Interview of Award-Winning Author Jim Baton by John3:16 Marketing Network Founder Lorilyn Roberts

Author Interview with Jim Baton

Lorilyn:  How did you get into writing books, and did you know you wanted to be an author?

Jim:  My two children loved my goodnight stories, even into junior high. I let each of them pick a character, so one night I’d tell how Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty solved a mystery, the next night Winnie the Pooh and Scooby-Doo learned about forgiveness. I even tried to imitate all their voices.

One day in the House of Prayer, the Lord told me, “I gave your father a writing gift, but he passed away before it could bear fruit. It’s part of your inheritance if you want it.”

“I want it!” I replied.

“Will you submit it to me?”

“Yes.” And that began my writing journey. The partnership I feel with God when I write, sometimes feeling His revelation flowing through me, is one of the great pleasures of my life.

Lorilyn:  Do you have any favorite authors that have influenced your writing?

Jim:  Some readers will notice shades of Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker in my books. I love reading the novels of David Baldacci and Gregg Hurwitz for their adrenaline-rush plots, and Dick Francis and Jonathan Kellerman for their brilliant characters.

Lorilyn:  Do you draw on personal experiences in your books, or is your imagination what drives your plots?

Jim:  It’s really a combination of personal experiences, research, and imagination. Most of my characters are loosely based on real people. 

CLICK TO TWEET:  Many of the supernatural phenomena I write about are also based on real experiences—whether angelic or demonic, miracles or dreams. In fact, several of the supernatural dreams my characters experience are based on real dreams that my wife, my friends, or myself have had. And we’ve been blessed to see God do many, many extraordinary miracles, far more than we could ever include in my books.

Some of them have been so extraordinary that the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction” applies.

All that to say, writing about terrorists or angels or dreams or revival has required very little of my imagination. Because of this, I think my readers catch the authenticity of the stories.

Lorilyn:  Your books have won several awards. Can you tell us about those?

Jim:  It’s encouraging when others recognize the quality of my craft, but honestly, the most rewarding aspect of writing to me is when my readers share that my novel completely changed their perspective on _____. Every book I write begins with a message I feel God has given me for this moment. I fully embrace the power of the storyteller to change paradigms.

Lorilyn:  You have lived in some very faraway places. Where is your favorite “home away from home”?

Jim:  We’ve been blessed to live over 20 years in the Muslim world and blessed to travel and share about our work in many different nations. As a result, the concept of “home” is somewhat fluid for me. I guess I feel most at home wherever my family is gathered, or on a soccer field, or in a House of Prayer.✙✙✙✙✙

Lorilyn:  Where can readers find your books?

Jim:  All my novels are available on all the online platforms: Amazon (for paperback), Kindle, iBooks, Nook, etc.

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Enjoy a Preview of Jim's latest book from the Hope Trilogy Series

NEW RELEASE by Award-Winning Author JIM BATON

In the HOPE Trilogy, teenagers Kelsey and Harmonie solve mysteries, fight for justice, experience the supernatural, and find their place in God’s destiny for their town of Hope, Colorado.

Purchase at Amazon: Hope is a Dangerous Place

For iBooks: click here and Nook: click here

Also available on Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, etc. here

From the back cover of the book:

Seventy-five years ago, fifteen-year-old Hope McCormick disappeared. To remember her, the newly incorporated town was named “Hope.” 

When high school friends Kelsey and Harmonie begin looking into this unsolved mystery, they discover that someone will do anything to make sure the town’s secrets never come to light. 

Which neighbors are allies, and which face masks a violent enemy? And what will it take for their struggling town to fulfill its original destiny of hope?

The Hope Trilogy is written for those who are hungry for God’s revival and transformation of their communities. Learn more at www.jimbaton.com.

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“All over the world, radical lovers of God are rising up to reform their communities. We’re about to see entire cities and nations experience supernatural kingdom transformation. Jim Baton’s HOPE Trilogy captures in riveting narrative what it could look like.”

-Johnny Enlow, founder of RISE, author of The Seven Mountain Renaissance: Vision and Strategy through 2050 and Rainbow God: The Seven Colors of Love 

Visit Author Jim Baton's Amazon page by clicking here. 

