Read-to-Win 2016 (or Dying and Going to Heaven)

Starting today, Homeschooled Authors is hosting their third Read-to-Win! Basically it's a chance for readers to buy these ebooks for 0.99 cents each at some point during the summer, write Goodreads reviews, and get entered in a giveaway for an $100 Amazon giftcard according to how many times you review. That's what I call awesome. ; ) There's something here for everyone--children's books, historical fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery...

I'm really excited about this for three reasons...

That's number one. ; ) My book is on sale all summer as an ebook thanks to a dear friend who formatted it for me! I'm really looking forward to more people getting to read it and hopefully some more reviews. It's not an action adventure novel; but it's definitely fun, kid-safe and a great read-aloud!

Number two? Some of my favorite books are part of the sale. If you look closely, you'll see Gift from the Storm by Rebekah Morris in the sea of books. I wrote a rave review of it last year, so I'm really excited that now you'll be able to read it too! It's a really amazing mystery, and I love the story to pieces. Another book you'll see is Red Rain by Aubrey Hansen. One of the first books to introduce me to work by homeschooled authors and the sci-fi genre. It was so brilliant but super clean! Definitely a favorite. You can see in this exceedingly short review I wrote of it just exactly what I thought. ; ) And a third book featured this summer is one I read recently--Implant by J. Grace Pennington. It was really brilliant, time-wimey, and a super interesting read (for older readers). You can also read my review of this one on Amazon.

And number three... I'm looking forward to trying out a few books myself. ; )

So hop on over to Homeschooled Authors and stay tuned for great posts and great sales!

My Bookshelf of Oddities and Amazingities (Part Two)

Hello again, it's me. I'm crazy. Book crazy. (That's the good kind.) ; ) Anyone else excited to see the rest of my book collection? ; )

The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I’m collecting these, because I think every bookshelf should have ‘em. They are timeless. ; ) I don’t quite have the full series yet, but they’re everywhere so it’s coming. There are also a few “extra books” written by other authors in the spirit of the originals that I’d like to add to my collection too.

Dance at Grandpa’s

This is a picture book version of one of my favorite parts in Little House in the Big Woods. The paintings are so cute! ; )

Summer Days with the Moodys by Sarah Maxwell

Another book I picked up because I was out of things to read and this one would be safe. ; ) Dad and Mom got it primarily for me at the one of the Maxwells’ conferences, but it was for me to share with my siblings. ; ) We all enjoy them, but there not our very favorites.

The Heavens Declare by Perry Willis

Yeah, I know. She’s Perry Kirkpatrick now. I have one of the old versions. Sister privileges. ; ) (It’s signed too.) It’s a really fun book!! You learn science without knowing you are which is always a good thing. ; )

Light of the World by Perry Willis

Sorry, old version too. ; P This one is similar to the first one in writing style, but this time there’s something of a mystery and an amazing Gospel presentation. ; ) I love it.

Pearl’s Practice by Perry Kirkpatrick

There we have it—now she’s married. Phew. This book is so cute!! It’s the only pro-life, pro-baby, pro-Christ one I’ve seen of its kind. I love it.

The Treasure Hunt by Kate Willis

Oh, my, that’s me! I’m so happy to have my own little book on the shelf (can you see it in the picture?), and I couldn’t be more grateful for the awesome people who’ve made this dream come true. ; )

Hank the Cowdog by John Erickson

I have two of these fabulously weirdly funnily interesting books. I have the first one, because it’s the first one. And I have Lost in the Blinded Blizzard because it is the best ever. (Except maybe the fishhook one and the tornado one.) You’ll never look at a dog the same after reading these. ; )

Along Came a Dog by Meindert Dejong

This book is really slow, as is usual of the author’s style, but I like it a lot for that reason. Charming story, especially since I remember Mom reading it aloud when I was really little. ; )

Man O’ War by Walter Farley

My favorite horse book is King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. That one and any other about an awesome horse always refers to their relative—Man O’ War. I was beginning to be frustrated that I had no idea what they were all talking about when I found this book at the thrift store. (Thrift stores are a bookaholic’s BFF.) It was really neat to finally know something about this famous horse, but I still think I prefer books about the Godolphin Arabian and Seabiscuit. ; )

The Middle Moffat by Eleanor Estes

Our ancient church library was not always complete in their series I bought this book myself to see what happened next. We like this series a lot, but there can often be ghost “sightings” and slight attitude throughout. ; )

Adventures and Adversities by Sarah Holman

Oh, the wonders of the Homeschooled Authors booth! I found this there too. ; ) I’ve already reviewed it on here before, but it’s worth saying again—it’s awesome!! ; )

Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally

This book—wow. Very helpful for the topic of boy/girl interactions and keeping a solid brain in Christ. My older sister gave me her copy when she got married. ; )

It’s (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin

I got this book last year with book money (from the year before’s birthday). My relatives are so nice to me. *sighs happily* This book most definitely goes on the list of “very favorites ever”. If the book I mentioned before goes far in being helpful, this one goes even farther! You might see me quote it on her sometimes as it deals with everything from sibling relationships to interactions with young men, from social media guidelines to contentment in Christ. It covers all the bases. Wowzers. (I would recommend this book for older teenagers, and the other one for the thirteen to sixteen age group.) ; )

Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, M.D.

Ha, ha! You can tell that this is definitely one of the books I’m not using right now, but I’m sure it will be good for the future. It’s what Mom used with me! ; )

To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl

And this one too...no children to “train up” currently. ; )

Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor (not pictured because it’s on loan)

I love the story of Christian! Unfortunately, I’m not fluent in Middle English, so I really appreciate that this version is in regular English. ; ) It’s also awesome how in this version Christian is a child. Makes things a bit more relatable. ; ) I bought this book at a homeschool convention after enjoying my sister’s copy.

Evangelists in Chains by Elizabeth Wagler (also on loan)

Remember that Christmas I mentioned when I got the knock-knock joke book? This was my gift in the mail around New Years’. I love it so much!!! The whole theme of the story is “Our God, whom we serve, is able”. It will truly wow you and strengthen your faith! (And start some good discussions on non-conformity and non-resistance.) ; )

The Family Treasures Coloring Book by Breezy Brookshire

I love this!!! We all love it! Just enough detail and charm to be one of the good coloring books (that can keep even old people like me interested) without making it tedious to work on a picture. We especially love the family-centeredness of the scenes! ; )

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith

I’ve screamed about this on here before, and I’m not hoarse yet so I’ll scream about it again. Take a tear-jerking story with Gospel overtones and hidden references to a true life tear-jerking story then have Breezy Brookshire illustrate it in full color. Yep.

Our Flag Was Still There by Tracy Michele Leininger (now Craven)

I love this story. And I love the pictures. One of the best patriotically-_geared books I’ve read.

Rosemary for Remembrance by Tasha Tudor

Mommy got me this gorgeous calendar treasury book for my birthday. I haven’t used it yet, but I love just looking and looking at the pictures. ; )

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman

This book is awesome for now and awesome for later. I loved reading it for ideas, and I look forward to implementing it in my own household someday. One really excellent thing it did for me was to help me see motherhood as the exciting art, science, and ministry it really is. ; )

I’ve mentioned a few of the more notable books in my stack of sideways ones, but as you can see there are many more. If you were to browse through that part you’d find a knitting book, a Bible Bee workbook, picture books from my past and waiting for the future (though my little friends pull them out to enjoy once in a while), an old Highlights magazine (1975), full journals and empty ones, a book one of my little sisters made me, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, and cds full of old family photos. I have my two ultimate favorite audio dramas on there too—“Sir Knight of the Splendid Way” and “The Last Battle”. It’s time to listen to those again. ; )

Over on my desk are a couple more books. They’re mostly there because they are the pretty ones, but also you can probably see that I’m running out of space. *grins sheepishly* *adds another book to that Amazon wishlist* I like my desk to be pretty (and cluttered with projects, but that’s beside the point), so these ones got to go on top.

Prayer Devotional Bible by God (and whoever wrote the devotions)

My Dad bought me this NIV Bible a while back because I’ve always had an interest in prayer warriors and intercession (and because it is really pretty). Unfortunately, I don’t use it much because our church uses NKJV for services. Maybe it’s time to switch back to it though, because my regular Bible is super beat up. ; )

Sir Knight of the Splendid Way by W.E. Cule

Eeeeeek!!!!! I LOVE this one!!! It’s like a medieval (and you know I love medieval) version of Pilgrim’s Progress. Soooooo awesome!!! Life-changing. My Dad references “The Vision of the Face” when he’s encouraging us to keep our eyes on Christ. I can’t decide if it’s better in book or audio drama format—it’s probably better in both. ; ) A very favorite ever? Definitely. Very good birthday present.

The Lost Clue by O.F. Walton

Really great story! I don’t usually like the “our-main-character-is-the-long-lost-noble-something-of-wherever-and-that’s-the-reason-they-have-good-character” books. This book is half that and half not. (One of the only reasons it passed muster. The other reasons include a great mystery and a sweet Godly romance.) That “half not” part really made me love it. Marjorie is such an amazing character! She is really inspiring and encouraging. I love it. ; ) Another birthday present. Now I know why I was born—birthdays.

Comfortable Troubles by Elizabeth Prentiss

When you’ve enjoyed Stepping Heavenward and Aunt Jane’s Hero you naturally want more. I was so excited to see that Lamplighter Publishers had reclaimed another one of her books and even more excited to see it on the scratch and dent table at a homeschool convention. It came home with me, and I loved it as I did the others. In a way, it’s actually very different from them; but good all the same. I don’t tend to recommend it for younger readers, just in case they pick up on the wrong worldview the main character moves from.

So, that’s my bookshelf! Thanks for stopping by and bearing with my wanderings! ; ) If I know you in person, I’d love to loan you something; and, if I don’t, I’d love to meet you! ; )

What are your favorites? I’m not sure what mine are but you can judge that for yourselves from my descriptions. ; )

My World of Words

Last June, I had the amazing privilege of publishing my first book The Treasure Hunt. Since then I have finished the first drafts of three more stories I hope to publish in the near future.

First there was "The Book of Dreams". This is one of my stories that just thrills my heart more than all the others. It is based on all the concepts I have ever learned or loved from C.S. Lewis' The Last Battle and his essay "The Weight of Glory", Andrew Peterson's poetic songs, and a bit from George MacDonald's At the Back of the North Wind. This is when I first discovered the power of setting the mood with a little description. I started with a small concept and then let my mind run wild with the possibilities.

From the beginning...

Now she sat in the front room with her own book in her hands. The firelight danced on the walls and caused her hair to shine golden. A little table separated her chair from the one belonging to the Keeper of Dreams, but he was near enough to watch her closely as she read. And watch her closely he did. From the first moment she had opened the golden pages, his eyes never moved; but his smiled deepened.

             After admiring the cover for a long while, she finally flipped open the book and fingered the first page as she read the words written in golden script. Here and there throughout the book there were pictures and her smile would grow as she murmured pleasantly, “Yes, that is how I remember it.”

            The shadows grew and still Lindsay read. As she looked at all her dreams from the time she was a baby until the very night before, she realized that they all wove together into one big dream. The Keeper of Dreams still smiled on her and watched as she read on, caught up into the story.

            All before she wanted it to the book ended, and she closed it with a happy sigh. When she looked up she saw that the Keeper of Dreams had been watching her and she said politely, “Thank you very much for letting me read this and especially for recording it all.”

            He smiled and took the book from her outstretched hands then showed her to the door. The spring day was as lovely as when she had come to his house, but now it seemed all the more beautiful. The sky was a clear blue dotted with puffy white clouds, and a slight breeze blew across the flowers making them dance together. There were ever so many colors to look at as she walked home: greens, and blues, and every shade of pink imaginable. The apple and the pear blossoms rained down about her onto the path, and each thing her eyes lighted on reminded her of something she had seen in one of her dreams.

After that I worked on a story called "Letters for Victory" a mixture of my own experiences of home life and fictional story set during World War II. It was a lot of fun to write and (at that point) my longest story yet. I loved the story so much that instead of doing a typical epilogue narrating everything in 50 or so words, I wrote a (really long!!) bonus chapter to give myself a chance to say "goodbye" to the characters. : )

Here's a snippet...
“So you think we should write to him,” Jake stated with excitement written all over his face.

            “Exactly! I asked mother and she said we could as long as we pay the postage and let her look over the letters first. This all depends of course, on if Tommy wants to be pen-pals,” Kathryn answered in a business-like tone.

            “Let’s do it!” Jake replied, jumping up from the couch.

            “Can I draw the pictures?” Hanna asked.

            “Yes, dear,” her older sister said and was rewarded with a toothy smile.

            “Kathryn should be the ‘editor’,” Jake offered, taking a huge bite of his apple at the exact moment that everyone looked at him.

            “What do you think, Avery?” Kathryn said and they all turned to look at him.

            Ever the practical one, Avery stroked his chin and said, “And how will we pay for the postage?”

            Kathryn answered by reaching up and taking their general piggy bank off the mantle and emptying it onto the floor. “There’s enough here to send a few letters and then we’ll have to figure out some way to make money,” she pronounced.

            “Then I’m all for it,” Avery replied, with vigor.

            And so they decided to write the letter. After several minutes of haggling, crossing out, and rewriting Kathryn was ready to read the finished project aloud.

            “Dear Tommy,

            We are the Moorbank children—Kathryn (14), Avery (12 ½), Jake (8), and Hanna (4). We live on Currant Street in Willoughby Village with our mother and older sister who is married to a soldier, Peter Kilroy. We have a nice big house with rose bushes that bloom pink when they do. We also have the best tree house in the neighborhood that we love to play in. We can’t play in it right now since it is raining so much, but we have grand times during the summer. In autumn and winter we play in the living room. That's where we're writing this letter from now.

            We were wondering if you want to be pen-pals. We are quite sure we can think of plenty of interesting things to tell you, though you should have some things to say too. Don't worry about postage, we have it all figured out.

            Enclosed is a photograph of us all and Avery would like you to know that he has grown a whole inch since that was taken so Kathryn isn't really so much taller than him. Kathryn says that doesn't matter much. Jake would like to know what war is like. Hanna says that if you will pretend to be her big brother she will send you a piece of her candy on Christmas.

            Please write back as soon as possible, though we will be patient since you are probably busy. Goodbye now, we have to go snap green beans.

             Sincerely,

            Your Friends"

After that I started a story called "Mara". It was once again a mixture of lessons from my life and story I came up with. Wonderful experience, and I was so excited to finish it last December (in the midst of moving and Christmas). It's my longest story ever, but I hope to break that record someday once I get over my writer's block. : )

An excerpt for ya'...
Sienna stood near her father with her hands clasped around the handle of a small brown satchel. Her thick black hair was parted in the middle and pulled back from her face by a dull colored ribbon. Her dress was a sort of golden brown that would have been nice if it had been paired with another color, but the fact that it was too big and too brown made her look almost swallowed up by it. The only thing interesting about her were her eyes. They were dark brown and very big and stared at Mara with admiration and contempt.

            Mara was reclining on the low-backed couch with a white crocheted afghan tucked around her. Her dress and her cheeks were the color of the roses on the table beside her, and her eyes held a bright sparkle of welcome for the timid young girl that stood in front of her. Beckoning, so she would not disturb her parents’ and Mr. Rhames’ conversation, she smiled at her new student and prayed that they would get along.

            “Just like a queen,” Sienna thought as she studied her new teacher and her thought was seemingly rationalized by Mara’s kind beckoning. “I wonder if she can actually teach. She looks as if she had never worked a day in her life.” Sienna’s mind sped on in this disagreeable fashion, but she made her feet walk towards the young woman.

            Mara tucked a pile of letters that had occupied the footstool into a basket nearby, and said, “There, would you like to sit down? We have so much getting acquainted to do.”

            Sienna sat down stiffly on the footstool but turned her face in undisguised interest to the speaker. The frank, welcoming words spoke somehow into the lonely girl’s heart and softened it a little.

            “So, you are Sienna. I’m Mara (it’s said like mare with an ‘a’ on the end), and I am so excited to get to be your teacher,” Mara said smiling and tucking her light brown hair behind her ear.

 

 

So which story do you think sounds the most interesting?

Firsts

I'm very excited to be giving away two books this week! : )

The first is over at: http://edensevaluations.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-treasure-hunt-review-giveaway.html My friend Eden was so kind to write this sweet review for me and host this giveaway. Go on over and join the fun! Thank you, Eden!

This one is really fun as well. I got to do my first interview and giveaway with these awesome people who are always turning out awesome books. (Fancy that!)

http://homeschoolauthors.blogspot.com/2014/09/interview-with-kate-willis.html

Another first for me (as an author) is that I sold my first copy on Amazon! Truly this is a great adventure, and I very grateful to everyone who is helping me along. : )

My Book Is in A Giveaway!

Just a heads up that today is the last day to enter the giveaway of my
book over at www.perryelisabeth.blogspot.com. I'm so excited to offer you
this opportunity to get one free! : )

Guest post by Anna-Review: The Treasure Hunt

Hi y'all! This is Anna, one of Perry, Aimee, and Kate's younger sisters. They let me do a guest post so....here ya go.
You may have seen the post further down about Kate's first book called The Treasure Hunt. Although I didn't know it she had written it as a surprise for me!
At the Oregon Homeschool Convention where Kate was selling it (and it had great success), she presented me with a brand new copy. I was so excited!
Perry did a fabulous job on the cover and inside design, but the best part was the story. All through the remaining part of the convention I couldn't keep my nose out of the book, and as soon as possible I read it. It is a short read for all ages but especially from 8-12 years old, and one that I strongly recommend.

The Treasure Hunt:
>My favorite scene-is in the prologue where the characters are on a thrilling bike ride with headsets, code names, mysterious stuff, and all!
>My favorite character-well...the main character is a girl named Anna (modeled after me) so that wouldn't work...probably the boy named David (modeled after my older brother).
>My favorite clue-is the one in the river...and I shall give the story away no more, you'll just have to read it.
>My favorite author-my very own Old and Boring that lives in our very own house. You know who you are-LOVE YOU! (Y'all will just have to read the book to find out what this means.) : )

There is no romance, violence, broken relationships, or anything that may be questionable for little kids to read! Just a purely fun mystery and a loving, family environment.
So thank you very much, Kate, for the book. I really enjoyed it. I loved how true to 'history' it is with the code names, the Old and Borings, our previous house, apple tree, and creek.
And to all you readers and mystery/spy book lovers out there, this the right book for you.
~Anna


See perryelisabeth.blogspot.com for more information on the Homeschooled Authors and their books. Kate's book (The Treasure Hunt), all four of Perry's books (including the new one: The Kitten Files #1 The Case of the Tabloid Tattler), Tyler's first book (Tacticool), and the others that were included on the Homeschooled Authors table are all on the page Homeschooled Authors Booklist. Check it out! : ) 

My Books Are Here!

My books just arrived today!!! Thank you so much, Perry Elisabeth, for sending me pictures so I could see them before the convention! And thank you to Daddy, Mommy, and everyone else who helped make this adventure possible. : )

Do Cows Eat Dandelions?

You gotta' love it when you're writing a book, and you assert that cows
like to eat dandelions. Your editor mother says that you had better
research that. She calls the neighbor's cow expert of a son, and he
decides that we should switch it out for clover. Editing sure is fun... : )