by Crystal Caudill | Jul 31, 2018 | Writer's Life
Often times for Christian authors writing for the CBA market look at the story’s spiritual elements and character spiritual arcs.
As I was reading one of my critique partners stories, she worried about what message God was trying to give her story. Her characters didn’t have any of the normal spiritual strengths she was used to writing.
As I read her magnificent story, I was struck by the way God’s voice came through. While in her other books, His voice had be loud and clear, in this book He had chosen to speak in His usual way, a still, small voice.
His message didn’t hit you over the head and declare listen to me, I’m speaking. Instead, His voice was a quiet invitation to allow Him to work in your heart and change you without your notice.
Her story was powerful but in a quiet way, not the way we often demand to God to reveal Himself. He hid Himself in the folds of the story, gently whispering to the soul.
Writers, let this be an encouragement to you. When you read your story that you have written with God and you find it lacking His voice, maybe you aren’t listening hard enough. Sometimes He chooses our stories to be full of plot and character arc, but quiet on the spiritual arc because the message is too delicate to be shouted.
I could go into the book of Ruth and how it is unlike any other book in the Bible, but I think you get the message. If not, go read Ruth. The romance and story are beautiful and powerful in their own right, but it is the still, small voice of that story that is most powerful.
Authors, listen for God’s still small voice. How do you hear it in your writing? Readers, in what ways has God used story to impact your life?
God bless, and may you hear His still small voice today.
by Crystal Caudill | May 15, 2018 | Writer's Life
Hi friends, this is just a quick note to say, if you are a newsletter subscriber, PLEASE check your email for an urgent message concerning your subscription. In order to be compliant with GDPR, I need all my subscribers to confirm they would like to continue receiving my newsletter. It is a quick click and won’t take more than a minute, but anyone who does not update their subscription will be deleted from my newsletter subscribers after May 25, 2018.
I pray you’ll stick around. My newsletter comes out quarterly and June’s newsletter will contain some exciting news, a summer recipe, one subscriber will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, and other fun reader stuff. This newsletter is separate from my blog.
If you haven’t subscribed but are interested in joining my newsletter to find out news about my writing, please follow this link or click on the newsletter tab up top. Thanks! And have a blessed day!!
by Crystal Caudill | May 1, 2018 | Book and Writing Events, Writer's Life
I know, it’s a year away, but registration is OPEN for the amazing Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat taking place in Washington, D.C. April 5-6, 2019.
If you are able, I highly recommend attending this event. The information below comes from the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat Page. Please visit them for more information and register soon!
What is CFRR?
“Christian Fiction Readers Retreat is a one day event gathering of Christian Fiction readers and authors. The event’s theme is “Honoring God through Christian Fiction” and will feature speaker sessions, author panels, breakout sessions, prayer & worship and author signings.
An unprecedented event in the Christian Fiction genre, the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) offers an opportunity for readers to meet and chat with authors. The event will include food, games, giveaways and free books. Following a successful 2016 debut in Nashville, and a second one on August 12th in Cincinnati, Ohio, the next CFRR will take place in the Spring of 2019 in the VA/DC/MD area.”
– CFRR Website
What Authors will be OFFICIALLY there?
| Amber Lynn Perry |
Gabrielle Meyer |
Megan Whitson Lee |
| Becca Whitham |
Janet Ferguson |
Melissa Tagg |
| Bethany Turner |
Jayme H Mansfield |
Mesu Andrews |
| Carole Towriss |
Jean C. Gordon |
Mikal Dawn |
| Carrie Turansky |
Kimberley Woodhouse |
Misty M Beller |
| Cathy Gohlke |
Kristi Ann Hunter |
Roseanna M. White |
| Connilyn Cossette |
Kristin Noel Fischer |
Ruth Logan Herne |
| Dawn Crandall |
Lindsay Harrel |
Sandra Ardoin |
| Deborah Giusti |
Lindsey Brackett |
Stephenia H. McGee |
| Elaine Stock |
Lisa Cox Carter |
Susan May Warren |
| Erica Vetsch |
Lisa Jordan |
Toni Shiloh |
| Eva Marie Everson |
Mary Connealy |
Tracey J Lyons |
Last year, I discovered that authors are just as excited to go as a reader to a reader event. And why not? We’re avid readers, too.
What do you do there?
When I went in 2017, I was so impressed with how the event went. It was like a spiritual retreat mixed with a reader’s dream. We had awesome times of worship, a devotional, speakers who glorified God, and we prayed together, authors prayed with me. It was an amazing spiritual refueling.
In addition to the spiritual side of things, we played games, won prizes, asked questions, fan-girled (I swear I wasn’t the only one), and came home with these awesome bags filled with books, reader swag, and awesome goodies. It was an amazing time.
(First Photo by EA Creative Photography)
What does Registration include?
The Registration Fee for the Main Event (April 6, 2019, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM) includes: :
- Entry to the 2019 Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) Main Event on April 6, 2019, which includes (3) speaker sessions, at least (2) author panels, breakout sessions and the opportunity meet and chat with authors, and fellow readers.
- Author signing at the end of the day to chat with authors and fellow readers
- A goody bag full of swag from authors, publishers, sponsors and CFRR
- Light breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon snack
- All day non-alcoholic beverage service
- Tons of chances to win giveaways donated by authors and sponsors throughout the day
- One entry into the Grand Prize of the event
The Registration Fee for the Meet & Greet Event (April 5, 2019, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) includes:
- Entry to the 2019 Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) Meet & Greet Event on April 5, 2019. It will start at 6:00 PM and run through 8:00 PM or later.
- Please note, the reserved space for the Meet & Greet have limited capacity, and therefore ticket sales will be closed once capacity is met. It will not accommodate all guests for the main event.
- Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks will be served by the hotel. Guests are welcome to purchase additional food (only) from the hotel restaurant and bring it to the Meet & Greet.
- A relaxed schedule will be posted closer to date.
So what are you waiting for? This is an event you DO NOT want to miss if at all possible. Visit the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat Website and register, ASAP. Last year the spots filled up before the Registration Deadline.
Important Dates:
- Readers’ Registration Begins – April 30, 2018 at 11:00 AM EST
- Readers’ Registration Deadline – September 20, 2018 or until capacity reached (whichever comes first)
- Hotel Room block Deadline – March 15, 2019 or until block capacity reached (whichever comes first)
- 2019 Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat – April 5 – April 6, 2019
Join the Discussion: Who is going? If you can’t go, what questions would you want to be answered by a participating author? I’ll try to remember to ask them and share it when I do my CFRR Review post next May.
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 27, 2018 | Writer's Life
I am so excited to have Cythinia returning for another interview this month. Her second novel is set to come out in a couple weeks and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to interview her again. Just in case you missed her first interview, you can find it here. Once again I am offering a Rafflecopter Giveaway at the end of this interview, so you don’t want to miss it.
Cynthia Roemer is an award-winning inspirational writer with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the lives of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the 1800s prairie. She writes from her family farm in central Illinois where she resides with her husband and their two college-aged sons. Under Prairie Skies is Book Two in her Prairie Sky Series.
WC: Thank you for joining us again, Cynthia. I am so excited to get to know you a little better and share it with my readers.
The Fast Five
- Sweet Tea or Unsweet? Sweet tea
- Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway? Mountain Getaway
- Homebody or Love to Travel? Homebody with an occasional short trip
- Morning Person or Night Owl? Morning Person
- Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages? Bookmark!
WC: Thanks for answering! Those are such a fun, quick way to get to know a person. I think you and I match 3 of the 5! I just despise mornings and love to travel. 
The Writing Journey
WC: What actually set you on the writing journey? Was there a specific event that pushed you toward publishing?
Cynthia: In a sense, yes. My thirst for writing began when I was sixteen when, through the prompting of my high school English teacher, I entered a short-story contest at a local college. It won first place, and I was hooked. I knew then, the Lord was calling me to write.
The next milestone on my writing journey came after I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Association (ACFW) and my first novel, Under This Same Sky became a finalist in the Genesis Contest (2014). Being a finalist boosted my confidence and gave me the courage to continue to hone my craft and seek a publisher.
WC: What has God taught you along your publication journey?
Cynthia: Oh, many things: patience, endurance, dedication, and to be a team player. Right now, He’s teaching me contentment and dependence on Him. My road to publication was a long one and I give Him all the glory for bringing me to this point. Now He’s teaching me to be content with the outcome. It’s my prayer that each novel He gives me to write will reach the hands (or Kindle/Nook) of those who’ll be blessed by my stories.
WC: What has been the biggest challenge for you as an author?
Cynthia: Hmm. Prior to publication, my biggest challenge was waiting on God’s timing. It’s so hard as a writer to stare into the unknown not knowing whether your many hours of time and effort will see fulfillment. Now that I’m on the other side of publishing, my greatest challenge is balancing my time. I’m not a fast writer and now have marketing to contend with as well. It’s a challenge to balance my writing/marketing/family-time. Often I wish there were two of me! LOL!
~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~
Illinois prairie ~1855
Unsettled by the news that her estranged cousin and uncle are returning home after a year away, Charlotte Stanton goes to ready their cabin and finds a handsome stranger has taken up residence. Convinced he’s a squatter, she throws him off the property before learning his full identity. Little does she know, their paths are destined to cross again.
Quiet and ruggedly handsome, Chad Avery’s uncanny ability to see through Charlotte’s feisty exterior and expose her inner weaknesses both infuriates and intrigues her. When a tragic accident incites her family to move east, Charlotte stays behind in hopes of becoming better acquainted with the elusive cattleman. Yet Chad’s unwillingness to divulge his hidden past, along with his vow not to love again, threatens to keep them apart forever.
Under Prairie Skies
WC: You are a master of sweet romance that is fraught with the genuine struggles of life. Charlotte was a character we didn’t like in your last book, but yet you have made her a character we not only relate to but also like in this one. Have you ever had any Charlotte moments or relationships in your life, where jealousy became a serious issue?
Cythina: Thank you so much, Crystal. It was a real challenge turning spoiled green-eyed Charlotte into a worthy heroine, but I grew to like her very much. I’m so glad you did too! You pose an interesting question. Yes. I once had a former friend that turned on me much like Charlotte turned on Becky Hollister in Under This Same Sky. It was very heart-wrenching to go through years of trying to make amends only to take one step forward and two steps back. I’m so glad Charlotte wised up and mended her ways.
WC:Chad Avery is an amazing hero who my heart grieves for through most of the story. He is a strong Christian man yet struggles with his own grief and faults. Did you have a person who inspired this character? Or how did you determine what qualities to give Chad?
Cynthia: LOL! Like my sister said when she read Under Prairie Skies, “Chad is every woman’s dream man.” Chad Avery is a culmination of the qualities women admire. He includes bits and pieces of my husband, mainly his being a man of few words, but one who sees things for what they are — his wisdom. I wanted Chad to be the strong, silent type who could stand up against Charlotte’s feistiness, but also someone who had his own vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed.
WC: I think you very successful in that. He is indeed a man of every woman’s dreams.
WC: How did God challenge you in writing this particular story? Were there any lessons that you took away that you hope your reader will also take away?
Cynthia: The main theme woven within the pages of Under Prairie Skies is that of “iron sharpening iron”, how the Lord uses people to speak His truths into our lives. What I’ve taken away, and what I pray readers will take away, is a heightened sense of listening for God’s voice in our everyday encounters with people and being willing to speak truth and life into the hearts of others when given opportunity.
Fun Question
WC: If you could be a cartoon character, which one would it be?
Cynthia: Oh wow! I would say the road-runner. He’s got great wit about him and always seems to end up on the best end of things, especially where Wile E. Coyote is concerned. LOL!
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:
Alright, beloved readers, it is the time you all have been waiting for! This time I am giving the winner an option of either an e-copy of Under This Same Sky or Under Prairie Skies. Just comment below AND use the Rafflecopter link below to enter. Entries are open Tuesday 12 AM (EST) 3/27/2018 and close on Monday, 4/9/2108, at 11:59 PM (EST). Winner will be announced on the Under Prairie Skies Review the next day.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Legal Jargon: No Purchase is necessary. This contest is open to all readers in the world, 18 years and older who are legally allowed to participate in such a giveaway as allowed by their local laws. The Write Call does not exchange prizes for reviews. Reviews are appreciated, but not required.*
Join the Conversation: What cartoon character would you be?
Connect with Cynthia at:
Website: http://cynthiaroemer.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com@cynthiaroemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer
Author Newsletter Sign-up: http://cynthiaroemer.com/
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 13, 2018 | Writer's Life
Authors are unique creatures. They live in dark caves and talk to people that don’t exist in the physical world. Once in a while, they emerge into the light, blinking and searching for a cup of Starbucks and a handful of chocolate.
They spend months, sometimes years, writing stories that leave you wondering where the day went and how you could be so distraught to end a journey with people that never existed. They want you to get lost in a book. To become the characters that have haunted their heads until they bled them onto paper.
More than anything, authors want you to be touched by the story and given the opportunity grow into a better person. Why? Because the best authors aren’t just invested in their book, they are invested in you.
Today I want to give you some ways you can encourage the author’s you read and none of it costs any money, just a little bit of your time.
10 Ways to Encourage an Author:
1. Make memes from quotes in the story.
Everyone loves a good meme, and authors are no different. It is fun to see what quotes stuck out to you. We love and appreciate them because we know it takes time, and time is a precious gift. (Plus they are a great way to spread the word.)
2. Write a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GoodReads, and Christianbook.com.
They don’t have to be long, just a few words saying you liked the book. All these wonderful places work on algorithms that take into account the number of reviews a book has before they suggest them to other readers. Publishers also take into consideration these numbers when considering contracting them for another book. It is a great way to help an author.
3. Ask your library to order a copy of the book.
You don’t have to buy the book yourself. Order it from the library and get your friends to read it, too.
4. Talk about the books with your friends and on social media.
Word of mouth is still the #1 way a person hears about a book and decides if it is worth looking into.
5. Take a picture of you with the book and share it to the author’s social media page.
We love to see our readers. It gives us a face and makes us smile.
6. Write a note to an author.
Just even writing a simple message on Facebook to the author can make the worst writing day into a good one. Think they are too busy or don’t want to hear from you, the majority are dreaming of the day they hear from a reader. A lot of authors I know keep these notes in files on their computer to go back to and read. Just like getting a note in the mail from someone you know makes you happy, authors love to hear from readers.
7. Add their book to your Good Reads list or Listopia.
Other readers love these sites and look to them for the next good read. It is another opportunity for word of mouth, and it doesn’t take long at all.
8. Follow them on social media.
There is a certain aspect of numbers when submitting proposals to agents and publishers, but authors really just want to interact with other readers and writers. We are people, too, with regular lives and struggles.
9. Sign up and read our newsletters.
Don’t sign up if you don’t want to, but it always makes me feel good when someone wants to know about my writing life, family struggles, and other author life goings-on.
10. Pray for them.
At least in the Christian market, most authors I know are doing this for you and to serve God. It is a hard, lonely road that takes many tolls. We covet prayers. Sending a prayer via email, messenger, or even posting it to a page, is just about the best encouragement a soul can receive.
What are some other ways you support authors? Do you have any ideas on how to encourage them? Any experiences you would like to share? I challenge you today to pick one of the ten things above and encourage an author you know. You never know what a difference a little bit of time can make to them.
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 27, 2018 | Counterfeit Love, Writer's Life
Living on a river exposes many people to the challenges of rising spring waters, and this February has been no different. Many areas around the country are dealing with floods and the aftermath. Ludlow, Kentucky is one such area, which happens to be where my brother lives.
A pano of my brother’s front yard and street, just before the Ohio River crested at 60.53 feet on Sunday, February 25, 2018.
Bless his soul, not only does he have to deal with a flooded basement that forced him to cut power and gas to his house, he also has a writer as a sister. A writer whose current work in progress ends with the second highest flood in Cincinnati recorded history.
My story ends with the 1884 flood, which crested at 71.1 feet on Valentine’s Day, and if a disaster has to occur it couldn’t have occurred at a better time for this little writer. I am editing the scenes where that particular flood has a critical impact on my characters. (Do not take that to mean that I am not deeply grieved for those who are impacted. Disasters are no joke and I would never wish them upon anyone and am praying for those affected.)
Skatepark – 2/25/18
After texting pictures, videos, and questions back and forth, he finally just told me to come on over so I could see the flood first hand. Since this was the worst flood since the 1997 flood, I brought my boys along, because, hey! It’s history, right? Interspersed throughout are photos I took on my phone while walking only two or three blocks away from my brother’s house around sunset.
Some poor kid’s playset. Debris pushed against a tree. 2/25/18
So what was I looking for beyond the damage inflicted? This flood crested 12 days after my story’s flood, so believe it or not, water temperature was something that intensely interested me.
No, I did not let him get in. But we did touch the water. 2/25/18
You can’t interact with a flood and not get wet, so just exactly how cold did it feel? Cold enough that if you fell in you’d probably take a sharp breath and inhale some water. Cold enough that an extended stay in the water could most definitely lead to hypothermia – although perhaps not as quickly as I thought.
Someone else (not anyone I know) kayaking through the park. 2/25/18
When I saw this person kayaking around the park, I got way too stinking excited. As soon as they beached, I bombarded them with questions.
- How bad was the current? Not bad, but don’t go past the fence. The current really picks up and becomes dangerous.
- Did they have trouble controlling the kayak? Not here. There is a little current, but not much more than a pond or lake.
- If they fell in, did they feel they could swim back to safety? Here the water was shallow enough they could stand up and walk back if needed.
In 1884, extra officers were on duty as well as extra regiments brought in to not only protect the people from danger, but also from themselves. Floods bring out the crazies (and I probably fall into that category, too). True then and true now. The picture below is of a young man who inflated a raft with a leaf blower and then proceeded to paddle his way out to the skatepark with a guitar. Yes, I said guitar.
It is zoomed in a whole lot, so not easy to see, but when he climbed on the top of a ramp, he proceeded to “play” his guitar. 2/25/18
Whether it be due to drugs (very rampant in our region) or just a goofy young adult, he made for an interesting night. He did make it back to shore and when my kids approached him (TMNT Momma was close and watching, don’t worry), he gave them the guitar and said it came from Johnny Cash. My youngest son asked him why he paddled with the guitar. His response? “Because it helps him train and stuff.” Oh my, but it is a memory my kids will have. Oldest wants to mount the guitar on his wall.
Busted but cool. 2/25/18
Despite the destruction and turmoil the flood is still causing and did cause, it produced one of my favorite pictures ever. Just like the rough times in our life can be overwhelming, there can also be moments of beauty.
Island House – They built it ready for a flood, but who would have guessed they’d test that out in the first year. 2/25/18
While getting some hands-on research was fun, it was sobering to see the damage and to watch my brother deal with the aftermath. His damage is limited to the basement, and many others have so much more they have to deal with. My prayers are with all.
Do you have any flood stories? Any experiences you would wish to share? I am always on the lookout for first-hand accounts. Connect with me in the comments.
