Germ by Robert Liparulo

Robert Liparulo is one of the best writers I've had the pleasure of reading lately. I read his book, Comes A Horseman, and, though it didn't have a strong faith thread, fell in love with the story and his writing style immediately. In other words, "This dude can write!"

Now his latest book has come out, Germ. Not only does this book promise to be as entertaining as the first, it's been sold for a movie and video game.

Can you see me drool?

Check out Robert's website for more info.

Which Science Fiction Writer are You?

Here's something to have a little fun with. Enjoy!
(Warning! Danger Will Robinson! This site is a bit potty mouth.)

I am: Gregory Benford A master literary stylist who is also a working scientist. The real Greg Benford once took this quiz, and it told him he was Arthur C. Clarke.

Wonder what that makes me? LOL! And I was so hoping for Orson Scott Card.

Which science fiction writer are you?

Generation NeXt Parenting by Tricia Goyer

Now here's a book definitely worth checking out. Tricia Goyer has tapped into a very specific style of parenting with her book and has even devoted a blog to the topic.

Generation NeXt Parenting is unlike any other book on the market and represents a new adventure in parenting. Written by Tricia Goyer, a Gen X mom herself, it takes readers on a walk down memory lane to learn what defines them as a generation and how they can parlay their own insecurities, hopes, and dreams into bright futures for their children. With its easy-to-read, conversational style, fun pop culture references, practical tips, and real-life examples from families who harbor the same doubts, questions, and concerns,

Generation NeXt Parenting strips away external distractions to focus on what it takes to raise kids into productive citizens and servants for God.

“As a Gen Xer who graduated from high school in 1989, the way I parent is different from the generations who’ve gone before me,” says Goyer. “I want to do it all—find God’s purpose in my life, impact my community, support my spouse, and provide my children every opportunity available to them. My generation is serious about parenting—just look at all we expect from our children and ourselves! This book offers solutions to our unique questions and confirms that we can ‘parent right’—even if it looks nothing like the way our own parents did it. More importantly, this book focuses on seeking God’s Word and wisdom for answers to growing a new generation of God-seekers.”

Generation NeXt Parenting is an insightful new book that helps readers balance kids, ministry, work, and service, teaching them how to be better parents for God’s glory. More than just another parenting book filled with unrealistic expectations for raising “perfect” children, Generation NeXt Parenting offers real advice, next steps, and biblical references than can easily be applied to everyday living situations. A powerful resource, it is positioned to spawn a whole new breed of parents readily equipped to make a positive difference, not only in the lives of their children, but for generations to come.


The Story Behind the Book: Q & A With Tricia Goyer

What was the impetus to write Generation NeXt Parenting?

It all started when I was at a parenting meeting last year. Most of the other mothers were older than me. (Sigh, I had my first son when I was 17 in 1989. Most mothers with the same age kids are ten years older.) Anyway, they were talking about "all the young mothers these days . . . they want everything for their kids and don't know when to stop." They went on and on, but I can't remember it all. I just remember thinking, That's me they're talking about, and they don't get me at all!

When I got home, I started looking up everything I could find about how different generations raise kids differently. Amazingly, I found there are many, many differences. So I talked to my agent, and mentioned I wanted to write a book specifically for Gen X parents. I wanted to talk about our unique needs--not as an expert, but as one of them. I wrote up a proposal in a few weeks time. A few months later I had a contract offer. I felt God's hand all over me as I wrote (fast). And, it's a miracle, but about 14 months after I got the idea the book is on store shelves. Is that God, or what?!

Why Gen X?

More than 44 million Generation Xers live in the United States today. This group is bound to have a strong influence, not only on society as a whole, but more specifically, on the next generation—our children. There’s no denying that the world is a vastly different place from the one we grew up in, and we are faced with a whole new set of parenting challenges our predecessors could never have fathomed. But Gen Xers have proven we have the passion and drive to excel in childrearing. This book is to help with that.

How are Gen Xers different?

As a Gen Xer who graduated from high school in 1989, the way I parent is unique from the generations who’ve gone before me. Personally, I want to do it all—find God’s purpose in my life, impact my community, support my spouse, and provide my children every opportunity available to them. My generation is serious about parenting—just look at all we expect from our children and ourselves!

If you could tell people in two sentences what this book is about, what would you say?

This book offers solutions to our unique questions and confirms that we can ‘parent right’—even if it looks nothing like the way our own parents did it. More importantly, this book focuses on seeking God’s Word and wisdom for answers to growing a new generation of God-seekers.

Can you give me a hint of why Gen Xers raise their kids differently than their parents?

There are plenty of reasons Gen Xers turned out the way we did. Here are some biggies:

• More of our moms entered the workforce.
• More of our parents divorced.
• Either we were sexually promiscuous or we had friends who were.
• When it came to drugs and alcohol, it was pretty easy to get our hands on them.
• We don’t remember prayer as a part of school.
• We do remember every episode of The Cosby Show, and oftentimes we related more to that family than our own.
• We remember the first video we saw on MTV, and musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Tiffany, and Billy Idol were our, uh, idols.

Of course, I could go on, but this book wasn’t written just to reminisce about “the good ol’ days.” It’s about understanding who we are as a generation and why we became the parents we are today. More than that, it’s about taking our good qualities…and discovering how to parent better, for God’s glory.

If you could pray one prayer for Gen X parents, what would it be?

Ephesians 1:16–21, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION

“I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.

“I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in the world or in the world to come. Amen.”

Click here to read chapter one.

Ponderings and Wanderings

What can a writer honestly come up with at 2 a.m.?

The brain is shutting down and my eyes are mere slits of my former alertness. Yet I sit at this keyboard determined to blog. (Yes, Heather, a real post. Aren't ya proud?) What do I write about? What do I have to say? How much longer can I avoid blogging about the heart of the matter?

Journeys are an amazing entity. Whether a character's or our own, they are a vital aspect of truly living. I've come to recognize the necessity of the one I'm currently traversing. That doesn't mean, however, that I see or even understand the big picture. Perhaps the only bonus to the path I'm traveling is I know part of the outcome—a very large part of the outcome. But in the midst of such knowledge is also the understanding that this journey will be arduous, exhausting, frustrating, and down right painful.

Knowing this, do I continue? Do I stay the course? (Okay, you knew I had to put that in there at some point.) Or do I take the easy way out and run the road most traveled?

I didn't choose this path. I was most unceremoniously informed roughly six years ago of what was to come. I've never doubted, always knew this was right. And I mean, really right. But now that the final year is here, what promises to be the most difficult part, I find myself in a quandary. What I've wanted so much—prayed and pleaded for—lay with my grasp, so to speak. Yet I balk at the trial, the walk through fire, that will bring me to the ultimate outcome. The completion.

I've made it this far, and no, this is in no way a consideration of changing course and giving up. I know what's at stake. And those closest to me know as well. There is no turning back.

So I ask you, what would you do to save a soul? What would you sacrifice? And can you honestly answer that without having survived the blaze?

I thought I could, easily. Now I see it's not so simple. I knew the final lap would be hard, but the flames are closer now, and I'm downright scared.

Some would say I have a choice. I say I don't. There's really only one path, and I have to take it. The time is almost here to start that final lap. In the meantime, I persevere, utterly helpless and hanging onto to God for breath, strength, and mercy.

I am the weary traveler.

Reclaiming Nick by Susan May Warren

Now here's a honey I want to read about! Take a look.

* * * *

Nick Noble hadn’t planned on being the prodigal son.

But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle—the Noble family ranch—to Nick’s former best friend, he must return home to face those he left behind. And to make sure that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family.

Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she’s determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she first anticipated. So does resisting his charming smile.

As Nick seeks to overturn his father’s will—and Piper digs for answers—family secrets surface that send Nick’s life into a tailspin. But there’s someone who wants to see the Silver Buckle leave Noble hands, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it means taking a life.

* * * *

Now let's chat with the fabulous author of this "attractive" man...um, story, and see what makes her tick.

What made you choose the "prodigal son" story for Reclaiming Nick ?

For a long time I’ve been intrigued with the prodigal son story – not only the grace the prodigal son receives but also the actions and attitude of the big brother. And then I thought…what if, a “big brother” type, who’d picked up the messes so to speak of the prodigal suddenly needed the prodigal for something? I wondered, what would it look and feel like for a prodigal, who has received grace, to then give that grace to someone he’s offended. And likewise, what would it feel like for the offended brother to be offered that gift? It was these questions, as well as a love for Montana, and cowboys and ranching and country music that inspired me to write Reclaiming Nick…a man who is trying to reclaim the legacy he left behind.

I've heard a lot of fuss over the "cutie on the cover." And now Nick has a blog! Can you tell us what will be happening with that?

Nick’s blog was a way to introduce readers to Nick, and his family, his life, his dreams. I really wanted Nick, as the eldest brother, to helm the series, so to speak, and I wanted readers to get to know him, and anticipate his arrival. *g* Nick has a few of his reviews posted, but in the future, you’ll see him introducing his brother, Rafe, and possibly a teaser video of Taming Rafe, book 2 in the Noble Legacy (out in Sept 2007).

Now, on the faith side. The life of a writer is very demanding and busy. How do you keep yourself centered in your faith?

I couldn’t write a word without the Lord giving me the words, the time, the inspiration, the motivation. My faith, my time with the Lord comes first, and I eagerly expect and wait for the insights He gives me to each story. Of course, I spend every morning in quiet time, in prayer, and for each book I also study a passage of scripture – Philippians is my scripture study for the Noble Legacy. My faith, I believe, should be woven into all areas of my life, and by renewing my mind in the Word each day, I believe it keeps me in the proper perspective.

Any upcoming projects you'd like to share? Will Nick come visit us again?

I just finished book 2 in the Noble Legacy, Taming Rafe. This was SUCH a fun book to write because I took a headstrong, trouble-making bull-rider and paired him with a strong, wise woman who is trying to find out where she belongs – in the world of cowboys, or the New York social scene in which she was raised. And once I put these two together, sparks ignited. So fun to watch Rafe be…"tamed." (or…not!) The preview chapter is in the back of Reclaiming Nick and will be up on the Meet Nick site hopefully soon. I’m now starting Book 3 - Finding Stefanie…

Thank you so much for letting me stop by and share a few “behind the scenes” about Nick! And don’t forget to “Meet Nick!”

Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Arms of Deliverance (Moody Publishers, 2006) by Tricia Goyer (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and homeschooling mom!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer is one the members of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (Tricia's Blog, "It's Real Life" Tricia's Parenting Blog, "Generation NeXt") and we are pleased to be able to review her exciting historical fiction book, Arms of Deliverance. She was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. Tricia was also a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award and won ACFW's "Book of the Year" for Long Historial Romance in 2005 AND in 2006. She has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction (three other WWII novels, From Dust to Ashes, Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights. Night Song, the second title in Tricia’s World War II series, won ACFW's Book of the Year for Best Long Historical Romance.) She's and non-fiction books. married to John, and they have three great kids whom she homeschools: Cory (17), Leslie (14), and Nathan (12). They make their home in Northwest Montana with their dog, Lilly.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II.

EUROPE, 1944

Katrine, a Czech Jew, is so successful in her attempt to pass as an Aryan that she finds herself dating a Nazi officer. Having convinced him of her genetic purity, the officer sends her to stay at a Lebensborn home--a Nazi breeding program in which children are raised and indoctrinated by the state.

Meanwhile, two friends, Mary and Lee, one a socialite, the other a working class girl, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war’s outbreak. Now rivals with assignments on the frontlines of war-torn Europe, Lee joins troops sailing for Normandy, while Mary's destiny lies in the cramped quarters of a B-17 bearing down on Berlin. Before the presses roll, their lives will be indelibly marked by a caring American navigator, brave French resistors, and a maniacal Nazi officer. Arms of Deliverance is a story of unexpected redemption.

Read Chapter One on Tricia's Blog.

A Pagan's Nightmare by Ray Blackston

Love the cover on this thing. Definitely an attention grabber. Christian Fiction Blog Alliance has more about the book and author Ray Blackston on their website.

A tongue-in-cheek look at contemporary culture through the eyes of a screenwriter who pens a hit about the last unbeliever on Earth navigating a thoroughly Christian world. An unwary "pagan" discovers he's one of the last remaining unbelievers in a world populated by Christians. Or so imagines Larry Hutch, a screenwriter with hopes of writing a hit movie. While struggling in his faith and dealing with personal crises, he imagines a strange new world where song lyrics are altered to conform to "Christian" standards (the Beatles belt out "I Wanna Hold Your Tithe") and French fries, newly labeled "McScriptures," are tools for evangelism. Larry's screenplay is a big hit with his agent, Ned, but Ned's Southern Baptist wife is less than amused. Both men's futures will be on the line when the world witnesses A PAGAN'S NIGHTMARE.

AND THE WINNER IS: Dona Watson is the winner of the copy of Hell in a Breifcase. Congrats, Dona!

Dear John

A description from Mr. Sparks' website:

An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who has captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love—and face the hardest decision of his life.

Surprisingly, this story kept me from cover to cover. Why do I say that? Well, from a technical aspect, Sparks writes in first person but does a lot of passive writing and telling. There were times that I really wanted to feel more of what his characters experienced (especially Savannah) but didn't get that opportunity. So much of the book is narrated due to the fact that John is telling his story.

One of my favorite parts is how Savannah helps John to see and understand his father for who he is and accept his handicap. Sparks does a great job here and shows how a grown son can rebuild a relationship with his father.

Amazingly, the ending is very satisfying. You get a clear hint from the description that these two won't wind up together, and you almost loathe to read that outcome. Yet once you dig into the circumstances surrounding these two love birds, you see no other way the story could end. Sparks does an excellent job "preparing" the reader for the inevitable.

Truly a story of a sacrificial love, Dear John promises to break your heart and leave you smiling.

Hell in a Briefcase

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It is January 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and their latest book's FIRST chapter!

This month's feature author is:

Phil Little with Brad Whittington

and their book:

HELL IN A BRIEFCASE

(A Matt Cooper Novel)

Leave a comment to win a free copy!

ELEVEN BRIEFCASES AND ONE UNLIKELY HERO...CAN MATT COOPER FIND ELEVEN NUCLEAR DEVICES AND HIS FAITH BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES?

With violence in the Middle East escalating daily, Americans are glued to their televisions wondering what will happen next. Meanwhile, Matt Cooper, jet-setting star of Phil Little's debut novel Hell in a Briefcase is doing something about it. A private security executive, his adrenaline-junkie days consist of last-minute first-class overseas flights, Hollywood parties with his actress girlfriend, and direct calls from top CIA brass.

A chance meeting with Mr. Roberts, ìan old broken-down millionaireî and uncommon Christian, sends Cooper on a trip to Israel that will change his life. Matt goes behind the curtain of Middle East terrorism, witnessing firsthand the untold ravages of holy war. The deeper he goes, the closer he gets to a plot involving eleven stolen briefcase nukes and a plan infinitely more sinister than 9/11.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Phil Little, president of West Coast Detectives and a recognized expert in counter-terrorism, provides bodyguards to the stars and runs a detective agency that has served ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, Paramount, MGM, and hundreds of others (www.westcoastdetectives.us). He draws on this experience in crafting the tightly wound plot of this international thriller. In addition to his duties as a security expert, Phil has also written Hostile Intent, Protecting Yourself from Terrorism and will soon be the subject of a television pilot. In the meantime, you can read more about Matt's adventures in his blog, http://detectivemattcooper.blogspot.com.

In addition, Phil is available for comment on all aspects of international terrorism, both at home and abroad, and he makes for an interesting and colorful guest. His expertise in the area of international issues combined with his personable on-camera style would make for a great interview on this hot topic. From Lebanese terror camps in the 1970ís to American airports in the months before 9/11, Phil Little has witnessed the terror threat up close and can share eye-opening stories and information that all Americans should know.

Read the first chapter...