Interview with J. Scott Savage

I was one of the lucky ones to get an ARC of Farworld: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage. I looked forward to reading it because I've really enjoyed his Shandra Covington series (House of Secrets and Dead On Arrival). I love fantasy so when the package came, I ripped it open and started reading right away. I've had to wait to post my review—and that's been hard because I've wanted to share the love for the two main characters in this book.

Water Keep is the first in a series of fantasy novels written for middle grade readers, although older teens and adults may also enjoy it. Savage has created two unique main characters—Marcus, a disabled boy who uses a wheelchair and lives on Earth, and Kyja, a magically disabled girl who lives on Far World. Together, Marcus and Kyja begin an adventure to save both worlds from the Dark Circle, an evil brewing in Farworld that will also impact Earth. In this book, they begin that adventure by journeying to Water Keep, in an attempt to convince the water elementals to help them save the world.

Along the way, they must face attacks from "...Summoners, who can command the living and the undead; Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destory both body and soul; and dark mages knows as the Thrathkin S'Bae." Pretty creepy. Not only that, they must deal with bullies, feelings of inadequacy, and learn to jump between their two worlds.

The theme for the Scott's blog tour is "Find Your Magic" and I think that's the main message of this book. We each have our own kind of magic and it's important for us to discover what it is and learn to bless the world with it. That's a message everyone needs to hear.

Scott Savage agreed to take time out of his very busy schedule to meet me for a short interview. We chose to meet at the meadow with the dawn chimes at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Since sunrise occurred at 6:12 a.m., I was able to see and hear those absolutely beautiful dawn chimes greet the morning. I brought a basket of fruit for breakfast—some bananas, grapes, plums and assorted berries. We spread out a blanket on a small hill that overlooked the meadow and talked as we waited for dawn.

So, Scott, isn't this one of the most awesome places on Farworld? It's gorgeous here.

This is one of my favorite places to come, and with a breakfast of fresh fruit even. We better talk quick though so we don't miss the dawn chime's song. Marcus is much better at translating them than I am. But I'm working on it.

You call your elementals water, land, air and fire. Why didn't you use "earth" instead of land?

Well, you know, the whole earth thing has been so overused. I was even considering water, air, fire, and hand lotion. But it just didn't have the same zing.

Hand lotion? Really? Did you know that I make custom scented hand lotion? Maybe I'll create one for Farworld.

Whatever. Okay, seriously, it's because earth and Earth are the same word. I don't have a problem with calling a horse a horse on Farworld—even if it does tell jokes.

And pretty lame ones at that.

[Throws a grape at me.] Geez. You like to interrupt a lot, don't you?

Sorry.

Do you want the answer to your question, or not? Anyway, it seems to me that on a planet not named Earth, the land should not be called earth. It could get too confusing. I don't even have anyone from Farworld use that word in the book.

Did you have to do a lot of research to see what Marcus would and wouldn't be able to physically do? Did you try doing some of those things yourself with his limitations? (I'm picturing you scooting down a busy street in New York.)

Not down a New York street. But I actually did scoot across my floor and out in front of the house. The neighbors already know I am weird. I did get some great advice from people who do have disabilities though. For example, I originally had Marcus crawl. But everyone I talked to told me that it is too uncomfortable. They scoot instead.

Are we going to see more Ishkabiddles in future books? (I love that name.) Like I was thinking maybe in the final scene of the final book, Marcus is about to be destroyed by the evilest person of the Dark Circle and an ishkabiddle could pop up and bite the bad guy on the ankle, giving Marcus the chance to regain his bearings and finish off the bad guys... (you don't have to pay me a royalty for that idea, but an acknowledgment in the book would be nice.)

Oh, yeah, the killer Ishkabiddle scene—it's going to be huge. I didn't originally plan on more Iskabiddles. But demand has been surprisingly strong. So you probably haven't seen the last of them.

Has there ever been a water elemental that couldn't swim?

Only one. His name was Bob.

How long, start to finish, did it take you to write this book? What is your writing schedule like?

Three months of writing. Many more of editing. My schedule is typically delay, delay, delay, rush!!!!

Are there any questions you've been dying to answer, but no one has asked them yet?

I'm surprised no one has asked about why I went with two full blown protagonists and whether or not that was hard to write. The answer is that I didn't want this to be a boy book or a girl book. I wanted Kyja and Marcus to each rise and fall, so to be a sidekick to the other. I tried to write very carefully so that no one would feel Marcus or Kyja was the "main" character. You know, I was really planning to—

Oh, hush! Dawn is here. Look!


Scott continued to babble about his book, his writing career, and what's coming up next for him but I tuned him out. I was too busy watching the loveliest little purple flowers rise out of the meadow grass. The tiny blossoms that look like bells began to chime. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. And their fragrance! Aaahh.

I didn't want to leave, but Scott had an appointment at another blog. He said I could stay at the meadow as long as I wanted, but I was afraid a Summoner might appear at any moment, so after he left, I quickly packed up what was left of our breakfast (which wasn't much; Scott has a healthy appetite) and scurried out of there. Sigh. I really hope that Marcus and Kyja are successful in their fight against the Dark Circle because Farworld is such a lovely place to visit.

You can read sample chapters HERE.

But before I left, I swiped two things which I will give away to two lucky commenters on today's post:

1. A signed original manuscript page which I stole from Scott's brief case when he wasn't looking. It's suitable for framing and sure to be worth lots of money on ebay some day soon.


2. A single petal from a dawn chime. Unfortunately, it turned into a small vial of lilac scented perfume oil when I crossed back to Earth. (I've duplicated the fragrance and it's available here.)
   

To win one of these prizes,
Visit Scott's blog to discover who said, "Magic is not just spells. The magic you see on the outside—making pots and pans fly or brewing potions to make boys swoon before you—is but a tiny fraction of the power of true magic. The real power of magic lies within you. Who you are, what you do, and most importantly of all, what you may become."

Leave a comment before midnight, Sunday, July 20th, stating the name of the person quoted and tell me which of the two prizes (manuscript page or small vial of dawn chime fragrance) you'd like to win.

I will select two winners completely at random and post them on Monday, July 21st.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Interview with Julie Coulter Bellon

I love my friend, Julie Bellon. I really do. I met Julie when we lived in the same neighborhood, and really got to know her when she tended my youngest daughter, when I had to go back to work after my divorce. I absolutely trusted her with my child, and that’s saying a lot about what I think of Julie’s character.

Julie and I have a lot in common. I’m from the U.S.; she’s Canadian. I have a respectable number of children (4); she has 6 and 7/9ths. My kids are all adults now; she’s having a baby any minute. Julie is kind and patient and a wonderful mother; I’m a little high strung and extremely excitable. In addition to raising her children, Julie teaches journalism for BYU (actually using her college degree), is active in her Church and community, and writes books; I sit around and eat nouggies all day, using my Mensa level IQ to think of ways to get out of work.

Julie and I have learned to respect our differences over the years—especially when we start talking about books. I will tell her about a new sci-fi novel that I loved and Julie rolls her eyes and thinks, “Freak.” She’ll tell me about the romance she just read (or wrote), and I mutter, “Pansy,” under my breath.


But despite all that, I really do love Julie. So I jumped at the chance to review her new book, All’s Fair, and to be part of her blog tour. I called Julie up after I finished her book.

Me: So, Julie. You wrote another one of those (cough! ack! ahem!) romances again. I thought you said you were done with that and this one was going to be action/adventure. But no. Not only have you written another romance, but there are actually TWO romances in this book—Kristen and Ryan, and Brandon and Rachel. What’s up with that?

Julie: It’s not a romance. It’s romantic suspense. Didn’t you notice all the suspense in there? There are kidnappings by terrorists, bombs and bullets everywhere. Then there’s Homeland Security getting involved, and betrayal, deception and intrigue on every page.

Me: Oh, yes. I liked those parts. I liked the sandstorm and the dead bodies. I liked Michael, the evil ex-fiancé and his ex-wife, Madj. I’m thinking maybe they still have a little sumthin’ sumthin’ going on. And I liked it when Kristen was kicking Ryan’s behind in the political PR. Hah! Showed him.

Julie: What parts didn’t you like, you freak?

Me: Well, you know. The kissing and the hand holding, pansy-face.

