Tell Me Why

Why do you blog?

• To sharpen writing skills?
• To meet other writers or bloggers?
• To spread the word about your work?
• To give back to the writing (or other) community?

I started blogging in 2009 to add "blogging" to my resume. Little did I know what was in store - I met wonderful people (you!) and practiced and learned all of the above and more. It's been a great experience.

If I had to choose the greatest benefit, I'd say it's the people. Meeting people with varied talents and interests from all over the globe is priceless.

So tell me, what motivates you to blog?
  

New Book!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond is a compilation of advice from over 100 seasoned authors such as Alex J. Cavanaugh, Joylene Nowell Butler, L.Diane Wolfe, Crystal Collier, Medeia Sharif, Lynda R. Young, C. Lee McKenzie, Rachna Chhabria, and Tyrean Martinson. From writing tips and encouragement to publishing and marketing advice, this book has something to offer every writer.

And the best part is that it's free on Amazon!  Check it out here.





What have you gained from blogging?

Enjoy the end of 2014 with friends and family. I'm taking a break until January 5, 2015, see you then!

Happy New Year,

Karen 

Image credit: Stock Exchange

Interview with Jeanette Levellie

Please join me in welcoming Jeanette Levellie! Her latest book, The Heart of Humor was released last month. Jen's warmth and humor shine through everything she does, and her books are no exception. She's offering a giveaway, so check out the link at the end of the interview.

Welcome, Jeanette! It's great to have you visit. Congratulations on your newest book!                      

Thank you, Karen, it's great to be here!

What is The Heart of Humor about?

The Heart of Humor: Sixty Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul is a hilarious journey of 45 short stories with titles like Quit Pinching my Fruit, Confessions of a Jailbird, Swimsuit Shopping Stress, and I Love My Hips. Nestled among the stories are comical drawings by a professional animator, articles, and lists revealing the superpowers of laughter such as Got Pain? Laugh it Away, Everybody Loves Dummies, and Ten Ways to Help Yourself Laugh, for a total of 60 short chapters. My goal is to give readers hours of amusement, scores of ideas to add laughter to their lives, and encouragement to trust a God with the sense of humor that gives a 90-year-old lady a baby.

Sounds great! I just started reading it and am enjoying it. This is your third book, isn't it?

Yes, it is the third book I’ve written, but the second book published. My first book is Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top,  My third book to be published, Shock the Clock: Task Management for Time-challenged Writers, will be available in the Spring of 2015.

Looking forward to Shock the Clock. I could use a little help in that department. :) Where do you find the inspiration for your books? 

All the stupid things I’ve done and the myriad ways God has rescued me give me constant inspiration. I also tell stories about my family, my pets, anything that amuses me—which is most everything. The worst mistake a Child of God can do is to take themselves too seriously. 

Yes and amen. I think we all do that at one time or another. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Jen. Wishing you continued blessings!

Thank you, Karen!



Enter Jeanette's giveaway here

Buy The Heart of Humor here

Visit Jeanette's website and blog here

Do you have any questions for Jeanette? Do you think humor is an important element in our writing?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

Book Review - Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

It is 1859, and Emma Chambers and her brother Ryan just survived a shipwreck off Presque Isle, Michigan. Though thankful to be alive, Emma is uncertain about her future. Holy Bill, the local circuit preacher, suggests a solution to her dilemma – marry widower Patrick Garraty and help raise his two-year-old son Josiah. Emma agrees, but soon second guesses the wisdom of her hasty decision.

As Patrick deals with his wife Delia’s recent passing, he knows he cannot care for his son and tend the Presque Isle Lighthouse. While grateful for Emma’s help and apparent affection for Josiah, he wrestles with how much of his past he should reveal to Emma. Delia’s cousin Bertha suspects something is amiss in Patrick’s past and doesn’t hesitate to spread rumors about him.

Patrick offers Emma a home, something she has always wanted. She delights in this, yet is frustrated with Josiah’s strong willed personality and her lack of cooking skills. Patrick and Emma form a quiet friendship, one however, that is threatened by Patrick’s past and Bertha’s vicious rumors.

Love Unexpected is a sweet story, full of historical detail and genuine characters. I enjoyed watching Patrick's and Emma’s relationship develop, as well as how their challenges helped shape their character. It was interesting to learn the inner workings and the importance of lighthouses, especially during this period in American history. I also enjoyed the tie in with Jody’s novella, Out of the Storm. While one does not need to read it to understand Love Unexpected, there is an interesting connection between the two.

Jody’s stories never fail to entertain, educate, and share the gospel with readers. This heartwarming story is Book One in the Beacons of Hope set. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Buy Love Unexpected here

Visit Jody Hedlund here






What are you reading this weekend?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen