Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Christian Fantasy Author Lorilyn Roberts: Appearance by Lorilyn Roberts on Writers & Authors...
Christian Fantasy Author Lorilyn Roberts: Appearance by Lorilyn Roberts on Writers & Authors...: Enjoy my appearance on Writers & Authors on Fire. I share a lot of thoughts on writing and advice for struggling authors.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Wakulla Book Review: Children of Dreams by Lorilyn Roberts
Winston Churchill's famous quote of World War II "We will never give up" appears to be the standard of how Ms. Roberts lives her life.
Children of Dreams is a book of nonfiction that follows the author's dream of becoming a mother. What she has to go through to fulfill her dreams is an inspiring story of courage, determination, and faith when confronted with the many obstacles along this journey.
We get a glimpse into the author's past and her struggles to come to terms with divorce, being unable to bare children, and herself. During this time of searching, she turns to risk‑taking activities, such as traveling to areas of the world known for unrest and extreme sports ‑ downhill skiing and scuba diving, calculated dangers, yes, but still risk is involved.
The uncertainty of traveling by yourself to Nepal, man or woman ‑ this time the risk was worth it. To become a mother to give another human in need a fresh start in life. With all the adventures, the Western world has to offer.
So much we take for granted, clean water, education, toilet paper [read the book], three meals a day, and much more.
It's not enough she does this once. She does it a second time with a new set of obstacles to overcome. Again, she is guided by her faith in God. It's a lesson we can all learn from. I know I did.
Wakulla Book Review by Christopher.
*~*~*
I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews.
Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books.
Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors.
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Win a Kindle for Christmas in a Raffle Drawing - Review Seventh Dimension - The King on Amazon
Win a Kindle for Christmas. All you have to do is post a review of Seventh Dimension - The King on Amazon by 12-24 and you will be entered into a raffle. Here is the link for a free copy and the code is ZM78A. http://bit.ly/The_King_S
Here is a list of all the awards The King has won: Won gold in the 2014 Literary Classics Book Awards for faith-based YA fiction, finalist in the 2014 USA Book Awards for religious fiction, winner in the 9th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards for spirituality, silver winner in the 2015 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for YA Coming of Age, finalist in the 2015 Best Indie Book Award for YA fiction, and finalist in the visionary category for the 2015 International Book Awards.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Carole Brown and Bat Crazy Giveaway!
Carole is offering a copy of Bat Crazy to one randomly drawn commenter! Comment by Sunday night, December 13, midnight EST, for a chance to win. Winner announced Monday, December 14.
About the Book:
Red-eyed Monster Bats that attack humans?
Denton doesn’t think so and Alex hopes not, but who are they to quibble with the local gossip?
Transmission problems and a blown tire land Denton and Alex Davies right in the middle of a dilapidated, unfriendly town that’s welcoming no strangers, least of all nosy ones with a bent toward solving mysteries.
But with support from the town detective--an admirer of the Davies--and their own tenacious personalities, Denton and Alex aren’t easily scared off. Not when warnings in the form of painted bats show up on the porch of their rented cabin, not when the mayor threatens to run them out of town and not even when Denton finds the bones . . .
An ancient story, a bit of a map, a lost jewel and even a bat clan serve to provide the Davies and their sidekick, Taffy, the dog, their hardest case so far.
Kindle: $2.99
Print: $11.99
Buy the book here
Review for BAT CRAZY:
A terrific cozy mystery. Carole does a great job of developing her characters. I just love the couple in this series and the way they always seem to land in the middle of trouble. I loved Hog Insane, book one and was not disappointed in this book. I look forward to more adventures with Denton and Alex.
What do you love about
this book?
I love Denton and Alex
Davies, their personalities and their small squabbles and real love for each
other. Relationships have to be worked at to survive and Denton and Alex,
although they strongly disagree on a variety of subjects, work at theirs.
There’s also the fact that
the first five months of this year, saw us facing five deaths. It was a particularly
hard time for me when I couldn’t focus on writing. BUT God and my hubby helped
me through it and eventually I was inspired once again to write. It was
with a special satisfaction that I was
able to write “The End.”
Introduce us to a sidekick
character.
I suppose one that I was
drawn to was my detective: Tomas Brody. It was his first real job, an easy one,
he thought when he accepted it. He’s young, inexperienced but smart enough to
accept help when needed. I loved being able to create him as a sympathetic law
officer who admires the Davies and who is not afraid to seek the help he knows
they can give.
What did you learn while
writing this book?
I always enjoy research, so
it wasn’t entirely a chore to learn more about bats. Yes, the truth is, I’ve
never been a big fan of them. But after studying them, I’ve learned that they
are fairly harmless and beneficial to the environment. That boosts their value
in my eyes.
I also wavered for quite
awhile on which bat specie to use. Eventually, I went for a large one from
Australia (that is stolen from a local zoo in the book) as an interesting
tidbit in the book. On the interviews I’ve done so far, I hoped I’ve convinced
several that they have no need to fear from the bats in BAT CRAZY!
Are there spiritual
aspects in this book? A theme? Can you share a review or feedback from readers?
My Denton and Alex Davies
series is written with a very light spiritual touch. I like to show the results
of a good life and doing the right thing. And, as always, in this series, one
of the minor threads in relationships.
In BAT CRAZY, there
are TWO relationships:
1. One is the new, young love of a couple who are trying
to hard to protect the other, but in their innocence and selfless love, it all
works out.
2. The other is more of a sad situation. Two people who
have had it all in the past, are so focused on what they want, how they
can better their own careers/lives that they do not appreciate all the
privileges they have. Because of their selfish love of self, their marriage
fails and both go on to seeming failures.
What’s next?
The third book in this series
should release sometime in 2016. It’s called DAFFY’S DUCK and is set in
Colorado in the ski country. I’m so excited about this book because a Down’s
Syndrome woman plays a big part in the plot. Blackmail, ducks, art and skiing
are all involved to make it another exciting mystery.
About the Author:
Brown not only has her award winning (Winner of the 2015 Christian Small Publisher Award in General Fiction, nominated for an Epic Award, RWA International Digital Awards finalist in Inspiration, Laurel Award finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now, but a companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia.
A fun, lighthearted mystery series began with the first book: Hog Insane, introducing Denton and Alex Davies and now her second book in this series, Bat Crazy. Her WWII romantic suspense Spies series began with With Music In Their Hearts, featuring the first of three red-headed sisters, three spies, and three stories.
Now, releasing November, 2015, is the first book in a new series: The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries, called Sabotaged Christmas.
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Catch up with Carole:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Latest Advice by Lorilyn Roberts on Book Marketing December 2015
In the future, I predict publishing books will take on the business model of commercially produced products: The public will buy the books they like regardless of how they are published. As a popular commercial sums it up, it’s not complicated.
While many rules have changed, others are nonnegotiable. You better write a good book, hire a top-notch editor, and grace the front of your book with an outstanding cover. You will need a rocket full of energy to launch it and not enough hours in the day to promote it. Otherwise, your book may end up in the slush pile of broken dreams.
In spite of the challenges, the new norm is a win-win for both the producer and the consumer (the author and the reader). But for the uninformed, it has also created a void that needs to be filled. The biggest problem with this new norm is the lack of training for self-published authors. As the founder of a network of authors (John 3:16 Marketing Network), the lack of training in what it takes to market and the unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved is legend. I could give you many stories, including my own. While consumers will slap down a debit card for a Starbucks latte without a second thought (including me), ask someone to spend 99 cents on a book from you, an unknown author, and you will feel the parting of the Red Sea. You wonder if you have B.O. or bad breath.
As a self-published author, I have made my share of mistakes. One of my books had an amateurish book cover and a well-known author told me so. I quickly learned that I can’t sacrifice quality to save money. I grew up a lot that day—people notice the good, the bad and the ugly in books. If I am in this for the long haul, I better not be looking for a quick buck or I will be disappointed.
To that end, I would encourage writers and hopeful authors to think of writing as a business endeavor—approach it with that attitude. It’s not a hobby, it’s a job. Talent and willingness to learn will serve the serious writer well, along with some good business savvy.
The goal should be to build a platform and seek out readers who will fall in love with your book this year and come back and read future books—and share your books with friends and family. That mindset will serve those authors well who are serious about writing and marketing. It’s a business. The industry deserves that kind of quality.
Despite the challenges, I am glad the publishing world of the future won’t be controlled by a few highly successful companies. In the past, those publishers held a monopoly on the market. If I were a betting woman, I’d say they missed some real gems. What other answer is there for why some authors had so many rejections for excellent books? No wonder many writers gave up. The world will never know what books they didn’t get to enjoy. Not every wannabe author has the gumption to keep knocking on closed doors.
I can tell you that traditional publishers have never looked twice at me. I am too old for them to invest their cash in but too young (or stupid) to believe I can’t start another career. When I crawl into bed at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. in the morning, after writing a few words on the computer following several hours of broadcast captioning, I sometimes wonder if I am insane. Still, I wouldn't trade what I’ve learned for any contract from any publisher.
Why? Because knowledge is power. While some information just doesn’t stick in this old brain of mine like I wish, that doesn’t mean I am going to give up. After all, we live in a world of information overload. I sometimes tell my daughters the C-drive in my brain is full. I need to delete something before I can take in any more information.
But with that power come opportunities. Today is a readers’ world in spite of television and computers and smartphones and tablets. In fact, it’s because of the plethora of these gadgets that more people are reading. Perhaps we make our hopes and dreams too small—too many rejection slips have convinced some they can’t make it at all. The journey is what it’s all about. And for me at least, I know the outcome is in God’s hands.
***
I published the above article a couple of years ago and my reflections on this topic are the same, actually more true now than back then. However, I want to add a few more practical suggestions.
Save your money and don't spend a lot on advertising. Build your twitter following, blog regularly, and grow your email list.
The KDP Lending Library has hurt all authors, and I don't think it's a viable business model over the long haul. Authors will eventually figure out that readers aren't stupid. Why should consumers buy your book when they can borrow it from Amazon for free?
My advice: Take your book out of KDP Select and make your book available all over the web; and write more books. Eventually, if you are patient and your books are good, you will build a following of loyal readers, not just Amazon fans who want YOUR books for free.
Give readers one or at most two free books, and sell the rest. Consumers appreciate quality, and if they like your books, they will buy them.
 |
| Be as free as the water - and let God take you along. |
Three more suggestions for marketing: Don't write books to sell - write books that make a statement about what you are passionate about. Success shouldn't be construed only in terms of numbers. Authors can't make people buy their books. Success should be about writing them. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Leave the result with God. Ultimately, your real success should be measured in what you have given back to God with the gifts He's given you. Whatever rewards He's laid up for you in heaven will far surpass anything monetarily you might receive here.
Enter book contests. Whatever you can do to draw attention to your book will help your book to get noticed. Don't know what good contests to enter? Here is a link to get you started: http://www.selfpublishingadvice.org/50-book-awards/
Turn your books into audio books. See my recent blog post about how to do this at the following link: http://john316mn.blogspot.com/2015/11/audiobook-narrator-rebecca-roberts.html
Join a small community of writers - like Word Weavers, a Facebook group. the John 3:16 Marketing Network (we will open back up in the summer), the Author Independent Network, or some other group where you can be encouraged. Don't be a loner. Become part of a "tribe." And learn as much as you can about writing and marketing.
 |
| My Word Weavers Group in Gainesville, Florida |
***
Lorilyn Roberts is a Christian author who writes children's picture books, adult nonfiction, memoirs, and a young adult Christian fantasy series, Seventh Dimension.
 |
| Lorilyn with her two daughters at Disney World 2015 |
Lorilyn graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama, which included international study in Israel and England. She received her Masters in Creative Writing from Perelandra College and is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature.
Lorilyn is the founder of the John 316 Marketing Network, a network of Christian authors who are passionate about promoting books with a Christian worldview.
To learn more about Lorilyn, please visit her website at http://lorilynroberts.com or blog at http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com. You can follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/lorilynroberts. To connect with her personally, you can contact her by email at authorLorilynRoberts@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Wakulla Book Review: A Tumbled Stone, by Marcia Lee Laycock
This book starts off where One Smooth Stone
left off.
Alex and Kennie, his wife, are searching for the sister he saw in a
picture that was taken 19 years ago.
Alex turns to the detective who had found
him, Stan Sorenson, for help.
It will test everybody’s faith and trust. It will
show that no matter what wrongs you have done and how long it has been, that
God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness are just a prayer away.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and
have recommended it to others.
A Wakulla Book Review by Paul.
*~*~*~*
I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews.
Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books.
Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors.
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."
Monday, December 7, 2015
World Over - 2014-05-29 -- Mega-bestselling author James Patterson with ...
Enjoy this interview of James Patterson!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
If You Only Read One Christian Nonfiction Book This Year, This Should Be It - "Living Backward," by Angelique Cooper McGlotten," John 3:16 Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts
If you only read one Christian nonfiction book this year, this should be it. "Living Backward" is inspiring and God-breathed. In my almost fifty years of being a Christian, I have dealt with almost everything Angelique talks about, but so quickly I forget some of these lessons and how much I need to be reminded.
Thank you, Angelique, for sharing these wonderful Biblical truths and encouraging me that even when I fail, not to give up, but to keep my eyes on Jesus, and to remember that we are just passing through this world on our way to the next. I loved the analogy of the airport and the quote, "Every person alive is on a spiritual layover."
I was convicted more than once of things I need to change in my own life, and as I prayed for God to make me more holy, the evil one took notice. What a battle we face!
"Living Backward" will make you think about things that are eternal and draw you closer to God as His Holy Spirit speaks to your heart. I wish every Christian would read this book. Thank you for writing "Living Backward" and helping me in my walk with God. What a blessing!
*~*~*~*
Angelique's bio from Amazon: "If you asked me what I do, I'd tell you that I teach, mentor, and volunteer in a variety of capacities. I also write poetry and prose. If you said, Angelique what do you most enjoy doing?, I'd respond that whether it's lending a helping hand, sending a greeting card out of the blue, or picking up thoughtful gifts for others, I love to give. I also love, love, love being used as a channel of God's grace to bless people. Because I absolutely enjoy encouraging others, my husband and children affectionately call me "Triple E" (Encourager, Edifier, and Exhorter). In fact, my latest book, Living Backward, is birthed from my desire to inspire others to live out God's plan for their lives and in so doing experience contentment, genuine success, and lasting significance."
I (Lorilyn Roberts) chuckled when I read Angelique's bio. Angelique is a member of the John 3:16 Marketing Network. Many times when I have needed a word of encouragement, Angelique has emailed me to let me know she was praying for me. Her kindness has inspired me to try to be a blessing to others in the same way she has been to me. The right word at just the right moment is the most wonderful gift this side of eternity. Once you have received it, you want to "pass it on."
Friday, December 4, 2015
Anita Estes shares from her devotional When God Speaks
When God Speaks--Forty Days and Nights of
His Promises
by Anita Estes
Anita shares her motivation for writing this devotional:
The inspiration for When
God Speaks grew out of my desire to connect women to the powerful promises
of God. Told through my own stories and life experiences, my hope is to show
others how God's promises can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Each of the forty days start with a vital
promise from God's word that encourages, challenges and lifts your spirit. The
stories illustrate the working out of the biblical promise in real life
circumstances. This is followed by a short, powerful prayer, application question and night time reflection
that puts you in the position to hear God's gentle voice.
I hope that readers will be inspired
by this book to hold onto the promises of God in turbulent times, learn to
apply God's Word to their everyday life and how to hear from God. I want to
bring to others the message of God's faithfulness to us even in the darkest of
times!
Some of the topics covered are:
Divine Guidance, True Identity, Resurrection Life, Hope, Victory, Peace and
Joy, Healing, Empowering Love, Freedom from Fear, Freedom from Condemnation,
Forgiveness, Answers to Prayer and Contentment.
I invite you to embark on this exciting
40-day journey, and partner with God in standing on His promises. May your
faith be strengthened through His mercy,
authority, favor and grace;
and may your spirit be uplifted. It is available at Amazon and on my blog New Life Dialogue.
Introduction:
Sitting
in my living room on a sunny March day, I was praying and asking God to show me
what to do with my writing. I thought about putting together a collection of devotions
and articles. I wondered, “But what could I call it, and what would be its
theme? What significance would it have for readers?”
Immediately
the name When God Speaks came to mind. I recalled a book that I had read
many years ago when I first became a Christian, which was written by two women
who recorded what God spoke to them each day. Over the last two years, I have
been writing a collection of devotions I believe God has spoken into my life
through His Word—The Bible. I want to share forty of these with you. Thus the
subtitle: Forty Days and Nights of Promises.
Read an Excerpt:
"When a horse
and rider are in unison, it is a beautiful sight. They become one as they jump
the hurdles, race around the track or gallop down the trails. The horse responds
to the slightest movement of the reins, the pressure of the rider’s legs and
their stance. Together, they know where to go and what to do.
If we
can learn to trust God like this, we too can be guided by the
One who sees the whole picture and knows what is best. We may veer off the
path, but He can redirect us back. As we walk together with Him in trust, we
can learn to avoid some pitfalls. We can sense His guidance through His words
and His direction when we pray.
We
don’t need to rely on our limited perception when we are in tune with God. We
can trust Him is situations that don’t make sense—when we are in pain, lose a
job, a house, a loved one, or when friends fail us. God can direct us through
darkness, peril and loss as well as through joy and light. When we trust Him,
we can detect His presence no matter what the situation. Do you?
If not, there is no condemnation. Start training now.
Here's
one of the Night
Time Reflections:
Christ in
you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 NIV
"Christ living within us?
It’s astounding to think, but the Word of God promises it is true. What hope
this produces for the spirit. Yet, it gets better than just living with the
hope of life here and in eternity. It is a hope of glory—magnificence,
splendor, and wonder beyond our imagination. We shall behold the glory of God.
Moses only glimpsed God’s back for a few moments and the prophet glowed for
days. We will live in His glory. Now that is hope beyond compare!"
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