New & Improved!
Prompted by the fact that AN UNCOMMON CRUSADE was awarded the 2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Religious Fiction, my publisher has issued a new cover for the novel! I’m thrilled, and think it better represents the grown up themes of the story.
What do you think?
I really enjoyed spending time with 5th grade writers today at Olsen Park Elementary School. I love sharing my enthusiasm for writing with students of all ages. Today we focused on the concept of showing v. telling, and the students had a chance to interact with me and each other as we explored this writing strategy. Then, after reading a short excerpt of a deleted scene from An Uncommon Crusade, I invited students to put themselves in the story and chronicle their day as a member of the commoner’s crusade of 1212. What detail and interesting slants they had on the scene! From humorous dialogs to tragic tales, they impressed me with their takes on the crusade.
And I’ve been invited back next week to share another favorite subject: Italy!
I’d love to discuss with you how I might meet the speaker needs of your next event, whether for students or adults. I can present on a variety of topics from matters of faith, to writing, to travel. Just contact me via the “Contact” tab.
I won’t lie. I had FUN at the release party and book signing last Saturday. What’s not to love when you’re surrounded by family, friends, and food? We had a great turn out. My agent, publisher and the store managers were thrilled. A friend asked later that evening if I was breathing a sigh of relief that the day was nearly over. I didn’t see it that way at all! After years of writing, submitting, growing, rewriting, and submitting again, I enjoyed celebrating.
This week, however, it’s back to work. 
A hug for my agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary
With hubby and two of my children.
Friends and medieval-themed food
Thanks to gettingdiscovered.net for featuring me on today’s blog! Check out this site for lots of fresh talent in music, writing and art.
I have a new Amazon Author Page. Please feel free to chime in on or start a new discussion. I’d love to see you there!
My friend, YA author Megan Bostic, has some kind things to say on her blog today. Thanks, Megan!
Thank you so much for your love and support, my friends! An Uncommon Crusade officially released today. If you’re local, please join me for the release party and book signing on January 22, 2011. Hasting’s Entertainment, 45th & Teckla, Amarillo, 2-4 pm. There will be a limited number of books available in the store, so I encourage you to order via Amazon or Barnes & Noble now. Hope to see you there!
You can read a battle scene excerpt from An Uncommon Crusade here. My friend, the talented author Ian Healy, has critiqued the scene and given me some ideas to think about. You can submit an action scene for critique, too!
