When your Character Becomes a Christian.

When writing from your character's view point, you should never give them your mindset unless of course they have the same level of maturity as you do. If you do, you'll come across as unrealistic. For example suppose you believe that premarital sex is wrong and your character has only been a  Christian for a week.  You can't expect them to think: "Now that I'm a Christian, I guess having sex with my boyfriend is out of the question." For one thing, they still have fleshly desires. All new Christians do not come with biblical doctrine ingrained in them. It is something learned and taught. I was talking with a friend, and even she agreed that you have to  be led of the spirit or convicted not to have sex with your boyfriend. Now if your Character has matured in her faith, then yes, they should have the same mindset. They've been going to church, Bible Studies, hanging around godly friends and of course a personal time of devotion and Bible reading. I believe that if a person knows a certain action is wrong and acts on it then they are held accountable. You can't hold them accountable if they are ignorant. The Apostle Paul wrote that he acted ignorantly in unbelief yet God had mercy on him. What is ignorance?  The  word ignorantly comes from the Greek word agnoia. It means want of knowledge or perception, Unbelief  is not believing something is true.

So when a newborn Christian continues to sin and she doesn't have that conviction then she is a doing it ignorantly in unbelief. Until she  comes to the knowledge of the truth, or until someone tells her and gently restores her (Gal 6:1) she will continue to do so.  The same with  fictional characters. I know personally, it's hard for me to read about Christians swearing or acting  as if they are still in their sins, but I have to remember that they may not have the same spiritual beliefs as I do. We have to remember that the characters are not us. Now if I write a memoir or an autobiography and I say "I continue to  steal from my parents even though I know it;s wrong." You may ask "Then why do you do it if you know it's wrong?" Kind of like if I post on my Facebook  wall promoting illegal drinking or if I comment on something negative like a post against human trafficking and I give it my approval, then I would understand you questioning why I approve such things. But what I write what my characters do or say is altogether different.

Writing Blog Tour 2014

A couple of weeks ago, Allison Kohn of the Bakers Family Saga Series at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_12?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=allison%20kohn&sprefix=allison+Kohn%2Caps%2C127
                                                         
                                                                                   asked me to participate in the Writer's Blog Tour in which I said yes. The link to my Amazon site is  Ruthie Madison Books and website  The Past Hunter

1. What I am working on?
I am  working on two  manuscripts at he same time if you can believe it!  I would like very much to have my second book in my Second Chance series published by late fall if possible. The title is Baby Blues. I wanted the whole series in one genre: Christian Romance, but its turning into woman's fiction. The other is a rewrite. I'm seeing if I can improve A Second Chance at Love and maybe get some sales.
2.How does my work differ from others in it genre?
It seems to me that most of my books are a little foreshadowing of myself. I thought it was mostly wish fulfillment writing, but I saw traces of me. A reviewer once wrote that my first book was "strange."  but  the book is has some of my feelings about  my life at the time I had written the rough draft. I guess it was a way of  expressing my feelings and frustrations. My third book is not what I would normally write about. I don't want people to think I condone witchcraft. I  thought it was paranormal, but I look at other authors who wrote books with witches in and classified their books as Fantasy.
3.Why do I write what I do?
I write as a way of escape, but I want my books to bless others. I want them to see that there is a God of hope and no circumstances is too impossible to get through. Even if they start out unsaved, they end up saved.
4. How does my writing process work?
I go with the flow. I write it out as I see played out in my mind. I try to visualize each scene. Sometimes an idea will come to me when I am resting or walking. I keep it in my mind so I can implement it later.  I also learn to use techniques from my former editor. I try to implement them.
                                         *******************************************
Kiexiza Rodriquez hails from Springfield, Massachusetts, the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. She's the eldest of many, mother of four and in love with her best friend. 
Writing, was kind of thrust upon her at the insistence of others, who felt her life trials and how she maintained would inspire others. Thus her first novel Serial was born. Five continuing novels, about five friends and life's trails, desires, betrayals and surprises. The Beautiful Mess Series is sure to please.  
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blingbooksbeauty.webs.com%2F&h=QAQHgULb6
                                                               **************************

Pam is the proud grand-daughter of a pastor  and who was raised in the church. Her  parents helped fuel her fire for God. She always knew He had a purpose for Pam and  believed that writing  for His glory is a  small portion of it. She has two grown children and a granddaughter. She enjoys  anything creative, the great outdoors and helping other people.
Pam Funke (Her website and blog)

 Ed Stuteville was born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Etowah, Tennessee. For over thirty-five years, he has worked in retail management. Working his way up from cook and cashier in a fast food restaurant to the Vice-President of the company over Operations; with an eight-year break in-between where he co-owned two partnerships.

He met Kathy, his wife of ten years, when they were in the third grade and all through school, they never dated. Ed and Kathy make their home in Charleston, Tennessee where they spend leisure time traveling and playing with their four granddaughters. 

Ed's first novel, Chance of a Lifetime, was published in January 2013. His new novel, Forever and For Always, was published February 16th, 2014. When he is not working or traveling, Ed is currently working on his third book, Careless Whispers, a suspense novel set in Etowah, TN. due out late 2014

You can find Ed @ http://www.edstuteville.com/    and his facebook page: Ed Stuteville Author

Interview with Cathy Jackson

Fifteen Questions for Cathy Jackson, author of

As You Wish  

I’m here with Cathy Jackson who had just released her debut book “As You Wish.”  Welcome to my blog!

Cathy:  Thank you so much for the interview!  I am honored.
Cathy, it must be exciting to finally have your first book published. Who or what is in your inspiration for your book?
Cathy:  It is exciting!  The inspiration for this book was to help others.  This book came out of a dark place for me and I wanted to use that experience to help others find hope.
What Character in your book can you relate to and why?
Cathy:  Elizabeth Seraphim.  I have a faith like hers, though not as much, and a love for my children that surpasses the love I have for myself. 
Do you have any favorite authors and if so, what is your favorite book by them?
Cathy:  I like Karen Marie Moning and Faith Marlow and Christine Feehan.  They are all excellent writers!
Tell us a little about yourself.

Cathy:  I am a mom of four children and I lead worship at our church.  Matthew Jackson is my husband and we have been married for 18 years.  I have zero dexterity and am socially awkward. 
What do you like to do for fun?

Cathy:  I love to read and hang with my family.  My true passion has become the characters in my head that nag me to let them out!
Where did you grow up?
Cathy:  I grew up in McLeansboro, Illinois.  It’s a small town where everyone knows way too much about one another.  I don’t live there now.
How much of the book is realistic?
Cathy:  Realism to me is relative in terms of this book.  *insert laugh here*  The characters in the books I have written or need to write are real to me.  As far as how much of my life did I pull from for this book, I pulled a lot of my own life for Elizabeth.  How she believes, how she views God, the faith she has.
Where did you get the idea for the book?
Cathy:  The idea of this book came to me as my other book ideas do.  They actually kind of blind side me then demand to be written down.  But it was the loss of my mother and how I used her loss, not only to draw closer to God but be able to help others who have lost someone they love to.
If a movie producer wanted to make your book into a movie and you can chose any two actors for it, who would they be?
Cathy:  David Tennant IS Daniel Templeman!  No question about it.  As for Elizabeth, I really don’t know who would play her.  I would want a shorter actress as Elizabeth is five six and a little heavy. 
How long did it take you to write this book?
Cathy:  It took me 7 days to write the book.  After 2 weeks of tinkering, I had it where I wanted it.  Then, of course, my editor, Jennifer Harshman, and beta readers came in to perfect it.
What does your family think of your writing?
Cathy:  I really haven’t asked them.  Being an independent publisher takes me away from them a lot of the time and I hate that.  But, hopefully, it will all be worth it when we are better off than we are. 
Do you have a particular writing style?
Cathy:  I was asked this in an interview.  I sit down with characters in my head already and when I begin typing, they write the story for me.  I just use my fingers to tell their story.
How did you chose the genre you are writing?
Cathy:  “As You Wish” is a contemporary Inspirational romance but I see it as so much more.  The genre chose me, I wouldn’t categorize “As You Wish” as an Inspirational.
When did you realize you wanted to write books?
Cathy:  I think I have yet to realize that I want to write books.  *insert laugh*  There are just stories to tell so I am telling them.
One last question. Do you have any advice you can give to an upcoming authors?
Cathy:  Find supportive people!  You need people behind you telling you to go on when you are ready to throw in the towel.  Those are the people who will be behind you the rest of your career.
Thank you so much Cathy for taking time out for this interview. May God grant you much success as you continue to write amazing stories! (I don’t believe in luck)

You can find Cathy’s fan page on Facebook: Cathy Jackson, Author

My Heroines

In most of my books, my Heroines are a little of me. Marge was kidnapped and forced to live with a man she didn't trust. Julie was dating a man whom she thought murdered someone so she leaves Montana. Darlene is not quite like me except that when she dates a man who is questionable to her friends, they worry about her. A little history on Darlene and that is this man wrecks her marriage by causing her to fall in love with him-- he used his spells to enchant.

My latest reviewer couldn't read my last book. That is understandable. I would never read any books about witches not even Vampires. But I did. It was my friend's book Be Not Afraid. Except this Vampire was a demon and yes there is a good ending to her book. It is understandable that stories about a witch or a vampire is unsettling to Christians, but it isn't just a book of witches. It is about a woman who was seduced by a witch and became his prisoner found forgiveness and deliverance! I wont apologize for writing Jesus Paid It All.

I am like Marge in this way: Almost 19 years ago, I went to Washington State in hopes of living work but it didn't work out. Instead I was forced to return to Hanford. Just like Marge, I wasn't happy. You could say I had no choice to sign a contract too. Maybe like Marge, I wasn't happy. Although I am saved, I didn't have a man to make me happy. In fact, men in my past has also disappointed me. I may not have given up on love, but I wonder if I would ever find love. I am not getting younger and time is getting short. Marge became a new person in the end but that was because she was by found Jesus.

Julie is another persona of me. For one thing she was once a worldly Christian and when she moved to Montana she grew deeper in relationship with Jesus. I am kind of the same way except I don't have some handsome man pursuing me back into his life. I hope I do. I hope to see it in my own life but right now it is up in the air. I had hope we would move to Montana together but if he is married as my friends thinks he is, then I will just still pray and believe that I will meet mt handsome "cowboy" there. Yes, I still want to go to Montana. It was a promise God gave me before this man became my boyfriend. It was my dream.

I wont apologize for my books. They are the stories God had given me and if it is not your style, that is fine. I ha done man telling me he couldn't finish it because he didn't like the "Omnipresent" point of view.

I wont change my books to fit your styles and tastes. What are the guarantees you will read it? I write to please God not man so take it to the Lord.

Trying Something New

At anytime a story idea will come to me. I could be on the bus reading a book or at a church service. My genre is usually romance, but one day another kind of story idea came to me and I had it in my heart to write it out. It would be written in the first person point of view. It is a young adult fiction.

The youngest characters are teenage girls between the age of 16 and 18 and it has been a  very long time since I know what that was like, yet I wrote as the Lord leads me.  WHen I finished, I sent it to an editor and she told me I need to get to know my characters. Write everything down about them. I never do outlines and I felt stumped. What do I do? More importantly what I have gotten myself into? At that point I felt I wanted to give up yet a part of me said, "No."

I asked in a group if they can tell me what their teenage daughters are like. It's called research, but a few of the writers had other ideas: Volunteer in a youth group, get to know them. Right now I am having problems believing it could be possible because we are transportation dependant. We don't have our own transportation to get to church. If there is no one who could take us to church during the holiday season, then how will I be able to volunteer? There must be some other way to delve into a teenage's life. At this point, I am very dependant on God to help me through it.

If you are a parent of a teenage girl, would you be willing to tell me about your teenager?

About My Upcoming Book

When people hear the word "Paranormal". they think ghosts,vampires, shift changers, ghouls,and you name it. But what about witches? Witches are people who practice witchcraft--they have powers that do not come from God. I have a friend who told me he saw nothing paranormal about my story at all. So I did some research. I would advise anyone who has doubts to visit this website: Paranormal Haze .
 Just like vampires, and werewolves, witches are evil too. Of course Wiccans will tell you that they  do good, but all witchcraft is an abomination to God.  There is a lot of evil in my story. But evil is overcome.

My story is Christian. It involves a married Christian couple who becomes victims of a seduction scheme by a brother and sister who are Wiccans,but as I said evil is overcome. God offers forgiveness to the victims and redemption. My heroine gets  a new lease on life and later is able to resist succombing to witchcraft.
It wouldn't be called Jesus Paid It All for nothing, if God didn't forgive them. Jesus died on the cross for all sin except the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Redeeming Marge?

I never thought I would see the day that my redemption plan would fail. What am I talking about? A Second Chance at Love was my second chance at redeeming myself after my former publisher allowed all the mistakes and typos we both made in my book. I rewrote it and thought it was pretty good.

However, my hopes of redeeming myself were dashed: no one wanted to buy my book.

 

I have a friend one Facebook who wanted to help. Although I think my book is fine as it is, there were people who didn't. I let her look at the first three chapters and this is what I am told basically:
 

"You have two many point of views."

Okay so I have to stick with one for each section or chapter.

"Romance readers don't like the Ominscient point of views."

That means I can't let me readers know what certain characters are thinking or feeling at my given time.

Why do they have to be picky? By changing how the POV is written, I have  actually changed the whole dynamic of  my story?  It is no longer  how I have  written it but what others want.

Currently my book is selling for 11.99 but I am thinking of setting at 13.99. Why? Because I am rewriting it to please my picky readers. That book has taken me years to perfect and yet no one is satisfied with the finished product.

Thoughts on Publishing

I am sitting at my desk, working on my masterpiece. My first book is so full of problems that no one wants to buy it! Granted though, that I did pay someone to edit it. I was suppose to be my pride and joy and now its a pain in he you know where. So what to do? Should I leave it on the proverbial shelves and hope that no one noticed, or  take it off? I prefer to take it off that way someone else can't point out every little thing that is wrong.

Before I started writing, I wanted to  have my books published  but not self published. It is like this: It is nice to be a bridesmaid, but wouldn't it be nice to be a bride? Have you ever dreamed or imagine the kind of man you want to marry? Then someone who would just rather not marry would say, "There is nothing wrong with being single: you can do what you want without having being told what to do." That is fine for a spinster, but not for someone with dreams! I am not putting self publishing down, but I had too many headaches and I much rather have someone else take care of all the formatting. etc.  It is nice to have your own freedom to what you want, but it is also nice to have someone special in your life--even if you have to be submissive.

"Yes," you say, "but what if the person you marry gets to be controlling or abusive? What if he puts limitations on you?"

"Well, I doubt God will have someone like that come across my path. He knows who is good for me."

 In fact, if someone does come across like that, it would be  because I didn't wait upon God. This reminds me of my first publisher. I have a friend who had some problems with them so I knew not to ask them to publish my first book. However, instead of listening to my friends' advice, I followed one person's recommendation--someone who I highly valued and trusted and had found my self with a publisher known as a scam!
No, they didn't take my money, but they bogged me down with their "Promotional services", service that really are none at all, and messed up my book, adding a price too high no one wants to buy!  Because I didn't seek God more or first, I got stuck with a no good publisher. I believe if I did, he would have led me to someone better or maybe to self publishing...
 Back to my point, I am pleased that my second book is doing better with reviews, but even with that I had problems. I even had to make some changes after it has been published.
There is digital company that I had thought of using for my upcoming book until I read the pros and cons. Sigh. Again: What do I do? I so wanted to use  Smashword but not if they are so picky with formatting and not great with keeping up with sales and holding back on royalties! My current work in progress is worth more than those headaches. I want what is only the best and it looks like SW is not it. So should I go with a brand new website called Draft2Digital or use KDP all over again? Both are not just worth it but what should I chose? All I can say is: Wait on God. Perhaps I will find out what God has to say.

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Writing a Revenge Story

One of the best ways to get even is writing a revenge story. I saw a post that read that we authors can use people we want in stories so these people should be careful. Well, there are a few who weren't careful and I embarked on a  project that is now out of my league: Writing a crime scene investigation.

In my story, I had a character kidnapped, but he abduction went wrong and someone else killed the character. I even included thoughts and POV from the killer, but to write the investigation, I am lost! I have never seem a real investigation--only what is on TV. I thought I will get my info that way, but someone dropped the bomb on me and now I am discouraged: Should I trash the story or get help? The bomb is: shows like CSI does not portray real life CSI accurately. Well, isn't fiction books the same as fictional shows?  The answer I got was no.

If anyone can help, please do. I feel that I am over my head and wanting to throw in the proverbial towel.

Struggling as a Writer

My Struggles as a Writer

          Whenever I write about me in my books, I write that I have always loved to write stories for as long as I can remember and that is true. I also believe that my “writing” genes came from my grandmother, but she didn’t make writing her full-time job! She had another job. (At least I think she did) 

          When I was younger, I can tell you I had ideas what I wanted to be: an actress, a psychologist, a cashier, but writing?  That was the furthest from my mind! I never claimed to be well versed in the vocabulary. I didn’t go to college to major in English either. I am just a woman with an imagination who can share it with others. I also didn’t want to become an author before I became a teacher. (And believe me, I have received criticism for that to—the educators telling me I should try other professions besides teaching.) But I know God has called me to teach. He has given me the desires to teach kindergarten. Don’t you know that God can use the weak things of the world to shame the strong? Do you know why? If someone is able to do things without His help, he gets no glory! But if they are dependent on him, he does! Look at Gideon! God used 300 men to fight against the vast number of the Midianites! I love what Gideon said as he went out to war: “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!”

          I may not be well versed, but I am gifted. The Lord has given me a talent and I refuse to waste it because someone said to me, “You write like a child.” Those aren’t her words, but who else uses elementary words? Children sure don’t have a vast knowledge of words. I write whatever comes to my mind, but I also ask the Lord to help me write too.

          I have said this before, the reason why I rather write and sell later is because I can’t pay people to edit my work, or even proofread it. The Past hunter has been through the fire too many times! After it received a harsh and critical review, I asked some to help me with it and he did! Several people who reviewed my book, liked my book!

          It is hard to get back into writing when someone tells me, it still needs work, but I won’t rewrite it the third time!  I will just learn from my mistakes. For now I am struggling. I am wondering if I should not write anymore if people are going to tell me things I can’t change. The PAST HUNTER is written and published. I know one thing for sure and that is my next WIP will have someone else proofreading it. Who, I don’t know. God will lead me to the next person.

Taking a Hiatus

I have heard it said  that in order to make yourself known or to get people interested in your books to keep publishing or writing. Easier said than done.  I know this from experience and that is why I am taking a break.

In 2011, my first book Marge was published by PublishAmerica. I had learned the hard way that it was the wrong path to take. Not only that but because I was new to to the world of publications, I had no idea that my first book was full of mistakes made by me and the publishers. I felt like a failure and my book was forever in the hands of the merciless and greedy publishers. So I set out to rewrite and make better my book and name it A Second Chance at Love. However, this was an expensive process because I hired an editor to work on it and I don't get much money every month.

Another reason I am taking a break it is not stress free. Since I don't know any publisher who would like to publish my books and it seems that agents would like to know what  book or author your book is similar to, I can't answer that question.  My latest manuscript is a Chrsitian Paranormal Romance and frankly, I don't know any Christians who write that kind of genre-- I consider most of what I write unique in its own way anyway. The only other route is Self publishing and from my own experience, it has caused some stress in my life-- getting the format right stinks!  I just as soon have a publisher that is known to do all that.

I have two works (one in progress) that I would like to get published. One is in the process of being edited while the other? Well, let us say that it is just sitting in my computer folder collecting dust. I am waiting to get enough royalties or even a job to pay for another editor.

Since May, I found out I have anemia. I found out why I have been so tired and lack energy on most days and writing is a lot of work. I just don't have enough energy to do my research. I write for pleasure. So that is what I will do when I am bored, but the stories may not get published unless something else turns up. I am short of a miracle. Promoting my book locally takes energy too.

People told me I should not expect professionals to edit for free so I won't. They also tell me not to expect to get a professional cover design for free so I won't. But I will say this: If God provides, I will accept. I will not limit Him in anyway.  If a professional says he or she will help me at no charge, it is not by my hand, but by the favor of God. Those two services I can't afford.

Another thing that has me down is promoting my own books. I can't use certain pictures without someone saying "Hey! That's mine! Pay up or else!" I really don't understand why people share their photos. I guess they all hope to get profit and that is why they share. I would be even glad to give them credit, but if people are greedy for gain, forget it. Why become an author if you have to  Be "careful" of what you use? I am definitely not an artist either.

So there you have it. After Jesus Paid It All  is published and unless a miracle happens, it will be a long break.

Part Deux of What if..

As I was sharing with you the other day about "What ifs", I left you with a cliff hanger. Don't you just love Cliff hangers? Me neither, but I wanted to leave you hungry for more.

As we know, my story could have gone a different way. My last blog ended with him begging her to return. He loves her! You know I have an author friend whose hero has some flaws and so does mine: He has a heart of gold when it comes helping his friends and that was what got him in trouble. Eric is not the villain. Although he did not murder the man, he helped bury the body and that made him a criminal in his girl's friend's eyes.

Here is another What if:

What if he didn't help his friend?  Suppose he said to his friend on the cell phone,  "Hey, Craig, wish I could help you, but I am on a date." I can see many females applauding "YAY" and not only that Julie would be smiling ear to ear, but she would be concerned.

       "What did Craig want?" She asked as she popped a popcorn in her mouth.
       "It's nothing," He said caressing her face as he contemplated whether or not he should pop the question. "You look beautiful tonight."
        She blushed. Julie loved hearing how beautiful she was.

Now you may think I would not have a story. They are happy, but what if Julie is unhappy? In my book, she mentioned that Eric doesn't want her to influence him. She never talks about Jesus and this leaves her unsatisfied. She desired more in a relationship and she leaves him the next day.

This would be a whole new story. Instead of her leaving him because of what he did, she leaves him because he was hindering her Christian growth. I suppose I could write another version where he looks for her and the conflict would be whether or not, he would change his life for her or accept her decision and move on.

Eric and Julie are meant for each other, but the fictional god in my story (which is me) calls Julie away so that she could develop her relationship with Jesus-- the lover of her soul.

       

What If...

 My book The Past Hunter as actually gone through many rewrites even after being self published once or twice. An author told me in essence "This  book needs help" so I enlisted his help.

As I rewrite my manuscript, using some of his ideas and adding my own, I wondered: What if?

What if  Julie wanted to give Eric a chance?  Imagine a scene where Julie waited for Eric to come in the house and to his surprise, he sees Julie standing like a housewife wanting an explanation to her husband's unfaithfulness.

"What are you doing with that Carpet, Eric? "

Eric is a bit red faced. He feared if he would tell the truth, he would lose her. He had to come up with something believable. He smiled his charming smile and said, "We found a dead body, but it was ... in his backyard. He needed a place to hide it."

Julie shook her head. She heard them talking about burying a  body. Eric lied and her heart broke. "Please tell me the truth, Eric. In all our times we dated, you have never lied to me! Don't start now!" She pleaded, as tears fell.

Eric hated to see Julie this way, but he had a reputation to keep. "Please forget you saw what you saw."

Julie would still leave. She would not stay with him because he  refuses to be honest. He cared more about protecting his friend or reputation than her. For her it was over.

Fast Forward to six years later.  Julie wakes up with a strong warning in her spirit. This is the sixth time this happened. Instead of  running from danger, What if she confronts it since she fears nothing but God.

In spite of the feeling, she had, she proceeds to prepare for work. She figures maybe the feeling will go away in time. It could be nothing and she sees a vision of a man with a gun.
Julie has been confessing Psalms 91. God has protected her so far so why should she run?

Someone enters through her back door and  says as he comes near her, "I have been looking for you for the past six years."

The voice registered terror in her. She left this man six years ago and  he has found her in spite of her new look.  

"Relax, sweetheart. I would not dream of hurting you. I am sorry I hurt you so many years ago. Please come back with me to Montana?

(To be continued)

The Pitfalls of

Before I met any authors and became friends with any of them, I used to thought you could write anything you wanted.  As long as I didn't defame anyone or wrote anything that would be libel, I thought I was all set, but then as I let people look at my manuscripts, I find out there are pitfalls to writing. Not only that, but restrictions as well! Below is the list of pitfalls and restrictions that to me have made writing less enjoyable.

1. Using other people's photos. Come on! You mean to tell me that if I find a photo I like for my book I have to make sure it is okay to use or pay to use it? Are people so greedy for money that they won't settle for credit? Why then do people share their photos? Why just share with their friends and family or email it to them instead of having for the general public to see. That is like the "You can look but can't touch" rule.
I have photos at Photobuckets and anyone wanted to use them, I wouldn't mind unless as long as I get credit for the photos. Besides not all photographers and uploaders have a contact link so how can we ask the person "Excuse me, but is it okay if I use your photo for my book?   I have even suggested to my friends the idea of distorting the photos but there is still a problem.... RESTRICTIONS.

2. Using a famous person's name, a franchise or any business name.   Okay. What is the problem here? You mean to tell me that if I want to be realistic, I can't? I have to change a band's name because if I dare to put down say "Newsong" Newsong, which is a Christian band will sue me? I can understand if a nonchristian band does that, but a Christian Band? Come on! So then Newsong becomes what?  Old Music? Whatever!
 I understand with any business that does not know acknowledge Jesus as Lord might sue, but still why? I much rather use a name of an establishment like IHOP instead of renaming IHOP to IHOB (International House of Breakfast)   As for famous people, what if they are dead? Should I as a fellow author so humorously suggested, hold a seance?  "I call upon Amy Carmichael. Amy Carmichael please come to us so I can ask you if I can use your name in my story." Someone suggested to contact the next of kin. Okay so then I should see a list of genealogy and find out who is still alive and say "Hi! I am an author. I would like to use your great grandmother's name in my story. And what about Christian public figures? Are they really going to sue if I  write their names in my stories? Do you really believe that they are like nonchristians?  ***rolls my eyes**

After I abide by other's people's concern for copyright infringement, I change everything around. I wonder to myself,  "Why write? People have taken the fun out of writing. Did I forget to mention that they also do that when my fellow authors tell me, "You need to be more descriptive."? Yep. When my book is published I came across pitfall number 1 again when I make a book trailer.  I think I would be thrilled if someone uses my photos in their book trailers.

I don't think everyone thinks alike. I am pretty sure Christians don't think as those who aren't, but for the sake of everyone, if doing what is right not in the eyes of the general public, but also in the eyes of God, then fine. I won't "infringe" on their ... Copyrights

Who Gets The Glory? (Or the Pit Lifter)

Lately, I have been feeling like I am in the pit as described in Psalms 40:1  and 2 " I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon the rock and established my steps."
After my second book was published, I felt good! I had high hopes it will sell well, but unfortunately one person bought one.  I was told my book was good and I got several reviews(from those who download them on free days). However, the pit was dug for me the day I allowed another author to review it. Instead of giving me  five star review  he gave me 3 and a half. Nothing wrong with that, but it was what he said: "This book should not be published." It became my undoing and it almost destroyed my confidence to write another book.
  Before my manuscript went into publication, I did let another author proofread it. After making changes, I was ready to submit for publication. If only I would have known before I went through all that trouble to get it self published through Createspace.com, maybe my confidence would still be in tact.  Grant that I can't afford to hire an editor to go through my manuscript and make corrections. Everyone tells me that I need one.
But who gets the glory?
 If I hire an editor, she or he would use their training and knowledge they gained to help you improve your manuscript. I am talking about Worldly editors. They use their own knowledge, wisdom and experiences to edit your manuscript. I am sure Christian ones will acknowledge God when it comes to editing people's manuscripts and will give him Glory for a  job well done.

Recently I let someone who is NOT an editor who I know very little about edit my manuscript because she said she would do it for free. However, I have regretted that decision.  Although I have found her suggestions helpful, her comments were not. They literally had put me into the pit and I had to cry out to God for help!  I told him how these comments made me feel and that I became discouraged. I had to wait on him to lift me out of the pit. And he has.

After the changes in my manuscript has been made, I had peace about who I wanted to proofread my manuscript. I know that she is a Christian and I trust her. Yes, I know she is not an editor, but neither was the last person who edited my manuscript.  As Jesus told me, it is my story, not hers. He assured me if I listen to His voice and not the voice of the world, I will do well.  He lifted me out of the pit.

God will get the glory because I am trusting Him to help my Christian friend to proofread The Past Hunter. I am reminded of Gideon. When God called Gideon to fight against the Midianites, he didn't let Gideon enlist a great number of fighting men. After the test, only 300 were selected and yet Gideon won the battle. God does this so he can get the glory.

Writing is Not Easy

I would like to say that it is a piece of cake to write. I have being doing it for many years and get great story ideas, but over the years I never had anyone  tell me that I need help. My mother and sister knows I have the  gift of story telling  and they encourage me to not give up.  I never dream of becoming an author before I become a teacher, but it has happened and I have had my share struggles and very little success.
I have great friends who bought my book and give me a good review, but I also have friends who will be honest and tell me: You need help.
I am torn between giving up and pressing on. If anyone ever said, that you can make money writing books, they are wrong. Not unless you happen to be a best seller which is my dream. I never wanted to self publish my books.  There have been times when I wanted to throw in the towel.  My friends  writes about how well their books are selling, getting  rewards and all kinds of great things that has happened while I feel like I get pushed in the mud. Don't get me wrong. If I need to improve, I will, but it is not easy.  Did I ever say my books don't need help? Maybe once.
 One of my biggest challenge and obstacles is getting descriptive. I have a an author friend who had  told me countless of times   "add description" or "Show how they feel"  I  try! This is where I want to give up.
Writing is a passion, but teaching is my calling. Write is what I do when I  am waiting to teach. Just a note: I am not sure I would even be a great school teacher because I have been outside of education for too long, but that doesn't mean I will give up on my calling an dream of teaching. I have to believe in myself because God believes in me. The same goes for writing.

Understanding Me as An Author

Today, I received  a review from another author.  He is in  a group I am in but we are not friends.  He did not pay for my book but I sent him a copy of my pdf  file to him. I never claimed to be perfect but I thought my book was  better than my first which had spelling mistakes I missed and  bad formatting caused by the publisher.   Before this review, 4 other people reviewed it.

The Past Hunter is my first Christian Romance. I only found one mistake but he pointed out more than one.  He said that the book should not be published.  I am sorry he felt that way and I am glad I never got a hold of his book to review.

I write because it is a way of escape for me. I know I am not perfect and that is why I asked someone to proofread it before I published it. My next book is  in the process of being edited so let's see if people like him will say something like that again.

I know there are authors out there who may be called to write, but I am called to teach. I thank you for being honest, but tell me that my book should not be published is an insult. If God gave you a talent and someone came up to you and said "You shouldn't have that talent" How would you feel?   My gut feeling tells me by his review he doesn't  know God at all.  The only thing positive he said is "Great message"

Christians and paranormal Fiction and others

 I am a very devout person, and I was raised with very spiritual convictions.  I try to be accepting if my other Christian authors/friends' faith are weak.  The Apostle Paul wrote that we should accept him whose faith is weak. Is it my place to tell them "A Christian should not write certain fiction?" Do I have  convincing proof that writing books about alien beings is not right for Christians to write? Or that writing about witches and vampires is also wrong? No, I don't. It is between them and God. If they have no convictions about what they write then is it my place to make it clear to them? No, but does it mean I have to agree with their reasoning? No.
However, it doesn't mean these creatures and beings don't exist. Take for example ghosts. I for once thought that only the Holy Ghost exists until I read a verse in the Bible where the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost.  As for witches, yes there were witches in the Bible but God told people that they were not suppose to have anything to do with the occult (Witchcraft, sorcery, etc. is the occult) In the Harry Potter Series, Harry and his cohorts are all witches. Yes, you may say it is good versus evil but there is no such thing as good witches. Witchcraft is wrong! Writing about the use of witchcraft is almost like glorifying it. The more you write about it or talk about, the more the devil loves to hear! But what if you write about a Christian who falls in love with a warlock or a witch? The warlock or witch does not tell the Christian who or what they are, but they seem to have some power over them until the Christian realizes that any curse the other person puts on them can not work.  In the book of Numbers, Balak asked Balaam to put a curse on God's people, but he could not. He said, "How can I curse what God has blessed?" This had given me an idea to try a paranormal romance!
Another kind of fiction I think is strange for Christians to write are Vampire Fictions! How is that a Christian can become a victim of a vampire if she is blessed? Unless however that Christian is not aware of that. It is not my place to judge. Perhaps God has allowed his people to write such stories. I would like to try paranormal romance sometime  if God allows me too. We shall see.  By the way, some readers may consider reading HP Series a fantasy but we are not suppose ot chase after fanstasies.

My Five Star Review for She Belongs To Me

<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13294574-she-belongs-to-me" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="She Belongs To Me" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332077582m/13294574.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13294574-she-belongs-to-me">She Belongs To Me</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5407915.Carmen_DeSousa">Carmen DeSousa</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/528139523">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
(Before I give my review, it looked like Goodreads didn't add it when I updated my status so I didn't just read and finish in one day)<br /><br />I really liked the book! Jordan may have his fault, but he is a wonderful lover and husband to Jaynee! I am glad Carmen didn't let me down! She starts the book with Jaynee being taken to the hospital because she was shot then she leads the reader to  a few years back when it all began: how they met, some background about Jaynee. In other words, she takes you from the bad, and fills it with good. She makes you think who put her in the hospital and surprises you in the end! Gret job, Carmen!  I want to write like you!
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/17113747-ruthie-madison">View all my reviews</a>