Julie: There are only a couple of kisses in the entire book and they’re at the very end. Geez, what is your problem?

Me: Well, yes. But there was all that smoldering eye-meeting stuff. And the heart-pounding. Plus, you know, they wanted to kiss. . . ick. (makes retching sounds)

Julie: Oh, grow up! So how badly did you want to poke your eyes out with a fork when you were reading my book?

Me: It really wasn’t that bad. I read it in an afternoon. I was going to call you right away, but I had to go to the doctor. Can you help me put these eye drops in?

Julie: Fine. Was there anything else you liked about the book?

Me: Well, if I were willing to admit to liking romantic suspense, I’d probably say I liked this one. I would say that I liked that it’s set in Iraq and has a strong supportive statement of our troops. I would say I liked that Kristen and Rachel, the two female characters, are strong, independent, professional women. I would say that I was really impressed that Rachel wasn’t a total wuss, even when she got shot. And I would say that I loved your opening scene when Kristen got caught in the rain in her wedding dress, then meets up with Ryan and she’s drenched and muddy and practically hypothermic and she has to go to his cabin and wear his ex-wife’s pajamas. Hah!

But since I will never admit to liking anything to do with romance, I can’t really say those things. Because I’m not a wimpy, cry-baby, pansy-face.

Julie: I don’t know why I even bothered giving you my book to review. I knew it was going to be like this. Do you have any serious questions you want to ask me?

Me: Yes. When are you ever going to name a character after me?

Julie: Actually, I’ve modeled a character after you in the book I’m working on right now. She’s an evil spy who pretends to be a double-agent for the U.S., while pretending to work for a group in Russia who are trying to reconsolidate the Soviet Union, all the while she’s actually part of a secret organization whose sole goal is to find an ancient artifact that will allow them to manipulate the magnetic forces of the earth to cause earthquakes of staggering magnitudes anywhere in the world, and they plan to thereby assume control of all the current political structures by threatening devastation by earthquake if they don’t cooperate. Her boyfriend betrays her in the end and she dies a very long and gruesome and agonizing death.

Me: Ooh, cool! Finally a plot I can really get into. When does that one come out?

Julie: Freak.


You can purchase a copy of Julie Coulter Bellon’s book, All’s Fair, here.

To read more about Julie and her other books, to read a sample chapter of All’s Fair, or to participate in Julie’s charity drive to send Care Packages to our troops in Iraq, visit her website here.

If you’re in the vicinity of Salt Lake City, Utah, you can catch Julie on Good Things Utah on Monday morning, July 14th, at 10:00 a.m. on Channel 4 (ABC). I’ve got my TIVO set already!

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Interview with Candace E. Salima

Back when I was in college and depression was still a word I used to describe a small dent in a car or a thumbprint in Play Dough, I had my first serious bout with this illness. My life wasn't making sense to me. From all outward appearances, I was doing well—school was fine, I had friends, I had dates. But on the inside, everything was dark and gloomy. I had lost my enthusiasm, my energy.

I remember driving up to a local cemetery on a hill and sitting there looking out over the valley and crying out to the spirits of the people who had passed on, asking them if they'd ever felt like I did. What did they do? Had they survived? Had life ever become happy again? I felt that if I knew that even one person had felt like I felt and made it through to the other side, I could hold on. I could have hope.

I got no answers that day. But now, nearly 30 years later, I have answers for that girl who cried in the cemetery so many years ago. Yes, you can survive. Yes, life will become happy again. And yes, the answer to my unasked question, God really does love you.

As a survivor of depression, and someone who insists on thriving despite that illness, I feel a responsibility to share my story of hope and healing with others who suffer from the trials of life. I do that on a face-to-face basis when moved upon by the Spirit.

Which brings me to this book, Forged in the Refiner's Fire compiled by Candace E. Salima and Elizabeth A. Cheever. This is exactly the type of message I was looking for thirty years ago—that life was tough, bad things happen, but faith in God and hope in His mercy will carry you through.

There are many stories here, dealing with infertility, loss, bankruptcy, addiction, health issues. I really appreciated Shirley Bahlmann's story where she decided her family would be better off without her and fantasized about disappearing into some small town in Arizona. I've been there. One night I packed up and drove away, planning to disappear into the sunset, leaving a husband and two young children behind. I, too, was planning to get a meaningless job as a waitress, live under a false name, and just survive. Fortunately, heaven intervened and I ended up back home.

Like the people who contributed their stories and testimonies to this book, I've learned that life is not always going to be sweet and light. Each of us will have trials, many trials, and the key to overcoming them is to remember that trials in life are a refining process; it's necessary. My favorite quote from the book is from Elizabeth Cheever who says, "...if you take the stones out of the brook, the water doesn't babble and sing."

Looking back over the past thirty years, I realize that the music of my life is more beautiful and passionate precisely because of the stones in my brook. I am a better person because of the refining fires I've faced—and I wouldn't trade the gift of who I am now for anything.

And I don't think the authors featured in this book would make that trade either.

Candace and I had a nice conversation about this book the other day. She had some excellent thoughts about life's challenges and writing.

Why did you write this book? Did you have a personal need or did someone close to you need help getting through a rough time?

It is relatively common knowledge amongst our friends, family and peers that my husband has been suffering from kidney failure since February of 2002. The last six years haven’t been easy, in fact, at times, it has been absolutely terrifying. However, through even those darkest nights and moments of stark terror I always felt the comfort of my Savior coming over me as people from across the world prayed for the both of us: For Alvin to recover and for me to stay strong and resolute in the caring and loving of my husband.

With all this in mind, Elizabeth Cheever, my co-author, came to me and asked if I would be willing to write this book with her. With all I was going through and with all I had learned about God and His ever present love and comfort, there was nothing else I could do. We became partners in writing Forged in the Refiner’s Fire.

Share some of your experiences with collecting these stories.

We sent out emails to all of our friends, family and peers asking for stories of trial and tragedy. Specifically we asked how these troubled times brought them closer to God and what they learned from these experiences, including what they did to get through it. Elizabeth and I read a lot about what is required to face times like these and what God’s purposes in times like these might be.

Stories came in by the dozens. We read through them all, chose ones that showed a light at the end of the tunnel and left readers with an uplifting feeling of “Wow, if they could survive that I can make it through my own trials.”

How does creating a book like this differ from writing your fiction book, Out of the Shadows?

Oh, writing nonfiction is much, much easier than writing fiction.

Out of the Shadows . . . Into the Night was my first book and literally flowed out of me. Beginning to end, it was written in six weeks and edited in twelve. It was a free-flow expression of imagination with a story that I was just as excited to see what happened in the writing as the readers are when they turn the page. But as I strive to always be better and to make my stories exciting, fulfilling and entertaining, it becomes difficult to keep the pace where it needs to be. Fiction is a good story wrapped around the truth and sometimes those characters just won’t do what you want them to.

Forged in the Refiner’s Fire was a journey in self-discovery and understanding of the bigger picture in life. It was difficult to sort through the stories and to have to tell people that we weren’t using their stories. Some experiences shared with us were so dark and the people were still caught within the snares of the tragedy enfolding them. There was no hope, no light and learning. Stories like that didn’t serve the purpose of this book. This was a book of hope, understanding and knowledge which we hope will help our readers to feel not so quite alone. There was a much deeper personal investment in this story, because we laid bare our own trials and lessons so that others might know that we too had suffered and triumphed, and so could they.

Which process do you prefer and why?

Oh, I love them both. I’m in the midst of writing two fiction books and two nonfiction books. Each feeds my soul in different ways and I would never restrict myself to one or the other.

I love to tell a good story, literally grab my reader by the throat, yank them into my story and drop them out when I’m done. There is nothing that gives me greater joy than to know people picked up a book like Out of the Shadows . . . Into the Light and couldn’t put it down until they turned the last page at four in the morning.

On the flip side, I love hearing people tell me they were so inspired by Forged in the Refiner’s Fire and now knew they could make it through their own trials. I love knowing people have been strengthened and emboldened to triumph over whatever rests in their present or future. This is what nonfiction can do, the sharing of one’s knowledge, heart and spirituality can strengthen others in such a way that they can become standard bearers of the Savior’s flag, which is my ultimate goal.

Did you always want to be a writer?

When I was 11 I started writing full fiction stories. I continued to do so throughout my life. But when I was 18 I entered college with the intention of becoming a criminal prosecutor. At the beginning of my sophomore year I decided to take a class that would ease the load on my brain and took creative writing from Sis. Dorla Jenkins at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. Six weeks into that class I knew there was a career correction which was going to take place. I prayed, a lot, and then I spoke to my parents. From that moment in time on I knew I was going to direct all my efforts and attention to writing screenplays and books. That is precisely what I have done.

What other books have you written?

Out of the Shadows . . . Into the Light is a romantic suspense in the tradition of Nora Roberts, but clean.
13 and 0: Reflections of Champions is a sports biography about BYU’s 1984 National Championship Football Team.
And finally, the book we are talking about now, Forged in the Refiner’s Fire. I was so pleased to do a video author’s interview about this book, which I’m delighted to share now:

All my books can be purchased at www.candacesalima.com/inPrint.htm

What do you have in the works?

I am co-authoring a book with entertainer, Merrill Osmond, tentatively called Standing on the Fifth: The Long Road, which is an action suspense targeted at the national market and it is a page turner. It has been a lot of fun developing and writing this story. It is our hope that it will be published before the end of 2008, although that is entirely up to the publisher.

I am in the middle of finishing the sequel to Out of the Shadows . . . Into the Light, which is called Dreams Die Hard. This book will pick up where we left off with Shadows, centering on Judith and Sam, who were both introduced in the first book. The battle with the Anqiri continues and Patrick continues to immerse himself in normal teenage life.

The Tale of Two Fathers is a nonfiction book showing the comparisons between my biological father and the father of my heart. Each had horrendous childhoods, difficult situations no child should never have endure. I will share choices made by these men and where they ultimately ended up before shuffling off this mortal coil. One abandoned his family for booze and women and died alone with young missionaries struggling to revive him. The other died knowing his family adored him, all having made the journey home to be with him one last time before he died. One chose God, one did not.

I Was Wondering is a nonfiction book addressing the questions many would ask God if they had the chance to sit down with him face to. I will provide the answers using words from prophets, apostles and trusted theologians. It has been so fascinating addressing the questions which have been asked of me over the years. Truly, there is nothing that cannot be found in the scriptures, both ancient and modern.

It sounds like you are going to be very busy! Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog.

Karlene, I appreciate the chance to drop by and visit Inksplasher. It’s been fun!

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers

Rules of Engagement
by Stephanie Fowers

YA Romantic Comedy
266 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 16+

Covenant Communications
978-1591568094
Release Date: January 2005



From the publisher:

Twenty-five-year-old Samantha Skyler is an attractive college coed, who, like every other single girl, wants to find true love. The problem is, she has virtually no experience when it comes to the dating game.

Enter Harrison Bean. Harrison is intent on teaching Samantha and her roommates how to move from spinster status to that of the most-sought-after girl in the ward. His methods seem to be working for Samantha, until someone discovers the manhunt plot and is determined to sabotage all her efforts.

Join Samantha and her roommates as they really play the dating game—and learn the secret information every girl needs to snag a guy!

I read Rules of Engagement yesterday in just a few hours. It's cute and fun.

This book gives you a humorous look into college life while exploring the non-existent love lives of Samantha and her roommates. I enjoyed Samantha's feisty character and personality. I laughed aloud at many of her antics—such as getting stuck in a window, sneaking into a boy's apartment to steal a cross-stitched quote, and trying to avoid a stalker. It took me back to my college days. I was not nearly as brave and creative as Samantha, but I had my share of fun. (Our favorite—at the end of the month when we were nearly out of groceries and cash, my roommates and I would decide what we wanted for dinner and then go on a "Scavenger Hunt" to collect the needed ingredients. People will give you anything if you call it a Scavenger Hunt.)

There was a large cast of characters when you figure in all the roommates, the FHE brothers, and other ward members. Sometimes it was a little hard to tell them apart, but otherwise, I followed along well. While a romance at heart, it's not gooey, smooshy, kissy, heart-thumping romance. In fact, it's much more funny than romantic, but Samantha and her roommates do end up with their men by the end of the book.

While not at all preachy (in fact it rarely deals with any religious aspects at all), this book does assume an LDS reader, or at least familiarity with LDS terminology, like RS, Elder's Quorum President, etc.

Older teens and young adults will really like this book, especially girls. I liked it as well, because I'm just an overgrown teenager. I think Stephanie and her characters are hilarious.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:

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Content Ratings

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Heaven Scent & Interview with Rebecca Talley

Heaven Scent
by Rebecca Cornish Talley's

LDS YA/Adult Romance
236 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 14+

Bonneville Books
978-1599551005
Release Date: February 14, 2008



From the publisher:

She'd wanted her father to pay more attention to her, and she'd wanted her family to be like it used to be. She hadn't wanted everything to change so drastically that she may not even survive it."

As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father. While her father is busy at his law practice, Liza learns about a strange new religion from Kyle. Could Kyle's religion help her family? Or is it already too late for her father to make amends?

When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a good friend, a new belief, and a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has a choice. The compelling story of a high school basketball star, this is a novel every girl will want, and none will be able to put down!

Heaven Scent (isn't that a gorgeous cover?) is Rebecca Cornish Talley's debut novel. Written for LDS teens, this book will be particularly enjoyed by young women, ages 12 to 16.

Rebecca stopped by my blog to answer a few questions and to offer a free gift to one lucky reader (so keep reading!).

Many of my blog readers are published authors or are in the process of writing a book for the first time. They are always interested in the writing process. Where did you get the idea for writing Heaven Scent? How long did it take you to finish it?
My mother wore a distinctive fragrance. It was a perfume that was designed to work with each indiviudal's body chemistry to produce a unique scent. My mother passed away when I was a young girl and every so often, I would catch a whiff of her perfume. During trials in my life, I could always smell her perfume and knew that she was near. Sometimes, it seemed like she was close enough that I could reach out and touch her. I based Heaven Scent on this experience.
I worked on Heaven Scent on and off for years between pregnancies, nursing newborns, toddlers, teens, and caring for my ailing grandparents (who raised me after my mom's passing). At times, I wondered if I'd ever finish it.

How many publishers did you have to try before your were accepted?
I submitted it in an early stage and it was rejected. I spent more time learning the craft and rewriting. I submitted it to Cedar Fort and other publishers and it was accepted by Cedar Fort.

Did you always want to write?
I've always loved to write. When I was in sixth grade I started a book similar to the "Encyclopedia Brown" books. In high school, I fell in love with writing all over again during a creative writing class. I've always dreamed of having a novel published.

What tips do you have for first time authors?
First time authors need to realize that promotion is a huge part of the writing process. First time authors have to work hard to promote their books and establish name-recognition. A web presence is also very important.

Fragrance plays a significant role in Liza's healing process. Have you had a similar experience?
Yes. Once when my newborn was in the NICU, I could smell my mother's perfume so strongly that I knew she was there watching over my new baby.

You created a fragrance called Hope to go with your book. Tell me about what that fragrance means to you.
I would like people who wear the fragrance to feel that no matter what life brings, there is always hope. Hope is the message of Heaven Scent. To me, this fragrance means that those we've loved and lost are never far from us.

Are you working on a new book? Tell us about it.
I'm working on an LDS romance that I'd like to think of as a fun way to escape for a bit from the dishes, diapers, growing mound of laundry, or stresses of daily life. It's been a lot of fun to write.

Thanks for stopping by the blog, Rebecca.
Thank you so much, Karlene, for hosting my book on your blog.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Season of Sacrifice & Interview with Tristi Pinkston

Season of Sacrifice
by Tristi Pinkston

LDS Historical
348 pages, softcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Golden Wings
978-0979434013
March 15, 2008



From the publisher:

Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins. When the Perkins are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark "Hole in the Rock."

Finally settled in the San Juan, Sarah's true hardship begins when Ben Perkins asks her to be his second wife. With their faith and testimonies challenged to the core, both Sarah and Mary Ann struggle to find the true meaning of Christ-like love and obedience. Will they make it through?

Last month, I read Season of Sacrifice, a new book by historical author, Tristi Pinkston. I've been waiting for her blog tour (which kicked off May 1) to post the review. It was almost too long to wait because I was impatient to share this book with others.

I was very impressed by the sacrifices Ben, Mary Ann and Sarah made. They struggled to survive, to stay together as a family, and to live according to their beliefs. Several times since reading the book, when faced with a challenge of my own, I have remembered their steadfastness and perseverance and it has inspired me to keep going. You can purchase this book of strength and courage at Tristi's website.


I'm excited to share this interview with Tristi with all of you.

What spurred your interest in writing Season of Sacrifice?
We've had a red family history book sitting around in my house for ages, and I just picked it up and started to read it one day. It was one of those things that I figured I'd get around to, probably when I was eighty, but for some reason the book spoke to me and I picked it up. I was immediately drawn into the story, and it is that book that provided the backbone for the novel I would eventually write. As I read, I felt compelled to tell the story of my ancestors in a way that would reach many people, and not just my family.

This book is really Sarah's story. She is your great, great grandmother, right?
She is. She and Ben had a daughter named Sarah Elizabeth, who was known as Sade, who then had a daughter named Thora, who had a son named Joel, who was my father.

How has knowing Sarah's story helped you with your own life challenges?
Sarah, to me, is the perfect example of unquestioning obedience. She really struggled with her decision to become a plural wife, but once she gained the testimony for herself, she never wavered. She did without for most of her life, not wanting to strain the overall family finances. She worked hard every day to provide for her children. Her testimony was her rock and her foundation. Whenever I feel sorry for myself or wonder just how I'm going to make it through, I think about Sarah and how her close relationship with Jesus Christ sustained her. And that helps me keep my priorities in check.

How did you find out all this information about your ancestors?
In addition to the red book, I was blessed to have another volume of family history loaned to me by my father. It had belonged to my grandmother, and when I opened it up, I found typewritten sheets that were my great-great-grandfather's journal and life story. From these sheets, I was able to take many quotes of things he actually said. I also found quite a lot online—as Utah celebrities, so to speak, they were featured on many websites.

I'm sure your family will cherish this book, but it really has an appeal and an influence on others as well. I was very inspired by their struggles and their commitment to continue on in faith, regardless of the cost. Did you know as you were writing it that it would touch others outside your family?
I didn't know it, but I hoped it, and so far, I've been proven right. I did have a lot of author friends say to me, "How sweet that you're writing a family history story, but you know, no one is going to buy it." They were looking out for my best interests, but I knew then as I know now that this isn't just any family history story. My reviews have been fabulous and I'm thrilled to be sharing the story in such a public way. It deserves to be told. These pioneers deserve to be remembered.

Other than the setting, how is this book different from your other two, Nothing to Regret and Strength to Endure?
Nothing to Regret and Strength to Endure are both largely fiction. I set my stories against a historical backdrop and wove factual details in throughout, but Season of Sacrifice is mostly history. I only added emotions and details—everything else in the book comes straight from history. I classify it as a historical novel rather than a historical fiction novel for that very reason.

Was the writing experience different because you are related to these characters? Did that make it easier or harder to write the story?
It was very different because everything had a personal meaning to me. I felt more of a compulsion to get it right. I didn't want to say anything that would lessen the greatness of their lives. I wanted this book to be a memorial to them and I felt that pressure keenly. At the same time, I truly felt that they helped me from beyond the veil. The entire book was written in eighty hours, which is unheard of for me.

Was there a moment in your life when you knew you were destined to be a writer?
For me, there wasn't a moment—it's been inside me my entire life. I started writing at the age of five and have never stopped. I just always, instinctively, knew this was what I wanted to do. I really identified with the characters of Jo and Anne in Little Women and Anne of Green Gables respectively—I knew how badly they wanted to be published and I felt their angst.

Are there any "tricks" you use to keep yourself motivated to write?
I don't try to force it. If it's not coming, it's not coming, and I can't make it. I'm a very from-the-guts kind of writer, and if my guts aren't in the mood, I don't write. This had led to several hiatuses, but they were needed. I do find that taking long baths and showers and just letting the story flow through my mind at the same time helps to keep the ideas coming.

What advice would you give a beginning writer?
Just sit down and write the book. Don't think, "I'd like to write a book someday." Write it now. Stop waiting for the time to magically appear, because it won't. Make it. Carve it out of stone, if you have to. And then don't be afraid to take criticism. Let people read for you and tell you how you can improve.

What do you have in the works? What book are you working on now?
Right now I'm working on a comedy/mystery called Secret Sisters. I'm having so much fun with this book and really feeling the joy of the craft. Then I'm going to be reworking a Depression-era novel I wrote a couple of years ago. I've got other things slated, but those are my two projects for right now.

Get to know Tristi better by visiting her blog. All of Tristi Pinkston's books are available for purchase at her website.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host
by Stephenie Meyer

Adult Science Fiction
619 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: Adult

Little, Brown and Company
978-0316068048
Release Date: May 6, 2008



From the publisher:

Earth has been invaded by aliens. The war is over and we lost.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Download an excerpt.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I loved The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I've read her Twilight books, and aside from the fact that they're romance and Bella is an idiot, I've liked them just fine. In fact, I liked them well enough to create fragrances for some of the characters. But I'm not going to stand in line at midnight to get book #4. (Oh, wait. Actually, I am—but only because my sister and some other friends are having a Girls Night Out on the evening of the debut and we've decided to include that in our plans. But I digress.)

But this one? The Host? I'll stand in line at midnight for the sequel! (Okay, no. I probably won't because I turn into a pumpkin around 10:00 p.m. BUT I'll be at Wal-Mart around 6:00 a.m. to get my reserved copy.)

Anyway, back to the book itself. I loved it. Oh, yeh. I said that already.

This is billed as a romance, a love-triangle, but for me there was enough thrills and excitement, suspense, and action that I totally didn't mind the brief kissy-face interludes. Told from Wanderer's perspective, this is a great look at interaction between species, and what it means to be human. Sometimes the pace is a bit slow, but I liked that. For me, that was part of it's charm. It gave me some space to breathe in between the tension.

And I loved the way she ended chapter 58. I'm all, "What the HECK?!" It can't end this way. Thank goodness I turned the next two pages. (Stephenie's kind of clever that way.)

I found this story to have interest and depth. The characters were well-formed and consistent. The plot and logic worked for me. I just really liked it. It's going on my list of all-time favorites. I even have two copies of it—one of my daughter's gave it to me for Mother's Day, and then I got a signed copy when Stephenie Meyer came to town. My sister stood in line to get her's autographed and got one for me as well. (Thanks so much!)

I absolutely LOVED this book and give it a resounding 5 out of 5!

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Content Ratings

Language: I don't remember any swearing, but there might have been one or two mild words. Nothing I wouldn't let my teenagers read.

Violence: There's conflict with the aliens who take over the humans. Some fist fights, etc. But it's not bad.

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Age Appropriate: For adults but older teens might like it.

Writing Mechanics: Much, much better than her writing in the Twilight saga.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague (#3)
by Brandon Mull

Middle Grade Fantasy
480 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: Ages 9-12

Shadow Mountain
978-1590388983
Release Date: April 21, 2008




From the publisher:

Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.

In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice—but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure—but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven? Find out in Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague.

Series books: Fablehaven (book 1), Rise of the Evening Star (book 2)

This is book #3 in the Fablehaven series. I really like this series and suggest it for middle grade readers and people who love simple fantasy.

I felt this book could have been edited just a bit tighter, losing maybe 50 pages. There were a few places where it went on longer than needed. Also, I have an issue with this cover. The first two books had their villains on the cover. The centaurs in this book are not villians. Their one of the good guys, even if they are kind of snooty about it. The illustration that should be on the cover is the one of Ephira (pg 459). I think it would have looked really cool. But boys won't read books with girls on the cover, so I'm sure that's why they went with the centaur. But still. Ticks me off a bit.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We get to see Kendra again for awhile. We discover a few more secrets about Fablehaven's past and Kendra's powers. Seth acts a bit more responsibly. The satyrs are still incredibly funny (they're my favorite characters). I'm looking forward to book #4.


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Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: The humans are fighting demons. There's some mild violence, but it's not bad.

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Age Appropriate: Older teens and some adults may like this series.

Writing Mechanics: Needed a tighter edit.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair