Author, Spotlight

Writing is a Team Sport blog hop

Beth Erin

Welcome!

Hi, reader friends! I’m so delighted to have y’all here for stop #3 of the “Writing is a Team Sport” blog hop with Janet Ferguson! If you’ve missed one of the first stops, head over to the blog hop start at Reading is My SuperPower stop #1

As you read the posts at each of the stops you’ll meet authors and learn about their 15 books included in the giveaway:

Her Texas Rebel (eBook), Christmastide at Baldhead Island (eBook), A Pony Express Romance (eBook), Unraveled (eBook), A Match for Magnolia (eBook), The Scarlet Coat (eBook), Reclaimed (eBook), Finders Keepers (eBook), Blown Together (eBook), A Thing of Beauty (eBook), The Lawman’s Secret Son (paperback U.S. only), Mistletoe Reunion Threat (eBook), The Whistle Walk (eBook), A Biltmore Christmas (paperback US only), Most Precious Gift (eBook)

Once you have completed each stop, you’ll be directed to the giveaway page where you can enter to win! Giveaway ends 3/14/2017 at 11:59 PM EST.

happy hopping, y’all! — Beth Erin of Faithfully Bookish

Writing is a Team Sport blog hop + giveaway

Christian Fiction: A Team Sport

by Janet W. Ferguson, Critique Partner Addict

Four years ago, I had a completed Christian fiction manuscript and no clue what to do with it. I attended a writers’ conference where I met a couple of nice Christian fiction agents who suggested I find a critique group.

Critique PartnersI admit I went a bit crazy. Over the top—obsessive—compulsive…

So much so, my list of authors I critiqued with is spanning four blogs today.

We’ve brainstormed story ideas, critiqued each other’s work, carpooled to national conferences, teamed up in marketing events, but most of all cheered for and encouraged each other on this strange and sometimes lonely journey that is writing fiction.

I decided to run new novels through the ACFW big loop while my other groups were reading through my first two stories. I met some new fantastic writers. I just had to keep as critique partners.

Third Group of Critique Partners

 

Sarah Monzon

Sarah MonzonSarah Monzon is a determined professional with her writing. Meanwhile, I’m scattered and flakey, asking her more than once to critique Leaving Oxford, without remembering that I’d already asked. Finally she agreed, probably so I’d quit asking… She’s been a great asset, and I’ve been happy to have her younger eyes on my stories.

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, has finaled in contests such as the Inspy Awards and received a 4 star review from Romantic Times.

newsletter | website | facebook | twitter | pinterest

 

Finders Keepers

Three lives. Three hundred years. One ship that ties them together.

Finders Keepers by Sarah MonzonFlorida, Present Day
Summer Arnet will go anywhere to capture the perfect shot that will get her marine photography noticed by the prestigious nature magazine, Our World—even diving in waters haunted by great white sharks. When a treasure hunter with a ladies’-man reputation approaches her about a sunken ship at one of her dive locations, it may be the chance she’s been looking for to launch her career…if his charming smile doesn’t derail her first.
A past tragedy has left a hole in Trent Carrington’s life—a hole he’s tried to fill with women, money, and adventure. Could the feisty marine photographer be the missing piece, or will Trent finally accept that the treasure he seeks can’t be found where rust and moths destroy?

Spain, 1689
The same evil that stole her mother’s life stalks Isabella Castellano. Afraid for her safety, Isabella disguises herself as a cabin boy and hires on to one of His Majesty’s treasure fleet vessels. But has her flight from a known threat only led her to be ensnared in a sea of dangers?

goodreads | amazon

 

Jennifer Rodewald

Jennifer RodewaldJennifer Rodewald was an author I found in the big critique group. As soon as I opened her first sub, I knew she had an amazing talent. And heart. She’s been wonderful at pushing me to dig into my characters, and I’ve been blessed by her stories.

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that reveal the grace of God.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

She would love to hear from you! Visit her on her website, social media, or email her at write2edify@gmail.com.

 website | goodreads | facebook | twitter

 

Reclaimed

God takes broken things and makes them beautiful again. He reclaims our desolate places.

Reclaimed by Jennifer RodewaldSuzanna Wilton has had a heavy share of heartache in her twenty-seven years. Left wounded by a marriage cut short, she leaves city life to take up residency in a tiny Nebraska town. Her introduction to her neighbor Paul Rustin is a disaster. Assuming he’s as underhanded as the other local cowboys she’s already met, Suzanna greets him with sharp hostility.

Though Paul is offended by Suzanna’s unfriendliness, he can’t stop thinking about her, which unsettles his peaceful life. Intrigued by the woman who lives down the road and propelled by a sense that she carries a painful burden, he frequently drops by to offer help as she adjusts to rural living.

Just as Paul’s kindness begins to melt Suzanna’s frozen heart, a conflict regarding her land escalates in town. Even in the warmth of Paul’s love, resentment keeps a cold grip on her fragile heart.

When romance isn’t enough, will Suzanna ever find peace?

goodreads | amazon

 

Emily Conrad

Emily ConradI met Emily Conrad on the big critique loop and really enjoyed corresponding with her. She is so sweet, and again, it was great to have a younger author’s opinion of my work. Her work is serious and searches God’s Word for answers to contemporary issues, and she inspires me to work to do the same. Her blog articles are heartfelt and amazing!

Emily Conrad lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two rescue dogs. She loves Jesus and enjoys road trips to the mountains. Her debut novel, Justice, is underway with Pelican Book Group.

newsletter | website | facebook | twitter

“I suspect I would’ve given up writing for publication years ago if not for the many critique partners who so generously invested in my stories and, more importantly, in my heart with friendships unlike those I’ve found anywhere else.”

A Thing of Beauty

A Thing of Beauty by Emily ConradFrom a childhood spent in the shadow of her beautiful sister, artist Naomi knows true beauty is deeper than outward appearances.

But when Naomi’s relationship with her boyfriend, Emmerich, is challenged in unexpected ways, coping means moving beyond a definition of beauty and discovering its ultimate source.

goodreads | amazon

 

Janet W. Ferguson

Janet W. FergusonJanet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer.

An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems.

Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

newsletter | website | facebook | twitter | pinterest

 

Blown Together

When love storms in…

Blown Together by Janet FergusonWealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.

Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.

Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?

goodreads | amazon

 

“My favorite part of being a team of Christian writers is worshiping and praying together!”

Time to Hop

For the next stop of the hop, go to Just Commonly stop #4

Iron sharpens iron! Tell us about the friends who challenge and encourage you!

67 thoughts on “Writing is a Team Sport blog hop”

  1. My husband. I know it may sound cliche but he really does challenge and encourage me!! And so does my Pastor’s wife. I just love her to pieces and appreciate her willingness to listen and offer words of encouragement!

    Like

    Reply

  2. Thank you very much for including me and Unraveled in the blog hop. I’m grateful for the women featured here, first because they have become my friends as we’ve encouraged each other on this writing journey, and also because they have challenged me to improve my craft as a writer.

    Like

    Reply

  6. I remember in my early days of writing, when I had no clue what I was doing I had a woman who took me under her wings and coached me along. One time I kept sending her a chapter with a spot that needed work–I tried to fix it, but it wasn’t up par. She tried to guide me and finally said “I won’t look at again until you . . .” I don’t recall her words since this was 11 years ago, but I’ve never forgotten how she challenged me. I grew leaps and bounds thanks to her tough love.
    To this day she is one of my best writing friends.

    Like

    Reply

    2. Hi Kimberly Rose! I love your name! We all need that writing help for sure. Oh my, I have some problems at times, ha!

      Like

      Reply

  7. I have these friends on Facebook, (a few book bloggers too) that challenge me to read 😉
    I love them all. In all seriousness, I don’t know what I would do without them. They give me something to look forward to nearly everyday.
    ~Andrea Stephens aka 1bgpayne

    Like

    Reply

  8. I love this!!! My critique partners have become some of my dearest friends…they call me out on errors, challenge me to be better, and encourage me when I’m down. I am so incredibly blessed to work with such wonderful women (and there’s been a couple of men along the way too. So. Awesome. Love having their perspective drench my work)! Writing can be super lonely, and we run a high risk of becoming the only voice we ever hear, ever listen to. But this team effort… it rounds us out, gives us fresh breath, and makes our lives as a whole better. ❤ ❤ ❤

    Like

    Reply

    3. just awesome! That is IT! That is what this hop is all about (right, Janet?!!), not only for the 15 authors here, but also for the 4 of us bloggers of the hop, and the 4 of us with Janet. It’s a team effort, and we’re better for it. =)

      Like

      Reply

  9. As a blogger, reviewer, person…I have found several dear friends that constantly encourage me and inspire me to grow. Love you Beth! Thank you Janet for allowing us to be a part of this!

    Like

    Reply

  10. What a fabulous critique group! I have a very good friend who has been my Titus 2 friend for several years now, and one of the things I appreciate most about her is that she’s not a friend who simply nods and smiles and agrees with you. She’s not afraid to disagree with or challenge me (very graciously), and I think that is one of the most precious friendships you can have!

    Like

    Reply

    4. That sounds like a precious friend, indeed. What a blessing. I appreciate a friend who can lovingly speak truth into our lives. I love it when there’s a character like that ( a truth-teller) in fiction, too.

      Like

      Reply

  11. Janet, it amazing how you keep up with everything. It’s probably why 2016 was such an AMAZING year for you!

    Emily, the first time I met you I was impressed by how much you and your husband were willing to sacrifice to get your career started!

    Sarah, I don’t know if you remember meeting at ACFW in Nashville. I was part of the group sitting outside with you at a BBQ joint.

    Jennifer, I’ve met you online somehow, but I can’t think where.

    Have a great day, ladies!

    Like

    Reply

    2. Jackie, You are so sweet. I don’t keep up with everything. You should see my house. Or just ask my husband, LOL. Jen wa at the restaurant in Nashville, too. Hope to see everyone again this year if possible!

      Like

      Reply

  15. Such a fantastic group of writers! Remember when we were all on the ACFW scribes loop? I will never forget when Sarah Monzon critiqued one of my chapters FROM THE HOSPITAL ROOM JUST HOURS AFTER SHE’D GIVEN BIRTH TO HER DAUGHTER!!! What an amazing person! 🙂

    You’re all amazing! Love you all!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment