An Interview with the Founder of Clash of the Titles

*guest post by Michelle Massaro

(Ms. Davy) was an amazing cheerleader and I lived to make her smile with my stories. Whether I really was or not at that point, she made me believe I was a good writer. 

~ Sr. Editor April Gardner, on who inspired her writing.

***

Today we get to spend some time with COTT founder April Gardner. April is an amazing author, good friend, and an inspiration to me. She’s a sometime home school mom, a military wife, a talented writer, and a frugal do-it-yourselfer. So I was excited to get to pick her brain! Below are the questions that I always wanted to ask. I’m sure you will find them just as fascinating as I do.

Michelle: April, what was it like growing up with missionary parents?

April: We never lacked for excitement, that's for sure! Some MKs struggle with change, but I never minded it. I was shy and content merely to be with my family; wherever they were, I was happy, no matter the town or country! Growing up in Spain and learning Spanish was one of God's beautiful gifts to me. 

Michelle: That's so cool! Some might be surprised to hear that you are dyslexic. What advice or encouragement would you give to others out there struggling with dyslexia?

April: I'd imagine that most reading this are adults, and by the time dyslexics reach adulthood, they've managed to cope quite well. Having a child with dyslexia, however, was something that took me completely by surprise, surprisingly. LOL From what I hear, it goes through the mother, so odds were pretty good one of my kids would struggle with it. When it comes to dealing with a dyslexic child I've learned three things. 1. Patience is the name of the game! 2. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. 3. There is no shame in being dyslexic or having another learning difficulty.

Michelle: You have now experienced both the public school world and the home school world. What are your observations comparing both? 

April: My most important observation is that God's plan for our children's education is 1. God's plan for us in unique! I cannot compare how others chose to educate their children with our own choices. 2. God's plan for us is not set in stone, never to change. What might be His will one year, might not be the next. We must be flexible and keep our ears tuned to Him. He'll speak most loudly through our kids via their progress, contentment, discipline, and attitude.

Michelle: Great insights! Ok, so what began your fascination with history?

April: Laura Ingells Wilder and her Little House books! They were the first "big" books that held my attention well enough to make reading worth all the effort. I haven't looked back since!

Michelle: I love those books too! You are a military spouse--where have you lived, and which was your favorite place?

April: The military first moved us to Germany. We were 19 years old and newly married. Our tour lasted 7 years. Straight from there, we went to England for four years, and we've currently been in Georgia 2.5 years. Germany holds a very dear place in our hearts for many reasons, but I have felt most content and fulfilled right here in Georgia. God bless the USA!! Boy, it's good to be home. :-)

Michelle: Wow, that sounds so adventurous! And now you're a published author--another adventure! Who first inspired you to pursue publication and writing? Who inspires you today?

April: Several people along the path of my life worked together to inspire me to pick up the pen, but the first was my high school creative writing teacher, Ms. Davy. She was an amazing cheerleader and I lived to make her smile with my stories. Whether I really was or not at that point, she made me believe I was a good writer. Today, it's the drive to reach goals that inspires me. I do love a challenge!!

Michelle: Of the characters you've created, who is your favorite and why?

April: True Seeker, the budding Creek Indian warrior from my latest novel, Warring Spirits, is my favorite character so far. His heart is good and true to his name, he seeks wisdom, honor, and a personal relationship with the Giver and Taker of Breath.

Michelle: I like his character too. But of course, they're all good in my opinion! Besides writing excellent historical romance novels, you also have a lot to share on your blog about managing health issues with diet, frugality, and parenting. Any idea what's coming up in 2012?

April: Great question! LOL My blog is ever changing, but yes, I do tend to focus on those topics. Right now, I'm on an all-natural foods kick, so I'm sure my followers will see more of those tips in the future.

Michelle: Tell us about your recent book releases.

April: Warring Spirits is my latest adult fiction release. It's set in 1816 and is the story of a woman who might be able to hide her African heritage except for her hair, which is a dead give-away. Milly's escape from slavery leads her to the safety of Negro Fort where Major Phillip Bailey, believing her to be white, takes it upon himself to "free" her from the stronghold. At the same time, he's ordered to launch an attack against it. Accomplishing both is a virtual impossibility, especially when the beautiful woman doesn't want to be rescued. Where blood is shed, unexpected love may bloom!

Michelle: I've read it and it's awesome! Head to Amazon you guys,  you won't regret it. April, thanks for answering all my hard-hitting questions today, lol.

Readers, check out COTT this week for some of our favorite Amish Excerpts!

**guest post by Michelle Massaro


For the last couple weeks, Clash of the Titles has been exploring two books delivering powerful death scenes. That's right, death scenes. The two books were The Vengeance Squad and The Redemption. We met authors Sidney Frost and MaryLu Tyndall and waited with bated breath to find out which title got the most votes. If you missed Friday's announcement, I won't keep you in suspense. Though the competition was stiff, the champion title is...

The Redemption, by MaryLu Tyndall

Congratulations!

About the book:

Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of a father she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. After weeks of combating the elements, her salvation comes in the form of a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome leader, Edmund Merrick. Will Charlisse free herself from the seductive lure of this pirate captain and find the father's love she so ardently craves?

While battling his attraction to this winsome lady and learning to walk a more godly path, Edmund offers to help Charlisse on her quest--until he discovers her father is none other than Edward the Terror, the cruelest pirate on the Caribbean. Can Edmund win this lady's love while shielding her from his lecherous crew and working to bring her father to justice?

Can the supernatural power of God rescue Charlisse and Edmund from the danger and treachery that await them as they ride upon the tumultuous waves of the Caribbean?

***

I loved the Excerpt B.....I look forward to reading the book..it seemed more historical and the genre of books I enjoy reading. I am personally blessed by many of the Christian fiction authors and want to say thank you for all you for your readers. God bless you both!

Someone turning to Christ at the last moment is always a touching scene. It tugs at your heart to know that someone you would never see again, now you will. Very touching!

Keep writing as God leads you. You are bringing God's truth to readers; some who really need those truths in their lives.


About the author:

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award finalist, and author of more than ten novels is known for her swashbuckling historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. 

MaryLu dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling pirates during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing that dream, she worked as a miserable, landlocked software engineer for fifteen years. Only by the grace and providence of God, did she decide to answer His call to write a Christian Pirate series. Today, while writing her eleventh novel, she manages a home, husband, and six kids while battling three cats who have decided that her keyboard is the best place to sleep!  She believes that without popcorn and chocolate, life would not be worth living, and her sole motivation is to bring others closer to God.

***

What fun! For a sneak peak at the book, check out the winning excerpt here. You might also enjoy her fascinating interview here.

Right now, COTT is in the middle of a brand new clash so be sure to head over there to cast your vote. You just might win a free book!

Happy reading!

Laurel Award-Winning Novel, Fairer Than Morning

*by Sr. Editor, April W Gardner


“I knew that I had just been given an amazing true story that needed to be told.” –Rosslyn Elliott, Clash of the Titles 2011 Laurel Award Winner

Portions of that story—Fairer Than Morning—won the majority of COTT reader votes in June when it took the victory in the “Best Protagonist” ring. In November, it competed against a long list of other COTT champion novels then took home the Laurel. More hearty congratulations go to author Rosslyn Elliott for her win.

Read June’s winning excerpt (excerpt B).
Read the Laurel Award winning excerpt (excerpt A)

The Saddler's Legacy series is inspired by a real family in American history--the Hanby family, who are to this day the most celebrated citizens of Westerville, Ohio.

About Laurel Award-winning novel, Fairer Than Morning:
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli—until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann’s dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

When Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her minister father on business, she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker’s apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. Anne’s compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul.
Through his encounters with Anne’s father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage even in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

Learn more about the book as Clash of the Titles staff interviews the author:

Hostess Raqul Byrnes asks, “What led you to use the inspirational Hanby family and how did you first come to know about them?”
Rosslyn: After I finished my doctoral dissertation, I decided to try my hand at writing my first historical novel. I was living in Westerville, Ohio at the time, so I decided to go visit a small local house museum so I could research all the kitchen artifacts and farm tools. Before the tour, a guide took me into an outbuilding and showed me a video about the Hanby family, who had lived in that house. By the time I stood up thirty minutes later, I knew that I had just been given an amazing true story that needed to be told. The Hanbys lived romantic, action-filled lives marked by courage, and most importantly, they served others out of faith and love.

Hostess Lisa Lickel asks,“Rosslyn, what does “nobility” mean to you and to the era of your story and today? What made you choose that character trait?”
Rosslyn: The origin of that word on the back jacket of the book is that when my publisher and I were creating jacket copy, I had to come up with a condensed way to describe what it means to find a man of true value. And both in Ann’s time and today, the words noble man mean a man of great worth and high virtue. It also made a nice contrast with the apparent gentility and breeding of one suitor, who would fit the other meaning of nobleman far more obviously than the ragged Will Hanby!

Assistant Editor Michelle Massaro asks, “What circumstances led up to Will Hanby's down-trodden situation?”
Rosslyn: In the novel, we learn that Will’s parents and his sisters all died of a virulent form of tuberculosis which killed much more quickly than ordinary TB. (The novel never reveals this in such specifics, but the TB was disseminated bovine TB, for those who care, acquired through milk ingested on a visit to a cattle farm, when Will and his brother were not with the others!). Their deaths left only Will and his younger brother, who were forced to indenture themselves to farmers to avoid infection and work in exchange for food and board. The farmers were kind, but Will ends up under a much harsher master when he signs a new indenture with Master Good.  The historical facts behind what happened to the real William Hanby were somewhat different, but the effect was the same: out of dire poverty, he indentured himself in his youth to Master Good, and much of what followed was what also happens in the novel.

Talent Scout Katie McCurdy asks, “Which character, not counting Ann or Will, is your favorite? Did you have a certain character that kinda suddenly took a main role that you didn't forsee when you plotted Fairer Than Morning?”
Rosslyn: My favorite supporting character is Ann’s father, Mr. Miller, whom I admire so much that I honestly wonder how I wrote him sometimes. His was the part of the novel that seemed most spirit-led. But the characters who suddenly appeared onstage who weren’t part of the novel at all, in the original sketchy outline, were Mr. and Mrs. Holmes and their daughter Amelia! They showed up on that steamboat and began to take on a life of their own, and before I knew it they were a major subplot.

Listen to Another Interview:
After her Laurel Award win, Author Rosslyn Elliott was also interviewed by Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. This is a podcast you won’t want to miss. You can listen to in our sidebar or find it by visiting this link.

The second in the series, Sweeter Than Birdsong, releases next month and promises to be just as compelling as the first. Below, in two short, yet intriguing excerpts, the author shares a taste of what’s to come.

But first, here’s a brief summary of Sweeter Than Birdsong, book two in the Saddler’s Legacy series.

Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles… But real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

Excerpts:

Chapter One


Westerville, Ohio 1855
Her customary walk across the college quadrangle had become an executioner’s march.
Kate’s heeled shoes clunked over the flagstones. Her full skirt and horsehair crinoline dragged from her waist, too warm even for this mild May morning.
She climbed the stone steps of the whitewashed college building and laid hold of the black iron door handle with a clammy palm. The dim foyer led to the lecture hall. Her breath came faster and her corset squeezed her lungs. It had not felt so tight when the maid laced it an hour ago. Up ahead loomed the dark rectangle of the hall’s oaken door, which stood ajar.
She paused on the threshold. Inside the hall, a baritone voice lifted in clear, well-balanced phrases. The speaker’s persuasive power carried even here. Ben Hanby. He was the best orator in the class. She laid a hand to her midsection to quell the pulsing nausea there. If she did not go in now, she would not go at all.
At her push, the door swung open to reveal rows of masculine shoulders in dark coats, all heads turned toward the speaker. Each gentleman’s neat coattails fell open over his knees, black against the polished wood floor. Each white collar rose to the sweep of hair worn according to the current vogue, longer than a Roman’s but never past the collar.
On the raised platform beyond them, Ben Hanby stood, as natural and poised as if he were alone in the room, his dark hair thick over his brow. His eyes were intent, his face alive with interest in his subject, but his words floated past Kate in a wash of sounds her jumping nerves could not interpret. Of course speaking came easily for him—his father was a minister.
He finished with a question to the audience, and even her disrupted attention caught the subtle humor in the lift of his eyebrow as he delivered his line straight-faced. A chuckle rose from the young men, echoed in the lighter laughter of the small party of young lady scholars seated with their chaperone on the end of the front row.
Ben Hanby descended the stairs, the barest smile appearing as he exchanged glances with his friends.
“Miss Winter.” Professor Hayworth’s bass rumbled across the hall.
Heads turned toward her. Her skin tingled in waves of heat, her heart kicked in an uneven cadence. Could it stop from such fright?—the thought made it worsen, like a stutter in her chest that could not move on to the next beat.
“I am glad you choose to join us today.” Professor Hayworth spoke to her from the dais, beside the podium, full bearded in his formal black robe. “You have arrived just in time to give the first of our ladies’ speeches.”
She avoided their curious stares as her pulse quickened and her mouth dried.
“Please proceed to the podium,” he said.


******


All was quiet and dark. The boat bobbed like a cradle soothing a baby to sleep.
It didn’t calm Kate, who sat immobile in the prow. She laced her hands together in her lap where John Parker could not see them and dug her fingers into the back of her knuckles. She couldn’t stop the faint tremble that had started inside her and traveled to her hands. He mustn’t see her shaking or he would think her unfit for the errand.
The chirp of crickets set a rhythm for little splashes from the oars as John rowed them toward the Kentucky side. They were quite close now.
 She must shake off this dreamlike state. She peered at the riverbank as far as she could see to left and right. At least there was no sign of a lantern.
They bumped up against the reeds. John jumped out, heedless of the mud and several inches of water. He lashed the tow rope of the fishing boat to a birch tree.
She must move now. She clambered over the side and into the dark water.
The unfamiliar feeling of the breeches increased her sense of having traveled to some different life, some strange body. It could not be she, traipsing around the wild in men’s trousers. Someone else entirely had come on this errand—someone braver and stronger who just happened to resemble her on the outside.
A few waterlogged steps brought her to where John stood on the riverbank, like the shadow of a tree in the moonlight.
“This way.” He walked ahead of her, straight towards the thickest tangle of thorny bush.

****
If you would like to join the COTT Blog Alliance tour for this award-winning novel (Jan 14-18), please email us at contactcott(at)gmail(dot)com. 

Saturday Share Time: Let's Talk About Memories

My Daddy - Obie Dawson

We  all have memories...some we treasure, some we'd like to forget. But all of them are a part of what makes us who we are.

One of my most treasured memories is when, as a little girl, Daddy would come home from work at night. Always a Daddy's girl, I'd run out to meet him, and he'd swoop me up into one arm, still holding his lunch pail in the other hand. (Inside, Daddy usually had kept something for me...half of his Snowball cupcake or a little box of black licorice...something sweet. LOL)  As soon as he picked me up, I'd hug him as tight as I could squeeze - and rub my face against his five o'clock shadow. I loved the rough, whiskery feel. And Daddy always laughed and said, "Stop that! You'll scratch your face." Always...

I can still feel that roughness against my cheek. It's a tactile memory that I pray I never forget. When I'm old and lying on my deathbed, that's a memory I'd like to still have in vivid detail.

What about you? What's a special memory that makes you smile?

Interview: Shellie Neumeier

Shellie Neumeier

Welcome to Living the Write Life, Shellie! It's a pleasure to have you here. Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Shellie Neumeier, the gal next door?

Hi there and thank you so much for having me, Delia. As for who I am? That is something I am still discovering every day. :) I’m goofy and serious, smart and hair-brained, a foodie who hates to cook. Weird things always happen to me and I’m proud to say my children are following their mother in that venue. If there’s a restaurant plate that falls, it was mine; a piece of luggage inspected, Yours Truly’s; and on it goes. Some may look upon this with their hands drawn to their mouths in utter gratefulness it isn’t their life I’m speaking of, but I enjoy it. God has a sense of humor and I love it when He shares it with me.  :)

How long have you been writing? Was there an “aha” moment when you knew that’s what you wanted to do?

Before I began writing fiction, I wrote technical pieces and made minor non-fiction contributions to a published business book. My fiction journey began in April of 2010. So depending on how you look at it, the answer may vary from not long to several years.

Writing wasn’t something I always wanted to do either. I suffered through English, Creative Writing, and Advanced Comp. classes. It left a bitter taste for all things written for a long time. But I’ve learned that writing is not just about the commas, it’s about the story and the characters. When they come to life in your imagination, they take over and for a moment, you live in their world surviving the adventure they take. That’s a whole lot more fun than punctuation for me. So, I’ve learned to be very kind (and grateful…to the point of chocolates, even) to my critique partners and editors.

I know you’re excited about your new release, A Summer in Oakville. This book is co-authored with Lisa Lickel, whom I'm honored to count among my own friends (even though we've never actually met). Your first novel, Driven, was authored by you alone. Writing an entire novel with another person has to be a different kind of experience. So I'm curious…what did you like about it? What was your least favorite part of the process? Would you do it again?

Lisa is a sweetheart! I consider her my mentor, though we never formalized anything. I’ve learned so much through her. I am honored to be alongside her in this endeavor. As for writing in tandem and flying solo, you are right. They are totally different experiences.

I loved that our two very different styles of writing worked together harmoniously. Lisa is so strong in her romantic writing and editing skills…I am not. She had quite a job on her hands when it came time to edit the romantic scenes in my two novellas, but she made them shine.

In turn, I used whatever gifts God gave me to add a bit here and there and viola, this sweet, linked-novella collection was born.

Writing alone may give you the freedom to follow your plot anywhere you’d like it to go, but writing together provides a support system that strengthens the story. It’s like having a constant critique partner working through all the kinks, every step of the way.

Tell us about A Summer in Oakville, and what inspired this story.

A Summer in Oakville began as a novella collection written for a specific publishing house, so the parameters it started under were dictated by the requirements of that house. However, the nuts and bolts of the story came from Wisconsin traditions and lifestyles that both Lisa and I have bumped into at some point in our lives.

Rural Wisconsin is rich in family stories, strength of character, and a little stubbornness thrown in for fun. Creating a story built upon the potential loss of a heritage and the threads that pull and keep a family together, made sense. The two go hand-in-hand.

Now that the book is in print, have you ever wished you’d written any scene/character/plot twist, etc., differently than you did?

There is one scene that Lisa and I mulled over numerous times and to this day didn’t find the error that one reader found. It is a small thread that weaves between all four books and in one or two of the novellas, the thread begins to fray a bit. I won’t mention what it is or which thread. Maybe one of your readers will find it. :D You’ll have to really look, it’s tiny.

What author most influenced your writing style?

Normally, I would say Mark Twain or Frank Perretti. I enjoy their voice and the stories they create, but neither style nor voice would have been appropriate for this book. A Summer in Oakville has a style all its own.

Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?

My favorite scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13. I love knowing God will not let me face something beyond what everyone else can face and He won’t make me go through something He doesn’t think I can handle without providing a way through (or out). Sometimes I wonder if He thinks I can handle more than I really can…but in the end, He always turns out to be right. Love that.

