A Title to Intrigue

By Rel Mollet

Authors and publishers spend a lot of time and money creating a cover to fit a story, with the hope it will hold visual appeal for readers and entice them to buy. There's always significant airplay given to covers people love and loathe in online discussion boards and on blogs.

I wonder if as much time and effort is invested in choosing the right title. I believe a clever, intriguing, and genre appropriate title can have just as much importance in catching a reader's eye.

Here are some recent titles that have appealed to me...

A Fool and His Monet and Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

Dust and Obey, While You Were Sweeping, and Thrill Squeaker are all titles in Christy Barritt's Squeaky Clean Mysteries.

Dear Mr. Knightley and The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay

Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

Curio by Evangeline Denmark

Obviously, I like a good play on words in a title, as shown by Sandra and Christy's titles. Titles that hint at a different take on a story I'm already familiar with intrigue me, which is why Katherine and Mike's are listed (and yes, Mike's refers to a poem rather than a classic novel!).

Rachel's grabs my interest immediately, firstly with the unusual reference to a "bachelor girl" and then linking it to murder. The title alone tells me a unique story is waiting for me...and it was!

Evangeline's simple use of an old fashioned word, along with its meaning, made me curious, of course!

There are plenty more examples and there's no need for me to go into bad titles as I'm sure you are all well aware of those.

I'd love you to share some book titles that caught your eye recently, and why they particularly appealed.

Indie Books: What a reader is looking for...

By Rel Mollet

The rise of independently published books is well known to those in publishing, but less known by many traditional readers. Most readers don't have a lot of cash to splash around on book, so we are particular in what we select to buy. Even now, with indie books getting a lot more airplay, many readers will still choose the 'safe' option of buying books from a traditional publisher, in the belief they will get a solid, well written and edited story.

That said, and contrary to popular opinion, the most challenging, entertaining, and heartfelt books I have read in the past 12 months have been those published independently, so be adventurous!

Here's what I'm looking for in an indie novel with Christian flavour that is not often available from a traditional publisher...

A Powerful Story

I want a story not constrained by the traditional structure and themes of a Christian novel.

Amy Matayo's The End of the World is a brilliant story that delves into complex issues of foster care, abandoned children, sexual abuse, bitterness, and betrayal. Should you care to look beyond a traditional framework, themes of forgiveness, love, hope, healing, and living with inner and outer scars are blatantly displayed.

Kristen Heitzmann's Told You So exhibits her significant talent as a writer of realistic fiction that doesn't shy away from the world we live in. Intelligently written, her character's fall from grace is all too common but rarely dealt with in traditional novels. Stories like these need to be written, otherwise we are excluding and marginalising many readers whose life choices have not been 'perfect'.

A Stunning Cover

Jenny B. Jones' soon to be published novel, I'll Be Yours, captures the eye, the genre, and the quality an indie book needs to stand out in the crowd. Having had the privilege of reading this story, I can tell you the interior matches its stunning exterior beautifully! This novel is not Christian Fiction, but a clean read, so don't look for a conversion scene ;-)

An International Setting

With the overwhelming majority of novels written with the American reading public in mind, and accordingly set in one of the many US states, I love that indie books can branch out to settings all over the world - nothing like travelling around the world for the cost of a novel!

Our own Dorothy Adamek's debut novel, Carry Me Home, typifies the freedom of an indie writer. An historical novel set in Phillip Island? It doesn't get much better than that for this Victorian girl :) I can tell you Dorothy has ticked the boxes of a gorgeous cover and a fabulous story!

Lynnette Bonner is about to launch an historical serialisation set in East Africa where she grew up. Her Sonnets of the Spice Isle begins with On the Wings of a Whisper - again, a striking cover that gives clues for readers about the story.

A Unique Time Period (for a Christian novel)

While a change is in the wind, traditional Christian publishers have been reluctant to publish medieval novels in the past, so Tamara Leigh's multiple medieval series have been a joy to read, her latest being Baron of Emberly. Note again, the attention to detail of an eye-catching cover that is genre specific. As for the writing, with over books written for the general market, in the CBA, and now independently, Tamara's experience and talent is immense and her stories never disappoint.

A Quality Story

I'm a little weary of the sameness of so many Christian novels, even by the most beloved and popular authors. Too often I feel like I'm reading a familiar story with only the names, location, and point of conflict tweaked. My experience is that indie writers are penning stories more out of the box and I love that.

Tammy Gray's recent YA novel that highlights high school bullying and the structures that allow it to continue is excellent. Sell Out also happens to have one of my favourite covers from 2015.

Similarly, Sally Bradley's successful contemporary novel, Kept, is as story of exactly that - a kept woman and her confrontation with the love that is from God alone.

A Reasonable Price

I don't mind paying a decent price for a paperback or hardcover book, but I do balk a little at traditional publishers' prices for ebooks. You can get a taste of an indie writer's style for a reasonable price by buying their ebooks, usually set at around $2 to $5USD.

Our own Narelle Atkins has used this ability to price her novels as she wishes, even including them in bargain e-novella collections with other writers - Love Blossoms - giving readers a taste who, if they love the writing, will be more willing to part with their book budget on a writer they now know can provide a great story.

A Moving Story

Okay, so we can get this through traditional publishing, of course, but I do want any story I read to impact my emotions and/or challenge my thoughts.

Joanne Bischof has published two gorgeous stories independently - This Quiet Sky and To Get to You - both are beautifully written and I may not have had the chance to read these redemptive stories if Jo hadn't pursued self publishing.

In a similar vein, Amanda Dykes penned one of my favourite Christmas stories in Bespoke. Once again, the beauty of Amanda's written word evoked all kinds of feelings in me, despite it being such a short story.

How about you? Read any good indie stories, lately? Thinking about publishing an indie novel?

*******

Rel Mollet, a founding member of the INSPY Awards, has been blogging since late 2006 at Relz Reviewz, her site dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers, by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. Her passion for the written word was established from the moment she could read, now evidenced by overflowing bookcases and a towering TBR pile. A Book Club Coordinator for over a decade and a correspondent for FamilyFiction’s digital magazine, Rel resides in Melbourne, Australia with her movie-loving husband and three book loving daughters.

Novel Journey Book Club ~ 2016 Selections

by Rel Mollet

I love this time of year! Because the year is coming to a close? Christmas celebrations are nigh? I won't have to do the school drop off and pick up for a couple of months?

Nope.

This time every year I make my Book Club selections for the year to come. I love it! Pondering what great reads are available. Contemplating how to challenge my members with genres they might not usually read. Finding ones that are reasonably priced! Selecting authors who will join in the book club fun and participate by way of a Skype chat, or email Q & A.

There is one missing from the list below...a fabulous story by an Australian author near and dear to my heart. When I can share more, I will :)

So, here are my 2016 selections (minus one) for the Novel Journey Book Club. And you are getting insider info - my members won't about this list until we meet this Friday night for the last time in 2015! Unless, of course, they skulk around here sneaking a look!

The Third Target by Joel Rosenberg

When New York Times foreign correspondent J. B. Collins hears rumors that an al-Qaeda splinter cell—ISIS—has captured a cache of chemical weapons inside Syria, he knows this is a story he must pursue at all costs. Does the commander of the jihadist faction really have weapons of mass destruction? If so, who is the intended target? The U.S.? Israel? Or someone else? With tensions already high, the impending visit of the American president to the region could prove to be the spark that sets off an explosion of horrendous proportions. Knowing that terrorist forces are already trying to bring down two Arab governments in the region—Iraq and Syria—can Collins uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will the terrorists succeed in setting their sights on the third target and achieving genocide?

The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem

Everyone in Bethany admires Martha-the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees' strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister's marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.

Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha's secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother-risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her-or deny Jesus' healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.

Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha's love.

When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he-like Isa-come too late?

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell

In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chaperoning her daughter’s sixth grade field trip to the Big Easy during Halloween. And then her worst fears come true. Her daughter’s best friend, Sarah, disappears amid the magic and revelry—gone, without a trace.

Unable to cope with her guilt, Amanda’s daughter sinks in depression. And Amanda’s husband turns destructive as he watches his family succumb to grief. Before long, Amanda’s whole world has collapsed.

Amanda knows she has to save herself before it’s too late. As she continues to search for Sarah, she embarks on a personal journey, seeking hope and purpose in the wake of so much tragedy and loss.

Set amidst the murky parishes of rural Louisiana and told through the eyes of two women who confront the darkest corners of humanity with quiet and unbreakable faith, The Feathered Bone is Julie Cantrell’s master portrait of love in a fallen world.

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke

All her life, Hannah Sterling longed for a close relationship with her estranged mother. Following Lieselotte’s death, Hannah determines to unlock the secrets of her mother’s mysterious past and is shocked to discover a grandfather living in Germany.

Thirty years earlier, Lieselotte’s father is quickly ascending the ranks of the Nazi party, and a proper marriage for his daughter could help advance his career. Lieselotte is in love—but her beloved Lukas is far from an ideal match, as he secretly works against the Reich. Yet Lieselotte never imagined how far her father would go to ensure her cooperation.

Both Hannah’s and Lieselotte’s stories unfold as Hannah travels to Germany to meet her grandfather, who is hiding wartimes secrets of his own. Longing for connection, yet shaken by all she uncovers, Hannah must decide if she can atone for her family’s tragic past and how their legacy will shape her future.

Delilah: Treacherous Beauty by Angela Hunt

Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself. 

When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.

The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart

What if you met your twenty-three-year-old self in a dream? What would you say?

Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage.

So when he discovers his vivid dreams—where he encounters his younger self—might let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing, but also disturbing.

Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go . . . and his greatest fear is that it’s already too late.

What do you think of this list? What books is your book club planning on for next year?

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. Rel is a contributing writer for FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

By Rel Mollet

Cover art is always a big talking point on my blog. I do regular cover reveals as new books hit Amazon and there's always plenty of discussion on covers that work and ones that don't. Of course, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is a subjective exercise with many differing opinions.

As authors, being aware of the importance readers place on an appealing cover is crucial. Most readers are unlikely to purchase a book with a cover they dislike. Many readers base their decisions to purchase a novel by an author they don't know on their love of the cover alone. Readers want to get a glimpse of the story from the a glance at the cover, be aware of the genre immediately, and know if it is a second or third book of a series, by their consistency with the first book. And pity help the author/publisher who has a character on the cover that doesn't match their description in the story! Or series that fail to place a number on the spine and cover.

Traditionally published authors may not get a great deal of say when it comes to their book's cover art, but indie authors really need to pay attention - and be willing to bear the cost - to every aspect of cover design from the artwork, to the title font, and a consistent and recognisable author name font. Your cover is your shopfront and it needs to look attractive and fit the story line to work best in your favour.

Christian Fiction covers, especially in the historical romance genre, are easily identifiable with tried and true (some may say cookie cutter!) designs still prevalent. Authors wanting to tap into the traditional Christian demographic need to note what works for that audience, and equally, those writers hoping to reach a broader audience should look for stylistic and unique cover designs.

There's a mountain of other things to consider but I'm simply addressing cover design from a reader's perspective.

Here's some recent covers (both traditionally published and indie) that reflect both styles, and some of the comments I have made about genre and the like. It's not too hard to pick the reader audience these authors and their publishers hope to connect with, is it?

PS. After you have looked at the many covers, there's a question I'd love you to respond to below!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on which covers catch your eye! And, if you don't already know, whether you can distinguish the indie covers from their traditional counterparts.

*******

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. 

Rel is a contributing writer at NovelCrossing.com and FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

A Reader's Q & A

By Rel Mollet

There have been a lot of great writerly posts here at ACW in the past weeks, so I thought I'd change things up a little by doing a reader Q & A. I'm sure it is easy as a writer to get caught up in the pressures of putting pen to paper and losing sight, on occasion, of the joy of reading. Hope I don't bore you with my responses! 

I'd love for you to pick a question you fancy and answer it for yourself in the comments.

1. Favourite childhood book?

A Little Bush Maid by Mary Grant Bruce. Terribly politically incorrect these days, but I adored the entire series. They had everything - adventure, danger, WWI, horses, the bush,

misunderstandings, sacrifice, and what was probably my first introduction to a romance! Norah and Wally...swoon!

2. What are you reading right now?

I've just finished Jody Hedlund's Hearts Made Whole ~ a lovely story of hope and forgiveness set in the aftermath of the Civil War dealing with alcoholism, opium dependence, and a woman's right to work!

3. Bad book habit?

Hmmm...probably reading every book I pick up to the end. Even the bad ones! I live in hope that things will improve :)

4. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Nothing! I rarely visit our local library - I have my own 'library' at home and I'm not making enough headway as it is ;-)

5. Do you have an e-reader?

I do! A sworn hard copy devotee, I was gifted a Kindle and I love it. I take it with me everywhere. While I adore books on my shelves (and as I loan my books out - see library mention above!), now I've become so comfortable with the e-reader, I prefer it! Shh...don't tell anyone.

6. Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?

One book at a time for me. Although, I will listen to a different audiobook when I'm out and about in the car.

7. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

Yes, reading for my own pleasure rarely happens. My reviewing commitments keep me busy reading with a more critical eye. That's not to say I don't enjoy review reading - I do - it is just different.

8. Favourite book you've read so far this year?

This is too hard! Here's a few I've really loved - Ronie Kendig's FALCON, Tamara Leigh's LADY OF CONQUEST, and a few unpublished manuscripts. Can't say anything more than that I can't wait for them to be published!

9. How often do you read outside your reading comfort zone?

Rarely. Having to read the occasional Amish novel or one too many of the same genre for my blog would be where it's stretched the most.

10. Can you read in the car?

Yep. Don't often get the chance, though. My husband is a communicator so apparently car trips are for talking!

11. Favourite place to read?

Anywhere I can!

12. What is your policy on book lending?

I do have a policy. And software to record the borrowings. Seriously. I like to keep track of where my books have gone (for obvious reasons!), but I also maintain records so I can choose the right books for those who borrow from me.

13. Do you ever dog-ear books?

I do not understand that question ;-) NEVER. EVER.

14. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

Not since University textbooks.

15. What is your favourite language to read in?

One I can understand. And that means one - English!

16. What makes you love a book?

Characters that engage my emotions.

17. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

Characters that engage my emotions! And knowing a reader's likes and dislikes, I'll tailor my recommendations to their tastes.

18. Favourite genre? 

Romantic suspense. Heavy on the suspense, and a deft, natural feel to the romance.

19. Genre you rarely read but wish you did?

Biographies, but I don't have the time.

20. Favourite biography?

Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom

21. Have you ever read a self-help book?

Umm...if I have I've never finished it!

22. Favourite cookbook?

The internet :)

*******

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. 

Rel is a contributing writer at NovelCrossing.com and FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

What are the INPSY Awards and why are they unique?

 
By Dorothy Adamek

It’s nomination time for the 2015 INSPY Awards, so I thought we should take a closer look at this prize for the very best in Christian literature.

Five years ago, the INSPYs were created to “select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith and were designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. This program is organized and judged by book bloggers who have considerable experience and knowledge of books published for both the CBA and general markets.”

Books may be nominated in these following categories:

•                Debut Novel

•                General Fiction

•                Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

•                Historical Romance

•                Speculative Fiction

•                Mystery & Thriller

•                Literature for Young Adults

Australia’s Rel Mollet is one of the book bloggers who’s been involved in the awards from the very beginning. Here’s what she had to share about the INPSY Awards in a recent interview.

Dotti ~ You've been involved with the INSPY Awards since their inception. Why did you pioneer this award and how has it met your vision? 

Rel ~ A blogging friend of mine, Amy Riley, championed the idea for an award that recognised books that wrestled with faith issues, not limiting nominated books to those published by the recognised Christian publishers. As described on the INSPYs website we wanted to discover and share “the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.”

Most of the Christian literature awards for fiction, only allow novels published by recognised Christian publishers. Unfortunately, that excluded many wonderful stories published in the general market, or even by authors who may not profess Christian faith but who have penned stories that highlight the truths of Christianity. This is not an industry award, but one established and supported by the many fabulous book bloggers out there who don’t have a vested interest in anything other than great storytelling.

Thus the INSPYs were born. Have we met our vision? Partially. We would love to see more general market books nominated not to the exclusion of those released by Christian publishers but to show that fabulous faith literature exists in both “worlds” and both have tremendously talented writers releasing great stories.

Dotti ~ Who is allowed to enter as author, and who can apply to enter as judge?  

Rel ~ Taking the easy way to answer this question, here’s our book criteria for the 2015 Awards:

The book must have been published in print in the United States between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2014.

Reissues, self-published books and eBooks are not eligible.

The book must possess exceptional literary qualities including but not limited to: innovative, original writing, and depth of characterization.

The book must respectfully grapple with some element of the Christian faith.

The book must not have excessive profanity or explicit sex scenes.

Simply put, to apply to be a judge, you must be a blogger who reviews books!

You can discover the full criteria here. 

Dotti ~ How are entries nominated?

Rel ~ Anyone can nominate a book for an INSPY Award, except the author themselves. Nominations are made by completing a form on our website. 

As this is a blogger award, we work hard to encourage bloggers and readers to nominate stories that have impacted them in significant ways.

Dotti ~ Would you ever reconsider allowing self-published books into the competition?

Rel ~ Initially we did not allow self-published books to be nominated. Due to multiple requests we allowed self-published books to be nominated a few years ago. Unfortunately, the standard of the significant majority of the self-published books was poor and none made the shortlists. Self-published books have come a long way since then and there are many high quality self-published novels that deserve recognition. That said, the Advisory Board consists of 5 members, all volunteers, who commit to reading all nominated books in a few short months. This year we have around 150 books to read in order to create shortlists of 5 books per category. We simply do not have the time or the resources to cope with the influx of nominated books that would occur should we reopen the INSPYs to self-published books at this time.

Fortunately, the Grace Awards exist for that purpose so we direct all self-published writers to their nomination process.

 
Dotti ~ Thanks, Rel. What a marvelous achievement to showcase and recognize some of the most deserving stories. Thanks for your commitment to quality storytelling. 

Rel Mollet, a founding member of the INSPY Awards, has been blogging since late 2006 at Relz Reviewz, her site dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers, by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. Her passion for the written word was established from the moment she could read, now evidenced by overflowing bookcases and a towering TBR pile. A Book Club Coordinator for over a decade, a correspondent for FamilyFiction’s digital magazine and contributing writer for Novel Crossing and TitleTrakk.com, Rel resides in Melbourne, Australia with her movie-loving husband and three book loving daughters.

For our readers... 

What book have you read in the last 12 months which ‘grapples with the Christian faith’ in a way you believe deserves nomination?

What do you think a story needs to stand above the rest and deserve such an award?

*****

 

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, and the 2104 Inspirational Category Winner of the TARA Writing Contest. 

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.