If God Is Good

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421326

BLOG TOUR: What Is This Love Thing All About?

Corey J. Barnes is a long time native of Lakeland, Florida. Currently he resides there with his son Corey Jr. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently working on his PhD in Instructional Leadership and Adult Education.

Becoming an author and also establishing the publishing company CJ Publishing has fulfilled a lifelong dream for Corey as he attempts to bring true romance and integrity back to urban fiction, from a male perspective, hence his moniker, “The Renaissance Man of Romance”.

In his debut novel What Is This Love Thing All About? Corey displays that chivalry is not dead and the thrill of the chase is still present in today’s world. Presently, Corey is working on his second novel. In addition to his work as a middle school administrator, Corey also coaches high school boys basketball and his son’s little league football team. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his son and working out.


What Is This Love Thing All About?

Be careful what you wish for... Is what you think you want... Really what you need?

Meet Rick Jenkins, who has everything that most would love to have in life. Great job, great looks, well educated, money, he has it all, except for one thing – a woman to share it with. A single and eligible bachelor, Rick can’t seem to even find a good woman to go on a date with, much less to think about take it to the next level. Rick is content to take life as it is until one night at a sorority fund raising function, he runs into Aphrodite Morrison and his fate changes forever.

Aphrodite is a mysterious, yet angelic woman who Rick is lost for from the first minute he talks to her. A partner in one of the top advertising companies in the Greater Atlanta area, she does not have a want for anything. There is another side to Aphrodite that looms under the surface. When she thinks she has met the perfect man, her past threatens everything that she thinks may be meant for her and happening with Rick. Fate collides with destiny and creates doubt; does anyone really know: What is this Love Thing All About?


Where were you born?

I was born in Lakeland, Florida.

Education background?

I attended and graduated from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fl. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Specific Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education from University of South Florida. I then obtained my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. I am currently working on my PhD in Adult Education and Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

What's your inspiration or who is?

My inspiration in all that I do is my son, CJ. He is the very best part of me and is the reason I wake up in the morning. He is my heartbeat and my motivation.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

When I was a child I had dreams of either being a pro football player or a lawyer. As you can see, neither one of them took place.

Did you ever think you'd ever become an author?

I never thought I would become an author. I love to read, but I didn’t think I would ever do it myself, even though it was one of my goals. It was one of those things where you think about something but know it will never be, but it has and it is very exciting.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It took me a total of 8 months to write my first book. I actually wrote the first character in 5 months, and went back and added in the 2nd, which took 3 more months.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book, What Is This Love Thing All About at the age of 32.

Whose writing do you admire most?

The author whose style I admire the most is Eric Jerome Dickey. I also enjoy Dwayne Joseph’s style.

Were you a good student in school?

I was actually a very good student in school.

Tell me about your revision process.

I usually read from the back to the front for corrections needed. Doing it this way makes the story pretty much gibberish and in that sense, I can just concentrate on making sure that sentence structure and things of that nature are correct.

Did you like school? What was your favorite subject?

I enjoyed school. I am a life long learner and look to continually improve myself. My favorite subject in school was English, which helped me with being an author and the next subject was Math. I hated Science in school, but did it because I had too.

BLOG TOUR: Have a New Husband by Friday

Have a New Husband by Friday: How to Change His Attitude, Behavior and Communication in 5 Days
by Kevin Leman

Baker Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 2009
ISBN-13: 9780800719128


Have a new husband by Friday? Is that even possible? Dr. Kevin Leman says it is. The New York Times bestselling author and self-help guru shows even the most frustrated wife how she can have a new husband by Friday. Leman reminds any wife that if what she's doing to get better behavior out of her husband isn't working now, it never will. So it's time for a change. That means it's time to change her own patterns of behavior. Here's how Leman suggests she handle it day to day:

Monday: Secrets Revealed: Cracking the Male Code
Yes, you're different species, but you can work together in harmony.

Tuesday: Creatures from Another Planet . . . or Creatures of Habit?

To understand men, you have to track 'em to their den.

Wednesday: Think about What You Want to Say, Then Divide It by Ten

How to talk so your guy will really listen . . . and listen so your guy will really talk.

Thursday: Think of Him as a Seal Waiting for a Three-Pound Fish

Why making love to your man is a key to who he is and how satisfied he'll be, and what's in it for you.

Friday: It Takes a Real Woman to Make a Man Feel like a Real Man

How to open your man's heart, revolutionize your love life, and turn him into the knight you've always dreamed of.

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, humorist, and bestselling author of The Birth Order Book and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is former consulting psychologist for Good Morning America and a frequent guest on The View, The Early Show, and Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.

You Were Born For This

His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn how Heaven works.

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can help others experience miracles in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.

You Were Born for This will change how readers see their world, and what they expect God can do through them to meet real needs. They will master seven simple tools of service, and come to say with confidence, “I want to deliver a supernatural gift from God to someone in need today—and now I know how!”


Author Bios:

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa . Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta .

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado .

Girl Naw Blog Tour

Meet LaCricia A’ngelle, author of Girl, Naw!


Tell us about Girl, Naw!

Girl, Naw! is the story of Antoinette Walker, a Christian counselor for women. The story outlines the lives of the women Antoinette counsels as well as her own life and issues. Antoinette takes a special interest in one of her clients that will lead to some unexpected decisions. Being confronted with people from her past that have hurt her in various ways, Antoinette is challenged to forgive them in order to possess the freedom she desires.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Similar to Antoinette I was in a position in which I was asked to counsel many people. On several occasions I noticed some of these people viewed my life as being perfect, which raised the question -who counsels the counselor. That thought was the basis for Girl, Naw!

Who are your main character(s)?

My main characters are Antoinette Walker, Maurice Walker- Antoinette's husband, Yvette King -Antoinette's best friend,

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

My favorite character is definitely Yvette. I like Yvette because she is so funny. She says whatever is on her mind, and although she has an odd way of saying things, she actually makes sense. She reminds me a lot of myself.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

No, I didn't do a lot of research for Girl, Naw! I relied on past experiences for myself and others that I know.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Girl, Naw?

I hope readers will learn the power of true forgiveness. I also hope reading Girl, Naw! will help people to not be so judgmental of others because we never really know what's going on behind the scenes of someone's life.

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/GirlNaw

For more information about LaCricia, visit her at http://lacriciaangelle.com/

PURPOSELY SAID

What’s That I Hear?
By Dr. Linda F. Beed


One of the fastest growing and effective mediums for authors is the World Wide Web.

With the emergence of teleconferences and blogtalk radio, reaching the masses has been made easier and more cost effective than ever before.

What has not changed is the necessity to conduct business in a professional manner. The inability to see your audience does not negate your responsibility to respect their investment of time in you.

Before accepting your first or your next on air engagement consider the following:

• Get the Pertinent Information

Know the date, time and dial-in number no less than one week prior to engagement.
Confirm time zones to assure your timeliness and to appropriately schedule your online promotions.

• Advance Preparation

Be honest about your knowledge of the proposed topic. If the subject matter is out of your area of expertise, let it go.

If it is within your knowledge base, update materials in order to be on point.

Have announcements for your social networks and online groups ready for posting within the appropriate timeline.

Have all available handouts available for emailing or ready to post on site one week in advance of program.

Make notes to refer to and to help keep your thoughts organized.
Make list of your online contacts to read on air.

• Familiarization

Take the time to listen to prior broadcasts in order to become familiar with the program format and host’s style.

• Food

Cease from eating at least one hour prior to broadcast.
Do not eat or drink during broadcast.
If you develop a dry throat, take small sips of water when necessary.

• Background

Radio microphones are very sensitive. If possible be away from others.
Turn off televisions, radios and cell phone.

• Online Etiquette

Turn your telephone speaker up.
Talk at a level where you can be heard.
Do not talk over your host.
Be courteous to callers and other guests.
Thank your host for the opportunity, verbally and via online or written note.

• Tone

Voice inflection tells people more about what you feel than what you say does.
You may not agree with the point of view of your host of fellow panelist, but your point can be made without being offensive.

These basic points are valuable for you and your listening audience. Those tuning in have invested their time in you. Time is a commodity that cannot be redeemed. It is your job to make sure that their time was not wasted.


Until next time, remember—Purposely Said words can destroy or create a life. Linda!

Dr. Linda Beed is an educator, speaker, children’s minister and author of Business Unusual and co-moderator of BWChristianLit an online writing and mentor group. She is also review editor for KDgospel Media Magazine.

You can find her on the web at:

http://www.lindabeed.com/ / MySpace / On Assignment Reviews / BWChristianLit

Holy Rollers

Julie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?At The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, Lyons found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed. Lyons ’s story landed on the front page of the Dallas Times Herald. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and Lyons is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.” It’s all here in Holy Roller–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power.


Author Bio:

Julie Lyons is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English from Seattle Pacific University . She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in Dallas with their son.

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

BOOK INTRO: The Soul of a Man

The Soul of a Man: A Triumph of My Soul Anthology, features short stories, essays and poems by Joe Thomas, Jihad, William Fredrick Cooper, Alvin C. Romer, Marc Lacy, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., Brian Ganges, Jarold Imes, K.L. Belvin, Joey Pinkney, Thomas Ashburn, Jr., Clarence "Baba Simba" Mollock, Tyrell Floyd and Eddrick Dejuan.

Long Term (a short story)
After a season of sowing his wild oats, Nate Carter is a changed man. He’s turned his life over to God, but that doesn’t exempt him from the consequences of his past. Nate, a supervisor of temporary employees at a local credit card bank, is challenged when a former conquest comes to work for him and wants to pick up where they left off a few years prior. The man he is now struggles with the man he was. Who will win? God knows.

BOOK INTRO: TURNING JAPANESE

TURNING JAPANESE

Meet Lisa Falloya, an aspiring half-Japanese, half-Italian American manga artist who follows her bliss by moving to Tokyo to draw the Japanese-style comics she's been reading for years. Leaving behind the comforts of a humdrum desk job and her workaholic fiancée, Lisa has everything planned-- right down to a room with a nice Japanese family-- but hasn't taken into account that being half-Asian and enthusiastic isn't going to cut it. Faced with an exacting boss and a conniving "big fish" manga author, Lisa risks her wedding, her friends, and her fears for a shot at making it big.

Worth a Thousand Words Blog Tour

MEET STACY HAWKINS ADAMS

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.



Tell us about Worth a Thousand Words.

Worth A Thousand Words explores the tough decisions a young woman named Indigo Burns must make in her relationships and her career. Indigo is a recent college graduate, eager to forge her path in the world and pursue her dreams. Then she’s faced with some challenging realities that force her to grapple with who she wants to be. Indigo realizes that you have to find the courage to accept difficult truths about yourself, and about others, before you can embrace life and love others unconditionally.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I started with the idea of writing about a character who had everything going for her and trusted that as long as she continued to believe in God and give her best, life would be perfect. I wanted to show how such a character would persevere and mature in wisdom and in faith when life threw her a few curveballs. Ultimately, the story boils down to helping readers see that just as the pictures this character takes as a professional photographer are worth a thousand words, so are the truths she has to embrace in her life.

Who are your main character(s)?

Indigo Burns, a recent college graduate who has lived in Jubilant, Texas since childhood, is the main character. The secondary character is her fiance, Brian Harper, who is pressuring her to alter her goals so they can be together. Other important characters are Rachelle Covington (Indigo's favorite cousin and the main character in The Someday List), and Aunt Melba, who plays a pivotal role in helping Rachelle grow up and find the courage to follow her heart.

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

Aunt Melba was one of my favorite characters in The Someday List, and she holds the title in this book,too. Because of circumstances that unfold during the novel, Melba is not as visible a character in this book, but I love her personality and her ability to "tell it like it is" without hurting people.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

Yes, I did. Even though I'm writing fiction, in order for the story to resonate with readers, it's important for them to enter the characters' world. To do that well, I commit a lot of time adding as many true-to-life elements to my books as I can.
Near the beginning of the book, Indigo's boyfriend, Brian, and her best friend, Shelby, leave Texas to attend Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island. Most of Brian's scenes take place in Rhode Island, and his life is consumed by the training program. To make this storyline authentic, I did extensive research on what occurs during Officer Candidate School, what the experience is like for recruits, how the commanders talk to the recruits, etc. I also extensively researched details for a personal issue that Indigo confronts.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Worth a Thousand Words?

I hope readers will journey through Worth A Thousand Words and feel empathy for these characters, because Indigo and Brian find themselves grappling with decisions most of us have struggled with in some form or fashion. I also hope that when readers put down this book, they'll reflect on their own journeys and consider how to respond when they face uncomfortable truths in their own lives.

Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?

All writers want their books to be well-received and appreciated. I respect reviews and value them. Great ones make me feel good about the work I'm doing. Not so great ones challenge me to take a harder look at my work and consider ways to strengthen my writing. At the same time, I know that everyone has different preferences and tastes, even when it comes to reading, and every book isn't for everyone.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Worth a Thousand Words
Jubilant Soul Series Book Two
by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Life has always gone Indigo Burns’s way. She’s smart, pretty, and talented, and she knows exactly what she wants. A photography internship at her hometown’s local newspaper is the next step in her well-laid plans for her future. But her long-term goals are put to the test when her boyfriend Brian proposes–two years before he’s supposed to and in front of all the guests at her college graduation party.

Too concerned about his feelings to say no, she heartily agrees, but inside she’s cringing. Indigo knows in her heart that she’s not prepared to sacrifice her dreams to become Brian’s wife–not before she has achieved any of them. Will she find the answers among family and friends in Jubilant, Texas? Or will the picture-perfect life she dreams of be left behind?

For more information about Stacy, visit her at http://stacyhawkinsadams.com/.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

DAY 1 Monday, June 22

Rhonda McKnight
http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/

Victorious Cafe
http://www.victoriouscafe.com/

LaTara Ham-Ying
http://www.momunplugged.com/

DAY 2 Tuesday, June 23

RAWSistaz Literary Group
http://www.rawsistaz.com/

Joey Pinkney
http://www.joeypinkney.com/

Linda Beed, D.R.Ed
http://lindabeed.blogspot.com/

DAY 3 Wednesday, June 24

SORMAG
http://sormag.blogspot.com/

Patricia Woodside
http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/

Ella Curry - Black Pearl Magazine
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/

Ruth Curcuru
http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/


DAY 4 Thursday, June 25

All the Buzz Reviews
http://www.allthebuzzreviews.com/

Vanessa Richardson
http://thecertainones.blogspot.com/

Britni Vigil
http://booknookclub.blogspot.com/


DAY 5 Friday, June 26

APOOO Books
http://www.apooobooks.com/

Word4Women
http://wordforwomen.wordpress.com/

Faygo's Report
http://instanter.wordpress.com/

Edgy Inspirational Author
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/


ONLINE RADIO SCHEDULE

JUNE 23 - WordThirst Literary Journal Online Radio Show (8:00 pm EST)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ashea-goldson

JULY 9 - Chocolate Pages Show (6:00 pm EST)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chocolatepages

JULY 16 - Inspiration Station (6:30 pm EST)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/InspirationStation

FIRST BORN

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Firstborn
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Conlan Brown


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in 1984, Conlan Brown was functionally illiterate until the fifth grade, when he learned how to read and write, as well as a love of story, from his grandmother. Conlan went on to start college at the age of sixteen, and now holds a Master's degree in Communication, which taught him the academic principles needed to write Firstborn.

Conlan lives on Colorado's Front Range where he is working on his next book. He enjoys video editing, film scores, and developing high octane, thought provoking fiction that turns pages and excites the senses.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Three supernatural gifts. Two thousand years of division. One moment of truth.

Hannah's head hung, long brown hair in her eyes. Her face felt pasty with cold and fatigue and pain. Arms behind her back, she sat in a chair, wrists and ankles tied to the wooden frame, chair legs bolted to the floor. A cold car. A gun. Horror. Pain. Grief. Screaming. A windshield blistering with holes. Darkness.

It all came over her like a flood. A pouring out of pictures in her mind. But then there was one more thing. Not an image, but a feeling--that half a continent away someone else had felt it all happening too.

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ's death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced. Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far.

Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the Riverwalk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in Pennsylvania, and ultimately back to our nation's capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

Watch The Trailer



If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of The Firstborn, go HERE

Purposely Said – Dr. Linda F. Beed

Electronically Yours

This month’s theme focuses attention upon online resources.

The words online and resources immediately caused my head to rotate at a rapid pace. How on earth could I give you so much information within the confines of this article? Once the swiveling subsided I was able to harness the plethora of ideas demanding to have their say.

The Internet is a wonderful thing. Its invention and constant evolution has made it possible for even the agoraphobic to enjoy a social life. With the depressing of a button the world is brought to you. The same is applicable when seeking information necessary for establishing and keeping abreast with the business of writing.

You may be wondering how to start your search. What is the link to finding this or that? Well, I’ll be very honest, just ask the computer. Sounds crazy, but no one told me that you could ask the computer questions. Because they didn’t, I did and it led me to information I needed and would need later. One such query led me to OWL/Online Writing Lab (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/internet/index.html). On this site I learned the variety of possibilities for exploration as well as Internet basics.

Google, Yahoo and similar search engines store seemingly limitless information. Type in your query and up pops a host of avenues to follow. As you become savvier you will learn how to use key words to pinpoint your search efforts.

Looking for information on writing? You can query the Internet with specific questions such as: 1) Articles on setting up your writing business; 2) Books on the craft of writing; 3) The complete directory for self-publishers; 4) Your marketing plan, and so on.

The phenomenon of the Internet’s ability to connect us to research needs and social communities that lend support to common goals is commendable.

Need to connect with other writers? Search Yahoo and Google Groups for your specific need. Also, consider social networks such as MySpace, Nings, Shelfari, Shoutlife, Writing Blogs, Blog Talk Radio, Twitter and Facebook.
*Please note that serious consideration should be given before joining any online group.

There is much more information to be found and applied to your writing and business process. Rather than overwhelm you I will stop with what we have here. As I leave you I would like to remind you of something very important. Instant information is a wonderful thing, if it is the right information. The convenience of online information is no guarantee that what you receive is true, relevant or up-to-date information. Be sure to check references and ask questions before applying information to your process.

Before leaving you I would be remiss if I did not leave a few links for you to explore. Since my passion is for the aspiring/novice author I have chosen links for the most frequently asked questions. The list is brief, but will give you a starting point. Further questions may be referred to Dr. Linda Beed @ http://us.mc501.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=lindaonassignment@yahoo.com
Please use ‘Industry Question’ in the subject line.

Copyright/ISBN: http://www.loc.gov/loc/infopub/

LCCN:
http://book-publisher-compared.com/lccn_library_of_congress_control_number.asp

State Licensing for Business:
Seek information on state licensing in your state

Federal Licensing:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/moneymatters/a/taxidhowtoget.htm

Have a question about a specific company. Try these literary watchdog sites:
Predators & Editors: http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/
Writer Beware Blogs: http://accrispin.blogspot.com/

As stated before there are many more resources available. Take your time, ask questions and do your homework.

Until next time, remember—Purposely Said words can destroy or create a life. Linda!

Dr. Linda Beed is an educator, speaker, children’s minister and author of Business Unusual. She co-moderators BWChristianLit, maintains its sister online blog and is the Review Editor for KDGospel Media Magazine.

You can find her on the web at:
lindabeed.com / MySpace / On Assignment Reviews / BWChristianLit

POD CAST: Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God

Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God

Non fiction

Imagine how two little boys feel for being beat for the littlest thing. Neighbors,relatives, and God ignored there cries for help. They gave up on faith,prayer, and God eventually they overcame the mental abuse and physical abuse,pshychiatric hospitals, and so much more. Unfortunately the two brothers traveled down a road that left one brother mentally disabled at the age of twenty and the other questioning God's love.

Website: http://www.rolandvtyler.com/

Gabcast! EXCERPT: Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God - Roland Tyler #1

Reader's Choice Awards

RULES:

We invite you to vote for your favorite books for 2008.

SORMAG READER's Choice Awards, are awards voted on by the readers. You vote on your favorite books, the books with the most votes is the winner.

Authors can vote for themselves. Before you vote, take a moment to read over the categories, write down your nominations, then come back and vote. Please write down the titles of the book, an Author's name can not be substituted for a title. Placing someone's name in all the categories does not increase their chance to win. If we receive a ballot with one person's name down the whole ballot it will be deleted. Only valid emails are accepted, if your email is returned your vote will not count. This is due to ballot stuffing.

Deadline March 15, 2009

If the form doesn't work, copy and paste and send to sormag2@yahoo.com
You should receive a thank you response, if you don't receive one in 24hrs your vote wasn't received.

Name:
Email Address:
City/State:
Age:
Romance Novella Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Romance Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Fiction Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Non Fiction Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Christian Romance Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Christian Fiction Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Christian Non Fiction Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Children/Young Adult Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Self Published Fiction Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Self Published Non-Fiction Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Poetry Book Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Best Book Cover Of The Year (Book published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Author Of The Year (Mainstream Author published Jan 08-Dec 08)
New Author Of The Year (mainstream/self pub in Jan 08-Dec 08)
Self Published Author Of The Year (Self Published Author published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Children/Young Adult Author Of The Year (Author published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)
Poet Of The Year (Author published Jan 2008-Dec 2008)

create web form

POD CAST: His Invisible Wife

His Invisible Wife

Genre - Women's Fiction

REVENGE...LUST...HOLY MATRIMONY

Texas businessman Jacob "Jake" Banks is about to lose his business and everything else he's worked for until his uncle dies and leaves him as the executor of his estate--only catch is, he has to marry and marry a specific woman in order to cash in on the inheritance. Big problem, since Jake has vowed to be a bachelor for life.

Brianna Mayfield is at her last rope. Her father lost his business due to Jake's uncle turning down a loan. She's convinced this caused her father to fall into a deep depression. She blames the Banks and vows to pay them back one day. When she sees an ad in the paper for a job at her self-proclaimed enemy's company, she feels her luck is turning around. She applies and is later approached by Jake with a proposition she can't turn down.

What would you do for a million dollars?

His Invisible Wife can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com. It will be in stores in July.

Website - http://www.sheliagoss.com/

Gabcast! EXCERPT: His Invisible Wife - Shelia Goss #1

POD CAST: Schae's Story

In SCHAE'S STORY: A Woman's Transformation, readers will see the unveiling of a woman everyone thought they knew. We will be exposed to how difficult it is for the people around us to accept our desire to change. Also, that while many people preach that God will change someone’s life they really do not believe it to be true. Schae’s Story will also expose the many ways in which love manifests itself in a woman’s life, family love, community-love and most importantly the reciprocal love of God.

Website
www.angeliavmenchan.com


Gabcast! EXCERPT - SCHAE'S STORY - Angelia Menchan #1

POD CAST - Over Your Dead Body

Over Your Dead Body


Like all relationships, sometimes there are problems that need to be addressed. During one fateful night after returning home from his co-worker’s apartment, Janelle accuses her husband of adultery. There is just one catch: Preston has remained faithful up to this stage of their marriage! Underlying feelings of contempt and disdain quickly form as both Janelle and Preston allow outside influences to get the best of them as their failing marriage continue to spiral downward. A game of cat and mouse ensues as Preston and Janelle become engrossed in battle with their children as the ultimate prize. No one is safe as each character utilizes their entire array of wit, cunning, and deviousness to dispel the other’s reputation. With each passing chapter, Preston becomes more determined to vindicate his image and exact revenge on his wife. With nothing else to lose, everyone becomes expendable in his eyes and consequently, all intended participants become “chess pieces” in what is considered the game of his life.

Gabcast! David L Excerpt #1

POD CAST - Going Down South

Going Down South

When fifteen-year-old Olivia Jean finds herself in the “family way,” her mother, Daisy, who has never been very maternal, springs into action. Daisy decides that Olivia Jean can’t stay in New York and whisks her away to her grandmother’s farm in Alabama to have the baby–even though Daisy and her mother, Birdie, have been estranged for years. When they arrive, Birdie lays down the law: Sure, her granddaughter can stay, but Daisy will have to stay as well. Though Daisy is furious, she has no choice.

Now, under one little roof in the 1960s Deep South, three generations of spirited, proud women are forced to live together. One by one, they begin to lose their inhibitions and share their secrets. And as long-guarded truths emerge, a baby is born–a child with the power to turn these virtual strangers into a real, honest-to-goodness family.


Gabcast! Bonnie Glover Excerpt #1

POD CAST: Talk To Me

TALK TO ME
by Pat Simmons


Genre: AFRICAN-AMERICAN FICTION/ CHRISTIAN FICTION

Noel Richardson is perfect, but degrees, wealth, and good genes don’t define a man. The CEO of a St. Louis non-profit organization, Noel doesn’t respond when women whisper compliments behind his back. It’s only God’s voice Noel hears.

His life has been anything, but easy since surviving a fireworks explosion that kills his best friend and shatters his hearing. That’s in his past. He’s learned to co-exist between two worlds—hearing and Deaf. Noel tolerances ridicule from his friends when he’s slow to interject into their lively sports debate despite mastering lip reading. Living in the Deaf community isn’t any easier. There are constant reminders that Noel is a distinct outsider.

For years, his Sunday morning worship consisted of tele-evangelists. Spiritually, he was dying from the lack of fellowship. What could he do? Very few churches had what he needed.

Then Noel stumbles across an invitation flashing on a portable sign: Thanksgiving service. All are welcome. Deaf ministry provided.

Once inside God’s Grace Church, he’s captivated by Interpreter Mackenzie Norton’s graceful hands.

To Noel, Mackenzie’s exquisite, a steadfast believer, and head strong. With her, Noel can hear the impossible.

Website: http://www.patsimmons.net/

Gabcast! EXCERPT: TALK TO ME - Pat Simmons

EXCERPT: Over Your Dead Body

Over Your Dead Body


Like all relationships, sometimes there are problems that need to be addressed. During one fateful night after returning home from his co-worker’s apartment, Janelle accuses her husband of adultery. There is just one catch: Preston has remained faithful up to this stage of their marriage! Underlying feelings of contempt and disdain quickly form as both Janelle and Preston allow outside influences to get the best of them as their failing marriage continue to spiral downward. A game of cat and mouse ensues as Preston and Janelle become engrossed in battle with their children as the ultimate prize. No one is safe as each character utilizes their entire array of wit, cunning, and deviousness to dispel the other’s reputation. With each passing chapter, Preston becomes more determined to vindicate his image and exact revenge on his wife. With nothing else to lose, everyone becomes expendable in his eyes and consequently, all intended participants become “chess pieces” in what is considered the game of his life.


Gabcast! David L Excerpt #1

Seduction and Lies

Seduction and Lies

In Book 2 of The Ladies Cartel Series, Danielle Holloway is the newest member of the group. Her first assignment: infiltrate a ring of identity-theft criminals. With cool wit and seductive charm, Danielle uses her skills to piece together the clues, and she's shocked to discover that a cloud of guilt hover over her beau, the very sexy and charismatic Nick Mateo.

Listen to Donna talk about Seduction and Lies


Donna Hill began her writing career in 1987 with the short story "The Long Walk," Her first novel, Rooms of the Heart was published in 1990. Since that time she has more than 50 titles in print. Three of her novels were adapted for television. She has packaged and edited several anthologies, two of which were nominated for awards. She is the recipient of the first Trailblazer Award, the Zora Neale Hurston Award for literature among many others. Her novel Wicked Ways won Borders Best of Books for 2007.