We interrupt this regularly scheduled program...

(Yes, the picture is a random picture of a dog in a dress...
but really, a dog dancing in a dress?!?)

I've not been posting on this blog an awful lot lately,
and that is because I've started a new blog at karendeblieck.com.
I will be posting for teens and those who love all things YA over there,
but I will continue posting adult book reviews on this blog.

I would love for you to pop by and have a visit at my new blog,
and if it looks like something that interests you,
follow me. :)

Book Review: Dear Deb

Dear Deb by Margaret Terry

Back cover copy:

I want you to know that if my illness inspired you to write these stories, the cancer was worth it.—Deb

What stories could possibly make cancer worth it?

Stories that represent a miracle—a lifetime of miracles. Stories that changed the writer as she wrote them and stories that will touch the heart of the reader, one by one by one. Stories that are not just stories.

They started out as words of encouragement to a dying woman. They turned into a collection of sparkling and intimate moments, pulled from the past to finally be understood and shared with new meaning.

Story by story, letter by letter, Margaret Terry uncovered powerful pictures in her own life of the one truth that could help carry her friend Deb from this life to the next: God is at work.

Together, Deb and Margaret found renewed hope in all the ways God shows up right to the very end. Which is where they found the miracle they'd been praying for all along. In each other.

Plot:

Dear Deb isn't your typical book about cancer. Instead of focusing on her ailment Deb focuses on the miracle that is sure to happen.

That miracle is this book. 

Margaret Terry successfully captures the essence of life in her book while looking at the ups and downs of her own journey. 
This book is about the tiny miracles along our paths. 
About finding grace in the everyday.
About truly seeing what our time on earth is,
and what is beyond.

Christian element:

Terry approaches the Christian faith from the perspective of a cautious non-believer. Someone who is searching for hope butHer view of the way Christians look at life is refreshing and not at all stuffy or traditional. Her words reminded me of when I had first tasted the joy of a life with Jesus. Who can close a book like that?

Conclusion:

This book is a must read!  

The writing is like  enjoying a delicious meal--nourishing for the soul.

Terry's graciousness and unique way of seeing the world shines through on every page.

I highly recommend this book to those who are struggling through cancer or those who want to see the world through different eyes.
It will bless you.
And that, is the miracle.

I give this book:

 out of 5!

Order pizza and turn off your phone for the evening.
You are reading!

You can check out Margaret Terry on her website. Or join her on Facebook.

You can purchase the book in Canada or the States.

**A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was in no way compensated for this review.**

Book Review: Merlin's Blade

Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard
Book 1 of the Merlin's Spiral trilogy

Back cover copy:
When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow -- a power the druids hope to use to destroy King  Uther's kingdom. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith's son named Merlin.

As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger. Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ...without losing his life?

Plot:
The plot was well forged. Full of excitement every step of the way and many twists. I admit to not having a  clue most of the time where Treskillard was going but I took that as a good sign. The ending was very satisfying. Sometimes the plot became a little bogged down with some of the songs, which I know were put there for a reason. Otherwise the other historical elements were woven in naturally and kept me fascinated at how much the author knew.

Characters:
The characters were well fleshed out. Treskillard is a master at letting you get under the skin of his characters. One challenge is Merlin's partial blindness but he manages to describe things so well despite the blurry images Merlin is able to see.

Christian element: Merlin believes in God despite all obstacles but this does not weigh down the story line with a "holier than though" feeling. The author does a fabulous job of keeping true to the Christian message without being preachy.

Conclusion: I really enjoyed this book! As a first book by a debut author, it delivers a wonderful story! I've always enjoyed stories about Merlin and Treskillard does a wonderful job of weaving in new elements to the story while keeping true to the stories already present. Although this has been marketed mainly to the YA market I believe that many adults, who love historical fantasy, will love this book as well.

I give it

              out of 5


If you want to find out more about this book or other ones written by Robert Treskillard you can visit his blog (there are some great contests going on right now in preparation for the release of his second book).
Here are the links if you are looking to purchase the book in Canada or the States.

Thank you very much to Harper Collins Canada for the free copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Blog posts that inspired me this week.

Summer is just around the corner.
Hence the beach picture.
And conference season is in full swing.
Here are some top picks for blog posts this week.

1) Kirsten Lamb talks about getting out of our way in order to get the words on the page.
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/writing-is-best-when-we-get-out-of-our-own-way/

2) At Writer Unboxed there is a quiz to see if you are ready to get an agent.
http://writerunboxed.com/2013/05/30/are-you-ready-to-contact-an-agent-take-this-short-quiz-and-find-out/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29

3) A rather surprising answer to the question "When do you write a sequel?" at the Steve Laube Agency blog.
http://stevelaube.com/when-do-i-write-book-two/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29

4)What the most satisfying part of writing according to Melissa Tydall at The Write Practice.
http://thewritepractice.com/satisfying-part/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29

5) Cassandra Marshall looks at how to write a dynamic query.
http://www.camarshall.com/2013/04/writing-dynamic-queries.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Camarshall+%28camarshall%29

Enjoy. :)

Book Review: Captives by Jill Williamson

This review is super late,

as my internet has been terribly wonky.

I think it has been finally sorted out so you should see much more of me in the next little while.

Lucky you. :)

Back cover copy for Captives (The Safe Lands, Book 1 of 3)

YA Dystopian novel

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem—taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.

Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls.

Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?

My thoughts:

Wow.

Just Wow.

You all must know by now that I am a big fan of Jill Williamson's work. But this book is truly a great read that will add to your life. No. Really. Williamson has crafted a futuristic world rich in details but which also vaguely echoes the reality we live in today. She also manages to twine in the themes from the biblical story of the exile of Daniel and his friends.

The characters are believable and you care about their plight. And the plot line is rich and fulfilling. 

Although it is an entertaining page turning read it also has a lot of depth to it. What really struck me after I finished reading it was how much the book made me think. How I would catch myself stopping my activity during the day and asking--am I compromising my belief, my faith, for the sake of being entertained?

The book was amazing. And for that reason I give it the highest marks I can:  

                  5 Glorious That means leave supper to cook itself and pick up this book.

Bravo Jill, bravo! I look forward to the next installment.

You can check out Jill Williamson's other books here.

Check out info about this book series here. 

You can pick up the book at any online store and, most likely, in your own Christian bookstore (I know I saw it up here in Canada).

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Zondervan for the purpose of reviewing. This, however, has not swayed my personal opinion of this product.

5 Posts that Enlightened me this week

I'm baaaaaack.
So sorry to have missed out on posting last week.
But I've got some lovely posts for writers,
so sit back and enjoy.

Oh, and I figured there were a ton of posts about the Goodreads and Amazon controversial marriage,
so I didn't choose any posts on that subject. :)

1) Gabriela Pereira, founder of DIY MFA, the do-it-yourself alternative to a Masters Degree in writing, shares how "Killing your Darlings" is actually an act of faith.
http://writerunboxed.com/2013/03/31/killing-your-darlings-is-not-enough/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29

2) Jeff Goins shares his long journey to becoming a full time writer.
http://goinswriter.com/full-time/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29

3) The hilarious Kristen Lamb shares what makes for a Successful Author Presence.
https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/successful-author-presence-do-you-have-it/
*BONUS*: Check out her hilarious post on Being Obsessive. It made me laugh and laugh. :D

4) On Rachelle Gardner's blog Erin MacPherson shares how Pintrest can help an author.
http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/03/dont-think-of-pinterest-as-social-media/

5) At The Creative Penn Joanna shares how to stand out from the crowd of other writers.
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/03/28/boost-your-author-career/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29

Enjoy. :)

Writing Prompt Wednesday #19

It's that wonderful time of week again.
Time to hang out with me,
and do a writing prompt!!!

The rules?
1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Lock your critic away and let your inner child run free. :)

This week's prompt:

You're in the backseat of a taxi.

 

 

Write my little minons! I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)

 

***BONUS: Joe Bunting at The Write Practice is starting a class for serious writers who are at any level. Check out his Story Cartel Course.



5 Memorable Blog Posts from this week

Another week has passed by,
and still no sign of spring.
In fact, we had freezing rain and snow today...blech!
So the picture should suffice.
A tulip tree...my favorite!

Anyway, here are my top blog picks for this week.

1) Jane Friedman visits at Writer Unboxed and reveals 5 industry trends that every writer should know.
http://writerunboxed.com/2013/03/18/5-industry-trends-requiring-every-writers-attention/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29

2) At The Other Side of the Story Jane reveals how to be your own book doctor.
http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/03/be-your-own-book-doctor.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29

3) Are Agents a Dying Breed? Steve Laube doesn't think so!
http://stevelaube.com/agents-a-dying-breed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29

4) Kimberly at the Wordserve Water Cooler explores why every good Writer needs an Ideal Reader.
http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/03/18/behind-every-great-writer-is-an-ideal-reader/

5) Joanna talks about writing and the fear of judgement.
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/03/17/writing-fear-of-judgment/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29

Enjoy. :)

Writing Prompt Wednesday #18

It's March Break here.
So I almost forgot it was Wednesday.
No matter, I'm here now. :)

The rules?

1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Trick your internal editor into thinking it's Thursday.

This week's prompt:

 

Write about a longing.

 

 

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)



Top 5 Blog Posts for this week

It's March Break week here,
So I'm having a hard time keeping my sanity writing.
Still, I love to spend time with my kids. :)

Here is some awesome blog love for this week.
I had a hard time picking just five...

1) Janice talks about how to deal with cliffhanger endings when you have multiple POV's over at The Other Side of the Story.
http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/05/dont-leave-me-hanging.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29

2) Steve Laube has a mini rant about editorial errors that make it into the final book and how it is more prevelant in the age of self publishing.
http://stevelaube.com/when-editorial-errors-matter/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29

3) How to let go of your internal editor when writing a blog post shared by Bryan Hutchinson.
http://positivewriter.com/the-most-overlooked-way-to-bring-life-to-your-blog-writing/

4) Janet Kobobel Grant explains how being a contracted author can be difficult at the Books & Such blog.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/a-salute-and-a-challenge-to-writers/

5) Ann R. Allen shares the number one reason why queries fail (you don't want to miss this one!)
http://annerallen.blogspot.ca/2013/03/the-1-reason-for-queryfailshow-to-avoid.html

As a bonus, if you want a good laugh check out Kristen Lamb's take on extreme spamming:
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/why-settle-for-your-readers-wallet-when-you-can-get-in-her-pants-2/
Warning: This post may make men some people feel uncomfortable. So men you have been warned. The title is risque but the post will make most women laugh...and some men. Oops, I didn't mean to cross that one out.;)

Writing Prompt Wednesday #17

I hate February.
Something about it makes me feel blech.
Like Garfield on Mondays.

So let's usher in March with another writer's prompt.

The rules?

1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Give your internal editor lasagne to eat.

This week's prompt:

Give me a moon story.

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)

My Top 5 Blog Posts for this Week

This morning felt like a coffee morning,
I don't drink it very often but I needed it.
Hence the aromatic photo...

Anyway, I'm spreading some blog love.
These posts are writing tips that are particularly relevant to me. :)
I hope they inspire you as much as they did me.

1) Melissa shares with us why poetry writing can improve our manuscripts (I wholeheartedly agree!) at The Write Practice.
http://thewritepractice.com/poetry-prose/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29

2) At The Creative Penn, Joanna gives us 3 reasons why a writer should have a blog (and 3 reasons not to...)
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/25/should-writers-blog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29

3) 10 query questions are answered by Chuck at The Writer Unboxed (If you want to see more questions answered he did a previous post in September 2012). Some great info here!
http://writerunboxed.com/2013/02/25/column/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29

4) Jordyn at the Water Cooler gives some advice on how to write trilogies.
http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/02/25/writing-a-trilogy/

5) On Anne's blog they take a look how to craft a fine opening for your novel (something I've been working on for what feels like a lifetime).
http://annerallen.blogspot.ca/2013/02/self-editing-10113-questions-to-ask.html

Enjoy. :)

Writing Prompt Wednesday #16

I must apologize for my absence on Monday,
it was Family Day for us Canadians,
so I took the day off. :)
I will be back next Monday with my top five favorite blog posts.

But for now,
I have an offering of another Writer's Prompt.

The rules?

1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Bind and gag your inner editor. :)

This week's prompt:

You hear church bells in the distance.

 

 

Now, let loose your muse!

 

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)



Writing Prompt Wednesday #15

This is a week of gushy, soppy sentiment...
and chocolate,
and lavish gifts,
and back rubs. :)

But before you indulge in the love of your significant other,
(or food, dog, cat, or movie star fantasy),
please do your writing prompt!

The rules:

1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. You may need some wine to turn off your editor.

Here is this weeks topic:

Write about a kiss.

 

 

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)

 

 

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lovin' Me Some other Blogs...and Chocolate!

I'm thinking about brownies right now.
You know the ones...Mrs. Fields make them. :)
Hence the yummy picture.
(psstt...I think there's a chocolate kiss inside these ones...nummy!)

Oh sorry.
Blog love.
Here you go, my top five for this week.
Take a look while I drool over my screen. ;)

1. Joanne Penn has some fantastic ideas about how to produce more writing.
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/11/how-to-write-more-daily-writing-habit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29

2. At Books & Such Literary Agency Janet points out how even published authors don't know everything.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/bad-advice-from-best-selling-authors/

3. We look at others ways to describe Character Reactions with Janice Hardy.
http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/alternative-ways-to-describe-character.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29

4. Carol at the water cooler looks at how writers need to operate with Grace.
http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/02/08/pet-peeves-grace/

5. Literary agent Rachelle Gardner looks at whether self publishing is the new slush pile.
http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/02/are-self-pub-books-the-new-slush-pile/

If you have any blog posts that you would like to share feel free to leave a comment for me. I love to share. :) Except for my chocolate brownies maybe...

Writing Prompt Wednesday #14

We are expecting a lot of snow up here,
which is very exciting.
So while we are all hunkered down next to a roaring fire,
let's try our hand at a writer's prompt.

The rules:

1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Your editor can watch whatever's on your PVR.

Here is this weeks topic:

"Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance. Everybody thinks it's true."

(after Paul Simon)

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)



Bloggedy Love

Another week has flown by.
There is a little more snow where I live,
but the ground hog has pronounced it is almost spring,
so we may have green grass soon,
(hence, the wonderful spring picture.)

Here is the Blog Love for this week.

1) Janice Hardy look at five edits that will strengthen your writing.
http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/five-edits-to-strengthen-your-writing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29

2) Linda Yezak at Authorculture talks about what we authors call "weak words" and when to leave them in.
http://authorculture.blogspot.ca/2013/02/verbal-deprivation.html

3) Rachelle Gardner explains what the purpose of an agent is in this changing market.
http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/02/what-agents-are-doing-these-days/

4) Jenn tackles the "dreaded synopsis" on her blog.
http://jennmusing.blogspot.ca/2013/02/the-dreaded-synopsis.html

5) Steve Laube talks about when (and how) to let your inner editor loose.
http://stevelaube.com/the-writer-as-editor/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29

As a bonus I have included a link to Nathan Bransford's blog. He looks at whether the Blogosphere is slowing down.

So what do you think? Is the blogosphere dying while Facebook, Twitter, and other mediums rise up? Leave me a message. I would love to chat!

Writing Prompt Wednesday #13

I don't like snow,
but it's a little ridiculous to see green grass this time of year,
AND not have to wear a coat outside. :P

Thankfully,
it's Wednesday,
so I can bury my head in a writing prompt.

The rules:

1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Your editor can watch whatever's on your PVR.

Here is this weeks topic:

Write about a time you found out about something you weren't supposed to know.

 

 

And...GO!

 

 

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)



Some Blog Love

Time for some blog love. :)
The weather can't seem to make up it's mind up here.
My kids made a snowman,
and it's so mild (and rainy),
that now it looks like a piece of modern art. :)

Here are my top blog visits this week for you.
There is a lot of encouragement for writers who are wondering if it is worth it this week.
Perhaps its the weather...
I'm glad I'm not the only one a little frustrated with their project.
You are not alone!

1. Kristen Lamb looks at why you shouldn't edit your work too early (I just purchased her book "We Are Not Alone" about how writers should use social media - a worthwhile purchase!)
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/lessons-from-oleander-beware-of-premature-editing/

2. Rachelle Gardner gives some sage words on whether the writing life is worth it.
http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/01/is-the-writing-life-worth-i/

3. At the YA Highway they gently remind us that there is a book in all of us.
http://www.yahighway.com/2013/01/by-george-theres-book-in-you.html

4. Joe Bunting at "The Write Practice" speaks like a wise friend about the story we are afraid to write.
http://thewritepractice.com/waiting-for/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29

5. A guest post by Lisa Hall-Wilson about how to maximize your Facebook page. There is a wonderful class tomorrow night for those who would like to attend for the small fee of $35.
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/maximizing-facebook-what-we-can-learn-from-puppy-dog-eyes-and-lol-cats/

Writing Prompt Wednesday #12

Brrr.
It's a cold one out there.
I'm looking forward to the weekend,
especially since they said it will warm up a bit.
Hence my glee at the arrival of hump day.

I'm also glad because it is WRITING PROMPT WEDNESDAY!!
(sorry for yelling there...I thought you might be falling asleep...heh, heh)

The rules are simple:
1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Tell your critic to go get a chicken salad sandwich or something.

Here is this weeks topic:

Write a love letter. To anyone.

I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)