The Lunacy Trade or Don't Judge A Book By It's Genre

I've been reading some of my book reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, The First Wild Card Tour, etc. What I'm happiest to note is that readers are "getting it." I don't mean buying it although that's good too. I guess I wasn't sure if I'd done a good enough job. But since it is my first novel in the series I'm pleased that readers like it because I wasn't at all sure that they would.  Here's why:

1. Secrets of the Heart explores some of the history of mental illness.
2. My hero Lord Ravensmoore inherits his title yet stays true to God's calling to become a physician.
3. My heroine struggles with loss, grief and depression.
4. Although it's a romance the book harbors deep psychological suspense and explores the inner workings of the lunatic asylums of the day.

I've been a student of the mind and of human behavior since I was a little kid. Let's just suffice it to say that I grew up in less than ideal circumstances. No wonder when I went off to college that I ended up majoring in Sociology and Psychology rather than Journalism which is what I had planned. I don't regret it. I got my Masters Degree in Social Work, traveled to England, Scotland, Wales, and Austria and have worked both in the fields of medical social work and mental health counseling.

Over the past thirty years I've seen the prejudices against those with mental health disorders and the serious dangers that ignite ignored mental health disorders. I'm sure you can think of a few. I want people to take steps to conquer these issues. It's my greatest hope that perhaps someone  home schooling or teaching in a public school system will put this book on their students' summer reading list or even use it as a book to learn from during the regular school year in Social Studies or Psychology and Sociology classes. Secrets of the Heart, Chameleon, and Mysteries of the Heart are the books that I've felt led to write. They are fascinating, romantic, and informative all at the same time.

I recently heard about a book called, The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson. I've downloaded it to my Kindle to read the first chapter. I already know that I'll buy it because of the subject material. One of the books that's been helpful to me in my research is: Andrew Scull's, The Masters of Bedlam. It's a book about the early practice of psychiatry, what was better known then as The Mad-Doctoring Trade or The Lunacy Trade.

One of my college friends gave me the best compliment this past week. She said she'd read my book because I wrote it. She didn't expect to like it because she thought Inspirational Fiction would be preachy. I was thrilled when she told me she'd loved it and said, "I will never judge a book by its genre again." I hope that readers will happily lose themselves in Secrets of the Heart. There will be surprises in this book and I hope you'll enjoy every moment.

Blessings,

Jillian

Ego: the mind killer

Hello kids, I’d like to take some time today to talk about something very important: ego. What’s that you say? Ego? What is it? Well, boys and girls, ego is the belief that you are awesome and that you’re too cool for… fill in the blank. But surely people in religious publishing don’t have that, do they? They know that their value comes exclusively from Jesus, right? You’d think, but once you get a taste of success, it’s amazing how it can change you. Especially if you are already prone to pride and ego to begin with.

So, how does this relate to me?

Right now I’m having to evaluate my writing career and determine what is the best next move. I would like to say I have the world on a string and I have all the answers. However, I do not. I’m faced with some tough choices about how I want to be seen as an author, and some of my best options make me appear far more amateurish than I really want to. No, none of these options are bad. Not by half a shot. But my ego is in the way, and I find myself dragging my feet because I’m convinced I’m way too awesome for… fill in the blank. I’m so wracked with ego I don’t even want to discuss the specifics here in cyberspace.  Sure, it would also be imprudent to share since some of the information is privileged, but really my motivation has more to do with the fact that I’m prideful about my writing career.

So, LORD, forgive me of my pride (which I acknowledge as sin), give me the strength to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot, and the freedom from pride needed to make any of these actions honoring to You.

-Amen

Connecting the Dots

A small town man-child, overcoming his own faults to save his best friend from a demon. Two teenage runaways, in love and on an adventure across parallel dimensions, dogged by some unnamed evil. A criminal empire decimated by a blue-headed Death figure.

Three unrelated stories that I’m working on (the first one is already available and is The Strange Man). Or, are they unrelated?

I don’t know when the fascination began, but I love interconnected stories. I love an intricate mythology, made up of a multitude of stories. I love seeing characters from Story A pop up--even if it’s only a cameo--in Story B. I love continuity. I have since I was a kid. I’ve always written stories where this character over here knows this character over there. Where different characters from different tales can peacefully co-exist in the same town, or visit the same places. I like repeating locations, names, and themes. I like the feeling that all my stories exist in a single world.

For years, I took this approach in my screenwriting and my general story-thoughts. It’s actually become a running joke with my friends. “Give it to Greg--he can connect anything”. Naturally, when I started writing prose, I brought over this same philosophy, but was worried how that might appear to publishers and the public, in general. Especially when I have recurring threads existing through stories that might all see publication by different houses.

Much to my surprise, though, I discovered that this "phenomenon" runs rampant in fiction writing in all genres! Clive Cussler, John Grisham, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, the list goes on! So many people have done this very same thing. I realized I was not alone in my insanity! There are other dot-connectors out there!

Perhaps I was meant to write novels all along :)

I’m excited for my other stories to see publication one day, for a variety of reasons. But largely so that the connections are out there for Readers to discover--a whole world waiting to be uncovered and dots to be connected. I hope to see those stories come to light, and I hope to have Readers willing to follow me as I explore the mysterious corners of my own little universe. It will, no doubt, be infinitely more fun for me to connect the dots than it will be for you, but I’m okay with that.

It’s what I do.

For the writers in the crowd, do you connect dots? Be it a name, or a character, or a place--how have you connected your works? For readers, do you appreciate this odd little quirk in a writer or are we only infuriating you with our mad obsession?

Good Stories Outlast Bad Times

Cosmetic surgeries are down these days. It's no wonder. Who can justify botox injections when their 401k is circling the drain? Nothing like an economic meltdown to reveal the real worth of something. But if that's the case, then storytellers oughta be pretty jazzed.

During one of our previous financial downturns, from an article entitled Recession Ripples, comes this:

Hollywood honchos love to reassure themselves by noting that people kept going to movies during the Depression because they wanted to escape from their financial problems. And movie-ticket sales climbed steadily in the last two recessions — from $1.9 billion in 1974 to $2.1 billion in 1975, and from $3 billion in '81 to $3.5 billion in '82.

In troubled economic times, one of the few sectors that remain recession proof is the entertainment industry. Bars, Movies. Music – all stay in business. Call it escapism, diversion, or whatever you want, but entertainment companies seem to prosper when the economy falters. (emphasis mine)

This is somewhat encouraging for those of us who labor in the realm of story. Apparently, when things go south, people tend to dream. We want to escape the worry, be swept away into another time where stock markets never crash and the only bailouts are those enacted by wily wizards or harlequin hunks. It's why comedians thrive during tough times, and why some of the best comic book characters were forged during global conflict (the 1930's and 40's were called the Golden Age of comic books).

So is story-telling recession-proof?

No. The last several years have seen a significant scaling back in the publishing industry. Downsizing. Layoffs. And more scrutiny brought upon acquisitions. During recessions, publishers are forced to be more picky. Not only do they publish less books, they look for sure-sellers, bigger name authors who're more likely to entice consumer spending. Economic downturns also result in more affordable paperbacks, and reprints tend to resurface as readers wax nostalgic for the good old days.

And then there's discounts on liposuction.

So, while story-telling isn't completely recession-proof, Americans still want to be swept away. Which is why studio estimates are that Pirates of the Caribbean 4 made over $90 million in its opening weekend. Don't we know we're in a recession? Hmm. I guess crumbling economies have a way of making pirate epics even more alluring.

So take heart. If it all collapses and we're thrust back into the proverbial Stone Age, we would still huddle around the fire with our tribe and tell tales. The Good Samaritan, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Hazel Motes have weathered many hard times. Sure, by this time next year I may be out of a job. But Gandhalf will always be there...

What Is Our Purpose?

I will be celebrating my 75^th birthday in June, and two question people always ask me are how long I’ve been writing, and why I write. I’m not sure about “writing”, but I’ve been telling stories since I was five years old. At least that’s my first memory. It seems that reading and writing went hand in hand for me. As for why, I write because God laid it on my heart that I could share His message of love through my words.

I learned to read early and when I was hospitalized the summer after my fifth birthday with what they diagnosed as viral meningitis, books were my only companion while in isolation. After four spinal taps and lots of prayer, the symptoms and the disease itself disappeared, and I went home. That fall I went to kindergarten and was already able to read simple picture books on my own. Soon after that my mother got me my first library card, and once a week we made the trip to check-out books.

While many readers do so for entertainment, others do it for escape. Reading and writing soon became my way of escaping the things happening in my family. My stories had perfect parents and perfect children. My paper dolls were my family, and I lived a happy life through them and shut out the world around me.

After my parents’ very messy divorce when I was ten, writing in a diary helped me cope with the disruptions including my mother’s suicide attempt, an abusive step-father, and living with my grandparents. The Lord came into my life at age nine, and my faith became the anchor that held me steady through many stormy episodes. I set goals for myself and persevered to reach them with full confidence that God would help me accomplish them.

We all bring different backgrounds and experiences to our writing. Some are even more dysfunctional than mine and some are completely happy and free of turmoil. Whatever our situations were and are in life, we are called to write the stories God lays on our hearts. Sometimes those stories are flights of fantasy to take us to another world of the future. Others take us back to Biblical times to give a glimpse of what life may have been like in ancient days. Still more just take us back to another time in history to show us how our forefathers struggled with hardships and made a way for themselves. So many times they faced some of the same problems that we as Christians face today. Separation from God, an unforgiving spirit, running from God’s will for our life, blaming God for disappointments and failures faced them just as we face them today.

One thing we can learn from historicals is that God never changes. He took them through the rough times and brought them to the other side just as He does us today. Then in contemporary writing we see God’s hand at work in the lives of our characters and know that He will never fail us.

That’s the message our readers need to see and hear. The Jesus who performed miracles in Galilee, brought people to America, revealed himself to people of all nations, and carried the burdens of His children throughout history is the same Jesus who wraps His arms around us and carries us through the fires of adversity to become stronger and closer to Him.

It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been writing. What matters is the truth we bring to our writing. We can learn the skills, the rules, and the mechanics of writing, but none of that matters if the core message doesn’t point to the One who gave us life.

My stories have the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Whether the reconciliation is between God and man or man to man, hearts are touched and lives are changed. That's my purpose.

So, what is your goal or purpose in writing your stories? What do you want people to gain from your writing?

THE BLOG TOUR BEGINS TODAY: Undaunted Faith

What's a blog tour?

Many writers and readers may not be familiar with this kind of event. It's like a book tour, but in blog format. Many bloggers post about an author's book during the same time. Bloggers might include book reviews, author interviews, or just a blurb of the book's back cover. This gives the book some added attention.

As a writer, I do some guest-posting on different blogs. I do some interviews and book give-aways. To readers, I suggest keeping up with my blog or finding me on Facebook so you have a chance to participate and possibly win a free book!

Here's what my book, Undaunted Faith, is all about:

The McCabe brothers have their hands full. Trouble on the range and trouble in town. But they never expected their sweet schoolteacher, Bethany Stafford, to join in the mix of woe. When her reputation is unfairly tarnished, Pastor Luke McCabe is quick to propose marriage. But Bethany wants better than just a marriage of necessity to save her good name. Could Luke ever come to love a plain “little field mouse” like her?

Dr. Annetta Cavanaugh has her own questions about men and their intentions. While Pastor Jake McCabe seems sincere, she still has her doubts about him. But after he accompanies her on a medical call, she sees a whole new side of him and can't help but admit her attraction to the handsome pastor.

However, there’s evil brewing in town—a lawlessness that even the sheriff cannot tamp down. Finally, it comes face-to-face with both Luke and Jake and it threatens the lives of the women they love. Are the McCabe brothers ready for the fight of their lives?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I really enjoyed writing about the Arizona Territory. I have a passion for the Southwest. I've always enjoyed hearing from our missionaries in New Mexico and I have a cousin and friends in Arizona. So it was with much passion that I researched the area in this time period (1867). My friend and editor, Anne McDonald helped me by calling the director of Yuma, Arizona's Historical Society. So I feel my story will give readers a good sense of what it might have been like to walk in Bethany's shoes. She came from Wisconsin and the Arizona Territory was quite the shock to her system.

How would you handle such a transition? Have you ever moved from one side of our country to the other? Are you from a country other than the United States?

I always love to hear from my readers.

~Andrea Boeshaar

How does your mind work?

That is the question a reader asked me at a book signing recently. He had read the first three books in "Reluctant Demon Diaries" and was having trouble breaking through some of his doctrinal bondage that told him Christians should not read a book about demons, especially if the demon turned out to be not so bad - even if it is speculative fiction. His question prompted me to think about why I tend to see things differently when it comes to scripture. I know this is probably true because so many people have said it to me so many times. There must be something to it. I suppose it might be because I am a trained forensic debater. When I was in college I participated in a lot of debate tournaments. While I always knew in advance what the topic for the debate would be, I never knew until we drew lots which side of the issue I would defend. Therefore, it was necessary to know the evidence supporting both points of view. It is sort of like a trail lawyer who prepares the case for the other side before preparing his/her own.

When I use scripture as a basis for my writing, I approach it with three questions: (1) who is talking, (2) who is he talking to (3) what is he talking about? When one uses this template for reading the account, it is interesting to discover how many interpretations of well known stories are not supported well by what the Bible actually says - or does not. While I believe in the infallible word of scripture, I do not necessarily believe in the infallible word of commentary. Commentary, unless it is historically verified, is always someone's opinion of what the author meant. While it may be a very good opinion, it is still just opinion and I believe we do well to be careful not to give opinion the same weight as scripture. Because the Bible is the "Reader's Digest" version of what happened, there is ample room for reasonable speculation about the details.

What about you? Is it threatening or liberating to think there may be more to the stories in the Bible than we have thought or imagined?

Where's Your Space?

By Andrea Boeshaar

Where do you like to write?

Readers ask me this question all the time. I have a home office. But I didn’t at first. It wasn’t until the last of my sons got married and moved out that I claimed a room as my own office. Then we moved to a smaller home and now one of our three bedrooms is designated as my workspace.

But it’s not state-of-the-art. I work on a scuffed up oak desk – built in the days of solid wood and it weighs a ton. My mother once owned an auction gallery and the desk once stood in her office with a matching credenza (I have it too). Certainly, you wouldn’t find this furniture in a penthouse office suite. But folks, they just don’t craft furniture this well anymore! For that reason (and for the memory factor) I love it and it’s part of my workspace.

As for the rest of the décor, it’s a hodgepodge of framed artwork and other memorabilia. On the bulletin board, I have pictures of friends and family –including my precious grandchildren. I’ve tacked up silk flowers from weddings and Bible verses that help to keep my thoughts on Christ.

  



Celebrate!



I also have a painting that my twelve-year-old niece made for me on my 50^th birthday. I’ve entitled it “Celebrate.”

Storm

My great aunt Agnes painted a picture decades ago that’s called “Storm.” I inherited it from my grandfather’s cousin, and I cherish it. I’ve hung it on the wall near the window if my workspace.



My Beach

My aunt Naya Rydzewski, a noted artist in Key West, painted a beach scene just for me. It occupies the wall directly across from “Storm” (I thought it quite appropriate).

In addition, I’ve framed a few of my book covers and hung up an award I received from ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).   



Cover of "Keepers of the Light"
and an ACFW award



Impressive? Hardly. Are these things in my workspace of great value? Probably not. But they are priceless to me and they make me feel creative. That’s not to say I draw upon these items for creativity. I don’t. My gift of writing and creating comes from the Lord and through much prayer. Simply, I enjoy feeling surrounded by the finished products of artistic loved ones.

I must admit that when the North Wind blows and deadlines loom, I seek refuge in "office #2"….and everyone’s got one (an office #2, that is).



Office #2



Yep. Grab that laptop and crawl under the covers! I’d be interested in learning just how many authors write in their bedrooms. I’m sure there are plenty who do!

The question to consider when selecting a workspace is, where do you feel the most creative? At the kitchen table near the window so you have a view of your garden? In the corner of the living room? At the dining room table?

Years ago, my husband and I toured the poet, Carl Sandburg’s home in North Carolina. His workspace is adjacent to what was his bedroom and we learned Mr. Sandburg preferred to work at night. I took heart when I surveyed his organized mess. The tour guide said that wherever Mr. Sandburg worked there were piles of papers, files, and books. Sometimes he worked on orange crates as opposed to his desk or a table. Not what you'd expect from such a prolific bard -- at least, I didn't.

So, getting back to the original question: Where do you like to write? Drop me a comment and let me know about your space. And if you're a reader, tell me where you most enjoy reading books.

More Chances to Win Free Copies of the New Realms Releases

I have a blog where I feature other Christian authors and promote their books. I started in 2005, and I believe I was the first blogger to offer free books.

I'm featuring all the May releases on my blog. A couple of the posts have already run, and the others are scheduled later in the month.

Here's the link: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

You might want to subscribe to my blog so you won't miss a single new book or chance to win a free copy.

Do you like winning free books?

Do you like learning about new authors and their works so you can better choose books that interest you?

What kind of books do you like to read?

Don't Kill the Doggies!

I'm at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference and busy up to my ears so I'm going to make this short and sweet but hope to get some feedback . . . because I really want to know what you think!

I write suspense and in every one of my books thus far animals have been killed, cats and dogs. Mostly dogs. And after every one of my books releases I get emails from readers condemning me for killing animals in my stories. The poor doggies. They don't mind the killing of humans, hey, that's part of a suspense novel, right? But dogs and cats? Oh no, don't you go there Mr. Dellosso.

The comment usually goes something like this:

"I could take the murdering of people, but when a dog got killed, I couldn't read anymore. I don't tolerate that."

Huh? Really? Okay look, first, it's fiction, it's not real. No animals are really injured in the writing of my books. In fact, I love dogs. Cats? Not so much. And second, even if it was real, is the life of a dog more valuable than the life of a person?

I'd like your thoughts on this. Does it bother you more when animals are harmed or killed in a novel than when people are? And why? Please oh please tell me why. I don't like offending readers and would love to know the reasoning behind the comments.

To Brand or Not to Brand

As I’ve navigated through the publishing industry I’ve learned many things: voice, pacing, promoting and networking to name a few. But there is one aspect that I still question...branding. Although I understand the concept, which is to label yourself into a certain genre and style of writing, and the reason for doing so, to develop a following of readers who know what to expect from your writing, but it hasn’t been easy for me to do.

After a family trip to Mexico watching my teenagers interact with the teens there I was inspired to write a young adult story. Soon after I finished that book an author and friend informed me romance was the biggest selling genre which encouraged me to write a romantic suspense. They were both published so I was motivated to write still another.

I decided to try my hand at a historical, and loved doing the research. My next project was a women’s fiction, and I thought I’d found my niche until a speculative fiction idea came flowing into my mind that just poured out of me.

I felt like a rebellious teenager, not wanting to follow the rules of the literary industry, which brings me to the next genre which was non-fiction. My devotional was inspired by the difficulties my teen went through and was absolutely God given. I’d never planned on writing non-fiction but HE had different plans for me and my writing.

Are you dizzy yet? My agent was but she patiently waited for the right genre to grab me, and it finally did when my Amish series came to fruition. I feel right at home writing about these interesting people who I’ve come to know and admire.

After all that you ask, what exactly is a brand? Your brand should say something about you. A writer is expected to learn how to create and reflect the brand that they want readers to know about them as a writer. To know how to build, communicate and maintain a personal brand.

There is always something new to learn about the writing industry and branding has become a popular way to promote, one that a writer is supposed to settle into and find where they’re comfortable. I just hope it comes a little easier for others than it did for me:)

Question...how important do you think Branding is? Readers, does it help to know a writers platform? Authors do you feel it promotes our careers or does it confine them?

I hope the picture posted and isn't too blurry, but I HAD to get a Texas brand since I live in Texas, even though I'm from Colorado:)

WE HAVE A WINNER!

                  

AND THE WINNER OF THE SIGNED COPY OF SECRETS OF THE HEART IS

CHRISTI CORBETT

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTI!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Thanks to everyone who dropped by and joined in the fun.

Christi, e-mail me with your address and I'll get this book in the mail to you next week. :) Congratulations again! Jillian

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                               

The Thrill Ride to Publication Part One

Secrets of the Heart offically released this week on May 3rd. It was a thrill and will be for a long time. I had a few minutes to savor the fact that I have a published novel available for the reading public. I've known this day was coming for a long time, but  when I look back on all the years of study and effort and rejection it really does become a rollercoaster of emotion. I made it to the top of the rollercoaster this week, closed my eyes, and felt my stomach drop as the emotion raced over me like that downward rush after the long, slow climb up the tracks.

I live very close to Kings Island in Ohio. It's one of the biggest amusement parks in the country. If you are looking for a thrill, this is the place to visit. Thrill Rides Very much like the journey to publication. For instance, there is a ride called Delirium. Pictured on the right.  Dictionary.com (medical dictionary) describes delirium as "a mental disturbance characterized by confusion, disordered speech, and hallucinations." I ask, as a counselor now, who in their right mind would get on a ride called DELIRIUM? Ah, you've figured out I'm not a lover of thrill rides.

But even though I'm not a fan of rollercoasters and other thrill rides I think those of us who write with  the goal of publication in mind have passed through a gate that leads to one of the biggest thrill rides we are likely to encounter. Up and down and all around we go. And sometimes it's as crazy as DELIRIUM: "a powerful ride that sends 50 outward facing riders seating on a continuous ring with their legs dangling free in the air - spinning madly at the bottom of a giant arm that swings back and forth rocketing riders up to 137 feet in the air…"  Like I said, who in their right mind? :)

But I suggest that those of us who set our sights on publication are the same kind of risk takers as those who would subject their minds and bodies to the delirium of thrill rides. If you are a writer and you want to share any part of your thrill ride please tell us about it. If you are a reader, what kind of thrill ride have you encountered?

I will be giving away another book this week in celebration of Secrets of the Heart. So leave a comment with your e-mail address.  I will announce the winner on Sunday for Mother's Day. So if you would like a book please leave your comment by midnight Saturday, May 7th. And if you want to read Part Two of this continuing post you'll be able to find it at Jillian Kent's Blogspot on Tuesday, May 10th.

Now take a deep breath and relax after that wild ride and enjoy the book trailer for Secrets of the Heart that was so kindly provided by Realms. Secrets of the Heart Video

TONE!

Sometimes as an author I just wish I had a boss – somebody who would tell me “do it this way”. But that’s no good to anybody. It’s my job to know what way to do things – or just take a risk and dive in. But I still want someone, ANYONE to tell me what the right answer is.

Right now I’m struggling with the tone of my new book – a romantic rescue story set in the Belgian Congo in the 1960s, featuring: Mercenaries, missionaries, Communists, Cannibals, Diamonds, Uranium, horrifying wildlife, the United Nations, and a country the size of Europe to set the story in. So what book is this? Is it a pulp adventure similar to Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Mummy? A romance with dangerous elements similar to Titanic or Pearl Harbor? Is it a socially-relevant tale of Africa like Blood Diamond or Tears of the Sun? A frightening survival thriller about exotic creatures like Jurassic Park or The Ghost and the Darkness? A study in 1960s culture and norms? Or a romantic, nostalgic adventure of cynical idealism like Casablanca or The African Queen?

The answer is all of them. Unfortunately.

So the real question isn’t what this book can be, or even what I want it to be. The real question is narrowing the dramatic focus in such a way that I enjoy the writing process and the reader has an awesome time reading. Elevator pitch: “A mercenary in 1960s Congo is hired to rescue a missionary who turns out to be a woman he once loved and lost.” That’s PRIME real estate for adventure, danger, romance, epic history, and even some witty, bantering humor. To not touch on any of those bases would be a crime – yet trying to cram it all into one book is, honestly, impossible.

So, I will spend the next week of my life hashing through what this book should be, what the most readers will enjoy most, and what I am willing to let go of for the sake of writing a coherent book.

Meanwhile, I encourage all of you to comment and tell me exactly what to do, because I’m going crazy. And who doesn't want to be my boss for the day?

IT'S HAPPY RELEASE DAY From Realms Fiction/Charisma House

Darkness Follows by Mike Dellosso
Undaunted Faith by Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar
Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent
The Redeemer by Linda Rios Brook

Follow these authors on Facebook by clicking on their names!

AND THE WINNER IS...

I asked my husband for a number and he said 7. I counted down the comments for my post called "The Art of Marketing" and found the 7th person to leave a comment.

Congratulations to Kym McNabney. You have won an autographed copy of my latest book Undaunted Faith. Please send your snail-mail address to: andrea@andreaboeshaar.com

There are more books to win in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to stop by frequently!

~Andrea