Chapter a week!

There's only one more week to sign up for the Chapter-a-Week Summer Reading Book Giveaway—check out all the details here.

Here's a bit about this week's selections on Chapter-a-Week:

Finally a Family
Carolyne Aarsen
Love Inspired – June, 2008

A Farm – A desire to atone for past wrongs – And two people caught in the middle.

This is MY Farm:
Arrogant Ethan Westerveld could scream that from the barn roof if he wanted, but half the place was now Hannah Kristoferson' s. Not that she wanted one inch of the farm that reminded her of the only father she'd ever known- and his heartbreaking betrayal. Yet according to the terms of his will, she had to spend six months at Riverbend or forfeit the inheritance. Six months butting heads with too-handsome Ethan in order to make a quick sale and a new life far away? She'd do it. But Hannah didn't count on Ethan feeling like family…or that she'd want to stay forever.

Top Pick – Romantic Times:
. . .Carolyne Aarsen delivers a spunky heroine who keeps the story fun while a warm romance brews at just the right temperature. You'll be glad to read Finally A Family (4 ½)"

WINTER HAVEN by Athol Dickson
Christy Award-winning author of River Rising and The Cure
Romantic Times: "Top Pick!"
Library Journal: Starred Review
Christian Fiction Review: Five Stars

Athol Dickson 's writing has been favorably compared to the work of
Octavia Butler (by Publishers Weekly), Daphne du Maurier (by Cindy Crosby of FaithfulReader. com) and Flannery O'Connor (by the New York Times).

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week and to join our deeper discussion go to Chapter-a-Week Chat at http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CAWChat/ where authors and readers discuss new titles together.
If you enjoy Chapter-a-Week take the time to tell a friend how to sign up. It's easy and free and a great way to find books that fit each person's particular taste.

Quit complaining!

I'm reading through the book of Numbers right now, (yea, I know...it's kind of hard), but I came to chapter 14 today. It's the story about Moses sending the 12 spys into the promised land to check things out and bring back a report. 10 of them came back saying there's no way they could conquer the land. They reported that it was filled with warlike people and giants. 2 of them spoke about the bounty of the land 'a land flowing with milk and honey' and they declared they could easily conquer it with God's help. But the people of Israel only heard the bad report and cried out in protest to Moses, complaining and whining and saying "If only we had died in Egypt or here in the wilderness. . . Let's choose a new leader and go back to Egypt". Remember these are the same people who saw the Red Sea part, who walked through on dry land, who everyday watched the pillar of smoke and fire escort them through the wilderness, who saw water come out of a rock and food fall from the sky for them. God had proved himself over and over and over and still they did not believe Him. Then when they gathered up rocks to stone the 2 men who gave a good report, Joshua and Caleb, God intervened and declared to the people of Israel "I will do to you the very things I heard you say. You will drop dead in this wilderness because you complained against me." And that's exactly what happened. No one under 20 years old at that time entered the promised land. They all died wandering around the wilderness. They never entered the abundance God had ordained for them.

This passage really made me think about what comes out of my mouth. When some obstacle comes into my path, do I complain about it? Do I grumble and lose faith? Or do I remember all the other times God has worked everything out for my good? I, for one, want to have that abundant life God planned for me. I'm not talking about riches. I'm not talking about a problem free life. I'm talking about purpose, destiny, joy and peace and fulfillment like you've never known. I believe many Christians today never fulfil God's plan for their lives. And why? Because of complaining. and what is complaining? In essence, it is unbelief.

Be careful what you complain about. You may get exactly what you say.

Happy Memorial Day!

I thought it fitting to display here a speech given by President Lincoln in 1863 to create our National day of Thanksgiving. President Lincoln was considered one of America's greatest presidents in our history. I found 2 things quite interesting. 1. The state of our Country seemed much better than it is today, and 2. President Lincoln gave all the glory to God. Humm. I wonder if the two are somehow connected?

A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Chapter a week - Huge book giveaway!

We had such a great response to our last book giveaway that we've decided to make it a regular event! So we are giving away a ten-pound box of autographed Chapter-a-Week books to one Chapter-a-Week member for summer reading fun.
Simply send an email with "Chapter-a-Week Summer Reading Giveaway" in the subject line to cawcontest@gmail. com and you'll be entered in the drawing. The deadline for signing up is June 6th and the winner will be announced June 13th. Get your entries in and be sure to tell your friends to sign up for Chapter-a-Week!
To qualify, the return email address must be on the Chapter-a-Week membership list. Continental U. S. residents only, please. Industry professionals should refrain from entering, and though we'd love you to share our books with your friends, these books are not for resale.
Thanks and happy reading!
Your friends at Chapter-a-Week

Here's this weeks Chapter-a-Week excerpts!

CONTROLLING INTEREST by Elizabeth White

THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY...Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case. When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered-until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner.Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her--until Natalie makes him an offer he can't refuse! If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company.And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition- or discover an entirely new arrangement?Zondervan ISBN 0310273056

Dear Baby Girl
By Jane Orcutt

From Publishers WeeklyUnlike most Christian fiction with prolife themes, this sweet, inspirational novella gently unfolds a tale of how God redeems tragedy for three people in difficult circumstances, without resorting to heavy-handed proselytizing. ..Orcutt' s fellow Christian writers should take note that a message-driven novel can be much more than just a sermon.

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week. Find out about our new Summer Reading book giveaway while you're there!

Get on God's tour bus!

As summer approaches, many of us will head out on various vacations (perhaps shorter ones due to the gas prices!). Usually, we take the kids camping up in the Sierras, or travel to Florida to visit my family. Many people who travel afar sign up for special tours. Though I've never done that myself, I'm told they are a good and safe way to see all the sights in a foreign country. Everything from where you will sleep to what you will eat is all arranged for you. All you have to do is get on the bus each morning and do whatever the tour guide says. As I pondered this, it occured to me that the true Christian life is much like signing up for one of these grand tours. We commit our trust to the Owner of the tour company (Jesus), and then put our lives in the hand of the Tour Guide (Holy Spirit). Once we get on the bus, all we need to do is sit back, enjoy the ride, and obey the Guide. How hard is that? We don't have to know where we are going. We don't have to worry about time or money or getting lost. Everything has been arranged for us and paid in advance. I know many people who really love these types of vacation tours because they are free of the stress of planning and time and money and they can just sit back and enjoy.

God's tour book, the Bible is full of admonitions to commit yourself to God, to rest, to not worry, to completely trust Him, to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. It tells us that God already has a plan (tour) for each one of us, determined before we were born--a specific tour that is perfect for each one of us. I could spend all day listing the scriptures here, but I encourage you to seek them out for yourself.

How comforting is that? There is such a peace in getting on the bus, sitting back, and allowing our Tour Guide to direct us. We don't have to worry about a thing. We get off the bus when He tells us to, sleep where He tells us to, eat when He tells us to, do the tasks He tells us to. Some people may find that restrictive, but in reality I find it completely freeing. No worries, No fears.

The trouble is, some well meaning Christians commit themselves to the Tour Owner, but never get on the bus. They just stand there on the curb, afraid to let go of the "control" they think they have over their lives. They get their own map, their own transportation, and decide to take themselves on their own tour. But, they end up getting lost, hungry and discouraged, never seeing the incredible sights along the way. Their Christians lives end up being filled with frustration and sorrow, and some even walk away from the Tour Owner.

The truth of the matter is, if you're not on God's tour bus, you're on Satan's tour bus or the World's tour bus, and you're being driven by something or someone that will only lead you to despair.

So, do yourself a favor. Get on the bus. Relinquish your rights, commit yourself to the Tour Guide, and then hold on. You're about to have the ride of your life!

Hello to my bloggers and Dan in Real life.

First of all, I want to thank everyone who regularly visits my blog, and also to those of you who post comments. I want to let you all know that I DO READ every comment with interest. There are many times I would like to respond, but when I click on your Google profile, there is no email address for me to respond to. So, rest assured, I am grateful for your interest in my humble blog and appreciate every comment I get.

I wanted to share my thoughts on a movie I rented last night called Dan in Real Life. It is an odd title for a movie and not one I would normally pick up, but a friend recommended it. It's the story of a widower trying to raise 3 daughters. He writes a column for his local newspaper and gives strict moral advice to his readers. But when it comes to his own daughters, his strict moral code often alienates him. I am very leary of watching movies these days, especially PG-13 movies like this one was rated. Hollywood seems to enjoy walking that fine line between what's acceptable for a 13 year old and what is not. But this movie was a pleasant surprise. Only one time did I cringe slightly. Most of the movie had me rolling on the floor. It was very funny, and the characters likeable. The thing I enjoyed the most, and one thing we writers all aspire to do to our beloved main characters, is to make things get worse and worse for them. Just when you think nothing worse can happen, it does! Great, entertaining movie.

Chapter a week!

Anathema
By Colleen Coble

Welcome to Parke County, Indiana,
land of peaceful farms and covered bridges,
Amish quilts and horse drawn buggies . . . and murder.

After years of running, Hannah Schwartz has finally built a life for herself. Far from the insecure husband who bullied and abused her. Far from the close-knit Amish community who raised her, then shunned her. Still haunted by nightmare memories of her parents' murder . . . and the guilty secret that made her an anathema—a true outcast—from her friends and family.

Only love can bring her home again. Love for a child she had feared was lost forever.
And love for the peaceful people who shaped her life. But can love heal old wounds . . . or keep the community safe from a deadly danger?

DAWN'S LIGHT
Restoration Series—Book 4
Terri Blackstock

Book 4 in Terri Blackstock's popular Restoration Series is in stores now!

As the Pulses that caused the massive global power outage are finally coming to an end, thirteen-year- old Beth Branning witnesses a murder. Threatened by the killer, she keeps the matter to herself. But her silence could cost her life. Will technology return to normal in time to save the Brannings from their worst crisis yet?

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week, and to join our deeper discussion of these titles go to Chapter-a-Week Chat at http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CAWChat/ where authors and readers discuss new titles together.

If you enjoy Chapter-a-Week take the time to tell a friend how to sign up. It's easy and free and a great way to find books that fit each person's particular reading style.

Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornados, oh my!

If you're like me, you're horrified at all the terrible natural disasters that have occured just in the past few weeks. The cyclone in Myanmar which left 62,000 dead or missing. The Tornadoes in the midwest, the earthquake in China where 26,000 dead or injured and another 18,000 possibly buried beneath the rubble. What is going on? 1800 people died when Katrina hit New Orleans. Magnify that by 30 times and you still won't reach the dead in Myanmar. Have we become immune to hearing about such castastophies?

In Luke 21:10-11 Jesus spoke about the last days "Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. "

The disciples had asked Jesus what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age. Matthew 24 and Luke 21 give us His answer. I encourage you to read them.

Yes, I know we've had earthquakes, and storms, famines and plagues throughout history, and I'm certainly not one of those people who predicts the end of the world, but with all that's happening it does make one think.

In 1 Thess 5, Paul describes these disasters before the coming of the Lord as labor pains and as any woman knows who's had a baby, these pains get more and more intense and more and more painful, the closer to the birth.

Listen to this cool scripture found in Romans 8

20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Creation. That's everything. Rocks, trees, oceans, moutains, forest. Do you realize that when man fell in Eden, so did all of Creation. Wow, And the earth is groaning in anticipation for Christ's return, the birth of the new Kingdom on earth. And leading up to that new birth, the labor pains are increasing.

Does God care about all this suffering? Absolutely. But He cares more about the souls of men and where they will spend eternity than anything temporary on this earth. If given a choice, would a woman not want to give birth to her baby, keep him or her in her womb forever, just to avoid the pain of childbirth? I doubt it.

The birth of God's glorious kingdom on this earth will be so wonderful, so beyond anything we could ever imagine. But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,Nor have entered into the heart of manThe things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

So, instead of being afraid, be encouraged. Seek Jesus, Seek God's will. Read the word, and look up, for the King of Kings is returning soon.

Support your favorite authors!

• 
  
  I've been a full time writer now for about three years, and I've learned a great deal about the business in that time. One of the most important things I've learned is that sales numbers run the business. In other words, how many books an author sells determines the following
  
  
  
  How long a book stays in print and available
• Whether that book even appears on the shelf at a bookstore
• Whether an author will be able to publish another book

In other words, sales numbers are a career breaker for an author. Book stores won't even stock books from authors with low sales numbers. An author won't be able to get another book contract, no matter how good the book is, if they've had low sales numbers in the past. And even though an author may be publishing with a "Christian" publisher, profits are always the bottom line. They are in business to make money, after all.

What discourages me more than anything is hearing from readers who absolutely love my books, but who borrowed them from their neighbor's neighbor who got them from their cousin who got them from their mother...etc. In other words, twenty people read and loved my books, but I only got one sale out of it. Though I do consider my books a God-given ministry and I'm overjoyed when I hear from people whose lives have changed as a result of reading my books, but sales numbers are still the bottom line.

So I'm pleading with readers out there, and not just for my books, but for any author that you love. By all means, borrow the book from someone or check it out from the library to see if you like it, but if you really like the book and love the author's work, buy a copy for yourself. Of course if you simply can't afford the book, absolutely borrow it. I'm sure most authors would rather you read it for free than not read it at all. But if you can afford it, by all means, buy it. In that way, you are supporting your favorite author and keeping him or her in a position where they will be able to keep writing and putting out books that you enjoy.

Kirk Cameron

Last night some friends and I had the priviledge of attending a special service where Kirk Cameron was speaking. Some of you may remember him from Growing Pains, a sitcom from the 80's that was quite popular. Now he is part of a ministry called Way of the Master which is an evangelical outreach to the lost. A friend of mine was able to save seats up front in the second row so we got a real good view of him. He looks just like he did on the show, by the way, although a bit more mature!

What struck me about him is his enthusiastic love for God and for the lost. He told the story of his wild past before he got saved and the decadent lifestyle he lived as a teen idol in the 80's. He was an atheist at the time and rejected God and even laughed at those who believed in Him. But he attended church a few times with his girlfriend, only with the intent to please her, and somehow the message crept into his heart and he began to wonder about eternity. One day in his car, he realized that if the Bible was in any way possibly true, then he was doomed to Hell when he died, and even though he was young at the time, he knew that could really happen any day. So, he asked God to reveal Himself, told Him that if He were real, then Kirk needed to come clean, repent and change His life. And God did show Himself. Not with bells, whistles, or angels, but deep within Kirk with a sensation of overwhelming Holiness and Power.

Since then, Kirk has been on a mission to tell others the gospel. That there is a God, He loves you, and doesn't want you to be without Him for all eternity. He and his partner, Ray Comfort have taken the ministry of Jesus as their example to share the good news with others, and he gave us all a demonstration. What I liked about his method was that it didn't involve an altar call, it didn't involve a canned "sinners prayer", but it pointed out to the person that they needed saving because no matter how "good" they think they are, they can never measure up to God's standard. Once a person realizes how sinful they are, they are nearly there. They must just "repent" which Kirk explained as doing a complete U-turn on the life you're leading, turn to Jesus and follow Him. Repentence isn't just saying I'm sorry to God and then going about your way. It's a lifestyle change and one in which now you put all your trust in God and make Jesus your Lord.

It was a great message and one in which many churches need to hear these days. Let's forget the donuts, coffee, entertaining bands and plays, and the water-downed messages all designed to attract people, and let's just do what Jesus did. It worked for Him. Why do we think we can improve on it?

Turkey anyone?

Although we live in the thick of the big city, our house backs up against a wildlife park. There is a dirt trail that winds through that park where I walk everyday, do my praying, and story plotting. I feel so blessed to have it so close. In the 12 years that we've lived here, I've seen all kinds of wild animals up there, wild boar, deer, coyotes, bobcats, turkeys, cows (I know, they are not wild) snakes (yikes) tarantulas (yuk) mice, lizards, and hawks.

And sometimes we don't even have to go up on the trail to get that "wild" experience. like this week. Twice we've found turkeys in our yard (No, not our children) but real wild turkeys! So, my husband ran out and got this picture of one who flew up onto our roof. I thought you might enjoy it as much as we did. They are quite large. About 3 feet tall, I would guess. Anyway, they get real scarce around Thanksgiving. I think the word gets out about the holiday meal and they all scramble to hide until it's over.

God is on the throne!

Do you believe that? Do any of us really truly believe that God is on the throne. That He is in control, He has a plan and it's all going to work out in the end?

I'll admit to being a serious control freak. I believe it comes from a long chaotic childhood in which I had absolutely no control. That coupled with being a nervous anxious type person, I tend to drive myself crazy (and everyone around me) trying to create a "safe, structured" environment for me and my family. Not much change. Nothing out of the ordinary. I like to know what to expect from my day and I don't like surprises! I realize none of the characters in my books are like this. First of all, that would be boring and secondly, I don't like being this way.

But recently, God has been revealing to me in little subtle ways that no matter how much control I think I have, I really don't have any at all. Normally that would be a terrifying thought for me, but along with that revelation, He's also showing me that He is in control. Not just of the big things, like the world, wars, politics...etc. but of every single detail of my life! Including sending the right person at the right time to solve a major problem I was having in one of my books, Including arranging sticks up on the trail I walk on in the exact shape of a cross over and over all the length of my walk.

Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.He delights in every detail of their lives.

For some people who don't know God in a personal way and don't understand how much He loves them, this too could be a fearful situation. I've met some people who think God could zap them with some tragedy at any time He wanted, like He's some kind of tyrant welding out punishments depending on His mood. But if you know God. If you really know Him and His love, you understand that He's not like that at all. He's a loving parent who would die for His children (and in fact, He did just that by sending His Son) His only goal, only desire is to bless us, to create in us a new heart so we can experience joy and peace, and live life to the fullest in this life and the next.

The apostle John in 1 John 4:18 says "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love"

I believe what he is saying is that when we come to truly understand God's love for us, we won't be afraid of anything any more. Why would we? Our Father is the most powerful being in the universe and He's crazy about us. So, when problems come, tragedies strike, rest assured, God is still on the throne and He has allowed these things for our benefit. Does He enjoy watching us suffer? NO. But like any good Father, he wants to see us grow more mature. He wants to build our character.

All He asks for is our trust, and to remember He is on the throne. He is in control.

No more fear!

Daniel 2:20

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.

He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with him.

Another Chapter a week!

The Convenient Groom -- A Nantucket Love Story
By Denise Hunter

She wrote the book--literally- -on finding the right mate. But does she really understand what love's about?

Five hours before her Nantucket beach wedding--and on the eve of her big book launch--celebrity marriage counselor Kate Lawrence has everything in place. Everything, that is, but the groom. She might not have a career, either, when her nationwide audience finds out their marriage guru has been left at the altar.
Enter Lucas Wright, who offers to stand in for the missing husband-to-be and marry her. Kate's desperate enough to agree--although she's sure this Mr. Wright is completely wrong for her. But can they pull it off? And why would Lucas marry her in the first place?
Could it be that "Dr. Kate" doesn't know the first thing about love?


A Whisper of Freedom
By Tricia Goyer

Espionage, faith, love, and an ancient treasure. The plot thickens in this third installment of the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series by acclaimed author Tricia Goyer.

The fighting between the Nationalists and the Republicans grinds on across Spain, threatening to destroy everything and everyone in its path. International volunteers Sophie, Philip, and Deion are slowly coming to grips with the fact that if they are going to survive to help the people of Spain, they must escape this foreign land soon. But the line between friends and enemies is increasingly blurred, and the journey out of the country is fraught with danger.
And then there's the gold. Walt has a plan for the treasure that he promises will help the people of Spain if Sophie will help him get it out of the country. But Michael is hot on their trail with plans of his own for the precious metal.
A Whisper of Freedom reminds readers that victory is often unsure in times of war. Danger and darkness can threaten to silence all courage and faith. But as this committed band of volunteers and Spanish patriots learns--hope is more precious than gold.

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week and to join our deeper discussion go to Chapter-a-Week Chat at http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CAWChat/ where authors and readers discuss new titles together.

If you enjoy Chapter-a-Week take the time to tell a friend how to sign up. It's easy and free and a great way to find books that fit each person's particular taste.

Galleys for Falcon and the Sparrow

I received my galleys today for The Falcon and the Sparrow. For those of you who don't know what that is (and I didn't 3 years ago!) It is the final layout for the book, page by page. My job now is to read through the whole book and make any last minute corrections (not changes to the story or character) but just spelling, grammar, punctuation, maybe a word here and there that I want to change. By this time, I have read through this story about 6 times. Several during the writing and critiquing process and another two times with 2 different editors. Yikes. I feel like I know the story by heart now. Well, I guess, I should since I wrote it.

But, it is always exciting to see the final layout, chapter by chapter. I remember getting my first galleys ever for The Redemption. I was jumping up and down. I guess seeing the story printed out like a real book made me finally believe "Hey, this is really happening. I'm going to have a book published!"

And don't get me started on the fist time I received a box of The Redemption books in the mail! Let's just say the cable guy who was at my house fixing my internet connection, quickly darted for the door, started his truck and left. I'm sure he was calling head quarters warning them about the crazy woman who kept ranting and raving "My books are here. My books are here." sort of like "The British are coming. The British are coming!" Now, if I only had a horse and one of those cool tricorn hats.