Merry Christmas!

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Christmas Promise

Lit by a star’s glory,

The promise of Christmas

Starts with a baby’s cry.

Its light is the beginning

And with Easter’s dawn,

Arisen and triumphant,

The promise is complete.

Zan Marie Steadham

From A Christmas Walk

Copyright 2010

The Book Pusher: December

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You know you need a few last minute gifts... ;-)

MANY SPARROWS Lori Benton: Christian Historical Romance

How can we trust God when we can't trust others or ourselves? Clare Inglesby and Jerimiah Ring find the answers they seek, but only when they wait and don't make the answers on their own. Great Read.

THE CURSE OF CHALION Lois McMaster Bujold: Fantasy

Lois McMaster Bujold proves again that she is a master storyteller. The Curse of Chalion is one of the best introductions to a new world I've ever read. Cazarile is a fully realized character whose story will hook you and hold you long after you finish. This is a Must Read! 

THE SILENT SISTER Diane Chamberlain: Literary 

When a family hides secrets at in its heart, can anyone come out unscathed? Diane Chamberlain's The Secret Sister tells the story of one such family. Excellent Read!

FREEDOM'S RING Heidi Chiavaroli: Historical Fiction

Grace and love, forgiveness given and received all figure into this fabulous story of independence ancient and forever new. An absolutely must read!

THE CROWS OF BEARA Julie Christine Johnson: Romance

Poetry and magic pervade this amazing romance. If you've ever found a home place, you'll understand. Get this one now!

CLOSE TO HOME Deborah Raney: Christian Romance

Raney's fourth Chicory Inn novel is a beautiful exploration of remarriage, family, and responsibility. The Whitman family once again opens their hearts to how to live and love with courage.

RESTORING CHRISTMAS Cynthia Ruchti: Women's Fiction

You must read this Ruchti book NOW! It spoke to my soul in a deep way that I needed at this time. Ruchti's trademark storytelling and humor are even more important in this book than ever before. Read it today!

And a bonus review...

HOME AT LAST Deborah Raney: Christian Romance

Deborah Raney saved the best Chicory Inn story for last. With one fabulous love story, she explores the complexity of race in America. Read all of the Chicory Inn stories. You'll be glad you did.

Next Post: IWSG, of course!

IWSG: December and Links!

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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Co-Hosts: Julie Flanders, Shannon Lawrence, Fundy Blue, and Heather Gardner!

Question: As you look back on 2017, with all its successes and failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

I'm not sure I'd do anything differently, but I surely had counted on the outcome to be different. I'd hoped that I'd be able to reveal signing with an agent, but 2017 wasn't allowing that. In fact, I'm shelving my first book and focusing on the second that's entirely different. Some might question this decision, but I know what the agents who have been clear on why they said, "No." The comments are consistent on something not clicking early with my main character. So, I'll let it rest for a revisit later. After all, it's my choice. ;-) 

Add other things in real life and I'm taking a bit of a break from writing this month. My mother needs major heart surgery. We have a lot of hurtles to get to that goal, and I'm her main caregiver. My husband and I inherited his parents' house. While he's renovating, I'm constantly called on to help. I promise I know what I'm talking about since I was raised by a master carpenter. ;-) 

So, 2018, get your act together! I'm gunning for a new complete draft next year. If I can start rewriting before the end of the year, I'll take it. Don't disappoint me!

Links!

• The Conflicting Advice You'll Receive on Query Letters is a good place to start
• Be sure to check this one out from Donald Maass--"Exciting Adventure!"
• Enjoy!--"The Secret of My Productivity"
• I love this one: "Ties that Bind and Define the Family on your Protagonist"
• Oh. My. :-( This one will make you nauseous.): Maggie Stiefvatater on Piracy
• Just in case you're attempting this: "How to Write A Novel with Multiple Points of View"
• There's been discussion of chapter length here and there, so check this out: "Chapter Length and Why It Matters"
• D. M. Webb has the skinny on Plotting problems in "Seminar Notes: Part I"
• Ooh!!! An agent's take on how to network at conferences: "Tips and Tricks for Author Networking"
• And another OOOH!: "Your Story Lives in the Details"

Next Post: 2018's first Book Pusher. You know you want to add a few to your resolutions!