Summer Workshops for Writers

UPDATE: REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. THANK YOU.


Everyone is self-publishing these days, and there's plenty of information floating around online. Think you can find all you need online?

What you don't know COULD hurt you, and cost you a lot of money.

With the rising tide of indie authors, it is in a writer’s best interest to produce a quality project. You can do that best when you have a general idea of the publishing process and how to format your book so that it will be hard to tell your product from that of a traditional publisher

This summer, I will present the first two in a series of courses entitled “Writer’s How-To Workshops.”

The first workshop’s focus will be “Self-Publish Your Novel” and the second one will be “Self-Publish Your Nonfiction Book.”

There has never been a better time for authors to get their work into readers' hands and one way to do that is through self-publishing. Both workshops offer a general overview of the publishing process, and then give you hands-on experience to make it happen. In the past two years, we've published 22 books - most in two formats: print and digital. In these workshops, I'll teach you what I've learned, and how to avoid many of the mistakes I made early on.

[But aren't you a traditional publisher? Yes we are. I firmly believe in publishing traditionally, but there are times when self-publishing makes sense. We'll discuss some of those in these workshops.]

Self-Publish Your Novel

June 1, 2013

9 AM – 5 PM

Unicoi State Park

Helen, Georgia

Logo Room A

(Registration and set up begin at 8:30.)

This workshop will take you from a completed, edited novel (we’re not dealing with story and the craft of writing in this workshop) through a “do-it-yourself” publishing process, providing you with the information and skills for formatting, cover design, self-editing, and prepping for publication. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, provide you with a workshop booklet to take home, and be available for coaching to help you through any obstacles you may encounter.

Cost: $119

Registration fee includes workshop, materials and handouts, buffet lunch, and breaks. BONUS #1: includes 30 days of coaching AFTER the workshop ends. (You may choose the month – does not have to be in June, but must be scheduled within six months of the workshop.) BONUS #2: Autographed copy of the novel we dissect during the workshop.

Due to the intensity of this course and the one-on-one instruction, space is limited to 15 participants. Reserve your space today. First come, first served. Registration will close when spots have been taken.

Self-Publish Your Nonfiction Book

June 8, 2013

9 AM – 5 PM

Unicoi State Park

Helen, Georgia

Logo Room A

(Registration and set up begin at 8:30.)

This workshop will take you from a completed, edited nonfiction book (we’re not dealing with story and the craft of writing in this workshop) through a “do-it-yourself” publishing process, providing you with the information and skills for formatting, cover design, self-editing, and prepping for publication. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, provide you with a workshop booklet to take home, and be available for coaching to help you through any obstacles you may encounter.

Cost: $119

Registration fee includes workshop, materials and handouts, buffet lunch, and breaks. BONUS: includes one month of coaching AFTER the workshop ends. (You may choose the month – does not have to be in June, but must be scheduled.)

The two courses are similar in nature, although some of the skills taught are slightly different, due to the differences in the structure of fiction and nonfiction books. If you take one, you'll have most of the skills needed to publish fiction or nonfiction.

Due to the intensity of these courses, and the one-on-one instruction, space is limited to 15 participants. Reserve your space today. First come, first served. Registration will close when spots have been taken.

The workshops are intense. Be prepared to work. Bring your laptop, and if you have a manuscript ready – or at least a few chapters – bring it (on your computer, not a hard copy) and prepare to use it to learn the skills being taught. If you do not have a manuscript, a sample portion will be provided.

Registration closes Tuesday, May 21st, so reserve your spot NOW.

Welcome DRINK414!

If you've come to our blog after listening to Shelly Brown's interview with our author Fay Lamb on www.WTLN.com, we just want to say THANK YOU and WELCOME!

Here's a little video that shares a bit about our authors - Fay's on there, too! See if you can pick her out.



Today is the last day of our fundraiser to help our authors get this promotional package. If you can, won't you please help them achieve this milestone? We've got some great incentives too, and we'll even let you name your own reward if you prefer! (Although FaithFunder shows 0 days left, the campaign is still being funded  as long as that Fund this Project button is still live!)

Thank you for helping us spread the word about our books and about our authors. The more people we reach, the more opportunities we have for sharing the Gospel. And that's truly what it's all about, isn't it?

Sing to God, everyone and everything! Get out his salvation news every day! Publish his glory among the godless nations, his wonders to all races and religions. And why? Because God is great—well worth praising!

1 Chronicles 16:23-24

The Message

(bold, underline mine)

Only 10 More Days!

We only have 10 more days in our FaithFunder campaign. Have you checked out all the goodies available? Some of them would make AWESOME gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Writer's Day! :-) We greatly appreciate your support - this is an awesome opportunity for our authors. The fundraiser ends April 21st.

And remember, Fay Lamb took a dare (in an effort to avoid offering her own Skype session) to travel and teach/speak at any writer's group anywhere - on her own dime - for anyone funding our full project. (She double-dog-dared me back, so I'm tagging along too! "Get two nuts for the price of one!")


Here's a list of all the goodies you can get for your support:


Title : Count it All Joy!
Amount : 3.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Apr 2013
Description : Every contribution towards our goal will help! For a $3 donation, we offer you our sincerest gratitude for supporting our authors! We truly appreciate it!


Title : Book Bonanza!
Amount : 5.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : You'll receive a digital copy of any one of our books - your choice! Although the estimated delivery date says July, if you choose a book we've already published, we'll send those out during the month of May. If you want one that is published later this year, we'll get it to you upon its release. You may choose any book we've published/will publish through December 31, 2013.


Title : Paperbacks!
Amount : 10.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : Receive an autographed copy of any one of our paperback books published through December 2013. If the book has already been published, we'll get those out to you asap. If it is yet to be published, you'll get a copy hot off the press.


Title : Digital Nonfiction
Amount : 20.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Aug 2013
Description : This reward offers a bundle of digital nonfiction books including:
Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ by Renee Gray-Wilburn and Dianne E. Butts

The 3-book Prophecies Fulfilled Series by Dianne E. Butts: Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus; Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus; Prophecies Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus.

Parenting on Your Knees: Prayers and Practical Guidance for the Preschool Years by Vicki Tiede


Title : Sisters!
Amount : 20.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Jun 2013
Description : Last year, we introduced Magnificent Hope as our "mascot." This year, we introduce her sister, Radiant Joy! We've not yet introduced her to the world, so you'll be one of the first to get information about her, and the very first to receive some of her merchandise! This reward includes some fun Magnificent Hope and Radiant Joy merchandise - a coffee mug, mouse pad, and some other fun goodies!


Title : Digital Fiction
Amount : 25.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Aug 2013
Description : This reward offers a bundle of digital books including these titles:
Stalking Willow by Fay Lamb;
For Such a Moment by Marie Wells Coutu;
Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx;
This Dance by Jerusha Agen;
In Love's Defense by Mary Annslee Urban;
A Familiar Shore by Jennifer Fromke


Title : For Such a Moment
Amount : 25.00
Total Spiff : 3
Available : 3
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : Award-winning author Marie Wells Coutu offers a colorful 9x12 poster suitable for framing of Esther 4:14, the verse her book, For Such a Moment, is based upon.



Title : Faith Funded Authors T-shirt
Amount : 33.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : Custom-designed t-shirt with a group photo of all the participating authors and the phrase "Faith Funded These Awesome Authors."


Title : Professional Critique
Amount : 50.00
Total Spiff : 3
Available : 2
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : 10,000-word critique (by e-mail) of your manuscript by bestselling author Fay Lamb, and an autographed copy of her newest book, Stalking Willow. Critique may be scheduled with Fay by mutual agreement any time May 1-December 31, 2013, although we have put an estimated delivery date of July. (We had to choose one month.)


Title : Professional Critique
Amount : 50.00
Total Spiff : 2
Available : 2
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : 10,000-word critique (by e-mail) of your manuscript by bestselling author Jennifer Fromke, and an autographed copy of her book A Familiar Shore. Critique may be scheduled with Jennifer by mutual agreement any time May 1-December 31, 2013, although we have put an estimated delivery date of July. (We had to choose one month.)

Title : T-shirt and Books!
Amount : 60.00
Total Spiff : 5
Available : 5
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : Custom-designed t-shirt with a group photo of all the participating authors and the phrase "Faith Funded These Awesome Authors" and autographed copies of their books.



Title : In-Person Critique
Amount : 75.00
Total Spiff : 3
Available : 3
Estimated delivery date : Jun 2013
Description : One-on-one, face-to-face meeting (30 minutes) in St. Louis with best-selling author Fay Lamb for a manuscript critique of your manuscript's first 10,000 words. Manuscript must be submitted no later than June 1, 2013. Dates available will be June 22-June 25, 2013.

Title : Fiction Bundle
Amount : 75.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Aug 2013
Description : This reward offers a bundle of paperback books including these titles:

Stalking Willow by Fay Lamb
For Such a Moment by Marie Wells Coutu
Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx
This Dance by Jerusha Agen
In Love's Defense by Mary Annslee Urban
A Familiar Shore by Jennifer Fromke


Title : Nonfiction Bundle
Amount : 75.00
Available : Unlimited
Estimated delivery date : Aug 2013
Description : This reward offers a bundle of nonfiction books including:

Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ by Renee Gray-Wilburn and Dianne E. Butts

The 3-book Prophecies Fulfilled Series by Dianne E. Butts: Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus; Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus; Prophecies Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus.

Parenting on Your Knees: Prayers and Practical Guidance for the Preschool Years by Vicki Tiede

All four books in the Life Lesson series: Life Lessons from Grandparents, Life Lessons from Moms, Life Lessons from Dads, Life Lessons from Teachers.


Title : Publisher Lunch in St. Louis
Amount : 75.00
Total Spiff : 2
Available : 2
Estimated delivery date : Jun 2013
Description : Lunch with the publisher, one-on-one, to discuss books, publishing, marketing, your book - you choose. Lunch offered in St. Louis June 21-25. Time and location will be mutually agreed upon by both parties.

Title : Publisher Lunch Atlanta
Amount : 75.00
Total Spiff : 3
Available : 3
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : Lunch with the publisher, one-on-one, to discuss books, publishing, marketing, your book - you choose. Lunch offered in metro Atlanta any time during the summer months, 2013. Time and location will be mutually agreed upon by both parties.


Title : Book Clubs!
Amount : 100.00
Total Spiff : 1
Available : 1
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : A special package just for book clubs! Receive a 30-minute to 1-hour Skype session with bestselling, award-winning author Jennifer Fromke during a book club meeting. The club will also receive up to 12 digital copies of Jennifer's book A Familiar Shore and some exclusive content of the author's choice that has not been provided elsewhere prior to club meeting. Although the delivery date is marked as July, the author and book club coordinator will work out a time that works for both parties, May 1-December 31, 2013. (We just had to pick one month.)


Title : Book Clubs!
Amount : 100.00
Total Spiff : 1
Available : 1
Estimated delivery date : Jul 2013
Description : A special package just for book clubs! Receive a 30-minute to 1-hour Skype session with award-winning author Marie Wells Coutu during a book club meeting. The club will also receive up to 12 digital copies of Marie's latest book For Such a Moment and some exclusive content of the author's choice that has not been provided elsewhere prior to club meeting. Although the delivery date is marked as July, the author and book club coordinator will work out a time that works for both parties, May 1-December 31, 2013. (We just had to pick one month.)


Title : Bolivian Bounty
Amount : 100.00
Total Spiff : 1
Available : 1
Estimated delivery date : Jun 2013
Description : Children's book author and missionary Peggy Cunningham is assembling a gift basket with Bolivian handmade items especially for this reward.

Title : Dinner & Books!
Amount : 150.00
Total Spiff : 4
Available : 4
Estimated delivery date : Jun 2013
Description : Enjoy dinner with all five authors and their publisher in St. Louis on Monday, June 24th. Faith Funders for this reward will receive autographed copies of all the authors' books published by Write Integrity and Pix-N-Pens, and will be treated to a fun and memorable dinner.

Title : Authors' Best Friend
Amount : 500.00
Total Spiff : 2
Available : 2
Estimated delivery date : Aug 2013
Description : This reward offers a deluxe gift basket filled with so many goodies we can't list them all here. You'll receive autographed copies of all books represented at ICRS this year (10 authors, 15 or more books!), some personalized Magnificent Hope and Radiant Joy merchandise, a personalized video of various scenes and events during our week in St. Louis, made especially for you, a handmade scrapbook you're sure to treasure, and some special goodies contributed by many of our authors.

You'll also receive a special certificate proclaiming you as our Authors' Best Friend! (Only TWO in the entire world!)

She took the Dare!

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be sharing some of the rewards you'll get when you donate to our St. Louis fundraising efforts.

Today, I'm going to share one that's not on the list.

Fay Lamb is notoriously camera shy. And apparently she's Skype shy too. We were sharing information about the two Skype-with-an-author book club rewards, and someone asked why there wasn't a Skype session with Fay.

Fay explained, and then said that, in lieu of a Skype session, if someone would donate the entire fundraiser amount - $3500 - she would go speak or teach for any writer's group anywhere, on her own dime. After conversations back and forth, she wasn't just bluffing - she's serious! She'd rather meet you in person than Skype with you. Crazy as that sounds, if I'm honest, I'm the same way!

THEN, she double-dog-dared me to do the same thing! Since Tim had run to Lowe's, I agreed before he could talk me out of it! So, if someone donates the $3500 before April 21st, you'll get Fay and I to come teach or speak at your writer's group! (And with us, you never know what other kinds of surprises we might have up our sleeve!)

Check out Faithfunder, watch our fun video, and then, please consider helping us. If everyone we know gave only $3, it would more than fund us! Check out all the fun rewards - t-shirts, manuscript critiques, lunch with the publisher (in St. Louis OR Atlanta!), Skype sessions, and more. And all proceeds will be put toward this event and future marketing if we go over the $3500.

Fay made a great post on Facebook today and I'd like to share it so you'll know why this is important to us:

From Fay Thompson Lamb: We'd really love to have your support for our introverted writers tour to St. Louis. I'm proud to be an employee for and a writer for two of the best small presses in the Christian publishing industry. I believe in small Christian presses. I think God is raising up wonderful publishers to take over where many in the large publishing industry are lacking and moving into secular mode. If you've had the pleasure of reading some of the awesome work or if you are a writer from a small Christian press, will you help send some very caring authors to St. Louis this summer so that we can represent the industry? We're having fun with the contest and we're not asking something for nothing. Our writers--even those who will not be joining us in St. Louis--have offered some neat items and opportunities for your donations.


We honestly, truly thank you for your support. This is a huge mission and we're loving the journey!

I'll share more rewards on Monday.

St Louis or Bust!

This year, we have an opportunity to send five authors to the International Christian Retailer's Show (ICRS) in St. Louis where our authors will have an opportunity to meet and network with bookstore owners, book buyers, and readers - by the thousands! They'll also be given an opportunity to each have a one-hour book signing, where we'll give away copies of their books to those in attendance! And they'll have the opportunity for media interviews, too. 

The five authors we'll be featuring during ICRS are:

Dianne E. Butts

• Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ
• Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus
• Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus
• Prophecies Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus.

Fay Lamb

• Stalking Willow
• Charisse (The Ties that Bind Series)

Vicki Tiede

• Parenting on Your Knees: Prayers and Practical Guidance for the Preschool Years

Peggy Cunningham

• Really Rare Rabbits (children's series)

Marie Wells Coutu

• For Such a Moment (Mended Vessels Series)

We need to raise $3500. The authors are all paying for their own travel and accommodations for the trip, so the $3500 will be used for the promotional package used during ICRS, and toward the cost of the books we're required to offer for free during the book signings. The books are not allowed to be sold during this time, because they're used as "samples" to give away to book buyers in hopes they'll stock our books in the future. Any funds raised over the $3500 will be put toward marketing - we love to market our authors, and use creative ways to get word out to readers. 

Due to the generosity of our authors, we have some awesome rewards planned for contributors to this opportunity. A few contributors will have the opportunity to have dinner with all of the authors and their publisher in St. Louis! Others will receive a Skype session with the author of their choice for their book club, and digital copies of their books for club members (and some exclusive content too!) We're giving away t-shirts, Magnificent Hope and Radiant Joy merchandise (Radiant Joy is still a secret, so keep an eye out for her arrival!), manuscripts critiqued by professional editors and authors, a basket of gift items from our missionary author who lives in Bolivia, and even lunch with the publisher! Because of the timing of the project and of some of the rewards, we've had to put limits on the amounts available for some. So if you see something you want, grab it quick before someone else takes your spot!

We're raising the funds on FaithFunder - click here to choose your reward and contribution level!  And be sure to check out the fun video we made of our authors!

Why are we doing this?

Most authors dislike the marketing aspect of the publishing business. As publisher, I work around the clock trying to get word out about our books. Why? 1) Because I believe in our authors! I'm proud of their books, and want to get them out to as many readers as we possibly can. 2) Our books are our mission - and readers are our mission field. Every book that goes out has the potential to share the Gospel message in some way. The more exposure we can give the author - the more marketing, the more promotion - the bigger that mission field gets. 

Won't you please help us promote these authors?

THANK YOU!! 

Enter our 2013 Christmas Novella Contest

Last year, one of our authors came up with an idea that quickly became The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt - a novella written by several authors. Eight of our own authors climbed aboard: Joan Campbell, Jennifer Fromke, J.A. Marx, Ruth O'Neil, Debbie Roome, Deanna Klingel, Fay Lamb, and Sheryl Holmes all braved the unknown and poured their hearts into this project.

Then, to ramp up the excitement even more, I suggested we have a contest and invite writers to submit a chapter for possible inclusion in the book. And God sent us Marji Laine!

The project was such a success in so many ways (and the authors are still speaking to me and to each other!), the story so beautiful, and the response so fabulous, we've decided to do it again!

And this time, we're starting early!


We don't want to give away all the details at this point, but we need to provide you with a few of them so you'll know if want to participate.

A Ruby Christmas will be published in digital format in December. Details are still being worked out on how it will be released, but probably very similar to The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt. Each participating author, and one guest author (potentially two guest authors this year), will each write one chapter of the novella. Each chapter will be 2000-2500 words in length.

Authors of A Ruby Christmas are: J.A. Marx, Jennifer Fromke, Marji Laine, Sheryl Holmes, Ruth O'Neil, Lynda Schab, Dianne E. Butts, Fay Lamb, Debbie Roome, Jerusha Agen, and possibly YOU!

If you wish to participate, we'll send you the details, and then you write a chapter that matches our theme. Deadlines for chapters will be April 30th.  The participating authors and I will choose one, or possibly two, winner(s) out of all submissions to be included with the project. The winner(s) will be chosen and notified later this year.

The author(s) of the winning chapter(s) should have a blog, and be willing and able to use it during the promotional period.

Oh - and one particular change this year. We're specifically seeking INTERNATIONAL destinations this year, so if you're intimately familiar with an international location, please send Ruby to that location! 

If you're interested in participating in this project, please send me an e-mail - editor [at] writeintegrity [dot] com with A RUBY CHRISTMAS INFO REQUEST in the subject line - and I'll send you more details. Serious inquiries only, please.  Requests for information will be taken ONLY through March 30th, midnight (eastern time zone), so if this is something you think you'd like to do send me an e-mail now! (I'm headed to conference tomorrow, so you may not hear from me until early next week - I'll send out the information as soon as I can.)

The One Hope Nonfiction Winner is ...

I'm very excited to announce the winner of our One Hope Nonfiction contest, because I've "known" this writer's reputation for several years through Faithwriters - she is dedicated, hard-working, and one of the most positive writers I've ever encountered. (She's also warned me about her sense of humor, so it seems she'll be a great fit with the rest of us around here!) I look forward to working with her. 

The winner of our One Hope Nonfiction Contest for 2012 is:

Joanne Sher

for her manuscript

Ailing Body Nourished Soul

Joanne Sher is a Jew by birth, a Christian by rebirth, and a writer by gift. A native Southern Californian, she now lives happily in West Michigan with her husband and two school-aged children.

She is currently working on a biblical fiction set during King Saul's reign and centered around the handmaiden of Saul's youngest daughter Michal.

She is also a regular blogger, not only at her own site, but at the FaithWriters blog. She posts monthly at Jewels of Encouragement, The Barn Door, and Internet Cafe Devotions.

Find her elsewhere on the web:

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

We'll share more about Joanne's book later in the year.

Don't forget about the 2013 contests:

Books of Joy (win cash prize and publication of a three-book series)

One Joy (cash prize and publication)

Christmas Joy (cash prize and publication)

Check out all the details here.

Free Autographs

Well, yes, most autographs are free - but have you heard about Authorgraphs? Many of our authors have digital books and can offer free, personalized autographs for their Kindle books!

Request your authorgraphs now - authors are standing by! And don't forget - it's "Read an E-book Week" and we're celebrating with SALE prices!! (Autographed books make wonderful gifts, too! You can ask the author to inscribe the book to your gift recipient when you request the authorgraph.)

Jennifer Fromke
   A Familiar Shore
   Special Delivery
   The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt
   Heart Bouquets

Dianne E. Butts
   Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus
   Grandparenting Through Obstacles
   Dear America
   Deliver Me

Fay Lamb
   The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt

Deanna Klingel
   Cracks in the Ice

Lynda Lee Schab
   Heart Bouquets
   Mind over Madi
   Madily in Love
   This Little Writer went to Market

Someone's Mistake Becomes Your Gain

Last week, I ordered books for conference. The printer shipped two orders. I don't know if I placed two orders (I don't think I did) or if they had a glitch in their system (printer's words, actually) that caused the duplicate, but I'll soon be in possession of more books than I'll sell at conference.

Since we operate on a limited budget around here, I'm going to sell the extras at a pre-conference price just for YOU!

We have limited copies of these at this price so if you want to take advantage of the sale price snag them NOW. I'll take the books off the order button when they're gone. The books will be available at this price until they're sold or next Wednesday 3/13/13, whichever comes first.

Parenting on Your Knees
by Vicki Tiede
Paperback regularly $14.99, now only $9!

Really Rare Rabbits
by Peggy Cunningham
Paperback regularly $12.99, now only $9!

A Familiar Shore
by Jennifer Fromke
Paperback regularly $14.99, now only $9!

Grandparenting Through Obstacles 
by Renee Gray-Wilburn and Dianne E. Butts
Paperback regularly $15.99, now only $9!

Jake and the Buggy Melee
by Darryl E. Green
Paperback regularly $9.99, now only $8.00!

UPDATE: BOOKS SOLD OUT

Celebrating Read an E-book Week

I've never been one to need an excuse to read a book - or cereal box or toilet paper wrapper or even instruction manuals - but in case you're not like me, I now have the perfect excuse for you - it's "Read an E-book Week"!

If you don't have an e-reader, you can snag - for FREE - a copy of Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac, OR Nook for PC or Nook for Mac. You just download the software onto your computer and then download e-books straight to your computer and read them there. You can also download the Kindle apps for your smart phones! Here's the Kindle link - just choose which option you want and get started. Barnes & Noble also offers a similar program - you can grab one of the free reader apps here.

To help you get started, we're offering some great discounts on several of our e-books. Check them out and grab a copy or two!

Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ
by Renee Gray-Wilburn and Dianne E. Butts

Kindle
Nook


***Named 2012 Book of the Year by The Book Club Network***

***One of GRAND Magazine's Top 25 Books for Grandparents for 2012***

"Grandparenting in today's world is very different from what it was only one generation ago, Reneé Gray-Wilburn and Dianne E. Butts understand that fact. Numerous obstacles - from raising grandchildren to long-distance grandparenting - face many grandparents today. The authors have assembled a collage of life stories from grandparents who live where you live and who know what you're facing.

These stories will encourage you, stir you, and inspire you in your won journey. Above all, these stories will fill your grandparenting toolbox with some exciting new tools for impacting your own grandchildren and families with the reality of the Gospel."

~ Cavin T. Harper
Executive Director, Christian Grandparent Network

A Familiar Shore
by Jennifer Fromke

Kindle
Nook

**Won 2nd Place in the Reader's Choice Book of the Year Award from The Book Club Network**

Meg Marks is a young lawyer raised off the coast of the Carolinas. An anonymous client hires her to arrange his will, and sends her to meet his estranged family at their lake home in northern Michigan. After a shocking discovery, she finds herself caught between his suspicious family and a deathbed promise her conscience demands that she keep. Will she sacrifice her own dreams for revenge? Or will she seek something more?

Parenting on Your Knees: Prayers and Practical Guidance for the Preschool Years
by Vicki Tiede

Exclusively on Kindle

Strap on your sense of humor and don some knee pads as you prepare to be equipped for/by Parenting on Your Knees: Prayers and Practical Guidance for the Preschool Years. Vicki Tiede provides parents of preschoolers tools and strategies for parenting and praying when sleep and alone time are at a minimum. You will find hope and encouragement to nurture and pray for your child’s character, behavior, social skills, development, and spiritual growth.

Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus
by Dianne E. Butts

Kindle
Nook


Travel through time to the first Christmas and your future Christmases will never be the same.

Travel back in time and discover the original prophecies written hundreds or thousands of years, or only months or moments, before they were fulfilled. Then travel forward in time to see them fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.

Explore 35 prophecies including the Virgin Birth, the Star, the birthplace of Bethlehem, the angel’s message to the shepherds guarding the temple sheep, and Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus to the LORD at the Temple just in time to meet Simeon and Anna.

In every chapter you’ll find:

*a “Key Verse” highlighting the prophecy
*Where in the Bible the prophecy is found
*Who originally wrote it
*When it was written, including the date if possible
*The context the prophecy was written in
*a “Prophecy Fulfilled Bible Reading” to read from your own Bible
*“Apply it to Your Life” questions
*a “Final Thought”
*a suggested “Prayer”
*“For more, read” Scripture verses on related topics

Discover the prophecies that predict, prove, and proclaim Jesus the Christ.

Cracks in the Ice
by Deanna Klingel


Kindle
Nook



“We skate deliberately over the wide dangerous cracks, where lesser skaters might fall and never recover ...”

Gina Mangalli, niece of a mafia don, has dreams of Olympic gold as a figure skater. When tragedy strikes, her life spins out of control, and then a rash decision changes Gina's life forever.

The burden of guilt causes a spiral that carries her further from the life she had always dreamed for herself. Have things gone too far? Can her hopes and dreams be restored or is it too late?




Contagious Hope

by Debbie Roome


Kindle
Nook



One final adventure could cost her everything ...

Savannah James, a young New Zealand therapist, volunteers for a six-week mission trip to South Africa. During her journey, she is confronted with AIDS, prostitution, murder, and even a midnight escape to a safe house. Her new friends have struggles of their own, and one may lead them into even more danger.

Will Savannah, Blake, and Pumzile ever be safe again? Will they ever be able to make a difference in the lives of those around them or will their final destination put an end to it all?





Most of our other books are available on Kindle and Nook, too, so if you want clean, wholesome Christian books, check them out. Just look at the "Our Books" tab at the top of this page and on the Pix-N-Pens website.

Thank you for reading our books and supporting our authors. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Don't forget to tell all your friends it's:

Read an E-book Week!

And check out our post on getting your e-books autographed by the authors, too!

One Hope Fiction Winner is ...

We're excited to announce the winner of the One Hope fiction contest. (The jury is still out on the nonfiction entries, so winners will be announced next week.)

Congratulations to

Sharyn Kopf

Her winning manuscript, Spinstered, will be published this fall.


Three Colorado Springs friends find themselves over 40 without a wedding or even the hint of a proposal. Can they each handle the struggles of being a single woman who has, in their opinion, passed her prime? Or will they crumble under the grief of broken hearts and lost dreams?

When a younger friend starts dating one of the few available men their age, they come face-to-face with their disappointment. As they question God’s plan for their lives and, specifically, for their singleness, each has to deal with her own particular regrets while embracing her hopes for the future.

More about Sharyn:


Sharyn Kopf knew she wanted to be a writer the moment she wrote her first poem at the age of five. She still considers it one of her best work.

After earning a bachelor’s in communications at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, she spent several years working as a newspaper reporter, almost a decade serving as an award-winning radio writer/producer for Focus on the Family, and even took a job for six months penning a television show for an Ohio-based mega-church. Then, for two and a half years, she was the senior writer for the marketing department at Cedarville University (OH).

Most recently, Sharyn has made her living as a freelance writer and editor. Her work has included co-authoring/editing Coping with Traumatic Brain Injury: One Woman’s Journey from Death to Life (published by BookJolt, 2012), writing and directing plays for an annual Cedarville University event, writing and editing numerous web articles, and editing a 400-page manuscript, which was published by Kregel in 2012. A short story she wrote that first introduced her to Spinstered character Catie Delaney will be included in the Western Ohio Writers Association’s 2013 inaugural anthology.

In her spare time, Sharyn plays the piano, makes the best fudge ever, rages against unnecessary uses of the Oxford comma, and watches too much HGTV. She lives in Jamestown, OH, but hopes to move to Bellefontaine soon to be closer to her family, especially her amazing nieces and nephew.


We look forward to sharing more of Sharyn's work with you in the coming months!

Today, Feb 28, is the deadline for the EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT for our 2013 Contests. Learn all the details on this post. And check back next week when we announce the winner of the nonfiction contest.


PS. Today's the last day Heart Bouquets will be 99 cents! Snag it today before the price goes up!

Today's Special Valentine: Peggy Cunningham

We wrap up our Special Valentine's with a new-to-us author. Pix-N-Pens will be releasing Peggy Cunningham's children's book series Really Rare Rabbits, with the first book coming out next month.

(Heart Bouquets is still only 99 cents!)

I'll let Peggy share her favorites in her own words:

Peggy's Favorite Romantic meal:

When we were on home staff for a few years in FL, we would go to Steak n Ale on Valentine's Day for their afternoon Prime Rib Special. When we travel to and from the States on our furloughs we tried to always visit that restaurant in Fl, and it is always a romantic afternoon for us and such special memories.

Two individual romantic foods:

Caramel Cashew Sundae

In our hometown, there was an ice cream shoppe we went to everyday after school. It fits in the story because Chuck was always there too, and  always managed to sit with my friends and me—even other boyfriends I had allowed him to sit with us. We always ate Caramel Cashew Sundaes. Such sweet memories!

McDonalds' small hamburger, fries and root beer

This goes back to our first year of marriage in 1966. Chuck was in the Air Force, we survived on an airman's meager salary. McDonalds was new and we could afford the 19 cent hamburger meal. It is still our favorite restaurant in the States. When we arrive at the Miami Airport from Bolivia, the first thing we do is head to McDonalds for that little hamburger.

Peggy's Favorite romantic song:

You Light Up My Life by Debbie Boone

This has been our special song for many years. Our daughter began singing it too when she was three years old. She would sing it over and over everyday–– making it even more special to us.




About Peggy:

Peggy Cunningham and her husband, Chuck have served as missionaries in Bolivia, South America, since 1981. In 1999, they founded Rumi Rancho Ministries. Rumi Rancho is their ministry base and home outside the city of Cochabamba where they work with the Quechua people and have a children’s ministry, teaching practical skills to underprivileged children in rural areas of Bolivia while reaching them for Christ. They also work with national churches, equipping them to take the gospel to their own people. Peggy is also a writer and contributes to several Christian publications regularly. She’s also been published in several anthologies and recently signed a contract with Pix-N-Pens Publishing for a three-book children’s series. The first book of the series will be released in March, 2013.

Visit Peggy's website.

 

If you missed all the fun last week, check out these links:

Marji Laine - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Couples, PINK Party (Marji had a PINK party all last week, with lots of special guests and fun, so check them all out!)

Jennifer Fromke - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Destinations

Lynda Schab - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Comedies

Peggy Cunningham - Top 5 Romantic Movies

Stephanie Craig - Top 5 Romantic Songs

Traci Tyne Hilton - Top 5 Romantic Gifts on a Budget

Today's Special Valentine: Traci Tyne Hilton

Today's Special Valentine is Traci Tyne Hilton.

(Heart Bouquets is still on sale for 99 cents!)

Traci's story in Heart Bouquets, Cupid's Cappucino, is rather humorous. I can't decide if it's romance or dysfunction! Let me know what you think!

Traci's Favorite Romantic Meal:

Crepes from the food cart downtown

That's so unusual, I could resist hunting down some fun resources.

Did you know Betty Crocker offers a recipe for "Food Truck Crepes"? Check it out.

To get the full Food Truck experience, try these videos:

Flip Happy Crepes

Portland Food Trucks


And then, in my search, I ran across The Paris Creperie, in Boston, which offers Food Truck - la Tour Eiffel. Their website cautions that they're in Hawaii on vacation, but I found their crepe menu for your pleasure.



Traci's Favorite Love Song: Time after Time, Cindy Lauper.




About Traci:

Traci Tyne Hilton is the author of The Mitzy Neuhaus Mystery Series, and one of the authors in the The Tangle Saga series of science fiction novellas. She was the Mystery/Suspense Category winner for the 2012 Christian Writers of the West Phoenix Rattler Contest, a finalist for Speculative Fiction in the same contest, and has a Drammy from the Portland Civic Theatre Guild. Traci serves as the Vice President of the Portland chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association.

Traci earned a degree in History from Portland State University and still lives in the rainiest part of the Pacific Northwest with her husband the mandolin playing funeral director, their two daughters, and their dog, Dr. Watson.

More of Traci's work can be found on her website.

If you missed all the fun last week, check out these links:

Marji Laine - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Couples, PINK Party (Marji had a PINK party all last week, with lots of special guests and fun, so check them all out!)

Jennifer Fromke - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Destinations

Lynda Schab - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Comedies

Peggy Cunningham - Top 5 Romantic Movies

Stephanie Craig - Top 5 Romantic Songs

Traci Tyne Hilton - Top 5 Romantic Gifts on a Budget

And come back tomorrow when we feature our last special Valentine, Peggy Cunningham.
 

Today's Special Valentine: Stephanie Craig

Love and romance are year-round so we continue to recognize the authors of Heart Bouquets. Stephanie Craig is our Special Valentine today.

(Heart Bouquets is still on sale for only 99 cents!)



Stephanie's Favorite Romantic Meal:  Chicken Cordon Bleu. Stephanie says, "It was the main dish at our wedding, just like the couple in my book.  Whenever I eat it I think of our wedding day."

Tyler Florence has a great traditional Cordon Bleu recipe and as a bonus, I'm including a Cordon Bleu Casserole of my own below. (Yes, I'm a foodie!)

 

 

 

 

 

Cordon Bleu Casserole

 

by Tracy Ruckman

(Originally published on SheKnows)

 

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 slices deli ham
3 slices Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cups small button mushrooms
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3 tablespoons sherry or red wine (broth may be substituted)
1 cup chicken-flavored stuffing cubes (like Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix) 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and coat a large casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Place chicken in the bottom dish. Top with ham and cheese. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook onions, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. Add soup and sherry and stir well. Remove from heat and pour over chicken. Top with bread cubes.

 

Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

 

 

 

Stephanie's Favorite Love Song: "As Long As Our Hearts Are Beating" by Jenny & Tyler

 

 

   

 

 

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is a freelance writer from Michigan.  She is a wife and a mother of two young boys.  She has written articles on many subjects ranging from Christian living to pediatric cancer.  Currently she is the Flint Christian Fiction Examiner and shares her love of Christian books and the NOOK on her blog Christian Booksfor your NOOK.  When she’s not writing you can find her reading, crocheting, scrapbooking, or enjoying time with her family.  Stephanie loves romance and wonders why most stories stop when the character gets married.  She believes that is where true love and fun begins. 

 

If you missed all the fun last week, check out these links:

Marji Laine - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Couples, PINK Party (Marji had a PINK party all last week, with lots of special guests and fun, so check them all out!)

Jennifer Fromke - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Destinations

Lynda Schab - Special Valentine, Top 5 Romantic Comedies

Peggy Cunningham - Top 5 Romantic Movies

Stephanie Craig - Top 5 Romantic Songs

Traci Tyne Hilton - Top 5 Romantic Gifts on a Budget

 

Come back tomorrow for another Special Valentine!