The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog

About The Master's Wall :

"HE FIGHTS FOR HIS FREEDOM. SHE FIGHTS FOR HER LIFE. TOGETHER, THEY FIGHT FOR EACH OTHER. 

After watching Roman soldiers drag his parents away to their death, David, a young Hebrew, is sold and enslaved to serve at a villa outside of Rome. As David trains to become a skilled fighter, he works hard to please his master and hopes to earn his freedom. However, an opportunity to escape tempts him with its whispering call. Freedom beckons, but invisible chains hold him captive to the master's granddaughter, an innocent girl with a fiery spirit. David vows to protect Alethea from his master, the murderous patriarch, and contrives a daring plan—sacrifice his own life to save hers."(Amazon)


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


I find this time period fascinating. What time periods fascinate you?

Article: The Dream that Burns Brightest is the One We Write

I read an article today about how a book changed a boy's life. The Harry Potter series gave him hope when he felt alone, courage to face the situation he was in, and the ability to escape the horror that surrounded him.

Many of us can relate to the pure unadulerated joy a good book can bring. I remember staying home from school in junior high (when sick and not), lying on the living room couch and transporting myself into worlds I could only dream of. There were days I was Jo March, one of the The Hardy Boys,  or Elizabeth Bennet -- hoping my pride hadn't lost me Mr. Darcy forever.

To this day I may find myself whisked away to Rivendale, or the chaotic streets on New York so I can fight a vampire outbreak. I often solve murders entrenched in a world of intrigue, art and mystery aside Robert Langdon,fly my own starship,or lead my troops into battle beneath the colors of King Arthur. I've even lived in Forks, Washington, basking in Twilight, and the escaped the new world order of the invading souls in The Host.

I read.

There truly is nothing like a good book. Perhaps my love for the written word is what inspires me to write. Maybe it's the dream that burns as bright as a star inside my soul that drives me to write. What ever reason; I write.

There are many  authors on the Church of Christ Women's Author site. Some of us write religious books, because we have a message that needs to be shared with fellow Christians. Some of us write fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, historical romance, inspirational fiction, and poetry. We all have one thing in common, and that is we write.

If you haven't checked out the authors, take a look at the left side-bar. Read through, and find a good book.

--Susan



What book worlds could you get lost and live forever in?

Design Defect by Lynn Nodima

About Design Defect :

When Marci opens her door to a salesman, she doesn't expect her entire life to change. Good looking though he is, she considers telling him she isn't interested and slamming the door. After she lets him and he demonstrates his product, she wishes she had considered the door slamming bit a little harder. (Amazon)

From Susan: It's no secret that Lynn Nodima is one of my favorite science fiction and fantasy authors. I've been a huge fan for a long time, and I am so happy she is finally putting her work on kindle. Design Defect is a short read, but it is well worth it. 

I often use this story as an example of great writing in my high school creative writing classes. 

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



Have you read one of Lynn Nodima's books?

Hai! by Susan Elliott

Hai!

This short read is about a family going to eat sushi -- one of my family's favorite things to do.

I first wrote this poem when I was attending Northwest Arkansas Community College in 2005. I remember sitting in my professor's office telling him how much I wanted to turn this poem into a children's book. He was encouraging, but had no idea how to get into the business of picture book writing.


How the times have changed the publishing and printing world! Today anyone with a dream can write an publish.

I worked on the original edition of Hai! for a long time (I think about a year.) It was the first time I'd ever illustrated anything, and it turned out pretty cool; however, I was never truly satisfied with it.

Since then I've learned much more about illustrating books, and have recently created a new version of Hai! with brilliant watercolor images, and I love it! I hope you'll love it, too!

The poem Hai! has been published in Visions, on Every Writer's Resource, and of course on Susan's Poetic Blogosphere!


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



Have you ever written a children's book?

Meet the Author Lora Wise

In Depth with Lora Wise:

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I always enjoyed writing but I never planned to become an author. However, I had a message that I needed to get out there. So, I put it in a book.

How many books have you written?

I have only written one book.

How long does it take you to write a book?

The total time to research it and write it was three years.


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

I have always felt a strong desire to help those who have been misled by false teaching. Since the age of sixteen I have especially been struck by the significance and importance of baptism.

My insights into the subject took on new significance when I realized the relationship between the Holy Spirit, baptism, the blood of Christ, and covenant. As I began ro research "covenant" I saw even greater beauty in the act of baptism. I view baptism as a marriage ceremony. The church is the bride of Christ.

When we are baptized into Christ we are added to His church. During baptism we unite with Christ. God has made covenant vows to us, and we make covenant vows with Him. Covenant is such a beautiful concept because it includes fidelity, provision, love and belonging.

I have ideas for future books, but none are so consuming as the first one was.

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

I like to spend my time, when I am not reading my Bible and researching for future books, in creating digital art. I have a Facebook page called "Scripture Wallpapers" which displays my pictures.

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

I would tell other Christian women who want to write to go for it. If God calls you to write then He equips you for His purpose. Writing is all about the message. If God gives us a message and a talent we bless others when we share it.

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

I have only written one book so of course, it has to be my favorite. But, even if God gives me more books to write this first one is special because the message is so personal to me.

My relationship with God and my confidence in Christ grew so much deeper as I wrote this book. It was an exciting time during which I learned who I am in Christ and to Christ. My relationship with God is so much deeper now than it ever would have been were it not for the book.

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

I have a few suggestions to help women become better writers.

• The first is to really care about the subject matter. Passion for writing comes through to the reader.
• My second suggestion is to spend a lot of time reading. The more that we read the greater our vocabulary and writing skills will be.
• My third suggestion is to periodically study online sites and/or books that are designed to help us become better writers.

What do you like to read?

My favorite book to read is the Bible. I also like to read inspirational romances and mysteries.

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

As a child I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. I fulfilled that desire.

Fun fact.

AAA fun fact about me is I that I have a twin sister. She has no desire to write.


Lora Wise's Book:




What inspires you to write?

Leading Ladies: Willing Hearts, Willing Hands by Teresa Hampton

About Leading Ladies: Willing Hearts, Willing Hands:

"Refreshing ideas and simple guidelines show women divine parameters for leadership. A how-to book for ladies who want to put away complaining, worrying, and gossiping, and step into God's service. Thirteen chapters with questions." (Publishing Designs)

From Church of Christ Women Authors:

I LOVE this book. I started teaching ladies classes several years ago, and I found this book a great encouragement to me as I adjusted to teaching peers. I would recommend this book for women of all ages.

--Susan Elliott

What are your tips for teaching peers about the Bible?

Wandering Through a Barely Functional Mind by Susan Elliott

About Wandering Through a Barely Functional Mind :

"Wandering Through a Barely Functional Mind" is a collection of poetry from author Susan Elliott. Susan has a unique voice that stands apart from the masses. This collection of poetry is more than a book of poetry, it is a life journey. Her poems are serious, challenging, romantic and at times whimsical. This is a must read for anyone who shares Susan's love for the poetic word." (Amazon)

From the Author:  This was my first book and I still love it! It includes several poems that were original published through the journals Poesia and Visions.

You can read more of Susan Elliott's poetry at Susan's Poetic Blogosphere.

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

Sneak Peek:


Bare Feet 
Encompassed in trees
here I stand
breathing the beauty
of this wooded land.

At peace with myself,
I stand free to dream.
So slipping off shoes,
I run through the green.

My burdened soul's uplifted
in the pale morn light,
a new day has broken,
gone is the night.

My tightly tethered heart
has grown white silken wings
and flies through the sky
up where the jay sings.
(c) Susan Elliott



Roar 
His name left written
by driftwood scribe
she stood; bathed by spray
at the ocean's shore
closing bloodshot eyes
hearing the roar,
like a heartbeat, it
had called him home.
She alone; drowning
in bitterness
watching the tide wash
memories across
the sand, erasing  his name.
(c) Susan Elliott



Tejas 
The Sun beat down from the Texas sky
licking its way through the carpet grass.
Indian summer left it weathered
burnt and yellow flecked, sparsely green.
We two standing in the foreground
trees dark and forest like squat giants behind us.  

You smiled.

I smiled.
 
Our arms draped around each other
born fresh into womanhood, no cares,

save the cowboy who took our picture.
(c) Susan Elliott


Do you write poetry?