What I've Read in the Past Two Years

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Had a little fun on Goodreads.com today looking back at the books I've read in the past two years. They have a unique feature that allows you to see what you've read by book covers. I put together the three pages that constitute the past two years of my reading. What a colorful bunch of books! I might not read as much as some, but I've had fun reading what I have.

 

Have fun with Goodreads!

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Calling all readers! If you haven't checked out the site Goodreads.com yet, it's a fun stop on your literary road trip. Users can share what they're currently reading (there are plenty of widgets to add to your blogs and websites too), rate books, write reviews, and more. I'm enjoying the ability it gives me to go back and see what I read this year, and what I thought of those books. Like its counterpart Shelfari, you can add friends and favorite authors. I used to visit Shelfari regularly but was disappointed with their latest website update that made it harder (I thought) to do things quickly. Then I found Goodreads. So if you're curious what I'm reading on any given day, you can visit my author page and then make a page of your own.

Page 56 Tag

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Cathy Bryant has tagged me to play this fun book meme.

The rules:
Grab the book nearest you, turn to page 56 and go to the fifth sentence, typing that sentence and a few others around it.

Well, books are never far from me, but they're not always right beside me as I type. Today we're in luck, however. Healing Promises by Amy Wallace is by my side.

Page 56, sentence 5:

"You know I will. Though I still think this whole thing's a bit sudden."

I now tag WordVixen, Darcie Gudger, Deena Peterson, Rel Mollet, and Robin Shope.

Have fun!

Book Buzz Meme - I've been tagged!

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I've been tagged twice to play this fun book meme! First by Mimi Pearson, second by Rel Mollet. Two wonderful ladies with wonderful blogs/websites, btw. So, here goes:

HOW IT WORKS:

Mimi and Rel have listed five of their MUST Read novels and five "Keep Your Eyes on These" novels. Then they tagged five bloggers who they asked to post the list on their site. They added one book to each list but also subtracted one book. Finally they tagged five other bloggers, linked here at A Christian Worldview of Fiction, and commented to the post so visitors knew how the list had changed. I'm using Mimi's list since she tagged me first. :) I've also put my added book in italics.

If you aren’t tagged but want to play, copy the 'how to' paragraph above, make your own list of MUST Reads and Keep Your Eyes on These, and tag away. It will be fun to see if we can generate some book wars … uh, I mean, discussions … good, healthy, respectful discussions!

My five MUST Reads:

The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello (Revell)
Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Lee (NavPress)*
Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer (WaterBrook)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)*
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis (Zondervan)

My five Keep Your Eyes On These:

Feeling for Bones by Bethany Pierce (Moody)
Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead (Thomas Nelson)
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook)
DragonLight by Donita K. Paul (WaterBrook Press)*
The Legend of the FireFish by George Bryan Polivka (Harvest House)

FIVE BOOKS TO LOOK FOR SOON:

The Rivers Run Dry by Sibella Giorello (Thomas Nelson)
Shade by John Olson (B&H)
Field of Blood by Eric Wilson (Thomas Nelson)
Conspiracy in Kiev by Noel Hynd (Zondervan)
Stepping into Sunlight by Sharon Hinck (Bethany)

I'm tagging:

Darcie Gudger at Joy in the Litterbox
WordVixen at Quest to Write
Katie Hart at Writing Christian Novels
Heather Hunt at The View From Stonewater
Jenny B. Jones at her website blog

Is that a classic in your inbox?

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I was reading my latest issue of The Writer magazine, and I came across a blurb on the site DailyLit.com. Basically, the site serializes various novels into daily e-mails. The cool part is that many of them are free! Some of the more current offerings do cost a small fee, but they have to make their money somehow, right? :)

Here's a little snippet from their "About" page:

We created DailyLit because we spent hours each day on email but could not find the time to read a book. Now the books come to us by email. Problem solved.

Check it out here. Maybe tomorrow Dickens or Tolstoy or Austen will be waiting in your Inbox.

Shelfari

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I wasn't looking for another place to visit online, but when Angela Hunt sent me an invite to Shelfari, I had to check it out. Bibliophiles beware---this is a great way to waste your time! But it's fun. Basically, it's a way to display all the great books you've read recently (or that appear on your shelf) to your friends. People can comment, tag, rate books, you name it. You can also add your shelf to your blog (which I've done but am still fooling around with). Everything's very easy and aesthetically pleasing. Check out my profile here, if you're interested.

Netflix for books?

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A friend recently said to me, "I wish there was a Netflix for books." My mind started whirring about the possibility of a business venture like this. Then I read this article in PW Weekly today.

Apparently some folks beat us to the punch. Booksfree has been around for seven years. Bookswim is the newcomer but has a similar model. I haven't had the chance to compare the two yet, so feel free to let me know what you think. Seems like a cool idea.

How many words should your novel be?

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If you're like me, you've probably wondered how long your novel should be--by word count. Publisher's guidelines vary a lot, but here's a list I've compiled of the word count for some popular Christian novels. They're listed by publisher in alphabetical order, and I plan to add to this list.

AMG
Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 105K
The Candlestone by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 110K
Circles of Seven by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 120K
Tears of a Dragon by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 103K
Eye of the Oracle by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 182K
Enoch's Ghost by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 121K
Last of the Nephilim by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 131K

Barbour Trade fiction:
Playing by Heart by Deborah Raney (novella): 30K
Bygones by Kim Sawyer (women’s fiction): 80K
Beginnings by Kim Sawyer (women’s fiction): 80K
The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall (historical): 112K
The Reliance by MaryLu Tyndall (historical): 115K
Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy (historical): 92K

Bethany House
The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck (mom lit): 85K
Renovating Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck (mom lit): 85K
Waiting for Summer’s Return by Kim Sawyer (historical): 92K
Where Willows Grow by Kim Sawyer (historical): 92K
Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson (historical): 102K
Sutter's Cross by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 112K
Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 104K
Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 109K
Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 97K

Cook:
Crime Scene Jerusalem by Alton Gansky (suspense/historical): 83K
Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky (historical): 82.5K

Crossway:
In Honor Bound by DeAnna Dodson (historical): 105K
By Love Redeemed by DeAnna Dodson (historical): 87K
To Grace Surrendered by DeAnna Dodson (historical): 92K

FaithWords:
Abiding Darkness by John Aubrey Anderson (suspense) 108K

Wedgewood Grey by John Aubrey Anderson (suspense) 102K

And If I Die by John Aubrey Anderson (suspense) 102K

Harvest House:

Kissing Adrien by Siri L. Mitchell (chick lit): 100K

Something Beyond the Sky by Siri L. Mitchell (women's fiction): 98K

The Cubicle Next Door by Siri L. Mitchell (chick lit): 98K

Moon Over Tokyo by Siri L. Mitchell (women's fiction): 88K

The Guy I’m Not Dating by Trish Perry (chick lit): 95K
Too Good to Be True by Trish Perry (chick lit): 95K
The Lost Sheep by Brandt Dodson (crime): 77K
The Root of All Evil by Brandt Dodson (crime): 75K
After Anne by Roxanne Henke (contemporary): 145K
Becoming Olivia by Roxanne Henke (contemporary): 134K
The Secret of Us by Roxanne Henke (contemporary): 124K

Heartsong (includes several imprints):
Spinning out of Control by Vickie McDonough (romance): 45-50K
The Bounty Hunter and the Bride by Vickie McDonough: 45-50K
Dear John, That Wilder Boy by Kim Sawyer (romance): 45-50K
Promising Angela by Kim Sawyer (romance): 45-50K
Of Mice ... and Murder by Mary Connealy (mystery): 58K
Golden Days by Mary Connealy (historical): 48K

Howard:
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney (women’s fiction): 85K
Shoofly Pie by Tim Downs (mystery): 97K
Chop Shop by Tim Downs (mystery): 93.5K

Kregel:
Sincerely, Mayla by Virginia Smith (Mar. '08) (contemporary): 80K
Just As I Am by Virginia Smith (contemporary): 62K
Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang: 118K
Remember Me by Maureen Lang: 118K

Moody:
My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay (contemporary): 107K
A Shadow of Treason by Tricia Goyer (historical): 88K
A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer (historical): 93K

Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer (historical): 90K

Multnomah:
Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 91K
Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 92K
Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 98K
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn (mystery): 70-80K
When the Day of Evil Comes by Melanie Wells (suspense): 80-90K
Soul Hunter by Melanie Wells (suspense): 80-90K
Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace (romantic suspense): 93K
Dark Star by Creston Mapes (suspense): 107K
Full Tilt by Creston Mapes (suspense): 97.5K
Nobody by Creston Mapes (suspense): 98K

Navpress:
Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 101K
Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell (women's fiction): 106K
The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones (YA) (2008): 100K
On the Loose by Jenny B. Jones (YA): 96K
In Between by Jenny B. Jones (YA): 85K
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (fantasy): 110K
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth (coming of age): 84K
Wishing on Dandelions by Mary DeMuth (coming of age): 81K

Realms:
Angel by Alton Gansky (suspense/supernatural): 89K

Revell:
Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith (Feb. '08) (contemporary): 82K
The Pawn by Steven James (mystery): 111K
The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello (mystery): 54K
Pink by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 90K
Jade by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 80K
Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 80K
Turquoise by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 80K

Steeple Hill:
The Winter Pearl by Molly Noble Bull: 93K
Murder by Mushroom by Virginia Smith (cozy mystery): 60K
Bluegrass Peril by Virginia Smith (Dec. '07): 60K
A Vow to Cherish by Deborah Raney (contemporary): 80K
Wild Rose by Ruth Axtell Morren: 100K
The Healing Season by Ruth Axtell Morren: 100K
The Elevator by Angela Hunt (contemporary): 82K

Tsaba House:
Sanctuary by Molly Noble Bull: 85K

Thomas Nelson:
The Oath by Frank Peretti (horror/suspense): 165K
The Visitation by Frank Peretti (suspense): 163K
Monster by Frank Peretti (suspense/adventure): 108K
House by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker (thriller): 80K
Seclusion Point by John Perrodin & Jerry Jenkins (YA): 50K
Demon's Bluff by John Perrodin & Jerry Jenkins (YA): 50K
The Tattooed Rats by John Perrodin & Jerry Jenkins (YA): 50K
Abomination by Colleen Coble (suspense): 107K
Facing the Giants by Eric Wilson (contemporary): 70K
Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck (chick-lit): 84-88K
Calm, Cool & Adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck (chick-lit): 84-88K
Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo (thriller): 145K
Germ by Robert Liparulo (thriller): 138K
Deadfall by Robert Liparulo (thriller): 125K
Uncharted by Angela Hunt (supernatural/suspense): 96K
Plague Maker by Tim Downs (suspense): 119K
Head Game by Tim Downs (thriller): 92K
First the Dead by Tim Downs (Dec. '07): 107K

Tyndale:
Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins (contemporary): 160K
Left Behind by Jerry B. Jenkins (end times): 100K
Tribulation Force by Jerry B. Jenkins (end times): 102K
The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang (contemporary): 100K
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang ('08): 100K
Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt (contemporary): 104K
She Always Wore Red by Angela Hunt ('08) (contemporary): 110K

Urban Books
My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis (95K)

Waterbrook:
A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney (women’s fiction): 120K
Dark to Mortal Eyes by Eric Wilson (suspense): 125K
Expiration Date by Eric Wilson (suspense): 115K
The Best of Evil by Eric Wilson (mystery): 85K
A Shred of Truth by Eric Wilson (mystery): 85K

Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 158k

Fair Is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 152k

Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 182k

Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 140k

Zondervan:
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis (YA suspense): 108K
Zero-G by Alton Gansky (suspense/sci-fi): 99K
Finder's Fee by Alton Gansky (suspense): 87K
Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins (suspense) ('08): 75-80K
Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Dead of Night by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Stain of Guilt by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Brink of Death by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Wounded Healer by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 85K
Warrior’s Heart by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 87K
Valiant Hope by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 95K
Standing Strong by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 92K
Presumed Guilty by James Scott Bell (legal thriller): 90-95K
No Legal Grounds by James Scott Bell (legal thriller): 90-95K
Last Light by Terri Blackstock (suspense): 90K
Night Light by Terri Blackstock (suspense): 97K
True Light by Terri Blackstock (suspense): 80K
Fair Game by Elizabeth White (contemporary/romance): 97K
Off the Record by Elizabeth White (contemporary): 88K

Designing a book cover

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Ever wondered what really goes into the design of a book's cover? Wonder no more. Over at Novel Journey, Kirk DouPounce of Dog Eared Design gives us the full scoop. Click here to read the article.

Dog Eared designed the cover for Jenny B. Jones' new novel In Between (at left), and he uses it as an example. If you haven't yet read this novel, may I offer my highest recommendation? It's Book #1 in the Katie Parker Production series for teens. But you don't have to be a teen to enjoy Jenny's wonderful humor and insights. She somehow manages to keep things fun without discounting the serious.

Summary:

When your single greatest achievement to date is becoming a ward of an entire state, it's a little debilitating to a girl's confidence.

Katie Parker is a 16 year old girl who can't catch a break. With a mother in jail and a father unaccounted for, she finds herself in a mini-van bound for In Between, Texas, home of her new foster parents.

Katie must learn to adjust to life with the new family. When she finds herself in some deep trouble, everything unravels. Join Katie as she learns about family, love, and healing.

Hang on for the ride as dysfunction is brought center stage.

Tim Downs Interview

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I've been a fan of Tim's writing ever since his first novel Shoofly Pie. I had the chance to interview him recently for TitleTrakk.com. His clever sense of humor came through, and it was enjoyable to hear his answers.

"I've never taken a writing class, and my last English class was in high school."
--Tim Downs

Tim shares why he started writing fiction after penning a successful comic strip, the hardest part about writing his latest novel Head Game, plus he gives us the lowdown on his next Bugman novel.

Read the interview here.

You can also read my review of Tim's latest novel Head Game here.
My review of his previous novel Plaguemaker is here.

New Book & Music Website: TitleTrakk.com

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I wanted to let you know about a new website I'm co-founding called TitleTrakk.com (http://www.titletrakk.com). It features Christian book and music reviews, interviews, articles, contests, surveys, and novel excerpts.

Be sure to sign up to receive our e-newsletter, because everyone who signs up will be entered in a drawing for a huge book & cd prize pack. And if you refer a friend to the site, and the friend mentions your name when they sign up, your name will be entered again for each friend that signs up. Check it all out at our Contest page.