Last weekend, El Husbando and I attended a sci-fi convention in Toronto. We’re not huge fans of the convention itself, but one of the guests of honor was author Brandon Sanderson—no way we were going to miss that! Sanderson is best known for finishing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, but we’ve been huge fans since Elantris, so… uh, yeah. A little fangirl/fanboy *squeeing* from both of us.

The convention offered a number of panels on writing speculative fiction, which Sanderson helped to lead. One of the things he said on a panel about writing endings is that the end of your book should be “surprising, yet inevitable.”

I think this particular phrase can also be found on his Writing Excuses podcast, so I don’t know if he necessarily coined the phrase, but it stuck with me… it really, really makes sense!

When you’re writing the ending of your story, the last thing you want is a predictable ending. You don’t want your reader to come to the CLIMAX OF EVERYTHING and then say “oh, I saw that coming a hundred pages ago.”

Instead, you want the reader to realize what’s happening just as the characters realize what’s happening, turn that last page and then think: “Wow, I didn’t expect that… but of COURSE it had to happen that way!”

The ending then informs the rest of what came before it, and the reader realizes that it really couldn’t have happened any other way.

The best example I can think of for this is from one of Sanderson’s own works, the Mistborn series. The end of that trilogy is shocking, unexpected, and yet… all things considered… absolutely, 100% the ONLY way it could have ended.

Now, how you craft those endings is another matter entirely… but the more you write, the more natural this kind of ending will be.

How about you… do you write endings that are “surprising, yet inevitable?”

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Canada Day/4th of July/other kind of weekend fun if you don’t live in North America.

I’m still here, plugging away at the rewrites, naturally not as far along as I’d like but further than I’ve managed to get in years.

I’ve rewritten about 25% of the novel… which means I have 75% to go. Hmm… it sounds a lot more impressive if I just focus on that first number. Heh.

I’m coming close to the areas of the book where I’d skipped writing scenes the first time around, and I’ll have to find my notes to figure out what I intended to put there. Does anyone else do this? Skip scenes, write notes in random places, then get intimidated by filling them in during the rewrite? o_O

Anywho, if you’re here reading this, leave me a quick note to tell me what you’re working on!!! I feel a little disconnected being on this bloggy break, but I promise to give you a visit in return.

Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine! Grab a book, head outside, get some of that good ol’ Vitamin D in your system.

A Great Catch

by Lorna Seilstad

Historical Romance / Inspirational

Release Date: May 2011

Synopsis:

She wants to change the world.
He wants to change her mind.

It’s the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham’s meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

My Thoughts:

If you recall my review of this author’s debut novel, you’ll remember that initially, the cover image threw me off and I read the book expecting to hate it—and was pleasantly surprised to find it was one of the best Christian fiction books I’d read in a long time.

I had a similar negative reaction when I heard about the topic of this novel: baseball. Baseball?! Really?! I mean, I like sports, but if there’s one sport I’d pass up free tickets to—heck, I don’t know if you could pay me to sit through a game—it’s baseball. *hurk*

But, since I enjoyed the previous book she’d written, I gave this one a go.

I’m glad I did! Once again, Seilstad has created memorable characters with unique goals, and placed them back in the same very different setting as her first novel. In fact, without giving any spoilers, I’ll mention that since it’s set in the same place, a number of characters from Making Waves show up here in a very natural way.

As for the negatives, I did find that the main character’s aunts grated on me after a little while, and though I realize they were supposed to be frustrating, there were moments when it seemed to go beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. But that’s a very minor thing over the course of a whole novel.

It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly good reading! I’ll be sharing this one with others and recommending it to library patrons. I hope Seilstad brings us back to Lake Manawa next summer too.

About the Author

A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Lady of Bolton Hill

by Elizabeth Camden

Historical Romance / Inspirational

Release Date: June 2011

Synopsis:

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain’s worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts–and lives–hang in the balance?

My Thoughts:

I’m sorry, team… but I didn’t make it through this one. *sigh*

There wasn’t anything particularly wrong with the characters, or plot, or setting… in fact, the time period seemed well-researched, and the dialogue and characters authentic.

My problem? I just didn’t care. I got bored… it felt, well, bland. There was nothing about this story that set it apart from other historical romances for me, so by the time I got halfway through the story, I realized that I’d rather do just about anything than continue reading, and that I was probably the wrong target audience for this novel.

So I’ll say this: If you like historical romances that are traditional, with typical characters and black-and-white issues of right & wrong, this book is probably for you. I can think of a number of church library patrons who would enjoy this story, and I’ll recommend the book to them. It feels “safe”, if that makes any sense, and that’s not really the kind of inspirational fiction I enjoy.

To be fair to the author, I recommend that if this is in your reading genre of choice, head to this page and read an excerpt from the novel. See if it’s something you’d enjoy before giving it a complete pass. It’s also worth keeping in mind that this is a debut novel, and I imagine Camden’s writing and ability to develop complex characters and plot will only improve with each book.

About the Author

A research librarian and associate professor,Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Orlando, Florida. Visit her website at ElizabethCamden.com

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

So… I’m still alive… the May blogging break just somehow morphed into June, and now we’re almost halfway through the month without any new posts from me. Sorry!

Not intentional. Rather, I started heavily rewriting my YA Paranormal novel from NaNoWriMo 2009, with the goal of having it completely rewritten and off to betas by the end of August. I’d like to be querying sometime in September.

I don’t know how realistic that is, but it feels good to be making solid progress again. I’m finding that I actually believe in this story again, and I can see the way around some of the roadblocks I hit back in 2009 while writing it.

This comes with a shift in focus and a real, solid attempt to get me on a regular schedule. I have a new laptop on the way, some new tools to make it easier to write around the house, and the realistic threat of finding a “real” job if I don’t start accomplishing more than what I have been.

I love writing short stories, but being a short story writer ISN’T my goal. I love writing novels, and I want to be a novelist… so as sad as I am that I have to put short story writing to the side for awhile, I’m glad to be making headway with what’s most important to me.

Hopefully I’ll get a few more posts up this month explaining some fun things like the business side of writing (which I recently took a webinar on), marketing yourself as a freelancer, and editing through a world of distractions.

So I’m still here… just working on other things. I’ve noticed a lot of people in the writing/blog sphere are taking things easy or taking time off from blogging this summer, so I guess I’m in good company.

See you around.

An Unlikely Suitor

by Nancy Moser

Historical Fiction / Inspirational

Release Date: May 2011

Synopsis:

Spend a season in glamorous 1895 Newport in this compelling tale of friendship, devotion, and sacrificial love.

New York dressmaker Lucy Scarpelli befriends socialite Rowena Langdon as she’s designing her 1895 summer wardrobe. Grateful for Lucy’s skill in creating fashions that hide her physical injury, Rowena invites Lucy to the family mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, encouraging the unusual friendship.

One day Lucy encounters an intriguing man on the Cliff Walk, and love begins to blossom. Yet Lucy resists, for what Newport man would want to marry an Italian dressmaker working to support her family?

Rowena faces an arranged marriage to a wealthy heir she doesn’t love, but dare a crippled girl hope for anything better?

And Lucy’s teenage sister, Sofia, falls for a man well above her social class–but is he willing to give up everything to marry a woman below his station?

As the lives of three young woman–and their unlikely suitors–become entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifice, will the season end with any of them finding true happiness?

My Thoughts:

Yeah… you want to read this one. If you like Christian historical fiction, or just plain old historical fiction for that matter (with a touch of romance), this one is worth the read.

When the twist came, I sat up on the couch and gasped audibly, then shouted “NO! No WAY!”… and you know, it takes a lot to surprise me in inspirational fiction. I’ve been reading & reviewing these kinds of books for awhile now, and usually these kinds of stories are incredibly predictable (though that doesn’t make them any less entertaining, most of the time).

This one? Definitely didn’t see THAT twist coming.

I also liked the characters, the atmosphere, the setting, and the amount of historical detail that Moser included AFTER the story ended. There are pages and pages of annotations about real historical elements she included (or took liberties with), and she also provides old catalogue illustrations that show some of the dresses she had her characters wear throughout the novel.

There was one little thing I didn’t like… a secondary character who was mentioned just a few times suddenly becoming a big deal almost out of nowhere… but I could easily look past that for how much I loved the historical detail and the twist. It’s rare for me to love an inspirational historical fiction novel these days, but this one definitely fits the bill.

About the Author

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart’s Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

To Win Her Heart

by Karen Witemeyer

Historical Romance / Inspirational

Release Date: May 2011

Synopsis:

Do They Have a Fighting Chance at Love?

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she’s reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she’s finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi’s prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

My Thoughts:

I’ve enjoyed Witemeyer’s books before, and this historical romance is a well-crafted addition to the author’s bibliography. I much preferred To Win Her Heart over Witemeyer’s previous offering, and many of the things I liked about this book were similar to what I liked in her debut novel, so I’ll try not to repeat myself too much.

The heroine is, of course, a seemingly flawless heroine with a secret in her past, and the hero is a physically attractive man with an even bigger secret. The villain is relentless and clueless, and you know from the beginning how the story is going to pan out. Read the synopsis again—tell me you don’t know what’s going to happen (but I won’t believe you!).

Still, the characters are interesting, the setting feels realistic, and the romance is slow and sweet. Plus, I like the idea of the heroine running a lending library from home. This makes for some easily-relatable discussion about books, which adds a nice dimension to the plot.

I should also mention that Witemeyer changed her tactic for this novel—instead of a young woman coming into town/the area and meeting the geographically-established hero, it’s the hero who’s the new person around. I appreciated the change.

Overall, I’d say that if you enjoy historical romances, or Witemeyer’s previous work, this one is worth the read. I might not recommend it to someone trying historical romance for the first time, but on the whole it’s a nice diversion with good characters, and the kind of story that can be easily shared with friends, mothers, and grandmothers, and chatted about afterward.

About the Author 

Karen Witemeyer holds a master’s degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and the Abilene Writers Guild. She has published fiction in Focus on the Family’s children’s magazine, and has written several articles for online publications and anthologies. A Tailor-Made Bride is her first novel. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.Visit Karen’s Web site atwww.karenwitemeyer.com.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Hello, Wonderful Readers!

Yep, I’m still on bloggy hiatus for the rest of the month, but there are a few book reviews that’ll be going up in the meantime to prove that I’m still alive… relatively speaking.

Er, anyhow… onward!

Unsinkable:

A Young Woman’s Courageous Battle on the High Seas

by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent

Memoir / Inspirational

Release Date: April 2011

Synopsis:

The stirring narrative of Unsinkable tells sixteen-year-old Abby Sunderland’s remarkable true story of attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world. More people have flown into outer space than have sailed solo around the globe. It is a challenge so immense that many have died trying, and all have been pushed beyond every physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual limit.

In Unsinkable, readers follow Abby Sunderland into those depths. This biography delivers a gripping and evocative firsthand account that starts prior to her departure, travels through her daring (and sometimes near-death) encounters on the open sea, to her dramatic rescue in the remotest corner of the Indian Ocean, and the media explosion that happened upon her safe return to dry land. Along the way, readers discover what it means to boldly face any challenge, to strive after something great, and to plumb the depths of faith, fear, and desperation only to emerge changed, renewed, and emboldened.

In this day and age, when the most productive thing a teenager may do is play videogames, Abby’s ambition and tenacity is a real-life parable of what can happen when we choose to exceed our own limits, embrace faith, and strive after what all the naysayers say is impossible.

My Thoughts:

First of all, I resent the videogames comment in the synopsis. Just sayin’. I’m no teenager, but why not say “play Boggle” or “play soccer”? Videogames get a bad rap, despite all the studies on their benefits. Grrr… sorry, this is a sore spot for me.

But anyway. Back to the book.

I’ll be first in line to admit that I thought Abby’s parents were crazy to allow their 16-year-old daughter to sail around the world, alone. I remember reading about this in the paper, as well as reports about another girl attempting it at the same time, and wondering… what are their parents on? What kind of adult lets their teenage daughter sail solo around the world??? Do they want her to die or get kidnapped by pirates?

Well, after reading this book… I still think her parents are a bit nuts to allow it. But at the same time, Abby seems like a capable young woman, and she definitely knew/knows her way around a boat. Heck, I didn’t even understand what was going on half the time, because she explains getting out of tricky or dangerous situations by recounting exactly what she did on board the boat and, uh, marine terminology is not my strong suit.

Fortunately, there’s a detailed glossary and labeled boat diagram at the back of the book for those of us who need it.

After reading the book, I understand why her parents let her make the journey, and I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like out in the ocean during things like 30-foot swells, or going for days without being dry, or having the engine fail and communications die at the worst possible time.

It’s a pretty incredible story, and Abby and her family’s faith is clear and strong throughout. If you’re not all that familiar with boats and marine terminology, parts of the story will be a struggle to get through, but either way, by the last page you’ll have to admit that this young woman was—and is—a capable, strong, and courageous sailor.

About the Author

Abby Sunderland is among the third generation in a family of sailors and adventurers. In 2007, at age 13, Abby discovered her dream of sailing solo around the world and was inspired by her brother Zac’s successful circumnavigation in 2009. Her own journey, in 2010, ended in the Indian Ocean when a rogue wave rolled her sailboat, Wild Eyes. Abby now shares her story of tenacity and courage with audiences everywhere. Lynn Vincent is the New York Times best-selling writer of Heaven Is for Real, Same Kind of Different as Me, and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of ten books, Lynn worked for eleven years as a writer and editor at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine covering politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, she teaches writing at colleges and conferences around the country. Lynn lives in San Diego, California.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson”.

…and we’ve come to the end of the challenge!!! One full month of blog posts, six days a week. (And if you’ve been paying attention, I’m still missing the post for ‘D’… ah well, one of these days I’ll finish it and it’ll show up in your RSS reader and you’ll be really confused.)

So what are we all doing to celebrate?

In the Arabic world, celebrations are loud, noisy, and joyful—and commonly full of women creating a particular sound called a zaghareet (also known as a ululation).

To create this noise, you start by saying “la la la”. (Try it!)

…good! And a little boring, right?.

So now, do the same thing, but make the sound a little bit higher pitched and a little bit louder, like you’re a kid trying to ignore her parents. I’ll wait. Promise!

…all right… better…

But now make it even louder, and as high pitched as possible, but cover your mouth first… you don’t want to spit on anyone!!!

…did you do it? And did you realize it sounded a little bit like Xena’s battle cry? The producers of the show took the zaghareet of celebration and used it for something completely different, but it’s basically the same sound.

If you’re still not sure what it’s supposed to sound like, here’s a quick little video of a dance class attempting it (they’ve almost got it! just a little higher pitched and they’ll have it!):

So, did you make it through the challenge? Or have anything else to celebrate?

Shock and surprise your friends and family, and join in women around the world in making this (unique and LOUD) sound of celebration!!!

Be honest… did you try it?