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Friday, December 2, 2011

SIXTY BOOKS IN ONE, AND IT'S OUR FREE GIFT TO YOU!


Christmas Gift 2011 Volume One







SIXTY BOOKS IN ONE, AND IT'S OUR FREE GIFT 
TO YOU!


We are on the cusp of a revolution in publishing, and the John 3:16 Marketing Network is at the forefront of marketing innovation. Readers want diversity, options, and choices. The John 3:16 Marketing Network has released the most innovative way to expose readers to the latest in fiction and nonfiction Christian publishing.

Check out our new book, Taste and See, A Sampling of First Chapters by John 316 Marketing Network Authors.

Dear Readers of Christian Books, you are in for a treat! This is our gift to you for Christmas, and it's completely free through Smashwords or the John 3:16 Marketing Network!  You don't have to sign up for ANYTHING through the holidays, not even give us your email for an opt-in list.

Enjoy reading the first chapter of fifty-eight books and other surprises by sixty authors
AT NO COST. Nothing like beginning a new book that whets your appetite for more. You won’t have to travel to a book store or surf the web to find the kind of book you want. We have made it easy for you to sample close to sixty books and authors while drinking your latte at Starbucks, at home curled up on the sofa, or during your lunch break at work. Sit in front of your fireplace and relax. Taste and See is over 165,000 words long--the equivalent to TWO BOOKS.

Our John 3:16 Marketing Network authors are known and unknown, young and old, first-time published and multi-published, standard-industry published, self-published, and print-on-demand published. Our goal is to glorify God in our writings and help each other to promote books with a Christian worldview.

Taste and See is also available at Amazon for  $0.99 if you prefer to "purchase" it there. Don't miss out on this FREE OPPORTUNITY through the holidays. Find a chapter you like? There is a link at the end of each author's original work to buy the complete book HASSLE-FREE.

Remember, this is the season of our Savior's birth. We want to celebrate that with this FREE GIFT from us to you.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him”
Psalm 34:8


Smashwords  FREE (multiple formats available): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104475

Sunday, November 27, 2011

John 3:16 Network to Release Taste and See First Chapters Book Soon

A new book by the John 3:16 Marketing Network will showcase the work of 58 authors who have banded together to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their writing talents. Slated for release in early December, Taste and See, a Sampling of First Chapters by John 3:16 Marketing Network Authors, will be available in various ebook formats.

"I am excited to offer this book completely free through the Christmas holidays," says Lorilyn Roberts, the network's founder, who is editing the book. "I had no idea initially if anyone would be interested or if publishers would let us reprint a first chapter, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive."

"After the first of the year, people will need to sign up for the John 3:16 ezine to get Taste and See for free, but until January 1, everyone can download as many copies as they want from Smashwords and other distribution sites, including Apple, Kindle, Nook, and Sony with a coupon."

Lorilyn started the John 3:16 Marketing Network, which is free to join, as a means of collaborating on book launches and other marketing endeavors. As of this writing, the network has grown to 150-plus members. In addition to launching books, the network offers book showcases, reciprocal blogging, monthly prayer meetings via teleconferences, a bulletin board, an active Facebook page, a site to post book reviews, and tutorials for some of the more technical aspects of marketing. Lorilyn has also written a book, How to Launch a Christian Best-Seller Book, to help authors reach best-seller status on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. A storefront is run in affiliation with the New Christian Books Magazine, operated by network member Cheryl Rogers.

Taste and See, a Sampling of First Chapters, features fiction and non-fiction aimed at readers of all ages, plus a few surprises," says Lorilyn.

The John 3:16 Marketing Network plans to publish the Taste and See book annually to enable readers to enjoy new authors' books. "We write and publish a lot of books each year," Lorilyn adds. "I am sure we will have many new books to include in another sampling next year."

Again, the sample book will be free through the holidays; sales links to the full works are included. Taste and See will retail for $3.99 at Smashwords.com after the holiday promotion. It will continue to be free after the new year if you sign up for the John 3:16 ezine.

Distribution is planned through Smashwords.com and its retail network, the John 3:16 Marketing Network website and blog, New Christian Books Online Store, and network member blogs and websites.

The book's cover features mini book covers submitted by authors, in a collage format. "My goal was to showcase all the authors and their books in a visually pleasing way," says Rogers, who designed the cover and assisted with the book's formatting. Rogers, who has authored a number of books aimed at Christians of all ages, publishes New Christian Books Online Magazine as a free service to Christian readers and writers.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Book Launch of "Running on G: What's Filling Your Tank?"

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Press Release for the John 3:16 Marketing Network
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Lorilyn Roberts
Email: llhroberts@yahoo.com
 
 

John 3:16 MARKETING NETWORK BOOK LAUNCH  

Tuesday, November 22,  2011, Free eGifts Today Only

When you purchase  
Running on G: What's Filling Your Tank?

