What's Up the Street For Next Week?

Characters!

Seen very many this weekend? Okay, I’m not talking about the ones who live in your house on a daily basis, I mean the ones coming to the door in the autumn ritual of peddling for candy :-)

It’s nothing new to me – and if you’re around kids, dressing up is a daily affair. I mean, where would little boys be without capes? Where would little girls be without tiara’s and ‘clappy’ shoes?

Oh, and let me just tell you, kids aren’t the ONLY ones who love ‘becoming someone else.’ Adults can have just as much fun – putting on their own disguises.

Isn’t that one of the things we do as authors? ‘Become’ other people? We may or may not use masks, but the heart of it still applies. We ‘dress up’ as our characters, so to speak, and travel about imaginary worlds – then come back to describe them to people in this world. :-)

Around my house costumes, cardboard, and capes are daily essentials….as you can probably see.

And why not?

Creativity breeds inspiration, and visa versa :-)

Of course, as authors, we know that sometimes our characters do things we don’t expect…just like kids do. So – what’s been your favorite costume? Do you have one?

Leave a comment and we’ll place you in the drawing for Steven James’ newest thriller, The Bishop…page turner and MAJORLY intense.

Winner of Wanda Brunstetter’s novel, Betsy’s Return is Mosi Esme. Congrats – send your snail mail to pepperbasham(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Now, what’s going on next week?

Monday – A picture’s worth a thousand words? Hmmm…Start the week off with Angie as she talks about Creating Word Pictures

Tuesday – Ready to learn more about Storyboarding…and affordable storyboarding at that?!? Stop by for Julia’s post called Storyboarding on a Shoestring: FREE & Cheap Software Options

Wednesday – Step into Sarah’s world with her post How a CPA Writes a Novel (Because I Know You're DYING to Know!)

Thursday - Bad guys? You want talk about bad guys? Well, Wendy isn’t afraid. Join her today for her post called Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf

Friday - Cindy's post for next week is about Secondary Characters - Side-Kicks, Friends/Family, and Recipes for Conflict

Did anyone else see the Followers count? 190!!! 10 more and it’s PARTY TIME!!!

Speaking of parties – The Alley ShopKeepers have a birthday today. Give a shout out to Wendy!!! Happy Birthday, Wendy. In honor of your birthday, we’re serving your choice of German Chocolate Cake, Chocolate swirl Cheesecake, or Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza.

Any or all can be served with ice cream…and a smile.

Newstand

Oh boy, check out Mary’s news.
Mondays during the month of Novelmber, Mary has some special guests on her blog. Check out her wonderful lineup!
Paul McCusker, 11/8,
Lori Scott, 11/15,
Chris Fabry, 11/22;
Bryan Davis, 11/29.
Come read their Thanksgiving stories.

Also, Cindy has a giveaway of a contemporary Christian romance novel (a choice of one of three) on her blog, Stop over by Thursday for your chance to win.

Pepper’s blog, Words Seasoned With Salt, features authors Margaret Daley, Erica Vetsch, and Siri Mitchell. Stop by and find out what they have to say about ‘Falling in Love’.

Enjoy creating and being a character! We are all certainly created for a purpose.

As Hazeem from Robin Hood: Prince of Theives says, “God likes great variety.”

Special Guest Saturday: Camy Tang

Tips for Picking an Agent

By: Camy Tang

http://storysensei.blogspot.com/

Picking an agent #1—FINISH THE MANUSCRIPT



Yes, I’m shouting.

Before I go into some tips on how to pick an agent (and possibly receive an offer of representation), I want to point out this very important part of the submission process.



For some people, this is a no-brainer, but I’m always amazed at people who’ve never heard this piece of advice.



Before you query that agent (or editor, for that matter), finish the manuscript. There are TONS of writers who never finish that first manuscript, and agents know this. Therefore, if they are interested in your story, they are going to want to see the full, completed manuscript.



For one, they want to know you finished it.



For two, they want to know if you can sustain your brilliance in the first chapter throughout the rest of the book. Many novels sag in the middle because the writer loses steam. If that’s the case with your manuscript, it’s not ready to submit. Period.



You want that manuscript ready to go if they come back with a manuscript request. You won’t want to make them wait for a few months.



Sometimes, the agent is interested in your particular idea because it’s hot in the marketplace right at that moment. If you wait, they might receive 20 other manuscripts of a similar idea and sell one of those instead. Or the market may be saturated. Or the market changes (which it always does).



Agents are also typically much faster than editors. They won’t often leave you hanging for months at a time.



Strike while the iron is hot. Make sure that puppy is primed and ready to submit.



Picking an agent #2—Do you like them?



This might seem like a dumb question, but think about it—here is your chance to choose who you get to work with. You want someone you get along with and who has the same work ethic as you do. You won’t necessarily be buddies, but you want to at least be happy to talk to them.

That’s why it’s good to research the agents you query. Read online interviews or buy CDs from conferences of workshops the agent gave, or agent panels the agent was on.



If you can afford it, go to conferences to meet them and talk to them. They don’t bite. Just get to know them, even if you don’t have anything to pitch to them.



You will get a good feel for who you’d like to work for, and which agent has the same types of goals you do in terms of career.



Picking an agent #3—To brand or not to brand



I’m going to flash around the b-word, so if you’re easily offended, skip this post.



Some writers agree with branding, some don’t. Some writers like finding a marketing niche, others feel it hampers their creativity.



There’s nothing wrong with either opinion, but your agent should agree with whatever your opinion is.



Some agents are heavily into branding. They not only pitch your manuscript, they’re pitching your brand, you as the writer. They’re pitching you so that the house will take you on and develop you as an author with that particular flavor of writing.



Some agents are more open to writers who want to branch out into different areas. They encourage creativity, no matter where that may take the writer. They can recognize good writing and push whatever genre manuscripts their authors put out.



There is nothing wrong with either side. But you as the author should decide which type of agent you want to target. That’s why reading their online interviews or listening to workshops on CD or meeting them at conferences is so important.



For more tips on picking an agent, check out the full blog post here:

http://storysensei.blogspot.com/2010/08/picking-agent.html

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is her humorous romance series (Sushi for One?, Only Uni, and Single Sashimi) and her romantic suspenses, Deadly Intent and Formula for Danger. Originally from Hawaii, she worked as a biologist for 9 years, but now she is a staff worker for her San Jose church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She has coordinated the ACFW Genesis contest for 5 years and runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service, which specializes in online classes and book doctoring. On her blog, she ponders knitting, spinning wool, dogs, running, the Never Ending Diet, and other frivolous things. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/  for free short stories and to join her quarterly newsletter YahooGroup!

Romancing the Blog - The Wonderful Heroine

A beautiful, charming, sweet, innocent woman meets dire circumstances outside her power to fix until the handsome hero comes to her rescue and whisks her away to a happily every after...

Or NOT.

Heroine's have evolved greatly since the days of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. Not that I have anything against Belle and her friends. In fact, as a romantic at heart, I LOVED those stories.

But... if ALL stories were like this... it'd get old. Fast.

I think, though, that sometimes there are false or outdated thoughts on what makes a good heroine. Today's heroine can vary much more than in previous days, especially in the Christian romance.

The Beauty

Gone are the days when your heroine must be a size 6 or less and drop-dead gorgeous. Don't get me wrong. Your heroine CAN be size 6 and gorgeous. It just isn't a requirement, and more and more women are appreciating a more relatable heroine.

Kaye Dacus does a great job of making realistic heroine's in her novels. Her most recent novel, Love Remains, features a size fourteen heroine.

Tamara Leigh had a comical twist on the matter in Perfecting Kate.

Jody Hedlund had a self-proclaimed "Ugly Duckling" of the family in The Preacher's Bride.

Now, as with the hero, it probably isn't advisable to have a heroine who never washes her hair, has severe, uncontrolled acne, and has rotten teeth. I guess you could make the case of having a "makeover" and that might be an interesting twist, but unless that is your story...

If you want to use a "realistic" heroine, maybe aim to have at least one unique characteristic that the hero is attracted to her. Maybe she has a crooked nose... but gorgeous hair. Or maybe she thinks her hair is mousy, but the hero is drawn to her shapely... uh... nose? *ahem* You get the drift.

The Belle

Oh, sweet, sweet Belle. She loved her books, and wouldn't hurt a fly. Don't forget about Snow White, all sweet and sing-song, singing to the animals and having everyone love her, except of course the evil witch.

So... of course, our heroines must be sweet, docile women... right?

WRONG!

At least, I hope that's wrong. Most of my heroine's aren't remotely docile... maybe a little sweet at times though.

Feel free to give your heroine some flavor! Make her deep and dynamic. Give her quirks and a personality. Every heroine is different... or at least should be. What makes YOUR heroine stand out from all the other Belle's of the crowd?

There is a misconception, me thinks, that our heroines have to be close to perfect. Their issues have to be "normal" things like pride or forgiving that jerk-of-an-ex-fiancee who dumped her at the alter.

And these aren't bad things. But don't feel like you're limited to that. Some of today's romance novel heroines, even in the CBA, are facing deeper issues. They're facing addictions, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and abusive pasts that make them not so sweet in the present.

They aren't the perfect heroine. They are flawed and in need of Jesus just like the rest of us.

Here are a few examples of some fiesty, non-run-of-the-mill heroines:

Denise Hunter's Surrender Bay. This lady has some serious issues to overcome and on at least one occasion runs to the bar to try and solve them.

Tamara Leigh's Splitting Harriet. The opening scene is her drunk in a bar... It then skips ahead to where she is a pillar of the church's women's group, but is struggling with the need to be "good" enough. She also has an addiction to jelly beans... For Shame!

Francine River's Redeeming Love. WOW, now here is a powerful book with a powerful message. And it's all about a prostitute.

Julie Lessman's A Passion Redeemed. The main character hibitually lies throughout the novel, tries to entice the hero into bed on numerous occassions, and has very little in way of a moral compass. A great example of a novel where the heroine can also be an antagonist or villain in the story. And truth be told... many times we end up being our own antagonist in real life, am I right?

So the next time someone tells you, "Your heroine can't be like that in the CBA market..." well... listen to it but take it with a grain of salt.

The Ball

Okay, I don't have a point for this one. But I couldn't finish a blog post with a section on the beauty and the belle and not have a ball too:-)  Maybe have a heroine who likes football?????

Discussion:

What are characteristics you like in a heroine? Who are some great heroine's you've read recently?

Building Your "Tribe"- Before Publication??? It's Who You Know

Two weeks ago I talked about building your "tribe" even before hitting publication. If holding that new novel with your name on the cover is your dream, there are steps you can take to help out the process before it crashes down on your newbieness with the force of a hurricane wind.

There is so much to learn and absorb, so much to understand in this big writing world. And with the more I learn, the more eager I am to dip my toe into the water and wade deeper. But before I am completely in over my head, there is so much more I can learn. And at this stage in the game, there is no reason to feel overwhelmed. We have the opportunity to learn so much before being thrown into the deep end of the pool. Why try to take a shortcut to publication? It will only cheapen the journey.

I didn't even begin to cover the full extent of the aspects of building a community of supporters and followers around you, so I thought a part 2 would be a good idea here. If you haven't read part 1, I urge you to do so, it explains "tribe" to a greater extent.

We have heard the phrase, "It's who you know." And I am not sure who coined the idea, but they were right. When it comes to publication, publishers won't take a chance on just anyone, and they are increasingly careful on the new writer just started out. So how do you get an agent or an editor to take a chance?



Jill Williamson and me

 Remember two weeks ago about blogging and developing a web presence? That is more than just interesting the public in your writing and your voice, you are giving a reference for an agent or editor that is seriously interested in your work, for them to go to and look into just what you write a daily basis. How do you come across on the page...er screen?

In today's high tech age, no one can really get away from not being on the Internet. And blogging and being on the web has led me into some fabulous connections with some wonderful people. ACFW is just one such organization. And has put me into contact with authors, freelance editors, critique partners, friends, conference and workshops opportunities in my area. I have an endless supply at my fingertips and you just have to dip into it.

Susan May Warren and me

I have been blessed to be surrounded and know so many authors. Not only have I learned from them (and am learning), but have developed so many friendships. I find honor in getting to know them. And even if nothing ever came of knowing them, but the privilege, I would be perfectly content. (feeding off their successes is inspiration enough!) But in developing these contacts, there might be the opportunity to meet and be introduced to editors, agents or even someone who can take you farther down the journey toward publication.

Now, I'm not saying to meet and befriend authors just to climb the ladder higher. I am not saying that all. I am saying you can learn so much from them. Read their blogs on writing, or their acknowledgments in the back of their books. Because in doing this, you become more acclimated with the industry, understand the ins and outs. Know what you are getting into before you cannonball in head first.

By standing in the background and watching the busyness and excitement swirling around you, you will be better prepared to enter the fray if you know what to expect. And if you have someone to lead you into that circle and hold you steady in the frantic atmosphere, you won't be so easily overwhelmed and run over.

It is all about the relationhips you build with other writers in your genre, the genres surrounding you and the authors you love to read. These authors have a wealth of experience and knowledge that many are just dying to share. You simply have to ask. They have walked in your shoes, understand your struggles. Turn to them for help when the confusion hits an all new high. Or the swings of publication take you on a roller coaster ride you weren't expecting.

We don't need to look at the world as something to conquer and run over just to get to publication, but we do have to look at as an opportunity. Life is a job interview and the world of publication more so. It is well and good to make contacts and meet new people, shake their hand, chat a few minutes, glean from their knowledge and put a name to a face. But in the end, pushing publication faster down the track will not prepare you for the ride. Let God move in those circles. The greatest agent or editor to meet might not be for you if that isn't the house your book needs to be in. It is in those moments that you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart and will move in the right direction and circles that you need to be in.

But until then, be yourself, willing to work, have an eagerness to learn and a spirit of friendliness. Pray for God to put those people in your path that you need to meet and be ready to jump in when the time comes that you can help that person out. Don't do it expecting something back in the end, do it because it is the right thing to do. And do it because when the times comes and you need the help, you will have built up friendships and references that you can turn to for advice and help.

That in my own humble opinion is that greatest way of building assets, and your community of supports and followers and the truly wonderful relationships.

Any thoughts? I would love to hear them.

Captivating Words

Recently I delved into a novel.  The story line hooked my interest within the first lines. I whipped through pages getting to know the characters and experiencing their story.  One-third of the way through the book the main character made a horrid choice. I finished the page hoping he would change his mind, rectify the error, or simply do anything other than what he did—but he didn’t. 

I was taken aback. How could he continue in this wrong direction?  Dare I turn another page after I’d given him the last five pages to change?  I slammed the book shut and tossed it on the floor. 

The next day during my work lunch break, the storyline crept into my thoughts. I wondered, what did the main character do next?  Maybe he changed his mind and turned away from the evil.  After all, he was the protagonist! He had to!

That night I picked the book up and turned to the marked page.  young king Manasseh turned his bad choice into a worse situation by killing his citizens and leading his kingdom into failure.  His self-absorption drove away all instruction he’d received from his godly father. 

The next five pages singed my heart, ripping at my emotions.  I slammed the book shut again, and yes, tossed it on the floor.

The story wouldn’t leave me alone.  Lynn Austin’s riveting words grabbed hold of my curiosity, and forced me to finish the book. I bought copies for friends and family, they simply had to read this book.

What Captivating Stories Need:

1.     Life-like characters: Readers expect to identify with the characters within the first ten pages of a manuscript, hopefully sooner.  What would the reader know and/or feel about the main characters in your WIP after reading the first ten pages? 

2.     Turns in the plot: Oddly enough, readers like to be wrong.  If the expected falls on the next page all the time or even most of the time, the story becomes boring. Weave unexpected turns, pitfalls, cliffhangers, and trials into the story.  Can you cause another obstacle or escalate obstacles for your characters?

3.     Sentence fluency:  Great stories can be destroyed with jagged sentences.  Sentences need to vary in length, propel the story forward, be written tight, and etc.  Can someone else read your manuscript out loud without stumbling or questioning the meaning?

4.     Conflict that heats to a rolling boil:  Lynn Austin’s story released steam from the first sentence.  It continued to heat, spitting bubbles from the surface that built to a rolling boil at the climax.  The resolution sealed the impact.  Three years later,  I still remember my response to her book.  What can you infuse into your story to cause readers to remember years later?

5.     Don’t drop the ball:  Once your reader turns the first page, keep them turning.  He or she may throw the book on the floor, turn off the light, and attempt to go to sleep, but if the book is in his or her hand the next night…you’ve succeeded. Have you kept the momentum in your WIP?

        What captivating component draws you
to your favorite book?

Book Covers, Then and Now

I've been at war with this post. I had thought that it would be a fun thing to go through the years and see how romance book covers have changed over time.

Ugh, I was utterly and completely wrong. This has, by far, been the hardest post I've ever done. If you want to pay a fee, you can access a data base for romance books and do an advanced search. But I'm cheap and refuse to spend the money, so I did it the old fashioned way and googled what I wanted. Only vintage books are not easy to find. It has taken me HOURS to share with you a few pictures of ugly, funny, pretty, and breathtaking covers.

Part of my problem was that Inspirational romances didn't really come into play until the late 1970's.  Janet Oke came on the scene in 1979 and was the catalyst for romances with a Christian world view.

Mainstream romances began as early as the early 1700's. Pamela, by Samuel Richardson, is touted as the first romance novel when it came on the scene in 1740. Jane Austen came into play in the next century, and inspired the prolific Georgette Heyer, writer of historical regency romance in 1924.

In the 1930's, Mills and Boon published hardback romances and sold them to two-penny libraries. In 1950, they began to publish paperbacks, known today as category romances. Harlequin bought out Mills and Boon in 1971, which has become the king of the romance publishers.

Let's take a quick look at some romances from the last 80 years or so. First we will go through mainstream books, then we will stroll through what the Christian arena has to offer.

Pride & Prejudice 1945

Published by Boon & Mills 1950

Harlequin 1960

Beginning of the modern romance genre 1972

Regency 1972

Harlequin 1988

Harlequin 1994

Harlequin 2000

Harlequin 2005

Signet 2009

Pocketbooks 2010

Christian/Inspiration Books

1941

1967

1979

1983

1991

Heartsong 1991

1995

2000

2006

2010

There is such a broad variety of covers and much of it depends upon what publisher you have. Some tend toward drawing. Some use models and photography. (which is the trend I am seeing now.) Trends come and trends go, but hopefully we will love whatever cover we get when we get published.

I intended to share some of my favorite covers, but is it almost midnight and blogger is giving me fits. Unwholesome thoughts have been tumbling through my head and I don't want to wake the family with my grumbles and roars. (They are already afraid of me with my Cranky Pants on today.) So I will leave you with the wild variety of covers and let you dream of what kind of cover you would like when you are famous with books on the shelves.

What kind of cover do you prefer? What book cover has really drawn you to it's pages?

Sherrinda

Writing in the Nooks and Crannies of Life

I’m weird. I’ve come to accept it. My brain works in a very different way – which is a plus for the daily chaos of my life. I think we each learn ways to fit our own writing into the style of our lives. So today – I’m going to talk a little about my way. Julia helped inspire this post, along with the Seekerville ladies. Julia’s question about how I create stories made me wonder how many other people out there are weird like me…and not afraid to admit it :-)

For one thing: I don’t write books in order. I just work around inside the story until it’s all together.

For another: I write more than one manuscript at a time. I usually have two going simultaneously and usually in different genre

Oh, and that would lead to weirdness #3: I write in all types of genre.

Weirdness #4 - I talk to my characters, interview them, write journals from their perspective, and act out scenes - sometimes purchasing props if financially possible. How are you going to be able to describe the feel of a dagger in your hand if you dont' experience it, right? (My excuse and I'm sticking with it)

So how do all these random acts of madness fit together to make a story?

As many of you may know, my days are pretty packed. I’m a pastor’s wife, mom of five, and full-time university instructor/speech-language pathologist. I run at high speeds (usually) from the time my feet hit the floor between 5:45-6am until about 9pm (add another 30 minutes if I walk on the treadmill). Then, if I don’t have grading or lecture preparation to do, I can write. (again, this is assuming that no one has a late project due the next day, or costume to create, or homework to finish…you get the point).

I think, my brain is like a massive filing cabinet. Most of the drawers are a mess, with schedules and kids’ homework all smashed together, but one drawer is in nice order. My writing drawer. My novels are filed away perfectly separated, maybe even color coded :-).

To be perfectly honest, of the five books on my computer right now, two are complete and three are in progress. BUT I have at least 10 more in my head that I can give you a quick synopsis about if you asked me. They’re there – in my files, with character names and plots already in place. I just haven’t gotten around to writing them yet. (Of course, I had a friend tell me once that he thought my mind was more like the storage room in the back of the general store. I know the supplies are back there, but I might get lost trying to find them) Funny guy. HA! (eye roll)

For me, the creation stage happens wherever I am. I don’t have time to sit down for long stretches and outline. Outlining happens in my head throughout the day so that when I have time to write…I’m READY. But I make wise use of stoplights, carpool line, and lunch breaks. Here are a few of my notebooks I keep with me. They are color coded per story. I usually carry two of the four notebooks with me, depending on the novels of my focus at the moment.

As you can see, inside there are different handwritten notes pertaining to the certain story. Unless my 3 year old daughter gets a hold of the notebook, like in the top right corner (note the pink drawings :-)

When I have an opportunity to sit down and plan – Sometimes I’ll write out a sketchy 12 act structure, but that usually doesn’t happen until I’ve written a few chapters first. I usually write out the characters internal/external wants.

Then, I try to pull up OneNote and take a look at (or create) my story folder. As you can see, I have a character page, a setting page, research pages, and a dialogue page. The dialogue page is my one ‘table’ I use. It’s where I place pieces of dialogue that I get out of chronological order, so I can find it later.

I know that some people have a wonderfully thought out method to their writing-madness. As I develop as a writer there are certain skills I'm honing, but the only thing that is absolute...is 'expecting the unexpected.'

So –in summary

1. I get an idea (it can come from anywhere. Sometimes an intriguing character, sometimes an amazing plot, and sometimes just a question stirring in my head)

2. Throughout the next few days/weeks, I’ll let the idea stew while I’m at work, driving from clinic to clinic, sitting in carpool line

3. I start writing a chapter or two

4. Go to OneNote and start creating a folder

5. Continue writing in whatever place of the book I need to – in one of my wips, I am chronologically on chapter 3, but already have the final chapter written. I also find jumping back and forth between wips keeps me actively engaged in both, instead of getting disinterested in the story.

Writing happens – but I have to MAKE it happen. It’s not easy, and I don’t always work it out well. It has to fit into my lifestyle, the nooks and the crannies of it. That’s all I have, but God’s given these moments to use this talent for His glory. And I LOVE to watch how his talents unfold, even in the smallest of opportunities.

What's Up the Street For Next Week?

It’s another fabulous weekend here at The Writers Alley – with a few more shots of God’s colorful quiltwork of creation. Isn’t God’s artwork great! He blends the most amazing colors together to make unique and beautiful combinations. Here are some pics I took this weekend. Wow! I'm amazed at the beauty in every season.

Do you have a favorite color? Or a blend of colors?

And it’s a day to announce our winner too! Jennifer Swindt is the winner of Nancy Moser’s novel, Masquerade. (Please note – I will mail out all books for winners from October on Saturday, Oct 30)

Today the special book giveaway is Wanda E. Brunstetters’ newest book, Betsy’s Return. Leave a comment to be placed in the drawing.

Congrats!!

We have a fun-filled week planned for you!

Let’s take a look:

Monday – Pepper talks about how she Writes in the Nooks and Crannies of life.

Tuesday – Sherrinda covers…er…The Evolution of Book Covers

Wednesday – Mary spins a posts about Captivating Words

Thursday – Join Casey with her part two of Building Your Tribe Before Publication???


Friday – Fun Friday with Krista. What does she have in store? Stop by and find out about Romancing the blog- the wonderful heroine.

Saturday – Author Camy Tang joins us to give tips on How To Get An Agent


SIDEWALK TALK

Find out more information about how Krista’s little one, Annabelle, did with her very big surgery on Thursday by checking out her blog.

Remember, it’s Seekerville’s big birthday party this month and you have one more week to get your name in the drawing for a Kindle. Don’t forget to stop by for your chance to win!

Did you know that our very own Sarah Forgrave writes articles for the ezine Ungrind. To check out more about it visit the website at http://www.ungrind.org/articles-by-sarah-forgrave.html

And questions about The Moral Premise mentioned in Siri Mitchell’s interview yesterday? Well, you can visit the blog of screenwriter Dr. Stan Williams and find out. http://moralpremise.blogspot.com/

Also there was a FABULOUS post on Seekerville recently by Dr. Williams – you can check that link out at http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2010/10/seekerville-welcomes-dr-stanley.html



NEWSTAND

What’s going on with the Shopkeepers’ blogs this week?

Author Vickie McDonough is Casey's special author on Operation Encourage An Author.

Join Mary as she steps into the Red Sea with Moses and the Israelites on her blog.

Sarah chat about the joys of parenthood with her post Turning Your Toddler Into a Helper, Part 2 on her personal blog, Every Woman's Journey

Pepper continues her series Seasons Change – Fall Into Love with authors Melanie Dickerson, Myra Johnson, and Jamie Carie. Stop by and join in on the fun at Words Seasoned With Salt.

Happy October! Enjoy the colors of your world!