ACRBA Tour Rebecca's Dream by Carol Preston (and ACW Birthday Scavenger Hunt)

  

1st - 5th September 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

Is Introducing

Rebecca's Dream

(Even Before March 2014)

By

Carol Preston

About the Book

     
Rebecca Oakes is thirteen years old when her mother, Suzannah, dies in the small town of Marengo, New South Wales, in 1873. With her older brother and sisters soon involved in their own lives, Rebecca is left alone to care for her ageing father. But Rebecca has a dream for her own life. She wants to make a difference to the world around her; a world where it is hardly possible for a woman to get an education, where women have no rights, no vote, no voice. Rebecca will have to fight the systems of her time if she is to achieve her goals. She must find the courage to stand against sexual and religious prejudice, and resist the pressures of even those close to her, in order to make her way towards her dream, influenced by one man who hates her, who will do anything to thwart her plans, and another man who loves her, and will do anything to make her happy.

Rebecca’s Dream is the second book in the Oakes Family Saga. Background notes and discussion questions are available for book clubs.

About the Author

Carol lives in Wollongong with her husband, Neil. She is a psychologist and has a part time private counselling practice, as well as being an author and speaker. Carol enjoys spending time with her children and four grandchildren, as well as bushwalking, gardening and holidaying overseas with her husband. One of her hobbies over many years has been family history research. It was this research which started Carol on the journey of writing novels.
   

Her first trilogy is about the Oakes Family; Suzannah’s Gold, Rebecca’s Dream and The Price of Peace, which takes the reader from 1838 when her great great grandmother, Suzannah Casey was transported from Ireland, through to the end of the First World War when Suzannah’s children and grandchildren are involved in the battle, not only to survive the war but to survive the waiting at home. The first two of these have recently been re-released by EBP. Carol’s fourth novel, The Face of Forgiveness, is about two young women who are transported to Australia in 1839. The most recent of Carol’s novel is a series based on her mother’s family, which begins with the First Fleet of convicts to Australia. These include Mary’s Guardian, Charlotte’s Angel, Tangled Secrets, and Truly Free.

For more information about Carol’s books and her other interests she can be contacted on her website: www.carolpreston.com.au, on her Facebook author page: www.facebook.com/writingtoreach or her Amazon author page: www.amazon.com/author/carolpreston

Interview with Carol Preston

Can you tell us something interesting readers may not know about you?

Perhaps some might not know that I am a psychologist and have been in private practice for the past 16 years. I draw a great deal of inspiration from many of my clients who show so much   courage and resilience in the face of trauma and struggle. 

Where did you get the inspiration for your novel?

The inspiration for this novel and my other novels comes from my family history research, where I became enthralled and proud of the many stories of our early Australian ancestors who battled through incredible hardship and overcame enormous challenges to survive and to build the country we know and love.

In your research did you find any interesting titbits that surprised you?

I had many fascinating discoveries when I did my family research during the 1980s and 90s – not the least of which was that on my mother’s side our ancestors go back to the first fleet of convicts sent from England to the colony in 1788. I also discovered interesting elderly relatives who I’d previously never met, and after my novels were published I was contacted by numerous people who were also distantly related and were excited to read about our common ancestors.

What would you like readers to take out of reading your novel? 

I’d love my readers to have a greater sense of Aussie history and also some insight into the Aussie psyche which has developed in the descendants of our early settlers. I’d like my readers to find my characters engaging and inspiring, and most of all I want them to enjoy the stories.

A fun question to end, If you were to recommend somewhere in Australia or New Zealand for readers to visit where would it be?

Of course, I would recommend the south coast of New South Wales to my readers. It is not only rich with Australia’s early history, but one of the most beautiful parts of the world with its golden beaches, bushland and fascinating small towns such as Berry and Jamberoo.

Where can we find you on the web?
My website is www.carolpreston.com.au
Readers can also find me on my author page on Amazon  www.amazon.com/author/carolpreston or on Face Book  www.facebook.com/writingtoreach

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ACW SCAVENGER HUNT CLUES FOR TUESDAY:

Clue 4 from Jeanette O'Hagan: Name one of the main characters in Akrad's Children. 

http://jeanetteohagan.com/ 

Clue 5 from Carol Preston: What is the name of the main character who is an ex-convict in Susannah's Gold? http://www.carolpreston.com.au/ 

Clue 6 from Iola Goulton: Name an Australian author who has worked with Iola Goulton at Christian Editing Services. http://christianediting.co.nz

We hope you're enjoying the hunt and locating the answers to the clues. The contest rules are listed in Monday's post. Please remember to comment on Monday's post, complete the online form and your Rafflecopter entry. Rafflecopter lists all the options for gaining extra entries in the drawing, including commenting on the posts this week. 

The Scavenger Hunt closes at 2pm on Sunday, September 7 (AEST). The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 9. Good luck!

ACBRA Tour Charter to Redemption by D.J. Blackmore

2nd - 6th  May 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Charter to Redemption

(Even Before Publishing 1 May 2014)

By

D.J. Blackmore

About the Book At the close of 1821, the penal colony of Newcastle looks to be every bit as black as it's painted. Emma Colchester charters a ride to Australia with a promise of marriage to a man she has never met. But appearances aren't always as they seem. And with a commitment unavoidable Emma learns that shackles are not always forged from iron. Tobias Freeman longs for redemption and hope. After a rough journey to New South Wales, Tobias learns the rations, the regulations, and the reprisal. But neither Emma nor Tobias expect the repercussions.

About the Author

D.J. Blackmore grew up in the wine growing region of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales and is currently based in Central Queensland. She draws inpiration for her historical fiction novels from her love of age-old crafts such as spinning and cheese making. She considers being the mother of five, her greatest achievement.

When the writing 'Bug' doesn't bite

By Ray Hawkins

Ray Hawkins with latest book

My Writing Proceedure: Do I write as the ‘Bug’ bites?

No! - Well maybe ‘yes! – if the ‘Big’ bites.

Trouble is most of the ‘biting Bugs’ for this writer, at least, are toothless, fickle or squashed.

So, how do I write?

Being a minister for over forty years I’ve preached nearly every Sunday and sometimes twice on that day. Add to that Bible studies, youth, women and men’s talks I needed more than ‘Bugs’ to bite. It ultimately came to discipline and appreciating my people. Having a great resource book, the Bible, plus knowing a little about life and the joys and sorrows of my people gave me a framework. Sometimes issues arose from the community or world scene which stirred me to support, defend or oppose. However it all came back to the discipline of forming the material to be presented.

When the time came to be serious about writing Devotional material I had to approach it in a similar manner. There were word length requirements when I submitted to Upper Room Magazine. They really gave me my first real opportunity outside my denominational paper. When multi-published Debra White-Smith accepted some of my prose and poetry for two of her books on marital relationships I had to learn other arts of discipline. It is called pruning the excess and selecting the most striking way to say what I wanted said.

Out of all this grew a desire to let others into my convictions about the Lord Jesus, His Word and its transforming grace and power. Being a procrastinator I needed more that a desire. I needed the motivational incentive of my wife. Because she is a multi-published novelist and I went with her to various conferences, I met certain publishers. Enter Rochelle Manners of Wombat/Even Before Publishing books (now Rhiza). This lovely enterprising young woman was willing to give me a chance to publish some themed 31 Day Devotionals I’d put together.

What did I first present to her? ‘Children, God’s special interest’ and ‘From Eden with Love’ The latter is about what I discerned in the Scriptures about God’s heart for married couples. The debates about so called ‘marriage equality’, seeing marital breakdowns and the ignorance about God’s purpose re marriage fired me up to write. (Was this a ‘bug’ or a ‘whip’?) The one on Children stems from the joy I’ve had as a parent and grandparent combined with stories of child abuse.

The discipline I needed to write these and other devotionals was to plough through the concordance on all the relevant information it offered. Then it was ‘sifting, sorting, selecting and shaping it, plus seeding it’ with my own insights and experiences. It goes without too much saying that all this had associations with editing, cutting, pasting, tears and sometimes whoops of joy. Then comes the hopes, the fears and the waiting after it is sent to the publisher.

I’ve had the privilege of having four other devotional books printed. Each one encompasses some aspect of my conviction about God’s Word and life and faith. You can check them out on my blogsite. http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au

Would I write my heart even if no one wanted to publish what was written? Yes! For the following reasons:
i) It is good discipline for my soul as I research, especially the Scriptures.
ii) When I’m long gone to glory someone might read them and be helped.
iii) Then again there is the world of ‘the web’ which I believe Christians should make better use of in sharing their faith and convictions.

I will share some challenges Devotional writers face when next I have the opportunity to put words onto your computer through the grace of ACW. Ray (wanting the ‘bugs’ to bite) Hawkins.

Dynamic Ageing - Book Launch

Yesterday, Thursday, I was in the Presbyterian Aged Care Home, Legana, Tasmania. No I wasn’t checking out a site for Mary. They had graciously allowed me to do a book launch for my ‘Dynamic Ageing.’ For me it was a very apt place to do this. I had been a chaplain to an Aged Care village in Maitland as part of my ministry with the Churches of Christ. I did this for 18 years. Some of my motivation underlying some of the Devotional material came from the wonderful residents of that place.

I Worked with Amanda Smith who is the Executive Assistant and Marketing Manager for the Home. She was a wonderful help. Cyril Hardwick, a resident welcomed me and Mr Andries Plotkins, Lifestyle Mentor for the facility, did the book review. He acknowledged that he was not a Christian but proceeded to give a very good and thorough review. It was refreshing to hear a man express how he wrestled with some of the biblical expressions or applications while appreciating the message of God’s care for the aged. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Tasmania, Pastor Ian Partridge was the M.C. for the afternoon. He also ‘launched’ the book officially. Craig and Rachelle Hawkins provided some musical entertainment as he accompanied Rachelle in singing Wind Beneath My Wings, Rainbow Connexion and A Sinner Saved by Grace. Mary Hawkins closed the program by reading my poem ‘Too Old, Too Old? Too Old, Never!

The afternoon concluded with a nice afternoon tea. The Home provided tea/coffee. We supplied some savouries and sweets. All were greatly appreciated as it allowed time to talk, reminisce and sign books. As will be seen in a photo I had my books on display and was encouraged by the numbers sold. Approximately sixty folk gathered in the fine chapel and comprised residents, staff and invited guests. I’ve done other book launches and enjoyed them to varying degrees. However this one was extra special. The subject of the book and the folk represented gave me at least a real joy as they entered into the spirit of the occasion. The feet tapping and soft singing to the music Craig played and the songs by Rachelle which brought light to their eyes was simply grand. We had prayed that the Lord and His word would be honoured. Pastor Ian Partridge in his comments really did underscore this. I guess there are many times when we wonder how the words we have forged into a book impacted readers. Essentially that isn’t our province to worry about. We are called to be faithful before the Lord in what we have written, how it has been presented and that the book is honouring to Him. May our prayer be that those who read our writings will find the book has become a sacred space where Jesus Christ has turned up to say “HI!”

What a privilege Christian writers have to cultivate such sacred ground.

Ray Hawkins.

Why I Write What I Write

Some inspirations for my books

My Writing Journey

I’d rather mow the grass or go shopping or do anything before reading. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t come naturally to me. Yet I believe in the power of the written word. How come? Through hearing about or reading stories of how words changed lives,. There are many stories showing the power of words for great good or terrible evil. Then of course being drawn into ministry by the Lord has made me appreciate the wonder and awesome transforming power of The Word!

My first effort in expressing myself in words was first year in Bible College. My turn came to give devotions for the faculty and students. So I wrote out my five-eight minute presentation. I then gave it to our English lecturer. Oh dear! She used a red pen and made it look like someone had been slaughtered over the pages. I still have that devotional from 53 years ago. It at least tells me I have learnt something.

Being a minister means reading. It also calls for writing sermons, reports and other material. However I never entertained being a writer. I did make one or two tentative ventures which were really puerile in storyline and conversation mode. So I would never be a novelist. It was Jock Hunting from then Jewish Evangelical Witness, now David House Fellowship, who encouraged me to write for the Vineyard magazine. These were articles from Scripture in the light of current or historical events. He or others must have had great patience in editing.

I remember sending an article to a particular Denominational Editor. I typed it in red ink because my black had disintegrated and we were too broke to buy another at the time. You will realise how uncouth was my foundations in literary understandings and appreciation. The editor replied graciously saying the material was okay but the presentation left lots to be desired. He did offer some hints which I took on board. Thank the Lord for sympathetic editors who don’t crush the spirit of the uncouth but keen.

I did undertake an Australian Writers course, very basic but helpful. What was the refining, should I say chiselling work on my uncouthness was God Himself through His word and giving me my wife. Mary loves to read. She writes well and is a helpful critic. It has taken time and perseverance but I think I’m a little less prone to such things as red ink these days.

It is because I believe in the power of the written (and spoken) word that I’ve stuck at the discipline of learning to write what I am able to write. I still am unable to write novels . I did write a biography of John Thompson a Churches of Christ missionary with the Kanakas. My good friend and fellow minister Graeme Chapman edited it and ran off a few copies for our Churches Missionary archives. So what do I write? Devotionals! These actually began through two sources. One was my Mary who said I needed to pen my thoughts. The other was our experiences on three short term mission trips to Africa. I wrote thirty–one day devotional in a book entitled ‘The Neurotic Rooster.’ It was a fund raiser privately published for Eagles Wings mission to street children in Zambia.

I believe God’s Word is alive and active and want to share it as best I can. My devotional books which Even Before Publishing ( www.evenbeforepublishing.com ) have printed are all themed. God’s word offers challenges, blessings, instruction and warnings on life related matters. It is on such things I want to show in a devotional meditation manner how they work out in life. So far printed Children – God’s Special Interest, From Eden with Love (about Marriage), Captured by Calvary, Bethlehem’s Warrior Baby are available.  In storage or under construction are Signposts to Happiness (The Blessings in the Bible), Dynamic Aging, No Soft Option (re the Ministry), The Warrior Lord Returns and The Warrior Lord’s Sword (What the Bible says about itself).

I look back on my journey with words and writing and stand amazed at the patience and mercy of God. When I was in college I really felt overwhelmed by the brilliance, skills and wisdom of others. They had experience or views ranging from politics to secular and sacred history. Some had University and other training, I had none.

I remember talking to the Lord about it one starry night on the college lawn. I told Him what He knew.”Lord I’m no intellectual, I don’t have political skills or academic degrees but you have called me to be your minister. I can only offer you this, I’ll do my best to know your word, teach your word, love and live your word if you will help me.”

The latest in the series unveils the biblical understanding of the Babe of Bethlehem.
All books are also available as Ebooks.

So that is why I write what I write. I know I may never be a Spurgeon or a Watchman Nee but I can be Ray Hawkins – no longer uncouth but still being finely honed.

ACRBA tour The Inheritance by Jo-Anne Berthelsen with Author interview

Posted by Jenny Blake

7 - 11 October

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

Introducing

The Inheritance  

(Even Before Publishing September 2013)

By 

Jo-Anne Berthelsen

About the Book:

Michael Trevelyan is determined to claim his inheritance at all costs. Bitterness consumes him and he refuses to forgive those who have betrayed him. Yet, when he meets Alexandra Hope, things begin to change. She challenges his views but also listens while he shares his pain. Can Michael move on from the past and learn to forgive? Can Alexandra hold onto her faith in God as she deals with their deepening relationship? Can they both learn to trust each other - and God? The Inheritance is a stirring story of family secrets, forgiveness and faith - of leaving behind a dark, painful legacy and walking into the light of God's eternal inheritance. 

About the Author:

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves communicating through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of five published novels – Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna and Heléna’s Legacy, with a sixth, The Inheritance, due for release in 2013. Her first non-fiction work Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey was released in October 2012. Jo-Anne loves music, reading, mentoring younger women, and sharing with community groups about writing. She is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and three grandchildren. 
For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com or www.soulfriend.com.au.

 Interview with Jo-Anne

1.       Can you tell us something interesting readers may not know about you?

Many years ago, I majored in German and Japanese at Queensland University and later taught these subjects in high schools. During my second year at uni, I studied Classical Greek as well—plus I met my future husband in that Greek class!

2.       Where did you get the inspiration for your novel The Inheritance?

The idea for The Inheritance came during a week-long writing course I attended at the NSW Writers’ Centre a few years ago. One morning, our facilitator took us through a visualisation exercise in which we were asked to imagine a particular room in all its detail, as well as the people present there. This became the basis of our writing that day, as we were encouraged to unfold the story further. I kept what I wrote and eventually edited it to form the first chapter of The Inheritance, with the male character I visualised in that room developing into my main male protagonist in the novel.

3.       In your research did you find any interesting titbits that surprised you?

For one part of the novel, I had to find out how my main male protagonist would regain the use of his hand after it was badly burnt and crushed. A kind professor from the Concord Hospital Burns Unit here in Sydney helped me out, and one interesting thing I discovered was that there are such people as ‘hand therapists’ around—physios and occupational therapists who specialise in this area. I hadn’t known such people existed prior to that!

Also, at one stage in the novel, my main female protagonist heads to Ethiopia to undertake medical aid work, which meant I needed to research the type of diseases prevalent amongst children in that country. The sad fact I discovered here is that so many children still die there from diseases that are entirely preventable these days.

4.       What would you like readers to take out of reading your novel?

The Inheritance is essentially a story about forgiveness and about reconciliation with God and with others. The key verse I had in mind while writing it was Hebrew 12:15—See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Therefore, I hope that, as my readers follow the ups and downs of Michael and Alexandra’s journey with each other and with God, they will be strengthened to forgive those who have hurt them in any way and come to enjoy the freedom God’s grace can bring us.

5.       A fun question to end: If you were to recommend somewhere in Australia or New Zealand for readers to visit where would it be?

Having spent this morning sitting in the sunshine with a friend outside the Armoury Cafe at Blaxland Riverside Park beside the beautiful Parramatta River in western Sydney, I would have to say this area not far from the Olympic Games site at Homebush is well worth a visit!

6.       Where can we find you on the web?

I have two websites, www.jo-anneberthelsen.com and www.soulfriend.com.au.

Thanks Jo-Anne for sharing with us.

ACRBA Tour What Would Jesus Drive by Paul Clark with Interview

September 16 - 20

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

Introducing 

 What would Jesus drive? (Car Park Parables series)

(Even Before Publishing March 2012)

by

 Paul Clark 

About the Author:

Paul Clark is married with two kids. He has nearly 20 years experience in children's and youth ministry having worked in both the city and rural areas. Paul has a knack of sharing the gospel message, simply and profoundly through story - something he is very passionate about. With 10 titles to his name, and more on the way, his resources are down to earth, Australian, and to be watched!

About the Book:

It is Palm Sunday in the Church Car Park and Jesus is riding into Jerusalem. The only problem is deciding what Jesus would have driven into Jerusalem if there had been cars in his time. Was it a motorbike because Jesus was a rebel? Was it a truck so he could stand on the back and teach the crowd? Was it a bus because he was a man of the people and he could have brought his friends along? Find out what the cars think! Part of the Australian Car Park Parables series.

Interview with Paul

1.    Can you tell us something interesting readers may not know about you?

Hmmm, I lived in Tennant Creek, [middle of the Northern Territory] from 8 to 13 yrs of age!  It was a nice place to live for a primary school boy who liked sport!  My father worked to support Indigenous communities.

2.    Where did you get the inspiration for "What Would Jesus Drive"?

 When my son was about 18 months I wanted to read bible stories to him. He wanted to play with matchbox cars. I wondered how I could put cars into the Bible, when there are no cars in the Bible!  Days or hours later [I can't remember] inspiration hit! The rest, as they say, is history!

3. what did you find must fun in writing these books?

 Thinking about how my son would enjoy them was high on the list. Also the development of these characters; how they came to 'life' and developed their own quirky personalities!

4.    What would you like readers to take out of reading your books?

 I'd love these stories to become planted in their psyche - I should say, not my stories, but the original stories underneath. If children and adults become familiar with this stories, so familiar they are foundational to who they are, I would be honoured.

5.    A fun question to end, If you were to recommend somewhere in Australia or New Zealand for readers to visit where would it be?

 I should say Tennant Creek now, but it's a very different town today! It's actually well worth visiting to be confronted with Indigenous disadvantage - but if you're talking fun, Redcliffe Nth of Brisbane, is an underrated place!  Especially for families with young children. The beaches are great, and only small waves, so save for the small kids who might be reading my books!  And drop into the Redcliffe Uniting Church if you're here on a Sunday and say g'day!

6.     Where can we find you on the web?

www.carparkparables.com    and follow Car park parables on Facebook.