Tag Archives: Dancing Realms Series

Sabbatical for a New Year

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Devotional Musing: Sabbatical
 
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Mark 6:31 (NIV)
 
Over recent months, I’ve resonated with Jesus’s call to get some rest. My normal response to challenge is usually to “push harder.” But as I confronted worsening health issues, I heard God’s gentle invitation to try a new way to respond. Trust and rest. So 2023 is going to be a year of sabbatical for me. I hope to focus my limited energy on relationships – with God, family, and friends.
 
A friend recently sent me an interview I did for her blog in 2006, and I was amazed how deeply my own old words spoke to my heart, and hope they might encourage you, as well. In part, I wrote:
 
“We live in a hyper-success-driven culture. We try to measure up to crazy unrealistic models of doing it all and doing it perfectly. We’re also very number obsessed and measure success by income, or degrees, or amount of activities. We lose sight of God’s upside-down measuring system—how a cup of cold water given in love is a precious act of ministry in God’s eyes, and how a widow’s mite is treasured by Him.

The theme of God working MORE powerfully through our lives when we DON’T have it all together developed as I wrote novels. It wasn’t part of my original intent—just one of those threads God kept bringing in.

I so much want to give God a strong, shiny, gifted person for Him to work with. Instead He’s called me to come to Him in all my quirks, flaws, and fears and let HIM be my strength. Each thing He is able to do (in spite of my emotional weakness, spiritual wobbles, and physical limitations) is a true miracle. In many ways I feel more frail the longer I go in my Christian walk – yet that isn’t a bad place to be because I have deeper trust in God’s mercy and strength. It’s much smarter to rely on Him than on myself!”

I pray that whatever form it takes, 2023 will be a year of rest and refreshing for all of us, as we trust ever deeper in our Savior.

Secret Project

Although I’m sabbaticalling (sabbaticalizing?) – okay, ON sabbatical – I have had a special project in the works for several years that I’ll share with you soon. So stay tuned! As soon as I am ready to say more, you’ll hear about it in my next newsletter.

Photo of a Miracle

There were years I didn’t think I’d ever be able to write another novel, and that if I did write, it would be as clunky and as difficult to read as it was to write. Yet God guided me day by day, and strengthened me to write word by word, to complete Hidden Current, Forsaken Island, and Windward Shore. Our Savior is so faithful! And then to my total shock these past three years, The Dancing Realms Series was awarded an unprecedented Christy Award for each book in the trilogy. A total miracle of God. The themes of freedom and grace and the beauty of art all ministered to my heart as I wrote, and I hope they resonate with you as well! If you haven’t read them yet, I pray these stories will provide a great adventure as well as encouragement for whatever impossible tasks you are facing. You can find them all HERE. and anywhere you buy books. 🙂

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West Side Story Memories

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I read a terrific article at Lorehaven about the new film West Side Story. I agreed with so many of the thoughts, especially the way the writer Marian made a case for musicals fitting within the fantasy genre. Her terrific article also brought back fond memories. Be sure to check out her article.

Way back in 1981, I was choreographing for various musical theatre productions in the Twin Cities. I had a ball working on an ambitious production of West Side Story that was performed in a parking lot, with real cars driving into the set, and actual fire escapes on the side of the building that provided the backdrop of the staging. But rehearsing outdoors held some unexpected problems.

West Side Story news clipping

During tender moments, actors slapped frantically at attacking mosquitos. Dangerous pratfalls from fire escapes onto hidden mattresses kept my heart in my throat. But strangest of all, one night as I was working with the Sharks and Jets on the choreography for the rumble, we were interrupted by a police car bursting through the barriers and into the parking lot. We all froze as a K-9 unit pulled up as well, and a police officer stepped out. He looked around our motley group of performers, shaking his head and chuckling as he realized the mistake. I was tempted to have the cast start singing “When You’re a Jet” to prove they weren’t actual gang members. Apparently someone in a neighboring high rise saw the realistic street fighting and called the police.

The mixup brought us some great free press, and the show was one of my all time favorites. So when I went to see the new film, I was a little nervous about this new interpretation. I told my daughter, “If they take out the snapping fingers in the opening number, I’m walking out.”

I was delighted that the iconic snapping remained, as did the energy and spirit of story, all the wonderful music, and both a tribute to the original choreography along with wonderful new additions. My daughter and I had fun analyzing all the improvements, as well as a few things we thought worked better in the earlier film.

Most of all, the movie reminded me how I view the world. For me, it makes perfect sense that at any time people should break out into song, dance in the streets, and hear the orchestra swell.

How about you? Do you ever hear swelling orchestra music at emotional moments in your life? Do you see pieces of furniture as possible props for a dance number? Do you sing in the rain or spin with open arms to the hills that are alive with the sound of music?

My love for musicals threaded through both my fantasy series. The Sword of Lyric series includes music and songkeepers. The Dancing Realms series focuses on how dance can both express our heart and change us. If you love music or dance, I think you’ll enjoy both series.

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

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Forsaken Island Christy Award

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I’m so stunned and grateful. Last night’s Christy Awards was a lovely evening of inspiration and terrific speakers. It reminded me of how much my life and faith walk has been shaped by authors of novels over the years–even more so than non-fiction. Their stories encouraged and challenged me. It’s a huge honor to be part of this amazing family of writers.

I’ll confess that when they read the first line of Forsaken Island, there was a roaring in my ears and a disoriented confusion, and if not for my hubby and daughter cheering, I would have forgotten to turn on my camera and mic and accept the award.

This was especially sweet because I was able to dedicate this to my mom. She taught me to read at a very young age and instilled a passion for books that led me to becoming a writer. She recently went ahead to heaven, and being able to acknowledge her was a very tender gift to me.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my writing over the years!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

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Christy Award Finalist

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Many years ago, I had to buy a new dress because The Restorer was a finalist for a Christy Award. I didn’t have dressy shoes with heels, so my hubby kindly took the taps off of my shiny black tap shoes and I wore those. I remember being too excited to eat, sitting in a room filled with authors and editors I admired. I had often looked at the list of Christy finalists to build my “to read” pile, knowing that these stories represented quality Christian fiction. To be a part of that legacy was a huge blessing.

Christy Award finalists 2020 Visionary Category

Shortly after that, my life changed dramatically. Health issues shrank my world, affected my memory and word-finding ability, cut my functional minutes of each day by ninety percent. When I was able, I tried writing short devotions, and eventually finished the fourth Sword of Lyric book. But I had little hope of ever writing another fantasy series.

A few years ago, my agent encouraged me to draw from my experience in dance to craft a new fantasy world. My imagination lit up, and slowly, tediously, with huge self-doubt, I began the new series.

That’s why my eyes stung with tears when I learned that the first book in that new series, Hidden Current, was recently named a finalist for a Christy. This year, I won’t need my tap shoes, because the award ceremony will be online. But my feelings of gratitude and appreciation are even huger than the first time, along with feeling so honored to be among the other amazing writers.

Joel 2:25 says, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” (ESV)

God held me close during the locust years, and still does. And holding Hidden Current in print was like touching a miracle. It could not have happened without friends and family who prayed specifically for my writing life. Not just a quick one-time prayer, but faithful prayer support year after year after year when I wasn’t sure I’d ever see a book in print again.

Are you facing locusts of any kind? Or do you have a friend who is being eaten up by illness or broken relationships or poverty? Pray, pray, and pray some more. Our Savior will not only carry us through, but restore what feels lost. He is amazing that way!

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

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Forsaken Island Cover Reveal

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Forsaken Island

I’m so excited to share the Forsaken Island cover reveal – the second book in the Dancing Realms Series – and let you know about the story.

Forsaken Island

On an uncharted world, happiness is effortless and constant … but can true joy exist without sacrifice?


The people of Meriel have long believed their island world floats alone in the vast ocean universe, so they are astonished when another island drifts into view. With resources becoming scarce, Carya and Brantley quickly volunteer to search the new land for supplies.
After navigating a barrier of menacing trees, the pair encounter a culture of perpetually happy people who readily share their talents and their possessions. But all is not what it seems. At the core of the island is a horror that threatens everyone, including Brantley and Carya.


Freeing the villagers of the bondage they’ve chosen may cost Carya and Brantley more than they could have imagined. Even if the two succeed, they’ll have to find a way to return to Meriel quickly … or be cut off from their home forever.

There you have it! This is a story of exploration, adventure, a bit of romance, sinister secrets, and grace breaking through. Authors are often asked to come up with a list of stories that are similar to the new book, and I really struggled to find other titles to help describe Forsaken Island. There is a bit of the feel of Sea Wolf by Jack London with a man and woman being stranded together on an island. There is a hint of the mind control of Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. The wonder of exploration and danger has a flavor of The Lost World by Conan Doyle. And there is a tiny similarity to Pilgrim’s Progress (though in a much more contemporary high-fantasy style) where a journey takes the characters through unique places – each with their own “bent” and potential hazards. But those are just a few slight influences. And the story is also very different from any of those. Maybe after you read it, you can let me know what it reminds you of. 🙂

Beloved characters from Hidden Current return – particularly Carya, Brantley, and Navar. And there are fascinating new people to meet. You’ll probably enjoy this book more if you’ve read Hidden Current, but it isn’t necessary.

Because of the pandemic, Amazon had the “pre-order link” up, then removed it, then put it back up. I understand there are more vital things to provide in these times. If you don’t happen to be able to pre-order, don’t fear. Even if the Forsaken Island pre-order link is down, you can still order Hidden Current – great escapist and inspiring reading for trying times. 🙂

And yes, this is another hard-cover, limited-edition book. Hooray!

Stay tuned for more info! Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

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It’s a Blog Tour!

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Blog Tour

In celebration of the release of Hidden Current, my new fantasy novel in the Dancing Realms Series, I’m going on a blog tour. The book will be featured at a number of lovely blogs over the next few weeks. Please pop by to visit and chat. I’ll answer questions in the comments, and would love to see you!

Be sure to visit the Celebrate Lit home page for the tour – because you can enter for two great prizes! You’ll see the box of goodies when you scroll down the page. I created a special tea blend called “tsalla,” which characters in the story world drink, and also made packets of “star rain.” You can also win a Hidden Current book bag, with a couple of my other titles. Free books! Who doesn’t love that? When you add in a bookmark, an autographed bookplate, and chocolates (yes, chocolates!) it’s a box of fun that you can enjoy while reading the story.

Here are all the stops for the tour:

Inklings and notions, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 27

Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

Fiction Aficionado, January 29

janicesbookreviews, January 30

Emily Yager, January 31

For the Love of Literature, February 1

Wishful Endings, February 2 (Author Interview)

Mia Reads, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Blogging With Carol, February 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5

Worthy2Read, February 6

Pause for Tales, February 7

I look forward to visiting with you on the blog tour!

Blessings,

Sharon Hinck
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Which Pattern Are You?

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Which Pattern

Which Pattern in Hidden Current Would Be Your Favorite?

In Hidden Current, the dancers of the Order use specific dance patterns to control their floating world of Meriel. Use this short, no-spoiler quiz to find out which pattern would be your favorite!

Keep track of your responses to each question, then add up the number of responses you had for each letter. The letter you chose most often will reveal which pattern. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to read your results!

1.  How would you best describe yourself?

A. Reliable

B. Graceful

C. Powerful

D. Mysterious

E. Caring

2.  How would you prefer to spend your time?

A. Completing items on my to-do list

B. Working in a garden

C. Walking in the rain

D. Stargazing

E. Cooking

3.  What’s your favorite color?

A. I can’t choose

B. Green

C. Blue

D. Gold

E. Brown

4.  What do you value most?

A. Stability

B. Nature

C. Emotion

D. Beauty

E. Food

5.  Where would you prefer to live?

A. In the city or suburbs

B. In the woods

C. On the coast

D. On a distant planet

E. On a farm

6.  Someone offends you. How do you react?

A. Remain calm and work out the problem

B. Avoid the person and find better company

C. Fight back

D. Respond with a compliment

E. Let it go; the person is probably just hungry

7.  What causes you to dance?

A. Being at a party or other situation where dancing is expected

B. Spending time in nature

C. Listening to powerful music

D. Seeing something awe-inspiring

E. Hearing that it’s time for a meal

Now, add up your responses for each letter:

A______    B______    C______    D______    E______

Check below to find out your dance pattern!

If you got mostly As…

Your dance is…TURNING PATTERN!

The turning pattern must be danced daily to keep the world of Meriel in place. You like the pattern’s steadiness and reliability—and you’re probably a morning person, since this is always the Order’s first dance of the day.

If you got mostly Bs…

Your dance is…FERN PATTERN!

Fern pattern involves a beautiful series of turns, unfolding from a central point like the fronds of its namesake. You love the gracefulness of this pattern and probably enjoy spending your free time in the gardens.

If you got mostly Cs…

Your dance is…LEEWARD STORM PATTERN!

Leeward storm is a long and demanding pattern, requiring great effort to work properly. You, however, have the strength to dance this pattern and aren’t afraid of the power your dancing brings to the world.

If you got mostly Ds…

Your dance is…STAR RAIN PATTERN!

Star rain pattern is as beautiful and ethereal as the phenomenon it creates. You enjoy dancing this pattern beneath the night sky as the stars burst overhead.

If you got mostly Es…

Your dance is…FURROW PATTERN!

A slow and steady pattern, furrow coaxes food to grow from the earth. You not only enjoy this pattern for the dance itself, but because you know it brings provision for your people.

Discover more magical dance patterns in Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck, releasing January 28, 2020 and available for preorder NOW!  

Thank you to the lovely Caitlin Eha for creating this fun quiz.

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