Gregory, Griggs & Blessed Trinity

My buddy, Gregory host of radio talk show "Abundant Life Solutions" is featuring author, Vanessa Davis Griggs on the show today. You can click here to hear the show. My Romantic Times Magazine book review of Vanessa's new novel, Blessed Trinity is here.

6 years later...Writing Project

6 Years later...is it still too soon to write about 9/11? If not did the events on 9/11 affect your faith? How are you different because of that day? Post your answers at your blog, then post that blog link here. If you do not have a blog, then leave your answer in the comments section.

Dee

Tradition vs Traditionalism, II

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
to do my Master's will!
- "A Charge to Keep,"
Charles Wesley Hymn 1762

Two weeks ago I introduced this discussion about tradition vs. traditionalism, and received great responses regarding tradition. Madison Richards stated, " Questioning isn't bad in and of itself. It's what moves us along the path toward our destinies." This thought of questioning our faith in order to move forward in our faith takes us into the second phase of this discussion. Is God calling us toward a new social movement? Is our destiny unchartered territory for artists? Have we made traditionalism a stumbling block for artist? I say yes for three reasons. You can discuss here whether you agree.

Continue reading "Tradition vs Traditionalism, II" »

Ipod, Sushi & Single Men Giveaway

Hip Hip Hooray Camy's Sushi Series is Here to Stay. On my desk sits my buddy, blogging diva, Camy Tang's debut novel Sushi for One, which is also book one in her Sushi series with Zondervan Publishers. In celebration of Camy's dream becoming reality she's giving away gift baskets, book and an Ipod. Deadline to enter is Halloween. But before you zip over there, let me share Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1).

"Why can't I just find a nice guy? How hard is this supposed to be?"[Lex]

Lex Sakai’s family, big, nosy, and marriage-minded, is ruled by a crafty grandmother. When her cousin Mariko gets married, Lex will become the OLDEST SINGLE COUSIN in the clan, a loathed position by all single female family members. Lex hasn't dated in years. So when her grandmother demands that she bring a boyfriend to her cousin's wedding, Lex has to step out of her comfort zone. Will she allow her faith to guide her into standing up to her Matriach or will she succumb to the peer pressure? What do you do when your family collides with your faith?More importantly why are there so many single Christians now?

If you want to stay up-to-date with Camy or more Christian Chick Lit Don't forget the Ipod Contest.(Aug., Zondervan, 345pp, $12.99)

An Angel's Voice Before Flight

Opera Legend Pavarotti died yesterday. Click the pic to listen and see some of his best performances. When I heard the news of his passing this morning something inside me stirred me to get up and get moving sooner than I usually do. God forgive me for my arrogance. Today I will do what you've put me on this earth to do. Clearly Pavarotti did that. Question: Are you bursting this life wide open? Are you doing what you love and doing it well and doing it period?If not what will it take to get going? I want serious comments today. Bless y'all.

Dee

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Pop Pulpits, Pickles & the Press

In Atlanta and even in my hometown, Valdosta we have been slammed with press conferences, tv and radio talk show interviews and newspaper articles regarding Thomas Weeks III's assault on Juanita Bynum. You know my position on the topic, so let's not go there. But what gets me about this whole thing...what gets me about every time a popular minister is in a pickle with the press, Christianity is attacked.
Many of us are The Master's Writers. We believe that God created us to glorify and illuminate Him with parables(prose) and poems(lyrics.) Many of us believe that our stories should be shared with a mass of people. In essence, we believe that our stories are popular. Like Weeks and Bynum we want more than just our friends and family to know our names. I wonder why? Because if we are seeking a publishing contract for our book, then we will live under public scrutiny as well. Although it won't be as intense as the Bynum case, it will be what it will be.
So tell me? Have you considered the value of your Christian identity? What tips can you give to keep newbies from falling into the popularity trap?


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Are you Gifted?

Ready for a fall adventure? I am. A pretty book with an anointed heroine on the run and a knight sworn to protect her. Oh my. And it's a trilogy! Lisa Bergren's the Gifted series takes you back to 13th Constantinople, even further 8th Century's Iconoclast Movement, and even further back to Paul's lost letters to the Church of Corinth. Don't worry. You won't get lost. Bergren writes in a style that is easy, universal and reflective of the time period. And then there is the cast...Lady Daria d'Angelo, The Gifted One, Gianni de Capezzana, the knight, and Hasani, Daria's East African bodyguard. How many men does this woman need?

The Begotten, the first in the series finaled in this year's Christy's Book Awards. The Betrayed: A Novel of the Gifted (The Gifted), which drops this weekend and will be featured in Target Stores September 4th on the Breakout Books display.

This books should be a movie. I think actor, Jimmy Jean-Lous (Heroes) should be cast as Hasani.

My favorite passages in The Betrayed...

Gianni studied Daria, standing in the bow of the skiff, face to the rain as if she could smell where she was to go. They all had a fierce devotion to her now, but what was stirring within his own heart was something he had not felt for some time. It brought him up short and and he frowned in consternation. There was no time for such foolish imaginings. He had to stay alert, remain intent on keeping Daria's safe and secure in the wild, uncharted waters ahead. Romantic entanglements would only weaken him, weaken them all.

...Daria said. "It's not the crucix that heals-but who it symbolizes. Ist is only because of the risen Lord that I was able to heal that boy. Healing comes from Christ and the Holy Spirit. "

Now we know in a good book, poor Gianni can keep his little hopes to himself. He's already a goner :) Mayne this Healer will heal his heart. Think this should be our bookclub pick for the fall? Maybe w e could cast Daria and Gianni, too after we discuss this book.(Sept, Berkley, $23.95)

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