Memorial Read: Grace Under Fire

The first book of its kind, Grace Under Fire is an inspiring and spiritual collection of letters and e-mails by U.S. troops and their families from the American Revolution through the War on Terrorism.

The collection include: letters by two brothers who fought on opposing sides of the Civil War; a prophetic letter by Rabbi David Goode, one of the famed Immortal Chaplains who gave his life for his fellow soldiers; a lighthearted letter by a World War II nurse who met the Pope; and a profound and impassioned reply to the timeless question, “Where is God in wartime?” by a doctor serving in Iraq.

“Behind the Lines is the result of Andrew Carroll's unprecedented trip around the world to seek out these gripping, insightful, and, in so many cases, breathtaking letters. This is a book born of great passion. This is a book with tremendous heart and soul.” —James Bradley, author of Flags of Our Fathers and Flyboys

A portion of his proceeds from Grace Under Fire will be used to send free copies of the book to U.S. military chaplains around the world.

Best Summer Fiction

Check out my new Amazon.com List

Best Summer Christian Fiction 2007

Come see who made the list. I am still taking recommendations, and this week I will begin to speak on each book on the list in more detail. Would love to plug into a bookclub. If you belong to a bookclub contact me for more details.

Question: Do you like the books on my list?

Dee

Memorials, Military Fiction & Writing War

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” - Acts 20:24

Blessings to you on Memorial Day. Blessings to my cousins: Telly, Isaiah, and Jonathan[Marines] serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In honor of our fallen soldiers this post is open for you to leave prayer requests, memoriums, and whatever(as long as it doesn't involve Rosie's departure from The View.) When I'm home my family and I clean my uncles[all veterans] graves. I also like to go the church's prayer room, bake something sweet, go downtown for fireworks, and watch military movies on this day. Do you watch movies? Which ones would you recommend?

My recommendations are....here today at the Master's Artist.

Friday Reading: PW Debuts Faith Fiction

Brandilyn Collins has a great reference to Publisher's Weekly latest print issue. In it there is an article debuting five debut christian fiction authors. Read it here, then come back and tell me which ones you liked most. But while you're here I want to debut a new Christian fiction author as well.

Paul Robertson's The Heir

Synopsis: Grisham-esque novel. The son of a New England finance tycoon inherits the business and the corruption that commands it.

An excerpt...

I couldn't take my eyes off the casket. It was expensive, and it glowed, resting among the candles and the heaps of flowers. It so perfectly expressed the man inside.

Reminder: I am still taking nominations for the 2007 Best God Reads of the Summer.

Help Me Write

I love to read. I read so much that I write about the books I read. Today I am completing an article for a local magazine. The article is titled the 5 Best God Reads for the Summer. I will post a snippet of it here once the mag goes to print.

But what I really love, really love is to tell a good story. Problem is my time is mostly spent reading books, editing books, family time and prayer time. Tomorrow I add exercise time. There is hardly any time to write. This is a problem. And so I do what I usually do when I need help. I read a book.

This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley

An excerpt...

Don't let any feeling keep you from writing. Don't let the world slow you down. Your story is the most important thing coming down the line this year. It's your year--make the most of it.

Thank God for this book. :) Let me tell you. While reading this book I discovered my writing has been pretty good. I have a daily routine. I put the work in. I have many first drafts of different novels. What I didn't have was the confidence that I was on the right track. What I didn't have was the know-how on how to take my stories and to take them to their next step. I am excited, y'all. I read a book that will help me write. :)

You can read an excerpt here and a different here or just get the book.

Quick Question: Do you need any writing help?

Reminder: What would you recommend for the best summer read this year?

Meet the Paynes

In celebration of the premiere of the first season of Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” the Mall at Stonecrest will host a kick-off event featuring cast members of the show “House of Payne,” on Saturday, June 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. near lower level near Macy’s. Fans of Tyler Perry are invited to meet members of the cast during an exclusive meet and greet as well as register to win tickets to Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” Series Premiere which will be held at AMC Stonecrest on Monday, June 4. The show airs on TBS.

Visit Stone Crest at www.mallatstonecrest.com. for more info.

RIP Checker Fred

Actor Carl Wright, who starred in Soul Food, Barbershop and Big Momma's House, has died of cancer at the age of 75.

In Barbershop he played Checkers Fred--the old man in the barbershop who plays Checkers all day. On Big Momma's House he had a crush on Big Mama and wore that sear sucker suit all over town. :) What I find so awesome about him is that his movie career began in 1972. I guess its never too late to make a difference. His bright eyed smile and humor will be missed.

Read more about him here.