Whatever "it" is that sets some writers apart for us, that certain something usually has to do with their style, plots, and voice. That description probably simplifies it too much because often there are intangibles with novels we love that separate them from the rest even as we take in the first…

       I never had the pleasure or honor to meet this man, but I can tell you this: He was a patriot. From hearing the various acknowledgments of his death, I've learned he was extremely generous, willingly sharing his time, charity, and gifts. He loved deeply. Family and friends mattered to him. And so did…

      So what is it you're afraid to write? I'm not talking about topics – like constructing a spy thriller which might be what you love to read but have no contacts for researching such an expansive project. I'm asking what do you consider your weakness? What scares you when you place your…

                               Death, family, antiquated books, drugs, the love of horses, and empty lives collide in C. J. Darlington's latest novel Ties That Bind, published by Mountainview Books. Picking up with familiar characters from her past novels (Thicker Than Blood, Bound by Guilt), C. J. takes the reader on a search for belonging and redemption,…

                                                                          (Free for review from the CFBA Tour)   Creston Mapes has a new novel out after a lengthy hiatus titled Fear Has A Name, published by David C. Cook, and it's the first in a series called The Crittendon Files. Jack Crittendon is an investigative reporter in Trenton City, Ohio. He's been given…

  "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man…

                                If your characters aren't emotional, what are they? If you write thrillers, there better be some heavy-duty tension going on with those characters. Yes, we've all read of the psychopaths who exhibit serious control and rarely react except possibly in rage when something goes haywire, but if we create static characters short on…

                                                   Gone visitin' again over here.   Father, thank you again for all the opportunities you give me. I'm so grateful for all the people you've put in my life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

                                               Traditionally, these are two occupations we associate with manly men. There are multiple other jobs where guys excel at being guys and work to provide for their families. They come in all shapes and sizes, and some are soft-spoken while others are firey. Men being men. Confounding or romancing women. Just guys. Can…

                                                                   (Free for review from the CFBA Tour)   I love Dr. Harry Kraus' writing. I've been a fan of his for a long time. If he were my doctor, I might actually go once in a while.  An Open Heart by Harry Kraus, published by David C. Cook, takes advantage of Dr.…