Friday, July 31, 2015

Rightly Dividing the Word: A II Timothy Study Guide


susan elliott, rightly dividing the word, II Timothy, church of Christ women authors, study books, women study, new testament study, pauline studies, apostle paulAbout Rightly Dividing the Word: A II Timothy Study Guide:

"Rightly Dividing The Word: A II Timothy Study Guide is an excellent study tool. It is an in depth study that not only covers the verses, but looks at them through a historical lens. Susan confronts many contemporary issues that were also common to Paul's day. This book has been classroom tested, and is also great for personal growth and development." (Amazon)


From the Author: I wrote this book because we had a need for class materials in our high school classroom. The year I wrote it II Timothy was the book the kids were studying for Bible bowl, so it only made sense to write class material that would cover Bible bowl and important lessons from II Timothy. I hope you find this book useful.  If you purchase a copy and like it, please leave a rating on Amazon. THANKS!

Don't forget to check out Susan Elliott's Meet the Author Page!

What is your favorite epistle written by Paul?








God's Girls by Teresa Hampton

About God's Girls:

"Secrets of Leadership for Young Women - Actions do speak louder than words! God's Girls points the way to service through love, obedience, service, purpose, and courage - to name a few. God’s girl is always a leader - not the screamer who vies for attention, but the serene follower of Christ. 13 chapters with side text that includes questions and activities." (Publishing Designs)

You can order this book from the Publishing Designs website.

From Church of Christ Women Authors: 

I purchased my daughters this book the day I first saw it. They love it! I know one area congregation has been using it for a teen girls class on Sunday morning.

Don't forget to check out Teresa Hampton's Meet the Author Page! (Coming Soon)



Have you read God's Girls?




Poems, Prayers & Promises by Cindy Colley

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About Poems, Prayers & Promises: A Spiritual Planner For All Seasons of Life:

"Get your act together this year. Get organized while prioritizing the spiritual. This planner is filled with the spiritual focus you need to do the right things and the order you need to do them efficiently. Alissa uses it for her meal planner and Christa uses it to chart all the first roll-overs, laughs, words, teeth and steps of her baby. Cindy uses it to keep up with a busy schedule and Celine doesn't use hers at all. She's just saving it to pass down to her daughter. It's a prayer list keeper, a Bible study notebook or a baby shower gift. Every opening has the poetry of Cindy Colley. A 52 week planner for any year." (The Colley House)




Be sure to check out Cindy Colley's Meet the Author's Page!

From Church of Christ Women Authors: 

This book is adorable, and necessary for busy women -- like me.  This is a unique treasure, and I highly recommend you getting one today!


Do you use a planner to keep up with your schedule?




Meet the Author Cindy Colley

Cindy Colley is a Bible class teacher, ladies day speaker, mother and writer. She is married to Glen Colley, the pulpit minister for the West Huntsville church of Christ in Alabama, and together they serve the kingdom in several ways.

They have worked together for the cause of Christ for many years, and have been "active in missions having been blessed in an amazing way to work in Trinidad, various areas in Africa, India, Ukraine, Colombia, Jamaica, New Zealand and Argentina." Not only does Cindy speak on ladies days, but is active in speaking for teen girls. Together with her husband, she  also speaks on marriage and family seminars. (The Colley House)

In Depth with Cindy Colley:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I guess I always enjoyed writing, but never really "began the journey." Writing "found" me rather than the other way around. I put together some materials for a girls' class and those materials eventually became the first of my books.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me years to write a book because I have to do it just a little bit at the time. Life is so full of work in the kingdom! However, recently I spent about five days in a relatively remote location for the purpose of writing and I actually completed half a book in those five days!

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

The writing schedule is extremely varied.


Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

I don't guess this is a quirk, but it is definitely interesting to just me. I have whacky dreams about things I am writing. In my sleep, I have the perfect plan for a book, a poem, an article. It's all very logical when I'm sleeping. I wake up and try to tell my husband how great this piece is going to be. That's when I first realize it's total nonsense.


Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I get information primarily from the inspired writers of the Bible. But I also draw heavily on family experiences.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When not writing, I'm busy speaking and maintaining the Digging Deep Bible Study for women.It's grown to be a great blessing that takes a wonderful large chunk of my time these days. My favorite just-for-fun thing to do is to spend time with my grandson, Ezra. He's the sunshine of my life right now! I love smocking, sewing, reading and my marriage (not in that order!). Glenn Colley provides everything I need. He's a rock.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?

If you want to write, realize that it's work. If you want to get something out there, you have to do enough study and research to know what you are talking about, even if it's fiction. You won't get it done if you don't purposefully set aside time for work. When you finish your manuscript, give Publishing Designs a look. Good people and great books over there at"Publishing Designs They didn't ask me to say this. They're just good and their products are sound.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I think I have authored a half dozen books and co-authored about as many. My favorite is "Picking Melons and Mates," a children's book, because I believe it has the potential to give kids a gift that has eternal consequences. It teaches parents how to do Family Bible Time in a simple parental guide section in the back of the book. That's why I think it's an important book.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so what are they?

If you want to be a better writer, be a better detailer. Be willing to take the time to peruse every.single.sentence and ask yourself "Is this the very best, most succinct, yet interesting way to commute this thought?" And then find someone as supportive as Glenn Colley to be in your corner and tell you that you're a good writer!

What do you like to read?

I like to read the Bible, of course. Then political biography, classics, and clean current southern fiction like Jan Karon. And I love reading all things from my sisters in Christ. I read aloud to my husband as we travel because he loves it....He's quirky like that. We cover a lot of miles in good books. Right now we are reading "A History of Hawaii" by Queen Lilioukalani. It's an understated story of the overthrow of the Hawaiian nation by the US at the end of the nineteenth century.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child, I wanted to be a great mom. I had this great mom who put that into me! I had a great father, too, who had this game he played with me. He would give me random topics, like "bananas" or "mailboxes" and ask me to give a three minute extemporaneous discourse on their importance to the world or their meaning to the modern American, or some such....It was great training for what I get to do today.

Fun Fact

I won a US history essay contest in the seventh grade and the prize was a silver ID bracelet. I still have that little bracelet. Now, I know that essay wasn't brilliant. Neither is anything I write today. But that little bracelet was an important confidence builder for me. Perhaps it's a lack of confidence that inhibits many from getting to the task of writing for others. You never know what influence you could have over the eternal part (the only part that matters) of some reader somewhere. So go write!



More from Cindy:

Bless Your Heart Blog

Digging Deep in God's Word Bible Study

Keepers at Home Videos





Cindy's Books:

Cindy Colley on Homeschooling
My Sister's Keeper
Picking Melons and Mates
Poems, Prayers and Promises
We Bow Down
Women of the Genesis
Women of Deliverance
Women of Troubled Times
You're Singing My Song
Your Momma Don't Dance



Which of Cindy's books have you read?










Thursday, July 30, 2015

Seeking Spiritual Beauty by Sheila K. Butt

About Seeking Spiritual Beauty:

"A book of courage and power for women who are not satisfied with the world's standard of spirituality. Examine God's plan for your spiritual makeover." (Publishing Designs)

From Church of Christ Women Authors: 

Seeking Spiritual Beauty is available from Publishing Designs. This book is a great book for young women and older women alike. It helps us remember what the important things are in life. I completely recommend getting a copy and studying it with your daughters and granddaughters. It would also make a great ladies class book.


Make sure to check out Sheila Butt's Meet the Author Page!

How are you teaching the women in your life it's the inner person that's important?







Meet the Author Sheila Butt

sheila butt, Tennessee, church of christ women authors, seeking spiritual beauty,
(c) SHEILA BUTT FOR DISTRICT 64 STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Sheila Butt is not only an accomplished writer and church of Christ ladies day speaker, but serves the great state of Tennessee as a state representative. 

Sheila is on Facebook and can also be contacted through her website Sheila Butt State Representative.

  • "Member of the 107th and 108th General Assemblies
  • Vice-Chair, House State Government Committee
  • Member, House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
  • Member, House State Government Subcommittee 
  • Awarded Kay Battles Service Award, Freed Hardeman University in 2004
  • Golden Pen Award, Publishing Designs, Huntsville, Alabama
  • Member of the Maury Chamber & Alliance, Columbia Breakfast Rotary, Associate Member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Maury County Right to Life, Tennessee Right to Life, National Rifle Association"

Sheila is the author of Seeking Spiritual Beauty.

Have you read Sheila's book?




The Begging Place by Becky Blackmon


About the Begging Place:

"Does prayer change things? What is the best way to pray? How can I teach my child to pray? Does God answer my call? 
13 Chapters. Questions." (Publishing Designs)


From Church of Christ Women Authors:

I've been privileged to hear Becky speak twice. Once in South Texas and once in Virginia. She is a joyous speaker who is enthusiastic, and that enthusiasm is contagious! I bought The Begging Place several years ago, get yours today!

Genre: Religious Women's Studies

Don't forget to check out Becky Blackmon's Meet the Author Page!


Return to Me by Kathy Pollard

About the Book Return to Me:

"Are your sleepless nights punctuated with heart rending prayers for a loved one who has walked away from you and your God? If so, then know this. You are not alone. One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the great loss of human souls from Christian families—good families that have had every spiritual blessing. Kathy

Pollard guides you through a very personal Bible study—one that will help fortify your faith against fears, doubt, and guilt. Return To Me provides hope and comfort as you struggle with a wandering loved one." (Fortify Your Faith)


From Church of Christ Women Authors:

I have heard Kathy speak on several occasions. This book has high praise on the website, and I am certain it is worth a read. Kathy runs the blog Life and Favor.


Don't forget to check out Kathy Pollard's Meet the Author Page!


Have you heard Kathy speak?






Meet the Author Kathy Pollard

kathy pollard, bear valley, church of christ woman authors, return to me
About Kathy Pollard:

"Aside from spending time with my family, I enjoy going on short-term mission trips, writing, baking, reading inspirational suspense, playing tennis, and studying herbalism.  I collect English teacups.  I have the best sister in the world and a playful goldendoodle named Chipper.  I have the honor and challenge of teaching in the Women’s Program at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, and am co-founder and co-director of Higher Ground Encampment, a Bible camp for teen girls." (Life and Favor)



 Kathy's Books: Return to Me




Have you read Kathy's book?




Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Rating Books to Help Struggling Authors Succeed


Imagine:

You've found a book on the Church of Christ Women Authors Blog written by one of your favorite authors. You bought it by either clicking on the link within the post, from the publisher, or from a ladies day book sale. You read it and you loved it! You tell everyone you know about the book. Recommend it to friends and family, and are blessed for reading it. In fact, it is your new permanent decoration on your nightstand.

Sounds like an author's dream, right?

Almost. You may wonder why this scenario isn't the best, most rewarding scenario for a struggling author. After all, you're telling people about the book and you enjoyed it.

Let me be the first to tell you that an author is super excited when someone, really anyone, finds their writing worth while; however, if you want to help an author succeed that isn't enough.

Amazon Rating:

The little star buttons that appear beside an author's work don't appear by magic. Those rating buttons are used when a customer writes a review. The thought is to have the customer who reads a book, rate it.


Notice the customer review chart on the left. This is from the book Humanism: A Christian's Greatest Enemy .

By reviews, it is obvious that the topic is polarizing. You are either going to love the book or hate it, and that's okay. (Authors have to have thick skin.)

Sadly, those who hate the book have written more reviews than those who liked it. (Some of them who have rated it poorly have not even read the book, or closed it before getting far into it. I can tell by the comments).

This system of customer reviews gives the book a meager 2.8 star rating out of 5 stars. Notice this excerpt from a Forbes article titled, Fake Reviews: Amazon's Rotton Core.

"Carpet-bombers do not leave negative reviews in order to help readers avoid a bad book, they do it to undermine the reader’s confidence in positive reviews, damage the book’s ranking in Amazon and thus that author’s sales. They are, like fake positive reviews, designed to game the system. Explains author Robert Kroese:

The effect of a bad review goes far beyond the impact that it has on the author’s ego, however. The prominence of a book on Amazon.com is determined primarily by two factors: how well the book has sold and how positive its reviews are. More highly rated books are displayed more prominently, which leads to more sales. Increased sales leads to even more prominent display, which leads to still more sales. Through the miracle of the positive review snowball effect, a few hundred rave reviews can transform an otherwise unremarkable book into a worldwide bestseller.""


It is so important for readers to understand that customer reviews are the lifeblood to a book. Reviews will make it successful, or in some cases it will destroy it.

So, next time you find a book that you love and have read, take a moment and write a review or at the very least click on the stars.  The author will appreciate it, and you are helping the next person who might want to read it.


Have you rated a book today?






Walks Alone by Sandi Rog

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About the book Walks Alone :

"A Cheyenne warrior bent on vengeance.

A pioneer woman bent on fulfilling a dream.

Until their paths collide.

After fleeing her abusive uncle, Anna is determined to reach the city of her dreams. But White Eagle and his fierce warriors take her prisoner. Anna attempts a harrowing escape, but her savage captor is determined to have her at all costs and forces her to be his wife. Has God forgotten her, or does He have plans of His own?

A man with a boot in one world and a moccasin in the other, White Eagle is disillusioned with his faith after a minister leads a massacre on his peaceful tribe. Where is his God? He’s definitely not with the white men who are slaughtering his people. But White Eagle also can’t give in to the idolatry practiced by his fellow tribesmen. Only the Truth can set him free.

And it’s found in beautiful Anna’s carpetbag."  (Amazon)

Genre: Western & Frontier, Religious

Don't forget to check out Sandi Rog's Meet the Author Page!


Have you read a good book lately? 






Odds & Ends: A Collection of Short Fiction by Arwen Chandler


odds and ends, arwen chandler, short fiction, short reads, thrillers, stephen king, church of Christ women authors, church of ChristAbout Odds & Ends: A Collection of Short Fiction

"Arwen Chandler lures readers into a world of crime, murder and intrigue with her latest collection of short fiction. Arwen Chandler's "Odds & Ends" collection of short fiction leaves nothing off the table. Step into this wild ride of short fiction at its finest."  (Amazon)

Genre: Suspense & Thrillers

A Moment with Arwen:

You're from the Author info on Amazon states that this is a work "out of your comfort zone," what do you mean?

Well, I will admit that Stephen King has been a guilty pleasure since childhood. I remember sitting in my room with a black sharpie (editing the language) and scaring myself silly with his stories. Anyway, I was reaching out to my inner Stephen King -- without the language -- when I wrote this.  The stories are pretty dark, and kind of twisted. But, boy were they fun to write!

Do you have a favorite short story in the collection?

Yes. I really like "The Blue Eyes." It's the first story in the collection. I wrote it during the Ferguson riots, and it is a different take on a similar situation. But, over all I really like them all. 

You write a lot about the dark side of life in this collection, where did you draw inspiration?

I love crime dramas and real life crime shows. I guess I'm fascinated by the science, but also the mentality of some people -- what makes people tick, why do they embrace evil? That kind of thing.

Who would you say is your intended audience?

The person who likes thrillers, but doesn't like the language. Like I said, these tales are pretty dark. 


Enjoy a Free Sneak Peek Below: 






Don't forget to check out Arwen Chandler's Meet the Author's Page!


Who are some of your favorite authors?




arwen chandler, the blue eyes, odds and ends, church of christ women authors, church of christ, short reads




Tuesday, July 28, 2015

The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 by Christa Bryant


christa bryant, the treasured woman, old testament studies, ladies books, church of christ, church of christ women authors, women authors, religious booksAbout: The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 :

"In The Treasured Woman, Christa Bryant brings to life the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman as she examines them and relates them back to some of the most honored, beloved women in Scripture. This book goes beyond the lofty expectations that Proverbs 31 tends to place upon women, digging deeper into the Word of God to reveal that these “unattainable” qualities can actually be achieved. 

In this thirteen-lesson study guide, Christa gives the reader real-life examples of a virtuous woman. You will be re-introduced to women such as Mary, Abigail, Ruth, Hannah, Rahab, and many others—all of whom lived the Proverbs 31 way of life and became treasured women to their families and to God. Questions at the end of each chapter serve to spark additional reflection and discussion. This study will give you the inspiration, confidence, and guidance you need to become a precious gem among the fellowship of believers."  (Amazon)

Genre: Wisdom Literature

More In-depth Information From Christa Bryant:


Why did you decided to write a book on this topic? 
I wanted women to realize that the Proverbs 31 woman was not just the June Cleaver image our culture seems to have of her. I wanted her to be real in a way that everyone could relate to her and find ways to emulate her in their personal lives. 

What are your goals with this work? 
I want to encourage women to be able to live up to the woman God wants them to be, not what the church, society, or culture seems to promote.

Who do you think the target audience is? 
Young women from teenagers to older women.

Are you working on any other book at this time? 
I am working on a book on confidence and self worth. I hope to take some of the women of the Bible an show how they demonstrated confidence and how Biblical confidence is better than worldly confidence. 


Don't forget to check out Christa Bryant's Meet the Author Page.



What are your favorite passages about female Bible Characters?







