Tag: historical romance

Learn about the Native American Christian Church

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Welcome to home in my heart, KB Schaller. Please tell my readers about the Native American Christian Church and your books.
It is a pleasure to be a guest on your website. Thank you for having me.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the surprise many express that there is such a thing as the Native American Christian Church (NACC). It is not, however, to be confused with the Native American Church, which incorporates practices not found in the NACC.
In South Florida, where the state’s greatest concentration of Native Americans live, there are at least nine Native churches. In Oklahoma, by contrast, home to a much greater number of Native peoples, there are some two hundred fifty churches. Only an estimated three to eight percent of Native Americans identify as Christian, so congregations tend to be small.
Notwithstanding, most are vibrant, thriving entities. Native Americans traditionally are spiritual people, and that quality carries over into their Christianity. Although not all of the congregations have Native pastors, a good percentage of them do.
Mainstream Christian churches have, traditionally, tended to be quite Euro-centric, disallowing and labeling all things Native as pagan and occult.
Lately, though, Native ministries such as Wiconi International have sought to strip away the “demonizing” of any and all things Indian, including clothing, native instruments, and hair length restrictions for men.
Others such as Lakota (Sioux)-based He Sapa (New Life) ministry are increasingly led by “homegrown” Native Americans concerned with both the spiritual and temporal lives of Native people.
In fact, it is the unbending attitudes within the Euro-
centric church that fuel the angst of my novel’s characters in Gray Rainbow Journey,winner of a USA Book News National Best Books Award, and its sequel, Journey by the Sackcloth Moon.
Both story lines describe the tough choices that heroine, Dina Youngblood, a young Native beauty, must make between the Traditional Spirituality of her heritage and The Jesus Way. Her life is further complicated by her love for childhood sweetheart, handsome firebrand, Marty Osceola. Reared by the most feared shaman on the Florida East Coast and reputed to have dark powers of his own, he regards Dina’s new faith as a “sellout”.
Then there is zealous Native evangelist, Aaron Burning Rain, also smitten with Dina, who brings his big tent revival to Dina’s tiny Native community and preaches no compromise between the two belief systems. Poised on the threshold between the two worlds, she must make heart wrenching choices.
While some mainstream Christian churches embrace Mark 9:40, “For he that is not against us is on our part”, others remain entrenched against anything that does not reflect Euro interpretations of Scripture. 
I can only hope that all factions will one day move closer toward Galatians 3:28:  
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
  
For more of my viewpoint on this subject, visit: A Native American Christian Speaks on “Why?”   
Thank you for this enlightening post. I love learning something new. 
Visit K.B Schaller on her website.


The Money Secret-my rant

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Our church has been hosting a Dave Ramsey seminar and we are a little over halfway through it.
Money is a huge big deal in everyone’s life and yet…no one talks about not having any any.
More and more people are living on their credit cards. We we’re guilty of that.

Why? Why would anyone want to do that? It’s easy. Shopping with a credit card for me was painless. It didn’t matter what it cost because Visa was in my purse and ready to slide at a moments desire.

Even when the bills came for me it wasn’t a big deal. I just handed them to my husband–unopened. (I’m sorry Ed!)

Since we started paying with cash or a debit card I’m now aware of what I’m spending. (sorry Visa) I’m know just because you have a card you don’t get to buy what you want. Only what you can afford.

It’s been a challenge to walk into my favorite store (Target) and walk past all the things things that call to me, a new t-shirt, pretty glasses to use for summer or gasp inkpens! I don’t need any of those items right now–I just want them.


The big secret is many of my friends are doing the same thing. Shopping as if they have the money. And we let each other do it! (sorry Barb!) Oh it’s just a yard of material, a new quilt pattern isn’t that much and besides I’m sure we’ll save money by giving it as a gift. Hmmm, my sewing room is full of unmade and ungiven gifts.

We don’t discuss money or bills or debt. It’s a rule right? Never talk politics, religion or money-how many times have you heard that? I think it’s time we start being honest with our family members and friends. Own up to the fact that you can’t spend as much on gifts because you have to pay a bill, or buy long term care insurance. I’m pretty sure my kids would be happy to take less in gifts if it means they won’t have to find a way to pay for me when I’m old, broken and need nursing care. I’m certain my friends would understand if I said, “Can we go for a walk in the park instead of eating out this time? Money is tight and I’d love to spend time with you–just not at a restaurant.”

Maybe we should assign ourselves designated shoppers to stay sober and keep us from harming our financial lives? I truly want to, as Dave says, “Live like no one else so that we can live like no one else when we retire.” It may be to late for us, but it’s not to late to make a bad situation better.

Haven’t heard of Dave Ramsey? There are classes offered nationwide. Check his website for one near you. It will change your life–for the better, especially if you’re in your 20-30s and you start now.

And no I don’t get any money or commission if you click his link. My desire is for everyone to know the money secrets to “Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else!”

What’s in your photos?

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

The quality of the video isn’t great. I’m learning. I’d do it over but I don’t think I can stand the pressure! I already it did it three times. This time I managed not to scratch my head! And sadly I can’t preview this before it goes live because google is playing with blogger today. I think blogger is in time out.

This is my mom in the photo.
I’m so glad she passed the love of reading and words (scrabble!) on to me.

Correction! It was Donna Winters that sent me to Connie Steven’s site.

When you read a book what items in the setting take you home?

Make Money Writing and a free book @booksbyJanice

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Welcome, Janice. Can you tell us about your latest venture?

Thanks for having me. I’m thrilled to share about my latest book, MAKE MONEY WRITING, which is now available from amazon for kindle users. The book, which is loaded with helpful hints for freelancers, is free from March 12th – March 17th. After that, it will sell for $4.49.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your writing experience?

Sure! I write under the names “Janice Thompson” and “Janice Hanna.” I just signed contract #79 (For QUEEN OF THE WAVES) and have written in a variety of genres, including romance, historical, contemporary, cozy mystery, juvenile fiction, non-fiction and more. I’m best known for my light-hearted contemporary novels and for my quirky characters. I’m pretty passionate about writing, and even more passionate about helping others discover their writing talents and abilities. For the past seven years I’ve worked as a full-time freelancer, earning my living with my books, teachings, articles, and write-for-hire work.

Why did you decide to write this book?

For several years now I’ve divided my time between freelance writing and teaching. So many aspiring writers discover that I’ve published several books and they come to me to ask the inevitable, “How do I get published?” question, usually followed by, “Is there really money to be made in publishing?” Over the past couple years I’ve put together several freelance writing courses to answer their questions, but I felt the need to do more, so I compiled all of my mini-teachings into one book.

Will readers get all of the same materials they would get in one of your courses?

No, the courses are very specific to their individual topics. MAKE MONEY WRITING covers a variety of areas of interest to the freelance writer, including: earning top dollar, magazine article writing, write-for-hire work, writing the novel and/or non-fiction book, the submission process, succeeding as a freelancer, and more. The book is not a textbook. Instead, it is motivational in tone and focuses on offering encouragement to freelancers and giving them basic tips for success in each of the areas listed above.

Can you tell us a little more about the book? Sure! It might make more sense to share some of the chapter titles because they will give you an idea of some of the topics readers will find in the book.

Earning Top Dollar

Jumping the Hurdles

In the Beginning. . .the Writer Set Goals

What Industry Pros are Saying about Goal-Setting Write. . .for Hire! Revolutionize Your Writing Girls Just Wanta Have Funds Double Your Word Count in Two Weeks Cash in on Magazine Articles Sync Up Freelance Lingo Stop, Drop and Roll (Adding the Crisis Scene) From Mii to Wii (learning how to incorporate the “we” factor) Make ‘Em Laugh Elevating Your Elevator Pitch Seven Days to Better Writing Five Things a Writer can Learn from American Idol Got Moxie? Becoming a Public Speaker Writers are from Mars, Readers are from Venus . . .and much, much more!

What other projects are you working on?

I’m currently writing QUEEN OF THE WAVES, a novel set aboard the Titanic. Very compelling story, I must say! And I’m tickled about my upcoming release, Wedding Belles.

You mentioned your courses. Can you tell us what’s going on in that world?

Yes, thanks for asking. I’m tickled about the recent release of my Non-Fiction Writing Course. I recorded this course in the studio several months ago and had a blast doing it. I’m convinced this is the most comprehensive package I’ve ever put together. Non-Fiction writers should be able to take this course and find some degree of success building their platform, writing short pieces and fully developing a non-fiction book. There’s even information on how to pitch (and ultimately market) the non-fiction book.

Here are the ten
topics within the course:
From Magazines to Books: Building Your Platform
Understanding Non-Fiction Book Types
Best Selling Topics
Compiling Your Information (Braiding the Book)
33 Tips to Strengthen Your Writing
Incorporating Fiction Techniques in Your Non-Fiction
The Submission Process
Making the Sale (Includes all aspects of the contract/sale/edits/production) Marketing Your Book
How to Stay in the Game

As with all of my courses, this one is available online at www.freelancewritingcourses.com.

 

How can readers get the free kindle book? They can follow this link to amazon: http://amzn.to/yBeVBh. The book will be free from March 12th – March 17th and will revert to is usual $4.49 price after that.

Janice, how can readers reach you? I love to chat with my readers! To learn more about my books, visit: www.janicehannathompson.com

To learn more about my writing courses, including my new non-fiction course, visit: www.freelancewritingcourses.com

Facebook: JaniceHannaThompson

Twitter: booksbyjanice

Thanks for the interview, Janice.

Gluten-Free Help Me

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

I’ve been gluten-free for almost 3 years now. When I started this journey I was a miserable person, now I’m happy (shh Ed!) okay, I’ll reword that. Most days I’m happy and feel great.

At the top of the page there is a tab that says gluten free. On that page I have started a list of good blogs, cookbooks and stuff to eat. I have suggested this page to others who are starting a gluten free diet and wish to keep updating it.

If you are gluten free will you help me help others by leaving a comment about your favorite gluten free foods and sites?

So he put a ring on it. 5 questions you need answered

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Valentine’s Day has come and gone. 

This is the second time you’ve had a marriage proposal and said yes.



Are you still flying through the clouds of joy and while wearing the cloak of  proposal excitement?


Before you get to caught up in the wedding plans you need to take a moment and figure out what this means to your children and his. You love his kids and he loves yours. Everything is going to fall into the LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH category, right? If you go into your marriage unprepared wearing rose-colored glasses you’ll soon need them to cover the tears of frustration.


Some questions you might want to ask before the church is booked and the seating chart is filled in for the reception.


1. Where are we living, will all of the kids have their own space?
2. Are you comfortable with me sending your kids to time out? or taking away the wii?
3. How are we going to handle holidays?
4. What’s our plan for the child support or social security money for each child?
5. How will we find time to continue to build our relationship?

The Goliath of an Author’s Life

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Welcome Staci Stallings. So tell us about marketing.

Let’s face it. Most of us authors did not take marketing in college. Many have no background in technology or social media. Almost no one has a full publicity team behind them to do promotions for them while they sit back and write their next blockbuster.

No. Good or bad, most of us have to do at least some of our own promotions–especially online.

So what’s our solution? We do what we hear about. We set up a blog, try to post interesting articles hoping like Kevin Costner that if we build it, they will come. When they don’t, we’re not sure what to do next. Sometimes we tweak our content. Sometimes we branch out into Twitter or Facebook, Google+ or Christian Chirp.

Only to find the learning curve for each one is steep and bending upward.

About the time we learn one, there are another five waiting there like temptations saying, “You can have it all if you just learn to do me!”

However, none of us have time to learn everything and do everything and keep up with everything. It just doesn’t work. Worse, we’re on our own to learn these things with no one to ask and no one to show us how.

Can I get an “Amen”?

If you’re like me, you’ve tried many things to market and promote your work–whether that’s books or your blog. Unless you are a natural (or really have taken classes), you’re probably frustrated that no matter what you do, they don’t seem to be coming.

I feel your pain, so after years of living with this make-shift marketing “strategy,” God showed me a new way. It’s called “Grace & Faith Author Connection.” In this all-Christian group, members agree to help promote others’ work on Twitter, Facebook, and across the social media spectrum.

No longer are you tweeting to your 500 followers. Now, 3 other authors can see your post and retweet it to their followers as well! 500 becomes 2,000. But maybe it’s not just 3 who see it but 5 or 10 or 20. We have over 60 members, so who knows how far that message will go.

Plus, when you join G&F, you’re not alone trying to figure all of this stuff out. We have tutorials to help you learn to do Twitter posts. Mondays on our blog help you make the most of promotions. No longer are you at the mercy of a social media Goliath.

Through the simple stones we show you, you can vanquish this Goliath once and for all–and all in the presence of people who believe and trust in God and His wisdom and strength as much as you do.

So if you’re ready to go from haphazard to happily ever after, check us out. We might be just what you’ve been praying for!

Staci Stallings is the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. To join the group, send your Name, Email Address, Twitter handle (if you have one), and/or Facebook page to staci_stallings at hotmail dot com (altogether!) with the subject: G&F New Member, and Staci will let you know what your next step is. I hope you will join us for this new and exciting marketing adventure!

Are you you’re own worst enemy?

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Ever have a day like that poor pooch? I have them when I’m writing. When I get creative the editor part of my brain tries to take it away. And then, there are the days I’m counting points for weight watchers and bam! Something sweet really wants jump into my hand and we aren’t talking apples. Oh no, fudge or cookies or hey I have a free hour I can make doughnuts. What do you fight yourself for?

Feeling sick? How do you self-medicate?

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

Ed’s been sick for a few weeks with a cold. It’s been interesting to see how he self-medicates compared to my choices.

Ed goes to work when he’s sick.
Not me! I hit the couch.
Ed comes home from work covers up with a blanket, channel surfs and eats ice cream.
I stay on the couch all day sleeping.

When the worst is over but still feel tired we’re still different.
Ed goes back to work
I go to the couch and watch HGTV, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry met Sally, and Sweet Home Alabama.

I’ve noticed I tend to do more resting and watching things that make my happy than Ed. I’ve noticed I recover faster.

What do you do when you don’t feel good?