-
Flag Design Contest: Vote for Your Favorite!
What teacher doesn’t enjoy seeing her students’ creativity? I sure do! I’m privileged to teach English for Alpha Omega Academy and invited our middle and high school students to design their version of the ASU pennant (the fictitious flag of the dystopian society in my new young adult novel). Today, I’m posting their designs here for you to vote on your favorite. The winner’s name and design will be published in The Revisionary, available for pre-order next month. Below are the submissions, and I’m honestly glad you’re choosing the winner and not me! They are all outstanding and meet the submission guidelines: to design a flag that includes a child, scroll, and olive…
-
The Paradox of the Cross
The Romans used the cross as a merciless method of execution. Crucifixion embodied the cruelest form of torture, shame, and Roman brutality. Yet, we Christians see the cross as a symbol of hope. Because of the cross, we have the promise of eternal life in heaven, a place prepared for those who trust Jesus’ atoning blood, shed for us. Have you ever stopped to consider this paradox and how it might appear to someone unfamiliar with the gospel? In The Revisionary, Portia has no understanding of the Christian faith. She’s never seen a Bible and can only wonder about the book George Washington clutches, as shown in a decaying statue. So…
-
Fools in Fiction
My brave girl’s quest is a fool’s errand, but I’m proud of her spirit. – Abram Abernathy, The Revisionary Fool. The word can be a loaded insult or a joking comment. It can have the intent to correct or ring with resigned sadness. In The Revisionary, Portia’s father describes her plan to rescue Darius as a “fool’s errand,” and in doing so, implies the futility of her cause. Although she may be short-sighted, he still admires her determination. Fools in fiction (and real life) are complicated people. They may or may not fit the ordinary definition of a person who lacks sense or good judgment. The simple fool The easiest to spot is the…
-
The Revisionary Cover: An Unlikely Story
We all like unwrapping presents on our birthdays. For my birthday this year, I wanted to “unwrap” something my readers could enjoy with me. So, I asked my editor Marji if I could share my new book cover with my readers today, and she said yes! I can’t wait to share the story “inside” the cover with you on June 6 (release day), but today, there’s another story to tell. It’s the one that made this cover possible and one that began in an unlikely place. The Story behind the Cover The year was 2007. I had recently graduated from college and started a job at a marketing company. A few cubicles over…
-
4 Countdowns for YA Fiction Fans
We Americans like a good countdown. We count as the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Students (and teachers) count the days to summer break. Couples count their calendars for the “big day” or a baby’s arrival. In Florida’s Space Coast, people visit Cape Canaveral and wait hours for a front row seat at a shuttle launch. (To date, I haven’t experienced a launch first hand, but the pictures look incredible.) Maybe you’ve never seen a rocket launch either. However, if you’re a fan of young adult (YA) fiction, I’d like to invite you to a “launch” of a different kind for my upcoming release, The Revisionary. Countdown #1: The Revisionary Cover Reveal I can’t…
-
3 Freeing Truths to Fight Busyness
If you’ve been joining me here for a while, you might remember my keyword for 2017: Simplicity. How’s that going for me? I’ll admit: not the way I’d planned. Truth is that I’m busier than ever. In fact, each month adds something new to my never-ending list. Maybe you can relate. How do we fight against the bully of busyness? I wish I could outline three steps to a simpler life, but I’m on this journey with you. However, here are some freeing truths I’m discovering that may help us keep life in perspective. #1: My best doesn’t have to be perfect. Oh, trust me, I want it to be. I…
-
Character Profile: Portia Abernathy
Do you have a favorite fictional character? If you solved the trivia quiz from a few weeks back, you discovered one of mine. Portia is Shakespeare’s heroine in his comedy, The Merchant of Venice. This rich heiress of Belmont faces (what she believes to be) a miserable problem: she cannot choose whom she will marry. Her late father set up a lottery system using three chests of gold, silver, and lead. The man who discerns the meaning of each chest and chooses the right one will win Portia’s hand. But she is anything but a damsel-in-distress. When her eventual fiancé Bassanio tries to rescue his good friend from a spiteful lender, she disguises…
-
The Revisionary – Coming June 2017
I have two exciting announcements today! First, I want to congratulate the winner of the random drawing for the Women of Faith books. Drum roll, please. The winner is … Trudy! Thank you to everyone who participated! Remember, even if you didn’t win, you can still get these outstanding resources on Amazon or elsewhere. Also, I’ll be doing several more giveaways this year that you won’t want to miss. Now, for my second big announcement: In partnership with Write Integrity Press, I’m thrilled to share some details about my new young adult fiction novel, releasing this spring! The Revisionary is a dystopian suspense story laced with American history and flashbacks to its…
