Winners!!

It's always so much fun to give away great books!! Congratulations to this week's lucky winners:

Merry – Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley
.
Megan – To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson

Winners of this week's books, please use the button in the upper right side of this page to email me with your mailing address so I can forward your information to the authors. Then, sit back and wait for your book to arrive.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book, and thank you Lena Nelson Dooley and Jill Williamson for your generosity in providing books!

Read More

Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away three great books:

Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley ~ All that glitters is not gold. It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when an old wealthy miner named Philip Smith finds himself in need of a nursemaid, he places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite the protests of his friend Jeremiah. Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, young Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden...and tarnish her character beyond redemption.

To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson ~ Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard Knights have fled into Darkness to escape the wrath of the former prince. They head for Ice Island to rescue two of Sir Gavin's colleagues who were falsely imprisoned years ago. Darkness is growing and only one man can push it back. Achan wanted freedom, not a crown. His true identity has bound him more than ever. He must learn decorum, wear fancy clothes, and marry a stranger. Achan knows one thing for certain. He will not be a puppet prince. Either he will accept his role and take charge or he will flee. But which will he choose?

Winners will be announced on Saturday, 05/08/10.

Read More

We're Expanding!!

Good morning! So by now, you've probably noticed the added links to The Borrowed Book and, you guessed it, we're expanding!

What can you expect in the coming months? Basically, we've tried mimic a newspaper design, with information that is targeted specifically toward readers and writers of Christian fiction.

Here's the tentative template we have came up with:

Page 1. Author Interview page (Daily Updates)
• Monday – Debut Authors
• Tuesday – Non-Fiction/Devotional Authors
• Wednesday – Fiction Authors
• Thursday – Reader Excerpts
• Friday – Weekly Drawing
• Saturday – Announce Winners

Page 2. Book/Movie/Website Review Page (Monthly Updates)

Page 3. Religion (Weekly Updates)
• Sunday Devotional
• Information on: Church Libraries (booksignings, promotion possibilities, etc.)
• Women’s Organizations/Speaking opportunities

Page 4. Classifieds (Monthly Updates)
• List of New Releases for the month
• Booksignings/Author Appearances/Workshops, etc.
• Conference Info/Dates including links
• Contest Info/Dates including links

Page 5. Writing/Craft
• Podcasts
• Guest Bloggers (Teaching Articles)
• Editor/Agent Panels or Discussions
• Guest Authors – Q&A times with readers

Please bear with us as we put these changes into effect. Hopefully, when all is said and done, you will find The Borrowed Book to be YOUR favorite place for news and information about all of your favorite authors, agents, and editors.

Read More

Author Interview ~ Lena Nelson Dooley

Lena Nelson Dooley – author, speaker, mentor. With over 650,000 books in print, she continues to tell her stories with Characters Who Grip Your Heart.

When did you decide to be a writer?

God told me to become a professional writer in May 1984. You can read all about it at the bottom of the main page on my web site: www.lenanelsondooley.com

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

I pray before I look at a critique and ask God to show me what to listen to and what to ignore.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

Writing is my full-time job, so I write most days whether I feel like it or not.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I love to spend time with my man. We go walking at the mall or in a store during the winter. And we like to watch a few TV shows.

What is your favorite novel and what made it special?

If you’re talking about a novel I wrote, that’s like asking which of my children is my favorite. I usually answer this question with, “It’s the one I’m working on right now.” Or “It’s the last one I finished.” So right now that would make it Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, which released this month.

I do love this novel. It’s my first 90,000 word novel, so it has a lot plot twists that keep the reader guessing.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

I love reading just for the pleasure, but I know that every good novel I read helps me improve my own writing. By reading well-written novels, the rhythm of the words works its way into my thinking.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

It’s a Heroine in peril, mail-order bride. . .gone awry.

Where did you get your inspiration for Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico?

The idea developed over several years with the story idea morphing into what it ended up being. Many of my books do that.

Which character is most like you?

That’s a hard question. Maybe the heroine, Madeline Mercer. We were both raised in a Christian home and lived protected lives in that environment. And we both rise to the occasion, no matter what happens to us.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I love many of the characters in the book, but probably the hero, Jeremiah Dennison. He’s not a Christian when the book starts, but he’s a good man. His growth was the hardest won in the story.

Did you know how Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer. I know the basic outline of the story, but as I write, it takes many twists and turns. One of the plot twists was suggested to me when I was just visiting with the president of Summerside Press at Christian Book Expo in Dallas last year. It proved to be pivotal to the story.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

No matter what happens in your life, God will never, never leave you. He has a plan for your life that you may not discover right away.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I asked the manager at the Mardel store near me, when I was having a book signing for my Christmas books, if he’d ever considered having a book release party. That led to my first book release party on May 1. I already have several people who are interviewing me about the book. I have an official Fan Page on Facebook, and I’ve been building interest in the book there. I also mention it on my author interview blog, and readers were anxious for it to release. And I feature it in my newsletter on my blog as well as on my web site. I also Twitter about the book occasionally.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Right now, I’m only doing promotional things for this book. My agent and I are waiting for more information from an editor who requested an expanded synopsis for a book in a three book series.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Seek God first. Make Him the main priority in your life. Take everything you do before Him and listen to Him.

Thanks for visiting with us today, Lena!

For more information on Lena and her work, visit her on the web at:

http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/
http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com/ - Monthly free book
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ - Author interviews/Free books
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/ - Regular Blogger
www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley - www.twitter.com/lenandooley

Lena is giving away a copy of her book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

Read More

Author Interview ~ Linda Gilden

My writing journey has been a wonderful, God-directed time in my life. Whether I am writing, teaching, editing, or coaching other writers, I know I am where God wants me.

When my first opportunity came to teach at a national writers’ conference, I felt a little overwhelmed. But I realized that God was opening doors that I needed to obediently walk through.

Standing in front of “my” class, teaching the things that were so exciting to me, I was focused and energetic. Although normally shy, I can communicate with my class in a way that is concise and organized and explain the material in an understandable way. I had progressed from only helping those in my own community to helping new writers from all over the country. And I have felt God’s direction every step of the way.

Eric Liddell spoke to his sister in the movie Chariots of Fire. He addressed her concern about the Olympics interfering with his missionary career in China. “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure,” he said.

I may not run. But when I write and invest in the lives of other writers, I definitely feel God’s pleasure.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I have always loved to write. However, my college creative writing professor discouraged me from writing.

“You have a really nice handwriting.”

Those were the words penned on my college creative writing assignment, the assignment I had worked so hard on, the assignment I just knew my professor would recommend for submission to some really big, high paying publication.

But all she said was that my handwriting was nice.

The power of words.

Mrs. Griffith’s words were positive. But the effect those six words had on the dreams of this aspiring writer was devastating.

For about fifteen years after that I wrote only for pleasure or as a volunteer, accepting assignment after assignment for my church.

And then I heard six more words – “Why not give it a try?”

My husband had watched as I developed writing skills writing church histories, newsletters, directory copy, signatures for special edition Bibles. And one day, pointing out to me that I was already writing a great percentage of my time.

At that time I had no idea how to begin writing for publication. I looked for books on the subject but at that time there were not many. I studied the course catalog at local colleges. No courses that could help.

Not long after that my neighbor came over. “I’m going to a writer’s conference,” she said. “Why don’t you go with me?”

A writers conference? I didn’t know what that was but it would be fun to spend some time with my neighbor/friend so I agreed to go.

That conference changed my life. I met writers and editors who were genuinely interested in helping me learn the craft. I sold an article to HomeLife. And I received an assignment for a series of devotions. And these editors were going to pay me for my writing!

I have never forgotten the power of words. Mrs. Griffith’s words that were so discouraging. My husband’s encouraging words. The words of the HomeLife editor – “That story really touched me.”

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

Hmm, I think that is a lifelong process for writers. Once we reach a certain level of confidence we hear a new critique and find new areas to work on.