Praise and Worship with Val Edwards

Heavenly Vitamins by Val Edwards

Edwards Family Publishing, September 2019

75 pp

$5.99 Ebook

$12.00 paperback

Buy on Amazon  US

Amazon UK 

About the Book

Jesus is our Living Word encouraging us by His Holy Spirit with His Words of LIFE. So here are new songs of affirmation and declaration for equipping us all to be saints in Light. Restorative Spiritual Songs are direct from the Word. They will be tonic with good medicine for the spirit, body, mind and soul that give voice to our Heavenly Father’s Love and Care for us all. An alphabet of simple songs will help us meditate on and remember Our Heavenly Father’s Word with Flowing Grace. Singing them out will cause these truths to positively dwell deep in our hearts and spirits. Offerings of Praise and Thanks to God can be heartily sung round. We may swim, march, dance, prayer walk or simply be, as we sing them heartily. They will do us good and build us up as we sing out and give voice to these Heavenly Vitamins, and share them with each other too.

Lisa's review:

This precious book is an intimate look at a relationship among soulmates; between heaven and earth. Filled with loving photographs taken by the author and songs of devotion, Heavenly Vitamins is an alphabet of interactive praise meant to fortify and build up the reader. For the musically inclined, songs are set up in formatted notes, accompanied by Scripture and lovely images. Simple tunes, such as “Praise shall continually be in my mouth, Psalm thirty-four verse one” both offer our adoration and help us memorize verses. Images of creation in seasons, fruit, blossom, wildlife, sunsets, all meld into hallelujah.

Those who enjoy music and photos in a peanut-size coffee table book will love Heavenly Vitamins.

About the Author:

The late Val Edwards of Britain’s South Coast had a degree in molecular sciences. She and her husband Jim have four children and a grandchild.

The Dangers of Making Assumptions

   by Pearl Nsiah-Kumi 

An assumption is defined as the acceptance that something is true, or is certain to happen, without proof. Needless to say, it’s risky when we assume and present false information as truth, based on what we think or feel. We need to be certain about the information we choose to believe and share, by first verifying our facts, and then being patient–not rushing to accuse, judge, or condemn people.

What is at risk if our assumptions turn out to be wrong? When we make assumptions, we falsely accuse others, which can destroy their reputations, even if only temporarily, jeopardizing our own in the process. In fact, if what we say turns out to be false, whatever we say in the future could be taken with a grain of salt.  

Click to Tweet: So, before we jump to conclusions and accuse others, let’s research our facts and have proof, and even then be very unhurried to speak.

The Bible teaches this lesson in the story of Job, who was described this way: “blameless, a man of complete integrity, feared God, and stayed away from evil” (see Job 1:1). 

If you are familiar with this story, you’ll remember that the devil was permitted to bring misfortune into Job’s life, to prove Job’s loyalty to God. He lost his ten children, property, and health; and, needless to say, he was heart-broken and in anguish. He tried to figure out why God would cause him such distress. As far as he knew, he had done nothing wrong to warrant that kind of punishment. Even his wife did not console him. She said to him: “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die” (Job 2:9 NLT). Wow!

Job’s three friends, who knew nothing about the conversation that took place between God and the devil prior to Job’s troubles, chided him (see Job 4:3-6), and then jumped to conclude that Job’s suffering was the result of sin in his life. “Stop and think!” Eliphaz, the first friend, said, “Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed? My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same. A breath of God destroys them” (Job 4:7-9 NLT). Sadly, his conclusion was partially based on his personal experience. If we are honest, we’ll admit that we all do occasionally jump to conclusions about issues we know nothing, or very little, about. God help us.

Job’s second friend Bildad’s assessment of the situation was this: “Your children must have sinned against him, so their punishment was well deserved. But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home” (Job 8:4-6 NLT). “WELL DESERVED.” Really? Talk about jumping to conclusions. 

As Bildad continued to ramble on, he said, “The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread. … The godless seem like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches spreading across the garden… But look, God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he lend a hand to the wicked” (Job 8:13-20 NLT). Unbelievable. This was like adding insult to injury.

Zophar, friend number three, finally chimed in. “Listen. God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!” Then he adds, “Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence” (Job 11:6 and 14 NLT). Such boldness.

Elihu, another character, younger than Job and his three friends, finally responded. He rebuked all four men. He was angry with Job for insisting he was innocent, instead of admitting wrongdoing, and admitting God was just in punishing him. He was angry with the three friends for making God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments. 

Elihu’s assessment of the situation, however, was just as bad. One of his many accusations was: “Be on guard. Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil” (36:21). 

When Job tried to defend himself, these friends would have none of it; they were 100% sure Job’s troubles were the result of his sin. These were friends who had come to comfort one of their own. No wonder Job referred to them as “miserable comforters” (see Job 16:2). He told them, “If it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief” (Job 16:5 NLT); “Have mercy on me, my friends, have mercy on me” (19:21 NLT).

God finally entered the conversation and challenged Job: “Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer me” (38:3). Then He rebuked Eliphaz: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me as my servant Job has … My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you deserve” (42:7-8 NLT).

Let’s not jump to conclusions! If we choose to offer our opinion, it should be clear to our listeners that it’s strictly an opinion and not necessarily facts. These four men really hurt Job with their ignorant statements, and by so doing displeased God. Let’s be careful, quick to hear, but slow to speak!

♱♱♱♱♱

Learn more at Author Central

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    Books By Pearl Nsiah-Kumi, Click here to visit Amazon

Book Review of Seventh Dimension - The Howling by Author/Book Reviewer Carol A. Brown - Time Travel, Christian fiction, and More

Book Six in the Seventh Dimension Series

THE HOWLING is the final book in the six-book series, The Seventh Dimension. The title did not give me a clue as to the storyline—but oh my! The story just takes off and takes you with it. Time travel, Christian fiction, romantic fiction, sci-fi, action, and fantasy…Roberts almost cuts a new genre as she seamlessly combines them all! Regardless of where your theology places you on the spectrum of when the rapture and subsequent events will occur, THE HOWLING is a most compelling depiction of the “end times.”

I connected with Daniel Sperling, the very relatable main character. The story is told from his point of view. Roberts' characters are very effective. Well drawn and likable, or not likable as the case may be! The writing is clean and fluid, the vocabulary is appropriate and the storyline well-plotted. I appreciated the lack of swearing or gratuitous violence. There were no “ho-hum” parts where you want to put the book down. The reader is not allowed to lose interest!

I’m not giving any spoiler alerts—this is a “must-read” book! It will make you think about events in ways you may not have thought before.

I have already recommended this book!

Carol Brown 

To purchase Seventh Dimension - The Howling from Amazon click here.

Only 99¢ for a limited time.

The Vikings of Loch Morar (The Creation Seekers Book 2) by William D. Burt

Book 2 in the "CREATION SEEKERS" series authored by William D. Burt.

Published by: CREATION WAY BOOKS (an imprint of KOT BOOKS, LLC). 

March, 2019. (Softcover; 250 pages. Illustrated by Becky Miller.)

Jonathan Oliver is chasing down an intruder on Lake Oswego’s Iron Mountain when he discovers some long-buried artifacts. One of these relics sparks a remarkable spinoff from the Oliver family’s anti-gravity inventions. 

Together, Jon and his father incorporate their breakthrough into a revolutionary submersible design. At the invitation of Dr. Graham MacKenzie, the Gyrosensors team travels to one of Scotland’s wildest and remotest regions—and its deepest lake—to develop their secret prototype. 

While staying at Dr. MacKenzie’s Christian retreat center, they meet a pretty but mysterious Frenchwoman. 

Across the loch, the reclusive caretaker of a Victorian-era hunting lodge is hiding staggering secrets of his own. During the prototype's construction and sea trials, Jon and his family confront enemies on land, in the air, and under the water. In the end, Jon rekindles a long-lost love and uncovers an ancient, holy treasure-hoard.

BUY LINKS:

AUTHOR’S WEBSITE (AUTOGRAPHED COPIES):  Click Here

AMAZON (PAPERBACK): Click Here

AMAZON (KINDLE): Click Here

Amazon Review

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A Must-Read

Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2019

Sometimes the second book in a series, like a sequel movie, isn’t as good as the first. That is not the case with The Vikings of Loch Morar. I enjoyed book one, The Lake Lights, and I enjoyed the second one just as much. We meet the same interesting characters in the second book as well as a new villain and “new” pre-historic” creatures. God’s love and forgiveness are also part of the story. Author William Burt further develops the characters we came to love in the first book. Once again Jon is the main character and we watch him grow up a little more, as a post-high school young man should.

This young adult novel is a must-read for those with interest in the dinosaurs/pre-historic creatures, in Viking history, or even and interest in relics related to Christ, no matter your age. For me it was a “can’t put this down” book. I look forward to reading additional books in the Creation Seekers series – the ending to The Vikings of Loch Morar leaves room for more.

I would not hesitate to place this book in my K-12 Christian School library. While there is a romance in the book, it is not at the forefront of the plot. I think the book is appropriate for fifth grade and up.

I want to thank William Burt and Interviews and Reviews for the complimentary e-copy of The Vikings of Loch Morar.

Please Help "The Howing" to Stay in the Running for Best Book Cover At All Author

UPDATE:  I MADE IT TO THE THIRD ROUND

To continue in the best book cover contest at All Author, I need to be in the top 24, and I'm at number 28 right now. That means without your help, I won't be able to continue. I have six days to get there.   

The main reason I want to make it to the next round is my book is a Christian book, and anytime we can promote our Lord Jesus Christ to a secular reading audience, we should do everything in our power to be a witness to the unsaved.   

I am asking those who love Christ to help me keep going. Perhaps someone who is not a Christian will see my book cover and be led to purchase it. I lowered the price to 99c on Amazon as long as I'm in the running. That means for every book sold I make 33c on Amazon, so this isn't about money. It's about spreading the love of Jesus Christ to secular readers. 

I truly believe the Lord's return is imminent. The Howling is the final book in the Seventh Dimension Series and is about the end days. 

Many people will never pick up a Bible, but if they are hooked in the first chapter of a book, they will usually keep reading. 

Getting people to pick up a book by an unknown author requires a book cover that intrigues them. If you think my book cover is "awesome," please vote. It only takes a second. 

You can do "open voting" by signing in with your Facebook account. Someone told me All Author asks for your birthday, and that's to make sure people only vote ONCE in each round.  Round three just opened yesterday, and so if you are wondering if you have voted in round three, if you haven't voted in the last twenty-four hours, you haven't. 

Again, thanks for your help. To have a realistic chance of winning, I need about two hundred votes. 
 

Click to Vote! 

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Sassy Pants Learns to Take Responsibility - Book 4 in the Sassy Pants Series - Just in Time for Christmas, by Carol a. Brown

Learning to take responsibility for choices and actions is a tough thing to learn. It is also developmentally foundational—a life skill! Sassy Pants Learns to take responsibility; she models and reinforces this essential lesson in delightfully funny ways. She takes on tasks she not sure she can handle and forgets what she knows…and then remembers when Mom gives her “the look.” Excellent addition for early readers: children, grandchildren, or your local library. Children and adults alike enjoy Sassy Pants capers! Join Sassy Pants as she learns, in a humorous way, that what seems to be a small thing can quickly grow beyond what we could imagine!

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“Look Inside”

SORRY MAMA

Soon, Sassy Pants was walking back and forth in front of the pig barn. Her tummy felt like it was tied in a knot. It was still early in the morning. Birds were singing but the butterflies and big buzzy black flies weren’t awake, yet. Except she hardly noticed any of that. Instead, she was thinking about what she had to do.

Last year, there was a bumper crop of piggies—too many for her mama to take care of—so Sassy Pants was sent to live in the big house, where Farmer White's children could take care of her. She loved living there so much she began to think she was a people, not a pig. When she finally grew big enough to go back to the pigpen, she did not want to go. She felt like she didn't belong there. So, whenever she saw a chance to escape, she took it. And every time she escaped she would get into lots of trouble.

On the days when she couldn't escape, she would make lots of trouble in the pigpen. In fact, she became the barnyard bully! She was sassy, too, but she didn't care. Not even a bit. Which is why Farmer White had to teach her a lesson the hard way. After that, she didn't make trouble anymore. Not for anyone. Oh, she made some mistakes once in a while, but that isn't the same thing.

After Sassy Pants learned her hard lesson, she was a transformed pig. A good pig. Except by that time there wasn't anyone left on the farm who wanted to be her friend. Not even one. 

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON IN SOFTCOVER AND HARDCOVER, CLICK HERE

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Carol A. Brown

“I began telling stories when I had enough brothers to make an audience!” (Carol has four brothers and one sister!) She and her husband reside in Juneau, Alaska. They have two daughters on the west coast and five grandchildren. Carol was raised in a farming community in Iowa. She enjoys reading, nature and music, playing the piano, knitting, crocheting, painting and telling stories! As a retired educator, “I dedicate myself to knitting sweaters and spinning yarns!”