Jessica Everingham: The Power Of Romance In Story

Everyone's Story welcomes this week the aspiring author Jessica Everingham. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Jessica from the times she has visited this blog as a commenter, as well as through Twitter. It's an honor that she is my guest this week, and I hope that she receives much encouragement from viewers over the next few days because this woman certainly has her act together, which I'm sure you will agree upon when you read the lovely words she shares with us, as well as a blurb on the novel she's written. Be blessed. Be encouraged. Ignore anything else that tries to bring you down. Both Jessica and I look forward to hearing from you.

Jessica's blurb of HATING JEREMY WALTERS:

I’m a good church girl. How did I end up in this weird pseudo-family with two kids and the guy who broke my heart?

Natalie Groves could never hate anybody. Anybody, that is, except the love of her life.

She was nineteen when Jeremy Walters declared he wouldn’t—couldn’t—keep faking his faith in God. Not for his overbearing father, not even for her. Natalie ended their relationship and he drove off to Chicago.

Now Natalie is 26, single, and broke from paying off her father’s medical bills. And she just lost her job.

When Jem lands back in town, desperate for a nanny for his teenage niece and infant son, some say it’s Providence. Natalie says God has lost His marbles.

But with no paycheck and no savings, she can either go bankrupt or accept his job.

She’s tempted to go bankrupt.

The Best Part of Romance by Jessica Everingham

I recently read the most romantic line I’ve ever seen, in Veronica Roth’s Divergent series.

For me, it highlighted my favourite part of romance, both as a writer and a reader. But let me fill you in on the backstory…

The book’s main character, Tris, has endured countless crises with her boyfriend, Tobias, in a dystopian world coming apart at the seams.

Courtesy Google Images

Not only have the pair fought against a society hell-bent on destroying itself, they’ve also had to battle their inner demons—and sometimes each other—along the way. Yet their relationship ***SPOILER ALERT*** which began mid-way through the first book, is still going strong toward the end of the third.

It is at this point, when Tris makes the following confession:

“I fell in love with him. But I don't just stay with him by default as if there's no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me.” 

What I really love about this line is one particular word: “choose."

While the situation that Tris and Tobias live in is wildly different from our own world, their relationship is one of the most realistic—and addictive—I’ve come across in fiction.

Their love isn’t just based on attraction, (though there’s plenty of that). It’s not just about romance, (though, between battles, there’s some of that too).

These two young characters build a relationship on blood, sweat and tears. They’re faced with it all—physical danger, personal insecurities, post-traumatic stress disorder, guilt, disappointment, and even lies. Their inner demons mimic real life far more than your average romance.

Courtesy Google Images

Yet through it all, they consistently chose to put the other one above themselves. They stand with each other through grief and tragedy. They encourage. They challenge. They sacrifice. And they last.

While Roth’s novels are mainstream, not Christian, I think the enduring example shown by Tris and Tobias follows Biblical principles.

After all, what is real romance, if not this? Real life is full of challenges that require these same qualities to overcome. Sure, true love might start with attraction and fun. But at the end of the day, when unpleasant things fly toward the fan, love becomes a choice.

One of the reasons I believe Divergent excelled is because it took those real-life elements and fused them with nail-biting action, a mind-bending conspiracy and enough plot twists to make you dizzy.

That’s the thing I love about fictional romance: the chance to illustrate real-life principles through wildly imaginative situations. Divergent reminded me of that.

What have your favourite books done for you?

Jessica's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Meet @JessEveringham and see how she connects Divergent series & God’s plans for love. (Tweet This)

Like #ChristianRomance novels? See Jessica Everingham’s take on these great reads. (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:

Jessica Everingham is a 23 year-old Australian who writes about God and love, and often combines the two. Her novel-in-progress, Hating Jeremy Walters, is a prime example.

Check out a sneak peek of her book through her website/blog. 

Places to connect with Jessica:

Website/blog

Twitter

Facebook

Ace Collins: The One Thing We Don't Want An Editor To Say

Everyone's Story welcomes this week multi-published author Ace Collins. A writer who grips one's heart and thoughts, Ace is my type of storyteller and I imagine he will stir up a bit of interest from others these next few days as well. Please take a moment to check out his exciting Giveaway offer of his newest release, THE COLOR OF JUSTICE, as well as read his piece on point of view--both thought provoking for both the reader and writer. Ace and I look forward to hearing from you.

BookGiveaway:

Ace is offering 1 copy of his new release THE COLOR OF JUSTICE. The winner will be announced here on Friday, October 31st, between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!

                   

     Point of View by Ace Collins

                   

In the world of novels, editors are constantly quizzing authors about POV (point of view). Establishing POV is vital for two very important reasons. The first is obvious — a strong POV helps the reader follow the storyline. The second is often overlooked but is what separates an average book from a really good one — the author needs to deeply understand the characters he or she creates. We have to understand their motivation. We must live inside their heads and walk in their shoes. If we don’t have a full grasp on the complete nature and personality of those we create then our readers will never fully identify with our characters. While POV is essential for “growing” a good book, it might even be more important for growth in life.

In my childhood America was a segregated nation. There were schools for white children and schools for blacks. Stores and restaurants were divided by color as well. Community housing districts were also cordoned off by race. During my youth I can’t begin to count how many times I heard the expression “separate but equal.” The old lie was trotted out every time school integration was mentioned. Yet if those who used this conversational crutch had spent a day in one of those supposedly equal schools they would have noted the poor facilities and out of date textbooks. Then if they had walked the halls and visited with the students, they would have been forced to realize the only facet of their excuse against integration that held any truth was the separate part. There was no equality.

During his three years of active teaching Jesus made the establishment very uncomfortable. Rather than write off people of other races, religions and social standings, Jesus demanded that those doing the judging walk a mile in the “sinners” shoes, get to know their motivations and understand their needs. This kind of “don’t you dare throw that stone” philosophy led to those in power deciding the best way to deal with this radical teacher was to get rid of him. So rather than listen to the message or look into the mirror and see the shortcomings that were reflected, they opted to silence the messenger.

When I mess up POV my editors ask me to redevelop my characters. That is a good practice for life too. If you are so settled in your ways and traditions that you have no room for those who are different, if you believe you don’t have to associate with the modern equivalent of the woman at the well or the Samaritan, if you don’t have the courage to challenge your convictions and your prejudices, if you think you should only live in a world where people agree with your POV, if you only want to listen to one side of an issue, then you are likely not very well informed. That also likely means that your character is not likely fully developed and what a shame it is for you to short-change yourself and your potential simply because you have not opened your eyes, your ears and your mind to others ways of viewing the world.

Those who preached “separate but equal” not only lacked insight and wisdom, they were cowards. It terrified them to give up power and control even if they knew it was the right thing to do. And while they were nothing like Jesus, many used His name to justify their POV. Let’s hope we are all a bit braver, wiser and more ready to hear “the editor’s” words in 2015. Time to toss out the old antiquated thinking, take a dose of courage, expand our world and grow! After all, when our real life story is finished we don’t want an editor pointing out to us we didn't fully develop our character.

Ace's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Author @AceCollins: 2 reasons why POV is vital (2^nd one is often overlooked). (Tweet This)

Everyone has a story: Meet multi-pub author @AceCollins & see how his childhood shaped his writing. (Tweet This)

#BookGiveaway of THE COLOR OF JUSTICE by Ace Collins. (Tweet This)

Author's Bio: 

Citing his Arkansas heritage, Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Ace Collins has authored more than seventy books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play.

In 2014 Ace is releasing Man’s Best Hero, a book on dog heroes, a courtroom novel, The Color of Justice, that examines racial prejudice in 1964, and a groundbreaking ebook series, In The President’s Service, that provides readers with a new adventure each month. He has several more novels set for release in 2015 and one of his books was just optioned for a motion picture. His fiction writing has covered everything from value-driven plots, to adventures, mysteries, historical stories, sentimental tales and comedy.

Beyond his fiction and nonfiction books, Collins has penned more than 2000 magazine features, appeared on every network morning television show, as well as CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox. He also does scores of radio interviews each year. His speaking engagements have taken him from churches and corporations to the America’s Dog Museum in St. Louis and the National Archives in Washington DC. Collins has penned several production shows and speaks to college classes on the art of writing.

Collins’ hobbies include sports, restoring classic cars, Wurlitzer jukeboxes and running. He is married to the Chair of the Department of Education at Ouachita Baptist University. The couple lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and has two sons.

Places to connect with Ace:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon

An Exciting Announcement

Hark… do you hear what I hear? 

Soon to be released, my Christmas short story, THE FOREVER CHRISTMAS GIFT will be in a heart-touching short story anthology titled 

CHRISTMAS TREASURES: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES.

You will laugh, cry, and cheer along with these additional authors:

Patty Wysong

Joanne Sher

April Strauch

Susan Craft

Donna Scofield

Karla Akins

Kathleen Rouser

Anne Garboczi Evans

Karen C. Prough

Karen Wingate

Linda S. Glaz

Christina Rich

Karlene Jacobsen

Purchasing details to be shared shortly.

Mindy Obenhaus: Wonderful Things Happen Outside One's Comfort Zone

Everyone's Story welcomes author Mindy Obenhaus. Perhaps Mindy is an expert at poking more than a toe out of her comfort zone--she dared to believe in her dream of writing and publishing and with God's grace, certainly has succeeded. Congratulations, Mindy! This week Mindy shares with us her journey outside this boundary. She also is offering her current release as a Giveaway. Please take a spin down Mindy's tracks and see if you can relate. Both Mindy and I look forward to hearing from you.

BookGiveaway:

Mindy is offering 1 copy of RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEART

within the US only. The winner will be announced here on Friday, October 24th, between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!

Bye, Bye Comfort Zone By Mindy Obenhaus

We all have our comfort zones, parameters we establish in our lives that make us feel safe. And, let’s face it, we love them. Why? Because they’re so…comfortable. I have a nice, comfy recliner and, if I had my choice, I would stay there all day, every day. However, I find that if I sit there for too long, I get stiff and the backs of my thighs start to ache. So, eventually, I get up and walk around and my legs start to feel better.

Our little dog, Maddie, loves to play ball. But if that ball should come to rest too close to the pool, she will not retrieve it because the pool out of her comfort zone. We refuse to pick it up for her, though, and because her desire to play ball is so great, eventually she steps out of her zone and retrieves the ball so the game can go on.

Sometimes we choose to leave our comfort zones. Like when I chose to go ice climbing as part of my research for my September 2014 release, Rescuing the Texan’s Heart. Ice climbing is not something I would normally do. But in the name of research…

Our family visits Ouray, Colorado as often as we can. When we do, we have to do some exploring. After all, Ouray is the Jeeping capital of the world. Normally, I drive, but only until we reach the one-vehicle-width mine roads with the sheer drop-off on one side. Then I typically turn things over to my husband. This year, I kept going. Out of my comfort zone? Yes! But it was also empowering. I did it. I actually did it.

Unfortunately, there are times when we’re forced out of our comfort zones. A wild fire at our ranch in 2011 took our family way out of our comfort zone. Health issues are another zone wrecker. Injury and illness are never planned. And they often set us on a course to someplace we don’t want to go. Luckily, as Christians, we never have to face things alone. God is always with us. He walks with us, and, sometimes, carries us. I can’t think of a better traveling companion.

Over the years I’ve learned that there is a wonderful thing that happens when we leave our comfort zone, whether by choice or by force. Stepping into those new realms stretches and grows us as a person. We come out stronger, if not better for the experience.

How attached are you to your comfort zone? How do you proceed when those unexpected things arise that force you out of your zone?

Mindy's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Author Mindy Obenhaus asks how attached are you to your comfort zone? (Tweet This)

Readers: Like #LoveInspired romances? Win @MindyObenhaus #BookGiveaway of RESCUING THE TEXAN’S HEART (Tweet This)

Writers: @MindyObenhaus asks will you go beyond comfort zone for research? (Tweet This)

Author's Bio: 

Mindy Obenhaus lives in Texas with her husband and two of her five children. Her debut novel, The Doctor’s Family Reunion, was a finalist in ACFW’s 2014 Carol Awards and her second book, Rescuing the Texan’s Heart, is a September 2014 release. When she’s not writing, Mindy enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her grandkids. You can connect with her via her website, www.mindyobenhaus.com or Facebook, www.facebook.com/authorMindyObenhaus