Simple Techniques For Writing an Introduction to Your Story By Katrina Parker Williams

Reprint with permission from author, Katrina Parker Williams Writers struggle with how to write the introduction to a story. If the introduction is dull and unexciting, the reader is apt to put it down, never to even read the second paragraph. If the introduction is engaging and interesting, the reader will want to read further to see what will happen next in the story. There is no easy way to learn how to write the introduction to a story. The best way to learn is to read how other writers create attention-grabbing and appealing introductions to their stories and use some of the same techniques they employ without copying their style or their words verbatim. If finding simple ways to write an introduction to your story is keeping you from putting that burning story inside you down on paper, try these simple techniques. Begin By Telling a Brief Story Many writers begin their introductions with an anecdote or a brief story that grabs the reader's attention. Be sure the anecdote or brief story introduces clearly the story that comes after it. Describe a Scene in an Interesting Way Describing a scene is a good way to arouse the reader's curiosity. The reader will be intrigued by the setting and wonder what happened at the scene and why the scene was significant to the whole story. However, the scene must be interesting and relate to the story that follows. Begin with a Quotation When using a quotation, make sure to use a quotation that is provocative and says something significant. The story that follows should explain the meaning of the quotation or the purpose for using it in your story. Your story must build upon the quotation so that readers will want to read further to find out what you have to say. Begin with a Definitive Statement Most introductions begin with a general beginning and follow with specific and concrete details about the subject. Write a definitive statement that simply states your stance on an issue. Then follow the statement with interesting and/or factual information that will provoke agreement or disagreement from the reader. Pose a Question A good way to introduce a subject is to use a question. Sometimes questions can be answered immediately following the question and then proceed on to the story, or the question can be left at the beginning to be pondered over until later in the story. The writer can answer the question at any point in the story, but the question should be answered at some point before the story ends. Use Contrast Another way to introduce your subject is to state a commonly held belief or statement of fact and follow quickly with a contrasting view. You present a situation that your readers may agree with, and after a paragraph or two, you assert that you will take an opposing or differing view. This type of introduction compels the reader to take a stance on the issue. One very important point to remember about introductions is to include a clearly defined thesis statement that indicates to the reader the overall point you are going to make in your story. The thesis statement must be stated clearly in the introductory paragraph (it is most effective as the last sentence). Be sure that with any of the techniques you use to introduce your story, you conclude the introductory paragraph with a strong, well-developed, and thoughtful thesis statement. Now you are off to a good start. The introduction is no longer a roadblock to writing that burning story inside you. Katrina Parker Williams maintains a blog of her musings about literature, writing, art, and culture at http://katrinaparkerwilliams.wordpress.com/. She is the author of a fictional novel titled Liquor House Music and publishes writing and publishing articles online. Her work has appeared in Charlotte Viewpoint, Muscadine Lines, USADEEPSOUTH, and on the Wilson Community College website. Her work has recently been published at The Saints' Placenta and is forthcoming in All Things Girl, the Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, and Muscadine Lines. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katrina_Williams

J.T. Lewis Just Released "Pepper & Longstreet-Volume 4- The Unsolved Robbery"

Sixty seven years ago, the Fourth Street Bank was robbed and the assistant manager murdered. The money was never recovered, and their only suspect disappeared into thin air. Everyone knew that he did it…except his family. Pepper has been hired to clear his name, but that leaves her with another big problem…finding the real robbers. Pepper Jones and her unusual partner Jacob Longstreet take on the ultimate cold case…one whose clues they will have to dig up in the last century. JT Lewis is the author of the new YA series, Pepper and Longstreet, exciting mysteries that hearken back to the old Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mystery series./ Also check out his mystery/suspense novels…Murder! Too Close To Home and Gabriel’s Revenge.

Father/Daughter Team Strike Again! Olivia & Mark Miller Release "Sons of The King-Volume 3- The Creator's Ark"

Another Title in the Trestle Press Digital Short Story Series: Mark Miller (One, Small World Global Protection Agency) teams with his daughter and first time author Olivia Miller. In Sons of the King, they have created a fantasy world with a touch of science fiction. In the land of Mysstira on the planet Kaskaya, a great King has three sons. When a mysterious visitor falls from the sky, their world is changed forever. The sons of the King will soon face their destiny. Episode Three tells of the oldest son Taro’s journey to the hidden Creator’s Ark. He plans to dedicate his life to honor the Creator of the planet Kaskaya and the universe. At the same time middle brother Diggold heads in the opposite direction in search of adventure and escape. Which leaves the youngest of the three, Fallon, almost like a prisoner in the Dome. Olivia Miller is currently a full-time student. She completed a three year dual language program, in which she learned Spanish as a second language. Olivia is an Honor Roll member and has been recognized as a gifted student. Born in Kansas, she moved with her family to Florida at an early age. She has a passion for writing and a unique way with words. Sons of the King is her first collaboration with her father. She has many more stories to tell, but also holds a secret wish to sing on America’s Got Talent. Readers can find more about Olivia at www.MillerWords.com and on Goodreads. A Kansas Native, Mark currently resides in Florida with his wife and four children. Since moving to Florida, he has pursued a lifelong aspiration of becoming a published author. He believes he has always been a writer and strived to follow in the footsteps of his namesake, Mark Twain. His education started early as his father was a newspaper writer, editor and photographer for both the Kansas City Star and Kansan. Formal development started in high school writing classes at Sumner Academy where he completed the International Baccalaureate program. Additional teaching came from both Kansas City Kansas Community College and the University of Kansas. It was at KU where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Film. Informally, he was educated by the writings of C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander and as he matured, Tolkien. His interest in fantasy did not end on the page as some of his favorite movies include The Dark Crystal, Excalibur, and Star Wars. Professional experience dates back to the 1990’s. Mark has co-written four screenplays, two of which were produced as ultra-low budget direct-to-DVD features by East of Hollywood Productions. Through his relationship with East of Hollywood, Mark also became co-creator of an educational and entertaining children’s program. That show used the talents of a local radio personality and a group of child actors to update classic fairytales and fables. Each of the episodes brought a twist to the familiar stories and conveyed a positive message. On his own, Mark has completed five other novels, a screenplay, three digital short story series and several other short stories. The first three books of his Empyrical Tales have been published by Comfort Publishing, LLC out of North Carolina. Book I: The Fourth Queen, Book II: The Lost Queen and Book III: The Secret Queen are available in print and eBook. Trestle Press published his adaptation of the Christian movie Daniel’s Lot, filmed in and around Mount Dora. With Trestle, Mark also heads a spiritual, introspective series called Mark Miller’s One and a children’s eBook series about to elementary school students that become international spies called Small World Global Protection Agency. This series teaches culture and geography in an exciting way. Mark has another all-ages, faith-based fantasy series that he is co-writing with his nine year old daughter. It is called Sons of the King and is available only on eBook. In addition to his own writing, Mark is currently lending his talents to a faith-based movie production company Lazarus Films. He believes being a father of four makes him uniquely qualified to write The Empyrical Tales, an eight story series that comes from our collected myths and fairytales. He hopes his writing sends a positive message with strong role models and a beneficial moral element. And every day is an adventure with his children as they continue to teach him as well. His two young daughters unknowingly provided the models that helped create the main character sisters in The Fourth Queen. Many of their phrases and behaviors are shared with their fictional counterparts.

Available May 1st : Karen Anna Vogel's "Amish Doll"

Raven Meadows was raised on the Allegheny Indian Reservation in New York but placed in foster care after the death of her grandparents. Moving from one foster home to another, she’s had two constants in life: knitting and her ragdoll. Now at 24, she works as a social worker in a foster home for boys. To her surprise, Amish families from Cherry Creek, NY apply to be foster parents. She quickly bonds with one Amish woman, Susanna Yoder, a knitter waiting for a kidney transplant. Susanna shows Raven her prayer shawl, and seeing what comfort it brings, Raven eagerly knits prayer shawls and eventually helps start a knitting circle. Over time, Raven discovers her ragdoll is really an Amish doll that unravels the mystery of her birth. This revelation leads her to a new found faith, forgiveness, and an Amish love. Karen Anna Vogel is a trusted English friend to many Amish in Western Pennsylvania and New York. She’s the author of Amish Knitting Circle, Knit Together, and The Amish Doll. She has a worldwide audience at her popular blog, Amish Crossings http://www.karenannavogel.blogspot.com She has a B.A. in psychology and a Masters in Biblical Counseling and loves mentoring young women. Karen and her husband of 31 years, Tim, enjoy living in rural PA and have four grown children. You can visit her at www.karenannavogel.com or Amish Literature Fans on Facebook.

IT IS OUT RIGHT NOW!! George Michael Loughmueller releases his next story:"An Amish Journey-Set Free-Volume 7-Love In Bloom"

His last chance was their only hope. In this new, best-selling, periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over. Part 7 of 10. With spring in full swing, Allan learns to start working his farm. He has chickens in the barn and weeds in his field. His good friend Ben Abrim is there to lend a hand and share a helpful word. The only thing that throws him off is Alice. She decides to make her intentions known regarding Sam Menlach. Things end with a startling event at the schoolhouse. George Michael Loughmueller is a descendant of German heritage. Finding joy in being a husband and father, he is known by his friends as “Laughing George” because of his cheerful disposition and the pronunciation of his last name. Born in the Midwest, George has spent time both in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. He works in retail, but has long had the dream of being an author. With the support of family and friends, George decided to write a story inspired by his grandfather. “Set Free: An Amish Journey” is a work of fiction. However, some of the events are based on facts and stories told by George’s late father about the unusual life of his grandfather. In George’s mind, the fictional church district of Karsten Field is set in the small communities of eastern Iowa.

Out Now-William Tasch's "Outlaw Salvation"

Best friends, Todd and Boyd have recently graduated high school, in the small desert town of Icicle, California. On the eve of his eighteenth birthday, one friend receives a mysterious package containing a leather vest and an invitation to visit the Wolf Pack, an outlaw motorcycle club. His best friend has no illusions, at all, about what he’d do with the vest. Get rid of it and don’t go! The two friends have always shared a connection that has seemed almost ‘supernatural,’ but separated by a wedge. One is a Christian, and, the other, is not. Blinded by his desire to be part of the Wolf Pack, Boyd accepts the mysterious invitation and begins his initiation as a prospect. Feeling the same almost ‘supernatural connection’ to the club’s leader, Zev, Boyd soon discovers it is not about a bunch of fun loving, motorcycle riding guys. The Wolf Pack has a murderous, lust of money and control. Its guise is hidden by throwing an annual Community Day event. Boyd is then torn between the father he just met, and getting himself out before it’s too late. After seemingly selling his soul to the devil, Zev has a lot of things he wants done before his reign with the Wolf Pack ends. His plan to provide a blood legacy to run the club when he’s gone, also holds secrets of its’ own. The Icicle Police Department’s Gang Task Force has a ‘prospect’ of their own. A Task Force wannabe who’s over zealous careless acts lead him to the right places with the wrong outcome, believes that busting the Wolf Pack will earn him respect. Often inspired by the crazy antics of his best friend, Max; Paul, one of the town’s local preachers, must deal with the attraction he has to a congregation member who would like to date him. The rumor is she has a tainted past. Add a couple of motorcycle gangs who want Zev dead before his time, the lives of a close knit community looking for salvation, and friendships that are challenged by the truth that is revealed when everyone’s past comes together during an annual Community Day that Icicle, California will never forget. William Tasch is a twenty year retired, U.S. Army Veteran who enjoys writing in his spare time. He currently works in law enforcement and lives in Southern California with his wife, Deena and the youngest of their three children, Noah.

Joe Edd Morris Talks About One of His Book Signings

Thursday, April 12, following a successful debut at the Union County Historical Museum, Things I Wish Jesus Hadn’t Said received an enthusiastic reception by an equally attended luncheon crowd. Present was well-known Pontotoc writer Dr. Forrest Tutor. The book sold out. The mixed crowd on hand had numerous and quality questions. Some wondered if the title had been too provocative and possibly turned people off. The answer was “No!” Most have understood the title to mean that most of us wish Jesus hadn’t said these things because they hold our feet to the fire. This regional library, directed by Judy McNeese, holds author/book luncheons once a month. Almost all prominent Mississippi authors have made presentations here. I was privileged to be in that company.

Karen Anna Vogel on her new series, Amish Friends Knitting Circle

When I got done writing Amish Knitting Circle, I felt so sad. The series that took 30 weeks to write was over and I’d miss Granny Weaver and her girls. Although “Granny Weaver” is real and I can visit her in Smicksburg, I never thought I could be so attached to the fictionalized version of her. So I went to Amish Literature Fans on Facebook and posted, “I’m so sad it’s all over.” Well, so were they, and protested. “You can’t stop! I feel like I’m one of Granny’s girls,” many said. But I felt taking readers through an Amish summer and autumn would be boring. There are no Amish holidays and they work from sun up to sundown. They literally make hay when the sun shines. But the group asked me about work frolics, auctions, barn raisings, canning bees…. Well, I’m so familiar with the Amish, I didn’t think those things would be interesting. But then I thought about my book Knit Together: An Amish Knitting Novel and what if I had the Baptist join the Amish to knit for the homeless. It’s something I can write about from experience, since I went to a tiny Baptist church in Upstate, NY and saw the harmony and conflict with the neighboring Amish. So, in Amish Friends Knitting Circle, Granny Weaver invites the Baptist in town to knit for the homeless. Characters from Knit Together will go, such as Janice Jackson and a girl from Forget-Me-Not Manor, a refuge for homeless moms. Of course, Suzy will be invited to teach the Amish how to knit with needles instead of looms. And, Marge, Granny’s new neighbor who’s living off-the grid, will also attend, getting too “religious” for her atheist husband, Joe. The conversations that take place at the knitting circle are very believable because some will be real, based on some of my conversations with Amish women. What most people don’t realize is that the Amish are open to advice from the English, once you’re a trusted friend. Their humility always amazes me. They’re not as cloistered as many imagine, and I hope to bring this out in this new eight part series. And like Amish Knitting Circle, many women’s issues will be solved, the Amish way…with the help of their Baptist friends.

Isaac & Sarah Martin Release Their Newest Story: "Amish Paradise-Volume 3-Atonement"

Atonement, a simple word, one that has a very simple meaning, yet in many ways it is incredibly complex, difficult, and at times emotionally painful. At its core it is a simple noun that means-” satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends “ or, “reconciliation; agreement” and if you are looking for a spiritual definition:” the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, especially as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ. “ The next steps my brother Jacob makes are very careful ones, as he is being helped and guided by Hannah through this reawaking and enlightenment. Jacob must come to grips with who and what he wants to be, the real Jacob, shedding the mistakes of the past and righting his way on the path to his and their future together. Hannah takes her big lug by the hand again and not only shows him with her words but her deeds how one can make good for any injury caused, no matter how slight. Please join them in their journey as they continue to discover more about themselves and each other. Also included in “Amish Paradise-Volume 3-Atonement” is a fantastic recipe for “Low and Slow Roast Beef & Carrots”. Coming next in the “Amish Paradise” series at the end of April-“Volume 4-Giving”. Hi! First off my wife Sarah and I wish to thank everyone that has purchased our stories thus far. We are both humbled, happy and amazed at the response. We fully intend to deliver the best stories we possibly can and also have some great recipes for you. To date there are two stories, “Volume 1-TheEpiphany” and “Volume 2- Forgiveness”, in the series we have started called “Amish Paradise”. The name comes from where I lived, a bit of a play on words let us say. I grew up on a farm on Paradise Lane right off of Route 741 in what most people would call Lancaster, Pa. but really for those of us that got mail delivered there it is Ronks. The Strasburg Railroad is right down the street from us and the trains would go by our farm all day filled with kids of all ages wanting to experience the great steam engines and get a glimpse of the Amish life. People that enjoy railroads and train modeling are like that, kids no matter what age. I often wondered while I was doing my chores what it would be like on the other side, what my life would and could be like as an outsider, not in Plain clothes. When I got my chance, I chose to stay out but have held onto many of the ideals and core beliefs my family instilled in me. It is part of who I am and what I choose to do. My wife Sarah is not from an Amish Family but once she met everybody she finally got to understand “me” and really got to see what helped make me tick. Where my thought process came from and where I got my work ethic. The stories in our series are steeped in reality. I got permission from my little but bigger brother to fictionalize his life so he could be an example to others. Hoping that they will not make the mistakes he made, instead hoping they see that living with open eyes, mind and heart they will live a much fuller life and gain the grace and peace they seek with their Maker.

David L. Hoof and G.A. Zanni headline The G-ZONE This Week!

A power packed line-up this week on The G-ZONE filled with Best -Selling authors:
Monday- April 23- David L. Hoof-11am EST
Weds. – April 25- G.A. Zanni- 11am EST
Saturday- April 28- Thomas Kaufman- 9am EST

Today @ 1PM EST Mark Miller is on The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show!

A Kansas Native, Mark currently resides in Florida with his wife and four children. Since moving to Florida, he has pursued a lifelong aspiration of becoming a published author. He believes he has always been a writer and strived to follow in the footsteps of his namesake, Mark Twain.
His education started early as his father was a newspaper writer, editor and photographer for both the Kansas City Star and Kansan. Formal development started in high school writing classes at Sumner Academy where he completed the International Baccalaureate program. Additional teaching came from both Kansas City Kansas Community College and the University of Kansas. It was at KU where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Film. Informally, he was educated by the writings of C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander and as he matured, Tolkien. His interest in fantasy did not end on the page as some of his favorite movies include The Dark Crystal, Excalibur, and Star Wars.

Professional experience dates back to the 1990’s. Mark has co-written four screenplays, two of which were produced as ultra-low budget direct-to-DVD features by East of Hollywood Productions. Through his relationship with East of Hollywood, Mark also became co-creator of an educational and entertaining children’s program. That show used the talents of a local radio personality and a group of child actors to update classic fairytales and fables. Each of the episodes brought a twist to the familiar stories and conveyed a positive message.
On his own, Mark has completed five other novels, a screenplay, three digital short story series and several other short stories. The first three books of his Empyrical Tales have been published by Comfort Publishing, LLC out of North Carolina. Book I: The Fourth Queen, Book II: The Lost Queen and Book III: The Secret Queen are available in print and eBook. Trestle Press published his adaptation of the Christian movie Daniel’s Lot, filmed in and around Mount Dora. With Trestle, Mark also heads a spiritual, introspective series called Mark Miller’s One and a children’s eBook series about to elementary school students that become international spies called Small World Global Protection Agency. This series teaches culture and geography in an exciting way. Mark has another all-ages, faith-based fantasy series that he is co-writing with his nine year old daughter. It is called Sons of the King and is available only on eBook. In addition to his own writing, Mark is currently lending his talents to a faith-based movie production company Lazarus Films.

He believes being a father of four makes him uniquely qualified to write The Empyrical Tales, an eight story series that comes from our collected myths and fairytales. He hopes his writing sends a positive message with strong role models and a beneficial moral element. And every day is an adventure with his children as they continue to teach him as well. His two young daughters unknowingly provided the models that helped create the main character sisters in The Fourth Queen. Many of their phrases and behaviors are shared with their fictional counterparts.

What's Next for Sam Lang? Reprisal -Volume 9-Intersection of Atonement

Trestle Press presents Sam Lang’s Reprisal, a digital short story series.
Reprisal is a dying town built on secrets and haunted by a mysterious shadow since its beginnings.
Eddie Newport must survive one night in this town with his oldest friend as a bus full of escaped murderers breaks down on Main Street.
Eddie and the Chief had a meeting with the Mayor. Five murderers boarded a bus for a routine transfer. The town is empty, everyone went to the Holidome for a weekend getaway.
The town is empty, except for the Shadow.
In the final chapter of Reprisal, what should have been a simple, uneventful weekend has turned into chaos. The body count is escalating and Eddie has nowhere to hide.
Eddie, Arizona, the Chief, the convicts and the Shadow are about to collide at the Intersection of Atonement.
Sam Lang lived a cold, dark life. Ignored for most of his existence, he developed a fascination with things of a macabre nature. His writing explores the dark recesses of human behavior. Lang writes with heavy thematic elements and symbolism, creating harsh, hyper-realistic characters. Lang currently resides in Florida where he spends his time thinking of new ways to delight and horrify his readers.
Trestle Press has brought him out of the shadows with his series, Reprisal, a murderous tale of escaped convicts in a deserted town haunted by a mysterious shadow. The first six episodes are available as digital short stories from Trestle Press, starting with Making Plans, Making Memories followed by The Impeccant, Shadow Boxing, She’ll Get Your Engine Started, The First Cut is the Best and Sugar and Snails. More chapters are yet to come.
Sam has participated in the Author’s Lab collaboration series with Giovanni Gelati on The Two Johns. He also has the one-shots: A Vampire’s Guide to Sex, a short tale about (you guessed it) vampires and sex, and Theoretical Fishsticks, a holiday story full of dark humor.
Not much else is known of this reclusive author.

Crystal Linn Pens the Next Installment Of Mark Miller's One Series-Volume 8-God's Counterpoints

A portion of the author’s proceeds will be donated to World Concern, a Christian global relief and development organization. World Concern’s efforts reach deep into the most remote corners of the planet, where climate and geography, societal instability and scarce infrastructure create incredible challenges to the people living there, including disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. Visit WorldConcern.org for more information. The series creators and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.
Mark Miller’s One is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
In Story Eight, another award-winning poet, Crystal Linn, shares her moving experience with a rare form of cancer. The author’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and Crystal tells how they came through it with faith. This story is an inspiration to anyone facing life’s difficult challenges.
Crystal Linn is a freelance writer who writes both fiction and non-fiction. Her book credits include A Touch of Renga, a poetry book, co- authored with Kristin Morris; From the Heart, Volume 1, an inspirational anthology; and Amish Forever, an Amish romance co-authored with Roger Rheinheimer, who is the author of Amish Snow. Her second book of poetry, Poems for Friends, is scheduled to be released soon. Ms. Linn also teaches creative writing classes and is an award winning poet.
In addition to her creative writing, Ms. Linn is a technical writer who helps individuals and businesses with their written communications.
Ms. Linn lives in the greater Seattle area where she enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry, and sailing with family and friends.

Hot New Release: G.A. Zanni's "Dreadful Places"

D r e a d f u l P l a c e s


When the horrifying images that Carter Dawson has been seeing for days finally come for him in the middle of the night, he clings to a new found hope deposited in him from a supernatural apparition. On a quest to discover the root cause of his spiritual awakening, he visits a psychic named Balera recommended to him from longtime business acquaintance, Stevie Lyons. Carter must uncover the purpose of his new found abilities before he is consumed and led into ruin by the force of darkness that plots against him.

Jack “Bear” Branton has reluctantly allowed his sister Rebekah to decrypt some of the demonic serial killer’s ciphers and after months of turning up dead ends, the trail of the fabled serial killer, the DHK suddenly heats up. In his new findings, Bear discovers that although the killings seemed random at first glance, a profound connection, an incredible link between all of the DHK’s victims had been missed in the initial investigation. And this new connection puts his sister, Rebekah directly in the sights of the killer.

As future promises become marred in doubt; Caleb and his host of angels can only hope that the human spirit proves to be a salvageable entity; one that can be delivered from the dreadful places in which they find themselves.

G.A. Zanni resides in Johnston, RI with his wife, Caroline of 10 years, his children, Veronica (9) Gabriel (5) and Olivia (2). He served four years in the United States Marine Corps from 1996-2000 and drew on his experiences abroad to write The Deceitful Things series. Currently, he is working on multiple projects and has a deep passion for writing and enjoys sharing his inner most thoughts and stories with others.

Out Right Now! Karen Anna Vogel's New Series: Amish Friends Knitting Circle!

Following the tradition of Pickwick Papers (Charles Dickens) and Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery), Amish Friends Knitting Circle is a continuing story, broken down into 8 parts. If you liked receiving the installments of the best-selling, Amish Knitting Circle Series, (the prequel to this series), then join Granny Weaver as she invites her friends from the Smicksburg Baptist Church to a summer circle to knit for charity.
Granny Weaver believes women are stronger spun together, just like the wool she spins. But will her Amish knitting circle snap if spun with women from the Smicksburg Baptist Church? Granny’s believes they can be knit together for a worthy cause: knitting hats, gloves and scarves to the growing homeless population across the USA.
So Granny invites:
Colleen, a young woman living at Forget-Me-Not Manor, a refuge for homeless mothers.
Janice, a burnt out pastor’s wife…or a women going through the change of life.
Marge, a new neighbor learning to live off-the-grid, whose husband fears her new-found faith.
Suzy, who will teach knitting with needles, but is distressed over her aging dog’s health.
Granny does many “casting off” prayers that her English friends will bond with Ella, Ruth, Lizzie, Lavina, Maryann, and Fannie, and not unravel the knitting circle she holds so dear.

Author Bio:
Karen Anna Vogel is a trusted English friend to many Amish in Western Pennsylvania and New York. She’s the author of Amish Knitting Circle, Knit Together, and The Amish Doll. She has a worldwide audience at her popular blog, Amish Crossings http://www.karenannavogel.blogspot.com
She has a B.A. in psychology and a Masters in Biblical Counseling and loves mentoring young women. Karen and her husband of 31 years, Tim, enjoy living in rural PA and have four grown children. You can visit her at www.karenannavogel.com or Amish Literature Fans on Facebook.

Meet William Tasch, Author of The Soon To Be Released "Outlaw Salvation"

Hello Everyone,

When I was asked to write a guest post, I thought to myself, what would anyone want to know about me? Would they want to know how I came up with a story for a book? Would they want to know about my home life? Maybe they would just want to know what my life is like. I really couldn’t come up with a direct answer of what anyone would want to know about me, so I decided I’d give a little bit of it all.

Well, the first thing I would say is that given the opportunity to serve in the United States army for twenty years gave me plenty of world travel. I have lived in European countries for ten years of my life. I lived in Saudi Arabia for a year, lived on the East coast, the West coast, lived in the North, South and the Midwest. I even got the chance to work at the Pentagon and survived three grueling years as a Drill Sergeant. I have finally come to rest and have lived in Southern California for the past eight years with my family. We are still debating if California will be where we settle down to retire. We get restless being in one place too long compliments of the army.

I have always liked to write, but had never thought about publishing a book until a little later in life. About twenty or so years ago, I was reading a good book, or so I thought. Anyway, the ending of that book was very disappointing. I couldn’t believe how the author ruined that story for me. I ranted for several days and finally my wife had enough and said “Write your own book then.” Hmm, could I write a book? Sure, I thought. That sounded easy. Ha, little did I know what was involved, so I set out to create a masterpiece. A best seller, number one on the New York Times best selling list. Ever hear the line that starts out with “A funny thing happened on the way to the…” Or how about the one I hear at work all the time “Yeah, about that…” Long story short is I wrote five books. All were hand written on long yellow lined paper. I still think that in the future, I will re-write two of those stories, but I ended up shredding them all. As time went on, I would start a story off and on. Finally one day I was searching about publishing and ran across an article that said if you keep trying to perfect your work, you will never finish it. Words to live by, I finally sat down and hammered through a whole story without trying to re-write it a hundred times.

A lot of people ask me how to write a book, or where did I get the idea for this book? That’s a good question. It’s probably different for almost every single author. Who knows what inspires them? I got the idea for this book from several things. I currently work in corrections and deal with inmates. I’ve also been afforded the opportunity to work in specialty assignments. One of those assignments is called Classification. That’s where you interview inmates and decide where they can be housed. It also has you deal with gangs. Given this specialty job, you need to know about gangs and so we get to go to a lot of gang conferences. Outlaw Motorcycle gangs gave me quite the fascination after interviewing some who came into custody. I decided I’d like to write a story about one. I also like the stories to be real, but I don’t believe you need foul language to make a good story. I hear enough of it at work. I wanted the story to be something everyone could read, a story with action, romance, comedy and a positive message. Outlaw Salvation is that story.
Well, I guess I didn’t answer one question that is asked of me quite often when people find out I wrote a book. How do you do that, they ask? The best I can describe the way I write a story is to start with a beginning, but also have a real good idea or the actual ending in mind. The story seems to develop the more I write, but I always tell them this. I know where it starts, and I can see the ending. It’s like driving a car straight toward the ending, but there is a detour and you have to take a left. The rest of the time, you are pulling the steering wheel back to the right to get back to the ending. Well, that’s my analogy and I’m sticking with that.

Sincerely,

William Tasch

Meet Theresa Ricci, Author of the Amazon Kindle Best-Selling Series "Friends Among The Amish"

Hi,
I want to thank everybody that has been nice enough to read my stories, share their personal experiences with me, and send me suggestions for story ideas. Believe it or not I am just getting into this thing called social networking. I know, a bit behind the times.
Just a bit of my background and maybe you will understand why I am a bit behind the times. I am a stay at home mother of three adorable kids- 2 girls ages 3 and 5 and one boy age 7. My husband and I were high school sweethearts, went to the same small college near Lancaster .Pa. and were married once we graduated. Right out of college I began work in the medical industry, specifically helping patients with diabetes. It is a subject that is near and dear to my heart as both my parents had it. Right before we found out that we were fortunate enough to have our son, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. We were fortunate that my husband’s job was good enough to handle our simple needs so it was decided that I would help take care of my mother and father as he was developing complications from his diabetes and failing heart. To make a long story short, all the education I received and the deep faith that surrounds our family was needed and used to help them through the trying times up to their passing on.
During that journey we had a new neighbor move in that we have become very close with. They have a special needs child and that has given use new insights and understanding of how God works in all of us. My husband being the wise guy he is, and I mean smart not smarty pants, said :”You know if you put this all together and add in some of the people we met in college that were Amish, you have the makings for a good story here.” My questions was, “Who is going to write it?”. He just looked at me and said, “Why you of course, you lived most of it.”
So here I am. In between doing many things in a normal day that we all do, I have also put on the hat of author; well at least I hope so. My intention is to bring you the best stories I can and show you that there are other sides to the story: The care, the thought, the prayer, the interaction, and interconnection of our actions with one another and the repercussions they may have. I hope that you enjoy the journey and the characters.

History Lover and Museum Freak -L.W. Rondeau

“Hegel was right when he said that we learn from history that man can never learn anything from history.”
George Bernard Shaw

I love history and am a museum freak. Then why don’t I write historical novels though I enjoy reading them?

Maybe someday I will. For now, I enjoy blending history into my novels. In my first book, The Other Side of Darkness, an inspirational romantic suspense written under the name Linda Wood Rondeau, I weave historical references into a contemporary setting that creates an ethereal aura throughout the book.

M soon to be released novel, written under L.W. Rondeau, America II: The Reformation, begins the saga of a post apocalyptic world, a global government on the verge of civil war. It tells of the struggle of freedom, and the never-dying quest for individuality.

Early America was formed by individuals who sought to make a better world in a new land, many to pursue religious freedom. Like-minded colonies banded together forming a separate government yet remained loyal to their mother country. As the colonies flourished, they became stronger, diminishing their dependence upon England. They even formed government apart from English rule. However, England could not afford to lose the wealth and goods the colonies provided. English rule became oppressive and the colonies rebelled to form a new nation.

In America’s future, all nations have surrendered their sovereignty to form a global democratic government called The Accord, short-lived and replaced by an oppressive faux democracy called the Constitutional Government, so named for its Fourteen Articles of Constitution, where religious observance of any kind is forbidden. However, dissidents could leave the fortified cities and fend for themselves in uninhabitable areas called the outland, much like the colonists traveled to a new world for their religious beliefs. The Western America outland learned to band together and thrived, their goods and tribute to the Constitutional Government invaluable. When these communities formed a cohesive government called the Network, the core of The Constitutional Government: one nation, one world, one vision, becomes threatened, especially if these dissidents claim themselves an independent land. If they secede, other outlands are likely to follow suit, thus splintering the Constitutional Government, plunging the world into global civil war once again. To prevent this, the in-coming President of the Constitutional Government, has designed a Preservation Act which will make all dissidence, past and present, an act of treason punishable by death. The harsh stance of the Constitutional Government cannot quell the deafening cry for freedom.

The Long and Winding Road My Writing Journey – C. S. Lakin Part III

But, to my surprise, I had some other books to write. At first I thought I was a little mad to also work on more contemporary novels. In fact, I was (and still am) often criticized, even by agents and publishers as being “naïve, immature, amateur, and clueless”—to name a few labels. Why? Because I don’t stick to one genre. I write YA sci-fi, fantasy (adult), mysteries, contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, relational dramas. It’s not like I mean to. But I get an idea and have to chase after it. In between fantasy books two and three I wrote Someone to Blame, a mystery based on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. It won the 2009 First Novel Contest by Zondervan and was published last October.
Since that fateful prayer back in 2005, I have written eight more novels. Of those, four have sold and four I’m currently trying to sell. I have three more contracted I need to write in the next eighteen months. I just completed an epic family saga, a modern-day rendition of the biblical story of Jacob and Joseph, with a huge theme of faith and knowing God is leading us through a wilderness to the Promised Land. I mention this novel for, as I was writing it, God was making it clear that he knows where he is leading me, all the while I have no clue. His intent is to lead me to a very specific place, and this is the book’s theme—right into his arms. That is something that is taking me years of understanding as I wander through this strange landscape of writing novels and getting published.
Just as I was puzzled by God calling me to write fairy tales, I’ve also been puzzled as to why I am writing these heavy contemporary dramas (which I love to write). Why doesn’t God make me just focus on one genre so I can appear to be a professional, mature writer instead of a lunatic? I don’t know. All I know is that I write the books burning in my heart to write. As soon as I come close to finishing one book, the next one floats to the surface of my heart and says, “write me, write me!” How can I refuse? I have to believe he has a plan for these books. I may not ever see all my books get published. I sure hope I do. I want more than anything for my writing to reach deep into hearts and lead people to the God who knows and loves them with all his heart. But one thing I am learning on this journey is that God’s idea of significance has nothing to do with sales figures or best-seller lists. It is all about obedience and humility. It’s all about God doing a work in me (in all of us) to make us into the kind of person we need to become in order to dwell with him forever. As we follow our heart’s path, wherever it leads us—whether we are writers, doctors, bus drivers, daycare workers—God’s plan is to draw us close to him. Sometimes that means we just plow ahead and not be concerned with the outcome. It’s hard to be a writer and not care about sales or contracts. We write so others will benefit. But God’s aim is to get us to trust him and surrender to him. A much harder goal to achieve than writing a 400-page novel.
So as I continue on, writing what’s in my heart, I’m excited to see what doors open—and I’m learning to appreciate the closed doors too. For that just means God has something else—something better in mind for me.

The Long and Winding Road My Writing Journey – C. S. Lakin- Part II

Then one day, filled with despair over my lack of creative outlet and my need to write eating away at me like an acid or cancer, I prayed to God. I prayed for God to renew my fire to write. I prayed to be inspired with ideas and drive. I prayed for God to tell me what to write, how I could encourage and inspire others with my novels. I wasn’t prepared for the answer.
To make a very long story not so long, God always seems to point me to books for answers I seek. Often a book will “magically” appear on a café table or will be handed to me by a friend who says, “I don’t know why I’m giving you this book, but I think you should read it.” Through one book that led to another and another, I ended up with Chesterton’s Orthodoxy in my hand. I devoured this little volume, but my heart snagged on the chapter about fairy tales. By the time I finished that chapter I knew exactly what I was supposed to write. Okay, fairy tales are a far cry from contemporary relational dramas that have a random dead body strewn in for good measure here and there. But as soon as I thought about fairy tales, I grew excited. I was a big fantasy reader and had grown up with traditional fairy tales. I knew how powerful and archetypal they were. But aside from one contemporary author who wrote fairly crass, poorly plotted, and uninteresting takeoffs on fairy tales (and yes, you would know who I am talking about; he is a huge best-selling author), no one else was writing in this “genre.” And no one at all was writing Christian fairy tales—or ones infused with a Christian worldview. I thought it would be great to take those old fairy tales and twist them into new, long, complex stories. And so I set to work. I knew this idea would take the publishing world by storm.
I was wrong. I took The Wolf of Tebron to a writers’ conference and met with all the agents and editors there, knowing they would beg me to send my manuscript to them. They didn’t. In fact, they kept telling me no one in the Christian publishing market would look at them because no one published fantasy. Except a random one or two authors or books here and there. And those had been so lame the sales scared these editors away from trying again.
I was shocked. I knew the statistics. That millions of readers of fantasy were “out there.” That nearly every young Christian, when asked what they loved to read, loved fantasy. There was a huge market, ripe and ready to buy my books. The editors agreed, but they said they just couldn’t “take the leap.” But I did. It is a leap of faith to be obedient to what God puts in your heart to do. God did answer that prayer—put a fire in my heart to write again. I proceeded to write the first three fairy tales in my Gates of Heaven series. I kept pitching these books, my agent kept sending out queries, and I saw how many writers were starting to also write fantasy for the Christian market. It was if we all had gotten the memo and were doing what we were told, although there were no “signs” that anyone would buy what we wrote.
God knows, of course, what the future holds. And I believe he knew doors would start opening for fantasy and called for some volunteers to jump right in. I’ve been so pleased to see this market opening up over the past few years. I was blessed to connect with a publisher with the same vision as mine, that saw fantasy as a mission field ripe and ready for planting and harvesting. AMG contracted my series and at this point we are aiming at seven books. I’m currently beginning the fifth tale in the series.

Looking for Something New to Read This Weekend? Why Not Give Theresa Ricci's New Series a Try: "Friends Among The Amish"

A journey begins with a single step. Set in beautiful Lancaster County, Friends Among the Amish takes us on a journey that explores many issues in society today. Meet Rose, Susan, Katie and Grace as they enjoy their weekly walks. Delve into moral dilemmas, health issues, cultural differences, and matters of the heart as the women support each other as they make life changing decisions. Although they come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, a fondness for the Amish people and their ways. Follow along as they form a bond that will last throughout their lifelong journeys.

A journey begins with a single step. Set in beautiful Lancaster County, Friends Among the Amish takes us on a journey that explores many issues in society today. Meet Rose, Susan, Katie and Grace as they enjoy their weekly walks. Delve into moral dilemmas, health issues, cultural differences, and matters of the heart as the women support each other as they make life changing decisions. Although they come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, a fondness for the Amish people and their ways. Follow along as they form a bond that will last throughout their lifelong journeys.
In Volume 2, One of Those Days, discover what happens when Grace and her new Amish friend, Mark take a trip to the Emergency Room. Follow along as Rose continues on her journey to change her lifestyle and manage her diabetes. Discover the decision Susan is faced with that will impact her family. Enjoy the way that each of these women is discovering that our Father is always in control and willing to meet us wherever we may be.

A journey begins with a single step. Set in beautiful Lancaster County, Friends Among the Amish takes us on a journey that explores many issues in society today. Meet Rose, Susan, Katie and Grace as they enjoy their weekly walks. Delve into moral dilemmas, health issues, cultural differences, and matters of the heart as the women support each other as they make life changing decisions. Although they come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, a fondness for the Amish people and their ways. Follow along as they form a bond that will last throughout their lifelong journeys.
In Volume 3, You’ve Got a Friend, continue our journey as this group of women becomes closer each day. Share in Rose’s joy that she has found a way to help her new group of friends. How will Susan cope with her mother’s declining health? Will Katie and her husband Paul come to a resolution about caring for their disabled son, Patrick? Discover if Grace’s and Mark’s attraction for each other continues. Most of all, we’ll see that little acts of kindness among friends go a long way.

The Long and Winding Road My Writing Journey – C. S. Lakin- Part I of a III Part Series

People sometimes joke with me about my “twenty-year overnight success.” Not that I’m a success by the world’s standard—and I may never be, but that’s not what my writing journey is about. Yet it certainly did feel like getting published happened overnight—when I look back over the last two or so years and stare at three books sitting on desk—three published books in the last seven months. That’s crazy, isn’t it?
At a writers’ conference last year, I sat with a group of published authors. They all remarked how they put proposals together—short summaries of a book they’d like to write, and then their agent sends those proposals out hoping to snag a contract to write that novel or series. What astonished me was that none of these writers actually write the proposed book until (read: unless) they get a contract. Why did that astonish me? Because they will sit and come up with proposal after proposal, sometimes year after year but not write a book, any book, until they are asked to do so.
It made me do some serious thinking. For all of a minute or two. What makes a writer? For some it is a job, a career, and maybe for many of those established writers, it makes no sense for them to write unless they are getting paid for it. I just couldn’t relate.
I’d been writing all my life—poetry, short stories, screenplays, plays, helping my mother develop series for TV—something she “specialized” in. I’ve read quotes by famous authors who talk about the need, passion, drive to write, saying they can’t not write. That’s me. As much as I bucked following my mother and brother in their gold-lined footsteps (both were highly successful TV writer/producers), I couldn’t resist the call to tell a story. For fun, back about twenty+ years ago, I sat down and wrote my first novel—a literary foray that delved into college students’ angst and set on the northern CA coast, where I lived. It took me about a year to write, since I had two children under five, a bed and breakfast to run, and a pygmy goat farm. But when finished, I submitted it to a top agent in Los Angeles, and he grabbed it. I was thrilled. I had written my first novel, got the first agent I queried, and now I was on my way to be a NY Times best-selling author, right?
Although I do have a few (and I mean a very few) friends who actually wrote a novel and got it published within a year, I learned that is far from the norm. That is an anomaly, as rare as a black hole in our galaxy (well, maybe they’re not all that rare, but I’m assuming they are). I went on to crank out two more novels—these were psychological mysteries, contemporary, unusual. Again, I picked up agents who loved my work, but I was forewarned. I was told my writing was so original and unique, it would be a hard sell. That’s proved true, as I spent the last twenty years trying to get published and papering the proverbial bedroom walls with rejection letters stating what great writing and wonderful story but my novel just didn’t fit in anywhere. I’m still getting those rejection letters on the six unsold novels I am hoping any minute will sell.
I could just write what sells. By now I surely know how to do that. There are basic principles to each genre that will practically guarantee a book will sell should you choose to align your writing style and ideas to the market. And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, writers are pretty much encouraged to do just that—study the market, write what sells. It can be done. It is being done by many.
But I gave up writing for about ten years after my third novel didn’t sell. It was just too hard to break in, too much competition, too frustrating and disappointing. And I just couldn’t write anything that wasn’t exciting to me.

This weeks "The G-ZONE" blogtalk schedule

After a little time off, The G-ZONE blogtalk radio will back on the air today, Weds. @ 4PM EST.
The guests this week are diverse, fun and amazing. We are discussing End of Time stuff, all things Amish, the Titanic, and fun stuff about prayer and God.
Here is the schedule as it stands now:
Weds. 4PM EST –L.W. Rondeau-author of “America II: The Reformation”
Friday-4PM EST- Karen Anna Vogel-author of the “Amish Knitting Circle” series, “Knit Together: An Amish Knitting Novel” and the soon to be released “The Amish Doll: Amish Knitting Novel”, and also on the same broadcast-William Walker-author of “Titanic 2012”.
Saturday 10.30 AM EST-Jeanette Levellie-“Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top”
Here is the link for the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop
If you want to be a guest ,drop me a line let’s talk!

Have You Given Whit Howland's Work a Look?

Are you looking for a new author to check out? Give Whit Howland a look! His writing has edge,passion,and a grit to it that you can really sink your reading teeth into. Feed your ereader something new today, something that will give it a jolt of juice that it hasn’t had in a while!
Here are the three titles Whit has with Trestle Press:
For a taste of Crime that you won’t soon forget, ”The Pandora Case”:

Joey Pantera, a mid level gangster has been ordered to go to the bus depot and retrieve a brief case from its current occupant, by any means necessary. Unfortunately, he has to bring along Teller, a low level hood, trying to make name for himself in the syndicate. Things go from bad to worse when Joey is double crossed by Teller, and finds out that other sinister people want this same case and are willing to kill for it as well.
Take a blood and guts tour with through this dark and seedy underworld full of ruthless clowns, brutal mimes, and other assorted lowlifes, on trail of The Pandora Case.
Whit Howland also has two Westerns, both part of “The Cain Series”:
“The Cain Series-Volume 1-Good Smoke and Whiskey”
Cain, an outlaw/bank robber is a man who is seeking redemption for his stormy and violent past. He wants to go someplace where no one has heard from him and start a new life. Unfortunately, crime is in his blood and he always manages to get caught up in one last shadowy scheme after another involving, cutthroats, conmen, and crafty double dealing saloon women.
And

“The Cain Series-Volume 2- Another Town, Another Torch”
Cain, an outlaw, rescues Sarah, a beautiful woman being chased by a posse and then gets tangled up in a robbery with her and her abusive con man husband. Gun play and double crosses abound in this strange multi-layered western.
Whit Howland connected with Trestle Press in September 2011. He is the author of the Cain Series, a strange western, and has several more titles on the way in the near future. He is an avid reader of crime fiction and namely draws on Mickey Spillane for inspiration. Other influences would include Richard Stark, Joe R Lansdale, Peter Brandvold and many other authors.
An L A native he currently resides with his wife in Godfrey Illinois.

HAPPY EASTER!

Available Later Today-Amazon Kindle Best-Selling Author George Michael Loughmueller's Newest Release-"An Amish Journey-Set Free- Volume 6-He Is Risen"

His last chance was their only hope.
In this new, best-selling, periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over.
Part 6 of 10.
The time has come for the Barn Raising. It is a time for celebration in more ways than one. The Easter Resurrection has come to Karsten Field bringing with it a surprise visitor. Allan has to face one more decision, but will it finally leave him set free?
George Michael Loughmueller is a descendant of German heritage. Finding joy in being a husband and father, he is known by his friends as “Laughing George” because of his cheerful disposition and the pronunciation of his last name.
Born in the Midwest, George has spent time both in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. He works in retail, but has long had the dream of being an author. With the support of family and friends, George decided to write a story inspired by his grandfather.
“Set Free: An Amish Journey” is a work of fiction. However, some of the events are based on facts and stories told by George’s late father about the unusual life of his grandfather. In George’s mind, the fictional church district of Karsten Field is set in the small communities of eastern Iowa.

George Michael Loughmueller is a descendant of German heritage. Finding joy in being a husband and father, he is known by his friends as “Laughing George” because of his cheerful disposition and the pronunciation of his last name.
Born in the Midwest, George has spent time both in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. He works in retail, but has long had the dream of being an author. With the support of family and friends, George decided to write a story inspired by his grandfather.
“Set Free: An Amish Journey” is a work of fiction. However, some of the events are based on facts and stories told by George’s late father about the unusual life of his grandfather. In George’s mind, the fictional church district of Karsten Field is set in the small communities of eastern Iowa.

Isaac & Sarah Discuss "Amish Paradise-Volume 3- Atonement" and Homemade Meatballs

The next in our series if stories: “Amish Paradise” is “Volume 3-Atonement”. It was by far the toughest one to write. Trying to get the right tone, finding the right voice for Jacob and Hannah during this time in their lives was vital to the story. My wife Sarah and I labored over this installment and may have even had a few words about what to include and what not to. Guess who usually won those arguments, not me. I deferred to Sarah on many occasions as she really got into the spirit and found what we think is the right tone, that happy middle ground for this. Here is a bit about what to expect in this installment and also our recipe for “Homemade Meatballs”. It is a doozey, and we hope that you enjoy it, modify it to your taste and have fun with it. Here you go, the synopsis for “Atonement”:
Atonement, a simple word, one that has a very simple meaning, yet in many ways it is incredibly complex, difficult, and at times emotionally painful.
At its core it is a simple noun that means- “satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends” or, “reconciliation; agreement” and if you are looking for a spiritual definition: “the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, especially as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ.”
The next steps my brother Jacob makes are very careful ones, as he is being helped and guided by Hannah through this reawaking and enlightenment. Jacob must come to grips with who and what he wants to be, the real Jacob, shedding the mistakes of the past and righting his way on the path to his and their future together.
Hannah takes the big lug by the hand again and not only shows him with her words but her deeds how one can make good for any injury caused, no matter how slight. Please join them in their journey as they continue to discover more about themselves and each other.
Also included in “Amish Paradise-Volume 3-Atonement” is a fantastic recipe for “Low and Slow Roast Beef & Carrots”.
Coming next in the “Amish Paradise” series at the end of April-“Volume 4-Giving”.
About Sarah and Isaac Martin and “Amish Paradise” :
Hi! First off my wife Sarah and I wish to thank everyone that has purchased our stories thus far. We are both humbled, happy and amazed at the response. We fully intend to deliver the best stories we possibly can and also have some great recipes for you. To date there are two stories, “Volume 1-TheEpiphany” and “Volume 2- Forgiveness”, in the series we have started called “Amish Paradise”.
The name comes from where I lived, a bit of a play on words let us say. I grew up on a farm on Paradise Lane right off of Route 741 in what most people would call Lancaster, Pa. but really for those of us that got mail delivered there it is Ronks. The Strasburg Railroad is right down the street from us and the trains would go by our farm all day filled with kids of all ages wanting to experience the great steam engines and get a glimpse of the Amish life. People that enjoy railroads and train modeling are like that, kids no matter what age.
I often wondered while I was doing my chores what it would be like on the other side, what my life would and could be like as an outsider, not in Plain clothes. When I got my chance, I chose to stay out but have held onto many of the ideals and core beliefs my family instilled in me. It is part of who I am and what I choose to do. My wife Sarah is not from an Amish Family but once she met everybody she finally got to understand “me” and really got to see what helped make me tick. Where my thought process came from and where I got my work ethic.
The stories in our series are steeped in reality. I got permission from my little but bigger brother to fictionalize his life so he could be an example to others. Hoping that they will not make the mistakes he made, instead hoping they see that living with open eyes, mind and heart they will live a much fuller life and gain the grace and peace they seek with their Maker.

Homemade Meatballs

1 pound ground beef- I also have used at times Ground Buffalo, Ostrich, or Turkey. They are all very low in fat.
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese I also incorporate a few others cheeses at times depending on my mood.
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups crumbled stale Italian bread. -I prefer the plain bread crumbs and to add my own extra spices like basil and oregano
1/2 to 1 cup lukewarm water or you can use milk. I prefer milk.
Directions

This is the hard part:
Put everything in a large bowl, get your hands in there and mix it all up. Have some fun.
Blend bread crumbs into meat mixture. Slowly add the water or the milk. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape if rolled into meatballs. Shape into meatballs.
Now size does vary. When my Wife Sarah makes them , they are like golf balls. When I make them they are like baseballs. I like the way they look on the fork.
I put them on a tray and cook them for a bit in the oven at 350 degrees, then add them to the sauce to finish off.
Fun and tasty.

Crystal Linn,Amazon Kindle Best-Selling Author, Pens The Next Installment In The Mark Miller's One Series!

A portion of the author’s proceeds will be donated to World Concern, a Christian global relief and development organization. World Concern’s efforts reach deep into the most remote corners of the planet, where climate and geography, societal instability and scarce infrastructure create incredible challenges to the people living there, including disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. Visit WorldConcern.org for more information. The series creators and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.
Mark Miller’s One is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
In Story Eight, another award-winning poet, Crystal Linn, shares her moving experience with a rare form of cancer. The author’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and Crystal tells how they came through it with faith. This story is an inspiration to anyone facing life’s difficult challenges.

Crystal Linn is a freelance writer who writes both fiction and non-fiction. Her book credits include A Touch of Renga, a poetry book, co- authored with Kristin Morris; From the Heart, Volume 1, an inspirational anthology; and Amish Forever, an Amish romance co-authored with Roger Rheinheimer, who is the author of Amish Snow. Her second book of poetry, Poems for Friends, is scheduled to be released soon. Ms. Linn also teaches creative writing classes and is an award winning poet.
In addition to her creative writing, Ms. Linn is a technical writer who helps individuals and businesses with their written communications.
Ms. Linn lives in the greater Seattle area where she enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry, and sailing with family and friends.

Next Up For David L. Hoof-"A Death In Munich"

In late September 1931, Adolf Hitler’s niece and live-in lover Geli Raubal was found dead in his Munich apartment, his gun nearby. A scandal involving incest and murder could have halted Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. Battling a false claim of suicide created by the SS and supported by the Munich police, a secret unit of German patriots led by a Jew, Dieter Fahrlich, risks betrayal and death to discover the truth, and break the story before Hitler’ can draw Germany into another catastrophic war. This is a starkly realistic, dark and terrifying tale framed by historic facts about the bungled investigation and Nazi cover-up of a haunting death that remains unexplained to this day. An inescapable web of interwoven genres, A Death in Munich is a suspense mystery, a dark political thriller, a biographical revelation, an unpredictable whodunit and an intricately unraveled locked-room murder story. More than that, it is a time machine skillfully built from words, catapulting the reader into the terrifying heart of a desperate nation posed on the brink of madness.
The award-winning author of screenplays, short stories and seven published novels sold in thirty-five countries, David L. Hoof has also written nonfiction and written scientific articles and papers appearing in peer-reviewed professional journals that cover areas as diverse as nanotechnology to nuclear proliferation. He was taught creative writing with the Writers Digest School and at Georgetown University. His novels and stories include satires, thrillers, suspense mysteries, historical mysteries, action adventure, horror and dabblings in the paranormal . Three novels, the ecohorror Landfill, the rollickingly irreverent satire Triple Jeopardy, and the historical mystery, Little Gods, will join several intriguing short stories in Trestle Press’s impressive 2012 line-up. Deeply interested in the music and magic of the English language, he can be reached at david.hoof@rcn.com or via Facebook. Among his friends and inspirations he counts William Goldman, Elmore “Dutch” Leonard, Don DeLillo, Cormac McCarthy, James Lee Burke and Dennis Lehane. He lives with his wife, Marsha, in Washington, DC, and is at work on his next novel, which should be complete by mid April, this year..

For more see:

(1) Authors Guild web page at www.littlegods.net
(2) Wikipedia article, David L. Hoof

Check Out This New De Miller Release!

As different as the Amish are from the outside world, so is the Palatin Commune from the rest of their Amish brethren. Enigmatic and strict, the leaders of the sect have guarded their privacy for generations. In Volume 2 - Secrets, The Amish Mysteries series, we are transported back in time about 15 years to see the beginnings of the personalities and incidents which will set up the biggest challenge to their Amish way of life in more than 200 years. Jake Crew, a 20-year-television-veteran by 1994, begins a clandestine assignment from the President of the United States which will forever change his life. At the same time, the leaders of the secretive Amish sect set in motion moves that go against their time-honored practice of little or no contact with the outsiders. In the next decade and a half people and events, both inside and far outside their commune’s fences, move into place, all leading to one catastrophic day which will rock the very foundations of their simple way of life.
De Miller is a former newspaperman now living in Mount Dora, Florida. He has been writing for three decades, first as a reporter, photographer and editor for The Kansas City Star and The Kansas City Kansan newspapers, then as the Public Information Officer for the Wyandotte County Commissioners in Kansas. Over the years as a freelancer he has had material published in such diverse publications as Crafting Magazine, The Sporting News and The National Enquirer. Among other writing accomplishments, he wrote the script for and produced two direct-to-video comedy movies starring Jerry Mathers and 60s music icon Tiny Tim; wrote the scripts for and directed a series of children's videos and wrote scripts for informational videos for the county government.
Since moving to Florida, he has become a Christian and devoted much of his writing time to Christian endeavors. He wrote and directed a Christian movie, Daniel’s Lot, starring Emmy award winner Gary Burghoff (Radar from M*A*S*H) which is now in worldwide release through the Bridgestoen Multimedia Group. (www.danielslot.com)
He has also devoted a great deal of time to his writing passion, working on novels and short stories. (www.demiller.com)
His other passion is the Christian radio station he operates. The station, WTYG, 91.5 FM (We Thank You God) serves north-central Florida in the town of Sparr. (www.wtygfm.com)

The Character as Storyteller-William Tooker

The Character as Storyteller

Some people work best from an outline and I can certainly understand the role of structure in writing. When I sit down to write a story I have a loose outline generally including the character arc for the major players and what needs to have happened by the end. On more than one occasion I have been traveling down a road where I believed I knew what was around the corner only to be utterly surprised by the character having none of it. It's a strange sort of relationship you have with your characters as an author. You are the defacto god of their universe but sometimes their reactions can surprise you. Greedy and selfish characters can hold that last inner spark of decency and noble heroes can give in to bitterness. When I was a bit more of a neophyte I used to try and force them into reactions I wanted rather than what they wanted the results often felt forced and weakened the plot. Pushing characters through a gauntlet is a slow frustrating process that usually ends up in a rewrite. Giving the characters free rein to talk back to you and surprise you will add momentum to the story. Don't be too caught up with the idea that these new actions don't lead to the end you want. If it's that brilliant of an ending then there will be more than one path to it and if it's not as good as you wanted it to be the rebellious character might well be leading you to a better end than you had planned. In the end what really matters is that you fulfill all the points of story having changes in most major characters by the end and creating a resolution that fits with the heroes’ journey through his individual perils.
William is originally from Ohio. After college at The Ohio State University Will has lived in San Francisco, Ca and Oakland, CA. After a brief pit stop back in Ohio William lived for a time in Clearwater, Florida and Denver Colorado. His interest in horror started at age 13 when seeing Don Coscarelli's Phantasm in his hometown theater for the first time. Later that year he had the bejesus scared out of himself reading The Amityville Horror. Although Roger Zelazney's Chronicles of Amber were the works that made him want to be a writer he has learned character development by reading Stephen King, learned to color outside the lines from reading Clive Barker and Glen Cook. After Slouching Towards Bethlehem" is over Will is starting on an ongoing novel series with a modern day gang war among sorcerers. If you've stopped by the profile stop and say Hi! I love meeting fans.