Saturday, October 26, 2024

"The Road to Chidarra" by Keith B. Perrin -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: The Road to Chidarra

Author: Keith B Perrin

Genre: Christian Fiction/Fantasy

Release date: December 14, 2016

The Road to Chidarra, is a Christian fantasy novel based in an age when men worshipped at the altar of their cruel masters the gods, and feared the monsters and strange beings who plagued their lands with malice and terror. The cries of the people are heard, and a stranger is sent from afar to guide, protect, and bring peace to the lands. This however, comes at great cost, for the dark powers do not give in so easily, and the struggle for freedom as always, is paved with blood and sacrifice.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

What is your least favorite part about writing?

The least favorite part about writing always for me are the revisions and the editing. It’s so laborious and tedious.

Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?

The way I keep track of my story ideas is by writing them down in a word document and when I need to check if I'm being accurate and consistent I'll check it out.

What is your writing space like?

My writing space is in the den downstairs close to my fire place for the secluded ambiance to help my imagination flow. It’s a renovated den, very neat with brand new furniture and booming sound bar to play eerie instrumental, relaxing jazz or whatever the mood hits. Many times its absolute silence.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

My ideas for books come from dreams, news casts and clippings, testimonies, biographies, sitting and
enjoying nature, people I know and there situations, you name it.

What is your work schedule/routine when you write?

My work schedule/routine for writing is whenever I can that time permits. The variables are my lack of sleep, errands to run and working around the house. I work weird hours so I play it by ear. When my schedule is more conducive then I love to write at night. Im a night owl by nature.

About the Author

Keith Perrin, is a Christian Author who loves to tell biblical truths in an entertaining imaginative way, without compromising the reality of the scriptures, which will inspire people to discover the Bible and The Lord Jesus Christ for themselves. Growing up he watched tons of super hero cartons, Saturday afternoon science fiction and monster movies, plus reading marvel comics. His day dreaming and wild imagination would have him experience all sorts of adventures. Soon he would put those adventures to paper, drawing and writing stories of all sorts. By far his biggest inspiration was reading the bible and bible stories at a young age that drew him closer in his relationship with this awesome God who worked might miracles and showed redemption and forgiveness to the flawed people in those stories. Flawed people just like himself. Keith’s calling is to love God, share the Gospel to all who would hear and use his talents to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God!

More from Keith

I am so excited to have readers experience my book. If you are a fantasy, sci-fi, quest or supernatural lover of fiction like myself, this should be a treat, and it is topped off with biblical under and overtones to boot. Creating this world and its characters is fun and rewarding as it helps to bring my imagination alive for others to hopefully experience it in a fun , interesting and thought provoking way. The Prophet Feneer is faced with many trials on his journey through strange lands. He must rely on the faithful invisible hand of God to guide him through heartache, uncertainty, and terrors that await him. Like all of us he has his faults, doubts and sins he must overcome to complete his assignments. The question is, will he survive long enough against the forces set against him and the inner doubts that plague him to bring the light of God to lands held in the grips of horrific darkness!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, October 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Through the Fire Blogs, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Blossoms and Blessings, October 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 30 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 31 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, November 1 (Author Interview)

Just Your Average reviews, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Keith is giving away the grand prize of a $150 Amazon card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of format!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5472

Thursday, October 24, 2024

"Fiancé Finale" by Angela Ruth Strong

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fiancé Finale
Series: Love Off Script #3
Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though—he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary.

But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for.

Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie's going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he's never really understood.

More Books from this Series:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this book (and the whole series). It is definitely a romantic comedy, but there are also deep truths given throughout the book as well. The characters are flawed and we get to see them grow and change. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I didn’t want to put it down once I started and read when I should have been sleeping. I love the quotes at the beginnings of the chapters. They are fun little insights into love. It was fun to see Kai and Gemma again and their significant others. I look forward to reading more books by Angela Ruth Strong.

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

Connect with Angela by visiting angelaruthstrong.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fiancé Finale and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Fiancé Finale JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

"Preach It, Grace" by Susan Count -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Preach It, Grace A Girl’s Testimony of Faith (Dream Pony Book 5)

Author: Susan Count

Genre: Middle-Grade

Release date: February, 2024

Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t.

The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I use both techniques on my writing journey. Once I figure out who my character is and what
she wants more than anything, I make post-it-notes for plot points. Every writing session, I read
some of what I wrote previously and, with my sights set on the goal, craft one obstacle after
another. If the progress gets sluggish, I’ll set a modest, daily word count goal. It’s a wonderful
thing to be walking in God’s gifting.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
While I love the initial composing of story, my super power is editing story. Making sure the
character has a clear goal and that the obstacles are real and relatable.

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
When the first edit comes back from my editor, there are an overwhelming number of
punctuation errors to deal with. I’ve never met a comma I can place properly the first time.
Thankfully, I have an exceptional editor and she doesn’t let anything get by her.

4. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
I have a stash of story ideas and articles of interesting happenings tucked into a file. I’m a
sucker for a touching story about a horse and rider. Real life tragedies and triumphs are the best
inspiration for fiction.

5. What is your writing space like?
Sliding glass doors to my writing room allow me a forest emersion experience. An expansive
area thick with pine trees flows down a slight incline covered in knee-high grasses and beauty-
berry bushes. It’s the favorite spot of a trio of fawns still covered in white spots. When the heat
relents, an assortment of birds will visit the bird bath until the Blue Jay claims it as his personal
spa. The sun is filtered by the tree canopy and its rays dance with joy on the forest floor.

6. When did you become a writer?
Composing was always my gift, but I wrote my first novel in 2013. Now I have ten novels for
children and one more in the works.

7. How long does it usually take you to write a book?
I can knock out a thirty-five thousand word, rough draft in less than three months. It will take a
year to work it through my critique group and then get it professionally edited.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Inspiration comes from the magnificence of the horse, the glory of the forest, and
my granddaughter who has the gift of being able to establish rapport with horses.

9. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
When the sun comes up, I head out to the barn to feed. There are always barn chores.
If the conditions are good, and my horse is willing, I could take a ride through the forest.
By late morning, I’m at my desk wearing any number of hats from writing to managing
my ads.

10. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
If so, it is entirely unintentional.

About the Author

Susan Count is a Kingdom Scribe who has published nine books in two equestrian series. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Texas Association of Authors, she takes studying the craft of writing seriously. Revision is her super-power.

Susan is a life-long equestrian and owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse that is kind hearted enough to take her on long, forested trail rides. She says the only thing more fun than riding might be writing horse adventure stories and she invites you to saddle up and ride along.

Read an Excerpt

Saturday started early for Grace’s family. Serve Out Saturday was the church’s biggest outreach event all year, and everyone who could turned out to help. Grace manned the church’s front-door sign-in desk. After everyone got their work assignments, she ran with her clipboard for the van headed to the retirement home. When they arrived, many residents were already gathered.
She lined up with six other girls, and they sang the gospel songs the residents requested. She searched their faces until she found Mr. Harvey in the last row. Giving him a quick wave, she sang directly to him.

He didn’t sing along like many of the residents, but he stayed for the program. That counted as a victory. Did he recognize her? She couldn’t tell.

She stepped to the microphone. “Hello. I’m Grace. That means blessings from God.”

She grinned at the residents, and they smiled back at her. “Horses are my favorite thing, and they’re also blessings from God. If you’ve ever seen a horse, then you know they are magnificent, mighty creatures.”

Grace held a booklet high, then pointed with it to the residents. “This explains how we can know the God that blesses us. And how we can go to heaven to be with him someday. It says he sent his Son, Jesus, to teach us about eternal life.”

She placed her hands over the open Bible on the podium. “No matter how hard we try, we can’t be perfect, but because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all the things we do wrong. He suffered and died on the cross, was buried, then raised to life on the third day.” She looked into Mr. Harvey’s eyes. “He loves us that much.”

As she closed the Bible, she softened her voice. “Pray to your heavenly Father—ask him to help you believe in Jesus.”

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 15

Lots of Helpers, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Guild Master, October 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 22 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 23

Cover Lover Book Review, October 24

Book Zone Reviews, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a paperback copy of all five books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5466

Friday, October 18, 2024

"The Time Door" by Shannon McDermott -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: The Time Door

Author: Shannon McDermott

Genre: Adult Science Fiction

Release date: October 8, 2024

A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth …

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists.

In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
A hybrid. When I begin a book, I have a setting, a small collection of characters, and a few ideas
about what should happen. I figure out the rest as I go. But I never write a scene without notes on
who is in it, what happens, and why it matters. I work with a general idea of the whole story, and
a detailed outline of the next three or so chapters.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
The endgame of the story is the best and the easiest to write. At the beginning, you are trying to
make something of half-formed characters and half-formed ideas. In the middle, you are trying
to weave the plot threads together and wondering if it all truly works. But in the last act, every
road is meeting and you are going home.

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
Transitional moments can be tricky, especially those that revolve around movement. For
example, your heroine hears a mysterious noise downstairs. She creeps down the stairs,
through the living room, and into the kitchen, where she finds the thing that went bump and the
party really starts. But those moments between hearing the noise and discovering the
intruder—it usually takes some effort to get the pacing and level of detail right.

4. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
I have a dedicated notebook for ideas that I may use in a future project. Sometimes I use it, too.
And sometimes I keep the ideas in my head, and if I forget them—well, how good could they
have been?

5. How long does it usually take you to write a book?
I want to say two years. But with my current project almost at a standstill as I work to complete
my degree, I have to adjust that to “too long.”

About the Author

Shannon McDermott is an author of science fiction and has been occupied for years with constructing scenarios of the colonization of Mars. Always a fan of the genre, she reviews Christian speculative fiction with Lorehaven. Her interests include history, classic

literature, and lattes. She lives in the great Midwest, where she does her best to avoid icy weather, sweltering heat, and tornadoes, according to the season.

More from Shannon

There is a story of an abandoned space colony. Still young, still unsteady, and suddenly cut off from the mother planet—the colony will either learn fast to survive alone, or it will die altogether.

The story has been told again and again, a thousand variations on the old theme. When I was getting acquainted with it, through battered paperbacks and anthologies gathered from the old “scientifiction” magazines, I noticed that the colonies were usually abandoned because of a space plague, or aliens, or interplanetary war.

Exotic, exciting problems, the stuff of science fiction. But I had a thought: What if the reason for abandoning a space colony were a bit prosaic? What if there was just no more money?

The national debt is very much a thing (and an ever-growing thing, at an ever-increasing rate). We would be in trouble if that debt were ever called, or even if no more could be contracted. If it suddenly became time to pay the piper, if the money running off the press was no longer good enough—America couldn’t afford to support a colony on Mars. And we would have too many problems of our own to care very much about theirs.

A classic sci-fi story with a modern twist, something fantastic mixed with something prosaic. I liked it.

As I set to work on the idea, I soon made another variation to the theme. The abandoned colony did not take the whole stage. I gave equal space to those who had abandoned it. Good or bad, they had their reasons; they had their story, too. And as I began to write it, I realized that both stories were about survival. The struggle over whether they survived, and how, and what they would become on the other side.

These ideas grew into The Time Door—two parallel stories, separated by the distance between Mars and Earth, and yet united in the end. Whether abandoned on Mars, or caught in the collapse on Earth, they all need a way out; they all need to find a door.