Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

  • ****Political Update****

     

    This week 50,000 ACLJ members have added their voice in support of a statue of Jesus that an atheist group, Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), is attempting to have removed by the U.S. Forest Service.

    Your signatures have nearly tripled the entire membership of this anti-free speech, atheist group but we cannot stop there. Would you help us reach over 70,000 signatures in support of this war memorial today?

    This memorial was erected by returning servicemen – World War II heroes – to remind them of the Jesus statues they saw throughout Europe that encouraged them as they fought valiantly for the United States of America.

    If you have already made your voice heard by signing on to this letter, thank you; please encourage your friends and neighbors to join this effort by forwarding this message and using the Facebook “Like” buttons in this email.

    FFRF and other atheist groups will not be satisfied until every vestige of our religious heritage is removed, and we must take a stand.

     Thank you for taking a stand with the ACLJ for our veterans, this Jesus statue, and our heritage as a nation. Your voice is being heard, and it is making a difference.

     

    Jay Sekulow

     

    ACLJ Chief Counsel

     

    Father, we know it's not about the statue. We know it's about fighting for the right to display our love for Jesus however that is done. Please bless the efforts of the ACLJ as they fight for our spiritual freedoms in this country that was built on them and around the world. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Friends uphold friends . . .

     

    Brenda Anderson is a pre-published author of a few novels, currently working on a new one. She and I have similar tastes in literature and often share private book discussions via email. Besides being a writer, she thinks it's of major importance to be an encourager to writers. Brenda has featured 2011 Debut Authors from major publishers, researching and making all the contacts herself and posting them on her blog Spire Reviews where she also posts recommendations and reviews for readers of some of the best that Christian Fiction has to offer. Plus she's a regular contributor to Inkspirational Messages along with several other authors.

    I want to thank Brenda for our cyber-friendship and for her encouragement to me – besides her going the extra mile for me in featuring my novels on her site. Her latest effort on my behalf is here.

    Thank you, Bren. God's abundance on your life for your generous spirit.

    Father, you know Brenda's heart and you gave her the abilities and desires she possesses. Please use those gifts and talents for your glory and multiply the blessings that come her way because of her generosity to others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Tendencies . . .

     

    First off: I love my novels. I do. In saying that I'm not claiming to be a superior author. I'm telling you that if you're writing stories that you hate or wouldn't read, then what's the point. I write stories I want to read. I love the characters and stories. Being in their skin and experiencing their emotions run deep with me as a writer. Capturing who they are. Presenting them for others to discover if those characters relate to them or produce reader empathy.

    But I've noticed something about myself after every novel is released. My tendency is to withdraw from the process. To find I'm weary of the typical means of promotion. To conclude there are only so many ways for novels to be sold, and no amount of effort can push a person to buy a book – nor should it.

    So . . .

    Here's a review of Breath of Life. Thank you, Josh. You amaze me.

    http://www.lifeisstory.com/2011/11/breath-of-life-nicole-petrino-salter/

     

     

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    Father, you are my inspiration, my go-to guy, my abilities, my hope. Please bless the work of my hands that honors you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Solitary

     

    Many authors often speak of the isolation involved in the writing world. Hours and hours spent hunched over keyboards or propped in various sitting positions with pads and pens. Some cite the use of storyboards, sticky notes, index cards, notebooks, and/or files. Some desks sport piles of paper and accessories and others look barren and pristine. Some write with specific music and others write in dead silence – or wish they could.

    All in all, there needs to be alone time and a fair amount of it to complete manuscripts. Time dedicated to writing. Regardless of how beneficial, productive, sterling, or putrid, time is required for writing words and making them into stories.

    Most writers like the time spent creating. The soloist primed to perform. Enter those words to the page. Develop that character, rattle that plot, deliver that drama, or inspire that laughter. Instant gratification or disappointment for another day. Edit as you go or cram words and wait until the first draft is complete. Methods galore for the solitary individuals tackling and pinning words to screens.

    Some do their isolation duty with rigid discipline. Others search for distractions and break out for social action.

    The writing life demands some solitude. Some of us thrive in it while others suffer through it.

    Which one are you?

    Lord, it's good to know you're with us in isolation and crowds. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Specific shopping . . .

     

    Readers come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. They read novels, non-fiction, poetry, anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. Here we read and write novels. When I read, I skip historicals for the most part and concentrate on the contemporary in these genres: thrillers, mysteries, suspense, some horror, police procedurals, military, a few women's fiction, and a rare romance with the main focus on CBA novels. When I write, it's a love story which takes romance out of the category romance and gives me a broader spectrum for my story choices.

    So today I'm going to speak to those shoppers who might be looking for a book gift for that person who prefers romance but not so much the type which gives the reader formulaic romance. My two novels The Famous One and my latest release Breath of Life, although very different in style, present two love stories involving strong protagonists. The Famous One is written as a fictional biography and starts out in the omniscient POV before slipping into third person. Breath of Life is written primarily in the protagonist's first person POV but also includes the third person perspective. Heavy on the romance in both cases, the sexual attractions and the look at love and romance are portrayed and contrasted from both the world's view and God's view. They're not the kind of novels that suit the Love Inspired readers.

     

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    For reviews of The Famous One you can check out a handful of them at Amazon.com to get a feel for the storyline. Various reviews will soon be posted for Breath of Life. 

    If you have those readers who enjoy a strong love story on your Christmas list, either of these novels can also be purchased from me via my email for custom inscriptions.  

           

                    

     

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    Father, thank you for these stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Christmas in October

     

    I barely made it for my traditional "Christmas in October" recommended reading selections. Novels of course. But I can think of no better day to mention Christmas, the season for giving. The numbers are down this year, but no less mandantory reading. So, here we go.

     

    Mystery/Suspense/Police Procedural

     

    the mountains bow down by Sibella Giorello

    This is the fourth novel in the Raleigh Harmon Series, and it's superb. Do someone on your list a wonderful service by buying them all four of Sibella's novels. You'll score big points with this gift because of both the writing and the stories.

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    Pattern of Wounds by J. Mark Bertrand

    This is the second novel in the Roland March series. The first is Back on Murder. Again, buy both of these novels for full impact and gain great appreciation from those readers who love noir police procedurals with wonderful writing.

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    Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins

    Who would think a story that reveals so much about Lyme Disease could be so suspenseful? Well, it is. A very exciting (and informative) book by Brandilyn Collins.

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    The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

    The second novel about crusty PI and former homicide detective Ray Quinn. Well done, unique characters, interesting story in this series.

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    Thrillers

     

    The Queen by Steven James

    One of the premiere thriller writers. The fifth novel in the Patrick Bowers Series. Buy them all. They're worth it.

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    Speculative

     

    Vigilante by Robin Parrish

    This is not my favorite category, but Robin writes an exciting, fascinating story. Recommended for young adults and adults.

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    Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

    I haven't read this yet, but there are many who have and are excited about it. I'm partial to Tosca's writing, and Ted has a vivid and often scary imagination. The first in a trilogy.

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    The Resurrection by Mike Duran

    An interesting tale of a resurrection that causes all kinds of spiritual awakenings in a small town.

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    Magical Realism

     

    The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson 

    An exploration in the real and surreal. An imaginative experience with quality writing.

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    Contemporary

     

    Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson

    Quality writing, touching interesting story.

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    Words by Ginny Yttrup

    A redemptive story of a child who's learned to survive horrors no child should ever endure by storing words she doesn't speak.

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    Women's Fiction with a touch of Romance

     

    beneath the Night Tree by Nicole Baart

    The story of a single mom who must reconcile with the father of her child. Touching, meaningful.

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    The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue

    The story of a woman who grudgingly recognizes her place in God's kingdom. Full of quirks and interesting characters who ride Harley's.

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    Short Stories

     

    Shadow Catalyst by Brayden Hirsch

    The fascinating speculative collection by a young writer with a big imagination and grounded writing skills. For young adults and adults. 

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    Father, thank you for calling people to write stories. Thank you for giving the gift of words and plots. You're the Author of Life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Sunday’s Offerings

     

    The arrogance of man will be brought low

    and the pride of men humbled;

    the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

    and the idols will totally disappear.

    Stop trusting in man,

    who has but a breath in his nostrils.

    Of what account is he?

    . . .

    Woe to those who call evil good

    and good evil,

    who put darkness for light

    and light for darkness,

    who put bitter for sweet

    and sweet for bitter.

    Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes

    and clever in their own sight.

    Isaiah 2:17-18; 22

    Isaiah5:20-21 (NIV)

  • “Must be the season of the witch . . .”

     

    If you're a Christian and you celebrate Halloween, liberty gives you that opportunity. I don't celebrate it, endorse it, appreciate it, like it. Not Halloween. Not Trick or Treat. Not Trunk or Treat or whatever it's called. Not Harvest Parties. Not anything to remotely honor the date that gives license and freedom to celebrate the occult.

    I've never understood the pursuit of the "holy" facsimiles to what the world celebrates. When wickedness, evil, witchcraft, and the elements of darkness are given free rein to entertain a party of demented ideas, I find it certifiably odd that the church desires to replicate its own version of the date. Amazing that the church believes it can sabotage the "holiday" with their own creation of non-creepy activities just to make sure the kids have "an alternative" to the evil festivities. Give them candy and games and cupcakes with black and orange frosting and prizes. Hide a Jesus tract or reference in there and call it "good". Entertain, entertain, entertain.

    Because most of those little ones and bigger ones all the way up to the parents have no clue what spiritual warfare is and how necessary it is to the walk of a Christian. Half the battle on this earth consists of fighting and opposing those very things celebrated and acknowledged by the date going all the way back to the Druids. Jesus demonstrated the normality of deposing demons and their activities. The spiritual realm rages in unseen wars that we feel far more often than we're willing to admit. As genuine Christians, the enemy of our souls seeks to rob us, kill us, and destroy us, and sometimes we make it so accommodating to do so. Halloween endorses the common visions and practices of the evil one.

    Veteran prayer warriors and people of faith realize the influences of darkness and their often heightened activities during this time of the year. It's not hocus pocus. It's spiritual warfare.

    Must be the season of the witch . . . 

    Father, we honor you. We come against the spiritual forces of evil in high places according to your word and your direction and by your power and authority. We recognize the liability of romancing with the enemy to the destruction of our souls. Help us to live within your fullness, to combat the enemy, to not stand still and idle while he rampages through our lives and the lives of those we love. Let us not ignore the power you've given us in the Spirit of Truth. May we act upon your instructions and fight the good fight in your Name. Thank you for equipping us and help us to use all the spiritual weapons against a cunning foe. And may we always remember: Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • A Matter of Taste

     

    Books can be bought for 99 cents for Kindle owners. Good books. Bad books can be bought for that price too. In all the bantering about good, bad, and ugly books, I had to ask myself what makes a book "bad" for me?

    Here are my reasons for considering a novel to be "bad".

    Stereotypical characters – both good and bad

    Shoddy writing – when translated means it's unimaginative, utilitarian, almost anyone could've written the words, stilted, unnatural conversations, predictable plot outcomes before completing the first chapter

    Combine these factors and I'm forcing my way through pages due to review obligations. Some authors get only one chance to appeal to me. Others get two. I confess to allowing three, but after that: no more.

    I've reduced selections of review opportunities in recent months because of not wanting to face drudgery. Investing my time in an author's work is no small consideration. And since four of my last five have not warranted the use of my time, my considerations might get even more stringent. It's a matter of taste: mine.

    Lord, I appreciate your writers. I understand the work it takes to create. Please continue to encourage your people to do what you've called them to do and provide what each one needs to complete your work. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Note on Vince Flynn

     

    "Dear Rapp Fans,

    As some of you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with stage III metastatic prostate cancer in November of 2010. My treatments have gone well and the cancer has for the most part remained in my prostate and the right ischium at the base of my pelvis. Kill Shot was on schedule, and as is my habit, I was planning to lock myself away at my cabin for June and July so I could finish the book. Unfortunately, the cancer did not cooperate. In early June the tumor on my prostate spread and got ahold of a nerve bundle. At the same time the cancer on the ischium began to eat away at the bone, which caused some muscles and tendons that run down the back of my leg to snap off. The pain that this caused made it nearly impossible to sit still and concentrate, which is a fairly important part of writing a book.

    My doctors and I had been discussing radiation since the very beginning, and we made the decision to begin treatment in late July. By the end of August the pain was beginning to subside. During this time I was holding out hope that I could refocus on Kill Shot and still get the book out in time for Christmas. I made it through the first half of my forty treatments with very few side effects, and then around September 1, fatigue began to set in. Once again I found it extremely difficult to focus on the book for more than an hour or two. I have never missed a pub date and it pains me to come up short on this one. I desperately wanted to keep my commitment to my publisher, the trade, and most important, you. Even though my condition has continued to improve, my doctors have told me I will not be back to full strength until the first of November. After that, they say I will feel better than I've felt in two years.

    Rather than hand in a substandard Rapp novel, my agent Sloan Harris, my editor Emily Bestler, and I decided that we would move the pub date of Kill Shot to February 7, 2012. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you, and I promise that I will do my best to make sure the extra few months are worth the wait. Thank you for your patience, prayers, and goodwill.

    Keep the faith!

    Vince Signature

     
    Vince Flynn"
     
    God, Vince needs your divine touch. You're faithful, you still heal, you listen to prayers. Please minister to this man, his body, and his family as they travel through this trial with your divine assistance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.