All posts by Sharon Hinck

A Friend’s New Book

Some of the greatest joys I’ve had as a writer have been the precious friendships with other writers. Christopher Hopper is a friend I got to know on both an east coast and a west coast book tour several years ago.

It’s my delight to share that he has a new book out. Check it out here!

Here’s his description of The Sky Riders:

An Inventors World Novel by Christopher Hopper

On the floating cities above the cloud-floor, the only rule is don’t fall.

Enter the avionic steampunk world of master storyteller Christopher Hopper as he takes readers on a fast-paced, death-defying adventure in the skies.

Junar is a seventeen-year-old boy following in the footsteps of his Ace Pilot father, Leif, as a flyer in the Kili-Boranna Guild, better known as The Sky Riders. As if life couldn’t get any better, Junar’s First Year apprenticeship riding the massive birds of the sky, the majestic felrell, takes a fortuitous leap forward when his father is promoted to the most prestigious position in all of Aria-Prime-Timber Pilot.

Upon moving to the capital city of Christiana with his family, Junar meets fellow apprentices Liv, a strong-headed and alluring confidant, and Erik, whose favorite pastime is making life miserable for Junar.

Junar’s world takes an unexpected turn, however, when his father has a startling change of heart about his promotion. Embarrassed by his father’s weakness and his mother’s past, Junar endeavors to excel in his apprenticeship, and distances himself from his family by making his own name in the Guild. He sets his sights on competing in the Champions Race-a cross-world gauntlet whose winner is listed among the greatest felrell pilots in history.

But behind the scenes, political factions and government conspiracies collide with Junar’s new plans. The young pilot suffers a horrific blow at the hands of the Zy-Adair-the notorious Sky Pirates. And soon, his perfect world is spiraling out of control.

From his unsuspecting alliance with the Inventors-dubious tinkerers and social outcasts-to his unlikely associations with the Brologi-the Chancellory Police-Junar must find a way to plead his case before the Chancellor of Aria-Prime and piece together a puzzle that threatens his entire world’s way of life.

Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

Seven Things My Granddaughter Taught Me

Random Thoughts
granddaughter

 

Granddaughter Wisdom

Last weekend, we spent some blissful days visiting my son, daughter-in-love, and our sweet granddaughter who is five months old.  Even at such a young age, she demonstrates a lot of wisdom.
Here are a few things I learned from her, some of which I plan to apply to my own life:
  1. People are funny. Each time you notice that, squeal with delight.
  2. Your smile can be gorgeous even if you have no teeth.
  3. When you feel tired, rub your eyes a few times and let someone rock you.
  4. When life gets boring on your back, roll over and look at it from your tummy.
  5. If you do a Pilates V-sit and grab your toes, you can pull both socks off simultaneously.
  6. Sometimes the best toys are just out of reach, but keep trying anyway.
  7. Everyone adores you, and that’s just the way it should be.

If you’re having a rough day, try experiencing life from the perspective of a five-month-old. I pray you can take joy in discovering new things and in the truth that you are adored by the One who created you.

 Blessings,
Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

Something New

Happy New Year!

As I think about the coming year, and my writing goals, I’ve been thinking about adaptation and change.

I have visceral memories of writing one of my first stories in pencil on multi-lined paper in the second grade. In fourth grade I typed a story about a horse on an old manual typewriter using onionskin paper and a carbon to make a spare copy. Anyone else remember working with carbon paper?

I was thrilled to upgrade to an electric typewriter in eighth grade. But I also filled blank journals with dreams and musings using a ballpoint pen.

Computers and word processors revolutionized the work of writing, but required more adjustment. I’ve used a computer to write all my novels, and don’t know how I would have managed revisions without one.

Yet I wonder if my writing voice changes with each medium.

One of my grad school professors believed that poetry should never be written on a computer or typewriter all. Poetry required a fountain pen and quality paper.

I continue to look for ways to adapt as a writer.

I’m writing this blog using my Christmas present: voice recognition software. Can I adapt?  I’m not sure. This brief blog has taken many minutes of grappling with the software’s misunderstandings. Yet if I can adapt this may be another helpful step forward.

As I have practiced storytelling aloud, letting the software notate the words, I told my computer this was very Star Trek, and I was gratified to discover my computer recognized and knew how to spell, “Star Trek.”

On the other hand, my earlier reference to onion skin  was typed as “masculine.”

So I fear I have a long way to go.

How about you? Anyone else trying a new skill in the new year?

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

They Also Serve…

Devotional Musings

For several years now, circumstances have required me to pull back from activities that make me feel like I’m contributing. God whispers, “If my purpose is for you to wait, will you trust I love you no less?”

 

John Milton explored that struggle.

