Good Night Sweet Blog 29 Jun 2023 9:00 PM (last year)

Mary Connealy

Good night sweet blog. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Yes, Seekerville is closing up. I hate it and I'm ready. This blog has meant so much to me. This outlet as a professional writer. This attempt we've all made to help others and express ourselves. There were so many people who helped me learn how to write. And when a group of authors and friends formed an email loop and were just having a ridiculous amount of fun, we decided maybe we had something to share with other aspiring authors.

Seekerville was born. 

Giving it up feels wrong because it's been a home online for me for a long, long time. But it also feels right. The effort to find some new way to talk about the lessons of writing are hard. And I feel like I fail at it more often than I succeed. Or I repeat myself.

So I accept that we're putting our blog to bed for the last time today. Good night sweet blog.

And thank you to my Seeker sisters and to all the readers who've met with us along the way. Today we've got a few more good-bye posts from Seekers present and past. 

Ruth Logan Herne

Seekerville was never just a blog.

It was a give-back from fifteen authors who prayed one another into royalty-paying publication.

In a time when self-publishing was raising its head and viability, these authors created a sisterhood of faith, hope and love… and met their goal! All fifteen authors were published and in the middle of that, when only a handful had gotten “the call” we decided to start a blog to help other aspiring authors. We believed in giving, helping, leading and encouraging.

We were and are blessed!  It has given me countless friends and delightful readers and I will be forever grateful for both!

  

Debby Giusti

So many memories…

 In 2005, I attended my first National Romance Writers of America Conference. My story won the Touched by Love Contest, and I met the Love Inspired editor who called one month later and asked to buy my book. The contest win that led to publication and the interaction with my eventual editor made my writing dreams come true, but equally important were the friends I made at that national gathering. We discussed starting a private support loop, which we did, and two years later, we gave birth to the Seekerville blog. Our goal was to help other writers on their journey to publication and beyond. Over the years, the friendships formed with both readers and writers have added joy to my life and have buoyed me as I navigated the ups and downs of the writing world. In addition, we’ve been a prayerful community, and I truly believe God has worked through this blog to uplift, to affirm and to help other writers who love the Lord.

As we know, all good things must end, even Seekerville, although it is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell. Your kindness and encouragement have touched me deeply, and I’m so grateful. The memories of the love and laughter we shared will never fade and will be special treasures that will warm my spirit in the years ahead.  Know that you are ever in my heart and in my prayers. 

 

I love you all!

Debby Giusti

Janet Dean

I’m beyond blessed to have been a Seeker, one of 13 writers who joined forces to support each other on our journey to publication. When we started the blog Seekerville our intent was to share writing and industry tips meant to help ourselves and others along the way and to promote books with giveaways and prizes. We had a blast doing it while meeting and connecting with wonderful writers and readers! But what we ended up sharing the most were our lives! Writing is a solitary business and having this vibrant community to visit each day forged special connections and friendships we’ll always cherish! I learned oodles about writing from our posts, enjoyed the interaction both online and at writing conferences. But by far the best part of Seekerville was seeing ours and countless others’ dreams realized and celebrated in Seekerville! Though I’m retired and no longer write, I’ll always be grateful to have been part of it! Thanks to all who came, all who stayed, all who gave so much of themselves!    

Seekerville has been a fount of knowledge for aspiring and published authors from its beginning. It’s been a valuable resource for me throughout my career. I remember being tickled pink when Janet Dean approached me in 2013 about doing a guest post on the original Seekerville shortly after I received my first contract. It wasn’t until I sat down to write that post that I felt the pressure to come up with something of value that would benefit others still awaiting their first contract. So you can imagine how humbled I was when I was invited to join Seekerville 2.0 back in late 2017. I felt a huge responsibility to help other writers grow had been placed on my shoulders, and I never took that for granted.

Back in the heyday of blogging, Seekerville stood out as a safe place for up-and-coming authors to learn, share victories and disappointments, and to cheer each other on. It was more than just a blog, it was a community. Many authors attribute their success to Seekerville, and I’m one of them. Iron sharpens iron. That’s what Seekerville has always been about. And I’ve been honored to be a small part of it.

Julie Lessman

MY GOODBYE TO SEEKERVILLE:

How do you close the book on one of the greatest chapters of your life? It’s not easy. But what is easy is reflecting on all the blessings Seekerville has been to so many people over the years.

For me as an aspiring author, Seekerville was a lifeline in a sea of doubt, buoying me with hope, wisdom, and support every step of the way. But far more important than the encouragement and education that Seekerville provided, were the dearest of friends it brought at a time when I needed them most. Seekerville was more than a blog—it was a sisterhood that began with twelve women, each with a dream in her heart. And it was those very women who helped turn every one of our dreams into a reality with laughter, tears, and solid friendships that will go on forever.

For the reading and writing community who called Seekerville home, it was a light in the darkness and a lamp unto many of our paths, inspiring, encouraging, teaching, informing, and supporting both readers and writers alike with the Word of God and wisdom gleaned over the years, both literary and spiritual.

So, I say goodbye to Seekerville, both with a heavy heart and a grateful one, that God allowed me to be a part of it and the lives of the many people it has so richly blessed.

Hugs and more hugs,

Julie 

 Jan Drexler

In the fall of 2010, our family was in the middle of making one of our many interstate moves. While I was in Kansas waiting for our house to sell and home schooling our two youngest children, I felt the nudge to start the writing career that had been pushed aside for years. As I searched the internet to find out information on how to start this plunge into unknown waters, I stumbled upon a blog. Fifteen authors – some published, some pre-published – were giving advice for people exactly like me! And not only advice, but encouragement, well-timed lessons, and a camaraderie that made that little corner of the internet feel like home.

The invitation to join the Seekers in 2017 was a dream come true! It was a bittersweet time, though, as we said goodbye to so many original Seekers who were retiring. I feel that same bittersweet feeling now, as times have changed, and blogs are no longer the best way to reach aspiring authors. But you all know where to find us, right? We’ll still be on social media – be sure to look for us there!

Love to all, Jan Drexler

Audra Harders

Hmm, summing up what Seekerville is to me in one paragraph? Impossible! There are innumerable memories rolled up in all the terrific events, posts, discussions that have transpired over virtual brunches of cinnamon rolls, red velvet cake and omelet bars, LOL. But, if I had to choose one aspect of Seekerville I loved the most, it would be all the Seeker Villagers who have touched my life over the years. As most know, Seekerville was born as a group of unpublished authors banded together through their love of contests and sought to pray each other into publication. Along the way, we launched a blog to help other unpubbed authors learn about their craft and offer encouragement along the way. As the Lord says (my paraphrase), Give with a cheerful heart and He will bless abundantly (2 Cor 9:6-8). If there was one thing you can say about Seekerville, we are a cheerful bunch and approach each of our posts with joy, compassion, laughter and of course, virtual food to feed the masses!!

For me personally, that joy and love was returned to me beyond measure. Our Villagers are the heart of Seekerville and YOU made our little safe haven of learning and love a place to cherish through all the ups and downs of this crazy writing life. Thank you for your faithfulness and encouragement as we shaked and shimmied our way through 16 years of love.

Bless you all, Audra 

Glynna Kaye

 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33) 

 

That’s where it all started in 2005 when, through “meeting” each other in writing contest winners’ circles, God drew the original Seekers together. We shared industry news, teamed up to serve as beta readers, encouraged each other, challenged each other, prayed for each other--and became friends. Some soon escaped from “Unpubbed Island,” others of us gradually set sail one by one.

 

In the autumn of 2007--almost 16 years ago--we launched Seekerville The Blog, wanting to share with other writers what we were learning on our journey. We hoped that through sharing posts on our personal experiences, the craft of writing, the publishing industry, words of encouragement--and prayer for all--that other aspiring writers might attain their own publishing dreams. What came about during Seekerville’s “heyday” was a living, breathing, close-knit community of Seekers and the scores of fabulous and faithful “Seeker Villagers” who called the blog home! (A good number of whom are now published!)

 

I’m so grateful for my Seeker Sisters and all the many Villagers who joined us on the journey. THANK YOU! And thank you to our Heavenly Father who brought us together for a purpose and an amazing time in our lives!

Myra Johnson

I’ll always be grateful for the invitation back in 2005 that brought me together with 14 other determined writers in support, encouragement, and prayer for our journey toward publication. As one by one we began sailing off Unpubbed Island (some sooner than others!), creating the Seekerville blog in 2007 seemed like the perfect venue for giving back to the larger community of writers and to share what we were learning along the way. I am honored to have served as one of the original Seekerville bloggers during its first 10 years, and I’m thankful for the new Seekers who came on board after several of us “retired” to pursue other avenues in our writing careers. I will never forget Seekerville for all the writing tips, learning opportunities, laughter, and regular “kicks in the pants” that comprised our daily fare. Most especially, I cherish the friendships. You will all ALWAYS be in my heart! —Myra Johnson 

Dana R. Lynn

So many thoughts are going through my head. Seekerville has been a part of my life ever since I began my writing journey in 2013. I remember the excitement of joining others for Speedbo, the Seeker version of NanoWriMo. I would read the posts to glean what wisdom I could as I pursued my dream. And continued afterwards when I received that first contract. But Seekerville was more than a resource. Through online interactions and in person meetings at conferences, I developed real friendships. It was an honor to join the Seekers for the past year. And while this is bittersweet, I know that the relationships I formed will last beyond the blog.

Blessings!

Learning Persistence from Taylor Swift 27 Jun 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

 I'm on a very tight deadline at the moment, but I'm also in my last week of school, so time is precious. I started to write a new blog post, but I realized I was PROCRASTINATING from writing the final scene in my first draft.

As I was debating new vs an oldie (another chance to procrastinate), I came across the one I'm posting about. 

Since everyone and their uncle seems to be either talking about Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour or FOMO on Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour (I kid you not, I got an email today from a teaching blog that used FOMO Taylor Swift as the hook!), I decided to go with the flow.

It seemed appropriate for a couple of reasons -

1) It followed a post on procrastination

2) My daughter has been listening to Taylor non-stop every time we are in the car together 

3) Seeing all these photos of Taylor's record-breaking, sold out tours makes is sweet to look back at the persistence of an 11 year-old and see just  how far she has come.

Way back when, I shared this post:

A few months I did a blog on the P word – procrastination.

Today, I’m back to talk about a different P word, the one that determines the possibility of success – Persistence.

I have two quotations that have guided my writing career for as long as I can remember.

The first is:

  

A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit. (Often attributed to Richard Bach, bus he supposedly disavowed saying it.)

I have read a lot of differing opinions about that quote ranging from arguments about what constitutes a professional writer to what determines the level of success required to claim writer status. I’m not really interested in any of those arguments. In my mind, it comes down to this – writers write. So whether you do it for a lot of money or none, if you haven’t quit yet (or have and came back to it), then you’re on the right/write track.

The second quote follows naturally from that. 

She wrote what she loved, until she loved what she wrote, and she sent it out one more time.

I have no idea where this quote came from. I have it on a scrap of paper that is so old it’s turned yellow and brittle.

When I tried to Google the source of that quote, I got a bunch of links to Taylor Swift’s new album. It’s really tempting to tag Taylor in this post and see our views skyrocket. I have no idea why that quote triggered Taylor's name, but when I thought about it, I was glad it had.

 A lesson in procrastination vs. persistence

The other day, I was supposed to be writing, but when I signed on to Twitter to join my #1k1hr group, #TaylorSwiftonGMA was trending. I very easily got sucked down a rabbit hole of Taylor Swift videos. 

Avoiding that kind of rabbit hole is a constant struggle for me. My husband used to drive me crazy flipping channels on the television. It seemed he’d stay on something just long enough for me to get hooked. He would move on, but by that time, I would be begging him to turn it back (to some show I'd probably be embarrassed to admit watching), because once I'm hooked, I need to find out what happens.

Which is what happened last Thursday on Twitter. First there was a video about Taylor's father handing out pizza to the people who waited on line overnight. Then there was Taylor singing a song from her new album. Then... and so on.

It's important to note here, I've never particularly been a Taylor Swift fan. I was just curious about what all the fuss on Good Morning America was about. My interest had been piqued. 

Am I alone in this? I know we joke about going to Facebook to check one thing and discovering we've spent an hour instead of the scheduled 5 minutes.

As it turns out though, watching Taylor Swift videos for an hour wasn’t without some benefit. One of the clips on GMA gave a history of her career starting as an 11 year-old girl determined to make it in Nashville. She explained that her mother and little brother waited in the car while she delivered karaoke demos she’d made. She talked about walking up and down Music Row knocking on doors.

"I would say, 'Hi, I'm Taylor. I'm 11; I want a record deal. Call me."

I cannot imagine having that kind of dedication at my age, let alone at 11. 

But the story didn't end there.

I found an article on ENews that included this:

"She came back from that trip to Nashville and realized she needed to be different, and part of that would be to learn the guitar," Andrea told EW. "Now, at 12, she saw a 12-string guitar and thought it was the coolest thing. And of course we immediately said, 'Oh no, absolutely not, your fingers are too small—not till you're much older will you be able to play the 12-string guitar.'
"Well, that was all it took. Don't ever say never or can't do to Taylor. She started playing it four hours a day—six on the weekends. She would get calluses on her fingers and they would crack and bleed, and we would tape them up and she'd just keep on playing.  ENews

What intrigues me is how someone has that kind of drive to succeed - especially at such a young age. 

Taylor is not unique in her work ethic. We hear stories all the time about athletes and their superior dedication to their sport, practicing endless hours until they can sink that three-point shot flawlessly, or lead a team to another Super Bowl victory.  

What can we, as writers, learn from this mindset?

That question has really been on my mind a lot lately. Writing is not a career for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of hard work, is often solitary, and you can go many years honing your craft before you manage to snag that contract.

And when you do, you just get to do it all over again.

Some writers succeed brilliantly, and others, as in my quote above, never rise to that professional level for one reason or another.

Why?

I found some interesting thoughts on that topic in an article at a teaching workshop I attended this week. I'm going to link the article. Take a minute and go look - it's short.

Three Reasons You Aren't Reaching Your Full Potential

The article states: The question, then, is why some people are better at developing their potential than others. 

What intrigued me about the answer was the psychological analysis. I'm just going to share a couple of key quotes that intrigued me. They will all make more sense if you read the article.

The trouble is that most people don’t seriously want what they say they want.
’I want’ means, ‘if I want it enough I will get it.’ Getting what you want means making the decisions you need to make to get what you want.”

In other words, few of us are willing to do what it takes to achieve what we desire.

Some aspirations are simply superficial desires for status, not declarations of will followed up by action.

Real motivation is the key ingredient. Those who actually succeed at getting better are obsessed with their goals, turning that motivation into genuine talent over time.

These thoughts hit home with me, because throughout my life, whenever I was working on something that I cared passionately about, I was unstoppable. My energy was boundless, nothing could stand in my way.

When I find myself faltering, it's usually because some little voice in my head is whispering, Do you really want it enough to work this hard?

Obviously adolescent Taylor Swift did.

Do you?

Is writing something you feel passionately about and are you ready to make the decisions you need to succeed. Are you willing to put in the time to develop the talent? Are you ready to bloody those fingers?

If you’re not a writer, is there something else that you are passionate about to this level?

Let's chat.

Five Ways NOT to Start a Story 25 Jun 2023 9:00 PM (last year)

Erica here. It's a smart writer who doesn't waste effort. Yesterday, I was the presenter/speaker at the ACFW MN NICE chapter in the Twin Cities, and I thought I would use a bit of what I taught there for this blog post. :) 

I spoke on Five Pages to Impress: How to Start a Story Strong. One portion of the presentation was a 'what not to do' section, based upon what I see so often when judging contest entries.

1. Please do not start with a prologue. I know. Writers love a prologue, but 97.5% of the time, they are completely unnecessary. They mess with the timeline, obscure just who the protagonist is, and often they steal the writer's thunder, revealing something they should be saving until later to totally blow their readers' minds. If you think your story opening isn't strong enough without your smash-bang, action-packed prologue...you're right! So change your opening chapter!

2. Do not start with a dream. Please. Just. Don't. Dreams are overdone. It's promising the reader the story will be about one thing, and then pulling a bait and switch on them when it turns out the POV character was just dreaming. (Bobby Ewing, anyone?) Dream sequences delay the start of the real story, and are not based in the reality of the real tale. 

3. Do not start with someone arriving somewhere. Please. It's the ultimate cliché. Heroine steps off the train onto the dusty platform in Dodge City. Heroine drives her Prius up to her grandmother's house, that she's soon going to sell to a developer once she cleans it out, but she's convinced by the hunky, flannel-clad neighbor next door to stay in town and convert it to a B&B and marry him in the process. Arrivals often slow the story to a crawl as the protagonist reflects on all that brought him/her to this point. 

4. Do not start your story with a Back Story Dump. Back story dumps tell the reader a lot of stuff they don't need to know at this point. But, how can I make the reader care if they don't know the character right away? Listen closely. I'm serious, lean in, because I'm about to drop a pearl of wisdom here that, if you follow it, will put your contest entry/agent submission/opening chapter FAR above many that I see. It is not your job to make the reader care about your character right away. It is your job to make your reader CURIOUS about your character right away. 

Do you get that? If a reader is curious about a character, they will keep reading. They will come to care for the character because they cannot wait to know what happens. 

Back Story Dumps slooooooow the story to an absolute crawl. It's like reading someone's resume. It's telling me through a mini bio about the character. Back story does not reveal as much about the character as you think. Knowing About someone isn't Knowing them. Treat your story opening not like the introduction of a new board member, but as making a new friend. You don't walk up to someone you've never met and say, "Hey, I'm a single-mother from Tennessee who was abandoned by her father when she was three, got pregnant when she was fifteen, and joined the army at eighteen." Stuff like that needs to come out slowly. 

Character isn't revealed through reciting a story's past. It's revealed through Dialogue, Action, and Subtext. What the character says, what they do, and what they think but don't say.

5. Do not start with a bunch of Happy People in Happy Land. It's boring. If you have no conflict, you have no story. "But what about establishing the normal world for my character?" you ask. Oh, by all means, do that. But give them something to want right away, or some obstacle, even if it is minor, to overcome. Put your heroine up a ladder in a dark storeroom trying to replace the lightbulb, but afraid of heights of any kind. The reader will learn a few things about the heroine without you even having to tell them. She's afraid of heights. She is determined even when she's scared. Through her mutterings or thoughts, you can reveal if she's snarky, given to brave self-talk to get through a circumstance, or if she prays when she's scared. It's an everyday occurrence that reveals a lot, and makes the reader wonder right away if she's going to accomplish her task, if she's going to cave to the fear and stop trying, or if she's going to topple off the ladder into the arms of her handsome neighbor.

I judge a lot of contest entries during the year, and these are five of the most common problems I see with story beginnings. I'd be curious to know what other ones you're aware of, or what you've heard is not a good way to start a story.

In other news, the Joy to the World Regency Christmas Novella Collection is now available on Audiobook! How cool is that? My contribution, Wonders of His Love, features a spin-off character from my Serendipity & Secrets series, and a handsome Scottish portrait painter.

Best-selling, award-winning author, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspirationalregencyreaders where she spends way too much time!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests 24 Jun 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

The Christ Pantocrator of St. Catherine's Monastery at Sinai, a 6th-century encaustic icon. [PD-US]

 

Jesus said to the Twelve:
"Fear no one.
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;
what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?
Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Everyone who acknowledges me before others
I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.
But whoever denies me before others,
I will deny before my heavenly Father."

Matthew 10:26-33

The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   

God bless you and keep you safe.   

Weekend Edition 23 Jun 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

Releasing June 27!

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Pre-Order

HERE!

Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )

Author Get Together 22 Jun 2023 12:16 AM (last year)

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. Back in the old days (pre-Covid lockdown) I used to attend 4-5 reader and/or writer events a year. My last event of this type was the Emerald City Writers' Conference in Oct 2019.  Until this past week.

Eight members of the other blog group I belong to, Petticoats and Pistols, traveled to Deadwood, South Dakota to combine a writers' retreat with a multi-author booksigning event called Wild Deadwood Reads. The booksigning is an annual event - this is its 6th year - and is held in conjunction with the town's Wild Bill's Days celebration. 

One member of our group, Kari Trumbo, had gone a few times before and when she came back from the event last summer her excitement about her experience there generated the idea of planning a group trip in 2023.  The idea was kicked around for a while, interest was measured and excitement started to build. One driver of this was the fact that even though we've been together as a group for a while (some of us longer than others) most of us had never actually met face to face.

So all the months of planning paid off last week in what resulted a really fun event. It was so great to be among other writers again. This is a little of how it went.

The first day was Thursday. All eight of us got together that morning in a house some of our group were staying in. The morning was devoted to writerly discussions and in just getting to know each other better. There was lots of talk, sharing, laughing and overall fellowship. Then we all had a yummy lunch together, provided by one of our group - the fabulous Karen Witemeyer.

After lunch several us ventured out to the  Days of '76 Museum.  It was full of interesting exhibits, including this one on hearse wagons. And while I was there I came up with an idea forr a brand new series that I'm truly excited about!!  (More on that when I've fleshed it out a little more!)

Our next stop was the Mount Moriah Cemetery where notables such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are buried. The photo below includes Karen Witemeyer and Julie Benson in the background.

On Friday we all separated and did our own thing, enjoying the 'playing tourist' thing. My daughte accompanied me on this trip because she'd never been in that part of the country either and loves to explore. She and I, accompanied by Mary Connealy and Julie Benson, took the opportunity to visit Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. A fun bonus, since Jan Drexler lives near Mt Rushmore, she and her husband met up with us there! It was such fun meeting her face to face and her husband is a real sweetie too.

Here's me and my daughter in front of Mt Rushmore

And here's Mary, me and Julie in front of the Crazy Horse monument along with a better picture of the monument itself

Front Matter...Back Matter...What Matter? 20 Jun 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

Soon after my first book went to contract, my editor asked for the front matter and back matter to be submitted along with my completed manuscript.

“Matter? What matter?” I asked, feeling totally clueless.

I soon learned that front matter refers to information on pages included before the beginning of the story. Similarly, back matter is anything added after the end of the story.

Today, let’s take a closer look at the front matter. I’ll cover the back matter in my next post.

I write for Love Inspired Suspense. The first page in each book includes pull quotes from the story to tease the reader. The second page has the author’s bio and a list of some of the author’s previous publications. The title and copyright information follow. All of those pages are considered front matter.

The page following the copyright in Love Inspired books as well as in many other Christian stories is a Bible verse that ties in with the plot or character development.

Amish Blast Investigation releases on June 27, and for that story, I chose Luke 12:24 as my Scripture verse. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” The story involves an Amish baker, Becca Klein, who helps the estranged son of a kindly older man, who was killed in an explosion at her bakery, uncover the truth about his dad. Becca has a lot to learn about life and love so the verse is applicable to the story.

In lieu of a scripture verse, secular books sometimes include an epigraph, which could be a quote or short paragraph that doesn’t refer directly to the story but may have bearing on the theme, setting or mood of the story. A foreward or type of recommendation for the book is written by someone other than the author, usually a person of prominence, and may be included as well as a preface by the author that tells how the book came to be written. Some books include an introduction that provides insight into what topics the reader can expect to find within the story. All of these are considered front matter.

Authors who interview subject matter experts for research will note their help in the acknowledgements. Often the author adds a caveat that any mistakes made are the author’s and have no bearing on the expert he or she interviewed.

An editor, agent or even the entire staff at a publishing house might be added to the acknowledgments. Before selling my first story, I often scanned this information in newly released books to learn which agents represented which authors. The information helped me determine the agents I should query when I sought representation for my own story.

The dedication is another bit of front matter found in both secular and Christian publications. I’ve dedicated books to my husband, my children, my parents, to law enforcement officers, the military and to reader friends whose support has meant so much to me.

Amish Blast Investigation is dedicated to Carol Rose. In my book, I explained that Carol is “a beautiful woman with a huge heart who not only cares for the aged and infirm but also provides support and encouragement for their families. God bless you, Carol," I wrote in the dedication, "for your compassionate ministry to those in need.”

Carol Rose & Debby

Carol cared for my dear friend’s husband who had Alzheimer’s. She has also helped a number of other seniors from my church who needed in-home care. It was an honor to dedicate the book to Carol. I named a character after her as well. 

Do you read the front matter before you buy a book? Does it have bearing on your purchase? Have you ever had a book dedicated to you? What about prefaces, forewords and introductions? Do they help “sell” the story?

Writers, share your thoughts on the front matter? Do you spend time choosing a Scripture or deciding upon your dedications and acknowledgments?

Leave a comment to be entered in two drawings with each winner receiving a copy of Amish Blast Investigation. 

Happy writing! Happy reading! 

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

A deadly explosion.

A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Pre-Order NOW! 

Our Bookish Cheerleaders! 19 Jun 2023 8:30 PM (last year)

 Cheerleading is harder than it looks.

But cheering for my team? THAT wasn't the hard part! I loved encouraging them on - win or lose. I think that's why when I went to high school, I volunteered to be the mascot. Celebrating my team and encouraging the players and audience brought as much (if not more) joy to me than those around me because 1., I loved my team. 2. It was loads of fun. 3. I wanted others to love my team too.

That's why I appreciate the cheerleaders of our bookish world so much! There are THOUSANDS of readers who love our stories, have fun cheering for our stories, and want others to fall in love with our stories too.

Where can we find these reading cheerleaders? 

Let me share a few examples of different places where bookish cheerleaders are rocking it!! 

1. In person - Of course, any time you can have an opportunity to build a community in person, it's fantastic. Though most of our cheerleaders are on social media/online, it's AMAZING how folks will come out to an in-person event, sometimes traveling HOURS, to celebrate one of their favorite authors. It is AMAZING!

2. Bookstagram - Okay, ya'll. This group of readers are hardcore! I ADORE them. IG has been a social media outlet for me over the past 3-4 years and being surrounded by bookstagrammers has been SUCH a blessing. If you're not familiar with them, check out some of my favs like @bookstagrambyalissamorgan @books.n.blossoms, @jessthebookhoarder, @the.book.maiden, @dareyoutoread and @the_reel_bookery are just a FEW of the zillions of cheerleaders who celebrate books. 

3. BookTok - I'm not as involved with TikTok because it overwhelms me, but the tokers there are just as excited about books as those on IG. If you want to narrow down what you see on this ever-growing and sometimes confusing social media platform, I suggest you narrow down your hashtags to #christiantiktok #christianbooks #christianfiction and #booktok.  Some names to toss out here are @lindsay.dee, @valicityelaine, @jenniferautumnkropf, @laurenzyano, @chronicallybookish...just to name a VERY few!

4. BookTube -I'm super new to this one and am considering starting one myself just because I think it might suit my personality a bit better than TikTok, but this is a great place to meet bookish cheerleaders AND it allows for longer videos, organizes them all in a one-stop place to find, AND already has a community of BookTubers to cheer you on and introduce you to more books to read! One of my FAVORITE Booktubers is @BookLoverAmanda. Besides her accent being FANTASTIC (Go Tennessee!), her enthusiasm dances off the screen! I've just started following @Celestria and her love for books shines through on her videos too! Fantastic cheerleaders to add to your list!

5. Facebook - If you've never visited Avid Readers of Christian Fiction, a Facebook group, you are MISSING OUT! These folks are some of the very best cheerleaders on the planet and are constantly celebrating great Christian Fiction reads. Warning...you WILL be sucked into this delightful group of bookish people who also love Jesus! (Btw, isn't that a great shot of author Karen Witemeyer? :)

************************************************************************

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. Her 20^th book came out in February 2023. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her dual timeline novel, Hope Between the Pages, was a 2022 finalist for the prestigious Christy awards. Pepper loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com

What is a Hero? 18 Jun 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

Thomas came home from deployment with a missing leg and a missing buddy. Craig had been killed by a sniper's bullet in Afghanistan, not knowing that his wife was expecting their first child. So when Thomas stopped by to give Craig's personal effects to Anne six months later, he was met by the undeniable evidence that Craig's child was on the way. 

He couldn't turn his back on his best friend's child. Anne needed his help.

Even though he was still recovering from his own wounds, Thomas stepped in where Craig couldn't. He painted the house, hired a neighbor kid to mow the lawn, took Anne to childbirth classes, stood by while she sweated through the hot summer...and fell in love.

And that is Thomas' romance story. When Anne needed support, Thomas sacrificed his own comfort to give it to her. What started as an effort to provide a father figure for Craig's child ended in a happily-ever-after for the two people who loved Craig the most.

So, what is a hero?

Overcomer? Protector? A man who devotes his time and talents to the Lord? A man who sacrifices his own life plans for another?

Who is the hero in your life?

Tell us in the comments! 

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests 17 Jun 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

Vocation of the Apostles, a fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1481-82. [PD-US]

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them 
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Then he summoned his twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits
to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.
The names of the twelve apostles are these:
first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;
James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;
Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus,
“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Matthew 9:36-10:8

The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   

God bless you and keep you safe.   

Weekend Edition 16 Jun 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

Jan is pleased to announce that The Case of the Artist's Mistake is a semi-finalist in the ACFW Carol Award contest!

AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

Releasing June 27!

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Pre-Order

HERE!

Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )

ACFW Storyfest Takeover Blitz - plus a NOT TO BE MISSED GIVEAWAY 14 Jun 2023 9:00 PM (last year)

Hello Seekerville! Pam Hillman here. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to tell you about ACFW Storyfest. 2022 was the inaugural year for the Storyfest readers' retreat, and it was amazing. I'll be honest, as a bit of an unknown author, I was blown away and honored beyond measure by the readers who were in attendance who'd read my books. I was just as much in awe of the readers as they seemed to be of regular ol' me.

It was truly a mutual admiration society event! lol

Honestly, the whole thing was just grand. Grab your family, your best friend, your sister(s), your book club, your cousins, and join us in St. Louis for Storyfest. I promise you'll have a blast.

Now on to the JustReads Tour info. below where there are prizes to be had!!!

*  *  *

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for ACFW Storyfest, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

ACFW Storyfest 

August 24-26, 2023 

Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis

When hundreds of authors gather for their annual ACFW conference in August, readers are invited to participate in their own event on the same premises. Storyfest will present a full program of meet & greet or meals with authors, casual conversation, games, panels, swag bags of story-related treasures, and the opportunity to hear from the heart of readers’ favorite authors.

Per reader requests, the ACFW Storyfest team is also including reader-only workshops to help answer reader questions and gain reader feedback. The ACFW bookstore will also be open to readers. Last year’s attendees recommend bringing extra luggage for the book and swag haul.

Learn More about ACFW Storyfest 2023

Participating Authors:

Sami A. Abrams, Kate Angelo, Pepper Basham, Laurel Blount, Sara Brunsvold, Colleen Coble, Sara Davison, Lynette Eason, Loretta Eidson, Joni M. Fisher, Liana George, Sarah Hamaker, Sarah Hanks, Brandy Heineman, Rebecca Hemlock, Pam Hillman, Angela Hunt, Denise Hunter, Kelly Irvin, Dana R. Lynn, Tracey J. Lyons, Joy K. Massenburge, Nancy Mehl, Shaen Layle, Dana Mentink, Robin Caroll, Dineen Miller, DiAnn Mills, Carol Moncado, Mindy Obenhaus, Candice Sue Patterson, Lisa Phillips, Deborah Raney, Shannon Redmon, Terri Reed, Helena Smrcek, Betsy St. Amant, Melanie Stevenson, Carrie Turansky, Marilyn Turk, Darlene L. Turner, Virginia Vaughan, John Matthew Walker, Kimberley Woodhouse, Lenora Worth, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and more

Register Now for ACFW Storyfest 2023

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of one registration fee to ACFW Storyfest in St. Louis OR if unable to attend Storyfest, a swag bag STUFFED with swag, including the Storyfest booklet and signed copies of books by up to 10 participating authors!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. If selected, the swag bag will be sent after the event in late August. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

8 Clues About Writing a Cozy Mystery 13 Jun 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

Audra here.

As we continue filling in for Ruthy on hiatus, I chose this legacy post from June 8, 2017 on writing a Cozy Mystery. I hope you enjoy my choice and leave comments on Ruthy's views!!

THE BEST OF RUTHY presents:

8 Clues About Writing a Cozy Mystery

I had to change the title of this post... it started as "6" clues... and grew to "8", hence the flexibility of the world wide web... but 8 it is!

I will never write a mystery. (Ruth Logan Herne, 2008)

MY FIRST MYSTERY RELEASES SOON!!!!  (Ruth Logan Herne, 2017) 

2023 - Available at Guideposts

Grandma Eichas used to say "Never say never."

Sage words.

She'd also say "Better they cry now than you cry later."

More sage words, but that first saying "Never say never" has never been truer than it is today. 

I've written my first mystery and I'm halfway done with my second and I had no idea they would be THIS MUCH FUN!!!!

Huge thanks to Susan Downs of Guideposts for bringing me on board for this delightful series "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard".  Yes, of course, I want you to go buy the book.... and yes I want you to love it. There are 8 authors in this series, 3 books each... and the heroine is a 58-year-old woman finding a new path after losing her husband.... And I have to believe you will love, love, love Priscilla Latham Grant and her cousins Joan, Trudy and Gail...  

But over and above all of that, lies this: writing a mystery isn't as difficult as I once believed... and it's so much fun that I'm amazed. So if you've ever considered this mode of story-telling, the very same thing that made Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle and Mary Stuart and Daphne Du Maurier world-famous... it's this.

Let's break it down:

1. Sleuth (or sleuths): A mystery needs a problem solver. That's your sleuth. It can be a Jane Marple, a Hercule Poirot, (both Agatha Christie), Kinsey Millhone (The Alphabet Mysteries), Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) or many, many others.  Your sleuth has to be relatable. They don't have to be perfect, or cunningly bright (Poirot and Monk and Columbo come to mind).... They don't have to be gorgeous ( Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote) comes to mind, or Jane Marple or the second Mrs. DeWinter in DuMaurier's "Rebecca"...) and they don't have to be  all that likable (Monk, Holmes...) but they have to possess some form of puzzle-solving skill. That ability to put together thin pieces of facade to create a true ornate table-top puzzle.

2. Setting: Whether your mystery is set at 221b Baker Street, the Orient Express, a Midwestern town or a New England village, how you set the story(ies) is a part of your ongoing thread... and can affect each story in different ways. Setting is important in what it adds to the stories... but it is also flexible because CRIME HAPPENS EVERYWHERE!

3. Suspects: There is no mystery without suspects. While that seems obvious, it's important to figure out who those suspects will be, and give them parts throughout the story. Not everyone conveniently has all of the suspects and victims trapped in a house (And Then There Were None) Agatha Christie... So your suspects need to have a reason why they might fall under suspicion. In a "cozy mystery" they don't even have to be real bona fide suspects.... but they need to have a reason to be under a cloak of suspicion. What are they hiding? What do they know?

4. Clues!!!! Oh, this is the most fun yet! Sprinkling clues in and among the regular normal every-day conversations and observations to tempt the reader to wonder... was that a clue??? And if it looks too obvious, the answer might be no!!! Just like the many choices in Milton Bradley's "CLUE" game, there are obviously many options in a mystery... which ones lead to the final solution?

5. Red Herrings.... Here's the bend in the road that takes you down the wrong garden path, the wrong direction.... the assumption that proves it's wrong to assume! 

6. Gripping Opening Chapter... This could be graphic in a suspense or murder mystery (think openings of "Castle" before they ruined the show) and then off-set by humor and human interaction for the duration.... or in a cozy mystery, it's gripping but not necessarily scary or frightening... maybe thought-provoking or emotionally inciting/exciting.... 

7. Action-packed scene toward the end!!! All right, don't get your knickers in a twist... For a cozy, you don't want to go Jason Bourne-deep-end, floating body death scenes here.... but you want something to upset the comfort of the cozy mystery, to threaten the peace and love we find in small towns or island settings, of urban neighborhoods... Something needs to HAPPEN HERE.... and when it does, it might show part of the path or it might show the culprit/villain.... but it's not the end of the book. Because now you want a: 

8. Wrap Up.... After raising myself on a diet of Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, Agatha Christie, Trixie Belden and Sue Barton.... I loved the wrap up, the reasoning behind how they figured things out!

Now your readers will be DELIGHTED if they figure this out toward the end and beat you to it! If they figure it out too early, they will Not Be Happy.... Yes, You've Ruined The Book For Them... Because part of the fun of a mystery is the puzzle solving.

The reader longs to pick out the clues and then follow them to a logical conclusion BEFORE THE SLEUTH figures it out!

Now sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't, and if it doesn't work because you didn't give clues... or you didn't lay the groundwork... well... Oops. Your bad!  Because sprinkling in a few hints along the way is our job.

Figuring them out is the reader's responsibility.

Here's my back cover blurb for book 9 of the series:  When a raging storm, a multi-million dollar robbery, a Hollywood movie and a missing child stir up interest in a cold case, Priscilla must risk her friendships and her reputation in order to reveal what really happened to little Katie Farnsworth the night Hurricane Bob slammed into Martha’s Vineyard nearly thirty years ago.

Nothing hits home like the loss of a child, so the poignancy of this story has classic Ruthy depth... wrapped in a cozy mystery package. And I think you'll love it! 

What do you think about mysteries? Have you considered writing them? How is a mystery different from a suspense?

Well, in a suspense, someone is AFTER THE SLEUTH.... or the heroine, or the hero.... Someone generally wants them dead. 

In a mystery, the sleuth may feel threatened.... but the sleuth is after the perpetrator, following clues and deducting theories.

Not a subtle difference... a major difference. 

Think Castle vs. The Bourne Identity.

Castle bumbled his way through, case by case...

Jason Bourne was a human killing machine, misunderstood and programmed to be heartless... except they forgot one thing. They left his heart in his body, and the heart never truly forgets.,

Let's talk mysteries... your favorites and your hopes and dreams!

I've got a couple of other mystery authors coming by this summer for a Summer Series of Mysteries... feel free to consider this Installment #1!

LINK TO BUY BOOK HERE!!!!

My Summer to Do List 13 Jun 2023 1:20 AM (last year)

Good morning, friends!

As most of you know, I’m a teacher. This week school has let out, so I thought I would give you a list of 10 things I am looking forward to doing this summer:

1.     Spending more time with my family. Always a plus.

2.     Traveling. I don’t do this enough. But I do hope to leave my state a time or two, although I have no set plans.

3.     Getting outside and taking advantage of sunny days. I especially hope to go swimming at the beach a few times.

4.     Read some longer books. I tend to read short books during the school year because I have limited time. I hope to have more time to devote to it this year.

5.     Write. Well, of course. But this time, I hope to be able to do it in a more relaxed fashion. And I don’t want to write on weekends.

6.     Go to daily Mass. I never get to do this during the school year. But I want to get to church more and spend quiet time with God.

7.     Organize my house. Yeah, I say this every year. Still, one can dream.

8.     Plan my daughter’s wedding. Yippee!

9.     Go on a writing retreat. I haven’t done this in a couple of years, so hopefully this year will be my year!

10.  Be grateful for every day God gives me, no matter what it brings, rain or shine.

    I would love to hear about your summer plans! One winner will win a book of choice, provided I still have a copy!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests 10 Jun 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

The Institution of the Eucharist, Nicolas Poussin, 1640, The Louvre, Paris. [PD-US]

Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world."
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,
"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"
Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever."

John 6:51-58

 The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   

God bless you and keep you safe.  

Weekend Edition 9 Jun 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

Releasing June 27!

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Pre-Order

HERE!

The Element of Love

Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )

Building Your Readership 6 Jun 2023 9:00 PM (last year)

You’ve worked for years, honing your craft and, finally, you’ve received that seemingly elusive book contract. You get a publication date. You tell everyone you know about your upcoming release. You blast the cover across your social media accounts. You do some guests posts for blogging friends. Maybe a podcast. But will it be enough?

Let me pause here to say that I’m coming at this from a traditionally published viewpoint. I’m not tech savvy, nor am I familiar with all that’s out there. These are just some things I’ve learned along the way. But the one thing I do know is that the number one way to build your readership is to get your book into the hands of readers.  

Building a readership is like building a friendship. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, nurturing and patience. Trust has to be built. If a reader likes your first book, they’re more apt to pick up the next one. More importantly, they might tell someone else about your book and word of mouth is a powerful thing. Anyone remember the shampoo commercial back in the 70s that showed the power of telling two friends? Then they told two friends, and so on. But in order for them to do that, the first one has to read your book. Which leads me back to my previous point... 

The number one way to build your readership is to get your book into the hands of readers. As many as possible. 

How do you do that?

Launch Teams – I’ll admit that I’m new to the world of launch teams. But when life went wonky right before my most recent book released, my relatively small team stood in the gap for me. They stepped in and flooded social media in my stead. For me, the purpose of a launch team is to make people aware of my books by creating buzz and leaving reviews. The burden is always lighter when we have others to help us carry it.

Giveaways – Giveaway a book to one lucky newsletter subscriber. Do a Flash Giveaway on one of your social media outlets. You specify a cutoff time and have them leave a comment to be entered. Yes, people like to receive free books, but you might end up with some new fans as a result.

Promotions and Virtual Book Tours – Things like Booksweeps list builder promos are a good way to get the ball rolling. They’re relatively inexpensive and you’re usually giving away digital copies of your book. 

If you can afford it, I recommend some sort of tour through a company like JustRead Publicity Tours. And I’m not just saying that because Carrie and Beth are a part of this blog, but because I know from personal experience. Many reviews have said, “This was a new-to-me author, but I look forward to her next book.” Would they have picked up my book otherwise? Who knows? But I’ve gained many new readers as a result of their campaigns. 

No matter what you choose to do to build readership, the goal is to--say it with me--get your book into the hands of readers. That’s why you’ll often see digital books priced under $2 on Amazon. Publishers know it works and so do indy authors. Folks will buy 99 cent books all day long. And they sometimes find a new favorite author.

When was the last time you found a new-to-you author who quickly became a favorite? Authors, if you have some tips for building readership, please chime in. In keeping with my advice, I’m giving away a copy of my new release, Loving the Rancher’s Children, to one lucky commentor. Simply leave a comment to be entered. If you comment as Anonymous, please leave your name in the comment. (US mailing addresses, choice of print or ebook. International, ebook only)

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com

Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale! 4 Jun 2023 9:00 PM (last year)

Laws of Attraction

Nell is a seamstress...in a frontier town full of men. The few women who live in or near Pine Valley, Wyoming make their own dresses.  Nell LOVES making pretty dresses. She likes lace and ruffles and ribbons. Early on after she moved to town, she made the dire mistake of agreeing to make a cowboy a pair of chaps, even though she has no idea how. But he brought in an old pair and a piece of tanned cowhide, and she figured it out and now, everyone wants a pair of chaps.

It's all going to be such fun. And then the murderous stagecoach robbers, the Deadeye Gang strike again. Nell, the widow of a lawman back in Missouri, knows a whole lot about investigating a crime just from listening to her lunkhead of a dead lawman husband.

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests 3 Jun 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

The Adoration of the Trinity by Albrecht Dürer (1511): from top to bottom: Holy Spirit (dove), God the Father and the crucified Christ. [PD-US]

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 3:16-18

The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   

God bless you and keep you safe.  

Weekend Edition 2 Jun 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

In Stores NOW!

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Order

HERE!

Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )

The Power of Setting 31 May 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

When most readers pick up our novels, they’re anticipating an escape. They want to find a few moments away from their everyday lives to live in a world with their favorite (or soon to be) characters. While characters and plot are undoubtedly essential components, never overlook the vital role that setting plays. As authors. we must craft the setting of our stories to evoke emotions and enrich the plot. We need to create an experience for our readers that makes them look forward to our next book or continue reading our series, because we given them a book that’s the entire HEA experience.

Setting as a Character

Just as we carefully craft our characters with backstory, hopes, and dreams, the setting of a novel often assumes the role of a character, as well and should be treated with the same diligence. A well-developed setting possesses its own personality, history, and distinct characteristics that influence the story and its inhabitants. Let’s bring in the masters as examples: J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth or Arthur Conan Doyle's fog-shrouded Victorian London. These settings aren’t just backdrops, but “story engines” that shape the events and drive the actions of the characters. By infusing the setting with depth and personality, we can draw our readers into our fantasy world, allowing them to feel as though they are truly part of the world within the pages.

Setting as a Source of Conflict

Setting can be a fertile source of conflict, intensifying the challenges faced by the characters. Whether it's a bleak and desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland, a medieval castle fraught with hidden dangers, or a small mountain town with it’s own everyday drama, the environment can present formidable obstacles that characters must overcome. Depending on the plot of your novel, the setting can also reflect societal, cultural, or political tensions, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Imagine a tinder dry California town threatened by wildfire, or a 9.0 earthquake that shakes a major city that then needs to brace for the ensuing tsunami. By integrating conflict within the setting, we not only heighten the stakes but also invite a deeper connection between our reader and the story's events.

Setting as an Emotional Catalyst 

The power of setting lies in its ability to evoke emotions and immerse readers in a particular atmosphere. From the cozy charm of a small-town café to the foreboding gloom of a haunted mansion, the ambiance created by the setting can elicit a wide range of emotions. Can we all say Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury? A well-described setting can transport readers to another time, place, or state of mind, enabling them to experience joy, fear, nostalgia, or awe alongside the characters. By building on powerful sensory details of the setting, we can foster an emotional connection that our readers won’t soon forget.

Setting as a Reflection of Themes

A thoughtfully crafted setting can serve as a symbolic representation of the novel's themes and motifs. The physical environment can mirror the internal struggles or conflicts faced by the characters, offering a glimpse into how our character perceives themselves and their situation. Think about it — a decaying, dilapidated cityscape may symbolize societal decay or the loss of hope, while a lush, vibrant forest might represent growth, renewal, or freedom. By posturing the setting with the story's underlying themes, we can create a deeper layer of meaning, even if our protagonist is fighting for the future of her bakery or to wrangle back possession of his ranch.

Storytelling is an art form and the importance of setting can’t be overstated. A well-crafted setting breathes life into a novel, immersing readers in a world that exists beyond the confines of their imagination. It acts as a character, a source of conflict, an emotional catalyst, and encourages the reader to see beyond the simple stated text. By recognizing and appreciating the impact of setting, both authors and readers can embark on thought-provoking journeys that resonate on a profound and unforgettable level. 

So, next time you sit down to work on your novel, or open a novel as a treat for reaching a goal, pay attention to the setting—think about the story going from “That was a good read” to “Wow! When is the next book coming out!”

Website: www.audraharders.com

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28 RSV

Seekerville is Closed Today 28 May 2023 11:05 PM (last year)

Memorial Day is a day set aside for honoring and remembering the military personnel who have died in the performance of their duties in the US armed forces.  

Please take a few moments today to reflect on the sacrifices that so many have made to protect not only the cherished freedom of the USA, but that of other countries around the world.

Please stop by again soon!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests 27 May 2023 8:00 PM (last year)

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Fresco of the Pentecostal dove representing the Holy Spirit at the Karlskirche in Vienna, Austria.[PD-US]

On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

John 20:19-23

The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   

God bless you and keep you safe. 

Wishing you a joyous Pentecost!

May you be filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

 today and in the year ahead.

Weekend Edition 26 May 2023 10:00 PM (last year)

Now Available!

Book three in best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.

A short-term solution could lead to long-term love.

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she's surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker's children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli's trust, and she's avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli beings to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?

Get your copy today!

  Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target

AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

A June 2023 Release!

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Pre-Order

HERE!

Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )

A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners 24 May 2023 9:00 PM (last year)

But, anyway, tacked on to the end of my babysitting day, I’ve been involved in getting the ACFW Conference, ACFW Consignment bookstore, and ACFW Storyfest rolling the last few weeks. One thing led to another and my thoughts ended up on retractable vinyl banners.

Are you thoroughly confused yet? lol

ACFW Storyfest Readers' Event August 2023

Well, it happened like this. I’ve been meaning to get a retractable banner for awhile now. I just kept putting it on the back burner. I need one for when I go to local book signings close to home. And even further afield. Authors who plan to sell books at the ACFW Consignment bookstore in St. Louis can purchase advertising space and can use a retractable banner. So, I was thinking I might need to get a banner before then. In the meantime, ACFW staff designed some eye-catching banners for Storyfest, and well, I had a blog due and decided some of you might be as intrigued about what makes a good banner as I am.

I asked around and got some really eye-catching banners to share with ya’ll. I’ll be honest. I don’t think I’ve seen a BAD one yet.  And since there’s nothing new under the sun, I found this great article of 9 Tips on Creating a Unique Retractable Banner. I’m going to just hit the high points, but I’ll share the link to the full article for you to really dig into.  The author did such a good job of outlining everything and it’s worth a read.

I probably could have just sent ya’ll to his article, but there aren’t any examples, and since that’s the main focus of today’s blog, well, here we are.

One of the first questions he asked in his article was what do you want your banner to accomplish?

Well, for writers, most of the time we’re standing right there by our banner, right there with our books. We want people to come over and look at our books, engage with us, hopefully BUY a book or two, and last, but not least, sign up for our newsletter. Maybe even follow us on SM.

What do you want on your banner?

Top billing should be your author name, which is YOUR logo. Like Pam Hillman with Author underneath that. Or, even better, be more specific. If you have a tagline, use that. Mary would use “Romantic Comedy with Cowboys”. For my banner, I would probably put “Historical Christian Fiction.” Leaving the word “author” off completely. 

C.F.E. Black has “heart-stealing fantasy” and underneath that “fast-paced science fiction”. So perfect for her brand.

C. F. E. Black

Generally, most people will know that you’re an author by the piles of books around you, but sometimes at festivals and local events, they don’t always grasp that. They just think you’re selling books. More than once, they are surprised to find out that I AM the author. So spelling out on your banner that you’re an author is a good thing.

Call-to-Action

At the bottom, you’ll want to include your website address, maybe even a QR code. If you want to use your banner to point people to your presence on Social Media, the best way to do that would be with QR codes. If you plan on having a giveaway for people who sign up for your newsletter, follow you on FB, IG, Twitter, etc., having those QR codes right there would make it so easy for them to pop it in. However, you don’t want to get too crazy with these links and QR codes on a banner. It’s probably enough to just send include your website. For newsletter signup, you could provide a QR code right by your guestbook and those who are IT savvy could just sign up right there.

You want your banner to state who, what, and where (where being your presence on the internet). You’re not wanting to point people to your house or a storefront, so don’t put a physical address (unless you DO have a storefront), a phone number, or even your email address. If they need to get in contact with you, your website address is the best way. Or, through Facebook these days.

Branding

Davalynn Spencer

A bit about Banner Size, Vendors, and Pricing. Retractable banners range from 2’ x 5’3” to 2.9” x 6’9” tall. Go as big as you can afford. Almost all venues can handle something as tall as 6’. Remember that you want to catch a reader’s eye from a distance, and you need your banner to stand out above the crowd.

VistaPrint and Banners on the Cheap are two vendors I’m familiar with. Prices can range from $50-$180 and most of these quotes include the retractable stand that comes with your banner. If you’re not in a hurry for a banner, get your design ready, keep an eye on prices and you can sometimes cash in on a great deal (as low as $50) with VistaPrint.

Less is More

Linda Kozar

I think we’ve all heard the less is more mantra, and we take it to heart. 99% of the time, I agree. Notice the examples I’ve shared today. They DO follow this pattern. But Linda Kozar broke the mold and went with a collage of her books as the background on her banner. (Pay no attention to Linda and all her author friends photobombing her banner! I see you Kathleen Y’Barbo. And you, too, Janice Thompson!) And it totally works for Linda’s bright, fun, contemporary style. And if you visit her website, she’s staying on brand as well. You’ll notice that even though the background is busy, it doesn’t intrude. It enhances! While you don’t want to put too much text on a banner, the book cover collage doesn’t FEEL like text. It sort of blends into the background. Linda put a banner swatch across the middle with her name and headshot in her signature pink and the entire thing pops. (Now I want to do a banner swatch… Hmmm.)

Color

Building on the paragraph above, a bit more about color. Look at Linda’s banner again. Bright pinks, reds anchoring the top corners of her banner, pastel blue. On brand. C.F.E. Black, again, staying on brand with black, brown, tan, a hint of fire. ACFW’s Storyfest banner which is not an author banner, but promotes the Storyfest Reader’s event is also on brand: black and gold.

Sometimes it takes a few books, a few years to reach a color scheme that really works for you, but once you do, use that to your advantage.

Final takeaway

We’ve covered a lot in today’s post, but there is so much more in the article referenced, so feel free to dig deeper into the topic there. Staying true to your brand is so important. 

Also, you want an evergreen banner that you can use over and over again. So I wouldn’t include dates, locations, or words like “new release” or “local author” on your banner.

A special thanks to authors C.F.E. Black, Davalynn Spencer, and Linda Kozar for coming to my rescue and providing their banners for this blog post.

Want to read more? Check out this article. Retractable Banner Design : 9 Ultimate Tips To Create an Attractive Display Banner

CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of. www.pamhillman.com