What one piece of writing advice has been most beneficial to you in developing
your writing career?

Hmm. One piece of advice…I’d have to say it was to persevere. This career choice isn’t one for the faint of heart or for the person who needs much encouragement. It can be painful (like when you first open the freshly critiqued manuscript and see all the red mess) and discouraging (like when rejections far outnumber any acceptances), but it can be filled with tremendous fulfillment as you close the word doc to your finished piece and know you’ve done your best. For that brief moment your story is the best thing ever written and will become a best-seller. You just know it. You may even go to bed that night, dreaming of the awards it will win.

Then you wake up the next morning, grab a cup of tea, and reopen the doc file. In the light of day, your commas are askew, your characters flat and wimpy, and your middle saggy. You want to stop. I want to stop.

That’s when I listen to that little voice that once told me to keep going. Just finish it. Or in her words, “Aren’t you done yet, Mommy?”

Where can readers find your books? Do you have a website, blog, etc.?

Readers can find the books at:

A Summer in Oakville: 

Black Lyon Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Driven:

Risen Fiction
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Folks can connect with me at:

Facebook (or A Summer in Oakville Page)
Twitter 

Or my website 


SHELLIE NEUMEIER holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a minor in Psychology, Sociology and Social Studies. A devoted mother of four, Shellie previously worked on staff with Northbrook Church as the King’s Kids ministry assistant (serving children in grades 2nd through 5th). Shellie’s other works include her best-selling YA novel, Driven, is available from Risen Fiction and her middle grade chapter book The Wishing Ring will release February 2012. She is an active member of SCBWI and ACFW as well as a contributing author for various blogs. Shellie is located in southeastern Wisconsin.




A Summer in Oakville Blurb:

Tessa Hasmer Murphy has a secret. Estranged from her husband, will she let a past love and a fight to save the family farm destroy her marriage and daughter Lindsay's happiness?

Lindsay Murphy plans to live on her grandparents' farm until she can find a job, but developer Brandon Calloway has other plans for the property. As she wages war against him, will she lose her heart and the farm both?

Widower Arthur Hasmer's life and that of his son, Andy, spiral out of control. When old friend, Dana London, reenters the picture, God might work through her to help them all back to love, joy and faith.

Andy Hasmer has the ultimate bummer life. No mom, not much of a dad, no future. When he's sent to the farm and wrecks the truck, nothing could be worse than the lousy job he takes to pay Grampa back-except maybe putting up with the pastor's daughter, Ella.

COTT Rings in the New Year

IS THERE A BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COMPETE ON CLASH OF THE TITLES? PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO ENTER THE TITLE IN OUR QUICK SURVEY, BELOW!

*by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

January is in full swing, starting 2012 off with a bang. At Clash of the Titles, you can take that quite literally! For the next two weeks, we’re featuring Death. That’s right. Death.

Death has the power to intrigue and terrify, and it’s that power that a good book taps into, often leaving a permanent mark on the reader’s memory. Visit Clash of the Titles today, to read two Death excerpts and vote for the one that impacts you the most. 

Remember that every book you send to the Champions Ring will have a shot at our Laurel Award, handed out at the end of our Tournament of Champions. Coming October 2012!

Between now and our October Tournament, we'll have a slew of exciting clashes—some, old reliables; others, brand new. 

Here’s  what's on the COTT calendar:

Almost Kiss-- 

(Feb, accepting submissions)

Unpublished Hooks-- 

(March, accepting submissions)

Here's a glimpse at clashes you might see in the future:

Good Guy

Bad Guy

Leading Lady

Back Cover Summary

Comparable Covers

Mayhem and Mishaps

Creepy Covers

Author’s Choice

Reader’s Choice

Tantalizing Titles

Young Adult

Childrens

Is there a specific book that comes to mind that you would like to see compete on Clash of the Titles in one of these clashes? We want to know!! Please enter the book title in the survey box below.

Also new in 2012, once a quarter, a specially selected COTT Champ will be featured in a podcast interview with Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. You can hear our current podcast HERE.

Clash of the Titles thanks each of our readers and voters for making COTT such a fun hang-out during 2011. We look forward to another year of introducing you to amazing new books and giving you the opportunity to win them!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Saturday Share Time: Let's talk about 2012 goals...

I've never been big on "New Years Resolutions," because so few of them get carried out. But I do like to set some kind of goal at the beginning of each year and go for it.

This year I'm determined to become more disciplined with my writing schedule. Set some daily word count goals (say...1,500 words a day) and actually sit down and try to reach them. If I actually do that five days a week, I should manage to be free for my family on the weekends - unless, of course, I'm on a deadline. Sometimes they steal extra days and hours.

Keep me accountable, won't you? :)

What about you? What's your goal for 2012? I'd love to hear about it!

When You’re Not the Only One in Your Family with a Dream

Guest post by Gina Conroy



I've been thinking a lot about my personal goals, my children's dreams, and what I want my family to look like. Unfortunately, all three are often in conflict with one another at different times.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to write, and I've never doubted the calling, though I've struggled often with finding the time to pursue my dreams. I started my first novel right after I got married, then I had my first son and writing took a back seat to the demands of mothering.

I didn't know there were writing support groups like ACFW, and I didn't have writing friends to encourage me. I didn't know I could write and raise children like so many do now, though in a way I'm glad I didn't know. It allowed me to focus on my children and hold on to my dreams, knowing that one day my chance would come. So I set aside my WIP for ten years or so, had three more babies and did occasional magazine work. But my heart wanted to return to fiction.

I thought when my fourth child was two that it was finally time to start working on my own dreams of being published. Little did I know was that at the very same time God was calling me to homeschool.

What ensued there after was this stressed out mom trying to learn how to homeschool, be a good mother and write. Unfortunately, I felt like a failure on all three fronts at one time or another, somehow getting off balance at different times until my priorities became so out of whack that I had to sacrifice my writing and dreams for a season. The grieving process was real and painful. But in that grief Writer...Interrupted was birthed, and I started to interview other moms who seemed to do it all.

I grew as a mom and writer.

The other day I read something from Mary M. Byers that resonated with me.

"When you say yes to something in your life, you automatically say no to something else."

I wish I would've understood that sooner. Then maybe I wouldn't have been so anxious to move on to the next stage of my life and career. Maybe I would've savored each moment just a little longer.

Now that my kids are older and have dreams of their own, I'm trying to balance theirs with mine. It's a never ending learning curve as I adjust and evaluate just how much dream pursuit this family can handle. How much I can handle and do before I burn out.

Will there be some regrets and what ifs? Probably, but if I remember that when I'm saying NO to the pursuit of someone's dream (including my own,) I just might be saying YES to something more important!

What are you saying YES to today? And what are you willing to wait for?


Gina Conroy is president and founder of Writer...Interrupted where she mentors busy writers. Knowing how difficult it is to raise a family as well as a career, she chronicles her triumphs and trials on Defying Gravity, hoping to encourage those on a similar path. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. Gina loves to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter.


Buy Buried Deception 
in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection


Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?

Review: The Key to Charlotte

I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed a novella by a fellow White Rose Publishing author, E.A. West, and wanted to share it with you. Please note the word "novella." Be prepared for a short read - a relaxed couple of hours in front of the fireplace will see you all the way through A Key to Charlotte, and it'll be a couple of hours very well spent. I highly recommend this one.

Here's my review:

What a unique storyline! E.A. West takes on an autistic heroine and develops the character with amazing insight and grace. Due to "a quirk in her autistic brain," Charlotte can't speak, or use her voice to sing, as she so longs to do. Then along comes Zakaria… He's the new minister of children's music at her church, and he and his guitar could be the key to unlocking Charlotte's silent world. This is an incredibly sweet romance, profound and absolutely unforgettable—a bite-sized read that packs a super-sized emotional wallop. Don't miss it!