(ISBN 978-0-9835781-2-3)

by Kimberly James

  

 


Kimberly J. James
Kimberly James tells her story of dealing with childhood trauma and difficulties throughout her adult life while delivering the message that no matter what life brings, we are the sole masters of our destiny and that even your pain has a purpose.

"Running on G" puts readers into James' shoes and thought-process as she evolves through many debilitating life experiences. Her message to her readers is that nothing is pre-determined. Through sharing her story, she proves to be a perfect example of how people can overcome any level of adversity and redirect the course of his/her life as long as they are able and willing to grow through the limitations of their ego.

The first chapter begins at the end of the book with an identity beautifully and authentically redefined through the evolution of a human soul. What is great is that the reader gets to be a part of that evolution and he too walks away feeling like anything is possible.

While "Running on G" is an autobiography, the book is written in a style that allows the reader to feel as if he is reading a diary or a novel with no shortage of drama. James believes this aspect makes her book more appealing to a wider audience.

James hopes that her life experiences will give hope to others who face their own series of challenges and disappointments. Her goal was to give something back that will leave a legacy of hope and triumph, and hopefully improve the lives of others.

"My book is an epitaph of sorts, cast back over my shoulder to those coming after me or are still entangled in the complicated web of their past. Like me, so many are perplexed by their suffering and uncertain how to navigate through the fog" James says. "This work is much bigger than me. I wrote it purely out of obedience. It is the most painful yet rewarding thing I have ever accomplished."




 



 
What Others Are Saying  
  
I am a Caucasian who has lived a very different life than Kimberly, and yet I still felt connected to her life and to her story. This book allowed me to understand what it means to be an African-American who grew up in a wonderful family, but one that has been plagued with abuse that can be traced back to her ancestors who were slaves on plantations. - Danica Page, Reviewer/Blogger

I was not prepared for the level of raw truth. If I didn't believe already, I would have opened my heart to let God heal my wounds and guide my life after reading this book. - J.D. Brown

Your story has touched me in ways that I cannot even explain to myself right now. - T. Namikos

This book has given us something... something to laugh about, cry about, get mad about and definitely something to talk about. - K. Douglas

When I got to page 240, I found myself fighting back tears over Kimberly's ability to extend forgiveness in ways that most would say is unforgivable, and I am not a man known to cry! - F. Chiles, Author "As BIG As It Gets

 

 





  
Picture of Kimberly James    
 

KIMBERLY J. JAMES is the Founder, President and Program Director of the Dream in Color Foundation in Annandale, Virginia. She is a life coach, a motivational speaker, and a devoted wife and mother, who has courageously stepped up to break the silence to share her story of triumph and restoration from a generational curse traced all the way back to slavery.  

Kim is a graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Theatre Arts. Prior to starting the Dream in Color Foundation, she taught and directed various educational and dance programs in both the public and private school systems and is dedicated to empowering young people to dream big, pursue it relentlessly and live their lives helping others.  

What is next? After completing this assignment, Kim has decided to open a group home for troubled teens, fusing the arts into their therapeutic process and offering creative expression as an alternative to their self destructive behavior and a long term solution to a happy and healthy future.  


 

MEDIA CONTACT
Kimberly James
Phone: (703) 642-1711
Website: http://kimberlyjjames.com 
Endorsements: Jill Starishevski, Author of  My Body Belongs To Me featured on Oprah






Here is a sneak peek at the free e-gifts (chapter excerpts) you will receive if you purchase Running on G: What's Filling Your Tank? from Amazon.com on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22.   


 


 






Saturday, November 12, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Launch TODAY for Letters to God on a Prodigal Son


Press Release for the John 3:16 Marketing Network
For Immediate Release

John 3:16 Marketing Network Book Launch 
Tuesday, November 8,  2011, Only

Amazon 
Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son-Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer 
by
Anita Estes 

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son
Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer
by Anita Estes
 



The poignant, true story of a parent's journey through the minefield of her adult child's addiction.  

This book will help you find peace in the midst of your tsunami and the secret to victorious prayer! Letters to God is a powerful journal packed with prayers, practical advice and key spiritual insights. It will help unlock the secrets to successful prayer, not only for those dealing with prodigals, but for anyone facing their own storm


What Others Are Saying  
  
This book should be required reading in schools to help parents and students recognize the dangers of alcohol as a gateway to harsher drugs, a fact often overlooked. --Yyonne Pat Wright, author,  From Spice to Eternity
  
I teach 3 recovery classes weekly. I'll be using this book. With God...we're finding 95% success rates, so I'm good with that! I'm happy! --Jay Miller, author, Sal and Sally  

This book will greatly increase your faith and helps others to stand firm in their faith. A genuine love of prayer will be ignited within your soul with this book; learn how to come close to God through prayer, petition and worship. This book is proof positive that God is a Mighty Deliverer and is still in the business of answering the prayers of the faithful. Truly He has the power to work all things out for good.
A highly recommend read and a wonderfully written book, witness the transformation of a mother who felt helpless to help her son, but turns to God and never lets go. Watch her faith grow and her son find freedom, redemption and deliverance. This true story will touch your heart and give you the faith to keep holding on. This book is truly a triumphant and wonderful testimony to the saving power of God and the power of prayer. Thank you Anita Estes for sharing your story and writing this book. --CBM Book Reviews
  

  
Anita Estes  
 
Anita Estes resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley of upstate New York with her husband and son. She is an art teacher, freelance writer and avid gardener. As an educator, she has been honored in "Who's Who of American Teachers" for 2000 and 2005. Her work appears in several compilations including God Allows U-Turns, A Cup of Comfort, Deliver Me and Adams Media books. Her devotions have been published in Penned from the Heart, "Upper Room" and on-line.  

She is the author of When God Speaks: 40 Days of His Promises, Transformed-Inspiring Stories of Freedom and Letters to God on a Prodigal Son-Overcoming Addiction through Prayer. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk, by calling the church to intimate and honest communication with God. She desires to help others break the bonds of addiction and pain through an understanding of God's promises.






 Theme of Letters to God on a Prodigal Son
The plans of the enemy are at work in our children's lives today, but the prayer of faith has the power to destroy the strongholds of the enemy-no matter what! If you need help knowing how to undermine Satan's tactics then Letters to God on a Prodigal Son would be an ideal book for your prayer arsenal. Letters to God...will help you access God's powerful promises and teach you how to apply them to your own battle.

It will show you how to gain peace in the midst of a tumultuous storm and lead you to victory. It will show you how to cope with those affected by addictions and how to pray fervently and effectively. Woven throughout the journals are entries in Lessons Learned and Suggestions for dealing successfully with these circumstances. Sure to help anyone who is coping with an addicted loved one or counseling someone in the grip of addition. It will also be welcomed by those facing challenging circumstances and trying times.






You can buy this book and any of Anita Estes others at www.anitaestes.com For a sneak peek of Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son go to http://tinyurl.com/3pmzusd

On Tuesday,  NOVEMBER 8 ONLY, the John 3:16 Marketing Network will be hosting a book launch for Letters to God... and you'll be able to receive a lot of FREE Gifts AND a chance to win a free gift card when you purchase Letters to God from Amazon.com on that day ONLY.  

You can find out more about the launch on my web-site, http://www.anitaestes.com/, or this direct link http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html



Friday, November 4, 2011

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son Book Launch Nov. 8th


This Tuesday Nov. 8th, the long awaited book launch for Letters to God... will take place. Many FREE gifts and prizes will be awarded as well as a chance to win gift cards to some of your favorite stores. I've been contacting everyone on the network since this summer and it's not too late to join in! Just post this blog, facebook or tweets I've sent to the forum and posted on our group page.Here is the link for the FREE gifts and landing page information.

Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer is the poignant, true story of a parent's journey through the minefield of her adult child's addiction. This book will help you find peace in the midst of your tsunami and the secret to victorious prayer! Letters to God is a powerful journal packed with prayers, practical advice and key spiritual insights. It will help unlock the secrets to successful prayer, not only for those dealing with prodigals, but for anyone facing their own storm.


1. Tell me about your newest book, Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son?

This power packed journal and guide was birthed from the painful passage I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a diary that contained many insightful prayers, letters, and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story.

2. What did you learn from this experience?
I learned that God is faithful even when we’re not, even when we get mad at Him and don’t understand what he’s doing. God wants us to draw near to Him and cast ALL our concerns, cares, worries and anxieties on Him. He has very big shoulders to carry our burdens and for us to lean on and even weep upon. I also learned that God is true to His word. You can believe His promises as long as you understand them, have faith and continue to trust God with the outcome. I also learned that it’s very important to surrender your prodigal to God. That’s the best place for them.

3. What one issue ignites your passion?
Prayer and an intimate relationship with God are my two deepest passions. I want others to know how much God really cares for us and wants to know us. He gives us so many great gifts nestled in His promises. I want others to know how they can avail themselves of these treasures and go deeper with God. It is my desire to help others who face life’s challenges to know and understand how they can be victorious—in Jesus.

Here are some great reviews on Amazon. Some of them from our own John 3:16 members:

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son not only shares insights into the spiritual realm and explains the war that is waged against our children's souls, but Author Anita Estes teaches, how through prayer, faith and worship, one can be victorious over the powers of evil that hold our children in bondage. This journal accompanied with the lessons learned is a powerful tool for any parent finding themselves in similar circumstances.

This practical book will lift your faith and encourage you in your fight for your child's life. Throughout the entries, faith-filled prayers are included that are based on the scriptures to assist you in your battle. Understanding the spiritual realm, this mother shares how prayer and worship are some of your most powerful weapons to be waged in this war.

Addiction is rampant in our country, seizing our children and adults alike, dragging them into the darkest pit. In this book, God's hand is not so short that He cannot pull anyone from the deepest pit of despair of addiction and set them free. A triumphant story of faith tested in the fire of affliction, this book is recommended for anyone with a family member struggling with the stranglehold of addiction.

This book will greatly increase your faith and helps others to stand firm in their faith. A genuine love of prayer will be ignited within your soul with this book, learn how to come close to God through prayer, petition and worship. This book is proof positive that God is a Mighty Deliverer and is still in the business of answering the prayers of the faithful. Truly He has the power to work all things out for good.
A highly recommend read and a wonderfully written book, witness the transformation of a mother who felt helpless to help her son, but turns to God and never lets go. Watch her faith grow and her son find freedom, redemption and deliverance. This true story will touch your heart and give you the faith to keep holding on. This book is truly a triumphant and wonderful testimony to the saving power of God and the power of prayer. Thank you Anita Estes for sharing your story and writing this book. CBM Book Reviews

Estes' writing is straightforward, fluent and easy to read, so much so that I was tempted to rush through the book (it's a page turner) without taking time to grasp the seriousness and depth of the narrative.
The final outcome is proof positive that God does answer prayers, but not before Estes, her husband, who himself is battling self-esteem issues, and their two other children come out of denial and face the reality that their loved one is a drug addict and needs to be treated with the tough love that eventually helps in Ben's recovery.
This book should be required reading in schools to help parents and students recognize the dangers of alcohol as a gateway to harsher drugs, a fact often overlooked. Yvonne Pat Wright

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son is a fantastic book to help parents with addicted children cope with everyday life. It takes a lot of prayer and you learn quickly how to walk a tightrope. How high? It gets higher everyday.
I teach 3 recovery classes weekly. I'll be using this book. With God...we're finding 95% success rates, so I'm good with that! I'm happy! Jay Miller

Thank you to all of you who are helping make this a successful launch for God's Kingdom! Anita Estes

Monday, October 31, 2011

Guest Post by Amanda Stephan

Let's Celebrate the Launch of Amanda's New Book 
Lonely Hearts
 
 

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Book Launch Party for
Lonely Hearts
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors. What could possibly go wrong?
~ a Sweet Christian Romance ~

November 1st
Purchase Lonely Hearts from Amazon.com and add your confirmation number to the form on my website (www.booksbyamanda.com) for a chance to win a Nook, Kindle, iPod Shuffle, and receive LOTS of great eGifts from some very talented authors! Offer good only on November 1st.

Sample the First Chapter Here

Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
Chapter 1
                Becky Callis was new in town, and she felt her intrusion.
A bearded man outside the hardware store stopped sweeping with broom in mid-air, narrowly watching them as they drove past, perhaps wondering if she were the type to plunder and loot his shop. A couple of older women that had been chatting outside a tiny florist shop suddenly turned to stone, their mouths gaping open, possibly wondering what kind of woman would be caught dead in such an old pick-up truck. Becky even imagined one of their tongues hung out. She repressed a giggle and waved, receiving a incredulous half-wave from one of the women, and no acknowledgement from anyone else. She hated being stared at, and tried to keep a somewhat pleasant smile pasted on her freckled face as she drove through. She could feel her fair skin literally burning with embarrassment.
                Her thirteen year old daughter, Jen, gave her a twisted frown. “Mom, what is wrong with these people?” She asked, her pixie face turning dark red as a teenage boy waved at her. “They act like they’ve never seen strangers before!”
                Becky’s grin grew larger and more realistic as she gave a two-finger salute to the policeman leaning on his squad car with arms crossed as if daring her to go faster than the posted thirty mile an hour sign. Obediently, she stopped at the one red light the town could boast of and waited for it to turn green.
                “I guess,” she said with a shrug, watching an old man sitting outside a diner pretend to read a newspaper. He spit tobacco juice into a jar and set it down next to his chair, his bushy eyebrows making it very clear what he was looking at. “They don’t get too many newcomers here.”
                Her face nearly as red as her mother’s, Jen grimaced and pushed her sleeping brother’s head off her shoulder onto the vinyl headrest instead. “Well that’s fine, but they don’t have to stare. Makes me feel like we’re pets in a pet shop!”
                “Or beef at a cattle auction.” Becky laughed at her discomfort, noticing that the green light flickered faintly before going completely out. She drove on at the urging of the honking car behind her before she spoke. Jen grunted. “Oh don’t worry, they’ll get used to us and I’m pretty sure you’re going to like it here. Just think,” she said brightly, turning onto a dirt road the ratty map indicated. “We’re celebrities!”
                Jen laughed and looked out the window, taking in the country scene before her, the nosy townsfolk left behind. Large open fields of tall grass, trees lining the road, and mountains off in the distance made it a lovely scene she couldn’t find fault with.
                Becky smiled a sad, wistful smile, thankful she had her kids.
In the nine lonely years following Frank’s death, she often found herself wondering how she was supposed to cope and go on as she desperately missed her ‘better half.’
Well, I’ll never forget what Frank looked like, she thought a little morosely to herself as she glanced over at Jeff. Tall for his eleven years, his cherubic face hid a wealth of mischievousness and humor that always brightened her day, especially when he looked at her with his guilty dark brown eyes as if to say he were extremely sorry for some prank he was about to pull or had pulled. Just like his father. Her heart wrenched with sadness, and she quickly turned her thoughts to another source of comfort.



Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
               
Jen. When she looked at her daughter, it was like she was looking into a mirror. Petite, sassy copper hair that loved being just a tad on the unmanageable side, her hazel eyes full of compassion and loyalty, quick to laugh and quick to cry, she promised to be a beauty when she got older. Like her mother.
                At least that’s what Frank had always said, Becky fought against the lump that insisted on forming in her throat as more memories of her dead husband flooded in.
Just in time to stop a tirade of reminiscent thoughts that would push her into a melancholy spirit, Jeff let out a terrific snore and wetly smacked his lips, making them erupt into giggles as his head lolled once again onto his sister’s shoulder. She rolled her eyes, but didn’t move him.
                 A few minutes later, Becky pulled into what looked like a tractor path instead of a driveway and stopped abruptly when a home came into view. “Jen, would you please check the address and see if this is the right place.” She asked solemnly, studying the old, dilapidated farm house, complete with thigh-high weeds for a lawn.
Brittle shutters hung on by sheer will-power next to dusty, grimy windows, a huge, antique antenna clutched a thin wire as if for dear life and tapped against the side of the house, knocking off peeling paint with every slight breeze, while a rustic lean-to that served as a shed as well as termite dessert, stood dejectedly off to one side of the drive. She tried to stifle a laugh and ended up snorting instead. 
                “Mom,” Jen answered doubtfully, looking at the paper in her hand. “This is the right place,” she wrinkled her nose, “but I don’t think the guy you’re renting it from told you the truth. Didn’t he say it was nice?” 
                They looked over at each other and burst out laughing, waking Jeffrey out of a terrific snore storm.
                He bolted upright and rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. “Huh? What? What are you guys laughing at? Why are we stopped here?” He asked suspiciously.
                “Welcome home kids,” Becky said, grinning as she pulled up alongside the drooping porch and turned off the truck.
                Jen opened her door and glanced down at the weeds. Becky could almost see her thinking about ticks and bugs getting on her. “Oh my word,” she muttered as she looked around, a dismal frown on her face. “How are we supposed to get in? Is he going to meet us here or something?”
                Jeff, always ready for an adventure, hopped out of the truck and ran to the porch. “He said he would leave the key under the mat by the front door. Come on,” he said as he ran, wanting to be there before his more precautious sister.
Unthinking, he yanked on the handle of the screen door, causing the whole thing to fall right off the frame on top of him. “Uh, mom?” He hung his head in shame, embarrassed that he’d already broken something. “I think we’re going to need a new screen door!”   
                “I’m pretty sure that’s not the only thing we’re going to have to work on.” Jen laughed, thankful that it had happened to him, and not her.
                “Noted!” Becky answered good-naturedly, giving him a thumbs-up. She unlatched the tailgate, smacking her hands across her jeans in an effort to erase the dust she’d accrued during their long hours of driving with the windows down.
                “Hey mom!” Jeff called, putting an end to her depressing musings. “You should see the beehive up here!” He pointed to a gigantic paper wasp hive in the corner of the porch ceiling.
                Jen jumped off the porch, squealing as Jeff picked up a stick to poke at the hive. “Jeffrey Allen! Don’t you dare!”
                “Did you find the key?” Becky called, trying to distract Jeff from the beehive.

Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
                “You don’t need it,” he said, innocently trying to hide the stick behind his back. “The door’s open.”
                “Leave it alone,” warned Becky just as he was about to give the hive a good whack as she turned to go back to the truck.
                “Aww,” mumbled Jeff, dropping the stick and shuffling to the car with his hands in his pockets. “Do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?” He grumbled, stepping up next to her as she pulled some boxes toward the edge of the tailgate of her old beat-up Chevy.
                “Here,” she said, handing him a smaller box. “Why don’t you two help me and take some of these boxes in the house. And no. I don’t have eyes in the back of my head, I just know you awfully well.” She smiled indulgently at him, ruffling his thick hair. 
                Jen grabbed a box and started hauling it to the porch. “Too bad we sold our mower. Maybe we should get a cow!” She looked hopefully back at her mother.
“What’s the matter? Don’t you like the grass?” Becky laughed as she pushed more boxes near the end of the truck making it easier for the kids to grab them.
                “Grass?” Jeff asked dubiously, struggling with his load. “If it were any taller, it would be over my head!”
                Sensing her opportunity to pick on her brother, Jen blurted, “What do you mean, ‘would be’? It already is!”
Somewhat sensitive about his size, he glared ferociously at her, making her stifle any more comments she might have had.
                “Come on now,” Becky said repressing a grin as she slapped him on the back. “Let’s all get along now. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m going to need lots of help. Here,” she handed a box of cleaning supplies to Jen, and a broom and mop to Jeff. “Please take these into the kitchen.” 
                They did as they were told, quietly quarreling amongst themselves as they left her to stack things on the porch. Becky was just setting down another load when she heard a loud crash and screams coming from the kitchen. Immediately dropping everything, her heart in her throat, she raced into the house expecting something terrible.
                Looking wildly around the kitchen, she was surprised to see both kids standing on the chipped white Formica counter, their faces white with terror. “What is it?” A large box of pots and pans lay ominously in the middle of the tiny kitchen and several lids had rolled over toward the antique refrigerator. This had obviously been the loud crash she had heard outside. Nudging the upset box with her toe, she wondered momentarily if a large poisonous spider had hitched a ride from their previous home and had scared the kids.
                Jen pointed to the small utility closet at the end of the room while she clutched Jeff’s arm with the other. “There’s an animal in there!” She said, shuddering with horror. “I think it’s a huge rat!”
                “Of all the things we have to have in the house, it’s got to be a rat!” Becky said shuddering convulsively, her lips stretched in a thin line. She hated rats and mice more than anything, and was always disgusted whenever she had to deal with them for some reason or other.
Cautiously, she grabbed a broom and tiptoed to the door, listening intently for any sound inside. Jeff shrugged off his sister’s hand and lightly jumped down off the counter, interested in seeing for himself what was in the closet. “Do you hear anything?” he whispered. 
Becky shook her head and gently twisted the knob, ready to use the broom as a weapon and squash whatever it was. Slowly, she pulled the creaky door open. Taking a deep breath, she peeped



Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan

inside and caught sight of two brown eyes looking back at her. Opening the door all the way, she found to her surprise and immense relief, a pair of baby raccoons. 
“Oh look,” she said, motioning for Jen to come down from her perch and look.
                “They’re so cute,” Jeff said, poking his head inside the door so he wouldn’t miss a chance to see what had caused all the fuss. “Can we keep them?” he asked, looking up hopefully.
                “No way,” Jen said, finally getting up the nerve to climb down. “That thing scared me to death.”
 “I wonder how they got in here,” Becky mumbled, looking around the closet. 
                “Maybe it got in through there,” Jeff said, pointing to the broken floor register. When he stepped in to get a closer look, one of the raccoons backed up to the wall and hissed menacingly at him.
                “I think we’re not going to get to keep either of these little critters,” Becky said, pulling him back out of the closet by the back of his shirt. “Go open the front door and I’ll try to sweep them out. Jen, get the mop and head them off if they try to escape.” Obediently, Jen grabbed the mop as Becky started sweeping both hissing and angry raccoons out the door. Finally, after three mishaps with one of the raccoons almost getting away and Jen re-climbing the counter screaming, they managed to sweep them both to freedom. Laughing, they hurriedly shut the door before they could change their minds and come back in. 
                “Jeff,” Becky said, turning to him. “Get the tool box out of the front of the truck and see if you can try to fix that register so they can’t get back in that way.” Jeff’s face lit up, happy to have a ‘man’s job’ to do.
                “We don’t have much more to do,” Becky sighed, as she and Jen went outside to finish unpacking the truck. 
                Her face red with exertion, Jen swept a few strands of hair back and stood erect, trying to unkink her back after lugging a large box into the front room. “I sure am glad that we decided to have those yard sales before we moved.”
                Becky puffed and tried to navigate around the room with her vision blocked by the load of boxes in her arms. “Oh come on, don’t you think it would have been interesting for you, Jeff, and I to carry in a couch?” She laughed as she and Jen slid down the wall and finally slumped to the floor, relaxing.
                With an air of delight and pride, Jeff came in and joined them, his grin splitting his face in half. “I tried to fix that register the best I could. I don’t think he’ll be back. Duct tape fixes everything!” 
                Becky clapped him on the back. “Thanks. And thank you too Jen. I appreciate both of your help.” She leaned back and closed her eyes, drained.
                Contentedly, they sat for a few minutes, hoping this could be the last move.
“Mom,” Jen said, her alarmed voice breaking the silence. “Someone’s here.”
Groaning, Becky stood up and arched her back just in time to see an old flat bed farm truck coming up the rutted drive.
“It could be the guy we’re renting from,” she said, unsure of herself. Quickly, she tucked a few stray hairs behind her ears and dusted off her jeans, trying to look presentable to whoever it was.
 As it neared the house, the truck turned off the driveway to park in the long grass right in front of their door. A bent over old man in greasy overalls managed to get out and limp up the steps, chewing on a weed. He spat it out and knocked before he entered the room uninvited. 
Alarmed, Becky stood with her hands on her hips, ready to push the fragile looking man out the door if necessary.
                “Howdy,” he drawled, eyeing her and the two kids. “Name’s Pickles.” He stuck out a grubby, calloused hand her way, obviously intending to shake.
               
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan

Becky took his hand and gave it a light squeeze and a gentle shake, afraid she would hurt him. “You’re the landlord?” She asked, looking over his shoulder at her open-mouthed kids.
He ran his hands up and down his overalls straps, amused. “Yup,” he said, glancing around at all the boxes. “This all ya got?”
                “Yup,” Jeff mimicked humorously before Becky could answer. She shot him a warning look, her scowl deepening as he shrugged his shoulders and smiled like a Cheshire cat.
                “That’s my kind of boy,” the old man grinned, scratching his bald head. “Ya got a year lease and yer rent is due the first of the month,” he said, getting right to the point. “I live right down the road to the left if ya be needin’ anything, just give me a holler. Glad ya made it,” he stuck his hand out again. 
                Liking his simple, country ways, Becky found herself pumping his hand up and down a little more enthusiastically this time. “There is one thing we need, if you wouldn’t mind. I don’t have a lawnmower.” She raised her eyebrows as she tried to give him the hint as she walked him out to the porch.
                A look of pure astonishment passed across his weathered features as he scratched his head again. He thought a moment before answering. “Well ya ain’t got to worry about the grass. It’ll die in a few weeks when it gets colder out.”
                Becky followed him to his truck, not quite ready to give up. “You don’t have one? We’d really like to cut the grass.”
                Jen snorted, close at her mother’s heels. She hated being left out of conversations. “Yeah, we can’t find Jeff if he steps off the path.” Becky nudged her in the ribs, making her squeak. 
                “Sure I got one,” he said, climbing into his truck. “Bye.” He waved as he put the old truck in gear and drove off, another long weed clutched between his teeth.
                Stunned, they watched him leave, a trail of dust clouds hanging in the air. “I think that means he’ll bring it tomorrow,” Jeff said after a moment, joining them on the porch. Amused, they burst into laughter at their neighbor’s odd ways.   
Becky ran a hand over her face, her eyes twinkling merrily. “Who’s hungry?”
                Always anxious to eat, Jeff gave a loud whoop as he jumped in the air. “I’m starving! What’re we going to have?”
                She shrugged, looking from one happy child to the other. “I thought we’d just go out for something tonight, what do you think?” Grinning at their exuberant ‘yes’, she clapped Jeff on his shoulder and grabbed her purse. “Let’s go!” 

Monday, October 24, 2011

A New Way to Sample Christian Books

A New Way to Sample Christian Books
By Lorilyn Roberts


The following blurb in italics is quoted from Nathan Bransford’s blog, dated September 29, 2011.

“There is so much talk about self-published books in the writing-o-sphere. But have you actually read one?
Poll below -
·                   Yes
69%
·                   No
30%

Total Votes: 1,773
Also, your further thoughts requested in the comments section. Did you like the self-published book you read? Would you read another? Do you only read traditionally published books? Etc.”




The poll was under way when the comments were posted so it’s interesting to look back at the final results. I read most of the voluminous 285 responses. If you would like to peruse them, here is the link: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2011/09/have-you-ever-read-self-published-book.html

While it’s hard to generalize from such a wide variety of responses, some things are clear: 

1. There is still a lingering prejudice toward print-on-demand/self-published books.
2. Many readers do not think print-on-demand/self-published books are on par with industry-published books.
3. A sizable portion of readers have not read print-on-demand/self-published books.
4. Many who haven’t read print-on-demand/self-published books would if they could sample them for free.

Out of the menagerie of comments shared in this blog post, after much reflection, I came up with an idea which I will share in a moment. But first, I want to give my own thoughts about the findings from this survey. I have said this for a long time, although most traditionally-published authors won’t agree with me:  Readers don’t care how a book is published. They might think they care because of preconceived notions that self-published books are in the category of “vanity” publishing, and therefore, inferior. In reality, however, when you dig deeper into those who are not biased, you will find what readers really care about is content. Content is king.

My American roots go deep. Some of my ancestors arrived with the Mayflower, and in the decades of colorful history since then, dreamers have made us a great nation. The key factors that made that possible: Freedom and a capitalist system where hard work, creativity, and perseverance rewarded those who didn’t give up.
Do we really need gatekeepers to tell the world whether something is good?  Do we need a hundred authors with unread manuscripts returned because the overworked acquisitions editor was two months behind opening her mail? In the past, because of the financial investment, book publishers decided which books would see the light of day. Most never did, making it very difficult for promising authors to get discovered.

Put ten people in a room and I guarantee you, they won’t agree on everything. Chances are they will have different tastes on what they like to eat, where they want to go on vacation, and yes, certainly on what books are worth reading. The traditional way of publishing books squelches creativity. I have spent far too much time trying to understand what an acquisitions editor or agent wanted, where he wanted my manuscript sent, and then he lost my manuscript anyway. That wasted time could have been better spent procuring an editor, improving my writing, and publishing and marketing my book myself. That is exactly what I did eventually. My point, though, is that the readers didn’t care how my book was published. They did care that it was worth reading.

I believe the days of mailing a book to one hundred publishers over five years hoping to find a “taker” are gone. Why would anyone want to do that? Authors can publish their own books now—faster and more efficiently. It doesn’t mean that the traditional way won’t exist into the future. It does mean ALL publishing companies will be vying for supremacy in a rapidly changing environment where the old ways of doing things won’t work as well. Competition raises the standard and forces downward the cost of publishing. The reader benefits from more choices in books and the result is a brighter future for new authors who are gifted with an entrepreneurial mindset. The only requirement—write the best book.

While the John 3:16 Marketing Network is for Christian authors, I envision our paradigm being adopted for mainstream authors, though it may not be free. The hard work in the John 3:16 Marketing Network is borne by many who have a passion to serve. Opportunities abound to provide books to readers all over the world, not only through industry-published books, self-published and print-on-demand books, but e-books as well. I envision e-books becoming popular in countries where the shipment of p-books is not practical or affordable. We are on the cusp of a revolution in publishing, and the John 3:16 Marketing Network is at the forefront of marketing innovation. Readers want diversity, options, and choices. The John 3:16 Marketing Network is poised to experiment with new ideas and introduce readers to new ways to sample books. Again, I want to emphasize, let the reader have more choices and make it easier for him to sample.

Not only is it important for authors to provide readers with the best possible product, why not give book lovers “more flavors”?  With the end of the year approaching, I have exciting news.
First, we will have a short Christmas membership drive to allow newcomers (authors and bloggers) to join without a referral (must believe in John 3:16).

Second, to celebrate our first full year of launching best-seller books on Amazon, we will be offering a free e-book, Fifty First Chapters From Christian Authors, a New Way to Sample Christian Books.  

Third, we will be introducing a new John 3:16 Marketing Network Membership for readers. If you are interested, all you have to do is sign up to receive our e-zine. You will NOT be bombarded with emails because I don’t have time to write them. My goal is to provide access to the best undiscovered Christian literature in the world. In the future, we will serialize e-books; and offer coupons for free e-books, shorts stories, and anthologies by John 3:16 authors. Tell us what you want; we would love to hear your ideas.

Our first e-book, Fifty First Chapters From Christian Authors, a New Way to Sample Christian Books, will be released on December 15 (or sooner). To receive your free copy, all you need to do is sign up to receive our e-zine. Enjoy reading the first chapter of fifty books by fifty authors AT NO COST. Nothing like beginning a new book that whets your appetite for more. You won’t have to travel to a book store or surf the web to find the kind of book you want. We have made it easy for you to sample a large assortment of all kinds of books while drinking your latte at Starbucks, at home curled up on the sofa, or during your lunch break at work.

Our John 3:16 Marketing Network authors are known and unknown, young and old, first-time published and multi-published, standard-industry published, self-published, and print-on-demand published. Our goal is to glorify God in our writings and help each other to promote books with a Christian worldview. If you are interested, please sign up for our mailing list. On December 15 (maybe earlier), you will be emailed a coupon to get your free copy. We will also be posting previews of chapters ahead of the launch at http://john316mn.blogspot.com. More information will be forthcoming.