All posts by Sharon Hinck

ACFW Book of the Year

Saturday night at the national American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference, my novel The Restorer’s Son was honored with the award for Book of the Year in the Speculative Fiction category. I was so touched and honestly so bewildered as they read the opening line “Hills of Hazor take you . . . ” that I don’t remember much of walking up to the podium or what I said. Ted’s photo didn’t turn out well, but I decided to post it because it’s a good representation of how surreal I felt. I’m so incredibly grateful that I got to spend time with the characters in this book, see the book in print, and get such great feedback about the story.

For a slightly more “in focus” photo, below I’m with my friends Amy Wallace, Vicki Tiede, and Ginny Smith.

The whole conference was a joy — including the wonderful folks who took my class on the Healthy Habits of the Christian Writer (about spiritual, emotional, and professional health). I enjoyed seeing many old friends, and making new ones. The Mall of America booksigning was huge and exciting. I did hear from several friends who never found me (I was with a group tucked down by the Bloomingdale entrance), but I loved seeing those who came, especially for our panel discussion on the fantasy genre.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (2007 ACFW Book of the Year – 2nd place, Lit category)
Renovating Becky Miller (2008 Audie Award Finalist, ACFW BOTY finalist)
The Restorer (2008 Christy Award Finalist, ACFW BOTY finalist)
The Restorer’s Son (Romantic Times 4.5 stars, Reviewer’s Choice Award – Road to Romance, ACFW BOTY winner)
New Releases:
The Restorer’s Journey
Symphony of Secrets
Brand New Release:
Stepping Into Sunlight

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My Schedule

The Writing Life

Greetings dear blog readers!

I won’t be posting much during the next month, so I wanted to leave a schedule of where I’ll be. IF I did it correctly, my blog will post the live video feed once we start the Fantasy Fiction tour on October 3rd, and you can check in here to view our book signings and speaking events.

In the meantime, here’s what I’m up to.

Sept. 13- speak to Southwest Christian Church of the Nazarene women’s luncheon
Sept. 16 – 7-8 pm booksigning at Northwestern Bookstore, Edina, MN
Sept. 19 – teach (“Healthy Habits of the Writer – Spiritual/Emotional”) at American Christian Fiction Conference, Bloomington, MN
Sept. 20 – teach (“Healthy Habits of the Writer – Professional”) at ACFW
Sept. 20 – 1-3 pm multi-author book event at Mall of America & panel discussion on fantasy genre
Sept. 20 – 7:30 pm Book of the Year Awards (three of my titles are finalists)
Sept. 23 – speak at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins, MN
Oct. 3 – 1-3pm Mennonite Education Institute, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Oct. 3 – 4-6 Meet the author dinner, BC Canada
Oct. 3 6:30-8:30 – speaking event, BC Canada
Oct. 3 8:30-10 – book signing, BC Canada
Oct. 4 noon – TBN interview, Seattle Washington
Oct. 4 3-5 – Harvest Logos Bookstore, Seattle, WA
Oct. 4 6:30-8:30 – Salt Shaker bookstore, Enumclaw, WA
Oct. 5 – lunch with readers, Portland, OR
Oct. 5 – 6-8 pm Evangel Family Bookstore, Medford, OR
Oct. 6 – 1:30-2:30 Trinity Christian School, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 6 – 6pm-8pm Barnes and Noble, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 7 – 11am-noon – Children’s Hospital, Madera, CA
Oct. 7 – 3-4 pm FresnoREAD charity event, Fresno, CA
Oct. 7 – 6-8pm Berean Christian Stores, Fresno, CA
Oct. 8 – 9am -3pm Reedley High School events, Reedley, CA
Oct. 8 – 6-8pm Cultural Arts Night, Reedley, CA
Oct. 9 – 9-11 am St. Genevieve High School, Panorama City, CA
Oct. 9 – 1-2:30 pm Bethany Christian School, Sierra Madre, CA
Oct. 9 – 5-7 pm Valley Book & Bible Bookstore, Van Nuys, CA
Oct. 10 – 8:50am-1pm Village Christian Schools, Sun Valley, CA
Oct. 10 – 2-4pm West Covina Christian School, West Covina, CA
Oct. 10 – 7-9pm Calvary Chapel Church, Huntington Beach, CA
Oct. 11 – 11am-1pm Library Event to be confirmed
Oct. 11 – 2-4 pm Barnes and Noble, San Diego, CA
Oct. 11 – evening event TBA, San Diego, CA
Oct. 20 – Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN
Nov. 6 – CAN retreat, Bloomington, MN
Nov. 7 – 7pm Northwestern Bookstore Booksigning, Maple Grove, MN
Nov. 8 – 9am – Panel discussion, National Church Library Conference
Nov. 8 – 2:15 – Class on Book Groups for NCLA conference
Nov. 20 – MN Library Association – speaking on “Genres in Christian Fiction”

I hope to see many of you at these various events.

May I humbly ask for some prayer? This schedule would be tough on an Olympian, and I’m still recovering from some serious health issues. I KNOW it looks crazy. All I can say is that when we began planning this west coast book store, God continued to impress on my heart that I should be part of it again. So I know I can trust Him to protect me. But I do value your prayers!

Thank you so much!

Huge blessings to you, in the name of our Lord who is our Shepherd, our Healer, our Sustainer, and our mighty Deliverer!

His, Sharon Hinck

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Northwestern Bookstore Signings

The Writing Life

In addition to the HUGE booksigning at the Mall of America on Saturday,
September 20, from 1-3 p.m. with 125 Christian novelists, there will be
multiple signings at the Northwestern Bookstores in that area next week.
Here are the details:

  • Judy Baer and Jill Elizabeth Nelson will sign books on Saturday,
    September 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverdale Crossing, 13040 Riverdale
    Dr., Coon Rapids, MN, and from 2:30-4 p.m. at Ridge Square North, 13029
    Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka
  • Cathy Marie Hake and Julie Klassen will sign on Monday, Sept. 15,
    from 3-5 p.m. at Valley Creek Mall, 1750 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN; Tuesday
    Sept. 16 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek
    Blvd., Maple Grove, MN; and from 6-8 p.m. at Cobblestone Court, 14150
    Nicollet Ave., S., Burnsville, MN 55337
  • Robin Caroll, Rachel Hauck, Cara Putman, and Susan May Warren will
    sign books Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm
    Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, MN
  • Patti Hill and Sharon Hinck will sign
    books Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at Yorkdale Shoppes, 6819 York Ave.,
    South, Edina
  • Colleen Coble, Gail Gaymer Martin, and Deborah Raney,
    will sign books Wednesday, September 17 from 11 to noon at the Arbor Lakes
    Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, MN and from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at
    Yorkdale Shoppes, 6819 York Ave., South, Edina
  • Elizabeth Musser will
    sign books and participate in a bookclub meeting Wednesday, September 17
    beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple
    Grove, MN
  • Brandilyn Collins will sign books on Sunday, September 21,
    from 2-4 at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove,
    MN

If you love Christian fiction, this is the week to be in
Minneapolis for booksignings!

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A Favorite Store

The Writing Life


Today I visited several bookstores in the Twin Cities. I wanted to let them know about my new release, Stepping Into Sunlight, and also help spread the word about the HUGE Mall of America book signing with over 100 Christian fiction authors on Sept. 20, 1-3 p.m.

Some stores had a few of my books.

Some stores had none.

But one store had almost all of my titles, multiple copies, and the entire set of Sword of Lyric books!

On top of that, Margaret, the supervisor, was so warm and gracious, and the two young sales clerks who also chatted with me were delightful.

So if you are anywhere near Ridgedale, in the Twin Cities, please stop in at the Minnetonka Northwestern bookstore at Ridge Square North and do some shopping! And thank them for carrying a great selection of Christian fiction!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

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Books for a Penny!

Devotional Musings, The Writing Life

There was a Gamble Folk song I loved in high school, based on the scripture, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing . . . “

I’ve been thinking lately about the way God values things differently than our society does. One lost sheep, tiny birds, lilies of the field — they are offered as metaphors for things that sometimes are considered of little value, or not productive. And He reassures us that even when we feel of little value, He treasures us.

Lately I’ve noticed several of my books are selling for one penny at amazon.

Initially it can be demoralizing. Years of effort – long days of writing all day, then rewriting, studying the craft, traveling to writing conferences, critiquing other manuscripts for writers in trade as they critique mine, working with editors, honing again. Rewriting again. Weeks, months, years of saying “no” to other activities in order to dedicate full time effort to creating a book. Then comes the joy of holding it in published form and hoping people will find it, enjoy it, be blessed by it.

And in only a year, stores pull it off the shelves. It didn’t become a best seller, so, like a sparrow, it’s sold for a farthing.

At first, it’s a depressing feeling. But I take to heart God’s reassurance. “Not one falls to the ground without the Father knowing.”

He knows where each copy of my books are. He can still steer them into the hands of those who might need a giggle, an encouragement, a bit of inspiration and courage.

So now I’m joyful and excited. I want to tell the world. Books for a penny!!! What a great deal!

Go to amazon.com and type in Sharon Hinck. It will list all my books. Find some that are selling for a penny and buy a few. Use them as door prizes at church events. Get some for friends (if you want them autographed, just email me and I”ll mail you an autographed bookplate).

And if you feel like your efforts are valued at a penny’s worth, celebrate the truth that in God’s kingdom, you are priceless and treasured. It’s the world that gets it upside down.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

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Sharon on The Harvest Show

Stepping Into Sunlight, The Writing Life

My Book Buddies (who subscribe to my quarterly ezine) got the first opportunity to see this clip from my recent interview on The Harvest Show.

Remember, you can be on my Book Buddy list for exclusive info, contests, etc. by going to my webpage and signing up in the right-hand column.

Here is the interview . . . where I share my heart about Christian arts, Christian fiction, and the way God can bring healing through small kind acts….

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A Little Fun

Amazing blogger Becky Miller (no, not my character…the living breathing woman behind A Christian Worldview of Fiction) tagged me for a meme. I don’t usually make time for them, but this one looked fun.

What is your favorite word?

compassion (I love the word “passion” and I love the tenderness of coming along someone else evoked in this word)

What is your least favorite word?

bitterness (scares me – one of my fears is letting hurts and wounds turn into this)

What inspires you (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)?

nature, music, dance, great conversations, praying with someone

What dampens your enthusiasm (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)?

sneering responses, apathy from others, loneliness (and ironically also too much interaction with others – I’m SO conflicted! LOL!)

What sound or noise do you love?


the near silent breath of a sleeping baby, my husband’s heart beating beneath my ear, my children’s laughter

What sound or noise do you hate?
certain kinds of angry-toned rap music full of harsh language

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Being a midwife

What profession would you not like to do?
Taxi-driver (I have no sense of direction and HATE driving)

What one book, other than the Bible, do you read again and again for inspiration?
I’ve re-read books by Philip Yancy, John Eldrege, C.S.Lewis, Madeline L’Engle, Calvin Miller, Richard Foster…to name a few

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive in Heaven?
Welcome home, dear one.

Now I’m tagging some other friends to play:

Camy Tang, Jonathan Friesen, Amy Wallace

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Fantasy Fiction Book Tour – 2008

The Restorer, The Restorer's Journey, The Restorer's Son

I’m getting SO excited about hanging out with seven other wonderful Christian fantasy authors! October 3-12, we’ll be traveling from Canada through Seattle, Portland, down the west coast to the L.A. area and finishing in San Diego.

Here’s a taste of the fun we’ll be having!

Hope to see you there!

Sharon Hinck
Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour 2008

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If I Were In the Olympics

Devotional Musings

I love the Olympics.

I’m not a huge sports fan, but when the Olympics roll around, I’m riveted.

As a former choreographer, the gymnastics thrill me . . . and rhythmic gymnastics. Oh, and the diving and its artistry . . . and for that matter the grace of pole vaulting and the beautiful strides of the runners.

But I also have bitten down my fingernails in the past days of viewing. The tension drives me crazy. The years and years of sacrifice and training that come down to, in some cases, a few SECONDS of performance. The danger as athletes crash from the high bar or slip on the balance beam. The pressure.

Gets to me every time.

I decided that if I were ever an Olympian, I couldn’t be in any sport where a hair-breadth mistake means ruin. The track and field dashes, the swimming sprints. I’d want to know that if I were a bit slow off the block, I could still make it up somehow.

I also couldn’t work with props. No relay batons for me. Way too fickle. And apparatus like uneven bars or rings? Not for me. Hurdles? I just know they’d jump up and bite me.

Team sports have always been a problem for me, because I’m terrified of letting others down–which always tended to paralyze me when the kickball was heading my way in third grade recess.

Come to think of it, I’m not good with anything flying toward me – so that leaves out basketball, volleyball, soccer, even ping pong. I tend to duck and close my eyes.

Rowing looks tranquil in the midst of the grueling hard work – but I’d worry about tipping the boat over or dropping my scull.

I also wouldn’t want my fate in the hands of subjective judging. Someone on a panel blinks while I’m sticking my landing after a tumbling pass, or doesn’t notice my competitor’s bent knee in her lay-out back handspring, and I miss the bronze by a tenth of a point. Too heartbreaking.

I suppose if I were in the Olympics, I’d want to run the marathon . . . just me and the road and plenty of time to overcome mistakes. But since I can barely jog around the block, it’s not going to happen.

So instead, I’ll say a thank you to the gifted men and women who give me a jolt of inspiration each time the Olympics roll around.

I’m in awe of all the athletes willing to take those risks and show us what dedication and sacrifice can bring to innate talent.

And I’ll breathe in the lesson they teach me as I ponder Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

If you were in the Olympics, what event would you compete in?

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

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Book Cover Contest

Stepping Into Sunlight

I think that the cover for Stepping Into Sunlight is a great example of the amazing work by the artists and designers at Bethany House.

Right now, the cover of Stepping Into Sunlight is up at Stepping Stones Magazine which is running a contest for book covers.

Be sure to check it out, take time to look at ALL the beautiful entries – and you can vote for your favorite (the instructions are on the contest page.)

Also, please email me through my website if you would like some bookmarks for yourself and friends. They feature a design based on the cover and are also works of art. 🙂

Blessings!
Sharon

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