grounded. This has little to do with writing, riding or reading…but here it is. Here I am. Thanks for listening.
I’ll return to the regularly scheduled blogging topics on Monday. Unless life gets in the way, as it usually does.
Read MoreAuthor Interview: Tiffany Amber Stockton day 2
Welcome back, Tiffany!
Liberty’s Promise, a repackaging of her three historical Delaware novels: Promises, Promises; Quills & Promises; Deceptive Promises, released last month.
Publisher’s description: Relive the birth of a new country as three women battle for determining to whom they can entrust their hearts. Raelene is all alone, but is there peace in following the wishes of her deceased father? Elanna is intelligent for her young age, but will her love for an older man turn into a passing fancy when his integrity is questioned? Margret’s loyalties are torn when the colonists rebel, for how can a relationship with a British soldier built on deceptions survive? Will each woman find her place of freedom to embrace her faith and trust her heart to love?
Her eighth book, will release in December 2010. Visit her website here to see all her books!
Can you share your journey to publication? What was the biggest struggle?
“I’ve been writing all my life, but I began professionally writing during college. There, I was a columnist for the campus paper and started writing nonfiction articles for various publications. It wasn’t until some of my contributions were published in a book in 2003 that I received my first payment for my writing. The year after, I pitched my first book to an editor and submitted my first full manuscript. In December 2006, I received word that my first book had sold! In January 2008 my first book released, and it’s been a wild ride ever since.
“There is so much about this journey that’s a struggle, but if I had to pinpoint one thing it would be my age against so many other fiction novelists who are 15, 20 or even 30 years older than me. Being published before age 30 is not common in the Christian fiction market, and there is a definite stigma that exists, whether many want to admit it or not. Respect is earned, I don’t dispute that, but I know my age throws an extra hurdle in there that has to be jumped. I’m not a quitter, though, so I’ll keep pressing forward.”
Tiffany Amber Stockton
What advice do you have for newbie authors?
“A writing career is not for the faint of heart. It takes a thick skin, determination and perseverance. But if you truly believe this is the path for you, don’t give up. And don’t let naysayers distract you from the pursuit of it. The rewards are more than worth the struggle to get there.”
How can readers help you as an author?
“Post reviews if you read any of my books, tell your friends and family about them if you like them and want to recommend them, buy my books for yourself or as gifts for friends, and get in touch with me to share with me what you thought of my books. An author goes nowhere and is nothing without readers, so you are an integral part of my career. Where I go with my next book could rely heavily on you, so let me know your thoughts and feel free to write. I love to hear from you.”
Thank you, Tiffany!
Be sure to check out Liberty’s Promise and her new release in December!
Read MoreAuthor Interview: Tiffany Amber Stockton
Tiffany Amber Stockton
Welcome Tiffany Amber Stockton, from Colorado Springs, author of Patterns and Progress, Hearts and Harvest, Copper and Candles and more! Liberty’s Promise, a repackaging of her three historical Delaware novels: Promises, Promises; Quills & Promises; Deceptive Promises, released last month. Her eighth book, will release in December 2010. Visit her website here to see all her works!
When did you first start writing?
“I’ve been writing all my life, but professionally? That began in college, about 15 years ago.”
Who are your major writing influences?
“Tracie Peterson, Linda Windsor, Tamera Alexander.”
What is your favorite historical era? What draws you to that era?
“Mid to late 1800′s, and I love the pioneer mentality, the hope, the strength, the quest for adventure that filled the hearts and minds of so many who struggled to survive and live during those times.”
What do you enjoy most about writing historical fiction?
“I have a passion for history and writing it how it really was, as opposed to what the schools are attempting to teach these days. It hurts to see more and more people each day who are not learning or discovering the richness and beauty in our country’s history. There’s that old saying, ‘Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.’ And it’s so true. I see it happening with our country, and it saddens me. So, my passion has become my inspiration for writing. I want to write the stories of the people who lived the history we have today.”
What resources helped you the most in your research?
“Depending upon where my stories are set, the historical archives or museums are worth their weight in gold. Curators become my best friends while I’m writing a book. I also love the Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life series, and own each one for the time periods I cover in my books. Outside of that, I use the Internet, and when I can, I visit the places to get a feel for the area. If I still need more, I post to other writing friends for research help, and they always come through.”
Why do you think accuracy so important in historical fiction?
“I stated one reason above in what I enjoy most about writing it, but I believe we owe it to those who have gone before us to be true to them and honor their memory or the legacy they left behind. If facts and details are left out or the truth is blurred, it cheapens the impact of the story and devalues everything we can glean from history.”
Check back on Monday to find out more about Tiffany’s road to publication and her advice for newbie authors!
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