More cool stuff.

My review of My Son's Wife by Shelia E. Lipsey

About the book:

First Lady Audrey Graham believes she's found the perfect woman to become her eldest son, Minister Stiles Graham's wife. Sweet, sensitive, kind, and of course a fine Christian girl, Audrey couldn't ask more of lovely Rena Jackson. But skeletons fall from the closet when Audrey and Stiles discover that Rena is in love and committed to the troubled, rebellious, ex-con, Frankie. My Son's Wife is more than a love triangle, it's a time bomb set to explode with twists, turns, entanglements and sinful revelations that only a loving God can make right.

My review:

My Son's Wife is full of real-life drama and the kind of stuff that makes a reader's blood pressure spike. The way the author wrote everything from an omniscient point of view worked for the story well, otherwise it would have been difficult to know some of their internal struggles in the heat of the moment. I could hardly turn the pages fast enough to see how things would turn out. The romance was smoking hot, the characters were well-motivated in all of their dysfunctional behaviors, and the plot really grabbed my heart and held on tight. Each situation kept escalating until the deeds done in secret blew up in a number of characters' faces. When the truth finally came out, it really messed up their lives. The fallout was very well done.

The author did a great job at showing how turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to abuse because of how it might make you look (if discovered) ends up damaging the people you love most and ultimately hurting everything and everyone in your life. The author made a great point showing how parents blaming a child out of fear will not only make the child feel like they have no one safe they can turn to, but it also causes such deep pain that it can lead to destructive behavior. On top of all that, the author showed that self-righteousness and pride are uglier sins than even sexual sin because it blocks forgiveness, healing, and the ability to show mercy. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, right?

I loved Rena. She was my favorite character because she was afraid, but she did love her husband. She wasn't what everyone assumed. I think she got pulled into an abusive relationship at a vulnerable time in her life and then she felt like she couldn't get out of it. I don't believe that was who she was meant to be. I wanted to hurt some people when the situation was revealed because those self-rightteous, judgmental people showed no mercy, and honestly, if they'd listened long enough to hear the whole story, they may have come away with a different perspective. Because I didn't know how things would ultimately turn out, I kept thinking about the story when I was forced to put it down. Life tends to get in the way of my reading time.

In the end, I was a bit bummed how things turned out, but at the same time it was very realistic. The author set the stage for more drama, and I can't help being curious about how things will turn out in My Son's Next Wife. If the sequal is half as entertaining as the first book, I'll have a tough time putting it down. The author does drama well and she made me care about the lives of the characters. I zipped right through this book and can't wait to see how the next story will turn out.

My Son's Wife was published by Urban Christian and released in Oct. 2008. The mass market paperback version released in 2011.

Black Friday is the perfect time to avoid crowds and shop online! Get autographed books here!

 

http://christianreviewofbooks.com

Michelle's author page (to order her books)

Above is a direct link to my author page. Help a starving artist (me) this season and order my autographed books for your friends! Thanks everyone! I have the best friends and fans ever!

My author copies of Never Without Hope have arrived.

Woke up from my nap (not feeling well today so I went home early) and discovered my two cases of books have arrived. Yay!

This book is even more beautiful when you hold it in your hand than it is just seeing it on the internet. If you want an autographed copy, post a comment and we'll talk. These books won't last long, I guarantee it! I'll also send some gorgeous bookmarks to share. I've had a lot of pre-orders already, so going once...going twice...

You know, I am so proud of this book, not just for how well the story turned out, but how good the product is for the price. I promise you that it will be one of the best purchases you've made this year. Now I'm done with the shameless advertisement. Back to your regularly scheduled activities.

Ad for Multnomah. They're promoting some great titles for e-readers I thought you'd want to know about.

Click here to go to Multnomah's site for sale dates

What is Author and Writing Instructor, Janice Hanna Thompson up to these days?

Here are some questions and answers to satisfy your curiosity. If you are an aspiring author, pay close attention. :)

Janice talks about her new venture... 

Of course! Thanks for asking. On April 20^th, 2010, I debuted my new writing course “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. The sole purpose of this venture is to teach struggling freelance writers how to earn money with their writing. Here’s how it will work: students can purchase one lesson (for $24.95) or all ten (for $199). They don’t have to feel compelled to buy the whole package, though they will get a package price, if they do. Each lesson will include an audio file and a video power point presentation of me teaching the lesson (available with just a click of the mouse), a corresponding audio script, a downloadable worksheet,  a bonus feature, and full access to the site’s forum, where I will meet with authors for some group mentoring (at designated times). Right now there are ten lessons, but eventually those ten lessons will become ten separate categories with multiple lessons in each. For example, the current lesson on magazine article writing will eventually have multiple other lessons underneath it—all meant to teach writers how to make money writing articles. People who take these courses will have the benefit of meeting other freelancers in the forum and can also chat with me about their projects. Best of all, the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be available. (I’ll be recording new lessons routinely.) I’m so excited, because I know that struggling freelancers can and will learn how to make money with their writing.

What prompted Janice to set off on this new adventure answered here... 

For years I’ve been writing novels and non-fiction books. I’ve been so blessed to have over fifty books published, as well as dozens of magazine articles and even a movie script. It’s been quite a ride. . .and it’s not ending anytime soon! I’m currently contracted through 2011. The longer I’m in this business, however, the more I’m aware of the basic need of the average freelance author to make “better” money. Sure, many of them eventually sell books. They get advances and royalties, (though, not often in the range they had hoped). As a full-time freelancer, I’ve faced this myself. Several years ago, I found myself hollering, “Where’s the money?” I made up my mind to find as many creative ways as I could to bring in money as a freelancer. I’ve learned so much since then, and want to share what I’ve learned with others, so that they can benefit, too.

Janice tells a little about her own writing. 

As I mentioned above, I’ve written just about everything! Most of my writing is for the Christian market, so my stories have a clear faith element. Lately I’ve been writing romantic comedies, (most recently the “Weddings by Bella” series), but I also enjoy writing mysteries, kid’s stories, historicals and more. I continue to write magazine articles, because they provide a great financial supplement. I’m also very excited about my many write-for-hire projects, because a huge chunk of my income comes from those. To learn more about my books visit my author site at www.janiceathompson.com. Books can be ordered directly from the site.

Janice talks about supporting herself as a freelancer. Is there really money to be made? She says...

As I mentioned, there was a time (back in 2007) when I wasn’t sure I could do it. At that time, I hadn’t set any real goals for myself. That all changed in the fall of 2007 when I began to strategize about the future of my writing. Instead of worrying about the challenges I faced, I got busy and put together a plan. I began to look for non-traditional ways to earn money with my writing. . .and it worked! That’s not to say I’ve “arrived,” but I have managed to support myself full-time from that point till now.

Janice has worked for several years as a writing teacher at a school of the arts. She shares a bit more about that here...

From 1996 – 2001 I taught creative writing at a Houston area school of the arts that catered primarily to home-school students. What a blast I had! (Truly, these were some of the best years of my life.) Several of my students traveled with me to national writing conferences (like Mount Hermon and ACFW), and a few went on to be published in various genres. My students will tell you that I was the most creative teacher on the block. I was always looking for a new, fresh way to teach the writing craft. My writing lessons have been compiled into a text, which I titled, “Creative Writing for the Christian Student.” It is available to freelance writing course participants. I love stirring up the creative gifts in my students! I hope that shows in these lessons!

Janice said there’s money to be made. . .but where? What avenues are available to freelancers? 

At www.freelancewritingcourses.com, students will explore multiple areas where they can earn money with their writing. Lessons include:

·         Setting Career Goals

·         Magazine Article Writing

·         Write for Hire Work

·         Marketing and Public Relations

·         Becoming a Public Speaker

·         Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher

·         Making Money as an Editor

·         Writing and Selling the Non-Fiction Book

·         Writing and Selling the Novel

·           
Secrets From the World of the Pros

Each lesson will cover a host of possibilities and will give real, practical suggestions.

Janice has mentioned other lessons that aren’t yet available. Here is more info on that.

Each of the ten topics listed above will eventually become its own course (with multiple lessons in each). I’ll be heading back into the recording studio soon to cover the topic of magazine articles more thoroughly. I’ll also record lessons covering all aspects of fiction writing. We’ll talk about passive vs. active writing, plotting, characterization, and much more. I’ve also got a host of lessons coming up related to non-fiction books. We’ll delve into specific topics related to write-for-hire work (my favorite!) and will share a host of lessons on marketing and PR. Hang on for the ride! Participants in these various courses will get the tools they need to work as a pro in the industry.

Janice talks about how these courses will work.

When participants sign up and pay, they will be granted access to the “inner sanctum” of the site, where they can view the various components of the lessons, (the audio file, audio script, worksheet, power point and forum). I would suggest folks start with the first lesson (Setting Goals) and go from there. They can print up a copy of the worksheet and follow along with the audio and power point presentation. Then, at a designated time, participants can meet with me in the forum to discuss the topic at hand. I love the fact that this is all so user-friendly and participants can work at their own pace. 

Where can people find Janice on the web?

My freelance writing courses site: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com

My book-related website: www.janiceathompson

My blog: http://janicehannathompson.blogspot.com/

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson?ref=profile

My facebook reader’s page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts

Explanation of the Course on YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-5IZSNaZFU

If you prefer to use the embed link to the YouTube video, here it is:  

  

ANNOUNCEMENT/AD

Writers, would you like to make money doing the thing you love most? If so, then this announcement should be of interest to you! Janice Hanna Thompson, author of over fifty novels and non-fiction books, would like to announce the debut of her writing course for freelancers titled “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer,” available at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. The purpose of this course is to strategically train freelance writers so that they can earn top dollar with their writing. Students can purchase the entire course (Ten Lessons) for only $199, or students can choose to purchase individual lessons for only $24.95 each. Each lesson will include an audio file (mp3 for download),  a corresponding audio script, a downloadable worksheet, a power point video, a bonus feature, and full access to the site’s forum, where Janice will meet with authors for group mentoring (at designated times). Currently, there are ten lessons available, but the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be added. If you’ve been looking for creative and exciting ways to earn money with your writing, your time has come! Please visit www.freelancewritingcourses.com and sign up for the newsletter, or write to Janice at booksbyjanice@aol.com for more information. 

ENDORSEMENTS: 

What writers are saying about Janice’s course:

“I've taken a number of classes since starting on this journey of writing, but Janice's course on freelance writing has been the most helpful. Full of tips, suggestions and her own writing experiences, Janice's course has something for everyone.  If you are considering signing up for her writing lessons, I urge you to do so. You won't regret it!” – Edwina Cowgill, American Christian Fiction Writers member.

I've not only had the pleasure of taking online classes from Janice, but also attending seminars. I love the practical working knowledge she teaches because I was able to put much of it into practice immediately. From the classroom to real life in a snap, Janice Thompson gives the steps, the encouragement, and the simplicity to help any writer become self-sufficient. Would I tell you to take her courses? ABSOLUTELY! You will grow the ability to earn money with your writing! Every writer's teacher, Janice Thompson. -

Angie Breidenbach, Author of Creative Cooking for Colitis, ACFW PR Officer, Mrs. Montana International 2009

I participated in Janice’s online course in January of ’10. I found her to be very thorough and very concise in her explanations. She also took pains to offer lots of feedback and make it interactive.  I know her classes will be great! – BK (Brenda) Jackson

Get Never Without Hope on Kindle for only $2.99 this week! Price increases next week.

Once the week is up, it reverts to $5.99, which is the regular Kindle price.What do you think of my ad below. Cute, eh?

Kathi Macias is doing a writer's workshop!

 

Click here for more information

My new flash banner ad for First Impressions...

What do you think of my new ad for INAH?

* Note: the prior ad was replaced with this new one due to comments on making the book cover more distinct. :)

Ad for my publisher. I love the tag line...

Isn't it great? Real life. Real faith. Real fiction. Is that perfect for describing my novel, or what? Actually all of my novels are formulated this way. I love it! So do you like the ad? It was designed by Dineen Miller.