Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home

Just in time for Veteran's Day!

Here's the link if you can't see all the picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNOa0v6eGxc&feature=player_detailpage

Back Cover Copy

Saying goodbye to a loved one leaving for war is a gut-wrenching proposition. But for those left behind, their deployment marks the beginning of our battle. And yet, it is possible to find God’s peace in the midst of fear and conquer the terror that lurks in the darkness of doubt. In Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home, parents, spouses and siblings recount their personal journey as God goes before His people during times of spiritual, physical and military warfare. Learn the secret to living a peace-filled life when a loved one leaves for battle. Fight fear; win the war at home.

This book is a compilation of stories, of which two of mine were chosen!

It's for sale on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Ya'll don't forget the thank a veteran this week. They sacrifice much for our freedoms.

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free." Galatians 5:1

Thank you to all who serve and their families who stand beside them.

karen

No Shave November, National Novel Writing Month, & Thanksgiving!

Ah, November! Thou art such a merry month!

For example, have you ever heard of No-Shave November? I hadn't until my son headed west of the Mississippi to attend Oklahoma Christian University. That's him on the left. As you can see, Nate already has a good start on his not-shaving quest. 

And then there's the popular writing marathon known as NaNoWriMo (National Novel-Writing Month).

I'm a big fan of this crazy competition where you're a winner if you write 50,000 unedited words in thirty days. My winning years were in 2003, 2005, 2008, and 2009.

The only other year I participated, 2010, my two daughters were hospitalized and my dog died. Writing close to 1700 words a day proved impossible and I gave up.

This year, I've promised to be an encouraging cheerleader to family and friends who are participating in the creative frenzy. But I won't be joining them in the word-count race. Here's why:

A revised version of my 2009 NaNo project won the historical fiction category of this year's Genesis contest. For the past two months, I've been diligently rewriting the manuscript -- and it's been a massive rewriting project. I'm almost done and guess what -- I'm tired!

So while those near and dear to me create characters, plot plots, and count words, I plan to recharge by playing with my grandkids, walking along the lakefront, and cleaning house. : )

Finally, there's the big November celebration -- Thanksgiving! Turkey and the trimmings, eating in the dining room, parades and football.

Ah, yes, November is a merry month, indeed!

Johnnie

Writer’s Digest

Image by avrdreamer via Flickr

Writer’s Digest is one of the best resources for writers. You may read it occasionally or subscribe to it monthly, but its website is also full of wonderful information. Check out Writer’s Digest here. 

Here are five reasons I like their website:

•  Free downloads, such as its yearly 101 Best Websites for Writers guide. You do need to give your email for anything you sign up for here, but can easily go in and manage what they send you.

•  Daily Writers Prompts

•   Resources and Articles. Recent articles were on topics such as rights, agents, and revisions.

• Great webinars and workshops. I have taken one of their webinars a few months ago. It was reasonably priced ($79) and had a personal follow up by the editor on a submission. The advice was priceless and really helped. There are also a few free webinars.

• Terrific Blogs. I especially like the Guide to Literary Agents and Questions and Quandaries.

Just a note in case you are curious, I am not getting anything for promoting this magazine/website – just wanted to share what I consider a great resource. Enjoy!

Winners for the National Book Month Giveaway

Congrats to the randomly chosen winners for this month!

 Thank you to all who shared comments, we appreciate you.

Amy Sullivan won The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn.






Marti Pieper won Just Walking by Clella Camp.







Susan at Fruitful Words wins I'm Outnumbered by Laura Groves.







Brenda at A Beautiful Life wins Book Lover's Devotional a compilation of stories.








And Pam won Characters, Emotions & Viewpoint by Nancy Kress.









We hope you enjoy these books.

Please email me your address to karenrevansdotcom.

Happy reading,
karen

Our Favorite Children's Books

On Monday, Karen introduced us to Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner.

On Tuesday, Laura shared memories of Nancy Drew and reading books to her four boys.

On Wednesday, Clella reminisced about a special gift she received, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.

On Thursday, Jeanie had a hard time choosing a favorite, but finally found inspiration with The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper.

On Friday, Johnnie returned again to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Take a few moments strolling down memory lane and share your favorite children's books -- even if you discovered them as an adult!

And don't forget to leave a comment for the book giveaway before the deadline, Sunday, October 30th, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.