Title: The HiddenAuthor: Kathryn MackelPublisher: WestBow PressISBN: 1-5955-4037-7Genre: Suspense Grieving her son’s death, psychiatrist Susan Stone returns home to Colorado to help her elderly father manage his horse-breeding business. After the botched delivery of a prized foal, Susan rides wildly into the mountains, seeking release from consuming guilt. Thrown from her horse, she tumbles into a dark ravine and makes a startling discovery—a young man chained in the darkness. I admit that comes directly from the back of the book. But I was afraid if I said it differently, I might give too much away. Most reviews tell you a …

Thanks to all who visited the blog during the SFF tour. Remember to check back next month for more SFF author interviews and discussion on websites. Brandilyn Collin’s Kanner Lake blog and website will be going live on July 5th. Remember I mentioned before that I had landed a character part on the Scenes and Beans Blog. I’m really looking forward to working with the brilliant writers in that group. Also launching in July is a new blog devoted to history hosted by historical writers, Tricia Goyer, Joan Hochstetler, Cindy Thomson, Tiff Miller and myself. I’ll provide more information as …

Shannon McNear had wonderful things to say about Donita in her post yesterday and I wanted to echo that. Last fall I had the privilege of being invited to Donita’s crit group by a dear friend–someone I’d only recently met at the ACFW conference–but there was an instant connection. For months I only read the works of others in the group, fearing I wasn’t ready to sub since I had only begun to write in the fantasy genre. Finally, I reworked my fantasy story, starting at a different place. It was Donita who confronted me with the unfortunate news that …

Today we begin our discussion about Donita K. Paul, her books and her website, in our effort to promote the science fiction and fantasy genre within the Christian market. Mrs. Paul has had phenomenal success with her Dragon Keeper Chronicles. Though written for the YA market, Dragonspell and Dragonquest have entertained both young and old alike. With various races that inhabit the land, as well as numerous dragon types such as minor dragons and meech dragons, there’s never a dull moment. Many writers have expressed an interest in writing a Harry Potter type of series for the Christian market. I …

Yesterday I drove an hour from my home to meet another writing friend who happened to be passing through the area. As a home schooling mother of several children, I have to admit I don’t get to leave the house very often. So it was just me driving north on the freeway in Oregon. A Chris Tomlin song played over the radio. I enjoyed the beautiful mountains and curvy roads. (this time because I was driving and not my husband who takes the curves entirely too fast.) I considered how incredibly beautiful the mountains are and thought back to my …

First a warning. I’m revamping my blog over the next few days, so if you don’t see a link on the new blog where there was one. . .never fear, things will be put back. Eventually. The SFF Blog tour is back beginning next Monday. We will be featuring fantasy writer Donita K. Paul. Dragonspell, Dragonquest, and the her new release, DragonKnight are part of the DragonKeeper Chronicles. All awesome books. I have the privilege of participating in a critique group with Ms. Paul and was honored to be able to read through DragonKnight as she wrote. Please join the …

Before I get into this topic, I have an announcement. I recently auditioned for Scenes and Beans, Brandilyn Collin’s character blog for her newKanner Lake series. Violet Dawn is the first book in the series. I learnd on Monday that I’ve been selected to participate! I’m thrilled about that and I hope you’ll take time to keep up with what is sure to be an entertaining blog. Now on to the topic. I’m sure the thoughts I’ll present here have already been considered by the brightest minds. Becky Miller has an awesome discussion going on about evil right now at …

Being surrounded with children 24/7 I’m privileged to hear profound statements on an almost ongoing basis. I told my kids last night that I was going to start reading them CAN OF WORMS by Kathy Mackel. If you’re not familiar with the story, Disney made a movie from the book (Kathy wrote the screenplay) and it’s about a guy going through those teenage angst years who sends a message to outer space asking for help. He is beyond surprise when aliens begin to answer his call. I explained a little bit about the story to my boys (I also have …

What a beautiful smile Can I stay for awhile? On this beautiful night We’ll make everything right Do you know that song by The Afters? That’s the chorus and I’ve been singing it all day. And of course, you can’t help but smile while you’re singing the words or humming the tune. Can’t help but dance around while it plays over the radio or through the earbuds of your iPod. Oh Okay, my daughter has just informed me the song is titled “Beautiful Love.” I couldn’t help but think that if you started your day out grumpy, bogged down in …

I wish I knew what sort of vitamins I took or what food combination I ate today that put me in such a great mood. I feel wonderful–both physically and spiritually. I’m energetic and though I didn’t accomplish all that much, honestly, I’m brimming with joy. Okay, so it must be God. In the midst of an incredible trial–one that requires a huge leap of faith–I’m full of joy!!! I’m too lazy to look that up right now, but there must be a Bible verse about it somewhere, right? Maybe when I am weak, He is strong. . . I …