Book of the Month Club: The Treasured Woman by Christa Bryant

Christa Bryant's The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 is our first Book of the Month Club selection from Church of Christ Women Authors!

You can click the link or picture to find the book in print or ebook.

Reading and Posting Schedule:

Week 1: Chapters 1-3
Week 2: Chapters 4-6
Week 3: Chapters 7-10
Week 4: Chapters 11-13


Please invite your friends and family to join our book of the month club!

Please Enjoy a Free Preview Below:

Make sure to read the Rules for Engagement before posting.

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


Don't forget to post your comments below during the month of September.  

Sisters at Sea by Jenny Harp

About Sisters at Sea:

"How many “ships” will you encounter on your sea of life? Sisters at Sea is a guide for a woman’s “ships” including Partnership, Stewardship, and Fellowship. Is your Swordsmanship rusty? Learn of salvation and Membership. Energize your Bible study with Sisters at Sea. Sinking is not an option. 13 chapters. Questions." (Publishing Designs)







What lessons ideas can you come up with from the thought of the Sea?

Church of Christ Women Authors Book of the Month Club Rules of Engagement

Rules of Engagement:

Speak with love. While constructive criticism of a a person's writing ability is sometimes helpful, it is NOT necessary. Not all authors have been in a setting where they have had their work critiqued. Please refrain from critiquing an author's ability to write.

Speak the truth. Be honest with people. If you find a section of a work that is helpful in your personal life, let us know -- and let the author know!

Let your moderation be known. As always, all comments will be monitored by Susan Elliott and reviewed before posting. Comments that are inappropriate will be deleted. (Remember this is a public site.) Comments should be posted in the comment section of the book of the month post.

Stay on Topic. Make sure that the comments pertain to what is being discussed for that week. Don't spoil a book for other readers.

Reading and Discussion Schedule will be posted with the book selection.

Challenge yourself. Let other people know what you're reading, and encourage your friends to join that discussion!

What about Short Fiction Reads? In months that I choose short fiction there will be at minimum two works selected for the month, at maximum four works. The short fiction reading list will be determined by the length of the work.

Who can participate? Remember this is a ladies site, but all women are welcome.

Golden Nuggets for Writers: Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling by Emma Coates

These rules were originally tweeted by Emma Coates, Pixar’s Story Artist. Number 9 on the list - When you’re stuck, make a list of what wouldn’t happen next – is a great one and can apply to writers in all genres.

I hope you find this information as useful as I did!

--Susan

Pixars 22 Rules of Storytelling

#1: You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.

#2: You gotta keep in mind what's interesting to you as an audience, not what's fun to do as a writer. They can be v. different.

#3: Trying for theme is important, but you won't see what the story is actually about til you're at the end of it. Now rewrite.

#4: Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.

#5: Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You'll feel like you're losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.

#6: What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?

#7: Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.

#8: Finish your story, let go even if it's not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.

#9: When you're stuck, make a list of what WOULDN'T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.

#10: Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you've got to recognize it before you can use it.

#11: Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you'll never share it with anyone.

#12: Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.

#13: Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it's poison to the audience.

#14: Why must you tell THIS story? What's the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That's the heart of it.

#15: If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

#16: What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don't succeed? Stack the odds against.

#17: No work is ever wasted. If it's not working, let go and move on - it'll come back around to be useful later.

#18: You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.

#19: Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.

#20: Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How d'you rearrange them into what you DO like?

#21: You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can't just write ‘cool'. What would make YOU act that way?

#22: What's the essence of your story? Most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there.

What rule would you add?

Illuminating Shadows by Teresa Hampton

I was sitting at a table the other day at an event and overheard a man talking to his friend. He stated that the book Illuminating Shadows, written by Teresa Hampton was the best book he's ever seen on the topic of types and antitypes. According to the description on Amazon, this book is one that reveals "Old Testament imagery to New Testament Reality."

While this book is available on Amazon through various vendors, new copies are available online at H & C Religious Supplies.

H & C Religious Supplies adds this book description, "Illuminating Shadows by Teresa Hampton Christian women are asking for substantive material for their adult Bible classes. This book firs that request. The author addresses one of the foremost connecting links between the Old Testament and the New." And, it looks like a great book.


What substantive material do you enjoy studying?

Meet the Publishers: Pryor Convictions Media

About Pryor Convictions Media:

We are a home-schooling family from St. Petersburg, Florida, who are passionate about God, His WoPaul and Heather Pryorrd and homeschooling our children. We have been on the homeschooling journey for the last 20 years. Our two oldest have graduated high school and our youngest is now in the 12th grade. Over the years we have learned that certain things have worked for us and others haven’t. We realize that each family and each child in that family is different with their own unique learning style.

Currently Heather Pryor (mom) is focused on developing Bible curriculum for children in the elementary and middle school stages. The series is titled “Growing Up in God’s Word”. She and her husband (Paul) are also currently working on a Bible story audio series for children of all ages. Heather is also developing a DVD series for moms and daughters titled, “Hearts-at-Home”. Heather is the author of Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women and has had several articles published in Christian Woman magazine.

Paul is developing a video Bible curriculum geared toward older teens and adults. These courses will cover most books of the Bible which will be available in an online format as well as on DVD. Currently he is working on the books of James and Genesis. Paul is an elder and pulpit minister at the Northside church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL. (Pryor Convictions Media)


Don't forget to check out Heather Pryor's Meet the author Page!


What publisher do you use?

Leandra's Enchanted Flute by Katy Huth Jones

About Leandra's Enchanted Flute:

"Fourteen-year-old flutist Lee Ann Graves is a survivor--she has beaten cancer. But her greatest battle is yet to come. The Carolina wren who has sung outside her window during the long weeks of chemotherapy reveals himself as Songcatcher. He knows Lee Ann’s real name is Leandra, and he transports her and her flute to a magical world that is dying because of a growing world-wide “canker.” Leandra is restored to health and her flute transformed by what magic is left in the world. But as she searches for the source of the canker, the malignant forces take their toll, not only on the land, but on Leandra’s physical and mental well-being. With the help of Songcatcher, other bird friends, and a very human prince, Leandra must find a way to heal the land she has learned to love before it is too late." (Amazon)

Enjoy a Free Preview Below

Don't forget to check out Katy Huth Jones Meet the Author Page!



What stories of courage and survival inspire you?

Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women by Heather Pryor

About Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women:

"A book of devotional thoughts for women covering topics such as contentment, time management, prayer and purpose. Written sometimes with humor, sometimes seriously but always with faith in God and His Word." (Amazon)




Enjoy a Free Preview Below:

From Church of Christ Women Authors:


I've recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Heather. She is a phenomenal woman. If you have the opportunity, please check out her books! --Susan


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


What devotional topics do you like to study?

Print-On-Demand Publishing Platforms

Today's author has so many more choices than writers of the past. Gone are the days where a big house publisher or vanity press is required to get your manuscript turned into a beautiful book.

Technology has brought about a landscape where anyone with the desire can self-publish a book.

Print-on-demand publishing is different from vanity publishing, because with print-on-demand services there is no upfront out-of-pocket cost. Writers simply determine with platform they prefer, get a free membership and upload their completed works.

Publishers, print-on-demand and e-book, alike receive a portion of each books sale, and the author makes royalties. There is no need for a storage place for a large quantity of books. They are living in a virtual warehouse. Typically, if authors need copies of their books for book signings, fairs, or other engagements they can order them for a drastically reduced price.

As of now I work exclusively with Createspace (an Amazon company) and Amazon Kindle. Createspace has agreements with a massive amount of vendors so book distribution is huge. Books published through Createspace can be purchases at Barnes & Noble, other books stores, and are even available at countless other online distributors.

Cover creation through Createspace is also a breeze. I almost always use their cover creator for all of my books. Createspace has scores of stock photos, but there is also an option to upload your own photos.

Createspace has an option to upload books to Amazon Kindle, but I prefer to upload my books through Amazon. I feel like the e-books look nicer if I create a separate e-book file. Kindle now has a e-book creator for children's books, graphic novels and comic books!

I am so grateful for the new print-on-demand publishing services. To date, I have created 12 books through Createspace and Kindle, and I don't plan on stopping!


A Few Indie Publishing Platforms:

Createspace: Print books

Kindle: E-books

Nook Press: E-book Print books

Smashwords: Print books and E-books



Have you used a self-publishing platform?

Ink Blots on Paper by Susan Elliott

About the Book: Ink Blots on Paper

"Ink Blots on Paper is a collection of poetry written by Susan Elliott. Her poetry has been published world wide in both print and online publications.

Susan has been actively involved in writing poetry since she was nine years old. Her first poem was published in 1989. Susan's poetry has been featured online at Every Writer's Resource, and Chris the Story Reading Ape. Her works have appeared in Visions, and Poesia. She is the author of four books of  poetry.

Susan has a unique voice that takes on a life of its own. Her poetry is both whimsical, serious and fearless. She studied writing at Northwest Arkansas Community College,  the University of Arkansas, and is a member of the Virginia Writers Club." (Amazon)

Excerpt: I wrote this poem as a tribute to my favorite poem, Sea Fever by John Masefield.

Sea Fever

I must go down to the beach again, where the horizon meets the sky

and all I need is a surfboard, and my Coppertone 45

and the rise of the surf and the gull's song and the breakers softly breaking

and a sparkling sun over me, and the sea grass slowly shaking.

I must go down to the beach again, for the call of the siren tide

is a captive call and a strong call stronger with each wave I ride

and all I ask is a crystal day with the ocean waves a swelling

and a waxed board and a longboard, and my sis wildly yelling.

I must go down to the beach again, and enjoy my surfing life,

it's a true life and an honest life where the pipeline swells are rife

and all I ask are good brahs, laughter and a diet coke

and an Aloha spirit, and more time, cause dude, I'm totally stoked.

(c) Susan Elliott

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

Have you ever written a tribute to your favorite poem?

Meet the Editor: Christa Bryant

(c) Naomi Elliott

Meet the Editor: Christa Bryant

Christa Bryant, author of The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31, also works as a professional editor. She is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and has a degree in English Education. If you're looking for editing services shoot her a quick email at christamsb@yahoo.com.

Her current going rate is $3 a page.

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



What are your tips for editing?