Advent
November 30, 2008 by Lillie
Today is the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the season of penitence and preparation for the arrival of Christ. As Father Chip Harper of All Saints Anglican Church explains in his liturgy lesson, we are really observing three Advents:
… the Advent of Christ’s physical birth in Bethlehem, the Advent of Christ coming into our own lives, and the Advent of his Second Coming at the history’s end.
Advent is an excellent season to spend some extra time in Bible study. Last year, I took the Christmas Incarnation study from Jesus Walk Bible Studies. This Advent, in addition to the Bible study on James I’m taking at church, I plan to review the weekly lessons from the Christmas Incarnation study.
The Results of My Writing Experiment
November 29, 2008 by Lillie
Joanna Young’s theme this month at Confident Writing is Experimenting, and she is sponsoring a group writing project: The Results of My Writing Experiment.
My first reaction was that I had nothing to contribute to this project because I wasn’t doing any experimenting in my writing. Then I realized that I have recently started doing two new things here at A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye.
I posted my first book review, ironically a review of a book on how to write reviews, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
I have also conducted my first author interviews, though the posts haven’t appeared yet. The interview of contemporary romance author Janet Kaderli is scheduled for next week, and an interview of one of the characters in A Village Shattered by Jean Henry Mead is scheduled for the following week. Interviewing a character in the book instead of the author was a fun experiment.
Although it’s a little early to report any results from my experimentation with reviews and interviews, I think I’m going to enjoy doing both!
Have you experimented with your writing?
credit: shimgray
Books We Love Golden Treasures
November 28, 2008 by Lillie
Books We Love is a wonderful place to discover new authors and keep up with new releases from your favorite authors. From now until December 23rd, you can enter the Golden Treasures contest to win weekly prizes of autographed books and the grand prize of Golden Treasures. You might even find some great books to give for Christmas.
Thanksgiving
November 27, 2008 by Lillie
TO our prayers, O Lord, we join our unfeigned thanks for all thy mercies; for our being, our reason, and all other endowments and faculties of soul and body; for our health, friends, food, and raiment, and all the other comforts and conveniences of life. Above all, we adore thy mercy in sending thy only Son into the world, to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and in giving us the knowledge and sense of our duty towards thee. We bless thee for thy patience with us, notwithstanding our many and great provocations; for all the directions, assistances, and comforts of thy Holy Spirit; for thy continual care and watchful providence over us through the whole course of our lives; and particularly for the mercies and benefits of this day; beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to us, and to give us grace to show our thankfulness in a sincere obedience to his laws, through whose merits and intercession we received them all, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
~ Family Evening Prayer, 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Seven Things I’m Thankful For
November 26, 2008 by Lillie
Luke Gedeon is sponsoring a group writing project for Thanksgiving: Seven Things I’m Thankful For. Luke will link to all the posts, and his post will be excellent reading for Thanksgiving Day (or the day after Thanksgiving or any time).
In his sermon last Sunday, our priest said, “I’m so tired of people calling it Turkey Day. It’s Thanksgiving Day, a day to give thanks to Almighty God.”
This Thanksgiving—and every day—I will thank God for these seven things:
- Family: I’ve written about my parents and siblings and about my husband Jack. I have been incredibly blessed with my family of origin and in my marriage.
- Friends: Both online and offline friends bring joy to my life, and I grateful for them.
- Work: God has blessed me with a little talent and a lot of perseverance so I can earn a living doing what I love—writing and helping other writers.
- Provision: We have plenty of food (more than enough as you can tell if you look at us), a comfortable home, and everything we need to enjoy a happy life.
- Freedom: We are so fortunate to live in a land where we can practice our faith and freely express our opinions. I am grateful for our servicemen and women and our veterans for ensuring that we remain free.
- Miracles: I have experienced many miracles in my life, including surviving an attack by a Doberman and recovering from a stroke, Most recently, I have been healed of a severe seizure disorder. I will write more about this miracle in a future post.
- Salvation: My faith sustains me, and I am so thankful that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my salvation and that I will spend eternity with God. I pray that you also have this assurance of salvation.
What are you thankful for?
Let’s Say Thanks
November 25, 2008 by Lillie
Let’s Say Thanks is a troop support program sponsored by Xerox. You can choose a card design created by a child, select a message or compose your own, and create the card online. Xerox distributes the cards to our troops through the military support organization Give2TheTroops®. If you want to send a card to a specific soldier, you can download your chosen design, write your message, and mail.
I wrote about Let’s Say Thanks a couple of years ago and thought it was time for a reminder. Thanksgiving is a good time to thank our troops, but every day is a day to say thanks.
You can also thank our troops by supporting them through other great organizations:
- Adopt-a-Chaplain—”a Christ-centered ministry that is dedicated to supporting our troops through the ministries of chaplains.”
- Soldiers’ Angels—”Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families.”
- AnySoldier.com—Military volunteers stationed in harm’s way distribute your packages and letters to troops who need them most.
As we count our blessings this Thanksgiving, let’s remember the freedom that comes through the sacrifices made by our military trooops and their families. And let’s say thanks!
New Review for Dream or Destiny
November 24, 2008 by Lillie
Dream or Destiny has been reviewed through Nothing Binding’s book review program. You can read the complete review at Nothing Binding, but here is a snippet:
Lillie Ammann has written a fantastic book that really reaches out to you and pulls you in. I felt like the main characters were great friends of mine, and I really related well to them. The story line was wonderful, and kept me guessing throughtout the entire book. … I also really enjoyed the fact that religion was involved in this story. I’ve noticed that many authors stray away from religion in order to keep readers interested in their work and to not offend anyone. I was pleased that this author included references to God and used it in a way that a reader wouldn’t be bothered by it, religious or not.
You will find excerpts from a number of reviews of Dream or Destiny on the review page. I appreciate the positive reviews the book has received.
If you’ve read the book, I’d love for you to post a review at Amazon.com
National Bible Week
November 23, 2008 by Lillie
Today is Bible Sunday, the first day of National Bible Week, November 23-30. The goal of National Bible Week is to encourage people to read and study the Bible, God’s Word.
A well-worn Bible like the one in the photo indicates a well-versed Christian.
If you would like to start studying the Bible but aren’t sure how to go about it, read my two part-series Reading the Bible.
photo credit: CedarBendDrive
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Don’t neglect your Bible like the Bible in this video is neglected.
Thanks to October Commenters
November 20, 2008 by Lillie
In spite of the delay in expressing my thanks, I appreciate each of the 123 commenters in October and each reader, whether or not you comment.
Top Contributor (32 comments)
Jeanne Dininni, Writers’ Notes
Major Contributor (13 comments)
Wilson. Will You Mind
Outstanding Contributors (3-6 comments)
Karen Swim, Words for Hire
Bonnie, Data Plus
Renae, Morning Coffee
Alina Popescu, Words of a Broken Mirror
Brad, A-1 Medical Supplies
Jack J Ammann Jr AKA Mr Lillie, Jack Ammann
Joanna Young, Confident writing
Justin, East Coast Airsoft
Lars, Bad Credit Nic
Tertius, Stay Fresh Up
Significant Contributors (2 comments)
Deb, Long Beach Island Summers
Fiona, The Crafty Writer
Jennifer, Uptake
Jill Hin, Fashion Kick
Matt Keegan, Matthew Keegan|Musings and Word Journey
Mihaela (Mig) Lica, Online Public Relations
Rodney Smith, Crafty Writer
Stu, Swole Fitness
Truby, Truby’s Home Biz
Important Contributors
Allen, Trampoline Reviews
Amanda, Natural Cures for You
Andrew, Good Honest Dollar
Andrew Green, EZine Articles Expert Author
Ashley, How to Save a Marriage
Andy, West Florida Components
Anti-Wrinkle Sunscreen, UV Exposures
Billy Swordman, ID Protection Reviews
Bryan Alwight, Bowflex Reviews
comprar videojuegos, Llevante
Cool Gadgets, Coated
Craig, National Merchants Corp
Crystal Layden, Proform Reviews
currency forex, Forex Strategy Secrets
Dan, Anxiety Panic Attack Cures
David, OzScopes
David Clifford, Bad Credit Car Loanz
Deb, Punctuality Rules
Dennis, Best Merchant Credit Account
Didi, Diaryster
Djembe Drums, Percussion Beat
Donna, Instant Scripture
Dubai Underground
Dwayne, Probably Sucks Blog
Emma, Bags Merchant
Erik H, Muscle Car Videos
Eugene, How Do I Start Blogging
Evelyn, Productive Pen
Flash PHP Games
George, Forex Trading Hub
Georganna Hancock, A Writer’s Edge
Graham Gallagher, PC Enclosures Direct
Helen Ginger, Straight from Hel
Ice Rabia, Insure Direct
iPhone Complaints, Cult of iPhone
James Anthony, Discover Black
Jamie, Hazelhut
Jason, No-Gi Grappling
Jasper Lesen, News Hitmeister
Jayme, Laney Pottery
Jen McVey, Favorite Puppy Names
Jennifer, Salon Collective
Johnnie, Debt Consolidation
Jonty, Press Release001
Karen H, Scobberlotch
Lenin Nair, Cute Writing
Linda Morton, Auto Market Analysis
Lisa, Mobile Phone Fun Games
Mari Ann Lisenbe, Carbon Copy Pro
Matt, Free Consoles
Matthew, UV Exposures
Melissa Donovan, Writing Forward
Michael, Filmes e Series
Michael, Image Frog
Mike, Schmitt & Co.
Mike S, Airbed Warehouse
milo, Triumph Smartguide 9900
MonaVie
mr mhz, Vegas Defined
Nicole, Nicole on the Net
Kapoor Printers
Paul, Is My Location Online?
Paul Stone, Paving Land
Pet, Dog Mirror
Pete, Tsheets
Robert Hruzek, Middle Zone Musings
ru4real, Are You for Real
Ruth, Dog Training Tips
Sally Ferguson, Sally’s Words
sanja, Panknjiga
Sharon Hurley Hall, Get Paid to Write Online
spice grinder, Mill.com
Stacy, Getting Pregnant Tips
Steve, Learn the Kana
Stuart, How 2 Make Money On-line
system errors
Terry S, Darn Good Marketing
Tony, Industrial Computer Systems
Vicky Adams, Stop Smoking Now
Victor Lorenzo, Ezine Articles
Vin, Elite Ab Workout
Wanda Evans, Essay Writers
Wendy Myers, Uniquely You Planning
Wood Doors, Santa Cruz Entrance Door Systems
If you commented and aren’t listed or if your listing is wrong, please let me know so I can correct it.
Thank you, all my readers—commenters and quiet readers, alike!
Book Review: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
November 17, 2008 by Lillie
Welcome to Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards, who are on a blog book tour for The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Mayra will check in during the day to answer questions, so ask away. What would like to know about book reviewing? She can answer questions about the value of book reviews and how authors and publishers can get reviews for their books. She can also help both established and beginning reviewers with the art of reviewing.
The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards
Twilight Times Books
Copyright 2008
ISBN: 978-1933353227
Paperback, 186 pages, $16.95; also electronic formats (PDF, HTML, Palm), $5.95
Non-Fiction
If this is a useful book review, the credit goes to The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing. If it’s not, the blame goes to me, the student, not to the teacher.
Although I’ve written a few reader reviews at Amazon.com, I’ve never written a reviewer review. The authors explain that reader reviews don’t “follow the structure or organization of a review written by a reviewer… .“ (page 70) The book explains the differences between reader reviews and professional reviews as well as the differences between book reviews and book reports, critiques, and press releases. Explanations and examples showcase different kinds of reviews based on such considerations as length, tone, and genre.
Mayra Calvani, a multi-genre published author, and Anne K. Edwards, mystery author, have been reviewing books for more than ten years for a variety of publications, both print and online. They have written the book Mayra wished was available when she started reviewing. Beginning reviewers will learn the basics, and established reviewers will improve their craft with the tips and advice.
But you don’t have to be a reviewer or aspiring reviewer to benefit from this book. Authors and publishers who wonder whether it’s worth the time and effort involved to seek out reviews or who want to know how to get their books reviewed will find answers here.
Part One, The Art of Reviewing, covers the keys to being a good reviewer, writing reviews, definitions and examples, ethics, ownership rights, practical tips, and more. The section devoted to starting a book review site will probably be of interest to a smaller percentage of readers than the other sections. The extensive table of contents makes it easy to read sections of interest and skip others. The section on the controversy about bloggers writing book reviews will be of special interest to bloggers.
Part Two, The Influence of Reviews, doesn’t offer as much actionable information and some of the material seems repetitive. However, it may be helpful to anyone interested in how reviews influence libraries, booksellers, readers, and others.
Part Three, Resources, lists more than 150 print publications and online review sites broken down into categories. The advantage of reading the e-book is that the URLs are clickable links, making it easy to access the online sites. Though the list is focused on opportunities for reviewers, it can be a good resource list for authors and publishers seeking reviews for their books as well.
I can see why The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing is a finalist in the 2008 Best Book Awards. Reviewers, authors, and readers will all find it useful as a resource. I will refer to it often as I write more book reviews—and I predict my reviews will get better and better as a result. Highly recommended.
You’ll want to visit other stops on the blog book tour for The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing. In the meantime, though, be sure to leave a comment. Welcome the authors to A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye and ask any questions you have about book reviewing.
