Blog Tour Stop-Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll & Interview

Cheryl here to introduce my good friend and awesome suspense author, Robin Caroll. I am so excited about the recent release of her debut single title, Deliver Us From Evil, from B&H. I read this story years ago in a contest, and even then, felt it would someday be a voice for little ones who can't speak out for themselves. While this book isn't agenda-driven, it does deal with child trafficking and I hope this book, though fiction, will help raise awareness of this horrific problem in the U.S. and abroad.

James Scott Bell, author of Deceived and Try Fear, said of Robin's book: "Deliver Us From Evil is the kind of novel 'Ripped from the headlines' was meant to describe. Compelling."

More about the book:

A beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen. After a blizzard takes down a small plane carrying U.S. Marshal Roark Holland (already haunted by a recent tragedy), Brannon must save him in more ways than one and safeguard the donor heart he’s transporting to a government witness on the edge of death. Otherwise the largest child trafficking ring in history—with shocking links from Thailand to Tennessee—will slip further away into darkness along the Appalachian Trail.

More about the author:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a Southern through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s books have placed/finaled in such contests as Bookseller’s Best, Book of the Year, and Reviewer’s Choice Award. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, and their four character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else? An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website.


What's next from Robin:

Dead Air (March '10, Steeple Hill Suspense)
Fear No Evil (Aug '10, B&H Publishing)


Interview:

1. If the hero of your book could write a blurb about you, tell us what he'd say. Robin is demanding, and pushy. Wants to expose every weakness.
2. What about the heroine?
Robin works hard to live her faith, and loves to talk about it.
3. The villain? Robin?
That ()*(&^*&^%&^ who *&*&*^ is such a *(&(*&*&^..
4. What was the most interesting thing you learned while researching this book?
That human trafficking is modern day slavery, and occurs more often than people imagine-right under our noses!
5. What inspired the premise?
I saw a documentary and it ripped my heart out, but I couldn't stop watching.
6. What are some ways people can help stop child trafficking or bring awareness to the problem?
In the back of DELIVER US FROM EVIL, I list some links of some really awesome organizations. During the month of January, every post on my blog, www.robinswritingworld.blogspot.com discussed ways to raise awareness and get involved.
7. What are you working on now?
Right now, I've just finished the 3rd book in the "evil" trilogy. I'm working on ACFW conference stuff for the moment.
8. When will the next book be out in this series?
FEAR NO EVIL releases August 1, 2010
9. How can readers connect with you on the Web?
www.robincaroll.com
10. What other books being released by B&H are you excited about, other than your own? :-)
There are so many, but the one in my mind right at the moment (because it's on my desk since hubby finally finished reading it and returned it) is ROOMS by Jim Rubart. AWESOME read. And an upcoming one I'm REALLY excited about reading? Iscariot by Tosca Lee.

Thanks, Robin!

Everyone, I hope you will rush out and pick up your copy of Deliver Us From Evil today. You won't be sorry. It's an action-packed, emotionally-evocative story that you won't want to miss.

Later taters!

Cheryl Wyatt

Welcoming Kimberley Woodhouse-Welcome Home Blog Tour & Interview

I am excited to host Kimberley Woodhouse on my blog today where we'll be talking about her just-released non-fiction debut, Welcome Home!

ABOUT KIM:

Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases from Tyndale House Publishers September first. In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children’s books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. www.kimberleywoodhouse.com


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.
Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!).

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Peek inside the Woodhouse family’s life (and their famous house) with a 16-page photo insert.


EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KIM:


1. I'm so excited about the release of your non-fiction book which can be purchased right now anywhere books are sold. WAHOO! I know you write children's stories and romantic suspense as well. Tell me about your fiction writing?

Well, I have a series of children’s books that I wrote while teaching pre-school and music in Alaska, and I’m currently writing a romantic suspense set in Alaska – very complex story, but I’m loving it. All these years, I wrote fiction—had short stories published, and some articles. I never thought that non-fiction would be my first book out. :-) Excited to see what the Lord does with the rest.

2. I understand that your husband is an avid bass fisherman. Grin. (Kim and her husband graciously stayed up deep into the night and helped me research a fishing novel). Tell me about your favorite fishing excursion as a couple or as a family.

My favorite memory is when my husband took me out on a little pond in Louisiana. (We’re both from there.) This was almost fifteen years ago, and my sweet husband rowed me around this little pond—baiting my hook for me, and cheering me on when I caught several 4-5 inch bass. He even zoomed in with the camera to make my “catch” look bigger. It was hilarious! He was so sweet to me, letting me fish the whole time. I love to look back at those pictures :-)

3. I understand your son has a thing for dragons. :-) How has he handled Kayla's illness?
Josh is amazing. He loves his sister, protects her, and is her best friend. The night before Kayla’s brain surgery, Josh cried in my arms as we prayed for her. He was so scared. I’m so thankful for his sweet and creative nature. He has handled the ups and downs so well.

4. You are an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Tell me what role that group played, both in your writing and in your family's journey? And how has your journey affected your faith?

Some wonderful friends of mine, Jim and Tracie Peterson, had tried to encourage me to join ACFW years ago when it was still ACRW and had about 100 members. We were on the mission field at the time on a little island in Alaska, so I put it off. When I finally joined, I was so excited and wanted to jump in with both feet. But just a few weeks after that, we found out that Kayla had to have brain surgery. Not only were my new ACFW friends there to help me through the writing process, but I found that they were an amazing group of prayer warriors. People I didn’t know all over the world were praying for us and lifting us up. It was incredible. And it’s neat that all my ACFW buddies went through the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition process with us. I can truly say that I wouldn’t be here at this spot in my career without all the wonderful people in that amazing writers group.


My journey has indeed grown my faith. I love how God stretches us, prunes us, grows us. Most of us wouldn’t choose to go through the tough stuff if we knew ahead of time, but I can honestly say that I am so thankful for the trials—because through those times, I’ve learned what real faith and real joy are all about.

5. During the experience with EMHE, what was one of the most touching things to you as a mom?

Ed and our builder, Matt Swanson, coming in and asking if there was anything we needed in the house, in case they hadn’t thought of it. My husband told them he always worried about if /when the power goes out. (We’ve had situations like this and we’ve had to drive around for hours to keep Kayla cool.) Anyway, wouldn’t you know? They installed a massive generator that runs the house, if the power is to go off. That impressed me and blessed me so much. They really cared about us, not just a TV show.

6. Your family is practically a household name in America thanks to the national exposure. Were you prepared for this shift at all? And though millions of people have glimpsed windows of your lives, what is one thing they may be surprised to know about each member of the Woodhouses and also the family in general?

We’ve had a lot of media attention since Kayla was first diagnosed, but definitely not on the scale that we have now. It’s quite a shift. Especially when people begin to treat you differently, ask for autographs, or follow you around with a camera. J

Well, Kayla, Josh, and I are all avid readers. We LOVE books. And my husband would prefer to not be in the spotlight. Ever. And as far as the whole family, we are very close. We spend 24 hours a day together, literally, and we wouldn’t change it. The kids love spending time together, they love doing school together, they love helping me with research for whatever project I’m working on. Lots of people wrote in after they saw the show and asked if we drove each other crazy, or just wanted to get away from one another. I laughed at that question, because it just doesn’t describe us—which is good because of our circumstances.

7. How is Kayla doing now and how can readers of this blog pray specifically for her and for your family?

Kayla is doing incredibly well. She and Josh are both competitive swimmers and work hard in the pool every day. A few years ago that wouldn’t have been possible – but it’s amazing to see her improvement since her brain surgery and since we were blessed with this amazing house. We still have a lot of things to deal with, but it’s wonderful to see both of them so healthy.

We would greatly appreciate your prayers for our family, for the book to sell well, and for guidance for the doctors as they work with Kayla’s unusual case. There’s still so many unanswered questions, but the swimming really seems to be improving the function of her body.

8. What's coming down the pike for each of the Woodhouse family members next?

Well, more books for me – keep watching my website for details – www.kimberleywoodhouse.com

Josh and Kayla would love to be Olympic swimmers, so between homeschool and swimming (6 hours a piece each day) their lives are full.

And all of us travel and share our story. We’d really appreciate prayers for the ministry the Lord has placed before us.

9. Where can readers find out more about you (Web site URLs) and is there a purchase link for this fantabulous book?

www.kimberleywoodhouse.com there are several links on the home page for different booksellers to purchase through. The first link is the most helpful to our family. J But feel free to order where it is convenient for you.

You can also find me on facebook and twitter (kimwoodhouse)

I love to hear from people through my website, and love to hear how the book is affecting people’s lives.

Thank you so much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOTE FROM CHERYL:
Look for my review of this book soon on places like Amazon, Christianbook.com, etc. But for now suffice it to say that I love this book so much that I wish every family in America could read it. I believe this book will set hope deep in the hearts of everyone who reads it.

Be sure to check out Kim's sites and pick up a copy of this book wherever books are sold.

I know Kim personally and she is truly an amazing person, an inspiration and a stellar example of someone who has taken both the hard things as well as the honored things that life has given her and her family and humbly allowed God to use all of it for the noble purpose of reaching out to others and imparting true joy of the lasting kind.

This book would also make a WONDERFUL gift for anyone in your life who is struggling to maintain joy in the midst of struggle.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to leave comments for Kim letting her know you were here.

Warmly,

Cheryl Wyatt

The Basic Building Blocks of Good Story Structure

Hey there! This is Camy Tang, and Cheryl is letting me guest blog today!

She wanted me to talk about the basic building blocks of good story structure because I tend to naturally look at stories on a structural level. When I do telephone consultations for my Story Sensei critique service, most of my clients are looking for help to fix their novels’ story structures.

Lots of times, I’ll like a book because of two things: 1) good pacing and 2) likable characters.

For likable characters, I use a book that has solved all my problems: Writing for Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias. He has an entire chapter on little tips and tricks to make a character likable and why that works for a reader.

Pacing is something that writers don’t necessarily think about, because the truth of the matter is that each book has its own unique pacing that’s right for that particular story. One book’s fast pace isn’t appropriate for another book’s slower pace, and vice versa.

But it is possible to tweak a book’s pacing to be the best possible for that story. And that’s where story structure comes in.

Story structure is like the framework of a house. You can hang the walls and the roof, apply drywall and paint it all pretty, but if the underlying framework isn’t strong, the house isn’t well built.

Therefore, a book’s story structure has to be well built, just like a house, for the story to be the best it can be.

If a book has solid story structure, the pacing of the scenes and the purpose of the characters will fall in place naturally, on their own. And if any of you know me, I’m all for less work for the author! LOL

How to get good story structure? Here’s my quick and dirty list:

Inciting Incident: This starts the story. This is the incident that thrusts the characters on their goal for the entire book.

Character External Goal and Motivation: Psychologically, readers tend to be more engaged in a story with a character who is proactive about achieving her goal than a character who is reactive to the things around her.

Being “proactive” could be actively (or tenaciously) pursuing a goal or endpoint, but it could also be passive, like withstanding an enemy force (like in Tolkien’s The Two Towers where the Men are trying to hold Helm’s Deep against the Orcs) or escaping someone trying to kill her (like in any horror slasher movie). A “passive” goal is NOT less filled with conflict, however, and the character is still stalwart in achieving the goal.

Two to four Major Disasters: Most books and movies break down into 2-4 “major” events of conflict that happen. I don’t know why the number hovers around three—I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a psychological reason for it.

The key of good structure is that these Major Disasters directly work against the character’s external goal (above). They can’t be just “bad things that happen” to the character—they have to have some purpose against the character’s goal.

The reason is that when this is true, the Disasters have more emotional impact on the character, since they’re thwarting the character’s goal. More emotional impact usually means more reader engagement in the story.

Box the Character in Toward the Climax: Dwight Swain puts it very well in his book, Techniques of the Selling Writer: Essentially, that you slowly box the hero in, little by little, and then in the climax, you give the hero a choice between either two very bad choices or two very good choices (not both at once).

Forcing the hero to this type of choice heightens the emotional impact again (which means more reader engagement in the story) and makes for a more exciting climax. It also brings into play the hero’s morality, forcing him to make a moral choice. More emotion! More reader engagement!

Realistic Resolution: Be wary of a nice ending that ties everything up in five pages. Your reader has invested time in reading the book—therefore, she wants you to take the time to tie things up satisfactorily.

In my opinion, the above five things are what form the “framework” of a good story. If you have these, your pacing will usually naturally fall into place without problems (and without added stress on the writer!).

I hope that helps any of you writers out there. Thanks for having me here, Cheryl!
Camy

Camy’s new book is out now!

DEADLY INTENT
by
Camy Tang

SCENE OF THE CRIME

The Grant family’s exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! Then Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, and everything falls apart. The salon’s reputation is at stake...and so is Naomi’s freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim’s ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn...and whom can she trust?

About Camy:

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. 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 week, 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 fourteen boxes of books and 24 copies of her latest release, DEADLY INTENT.

Janet Dean-Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!!!

I am VERY excited today to welcome Love Inspired debut Historical author, good friend and Seeker sister, Janet Dean. I LOVE her writing and suspect that you will too! Definitely pick up a copy of her debut novel, Courting Miss Adelaide if you haven't already.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE, AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF "COURTING MISS ADELAIDE" LEAVE A COMMENT BEFORE MIDNIGHT CST ON OCTOBER 2 BELOW ASKING TO BE ENTERED. WINNER'S NAME WILL BE DRAWN OCTOBER 3.

Now, an exclusive interview with Janet:


INTERVIEW WITH JANET DEAN


If your heroine could blurb you, the author of her book, what might she say?


Adelaide waited a long time to see her story in print. She’d probably say, “It’s about time, JD!” Then she’d shake a finger at me for putting her through all that anguish. LOL. But Adelaide is a woman of gratitude so she’d see the positive side and thank me for giving her a HEA ending.


What are three things you have to have near you when you write, and why?


Water—nothing impressive about that, but if it’s not on my desk, I’m dying of thirst, yet put off getting it. Writing with a cotton mouth and my tongue hanging on the keyboard isn’t pretty.


Post It® notes—I use oodles of them, jotting reminders to myself about anything and everything. I toss them on the floor near my computer and take them downstairs when I refill my glass of water. See how I’m tying all this together? J Those notes keep me organized.


My Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary—I use it to check the year words came into usage, a must for historical writers. The word water dates to before the 12th Century. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.



What resources do you use for your historical research for dress, language, etc.?


Besides my Webster’s Collegiate, I use American Heritage’s Dictionary of Idioms that dates expressions. I also refer to Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s and The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West for language and all aspects of life during that era. For clothing I use American Victorian Costume in Early Photographs by Priscilla Harris Dalrymple and Eyewitness Books’ Costume. And of course information is on the Internet, only a click away. If I’m not careful, I can spend hours researching online. Hours I don’t have.



What was your favorite scene to write and why?


My favorite scene to write in Courting Miss Adelaide was near the end of the book, between Charles and William. It’s a precious time of healing for both of them. Writing that scene was emotional for me. Though I also loved writing the ending and the scene where Adelaide had it out with Charles and-- I’ll shut up.


What do you have in the works right now?


I’m deep into promoting Courting Miss Adelaide. So that means setting up book signings, mailing bookmarks, posting on blogs—doing all I can get the word out. My second book Courting the Doctor’s Daughter will release in May 2009. I expect final edits in October. I’m working on the proposal for my third book.


How can readers visit you online?


My Web site: janetdean.net

E-mail me at janet@janetdean.net

My Blog: Cup of Faith

The Seeker group blog: Seekerville



If your hero time-traveled to modern day, where is the first place he'd go and what would he do and why?


As editor and owner of the Noblesville Ledger, Charles would head to the modern-day Ledger where he’d grab a chair in front of a computer and log on to the Internet. He’d be fascinated by the high-speed communication and connection with the world under his fingertips. And amazed his printing press had gone the way of the dinosaurs.


Thanks, Cheryl, for having me on your blog. I had a great time!

I enjoyed your visit! And I'm SO excited about the release of Courting Miss Adelaide as well as Courting the Doctor's daughter! I look forward to many, many more books from you!

Again, as a reminder, Janet's upcoming releases:
Courting Miss Adelaide, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, September 2008
Courting the Doctor's Daughter, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, May 2009
www.janetdean.net
www.janetdean.blogspot.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Come and enter our contests at Seekerville!

Single Sashimi Blog Tour

I'm THRILLED beyond belief to welcome back my good friend and stellar writer...CAMY TANG!

I have SO looked forward to the release of this book and hope you have two. Her first two books, Sushi for One and Only Uni are still available whereever books are sold.


If ya haven't read these....go get 'em! :-)

And especially get this book...Camy named a character after me and Pammer!

Look for Pamela Wyatt....

How kewl is that? Pammer sez we're kinda flirty. How FUN! I did NOT know Camy was gonna do that.

Without further hoopla on my part...here's Camy:



Interview with Camy Tang


1. If your heroine for Single Sashimi could take you on a trip, where would you go and what would you do?


She’d probably take me to Comicon. Seriously. I mean, she’s involved in the video game industry—where else would she go to have fun?


2. If your hero was there, how would he strike up a conversation with your heroine?


He’d probably grab her and kiss her. :) Don’t you like him already???


3. What was the funnest scene for you to write in this book?


The first kiss. :) :) :) :) :)


4. Did you know the plot or the characters in this book first? Can you share a bit of this process?


I am very anal retentive about my plotting. I try to know absolutely everything ahead of time.


When I first start out, I use Post It notes that I stick all over my closet doors. This is my brainstorming time, and eventually I cull the ideas I don’t use.


Then I write a sketchy plot outline on an Excel spreadsheet.


Then I plot out each individual scene so I know what I’m trying to accomplish in each scene. (Did I mention I’m anal?)


Then I write the story.


5. Do you plot all your books the same? If so, how so?


Pretty much the same method. This current book I’m writing, Deadly Intent, is a little different. I’m in the writing phase, but I keep finding plot inconsistencies that I didn’t see when I was plotting, so I have to do some restructuring while I’m writing.


6. Who was the hardest character to flesh out in Single Sashimi and why?


Drake was hardest, I think. He ended up being a bit different than what I’d pictured him to be. In the book, he’s a lot stronger and yet more quiet than I had originally planned him. I like him better this way, but it was still surprising and difficult to write him.


7. What's in the works next for you? When can readers expect your next book?


My next book is Deadly Intent, a romantic suspense coming out from Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line. I’m loving the storyline and the setting. Here’s a blurb, although I don’t think this will be the back cover blurb for the book:


Massage therapist Naomi Grant could use a massage herself.


With her father at home recovering from a stroke, Naomi is put in charge of the family’s elite day spa in Sonoma county. The new responsibilities sit awkwardly on her shoulders, and things only get worse when handsome Dr. Devon Knightley breezes into the spa, demanding to see one of the female clients.


And the woman is found dead in Naomi’s massage room.


Suddenly, Naomi is a suspect and her family’s spa is shut down. How could God let this awful thing happen?


Devon only needed to see his ex-wife about a family necklace she still hadn’t returned, but when she dies and it’s discovered that her necklace—his family’s necklace—has been stolen, he’s the prime suspect.


Naomi and her family’s calm faith in this situation baffles him, but he’s more than willing to pair with the vivacious massage therapist to try to prove they’re both innocent.


However, the real murderer is still in Sonoma ... and their work isn’t done yet.


Thanks for having me on your blog, Cheryl!


Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. 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/ (or click header link above) for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.

Thanks for being here Camy!

Hugs all

Cheryl