Meet the Author Christa Bryant

christa bryant, church of christ, church of christ women authors, the treasured women, meet the author
"Christa Bryant graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a degree in English Education. She currently teaches in the Wives' program at the Southwest School of Bible Studies and speaks at ladies' days around the country. She has written for Christian Woman magazine. She is happily married to Dewayne Bryant and is the homeschooling mother to Haydn, Ava, Sophia, Corinne, and Olivia."  (Amazon)

More from Christa Bryant:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I remember wanting to write as a little girl. 
It has been a passion of mine all of my life. I have tons of pages of written stuff mostly residing in the trash because it was not relevant to anyone but me. 

How long does it take you to write a book? 

I wrote the Treasured Woman  in about three month, but it marinated in my brain for about 18 years. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 

I work at night when my husband is at home to watch the children. 


Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 

I get information from lots of places. I read blogs to see how people perceive things. I read commentaries and concordances (I love concordances!!) but I read the Bible mostly over and over and over.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

I read. I read more than I write. But I love reading. 

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write? 

Study. if you want to write well, read well written things. Learn to incorporate good style into your own. then study your material. writing always reveals your lack of knowledge of something. 

How many books have you written? 

So far just the one. 

What do you like to read? 

I read everything from science books, to romance novels to early American history. There is not anything i won't read at least once. 

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

I wanted to be a teacher and a librarian! I became a teacher with aspirations to be a librarian still!

Christa's debut book The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 is available on Amazon.



Have you read this book?




church of christ, christa bryant, church of christ women authors, the treasured woman




Looking for an Editor: Teresa Hanger Might be For You

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Teresa Hanger is a member of the church of Christ and an editor. She runs A-1 Editing Services. Teresa is an experienced editor and edits dissertations, manuscripts, and everything in between for a competitive price.

You can reach Teresa via email at  thanger72@yahoo.com, or via her web page A-1 Editing Services.








Have you used a professional editing service?











Monday, July 27, 2015

All I Done by Lynn Nodima

lynn nodima, All I done, science fiction, grampy stories, church of Christ women authors
About the Book All I Done :

"When Grampy flies over the mountain to see what is on the other side, Ma sends Bradley after him. After all, it wouldn't do for regular folks to learn about Wilsons. They might just bring back witch burnings. And Ma hasn't forgiven them for the last time she was burned at the stake!"  (Amazon)

Don't forget to check out Lynn Nodima's Meet the Author Page!



From Susan Elliott:

An author once told me that there have been many folklores written, but very few that are set in North America. We often head to England, Ireland or Scotland to read legends. This short read All I Done contributes to the growing lore centered in North America. It embraces what feels like Appalachian life and then excels at capturing its lifestyle and nuances. 

While this is the first short work for Grampy and his family the Wilsons, it is just the beginning. If you like fantasy and folklore, this is a must read.

--Susan

What legends inspire you?








Sunday, July 26, 2015

Rejoice Sister! You Have Every Reason by Susan Elliott

Rejoice Sister, susan Elliott, church of Christ women authors, ladies study, women study, class books, church of Christ,
About the Book:

"Rejoice Sister! You Have Every Reason encourages readers to rejoice in this life no matter what happens. Susan covers the topics of Biblical authority, the importance of study, building relationships with your Christian family and many more."  (Amazon)

Excerpt From: Rejoice Sister! You Have Every Reason :




"God’s word is my judge.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. --John 12:48

Perhaps you haven’t ever thought of the judgment as a joyous occasion. But, as faithful Christians we can be joyous at the thought of standing before our God when he announces to all of mankind that we are one of his children. There is no greater thought that can bring more joy than to know we are counted as children of God. 

Christ words recorded in John 12: 46 state, I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. He goes on to state in verse 48, He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Christ has told us that his words will be our judge. We don’t have to guess at what God wants for our lives. We don’t have to imagine or invent how God wants us to worship him and hope that we hit the mark.

God tells us what his plans are for the organization of his church, what acceptable worship is and the principles by which we are to live our lives. II Peter 1:3 states, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Notice also II Timothy 3:16, 17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 
God gave us everything we need contained in one very precious book. Notice God didn’t give us some things. He didn’t give us a few things. He gave us all things, and we must study His word to know them (II Timothy 2:15).  

We can be joyous as Christians because God has truly given us everything. He has spared nothing—not even his son.


Next time you pick up your Bible. Think about that. Remember that you hold God’s message for your life and the lives of your friends and family in your hand. Your Bible is everything you need to understand true joy."  -- Rejoice Sister! You Have Every Reason :




Don't forget to check out Susan Elliott's Meet the Author Page!


What do you find joyous?