For me, as my writing skill level has increased, my confidence has increased. Teaching across the country, I recognize the need to continually learn and grow as a writer. So I study and attend workshops to keep current on the writing trends.

Just yesterday as I was teaching in Decatur, Illinois, I realized how my confident level had increased a little more from the last time I taught. I pray that I will teach with confidence but have a sincere empathy for new writers and a desire to help them along on their writing paths.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I write constantly from the time I get up in the morning until bedtime and sometimes during the night. Every time I walk by my computer it beckons me to sit down for a while! However, writing is not just sitting at the computer. I believe the writing process continues when I am doing other things. When I exercise, walk, cook, or play with the grandchildren, I have some tidbit of thought going on pertaining to writing. Sometimes I even give my brain an assignment for while I am sleeping!

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

Swimming is a great way for me to get away from the computer and have some physical exercise and fun. When I swim laps I am still outlining and writing in my head so when I return to the computer I feel refreshed and often have a new angle for what I am writing.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

I read so much it’s hard to pick one. I love Gilbert Morris, Francine Rivers, and Brock and Bodie Thoene’s writing. Recently I read Slow Burn by Mary DeMuth. An excellent read! The thing I look for in a novel is good writing and entertainment. I want to become so absorbed in a story it lets me escape for a few minutes!

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

To write well you must recognize good writing. So it is imperative that writers read the classics as well as the stellar writers of today. As you read good writing, you learn the techniques of making words effective.

Tell us a little about your latest release: Mommy Pick-Me-Ups.

Written with the busy mom in mind, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups encourages moms through brief spiritual encounters to keep their faith alive and renewed. Moms need lots of refreshment and the brief, lighthearted and relevant- to-mom stories will help lighten the load change the way moms interact spiritually with their children.

Where did you get your inspiration for Mommy Pick-Me-Ups?

My coauthor and I were sitting in the Denver airport waiting on time to board a plane. We had about two hours and needed something to do. I suggested that we write a book while we were sitting there. As we talked about the things we had in common, we kept going back to motherhood. We both enjoyed raising our children but we also recognized that in some ways it was a very difficult time in our lives when we needed a little extra encouragement. Our prayer was that we could give that to other moms through this book.

What are some of the special challenges mothers face, and what encouragement would you give to new mothers?

I think one of the greatest challenges moms face is balance. Many moms are not only balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and a household but also working outside the home. That leaves little time for spiritual focus. But with a book such as Mommy Pick-Me-Ups mothers can find a few moments a day for refreshment and refocusing.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

Even though being a mom can be tiring during the early years, motherhood is one of the best gifts God can give a woman. Times can be difficult but hang in there; those times will pass quickly. Enjoy every moment with your children and make lots of memories. When you are having a bad day and you think it will never end, know that it will. Even if everybody goes to bed grouchy, tomorrow will be another day and you can start all over. Above all, find a few moments each day to spend with God. He is the source of all encouragement and pick-me-ups.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Currently I have several books under consideration at various publishers. Hoping for new contracts soon. :-)

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I would like to borrow a few words from William Zinsser:

Writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time, or even the third time. Remember this is a consideration in moments of despair. If you find writing is hard, it’s because it is hard.
It’s one of the hardest things people do.

May God bless each of you as you seek to reach the world with the message God has put in your heart!
.
Want more? Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Thursday for an excerpt from Mommy Pick-Me-Ups by Linda Gilden.

Read More

Debut Author ~ Jill Williamson

Jill is the author of By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled, the first two books in a medieval fantasy trilogy. She has worked as a freelance editor and published numerous articles. VOYA magazine named By Darkness Hid as one of the Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novels of 2009.

Jill grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the land of the midnight sun, and she stayed up late, reading by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. But in the winter, there was nothing better to do than daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer.

Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past twelve years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. (www.teenageauthor.com) An avid reader, she started Novel Teen Book Reviews (www.novelteen.com) to help teens find great books to read. She lives in Oregon with her youth pastor husband and two book-loving children. Visit Jill at www.jillwilliamson.com.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I wanted to speak to teens. I discovered that sometimes, people hire speakers based on articles written by the speaker. So I looked into writing articles. Then the new Harry Potter book came out, and a new barrage of debates within the church community flared up as to whether or not the books were evil. The debate inspired me to write my own teen novel that all Christians would love. Yes, I was a bit naive. I have since learned that no one likes every book. But that’s how I got started. I was inspired to try and write blockbuster-style stories that glorified God.

When a writer’s conference came to town, I signed up right away. I couldn’t believe how much I had to learn. When I got home, I did everything that the conference speakers had recommended. Being teachable has really helped me, I think.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I started my first teen fiction novel in 2004. I signed the contract for By Darkness Hid in 2008. Those four years felt like an eternity, but I passed the time by writing, rewriting, reading fiction help books, going to conferences, and participating in online critique groups. And of course, I prayed a lot, asking God if he was sure this was what he wanted me to be spending my time on.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

Make yourself write until you finish a book. Then write another one. The more you write, the more you learn. Then you can go back and see what needs rewriting. Most writers never finish that first book. Or they start lots of books and never finish any. You can’t be an author if you never finish a book. Set a goal and don’t give up.

And don’t be impatient. I doubt that Leonardo DiVinci or Piccasso were in a hurry to get their artwork done. Art is a labor of love. Writing is art. Every word and scene matters. When you rush and get impatient to get published, you do yourself and your novel an incredible injustice.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

How fast everything went. At first I thought that a year was such a long time to wait to hold my first book in my hands. Then before I knew it, it felt like I couldn’t possibly get everything done.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I used to be more disciplined. I would write each morning. But since I’ve been published, there are many more things on my plate each day. Things like interviews, blogging, emails, and social media. It’s all very time consuming and distracting. I’m continually trying to make sure I put in my writing time first each day before the whole day is gone with these other distractions.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

Play games with my husband and kids, watch a movie or read a book as a family. Doing activities with our youth group is also a lot of fun.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

I don’t like picking a favorite! I love so many books. Today I’ll say Cathy Gohlke’s William Henry is a Fine Name. It’s a Civil War era book written for teens. It’s about a white boy who is best friends with a black boy. He lives way up north, so he doesn’t understand the racial issues of the south. It was an amazing, eye-opening, thought-provoking story. I highly recommend it. Cathy writes amazing characters.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

It fills my head with stories, good and bad. I can see what works and what doesn’t, what I like and what I don’t. Sometimes I’m even inspired with a story of my own from one little thread of another story. The imagination is an amazing thing.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

To Darkness Fled is the second book in the Blood of Kings trilogy. It’s about Achan, a young man who wanted to become a knight, and Vrell, a girl who is dressed as a boy to hide from the man who wants to marry her. Book two picks up where By Darkness Hid left off.

Here is the back cover copy for To Darkness Fled (Blood of Kings, book 2):

They have no choice. Chased by an evil prince, Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard knights flee into Darkness. They head north, for Tsaftown and Ice Island, where they must free an army that can help them fight for Er’Rets.

Darkness sickens Vrell. How long can she keep her secret without being caught? Achan already suspects her of lying. If she is not careful, he will suspect her of treason as well. She hopes he will let his suspicions go until they reach her home.

Achan wanted freedom, but this new journey has bound him more than ever. Sir Gavin’s claims are so far fetched. First, that there might only be one God, and second, that this God chose Achan to push back Darkness, the magnificent curse of Er’Rets. Him. Achan. Barely a man himself.

Each setback Darkness brings seems minor compared to the one choice only Achan can make. What will he choose?

Where did you get your inspiration for To Darkness Fled?

To Darkness Fled is book two of a trilogy. It picks up where book one takes off. For book one, two things happened close together that inspired this story. First, I was walking with my son one day in Burbank, California, and we came upon a burned-down house. I stopped to look at it and noticed a tree in the front yard. The part of the tree that hung over the fence and above the street was leafy green, rocking and rustling in the wind. But the branches of the tree near the house were charred and stiff.

I stared at that tree for a long time, then took off for home, pushing that stroller at top speed. I went straight to the computer, opened Adobe Photoshop, and made the image of the tree that is the header on my author website. I couldn’t wait to write a story about this tree!

Around that same time, I had a weird dream where a guy had amnesia. Little did everyone know that he was someone very important. When I woke up, I liked the idea of this lost character, so I put him together with my ideas for the half-living, half-dead tree and I was off and running.

Which character is most like you?

Vrell, I think. She is more intense than Achan. She likes to do things properly, if she can. She is kind and loyal and hardworking. She likes learning new things. She likes order and rules and wants everything to be fair and right in the world. She also stresses out too much, too.

Who is your favorite character and why?

Achan. He tries to be tough. He’s technically a man, by Er’Retian standards, though he feels insecure about stepping into that role and taking charge. He’s stubborn, and that trait often causes him a lot of heartache. His sarcasm and heroic nature work well, I think. Sometimes you want to scowl at him—boys will be boys—but you can’t help but love the guy.

Did you know how To Darkness Fled would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I’m always a bit surprised by something. I start out with a generic plan, then sit down and see what happens. With book two, my plan was that Achan, Vrell, and the knights would flee into Darkness and travel all the way to Ice Island to rescue their comrades. When I sat down, I looked at my map and saw how far the journey was. So I knew I’d need to take my characters to some different towns and that I’d need to have interesting things take place to keep the story moving. Later I had to go back in and tweak some things so that the plot twists fit the story better.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

That there is only one God and that he is the desire of their hearts. No matter what they face, knowing God will make life more worthwhile. God created them for a purpose. If they want to fulfill that purpose, they must discover who God really is.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I created a website: www.jillwilliamson.com. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace, Shoutlife, Shelfari, GoodReads, Twitter, Amazon…

On top of that, I run two blogs. The first is Novel Teen Book Reviews at www.novelteen.com. It’s a website that reviews clean teen fiction. This is a great resource to see what books are available in the Christian market for teens. The other blog is for teen authors, though adult authors may find some useful tips too. www.teenageauthor.com.

I do online interviews whenever I can. I try to do blog tours if I can afford the books. I’m sure that all of this adds up and is helpful. In fact, I’ve blogged about some of my marketing ideas on www.teenageauthor.com. Go there and find the Marketing and Publicity category link on the sidebar and that will show the posts I’ve written on the subject so far.

What I think works best is talking at schools or libraries. I love meeting people and telling them about my story or the writing process. I love to encourage students to follow their dreams. It’s sometimes hard to get invited to schools, but once you do, you can usually find more schools if you are given nice references.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I am working on From Darkness Won (Blood of Kings, book 3).

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Work hard, love others, and pray! If it is meant to be, God will work it all out in his timing. Thanks for having me! God bless!
.

Jill is giving away a copy of her book To Darkness Fled. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

Read More

Sunday Devotional

Obedience is not an easy thing to learn. Max struggles with it. My kids struggle with it. I struggle with it. But I finally grasped its importance watching Max submit to my will even though it broke his heart.

Max loves to ride in the car. In fact, next to eating ice cream, riding is his favorite thing to do, and he’s learned to catch the signals of when we are about to leave. As soon as I pick up my keys, Max is at the door, tail sticking straight out and nose pressed against the jam so he can scoot out the moment I turn the knob.

“Not this time, Max,” I said. “You’re staying home.”

He didn’t budge.

“Max, you’re staying,” I repeated, this time more firmly.

He looked up with sad, puppy eyes. I shook my head. Do dogs have shoulders? If they do, his slumped. His head lowered and he slunk to the window. Front paws propped against the sill, he watched as we pulled from the driveway.

Now that was a pathetic sight, I tell you. And yet my heart thrilled at his obedience. And suddenly, I understood why God said to obey is better than sacrifice. Sometimes, He may ask us to do or endure something we totally do not understand. It may even break our hearts. The separation we feel during the struggle between doing our will and doing God’s tears at our faith. But God is patient. And He waits…to see if we will obey.

1 Samuel 15:21-23 (New King James Version)

21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”
22 So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”

Read More