On Blindness

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Advent is a wonderful time to ponder waiting. Has a life situation caused you to feel like you can’t contribute as much as you’d like? Have you felt God’s call to “wait,” in some area?

Let’s celebrate that our thoughts, our praise, our trust in the place of waiting can all be our service to Him. Let’s also celebrate that He is faithful to love us and never leave us.

Blessed Advent Season!
His,
Sharon Hinck 

Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

Book Launch Thanks

I’m still feeling the warm glow of gratitude–a good state to be in as Thanksgiving approaches!

This Saturday, friends stopped by to help celebrate that the entire Sword of Lyric series is back in print, with extra material, and new devotions guides included in the back of each book. The work has been grueling for me — in part because of the health challenges that made the project feel impossible each and every day of the last several years. That’s why seeing the books stacked on the table was a visual reminder of God’s generous and tender grace.

He did it!

The day was also special, because I was so touched that friends, family, and readers of the books, took time in a gorgeous weekend to stop by and visit. I soaked in the wonderful chance to catch up with people, hear what they are up to, and share joy (and relief) that this project is now completed.

I’m also feeling thankful as I think of the various friends who helped. Some spread the word, some brought treats, some brought friends, some prayed for me consistently these last few years. The people at the open house were a small representation of all the people whose love and support went into this work.

Here’s one example. My friend Joyce created these fun “book cover chocolates”:

She printed labels with book covers and wrapped those around small candy bars. One of the children who came said “Restorer’s Journey” tasted the best. I haven’t decided my favorite yet. Each book has a unique flavor. Hmm… guess I’ll need to do more research on the leftovers. 🙂

(I realize most of my readers don’t live in my neighborhood, and can’t drop by to have a book autographed. But I can still sign and personalize your book at Signed by the Author. Check it out! It’s a super fun concept.)

Have you faced some long projects recently? Building a house, remodeling a kitchen, writing a novel, teaching a class, fighting an illness? Has God comforted and strengthened you in the midst of the work through the encouragement of friends?

He’s so good that way.

Let’s give thanks!

Blessings
Sharon

Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

Trusting Him to Multiply

Devotional Musings, Faith and Arts


“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he (Jesus) said. (Matthew 14:17-18 NIV)
 
I sit in my little office, sighing over my two small fish and rather dry loaves of barley bread, feeling the futility of the offering in the face of the world’s needs. Do you ever feel that way? 

We do the work in front of us, 
love the people around us, 
stay alert for tiny ways to help someone, 
sing an off-key melody of praise . . . 

. . . and wonder if we are making a difference.
 
We often don’t glimpse the results. All the better. We walk by faith. Called to serve–not necessarily to succeed. God is producing fruit, “fruit that will last,” but it is often growing in secret. It’s not for us to tally.

I like to imagine there will be a time in heaven when God will page through a scrapbook with us, and He will trace the impact of some of the simple acts of love we offered. Remind us of the hours of closet prayer we weren’t sure He heard. Show us the second act of the story. How He breathed power and life into a word, a prayer, a gift – and multiplied it until baskets were needed for the leftovers.

It’s a recurring theme in all my novels. God can make a difference through our lives. Not because of our greatness–relying on our own resources would lead to stinky fish and moldy bread. But because of His ability to multiply. To imbue our simple lives with His grace so that we can tear off a piece of barley loaf and pass it to a friend. And they can break the bread and hand it to another. And somehow it doesn’t run out.

Can you sing Him a chorus of praise today, even if your throat is hoarse from tears?

Can you listen to a friend, even if you can’t solve her problem?

Can you pray one more time over a need, even when it seems your prayers bounce off the ceiling?

Can you do the simple act of love that no one sees and no one appreciates?

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he (Jesus) said. (Matthew 14:17-18 NIV)

Jesus may be planning a miracle. Let’s trust Him to multiply.

(adapted from Sharon’s Book Buddy Newsletter, 10/07)

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

Congratulations to the Winners!

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog during the Scavenger Hunt!

The grand prize of a Kindle and 31 books goes to: Jennifer Friedley

The 2nd and 3rd prize $50 gift certificates go to: Laura McEwen and Gretchen Michels Garrison

The BONUS prize of four of my contemporary fiction titles goes to: Betti Mace

But EVERYONE who participated is a winner because we all got to find out about new releases by terrific Christian authors in a variety of genres.

Thanks for participating!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck
…stories for the hero in all of us

Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

SCAVENGER HUNT STOP #24

Welcome to the Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt!

Follow the clues in red on each post, beginning from Stop #1. Along the way you’ll have the fun of getting to know the 31 participating Christian authors, and reading unique articles found nowhere else. And I’m offering a SHARON’S BLOG BONUS PRIZE, as well – with details at the end of this blog post.

When you reach the final stop, you can enter for a grand prize: the featured new novels from each of the 31 authors! PLUS a new Kindle Fire! 2nd & 3rd Prizes: $50 Amazon, B&N, CBD or BookDepository.com gift certificate.
3 vital details:
·       * Contest is open to international entrants. If the winner lives outside the United States, they shall win the equivalent in gift certificate funds to the prize in US dollars.
·      * The Hunt begins 10/25 at noon MDT and ends 10/28 at midnight MDT
     * Be ready to provide the completed clue quote, gathered from all 31 stops, within 24 hours of email notification or another winner will be randomly drawn. No need to email/submit it, unless you are notified on 10/29/12.
My guest – Mary Lu Tyndall:
I’m delighted to be hosting the lovely Mary Lu Tyndall. A Christy Award finalist and best-selling author, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling pirates during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. Now, while writing her twelfth novel, she manages a home, husband, and six kids while battling three cats who have decided that her keyboard is the best place to sleep!  She believes that without popcorn and chocolate, life would not be worth living, and her sole motivation in life is to bring others closer to God.
 About Veil of Pearls:
 
 She thought she could outrun her past. . .

It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with plantation owners, slaves, and immigrants. Immigrants such as the raven-haired Adalia Winston. But Adalia has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. Skilled in herbal remedies, Adalia finds employment with a local doctor and settles into a quiet life, thankful for her freedom but still fearful that her owner will find her.

Born into one of Charleston’s prominent families, Morgan Rutledge is handsome, bored—and enamored of the beautiful Adalia, who spurns his advances. Morgan’s persistence, however, finally wins, and Adalia is swept into the glamorous world of Charleston high society.

But Adalia’s new life comes at a high price—that of denying her heritage and her zeal for God. How far is she willing to go to win the heart of the man she loves? And when her secret is revealed, will that love be enough, or will the truth ruin Morgan and send Adalia back into slavery?

(A note from Sharon: When I get lost in a novel, I love learning more about the actual history of the period. Mary is here today to share Ten Fascinating Facts about Charleston, South Carolina.)

An Exclusive from Mary Lu Tyndall:

The entire city of Colonial Charleston (then known as Charles Town) was surrounded by a wall  like a castle, complete with a moat and draw bridges, until 1718 when the town grew too big.
On September 14th, 1752, a powerful hurricane struck Charleston, flooding it with a 17 foot storm surge that left most of down town under 9 feet of water.
 The notorious pirate, Blackbeard, held the city hostage for 3 days by blockading the port, forbidding ships to go in or out. What did he want? Gold, Silver? No. A chest of medical supplies!
In 1886, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Charleston, killing 60 people and costing the city 6 million dollars’ worth of damage.
During the first 25 years of Charleston’s existence, pirates were welcome in the city!
Charleston changed its name from Charles Town to Charleston after the Revolutionary War in order to rid the name of any reference to the British monarchy.
Charleston was dubbed “The Holy City” due to the vast number of churches lining its streets as well as its long tolerance of all types of religions, including Roman Catholic and Judaism.
George Washington visited Charleston in 1791 and commended the city for its commitment to institutional care of city’s orphans through the “The Orphan House” designed by Thomas Bennet.
The bloodiest slave revolt in Colonial America occurred in 1739 at the Stono River Bridge twenty miles south of Charles Town. A group of slaves murdered  over a dozen whites, looted a store, burned houses and set out for Spanish Florida.
One of the most famous women pirates, Anne Bonny, came from Charleston where she married a local sailor and set sail for the Caribbean. Once there, she abandoned her husband and took up with the famous pirate, Calico Jack Rackam.
You can find Mary Lu’s Veil of Pearls at
THE SCAVENGER HUNT BASICS:
Before you go, write down this STOP #24 clue: FINISH BY
Your next stop is Mary Lu’sown blog!
BEFORE YOU GO:
SHARON’S BONUS PRIZE – FOUR BOOKS !!!
I’m excited about my new release, TheRestorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition. I’m asking for help in letting people know that the book has released. EVEN IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK YET, YOU CAN HELP LET PEOPLE KNOW IT EXISTS. If you let others know about The Restorer’s Journey-ExpandedEdition in some way (“like” the book page at amazon, “like” a post about RJEE on facebook, email a friend to tell them to check out the book, mention it on Goodreads, tweet, request your local library to order the book, blogging, etc.) leave a note in the comments telling me how you spread the word, along with an email where I can reach you if you win. At the end of the scavenger hunt, I’ll draw one name and the winner will receive ALL my general fiction novels (The Secret Life of Becky Miller, Renovating Becky Miller, Symphony of Secrets and Stepping into Sunlight). Feel free to look at past blog posts about The Restorer’sJourney-Expanded Edition to help you share the info. Have fun!
Please Share This:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail