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 | Mar 6, 2018 | Book Reviews
Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Romance Collection
Stories by: Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barratt, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, Gabrielle Meyer, Lorna Seilstad, and Kathleen Y’Barbo
I will admit, I have been waiting on pins and needles to read this collection of novellas. I absolutely LOVED the first collection, Seven Brides for Seven Texans, which I have just realized I did not review and will have to go back and do!
Collections always take me longer to read than just a normal book, just because it is broken up in to separate stories, but this one took me way less time than normal. Why? Because I thoroughly enjoyed how connected the stories were. I won’t dive into the details until below, but you really, really need to check out this collection.
Genre: Historical Romance, Texas Rangers, 1886
Plot Overview: A whole company of Texas Rangers is stationed in Hartville to round up and put an end to the notorious Markham Gang. Ruthless and far-reaching, this gang is no easy task to round up. Danger and trouble are guaranteed, but who would have guessed love?
What I loved: My favorite part of this type of collections is the deep connection between each story. Instead of seven completely different stories, it feels like one overarching story when you get a peek at each swoon-worthy hero. And who doesn’t swoon over men whose duty in life is to protect and serve? Each hero is depicted with his own quirks and individual personality, but they all have the common thread of a commitment that goes beyond the standard citizen.
I also LOVED how this book was set in the same place as Seven Brides for Seven Texans. Characters from past books reappeared and you got to see bits and pieces of the Hart brothers all over again. Books that connect and series that connect in this way are my absolute favorite.
Favorite Story: While all seven stories are good, my absolute favorite was The Countess and the Cowboy by Kathleen Y’Barbo. (And actually I have changed this at least twice, so you know the stories are good.) I loved how the heroine was a determined spitfire and not one to just standby… which also leads to heaps of trouble. Ezra is a great hero with a soft heart.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves historical stories with strong heroes, heroes whose profession is a lawman, heroines who range from stubborn to docile, and dangerous situations that bring couples together. Those who especially like connected storylines will love this.
Rating and Why: I give this story 5 stars. If you haven’t figured it out, the connectedness of all the stories really bumps the rating up. However, the action, dialogue, and characters are all excellent. Some stories are better than others, but I can’t think of one that I did not enjoy, and usually, in a collection, there is one that I am meh on.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this story on #netgalley through the publisher for review purposes. The opinions above are completely my own and not influenced in any way.
Join the Discussion: If you have read this collection, which Texas Ranger was your favorite? If you have not read it, what makes about a Texas Ranger makes you swoon?
Funny add in… Every time I write Texas Ranger the theme song of Walker, Texas Ranger plays through my head. Who doesn’t love Chuck Norris?
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.
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 20, 2018 | Book Reviews
Join the Discussion: Check out the Community Question below and comment.
The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
In high school, I was obsessed with the American Revolution. I lived, breathed, and dreamed every detail I could find about the American Revolution. Stories that (thankfully) will never see the light of day were written.
As terrible as those amateur stories were, I am happy to report that The Lacemaker is no amateur story. Laura Frantz crafted a wonderful story that draws you so completely into the complexities of those first days that it is a shock to your system when someone *ahem – children I’m referring to you* interrupt your reading for something as trivial as being fed.
Who can eat when the balance of a nation is hanging on a lacemaker’s thread?
Genre: Historical Romance, American Revolution
Plot Overview: Lady Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson is days away from her arranged marriage taking place when she is abandoned by her fiancé and family. As daughter of a prominent British leader, she is suspected to be a spy and struggles to survive in her hometown of Independence Men. No one is willing to come to her aid, save the Welsh Independence man, Noble Rynallt. An enemy to the crown, he has his own struggles to contend with, but the former-lady-turned-lacemaker cannot be ignored. As tensions grow, Liberty must make a choice – join the Independence Men or turn her back on her father and country? Whatever the choice, the cost could be her life.
What I loved: I will say my absolute favorite part of any story that takes place during the American Revolution or Civil War is the complexities of how families were affected. The relationship between Elisabeth “Liberty” and her family is so complex that I just relish every detail. Her father so wonderfully reflected the Independence Men’s view of England while her mother was the independent spirit that refused to be broken. The broken family was such a wonderful symbol of Britain’s relationship with it’s colonies. I don’t know if she meant that symbolism or not, but I absolutely loved it.
Favorite Character: It is such a hard toss up between Liberty and Noble. Liberty is such an amazing young woman who really grows from the submissive daughter to a woman who learns to fend for herself without compromising her morals. She is brave, kind-hearted, and the woman I hope I would be under such circumstances.
Noble is the swoon worthy hero every romance needs. He is a man who watches out for the needs of others, has a strong sense of obligation and duty to bring this nation to independence, and Welsh heritage makes you want to cuddle up next to him in real life. I won’t give away the details, but he is a great leader and a man who will do anything for those he loves. Such a brave man.
Who would like this: Anyone who love historically accurate stories with love, romance, danger, and self-sacrifice (no one dies). Those who especially love the American Revolution and the complex relationships between the British and those seeking independence.
Rating and Why: I give this story 5 stars. I loved the complexities of the story, the romance that was exciting but clean, and all the historical characters. It was masterfully created and a pure joy to read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this story on #netgalley through the publisher for review purposes. The opinions above are completely my own and not influenced in any way.
Join the Discussion: What is your favorite aspect of reading books set in the American Revolution? Do you like the battles? Espionage? Relationships? Love between opposite sides? Romance against all odds?
If you read the book: Which character did you identify with most?
Purchase Links:
Christianbook.comBarnes and NobleWalmart.comAmazon.com
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 13, 2018 | Writer's Life
It was 2 A.M. and I should have been writing a new scene to add to my story, but I wasn’t. I was deleting emails. Those precious hours that I sacrificed sleep for were wasted because I just couldn’t bully my way through anymore edits and I didn’t want to admit it.
Thankfully, God hit me over the head, said “Go to bed. We will talk in the morning.”
A Not So Quiet Time With God
As I have the tendency to do, I hit the floor running and didn’t stop until it was my planning period at school. I had this overwhelming need to just snuggle in with God in a big comfy chair (my imagination would have to do because, hello, school chairs?) and dig into His Word.
Thankfully, I had planned ahead and brought my Bible so I could verse map Matthew 11:29. As I tore the verse apart and looked at gentle in its original Greek, I came across something so powerful it had to be shared.
Gentle = Meek
The Biblical definition of gentle (Greek word praÿs) is mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness. I am not one to stop at the end of a definition. If there is added text to expand on the meaning, I dig in, and BlueLetterBible.org expounded on meekness and revealed a stunning truth.
Meek Does NOT Mean Weak!
In fact, to be meek requires a great amount of maturity, a certain strength that can only be gleaned through complete reliance on God.
“Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice.Thus meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isaias 41:17, Luke 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Galaltians 5:23).”
– BlueLetterBible.org
Did that hit you square between the eyes like it did me? Oh, my goodness. It still gives me chills. I just want to soak this up into my soul.
The Meek Are Not Weak
This, THIS is what I want my stories to communicate. I want characters who are learning to wholly rely on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. I want them to learn and believe that God is permitting the injuries of the evil to purify His chosen ones – His children – and that He WILL deliver them in His time. I want my characters to learn Meek Doesn’t Mean Weak.
Oh my goodness! My soul yearns for this. Screams for it. This is the message my God wants me to permeate through my writing, and what a magnificent message to magnify! All the stories of danger, hurt, calamity, and pain have a purpose, just like they do in real life. It is not comfortable. It hurts. We hate it.
But by being meek – trusting that God is good and in control of any given situation – we gain our greatest strength, Christ’s strength. To outsiders that may sound strange and it is even hard for mature Christians to wrap their head around, but it is true. Complete reliance on God – being meek – is not the same as being weak.
I want that sort of reliance on God. I want my characters to grow into that sort of reliance on Him. And I want, no, yearn for you, my beloved reader, to know God’s truth as well. His love is so powerful that even the evil of this world can be used for the purpose of drawing you closer to Him.
Meekness means having a relationship that cannot be broken by the worst of what the world has to offer. It is a strength that doesn’t lose faith.
I pray for you today, that you would let the words soak in, the truth of it to settle into the very depths of every broken part to bring strength, healing, and most importantly dependence on Christ.
Did those words hit home for you, too? Did you take something completely different away from it? I would love to hear your thoughts and to pray for any needs you have. Comment below or contact me on the contact tab of my website.
Blessings, friends. I look forward to hearing from you.
