My publisher is offering several titles FREE on Kindle! If you enjoy speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, super-hero, etc.) on themes of faith, snatch these up now.
Blessings during this Holy Week!
Sharon Hinck
Chatting with my son over a scratchy phone connection, I told him about a recent writer retreat.
“So which did you do?” he asked.
“Huh?”
“You said you were going to write or retreat.”
“Not write-OR retreat, writER retreat.” I laughed.
Later, the words lingered … a great theme for me to consider.
Write or retreat.
Which will I choose each day?
Writers face new challenges and questions. Traditional publisher, small press, self publish? How much time to spend engaging with readers and doing activities other than writing to build a following? And the one that makes my fingers pause each time I sit at my keyboard: Now that everyone has an easy-to-publish voice through social media, ebooks, and print-on-demand, there are oceans of voices sharing their words – is there really a need for my stories in the mix?
Every voice matters. Each life, each perspective has value. But perhaps my stories are best shared in quiet conversations with family or a letter to a friend.
I sit at my desk to work on another scene for a novel, uncertain if any publisher will want this genre, unsure if my skill is strong enough to captivate readers, unconvinced the ideas are unique enough to bother adding this story to the zillions already out there.
Write or retreat?
As a follower of Christ, I ask Him. Will my efforts to craft a story help me know You more? Will it bring You joy? Can You possibly bless or encourage someone through this work?
No clarion angel chorus answers, but His Spirit nudges me forward.
So today, I write, entrusting my uncertainties to Him.
Where are you today? Is it a time to share your thoughts, your gifts, your skills, or is it a time to retreat (perhaps to rest and regroup–retreating isn’t always a bad thing)? May He grant you courage for either calling!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com
I’ve decided that all the March Madness snow that Minnesota gets is caused by the basketballs bouncing so hard they shake the last snow out of the clouds.
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My publisher, Enclave, is sponsoring giveaways of many of their books. Enclave specializes in the best Christian speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, etc.) and carries a huge variety.
And The Restorer-Expanded Edition in paperback is one of the books you can enter to win!
So stop by and see which books interest you, then follow the link to enter to win! Hurry, because some expire by tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
Sharon
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My room is bathed in light because of sun reflecting off the snow outside. I need that light today. Reminds me that God’s love and grace can rebound off even the sad and cold parts of life that blanket the landscape.
(P.S. – the photo isn’t today’s snow, but from a years-ago trip to Lake Superior in winter)
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Some days finding the right words is wrestling with a bear.
A cranky grizzly with sharp claws and rotten-salmon breath.
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Anyone ever feel it? It begins with Sunday night insomnia…mind churning over all the tasks ahead in the coming week, wishing the weekend could last a few more hours.
Then the new week dawns, but the thought of resuming work feels daunting. I can tell I had a terrific weekend, because this morning I woke with no Monday Morning Dread.
I felt refreshed, eager to tackle the work on my desk. As I pondered why this Monday morning felt better, I identified a few aspects to my weekend that contributed.
1. I (mostly) stayed away from my normal work. I didn’t think about revisions, didn’t make plans for my next book release, didn’t write.
2. I had fun. We rented a few movies, indulged in take-out food, laughed a lot.
3. I spent time outside.
4. I accomplished work – but not my weekday work. We washed some windows, got more of the garden put to bed, little domestic not-inside-my brain type work.
5. I worshiped my socks off on Sunday morning. I love those special times of communion with Jesus and with others who love Him.
All together, the weekend gave me a fresh perspective and new energy for the week.
How about you? What helps you prevent Monday Morning Dread?
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The publisher of my Sword of Lyric series, (expanded editions), Marcher Lord Press, was recently sold and renamed. The new publisher, Enclave Publishing, has just announced their fall 2014 releases.
They are offering readers a chance to “crowd fund” the print run of the books, and get discounts on the books… in effect, a great discount and special deals for pre-ordering. You can chose e-books or paperback.
Feel free to spread the word, and check out all these great new stories by top Christian fantasy and science fiction authors.
And watch for more info from me about the 2015 release of a fourth Sword of Lyric book.
Yes, I finally finished the last chapter and am working hard at polishing and refining. I’m so excited for readers to find out what adventures Linette and Kieran are having in Hazor, and whether Mark and Susan ever get to see Jake again. 🙂
Blessings!
Sharon
Several years ago, I was tossing around ideas for a novel about a woman longing to be “more” than she believed she was. I remembered a short story by James Thurber: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Perhaps we studied it in high school, or even earlier. (Thank you to all my wonderful English teachers over the years!)
The very brief story clearly made an impact, because after so many years, I still remembered the image of a hen-pecked husband escaping into adventurous daydreams. That concept inspired The Secret Life of Becky Miller, my first published novel.
Becky loses herself in grandiose daydreams, but finds herself in the trials of her real life. She grapples with spiritual questions, laughs and cries with her quirky friends, and pours her heart into her family.
I was delighted to hear that a new movie inspired by “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” has been released. I haven’t seen it yet (I’m a “wait for Redbox” sort), but have heard good things.
Hearing about the movie’s release also reminded me that I’d been procrastinating about getting my Becky Miller novels available as e-books.
I’ll be officially launching the e-book versions soon, but you can get a sneak peek of the first book now.
Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller on Kindle here.
Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller on Nook here.
I love that Becky dreams big. But I also love that she finds her real life–loved by God, and able to share that love with others–is a grander adventure than any that her imagination can create.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Nadine Brandes is doing a “rafflecopter” drawing at her blog, for
The Restorer-Expanded Edition, and some other great Christian speculative fiction titles.
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck
