All posts by Sharon Hinck

2008 Christy Award Finalist – The Restorer

The Restorer

I just learned that The Restorer, (my fantasy/women’s-fiction novel about a middle-American mom pulled through a portal into another world to fill a heroic role for a nation waiting for a promised Restorer), is a finalist for the Christy award!

I’m so in awe of God’s kindness and unexpected blessings.

You can read about this award at the Christy Award site.

I’m particularly honored for two reasons. The 2007 year saw a wealth of beautiful Christian fiction in the “Visionary” category — and I have huge respect for the other authors in the field and their work. On top of that, the two other nominees are amazing. Jeff Overstreet’s book, Auralia’s Colors, garnered super reviews — it’s on the shelf near my bed waiting to be read. Stephen Lawhead (his novel, Scarlet, is nominated) has been an author I’ve revered since college (many many years ago). He’s truly one of the great Christian fantasy and adventure authors of our time.

Looking over the list of nominees in all the categories filled me with gratitude toward God. I’ve always believed that He is so awesome and multi-faceted that we need a variety of ways to communicate about Him – every form of art. And within the art form of the novel, we need a variety of genres and voices. I’m thrilled by the skilled authors who are serving Him by writing novels – contemporary, historical, humorous “lits”, romance, suspense, visionary, and more.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Sharon’s Books

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Book Chat and Book Give-away!

The Restorer's Journey, The Restorer's Son

April 20-30, the ACFW Online Book Club is chatting about The Restorer’s Son. You can join in the yahoo group by clicking “join” at this link.

Everyone who reads the book and participates in the discussion will be entered in a drawing for one of FIVE free copies of the next book in the series, The Restorer’s Journey. The winners will be announced at the live on-line chat on May 5th.

So come over today! It’s a warm lively group, and I’ll be popping in to join the discussion and answer questions.

Blessings!
Sharon

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A Visit from Amy Wallace

Visiting Authors

I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Healing Promises by Amy Wallace. Be sure to read her first book, Ransomed Dreams, for an even better experience of enjoying this new novel.

Healing Promises was one of the most compelling stories I read last year – full of spiritual depth, rich with authentically drawn struggles, yet also packed with hope. Amy Wallace humanizes the typical heroic character in a powerful way. I identified with Clint’s battle as his own body betrayed him, and with Sara’s journey toward trusting God even when it hurt too much to hope. I couldn’t put the book down, and left the story encouraged and inspired.

Here’s some more info:

Facing a new threat
When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear
Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but now the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire
As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?

Visit Amy’s “Heart Chocolate” website and sign up for her Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter here.
Ransomed Dreams at Amazon
Healing Promises at Amazon
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter

Order “Healing Promises”

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Multi-author Events

Since being published, I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to partner with other authors – on book tours, speaking events, book signings, panel discussions. There is a great joy in spending time on an effort that doesn’t focus on promoting my own work, but ministering to people and supporting the work of other Christian authors.

I’m part of a fun event coming up on April 26 at the Maple Grove Northwestern Bookstore in Minnesota. Lisa Barry, from KTIS, will facilitate chats on stage with each of the participating authors. I know and admire each of these authors, and can’t wait to spend time with them again. We’ll also have oodles of prizes for folks who stop in the story, and special goodies for those who purchase books.

The events manager, Bev, even created a seed packet (complete with flower seeds inside!) using the covers of all our books. I posted photos of the packets below. What a fun, creative gift! Bev always makes these in-store events extra special. If you know anyone in the Twin Cities area, be sure to let them know, so they don’t miss this fun afternoon!

Blessings!
Sharon

Sharon’s Books

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Speaking of Gifts

In honor of all the spring events approaching (Mother’s Day, Graduations, etc.) I’ve discounted all my books at the marvelous site called:

Signed By the Author

You can order any of my books and have them autographed and personalized (especially fun if you want to give them as gifts!)

Symphony of Secrets is a PERFECT end-of-the-year gift for music teachers, choir directors, church music ministers, etc.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller and Renovating Becky Miller are great for Mother’s Day, for new-baby gifts, or for your MOPS or Moms-in-Touch ministry leader.

The Sword of Lyric Series is a fun graduation gift – fantasy novels about the hero’s journey – for young heroes beginning their adventures in life.

Happy Gift Giving!
Sharon

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Being a Fool

Devotional Musings

The weather sent a little April Fool’s joke to Minnesota. This is the view from my window. I appreciate the beauty of snow-flocked trees, but I’m SO ready for Spring!

Today I wrote about the beauty of foolishness over at Faithchicks. Please stop by and leave a comment!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

Sharon writes stories for the hero in all of us. Her two latest releases are Symphony of Secrets and The Restorer’s Journey. Learn about them here:
Sharon’s Books

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Merry Easter

The view in Minnesota this Easter made me think of Christmas. But Isaiah summed up the power of the resurrection of Christ in his prophecy, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”

So perhaps a snowstorm is a good way to remember how Christ’s death and resurrection have overlaid my old nature with the beautiful purity of His redemption.

Maybe I’ll go outside and make a few snow angels to commemorate the angels at the tomb and their joyful proclamation. 🙂
His, Sharon

P.S. – Congratulations to Barbara H. who won the drawing for Camy’s new book (see post below). And congratulations to me because I figured out how to use a random number generator instead of writing all the names on scraps of paper for the drawing. 🙂

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Worth Doing

The Writing Life


Interview at TitleTrakk

“There is always the doubt that whispers, ‘It’s a waste of time.’ But art is precious. Obedience is precious. When God calls you to do something it is worth doing.”

The quote comes from an answer to some great questions I was asked in an interview at TitleTrakk. You can read more here – and be sure to explore the TitleTrakk site. It’s packed with great info about books, music, and movies.

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A Visit from Camy Tang

Visiting Authors

Camy and I have been critique buddies and writing pals since we met at Mount Hermon long before either of us were published. This photo shows us celebrating at Camy’s amazing book signing at ICRS in Atlanta. It’s my pleasure to welcome her today as she celebrates the release of her latest novel, Only Uni. And be sure to read to the end for info on a free book!

Here’s Camy:

“Some of you may be surprised to hear it, but I am not a very tractable person. I can be downright stubborn (gasp!) at times. Therefore, because I am an ornery old coot, God is always asking me to do what I don’t want to do, to force me to get over myself and obey Him. (And who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor?)

This theme of daily surrender to God has permeated my life, so naturally it permeates my books, too. In SUSHI FOR ONE, Lex had to surrender her own plans for herself to God and accept His will for her. In ONLY UNI, Trish has to surrender all of herself—her faults, her mistakes—in order to fully walk with Christ. And maybe like herself a little better in the process.

Both are things I’ve struggled with in the past, and continue to struggle with. Trish has a really hard time accepting who she is, how God made her, and how to like herself. I’ve struggled with the same things.

Just this past weekend, I went to a family gathering where there were lots of skinny, petite Asian girls (and young, to boot!), and I had to once again war inside myself with my self-esteem. I have such a hard time accepting myself for who God made me. I’m always comparing myself with others and wishing I were “better” or “different.”

Trish is a little different from me in that she has a better handle on who she is and accepting herself better than I do. But we both struggle with wondering if we need to do more, be more, in order for God to love us. The truth is that God loves us and is there for us no matter what we do. Even when we feel awful because we’ve done something to disappoint him, He still loves us. That’s the bottom line. Satan likes to make us forget that. So I hope you read Trish’s story and get a bit of encouragement and hope amidst all the funny stuff that happens to her. I think she’s a fun character, but she’s dear to my heart, too.” –Camy Tang

Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own…), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away five boxes of books and 25 copies of her latest release, ONLY UNI.

BONUS: Leave a comment about an area you are learning to surrender to God (with a working email where I can follow up) – and you will be entered in a drawing for a FREE COPY of ONLY UNI!!

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