The Well-Played Life


Book Description

Discusses the role of play in a relationship with God, describing how joy, creativity, and enjoyment are important elements of the spiritual life.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction


Book Description

They say there's nothing new under the sun, and the Christian fiction industry certainly didn't spring full blown with the advent of the Left Behindseries in 1996. Remember Christyby Catherine Marshall? Published in 1967, its inspiration was the life of Marshall's mother - and the Christy Award, presented annually since 1999 to recognize novelists and novels in several categories of Christian fiction, was named after it. What makes Christian fiction? There are several givens, despite the subgenres- the Christian worldview must be woven throughout both the book's plot and its character development. But must it put proselytizing before telling a good story? How much sex - if any! - is okay in a Christian romance? Is it all right to approach edgy subjects in a Christian mystery? Is it possible to seamlessly integrate a Christian message in a crackling good yarn? In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian FictionRon Benrey - himself the author of successful Christian fiction - offers readers chapter and verse of writing Christian women's, romance, thrillers and mysteries, warfare, historical, biblical, speculative, and young adult fiction that deliver strong, inspirational messages and sell!




Gem of a Ghost


Book Description

Emma Whitecastle would rather spend time with her boyfriend than help Joanna Reid get rid of her husband's ghost. But when she finds out Joanna's daughter has broken her engagement and attempted suicide, Emma and Granny Apples are compelled to investigate. The multifaceted mystery unfolds in Hollywood, where a vengeful spirit strikes too close for comfort as Emma and Granny unearth a clue hidden in a haunted diamond. When the case leads Emma and a suave stranger to the historic mining town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, Emma must call upon a ghostly group of Molly Maguires to ease the pain of a century-old marriage gone bad. Praise: "Jaffarian's welcome third entry in her paranormal series sparkles as brilliantly as the story's haunted diamond."—Library Journal (starred review) "Jaffarian's comic timing, seemingly simple plotting and perfectly pitched dialogue make this entry in the Granny Apples series a complete delight."—RT Book Reviews "Award-winning author Jaffarian provides plot surprises and plenty of dark elements to texture this well-crafted cozy. Emma is a complicated heroine, and readers of Victoria Laurie and other paranormal suspense authors will be most pleased."—Booklist "A sweet and sassy third Granny Apples mystery."—Publishers Weekly




Writing the Christian Romance


Book Description

Craft Compelling, Salable Romances With a Christian Worldview &break;&break;Every novel needs believable characters, strong plot lines, and universal themes–and Christian romance is no exception. This unmatched resource by award-winning novelist Gail Gaymer Martin will help you master basic fiction writing skills, while ensuring your story meets and exceeds the standards of the Christian market. It comprehensively covers the special techniques and elements of the Christian romance novel, as well as how to sell your finished product to a publisher. Through detailed step-by-step instruction, examples from successful Christian romances, and practical exercises, you'll discover how to: &break;&break; develop a story that includes personal, romantic, and spiritual growth&break; incorporate prayer and spirituality into your story&break; use introspection to fully develop characters' relationship with God&break; discuss issues of sin and forgiveness in believable ways&break; present sexuality realistically, but from a Christian viewpoint &break;&break;Martin's exercises will help you apply what you've learned so that you are actively becoming a better writer and can work toward your goal of a finished romance. She'll also teach you the different options for romance publishing–a single title or a category romance–and help you decide what you want to write and who to market it to. Because it covers so much, Writing the Christian Romance will help you create a beautiful romance made even more meaningful because of its openness to God's love.




The Shack


Book Description

The powerful story found in The Shack written by Wm. Paul Young stole the hearts of millions and rocketed to fame by word-of-mouth, making it a phenomenon in publishing history. Now, The Shack: Reflections for Every Day of the Year provides an opportunity for you to go back to the shack with Papa, Sarayu, and Jesus. This 365 day devotional selects meaningful quotes from The Shack and adds prayers writer by W. Paul Young to inspire, encourage, and uplift you every day of the year.







Writing a Christian Nonfiction Book Made Simple


Book Description

Many Christians have a book inside them but haven't yet written it. Is that you? Have you thought about writing a Christian nonfiction book but simply don't know where to do start? In Writing a Christian Nonfiction Book Made Simple, Matthew Robert Payne will take you through step-by-step instructions on how to write and release that book that the world is waiting to read. You'll learn the following and much more Choosing a title The importance of self-editing Outlining your topic Effective writing strategies Finding an editor Steps to publishing Matthew also addresses the foundation of writing your Christian book, which is a strong relationship with the Holy Spirit and an understanding of the Word. With an easy-to-follow format and simple guidelines, Matthew's practical book will help you on your journey as a Christian nonfiction author. What are you waiting for? Start reading today!




Lit!


Book Description

I love to read. I hate to read. I don't have time to read. I only read Christian books. I'm not good at reading. There's too much to read. Chances are, you've thought or said one of these exact phrases before because reading is important and in many ways unavoidable. Learn how to better read, what to read, when to read, and why you should read with this helpful guide from accomplished reader Tony Reinke. Offered here is a theology for reading and practical suggestions for reading widely, reading well, and for making it all worthwhile.




Trace of Doubt


Book Description

Bestselling and award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers a heart-stopping story of dark secrets, desperate enemies, and dangerous lies. Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con. FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case. But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.




Letters and Life


Book Description

Writing lays bare the soul. All serious writers know that each word reveals something significant about themselves, granting outsiders a glimpse at their most cherished beliefs and foundational convictions. In this series of intimate reflections on life and writing, critically acclaimed and best-selling novelist Bret Lott explores the author's craft through five letters covering a range of fascinating topics, from exploring the value of literary fiction to discussing the humility of Flannery O'Connor. In the final and longest letter, Lott contemplates the death of his father and his struggle to convey his complicated thoughts and inexplicable emotions in words. Intensely personal and yet universally relatable, this powerful collection of essays will encourage and enrich writers and aspiring writers everywhere.