The Imperfectionist's Guide to Sorting Your Stuff by Lisa Lawmaster Hess

I'm excited to have Lisa visit again! We've been author friends for a long time, and it's a real privilege to enjoy reading this interview from her. Join in on the fun!

Thanks so much for joining me on Sunnybank Secrets, Lisa.

About Lisa:
Lisa Lawmaster Hess is a Jersey girl who moved to Pennsylvania for college, then stayed.

The author of three nonfiction books

• Acting Assertively, Diverse Divorce and Know Thyself 

and two novels

• Casting the First Stone and Chasing a Second Chance

Lisa has also written for online and print publications. Lisa blogs at The Porch Swing Chronicles and Organizing By STYLE and is a frequent contributor to CatholicMom.com, Teachers of Vision and Today’s Catholic Teacher. A retired elementary school counselor, Lisa is an adjunct professor of psychology at York College of Pennsylvania. Her latest book is Know Thyself: The Imperfectionist’s Guide to Sorting Your Stuff. 


NOW, on to the interview:

Is there a story behind your books?/What started you on your writing journey?

Know Thyself is my fifth book, but I’ve been working on novels, so it’s been over a decade between non-fiction books! This one (which took every bit of that decade to get from idea to completion) arose out of my own desire to get sustainably organized in a way that worked for me. An unexpected move that I didn’t initially want to make was the catalyst for working on my own organizational skills, and the ensuing research and journey led me to the conclusion that organization is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.


What kind of books do you enjoy reading? (Book recommendations very welcome!)

I enjoy a good novel but, lately, I’ve been reading a lot of non-fiction. Last summer, I downloaded Audible and I’ve found that I love listening to audiobooks even though my commute is short. My recent favorites include Becoming by Michelle Obama, Still Foolin’ ’Em by Billy Crystal and Jodi Piccoult’s Small Great Things. I’m currently reading Biased by Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt and listening to Gretchen Rubin’s Better Than Before. I’m also reading an advance copy of Clarice G. James’s The Girl He Knew. Think I can finish them all before the semester starts at the end of August??


Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Since Know Thyself is non-fiction, I’m going to take the liberty of changing the question a bit, and share the styles that best describe me. In Know Thyself, I share three personal styles (I need to see it, I love to be busy and I love stuff) and three organizational styles (cram and jam, drop and run and I know I put it somewhere) that influence our organizational success. I most identify with the I need to see it personal style and the drop and run organizational style, so I plan my organizational systems around those styles.


Why do you write in the genre you do?

I write both fiction and non-fiction. For fiction, the draw for me is the characters. I’m a total pantser, but I have to sketch out my characters and their backstories before I sit down to write. Once I know who the people are, I introduce them to each other and take it from there.

With non-fiction, I like that I can write about topics I find interesting and relevant. Know Thyself is my first non-fiction book with a spiritual aspect to it, written primarily for adults. Acting Assertively and Diverse Divorce were both written for the educational market and while the concepts transferred to adults, they were written for adults to use with children.


How much research do you do for each book?

Because I write contemporary fiction and my non-fiction is within my wheelhouse as a psychology instructor, I don’t usually do a lot of research. If I come up against a topic that’s important to the story that I want to know more about, that’s when I dig in. My goal is not to become an expert but, rather, to write accurately and knowledgeably about the topic.


Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you. (and why it's special)

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse hangs in a place of prominence in my office – in fact, I purchased a ceramic cross with this verse on it so I could see it daily. Seven years ago, I took advantage of an early retirement incentive and retired from my career as a school counselor. My daughter had just finished middle school and college loomed in four years. I knew the early retirement was the right choice – most days, anyway – but leaving behind a job with a great salary and benefits was a scary proposition. I read this verse a lot that first year until my next steps became clear and, to this day, it sustains me when things are hard.


About the book:
Know Thyself: The Imperfectionist’s Guide to Sorting Your Stuff, is meant for anyone who has ever struggled to get organized. So often, people who’ve struggled with this life skill have also lost faith in themselves, which is more demoralizing than any amount of clutter. Know Thyself takes a light-hearted approach to a serious topic, with the aim of building confidence alongside organizational skills by building on what we do naturally. This strengths-based approach helps readers to organize in a sustainable way, rather than merely clearing the clutter and hoping for the best.

Link to book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Jtx6aH

Lisa on social media: 

Facebook: Lisa Lawmaster Hess, Writer
Twitter: @orgbystyle
Instagram: lisalawmasterhess
Pinterest: Lisa Lawmaster Hess
Organizing by STYLE blog: www.orgbystyle.blogspot.com

Thanks for visiting, Lisa, and readers, check out her book on Amazon!

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Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other's love...and keep the German enemy at bay.

She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she's scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamorous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife's life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can't stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their own selves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Buy the Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Angel's Serenade by Linda Weaver Clarke

It's a pleasure to welcome Linda! She's such a talented author, with interesting and entrancing plots that will keep you reading...just one more page!!

Read on to find out about her newest book:

Angel’s Serenade is a Historical Romance with a mystery to solve. This story is set in 1836 in the United States. You will learn about the infamous River Pirates, the remedies for illnesses of that time period, the effects that music has on a person, and you will fall in love all over again.

Emmeline Scott is raising her sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping her nephew adapt to his surroundings. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates who is causing so much havoc?

“This book, combining children, 

doctors and music 

with a little bit of a mysterious pirate gang, 

is a lovely way to relax and enjoy positivity! 

Ms. Clarke has a gift for 

writing homey dialogue, 

and a deep understanding of 

children’s needs and feelings – 

all combined into a developing love story

in the not-so-long-ago past. 

All of this results in an enjoyable read.” –Author Sherrill Cannon

When Emmeline is given the responsibility of raising her sister’s children, she finds out that it is not as easy as she thought. The children have a difficult time adapting to their new surroundings. Would giving them an education and all her love be enough? After her nephew meets the good doctor, Emmeline wonders why Sam is so drawn to him? When Doctor Lucas Golden finds out that he’s being picked on at school, he wants to help young Sam but his advice is unusual and Emmeline is not happy about his interference.

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, 

and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, 

medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those 

who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Emmeline Scott is an accomplished pianist and teaches piano to young students. Every day at five o’clock, after her last student is gone, she sits down at the piano and plays her favorite pieces. Unbeknown to Emmeline, the new doctor across the street sits outside on his porch and listens to her play. Lucas closes his practice at 5:00 and looks forward to being serenaded. It relaxes him after a long day at work. They haven’t been introduced, but he has dubbed her “Angel Lady” because of her music.

How about the mystery surrounding this story? Emmeline is worried about her neighbor. Why is Mr. Miller acting suspicious and meeting with disagreeable men in private? Is her neighbor harboring a secret, which may prevent him from winning the election? Is it possible that Emmeline can help or is it best to not get involved?

The first book in the Willow Valley Historical Romances is One Last Dance. In this story, Felicity Brooks is an artist, but her career is cut short when her father passes away. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father had discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

“One Last Dance is a historical romance with a mystery to add to the tale. 

Felicity has always been a strong and independent woman. 

Amongst mystery, loss, paintings, and a career, 

she is going to have to decide if love has a place in her heart.” --Author Anna Del C Dye

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Serenade-Willow-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07RV79LDN

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Willow-Valley-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07GVNWSP9

Here is a Video link for One Last Dance:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

About the Author:

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Mystery Suspense, Cozy Mysteries, Swashbuckling/Adventure Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda teaches a class about writing your family history that is free to the public at the Family Search Center in Southern Utah. She is also a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn about their heritage.







Don't miss out on reading this book!
Happy reading!

***

A great summer read! 

Book 2 of the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series

Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia. Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing.

Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play?

And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?

Buy the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

A Visit with George Cargill: In the Grip of God

Welcome, Author George Cargill. He is a new author friend, and I've truly enjoyed reading his interview below. 

What started you on your writing journey?

It was one of the worst days of my life that got me started on the road that ended up with a novel. I began the ministry of the gospel as a middle-aged man in a church that believed in redemption and ignored my past baggage. The people took me in, and I came to love them with all of my heart. Then they made me a pastor and I found my work as God’s servant in His kingdom. It was a shock when, after fifteen years, the Senior Pastor of the church let me go. I thought I would be a pastor there as long as I could walk and talk. I still have the image in my mind of the Pastor telling me it was over. I thought, “I am only sixty-two. It can’t be over.” I wasn’t prepared emotionally or financially for retirement. Bad day. But God and prayer carried me on. 

The Lord took care of all of my needs and provided opportunities and resources for ministry. In 2011 I founded Following the Book Ministries, an international online ministry for the advancement of faith and Biblical knowledge. I continued leading several Bible study groups and preaching from time to time. It was in studying the eighteenth chapter of Acts that I became fascinated with the Apostle Paul’s journey into Corinth. He wrote to the Corinthians, “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling.” I think those words were literal. Paul came into that great pagan metropolis alone, beaten down, and out of money. How did he find Aquilla and Priscilla? Who were the people of the household of Stephanas, the first converts in Corinth? Who was that mysterious man Titius Justus? I began writing a story about Paul and the people of Corinth, not just about what he did and the story of the redeemed people of Corinth but about the kind of man who could take on an impossible mission for Jesus. Three years later In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth was published by Brimstone Fiction. I thank God for His providence and the people He sent to help me.

Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Of course, since the novel is about Paul, his character dominates the story. But I became interested in the women Paul mention in his letters. People such as Priscilla, Chole, Junia, Phoebe, Lydia and others whom Paul referred to as deacons, fellow workers and partners in ministry. The one that interested me the most was Priscilla. Her husband was named Aquila and together they were a ministry team of whom Paul said, “…for my life they risked their necks.” Romans 16:4 (NASB) I developed her character in the book as a godly woman who, though small in stature, could courageously break out of the role that the culture imposed on women in the first century.

Why do you write in the genre you do?

Historical fiction, whether the main character is historical or fictional, is the kind of book I like

to read. But I am also interested in the message that is presented in the New Testament by Jesus and His Apostles. I think a ripping good story set in the reality of history is the best vehicle to spread the message of redemption that the world needs.

How much research do you do for each book?

The history and culture of the Jews and of the Greek and Roman Empires in the five hundred years on either side of the time of Jesus has been a long-time interest of mine. I think most of the critical research that I did on the book was in fact-checking my writing. In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth is not a history book or Scripture but has to be faithful to both to be believable. Solid research is critical when an author is presenting something that is a little different than the conventional understanding of history or the culture in which the character exists.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.

Romans 8:31. This became one of my favorites when I was in Haiti. I saw this citation without the scripture painted on the top-top taxi trucks that are so colorful and ply the streets of Port-au-Prince. I did not have a Bible with me when I first saw it. Immediately the verse came to my mind, “…And we know that God causes all things to work together for good…” No, I thought, “that is Romans 8:28.” When I got my Bible and looked it up, I began weeping as I thought of all the horrible circumstances and problems of life in Haiti. The Christians in Haiti reply to these things with the inspired words of Paul, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (NASB)

In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth

Alone, beaten down, out of money, and pursued by his enemies, Paul leaves wealth, power, and love to bring the gospel to the great pagan city of Corinth. Facing danger and death, he must

find a way to survive the laws of both the Jews and the Roman Empire itself. Soon, Paul finds himself no longer seeking God’s will but being inexorably carried along by Divine purpose.

BUY the book here:

Amazon

George Cargill is a fourth-generation pastor. His first novel, In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth, chronicles the trials of the early Corinthian church through the eyes of the Apostle Paul. You can read more from Pastor George on his blog at georgecargill.com. Visit his ministry at https://followingthebook.org.

Follow George on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GripofGod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FollowingBook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george.cargill/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-cargill-407406123/

Thank you for joining me on Stitches Thru time, George. May God continue to bless your ministry!

Readers, do check out his books!

An Interview with Author Carol Heilman by Carole Brown

I'm tickled to introduce you to my friend, Carol Heilman! Her books are delightful and intriguing mysteries that are bound to keep your interest. Do check out her links to purchase them!

Is there a story behind your books?

Yes indeed. Agnes Hopper began as a short story—a writing assignment from a creative writing class. The story ended when Agnes walked away from a retirement home where the administrator ran a tight ship for sinister reasons. When I began asking

“What if Agnes stayed to help her friends?”

the story evolved into a book, and then a series. It’s been an adventure.

What started you on your writing journey?

I began writing in my fifties when I purchased a book on “free writing.” Completing those exercises took my breath away. I was hooked.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

Mostly historical fiction

• The Cigar Factory by Michele Moore,
• The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd, and
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Nellie, a recent resident of the retirement home, who claims to be Minnie Pearl’s cousin twice removed. She looks like the little old woman who lived in a shoe. She is a kleptomaniac, a quirky character who lends a sense of humor to the story.

Why do you write in the genre you do?

I love the people and their lives in small southern towns where a mystery thrives in the hot, humid air.

What is a favorite memory from your childhood?

Summer evenings spent listening to my coal miner daddy and uncle tell stories on our front porch while lightening bugs danced along the wood’s edge.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to 

you. (and why it's special)

2^nd Samuel 22:17 NIV

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters."

I was in my early thirties at the time when the Lord spoke to me through this verse. I was drowning in deep waters of bitterness yet He rescued me with His steadfast love. He has remained faithful and true.

Buy her books here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792DNZMW/

About Carol:

Carol Heilman, a coal miner's daughter, married her high school sweetheart, a farmer's son. She began writing family stories, especially about her dad's Appalachian humor, for newspapers and magazines. One day her mother said, "We don't have any secrets any more!"

Carol's book series, Agnes Hopper Shakes Up Sweetbriar and Agnes Hopper Bets on Murder, was inspired by her mother's spunky spirit and her dad's humor.

She has relocated, along with her husband of fifty-plus years, from the mountains of NC to Charleston, SC. The low country is now their home. They love to play cards, go antiquing, hike, and visit grandsons on the east and west coasts.

***

Love Historical Romantic Suspense? Check out the first book of my WWII Spies series!

Book One:

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong willed as she is.

As Tyrell works to keep his double life a secret and locate the traitor, he refuses to believe that Emma Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style they’re used to, that he’ll stoop to espionage?

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

Buy the book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Young Adult Nick Caden (via Author Eddie Jones)

Welcome To Nick (and Eddie!). 

Using a young person's viewpoint, Eddie captures their doubts, questions, and suspicions of what is real and what is not. In today's world, plenty of young people are searching for faith of some sort, for answers. 

We're excited to read about this opportunity for writers who want to learn about writing for the young adult age group. Read on to find out what makes Nick tick and some of his history and a bit about what Nick's adventures are about...you won't be disappointed!

Some readers have asked the guy who helps me write my stories (Mr. Jones) if I’m a Christian. I doubt that I am. I’m in my teens, which means I sort of question everything. Especially people who say they know for sure something is true.

I know Mom and Dad aren’t Christians. Neither is my sister. But then again, a lot of the people I meet who say they are Christians don’t act like it. They’re mean or rude or don’t do hardly any of the things the Bible says you’re supposed to do, like treat your neighbor like you want to be treated or (and this is a big one) treat God like he’s actually GOD.

Pop, my grandfather, is a Christian. He used to teach religion at a college in Sleepy Hollow. When I was a kid he told me every person who’s ever been born was messed up in God’s eyes. Some worse than others. But Pop said being even a little messed up is enough to send you off the road and into the ditch. Except he didn’t say ditch. He used a word I can’t repeat because Mom says it’s a cuss word. Pop said that’s how come we need God’s help to get fixed.

I know most of the boys my age don’t think a lot of stuff in the Bible actually happened. Like, how can there have been dinosaurs during the Jurassic Park era and the earth only be 6000 years old? 6000 years old! My grandfather has packing peanuts that old. My grandfather never throws away bubble wrap or packing peanuts. “Never know when I’m going to need to mail something.” By the way, my grandfather hardly ever leaves the house so I’m not sure when he thinks he’s going to mail something to someone.

But then my science teacher swears we came from some single-cell-ameba-whatever that crawled from the sea a gazillion years ago and eventually grew into a human. How’s that even possible? And where did the single-cell-ameba-whatever come from? Or the earth? Or our solar system? See what I’m saying? There had to be something or someone before there was the single-cell-ameba-whatever. I’ll be honest: I’m not sure either side knows the real facts.

Only thing I know is that the more I read in the Bible about ghosts and the “walking dead,” and “men turned into wild beasts” (that could or could not have been a “wolf-man”), the more I wonder if maybe some (maybe all) of what’s in the Bible might be true.

And if it is, then the Bible is about the scariest book I know of.

By the way, did you know that:

• According to the National Assessment of Education Progress' latest report, 64% of all eighth-grade students are unable to read proficiently.
• 82% percent of black students and 77% of Hispanic students are not reading proficiently.
• More than 30 million Americans cannot read or write above a third-grade level.
• 85% of the juveniles in the court system are functionally illiterate, as are 60% of prison inmates.
• The reading gap between boys and girls increases as they age. By 12th grade girls are two times more likely to score higher on reading tests than boys.

I wrote the 'Caden Chronicles' series with boys in mind. The 'Caden Chronicles' books are short murder mysteries with a spiritual supernatural element. For example, 

Dead Man's Hand addresses the myth of ghosts. 

Skull Creek Stakeout addresses the myth of vampires (it started in the Upper Room). 

Dead Low Tide addresses the myth of zombies and the walking dead. 

Rumor of a Werewolf deals with powerful men who refuse to honor God 

and are turned into beast-like creatures (Book of Daniel).

"Immediately his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Let him live with the animals of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal." ~ the Bible "werewolf"

Opportunity for writers:

By the way, if you know a boy or girl who likes to make up stories and stuff, send them my way. The Cool Ghoul Gazette, at http://coolghoulgazette.com needs some new writers/reporters. No experience required. We will teach you how to write a lead, build upon the “who, what, when, where, how” reporting style, and help you improve your writing skills. Think of this like your high school newspaper, only way more fun.

The man who helps me write the Caden Chronicle series (Mr. Jones) graduated with a journalism degree back when reporters published the facts, not their opinions, and sought to present both sides of a story fairly. (Mr. Jones added that last part.) And if you’re too old to be called young (or whatever), you can still write for us. It’s just that we give kids my age first priority on the big stories.You can contact me, Nick Caden, at: mailto:editor@coolghoulgazette.com. The scarier the story, the better. If The Cool Ghoul Gazette had been around when that fellow Edgar Allan Poe was alive, he’d have probably written for us. Anyway, we need lots of scary stories so send us some strange writers.

Thank you so much for joining us Nick (and Eddie)!!

***

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Devotion: They Were All Gone by Jamin Baldwin

They were all gone. 

Two years, I had waited to walk down the avenue lined with cherry trees, displaying their soft pink blossoms. But, we were too late.

    

My husband and I stumbled across this little piece of heaven, while on our anniversary. I had never seen anything so breathtaking. Following on the heels of an extremely difficult year, it was the first time my heart had smiled in a while. So, you can imagine my disappointment when it took us two years to come back, only to find out, we were too late. 

   

I masked my disappointment as we strolled through the flower-less trees. My husband took a step ahead of me.

"Look." He whispered and plucked one little rain-battered blossom from the tree, it's petals drooping, it's colors faded.

   

My heart soared.

   

My grandmother had been right. God does care about the little things! If he sees the little sparrow, he can surely see us.

   

I saw myself in that little blossom. Wilted and storm-battered. Clinging desperately to my source of life. Feeling insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The last one. My colors fading.

   

But, God knew the worth of that blossom. He saw the impact it would make.

   

As I took that blossom in my hand, it's as if I heard God whispering to me.

   

"Chin up, Little Sparrow. I see you."

   

Just think, even in your wilted, storm-battered condition, you are the blossom that some weary heart needs to see.

   

Don't lose hope now. God knows your struggles and he hasn't forgotten you. Colors fading? Cling to your source of life. Storm-battered? Hold on, He's coming. 

Today, listen closely. 

Hear him whisper.

    

"Chin up, Little Sparrow...I see you."

About Jamin:

I have many writing passions, Historical romance and poetry topping my list of favorites. I also enjoy brainstorming and critiquing with other writers.