ACRBA Blog Tour The Songs of Jesse Adams by Peter McKinnon

16 - 20 November 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Songs of Jesse Adams

Acorn Press

By
Peter McKinnon

 

 

About the Book:
Set in the turmoil of social change and political unrest of Australia during the 1960s, The Songs of Jesse Adams traces the meteoric rise of a boy from the bush – a farmer’s son who breaks away to follow his heart, his dreams and his love of music. But, as Jesse travels with his band and the crowds gather, it becomes clear that something else is afoot. This rock singer captivates and transforms a host of fans who hear his songs and encounter his touch. 

Lives are changed in unexpected ways and the enigmatic Jesse becomes a symbol of hope and freedom for those on society’s edge. But not all will celebrate the rising tide of influence of this charismatic figure whose words and actions challenge those in power – the media, the politicians, the church. In one tumultuous week this clash of ideals comes to a head – with profound consequences. 

Awash in all the protest and collapse of conservative Australia, the colour and madness that was the sixties, The Songs of Jesse Adams is a tale of conflict, betrayal and tragedy, but ultimately the triumph of love.

*Warning this book contains some language that some readers may find offensive*

About the Author

For seventeen years, Peter McKinnon held senior roles in some of Australia’s largest corporations, with a focus on human behaviour and organisational effectiveness. This culminated in his appointment in 1999 as Executive General Manager, People & Culture, of Australia’s then largest financial organisation, National Australia Bank.

In late 2006, Peter was approached to head up the global human resources function of  World Vision International(WVI), based in Los Angeles. WVI is the world’s largest humanitarian aid organisation, with over 40,000 employees in 100 different countries and countless volunteers working in highly diverse and challenging settings.

When he returned to Australia in late 2009, he committed to pursuing his creative interests more directly and began to write. ‘The Songs of Jesse Adams’ is the result.

Peter has been published in publications as wide-ranging as the ‘Age’, ‘The Australian Women’s Weekly’ and ‘4 x 4‘ magazine and regards winning a Pacific cruise for his writing as his crowning achievement in this field ! He has also written and produced several musicals.

Peter is a qualified psychologist, has studied theology, worked briefly as a minister and served on the Council of the MCD University of Divinity.

He lives in Melbourne with his wife Julie. This is his first book.

From The Editor's Desk: Introducing Kris Argall

Please welcome Kris Argall to our blog today. Kris has answered a few questions regarding her freelance editing business.

Narelle: Do you trade under a business name?

Kris: Yes – ‘Wordthreads Editing’

Narelle: How many years have you been freelance editing?

Kris: Five years.

Narelle: Where are you based? (Your city and/or state and country.) 

Kris: Heathmont, an outer eastern suburb of Melbourne.

Narelle: Do you have editorial experience from working with publishers? (If yes, please provide the publisher’s name, your length of employment, and your roles within the organisation.)

Kris: Yes – I have been working as a part-time editor for Acorn Press Limited since 2006. I became the Senior Editor at Acorn Press in 2011.

Narelle: What kinds of writing do you edit (e.g. novels, articles, poetry, non-fiction) and what genre/s do you specialise in?

Kris: I edit mostly non-fiction – books, academic theses, journal papers and material for websites. Just recently, I edited my first fiction novel.

In terms of book genres, I edit mostly Christian non-fiction, including biographies, histories, comparative religion, Bible studies and theology.

I have also edited theses on a range of subjects, but mostly in the broad areas of biology and psychology. Examples of topics include music improvisation, diagnosis of autism, cellular healing after bone fractures, damage to body cells after explosions, remuneration for nurses working in Saudi Arabia, sleep apnoea, legal issues surrounding oil spills, microflora in coeliac disease, marketing and retailer preferences, amphetamine use and digital media literacy.

Narelle: What kinds of editing do you do? Do you specialise in certain types of editing?

Kris: A mixture, depending on the job and the needs of the client. It can range from proofreading and copyediting through to structural editing.

Narelle: What books have you edited? (Please list up to 8 books, including the book title and author name.)

Kris: Some of my most recent books include:

• The Songs of Jesse Adams by Peter McKinnon (Acorn Press, 2014) 
• The Wisdom of Islam and the Foolishness of Christianity by Richard Shumack (Island View Publishing, 2014) 
• Eating Heaven: Spirituality at the Table by Simon Holt (Acorn Press, 2013; Shortlisted, CBOY 2014) 
• Babylon’s Cap: Reflections on the Book of Revelation by Michael J. Godfrey (Wipf & Stock, 2013) 
• The War against Apathy: A Family’s Battle with Autism by Heather Anne Bloom (Mosaic Press, 2013) 
• Economics for Life: An Economist Reflects on the Meaning of Life, Money and What Really Matters by Ian Harper (Acorn Press, 2009; Winner, CBOY 2010) 
• Christianity alongside Islam by John W. Wilson (Acorn Press, 2009; Runner-up, CBOY 2010)

Narelle: Who are some of your clients? (Please list up to 8 clients who may be published or pre-published, and include their blog/website address.)

Kris: My clients include:

• Heather Anne Bloom https://wipfandstock.com/author/53184
• Michael Godfrey https://wipfandstock.com/store/Babylons_Cap_Reflections_on_the_Book_of_Revelation
• Elizabeth Kendal http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com.au/
• National Church Life Survey http://www.ncls.org.au/
• Openbook Howden Design & Print http://www.openbookhowden.com.au/
• Richard Shumack, Research Fellow at The Centre for Public Christianity https://publicchristianity.org

Narelle: How do you edit? (eg. Paper, Word with Track Changes, etc.)

Kris: My preferred method is using Microsoft Word and making the most of its Tracked Changes and Comment Box functions, although I have also edited pdf documents.

Narelle: How can a prospective client contact you to receive a quote on your editing rates and services?

Kris: They can contact me by telephone (03 9729 3693) or by email (kristin@wordthreads.com.au).

Narelle: Do you offer a free editing sample, with no obligation? If yes, what does this encompass?

Kris: Yes. I do a sample edit of 500 words and send it back in pdf format.

KRIS ARGALL is the Senior Editor at Acorn Press, where she has been working part-time since 2006. AP is a small independent press based in Melbourne that publishes books written from a Christian perspective. Kris also runs a freelance editing business, Wordthreads Editing.

Before becoming an editor, Kris majored in Zoology and worked as a research biologist at the University of Sydney. After moving to Melbourne in 2003, she worked as a university tutor before undertaking in-house training at AP. Now she spends her time editing a variety of material ranging from non-fiction books to PhD theses.

Along with her husband Tim and three children, aged 20, 18 and 15, she worships at Heathmont Baptist Church in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. When reading for pleasure, she reads the next book on her book group’s list or something from one of her favourite genres, including fantasy and young adult fiction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kris, thanks for visiting with us today. We welcome our blog readers to ask any general questions they may have in the comments. Please contact Kris directly using the contact information listed above if you have a specific question regarding a particular project or manuscript. 

Meet Debut Australian Author Peter McKinnon

By Peter McKinnon

What was he thinking? 

In his Sydney Morning Herald review of my book, Cameron Woodhead writes: 

"Adapting the story of Christ to 1960s Australia? The Songs of Jesse Adams is about as ambitious as it could be, and it's a testament to Peter McKinnon's storytelling that it doesn't fall flat on its face from the outset" ('SMH' 30/8/14).

Then, Jen Vuk writing in ‘Eureka Street’ says:

"What was Peter McKinnon thinking? Taking on the important figure of Christianity and rebranding him a guitar-toting literary hero?" ('Eureka Street' 28/8/14). 

The good news is both reviewers came down kindly on the book. But both, in their own way, were asking a pretty pivotal question: Why? Why take on a figure who is beyond iconic and re-imagine his story in a very different way to a potentially hostile local audience?

Part of my answer to these questions lies in the fact that the story followed me around for thirty years, asking me to tell its’ story and wouldn’t let me go. The story had its genesis in a little musical produced several decades ago by an energetic and passionate group of teenagers and twenty somethings. It dared to take an ancient story, a holy tale, and bring it alive in an uniquely Australian setting, with all the colour, characters and idioms of that place and time. It had an amazing impact, with total attendance figures running into five figures over ten performances. It seemed that people had an appetite for a story considered pious, boring and out of touch, but which now was brought alive:
- in a setting that was familiar;
- in a language they could relate to; and 
- was rich with the foibles and failings of characters they could identify and laugh with.

Both the original musical and now the book were born of frustration. 

Unlike, say, in the United States where God and patriotism are frequently uttered in the same sentence, religion is pretty much off limits for most Australians. Something private, to be avoided in polite and pub company, something stiff and uncomfortable, even embarrassing. Give us footy, politics and scandal any day. Our reactions are as much a part of our cultural cringe as our traditional national ‘inferiority complex’.

How then to bring an old story set in a strange land and culture into the flesh and bones of our realities and our voice so that the story might not just be heard anew and fresh - but heard at all? That was my ambition with The Songs of Jesse Adams. 

I also wanted to lock the person of Jesus into events and characters that cross over into contemporary issues, like power and corruption and the pull of ‘big money’; the challenges of being a woman or gay or indigenous. To ask who are the ‘lepers/untouchables’ of today and how far does grace extend (really...) and love really reach? 

Writer Valerie Sayers, writing in ‘Image’, wrote:

‘Our job is story: our job is poking around some little corner of the world our readers have never seen before, allowing them to experience its physicality, its ideas, its history, and perhaps even its future, in some way that defies logic, exposition, and instruction...It was, after all, the shocking narratives of the Gospels themselves that convinced me as a child, that convince me still, that the most unlikely and unsavoury characters are worthy of a storyteller’s attention, that this muck-filled world in which we are fully human is also where we ground our longing for the divine...’ 

Whether their eyes are on God or not, all writers worth reading ... stir up threat, possibility, celebration, crisis. Susan Sontag famously said that "real art should have the capacity to make us nervous." 

It was important to me as a writer to immerse the figure of Jesus into just such a world and lead the reader into a deeper reflection. 

In her Pulitzer Prize winning book, Pilgrim At Tinker’s Creek, Annie Dillard relates a story from her childhood growing up in Pittsburgh. She would take one of her own precious pennies and hide it in the roots of a sycamore or a hole in the pavement for someone else to find. Then she would take a piece of chalk and draw huge arrows on the sidewalk from both directions, labelling them with ‘Surprise Ahead’ or ‘Money This Way’. "'I was greatly excited,' she writes,...at the thought of the first lucky passer-by who would receive in this way, regardless of merit, a free gift from the Universe."

It is true that The Songs of Jesse Adams traces an ancient narrative well known to many of us. But it is, in the end, a fable, a tale, a novel. It lays down arrows and little signs for the reader. Whether he or she finds the prize in the tree at the end of the trail, I cannot predict. 

I have experienced the highs of business success, lived on the edge of human experience with World Vision and now landed deeply into the joys and struggle of writing. In the midst of it all, the ‘free gift’ found me. Perhaps, for others, that is all I can hope for.

Book Description:

Set in the turmoil of social change and political unrest of Australia during the 1960s, The Songs of Jesse Adams traces the meteoric rise of a boy from the bush – a farmer’s son who breaks away to follow his heart, his dreams and his love of music. But, as Jesse travels with his band and the crowds gather, it becomes clear that something else is afoot. This rock singer captivates and transforms a host of fans who hear his songs and encounter his touch.

Lives are changed in unexpected ways and the enigmatic Jesse becomes a symbol of hope and freedom for those on society’s edge. But not all will celebrate the rising tide of influence of this charismatic figure whose words and actions challenge those in power – the media, the politicians, the church. In one tumultuous week this clash of ideals comes to a head – with profound consequences.

Awash in all the protest and collapse of conservative Australia, the colour and madness that was the sixties, The Songs of Jesse Adams is a tale of conflict, betrayal and tragedy, but ultimately the triumph of love.

For seventeen years, Peter McKinnon held senior roles in some of Australia’s largest corporations, with a focus on human behaviour and organisational effectiveness. This culminated in his appointment in 1999 as Executive General Manager, People & Culture, of Australia’s then largest financial organisation, National Australia Bank. In late 2006, Peter was approached to head up the global human resources function of World Vision International (WVI), based in Los Angeles. WVI is the world’s largest humanitarian aid organisation, with over 40,000 employees in 100 different countries and countless volunteers working in highly diverse and challenging settings.

When he returned to Australia in late 2009, he committed to pursuing his creative interests more directly and began to write. The Songs of Jesse Adams is the result.

Peter has been published in publications as wide-ranging as the 'Age', 'The Australian Women’s Weekly' and '4 x 4' magazine and regards winning a Pacific cruise for his writing as his crowning achievement in this field! He has also written and produced several musicals.

Peter is a qualified psychologist, has studied theology, worked briefly as a minister and served on the Council of the MCD University of Divinity.

He lives in Melbourne with his wife Julie. This is his first book.

https://www.facebook.com/thesongsofjesseadams
http://acornpress.net.au/publications/fiction/the-songs-of-jesse-adams/

Reviews: 

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/in-short-fiction-20140829-109y0i.html http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=41902#.VAPoF0j0y8U http://www.tobefrank.com.au/fair-dinkum-theology-with-an-australian-accent/the-songs-of-jesse-adams-jesus-comes-to-sunbury/ 
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/euangelion/2014/08/review-the-songs-of-jesse-adams/ http://www.jmm.org.au/articles/33782.htm

Spotlight on Acorn Press

By Dorothy Adamek

It’s my pleasure to welcome and introduce Dr Kris Argall, Senior Editor at Australia's Acorn Press. Since 1979, Acorn Press has published a wide range of books – ethics, theology, Bible studies, biography, spiritual issues, cross-cultural mission, world  religions, indigenous affairs, women’s leadership, as well as ministry and pastoral care. 

Acorn Press Website ~  http://acornpress.net.au/

Kris, your website says you’re a not-for-profit company. What motivates Acorn Press to do what they do? 

The five individuals who founded Acorn Press in 1979 were bemoaning the lack, at that time, of any really strong Christian publishing originating in Australia. Even distinguished Australian authors were having their works published in England or often in the USA. Except on a denominational basis for specific in-church needs, there were very few opportunities for authors to be published for the wide Australian market without being restricted by Australian importers, who would choose titles that they were sure would sell. So the thought was expressed that, “Somebody ought to do something about it!” Then another said, “Well why not us?”

As to the content of the titles that followed, this was mainly determined by the manuscripts that surfaced and were considered on their potential value to the general Christian readership. At the same time Acorn hoped that non-Christians would also read some of the appropriate titles.

Developing this vision, in recent years Acorn has broadened its focus to publishing books written from a thoughtful, well-informed Christian perspective that would be suitable for a secular audience. Books we have published along these lines most recently include 'Eating Heaven' by Simon Holt and even our first fiction title, 'The Songs of Jesse Adams'. 

Happy Acorn Press Reader

Our ultimate motivation is to advance the gospel by encouraging Christians in their walk with Christ and providing resources to help them use their God-given gifts, and to help those who don't know Jesus to find out more about him. We very much rely on God's provision and grace to supply the resources we need to publish each of our titles.

How many books do you release in a year? 

On average, 5, but it varies between 2 and 7 per year. This year Acorn will publish between four books (although there's the possibility of a fifth).

What do you look for in an author platform? 

An author who is enthusiastic about working with us to market their book. They need to show initiative, perseverance, and a willingness to promote themselves and their book. An author who is highly regarded/respected in the field in which they are writing.

Someone who has plenty of opportunities to publicise their book. For example, they may be asked to speak about topics related to their book or they may be a popular speaker at conferences.

Someone who is prepared to develop a presence on social media platforms - for example, Facebook, and develop their own blog or website.

An author who has a wide variety of networks which can be used to publicise the book.

Do you market your books internationally?

Generally speaking, no. In future, we may take up the option of using an overseas distributor for our book titles, especially for the North American Market.  Our eBooks are available internationally, but we do not allocate any resources to overseas marketing. Overseas customers can buy our books through our website, and most overseas orders are from North America.

How do you receive submissions? 

By email. Potential authors can email their submissions to me, using the email address listed on the website.  We provide information for prospective authors on our website - as a subcategory under the main menu heading, 'Our Authors' - http://acornpress.net.au/new-authors/

I notice you have added a fiction title, The Song Of Jesse Adams, this year. Are you open to fiction submissions? 

We will wait to see how well The Songs of Jesse Adams sells before we decide whether to allocate any more resources to fiction publishing.  While we are open to fiction submissions, it is unlikely that we will seriously consider any further titles in this genre for some time.

Thanks so much for sharing the heart and mission of Acorn Press, Kris. I’ve enjoyed reading Acorn Press books and look forward to The Songs of Jesse Adams, next. 

****

Please welcome Dr Kris Argall. 

What have you read from Acorn Press? What would you like to read? What are your questions for Kris? 

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids.

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. 

Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots. 

Traditional Christian Publishers in Australia

by Narelle Atkins

The Australian Christian publishing industry is smaller than the US market. I have compiled information from three traditional, royalty paying Australian publishers who sell books with Christian content in the Australian market. They will accept unagented submissions. Lucy Morgan-Jones wrote a post for our blog last month that discussed working with an agent in the US market. http://australasianchristianwriters.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/us-literary-agents-yea-or-nay-for.html 

ACORN PRESS LTD 

Acorn Press is a not-for-profit publishing company. Paul Arnott, Chair of Acorn Press, has kindly answered my questions regarding their manuscript submission requirements. 

Narelle: Is Acorn Press open to unsolicited submissions from new authors? 

Paul: Yes, we are. 

Narelle: Are there any specific projects, genres or categories of books that Acorn Press is looking to publish? 

Paul: We have a policy of only publishing non fiction, although later this year we plan to publish our first novel. However, it is unlikely that we will move into fiction. All our books are written from a Christian perspective, rather than just for Christians. Increasingly we are seeking to break into the general book market. Simon Carey Holt’s book Eating Heaven is a good example of this kind of book. 

Narelle: Does Acorn Press have any specific submission requirements or guidelines? 

Paul: They can be found on our website at: http://acornpress.net.au/new-authors/ 

Narelle: How long can a writer expect to wait if they email one of the Acorn Press editors? 

Paul: You will get a quick response to an email but it may take up to three months for our editorial panel to assess a manuscript, make recommendations to the board and compile a budget. 

Narelle: Paul, thank you for providing additional information on Acorn Press. If you’re interested in submitting to Acorn Press, please visit their website, study the submission guidelines and read a range of Acorn Press titles to learn more about the types of books they publish. Anne Hamilton wrote a review of Eating Heaven on our blog last year. 

YOUTHWORKS MEDIA (incorporating Aquila Press, Blue Bottle Books, Growing Faith, Christian Education Publications CEP, Anglican Press Australia APA, and Fervr imprints) 

Youthworks Media is a not-for-profit ministry organisation. Julie Firmstone, Assistant Director of Publishing, kindly provided the following information on the submission guidelines for their imprints. 

Youthworks Media is open to unsolicited manuscripts from new authors. Their key periods for contracting books are August-September (for the first half of the following year) and February-March (for the second half of the same year). Submissions are closed for 2014 and they are currently accepting submissions for 2015.

Youthworks Media accepts unsolicited manuscript submissions for any of the following categories: 

• Youth books (Non-fiction) 
• Youth Bible Studies 
• Youth ministry resources 
• Children’s books (0-4s, 5-8s) 
• Children’s ministry programs and resources (Sunday programs, After school and holiday clubs, evangelism, crafts and games) 
• Family books (for example, parenting and family issues) 
• Educational curriculum for High Schools 
• Tracts for youth, children and families 
• Bible Commentaries 
• Christian living 
• Leadership 
• Music CDs 

Youthworks Media are unlikely to be accept: 

• Inspirational books 
• Adult fiction (although we would consider fiction for children and youth) 
• Adult devotions or studies 
• Financial management 
• Poetry 
• Plays/scripts (unless it is a collection for use in youth or children’s ministry) 

Submission guidelines: 

• A full or partial manuscript (at least 2 chapters)** and/or a synopsis (of no more than 300 words) which includes the target readership, purpose/intent, biblical foundation and chapter titles. 
• Author’s CV including past writing experience (published and/or professional); relevant qualifications and experience (for example, educational or ministry); details of church attendance and ministry involvement if any. 

** Please note that only full manuscripts for children’s picture books and all tracts will be accepted. 

Email submissions can be sent to Julie.firmstone (at) youthworks (dot) net 

Hard copy submissions can be mailed to: 
Marshall Ballantine-Jones 
Executive Director of Media 
P.O Box A287 
Sydney South NSW 1235 

Electronic attachments may be in PDF or WORD format and should not be larger than 3MB. Hard copies will only be returned on request and a stamped self-addressed envelope should be included with your package. Once the submission has been received, an acknowledgement of receipt will be sent via email. Please supply an email address even if your submission is made via post. 

Narelle: Julie, thank you for providing submission information for your imprints. If you’re interested in submitting to one of the Youthworks Media imprints, please visit their website and read a range of books from the imprints they publish. Three Youthworks Media titles won the 2013 CALEB Award in their category, including Wonderfully Madison by Penny Reeve and Jemima Trappel (CEP) and Youth Ministry on the Front Foot by Zachary Veron (series editor, APA). Teen Sex by the Book by Dr Patricia Weerakoon (Fervr) won the non fiction category and the overall CALEB Award.

RHIZA PRESS 

Rhiza Press is a brand new family friendly imprint from Wombat Books. Please note that Even Before Publishing (EBP) is no longer open for submissions. Rochelle Manners, founder and director of Wombat Books, has kindly answered my questions regarding the submission process for Rhiza Press. 

Rochelle: First can I just clarify that I am not marketing Rhiza or Wombat as Christian publishers. Rhiza is marketed as family friendly, the same as Wombat Books. As a result, our submissions are slightly different but we will still release some books that explicitly share the Christian faith. 

Narelle: Is Rhiza Press open to unsolicited submissions from new authors? 

Rochelle: Starting from March 1, 2014, Rhiza Press is open for new submissions from new, emerging and established authors. Wombat Books is always open but specifically calls for certain lists at times. 

Narelle: Are there any specific projects, genres or categories of books that Rhiza Press are looking to publish? 

Rochelle: Rhiza Press is looking for books that are primarily as follows: 

• Biographies that are dramatised. We prefer biographies that read like fictional work, in that they show, don’t tell and engage the reader in the moment. Biographies on family issues. 
• Young adult fiction books that are “family-friendly”, real, integrated stories, natural stories teens will relate to. Stories with such strong and engaging plots that the story sells without having to have any issues such as swearing, or sex. In other words book that are so good that they don’t need to push steamy boundaries to engage, but the story engages all on its own. Faith messages that are naturally integrated are welcomed. 
• Adult fiction novels that are aimed at adults, adult themes, but still family friendly and with content that may push more boundaries than the style of Christian fiction, but allows real issues and real (but subtle) messages that people can relate to. 

Narelle: Does Rhiza Press have any specific submission requirements or guidelines? 

Rochelle: There are specific submission requirements and guidelines that we enforce and we won’t read manuscripts that don’t do this. You can find them all on our website http://www.rhizapress.com.au/submissions/all-submissions but here is a quick list:

• We don’t respond to query letters. Full submissions or at least four chapters submitted will be reviewed. 
• Initially we are more looking at stand-alone titles.
• We are not calling for non-fiction submissions at this stage, except biographies.
• YA and adult fiction is welcomed. Please read our early titles when they come out or if you are interested review some of our EBP titles such as recent releases The Celtic Stone, (Nick Hawkes) and Suzannah’s Gold (Carol Preston). Or review some of our YA Wombat titles such as Lynne Stringer’s Verindon trilogy or Lisa Taylor’s Motive Games. These Wombat examples would be books we would now start considering through Rhiza in the future.

Narelle: Does Rhiza Press publish Christian fiction titles? If yes, can the stories be overtly Christian or should they be more subtle Christian worldview in tone to fit the family friendly guidelines? Will any Christian fiction Rhiza Press titles be marketed as Christian books? 

Rochelle: Rhiza Press will publish books that include Christian content, but our focus will be on books that will sell based on their genre not on whether they are targeted at Christian audiences or not. Saying that though some of our novels will have clear Christian faith presented and as such will definitely be marketed to the Christian audience. Our initial releases have varying levels of Christian content, some more obviously Christian, but all written to be strong in their genre as well (YA historical/contemporary/suspense, romance and so on). 

Narelle: How can a writer submit a query to Rhiza Press? How long can a writer expect to wait if they submit a manuscript to Rhiza Press? 

Rochelle: Rhiza Press does not accept query letters. We consider submissions where at least four chapters are included to consider. We prefer email submissions: submissions (at) rhizapress (dot) com (dot) au but postal submissions are also considered. We may respond to a query letter, but it will always be that we don’t decide anything from a query letter so your best plan of action is to submit with a good cover letter and at least four chapters. It is normal to take 4-7 months to review manuscripts, but occasionally longer than this time. http://www.rhizapress.com.au/submissions/all-submissions 

Narelle: Rochelle, thank you for providing additional submission information for Rhiza Press. If you’re interested in submitting to Rhiza Press, please visit their website, study the submission guidelines and read a range of Rhiza Press, EBP and Wombat titles to learn more about the types of books they publish. ACW blog member Andrea Grigg’s contemporary romance, Too Pretty, will be an August 2014 release from Rhiza Press.

Book Review: My Brother's Shadows, Hayley Reynolds

 By Dorothy Adamek 

My Brother's Shadows will inspire and trouble you. It will move you to grieve and pray, lament and celebrate, be angry and seek God, and finally to the sort of courage and faith Wayne himself so wonderfully displayed. I warmly recommend it to you. 
- Dr Rod Thompson (National Principal/CEO, Laidlaw College)

Hayley was 22 years old when her brother Wayne, then 16, was diagnosed the leukaemia, cancer of the blood. Within a few weeks Wayne also contracted a deadly fungal infection in his sinus, which spread to his left eye and then into his brain.

In this book, Hayley recounts the emotional journey she and her family took as Wayne fought his illnesses, before he tragically passed away 18 months later. It is filled with amazing courage and faith amidst pain and suffering, and finally points towards the ultimate source of hope itself

Dr Rod Thompson is not wrong in saying My Brother’s Shadows “will inspire and trouble you.” When a book follows one sister’s journey of faith through the trauma of losing her young brother to cancer, we can expect nothing less.

Hayley Reynolds examines the ageless questions of why bad things happen to good people, and why God allows some to be healed while others suffer and die. She wrestles with the inexplicable link between faith and healing, and the intolerable weight one must always ensure the other, when for Wayne and her family this did not pass.

As a mother of two sons aged in their late teens, I found this book especially hard to read. The unfathomable tragedy of losing a healthy child to unstoppable cancer was not a natural pull for me. But I needed to know more than the details of this courageous boy’s faith and battle for life. I wanted to know how his sister processed her loss after months of believing God would miraculously heal Wayne.

In the days before Wayne’s death, Hayley wrote; “Wayne’s illness had shaken my faith to its core and none of the normal Christian answers helped anymore.”

And yet, the harrowing final chapters of Wayne’s life open to Hayley’s discovery that God uses suffering to work in ways we cannot imagine. That He comforts as one whose pain matches our own.

Hayley’s fear her faith would be shattered by Wayne’s death, gave way to the life changing realization that even in death, especially in death, Jesus stood beside her.

I have one copy of My Brother's Shadows to giveaway to one ACW visitor. Leave a comment below to be in the draw. I'll announce the winner next Monday in the comment thread. 

My Brother’s Shadow, Hayley Reynolds ~ Acorn Press 
New Zealand Version ~ http://www.waynereynoldstrust.co.nz/products/

Highly Recommended

Hayley Reynolds completed a PhD in melanoma research at the Auckland Bioengineering Institue, The University of Auckland, NZ, before carrying out further research into breast cancer. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College, Auckland. 

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids. 

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition. Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots. 

Book Review: No Time To Say Goodbye by Paul Arnott

Review by Dorothy Adamek

No Time To Say Goodbye by Australian author Paul Arnott should be on everyone’s bookshelf. Written for those who’ve suddenly lost a loved one, in particular parents whose children have died unexpectedly, it touches every heart with the raw journey of Paul and Roseanne Arnott’s journey in the months and years after their son James died of SIDS at nine weeks.

Paul takes the reader through the grieving process. Beginning with the numbness death brought to his young family, he chronicles the guilt, the tiredness, the anger, resentment and pain often present in the varying expressions of early grief, and unpacks the uniqueness of these first reactions experienced by him and his wife, and their young daughter, Alice. He also draws on examples of other families who’ve faced the unexpected death of a loved one.

This book is painful to read. But the insight is vital for anyone who cares to understand the particular needs of those experiencing a sudden death. Unlike the steps taken by the families of the chronically ill, No Time To Say Goodbye tackles issues such as slowing down between the time of death and the funeral. The importance of being allowed to navigate those days at one’s own pace, instead of being rushed by unknown protocols and the expectations of those who come alongside.

Paul asks the difficult questions many parents wrestle with when they lose a child. Questions many of us would like to ask God. He also shares the different ways some have found answers. He explores the ways men and women cope with grief and loss, and debunks some of the stereotypical myths of gender specific grief.

No Time To Say Goodbye is a quick read. But it commands respectful lingering. It’s the honest pulling aside of one family’s privacy. The sharing of what they’ve learned in a season they never imagined when they brought their little boy home from the hospital.

I read the revised and updated edition, with an added appendix on SIDS. I’d read books on loss and grief before, when I lost a baby to miscarriage. I wish I’d had this book then. And while the main focus is on helping parents whose children have died, it will touch anyone who’s experienced loss in our ever-changing world.

A sensitive and practical resource. Highly recommended.

No Time To Say Goodbye – Paul Arnott

Acorn Press Limited

*****

Review by Dorothy Adamek – Dorothy lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three children. Enamoured by all things 19^th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance – Aussie style.

Come say G’day at Ink Dots.