Remember the dream! I hope everybody has a blessed Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Remember the words from this amazing man!
Remember The Dream!
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Reclaiming Lily By Patti Lacy
Can you imagine being born and raised and not being taught about Jesus? How would that affect your salvation when you are an adult?
Reclaiming Lily is a book that gives you a huge, realistic view of Chinese culture. When Kai was a youngster in China, she knew that she was made to be a healer. After political turmoil ruined her family’s life, her mom is forced to give up the family’s fourth child (Joy/Lily), leaving Joy in an orphanage. Kai, now a Harvard graduate and a medical doctor living in Boston, is determined to reunite with her “lost” sister, Joy. Joy has been adopted by an American family and Kai wants to reunite with Joy – there’s a medical condition that runs in the Chang family and Kai wants to be sure that Joy is not at risk.
This story shows the vast cultural differences between Chinese and Americans. Joy was adopted by a White American family, and her adopted father, Andrew, is a preacher. Joy’s relationship with her parents is difficult and she’s the classic problem child: smoking cigarettes and getting into trouble with the police. Emotional problems run deep within this family and Kai eventually proves to be a welcome reprieve to the tenuous relationship that Joy’s family shares.
I found Kai’s struggle with Christianity the most intense aspect of this novel. Kai was born and raised in China and she does not have a relationship with the Lord. She struggles with understanding the “Christian God” and this book gives a realistic glimpse into the minds of those who are not raised with Christian beliefs – showing why they doubt Jesus.
Can you imagine being born and raised, not being taught about Jesus? Would you be likely to question God more than those who were raised in the Christian faith?
I highly recommend this book as an intense, highly emotional read. The unique story idea as well as the unusual twist near the end will keep you turning those pages, anxious to discover what happens.
Leave a comment and give me your thoughts regarding the bolded questions above – also, if you’ve read this book, I’d like to hear your opinion about it.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Publishing Predictions For 2012
Literary Agent Steve Laube posted this link on his blog yesterday. Read it and let me know what you think. What are your publishing predictions for 2012?
It’s a given about the e-books really taking off. I mean, bookstores are closing down and more and more people are purchasing Kindles and Nooks. I thought it was interesting what some of them said about self-publishing. It appears that some of those who commented on the link above felt that more authors would be self-publishing since the publishing model for commercial publishers wasn’t set up for e-pubbed titles. I do know that commercial publishers are re-releasing old titles as e-books, but the authors may not be getting a fair percentage of the cover price.
It kind of makes you wonder about the roles of editors and literary agents. Will their roles be changing in 2012?
So, after reading the above-mentioned link, share your thoughts. What are your publishing predictions for 2012?
Introducing Author Gina Conroy
It gives me great pleasure to introduce Gina Conroy on my blog today! Gina is a new Christian Fiction author and she’s taken the time to answer some questions for us! Please make Gina feel welcome and leave a comment and check out Gina’s new release! Also, please check out her bio and book information!
Bio:
Gina Conroy used to think she knew where her life was headed; now she’s leaning on the Lord to show her the way. She is the founder of Writer…Interrupted where she mentors busy writers and tries to keep things in perspective, knowing God’s timing is perfect, even if she doesn’t agree with it! 😉 She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. On her blog Defying Gravity and twitter she chronicles her triumphs and trials as she pursues her dreams while encouraging her family and others to chase after their own passions. Gina loves to connect with readers, and when she isn’t writing, teaching, or driving kids around, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.
1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I remember in second or third grade, when I got my first diary how freeing it was to be able to put down the thoughts I didn’t know how or was too afraid to express. In school I would always write more than the teacher required and received praise for my writing. I’m not sure the exact moment I knew when I wanted to write, but there was nothing else I saw myself doing. In high school I finally got the nerve to join the school paper, and in college I studied journalism. After I got married, I wrote for local magazines and eventually found that I had a passion for fiction. That’s when I devoted myself to studying the craft and seven long years later, I can finally say I’m a published fiction author.
2. Tell us a little bit about your blog, Writer Interrupted.
I started http://writerinterrupted.com when God told me to stop writing for a season. I was homeschooling at the time and not doing a very good job of it. My priorities with my family were all out of whack and writing and publication fell shy of an obsession. To deal with the “loss” of writing, I decided to interview writing, homeschooling moms who were successful at balancing it all. Over 100 interviews later, I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is different. On Writer…Interrupted I try and offer the busy writer things I’ve learned about balancing life and handling interruptions and I have other “experts” share in their field!
3. I notice that your novella is set in Washington, D.C. – how did you happen to choose that setting?
Back in 2005 I was homeschooling and took my children on an east coast tour, hitting all the historical spots. Mount Vernon was one of them and as I was walking through the mansion I kept thinking about the antiques and if they were real or replicas. Later, when I wanted to try writing a mystery I kept coming back to Mount Vernon. I thought it would be fun to explore the “What if someone discovered that an artifact at the Mount Vernon mansion was a fake?” The characters, story and plot just grew from there.
My novella, Buried Deception, combines my love of mystery and suspense with my fascination with archaeology. I’m going to steal the words from Vickie McDonough, award-winning author of 24 books and novellas, who said this about my novella, “Murder. Thefts of priceless artifacts. An ornery, little boy with a penchant for getting into trouble. Gina Conroy’s fast-paced debut novella has it all and takes readers on an emotional ride. A charming romance winds up this satisfying who-dun-it.”
It’s a fun series of novellas where characters from previous stories have cameos in the others! So if you’re someone who hates to say goodbye to a “friend,” then you’ll enjoy the reunions in Cherry Blossom Capers.
4. Tell us a little bit about your journey to publication.
My journey to publication has been seven active years in the making, plus another ten inactive years. The active years started when my youngest turned two and I thought it was time to pick up my writing after ten years off to raise kids. But I might have been wrong. See question #2. After I wrote my first novel and got numerous rejections, I found ACFW and started learning the craft of writing. I attended writer’s conferences, got to know people in the industry (including my agent whom I didn’t pitch until I was ready three years after I met him.) After signing me, he couldn’t sell my novel, but encouraged me to keep writing and that one day it would happen. That one day came after a couple of manuscripts and multiple rejections later.
5. I notice that you are a mom. Do you have a hard time juggling family time with writing time?
Absolutely! (See question #2) I even wrote a recent post about it! I’m much more relaxed about my writing now, knowing God’s timing is perfect and I can’t do anything to help along this publication process except to keep writing when I can.
6. Do you have any advice to others who want to pursue commercial publication?
Study the craft of writing through books and blogs, find a community who can encourage you and teach you the ropes, and just write! I’m still working on taking my own advice on the last point! And don’t be anxious to publish. If you work hard and never give up, I believe it will happen for you!
7. Why did you choose to write Christian Fiction?
I didn’t really choose Christian fiction, in fact, I’m working on a story that could go main stream. What I choose is a story told with a Christian worldview. It’s hard to see the world any other way since Jesus is the center of my life. Sometimes my characters aren’t Christians or are lost and fallen, but their journey always leads them closer to the Lord.
Book descriptions:
My Novella: Buried Deception
Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?
Collection Summary, releasing January 2012
Four townhouse neighbors encounter romance and mystery near our nation’s capital. In State Secrets, White House assistant chef Tara Whitley and FBI agent Jack Courtland stop a plot to sabotage a State dinner—and find love still hidden in their hearts. In Dying for Love, attorneys and opponents Ciara Turner and Daniel Evans uncover love while searching for justice. In Buried Deception, archaeologist Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter dig up love while uncovering a forged artifact. In Coffee, Tea and Danger, amateur sleuths Susan Holland and Vince Martinelli find love while investigating a string of mysterious accidents.
This book certainly sounds like a winner! I want all of you to purchase a copy – either paperback or Kindle/e-book version! Let us know what you thought about the book once you’ve read it and feel free to leave some comments!
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all of my blog readers!
Question: What are you doing on this New Year’s Day?
I’m going to be a pot of gumbo – I’ve never made gumbo in my entire life. I found a recipe in a cooking magazine so I thought I’d give it a try!
I wish all of my blog readers a safe, happy and blessed New Year’s day! 🙂
African-American Children Adopted By Mennonite Families
If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you’ll know that I’ve often posted about Amish, Mennonites, and other Plain sects. I found this article interesting – it’s about Mennonites adopting African-American Children.
If you read the article, let me know what you thought about it.
***If you like religious, wholesome fiction, then join my email list and receive 2 FREE Christian fiction e-books!
Sunday Brunch – Merry Christmas! :-)
Merry Christmas, everyone! How will you be spending your holiday – both Christmas and New Year’s? Leave a comment!
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2
Christ Born of Mary
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
A Texas Christmas Mystery!
A Texas Christmas Mystery – currently only 99 cents on Kindle!
A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both.
Sparks fly as Amber Meredith seeks to arrest Derrick Darbonne. She needs to solve her first case, but the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle.
Derrick has worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When the past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves in order to save himself?
This was an enjoyable, intriguing and mysterious read. Amber is determined to solve her first case. She’s in the Coast Guard, and she’s very focused on making it in her career – she even has a five-year career plan and nothing, including romance, can cloud her dreams for success.
Derrick is struggling with hurt feelings from his childhood. Abandoned by his mother, he has not had a lot of female interaction over the years. He’s leery of love, but can’t resist his attraction to beautiful Amber.
Meanwhile a killer is on the loose, and it appears that Derrick is being framed for the murder. He’s forced to defend himself by trying to find the real culprit. However, his actions could place Amber in danger. Amber is stubborn, and she refuses to leave Derrick’s side as she attempts to solve the mystery.
Strong romantic tension as well as suspense make this a wonderful Christmas read!
Christmas – A Candid History – From The Blog Archives
Do you know of any good books about the history of Christmas? If so, leave a comment with the book title.
I blogged about this book last year.
Since then I’ve managed to finish the book. If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you’ll know that I’m not a big fan of non-fiction books in general. It takes me a good while to finish a non-fiction book, if I ever finish it. So, the fact that it took me 2 Christmases to finish this book should in no way put a negative light on the author or the book. It’s a good, well-written book about the history of Christmas. If you’re curious about Santa Claus and why we celebrate Christmas the way we do today, then you should read this book. It’s a fairly short and to-the-point book.
I’ve always been interested in why we celebrate Christmas the way we do now. I guess my curiosity stems from the fact that I was raised not believing in Santa Claus and not celebrating Christmas. I was always taught about the pagan roots of the holiday, but, as I got older, I didn’t really understand how we came to celebrate Christmas the way we do today. For example, I knew Saint Nicolas existed, but, I didn’t know how he came to be known as Santa Claus. I did try to research this subject at the library when I was in my early twenties – all I found was an old, battered book about the early life of Saint Nicolas and that was it.
Anyway, here’s the most amazing facts that I found from this book:
1. Christmas was initially banned when the Pilgrims moved to America. Christmas was actually an extension of pagan worship of the sun god and people always had winter parties and festivals before Christ even came to earth. Winter was cold and dark, so parties using greenery and lights livened things up, but these winter parties were not the innocent Christmas parties that we know of today. People would participate in all kinds of lewd behavior, including drunkeness. That’s one reason why the Puritans did not want to celebrate Christmas when they came to America.
2. The key people who were involved in “sanitizing” Christmas into the celebration we know of today, lived in the 1800’s. We’ve only been celebrating Christmas as we know it today for about 150 years, give or take. These people included (but are not limited to):
Washington Irving
John Pintard
Clement Clarke Moore or Henry Livingston Jr.
Thomas Nast
Charles Dickens
Irving, Pintard and Moore were involved in an elite New York society. This society wanted to “sanitize” Christmas, making it a happy family time.
3. Santa Claus
The Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus transition occurred when Moore’s (or Livingston’s) poem, Twas The Night Before Christmas was published anonymously. The poem caught on and people came to associate Santa Claus with the giving of gifts on Christmas Eve.
Other things about Santa, like his living on the North Pole as well as other characteristics, can be attributed to the drawings made by Thomas Nast for Harper’s Weekly. Nast drew Santa as the plump, bearded man that we know of today. In Moore’s/Livingston’s poem, Santa is tiny, like an elf, not the big jolly man we admire today.
Anyway, that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as the wealth of Christmas knowledge in this book. I highly recommend it to all who are curious about the roots of the Christmas traditions that we practice today. This book will definitely stay on my “keeper” shelf.
Another notable book that I read years ago is called Battle for Christmas. Although this book was good, too. I found it somewhat scholarly written and bit hard to read. I think Christmas – A Candid History is much easier to read. Not surprisingly, Christmas – A Candid History does use quotes from Battle For Christmas.
So, do you know of any good books about the history of Christmas? If so, leave a comment about the book and the title. I love reading books about this subject.
Sunday Brunch – The Apostle Paul
Acts 28:8-10
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
I encourage you to read the entire chapters of Acts 27 and 28 – which I’ve copied and pasted below. I read this in my Bible recently, and I keep thinking about it.
This scripture really resonates with me because, well, I guess I keep thinking of the imagery involved. The Apostle Paul, a prisoner, was shipwrecked on the island of Malta with the rest of the crew and prisoners. I keep thinking of the vivid imagery of Malta. I know the winds and the storm were treacherous, but, I’m sure that after everything cleared up, Malta was quite beautiful to the shipwrecked – especially after struggling through that terrible storm.
I also think about what it must’ve looked like for Paul to build a fire and then a poisonous snake to pop out of the fire onto his hand, and he wasn’t harmed or anything. But, what’s kinda weird is, the Maltans thought that Paul was a god since he remained unharmed after being attacked by the poisonous snake. I suppose they thought like this since they were not yet aware of the Gospel.
However, what I find truly amazing is when Paul healed all on the entire island through his faith in Jesus. Isn’t that wonderfully amazing? If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you know how I’m kinda fixated on the miraculous healings in the Bible. I wish there were movie cameras back then so that it could be caught on film for me to watch. I’m sure it would’ve been an amazing sight to see.
When you read this scripture, what comes to your mind? How would you have reacted if that poisonous snake had attached himself to your hand? I’d have been screaming, scared, my heart would’ve been racing! I know we need to rely on God during those traumatic times, but, the first thing that would’ve popped into my mind was fear!
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Acts 27
Shipwrecked on Malta
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
Acts 28
Paul’s Ministry on Malta
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.