Don't miss this special showing of the Resurrection mural!

If you can’t catch it live on The 700 Club today, please watch the mini-special on my friend/blogtalkradio co-host Ron DiCianni and his magnificent Resurrection mural at the following link:

http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

Be blessed this week, dear friends, as you focus on our Lord bursting forth from the tomb!

:o)

Someone's giving my books away!

Lena Nelson Dooley has posted an interview with me on her fiction blog. If you go there and leave a comment, you'll have a chance to win one of my newest releases, No Greater Love or More than Conquerors.

Writers' Conference and Publishing Guarantee

For anyone living in the SoCal area (or willing to travel there, as some are coming from as far away as Japan!), one of the best writers' conferences in the country is fast approaching. Besides an amazing faculty (and very reasonable registration fee), the conference is sponsoring a contest for the best manuscript (fiction or nonfiction) to win a GUARANTEED publishing package with Westbow Press (a publishing arm of Thomas Nelson). The entry deadline is April 1, and you MUST be present at the conference to win. Check it out while there's time--other contests and prizes as well. http://www.occwf.org/
Hope to see you there!

Interview with Amber Miller Stockton

1. How did you come to be a writer? How long have you been writing and when was your first book published? – I’d have to say I’ve always been a writer. I’ve been writing or telling stories almost since I could write and talk. My parents always told me I was a natural storyteller, so I suppose my career in writing evolved from that. Seriously pursuing it though? That came in college when I dabbled in fan fiction for 2 TV shows and had readers begging for more. I thought it might be worth it to attempt to turn the hobby into a career…and I have.

2. What are you currently writing? – I actually have 2-3 stories going right now, because I’m currently without a contract and have several proposals circulating. Two of those proposals have a western theme to them. One is a series set in Colorado and one is set in Wyoming. I’ve always loved ranches, horses, cowboys and the west. Now that I live in Colorado, what better setting is there to use? J Whichever one gets a bite is the one that will receive my full focus once the contract comes. Until then, I have to keep them all updated and ready for work.

3. What are some ways that readers of your books can help you as an author? – Umm, buy more and more books? LOL! Seriously, though. Word of mouth is the best help you can give. If you like my books, tell others about them, buy them for your friends and family members as gifts, or share the ones you’ve bought with others. Also, get in touch with me. I love to hear from my readers. Share with me your thoughts on my books, good or bad. I welcome both kinds of feedback. Without you, I’d be nowhere as an author. So, tell me what’s working and what’s not. After all, if my books don’t interest readers, my career won’t last long.

4. What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand? – That not all authors are rich. In fact, it’s a rather small percentage who can afford to simply give away all of their books or even make a full-time career from their books. 90% of authors supplement their income with another job or other work in some way. Oh, and of course, there are the voices in our heads. I’m sorry, but we simply cannot turn them off. So, if you see a writer with a glazed look in his/her eyes, you’ll know the voices of characters are speaking to him/her. J

5. What is something readers would be surprised you do? – That would probably be work for world-famous celebrity, Jane Seymour, by running her official fan site and negotiating with her business contacts in regard to her art, jewelry line and acting career.

6. How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, web site) – My mailing address is listed on the Contact page of my web site. There is a form on that page as well for emailing me. And I suppose it would help to have that web site. J Well, all right. It’s www.amberstockton.com. And again, I love hearing from my readers. Drop me a line. I always reply to all messages, electronic or written. Hope to hear from you soon!

Radio program tomorrow

If you have a chance please listen to WebTV4Women Radio tomorrow from 10-11 a.m. Pacific Time by going to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/webtv4women . If you log on early you can sign up for a free account and join us in the Chat room. And you can call in with comments or questions at: 347-215-7328. We'll be discussing the Extreme Devotion series and how it can enable you to "go into all the world" and preach the gospel/make disciples--without even leaving home (though you may want to do that after you hear the show/read the books). Hope you join us there!

Guest blog on ACFW

Please stop by the ACFW site if you get a chance and read my guest blog about my new fiction series that posted this morning. Thanks so much!

http://www.acfw.com/blog/?p=545

New blogtalkradio show

Ron DiCianni and I did a trial-run program of our new blogtalkradio show, Communicate the Vision. With the proviso that it was an experimental hour, you’re welcome to listen in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/communicatethevision. We had a couple of speed bumps along the way, but nothing serious (one brief moment toward the beginning when we thought we’d gone off the air but hadn’t, so hang in there). Ron shared some amazing info that’s worth jumping the bumps to hear, so stop by and leave a comment if you get a chance. Thanks!

A chance to learn the marketing end of publishing

I receive so many questions and concerns about the marketing end of publishing these days. Because of that, when I also received the following from a dear and trusted Christian friend, Shell Washam, I decided I should help spread the word. If you get a chance, check it out and consider signing up. Here it is:


Are you looking for new ways to market your books and speaking services in a market that seems to be saturated with similar books and speakers with the same message? Do you know how to convince potential buyers to choose your book over the dozens or even hundreds just like yours? Join us for this LIVE telecast with Internet marketing guru and award winning web developer, Michele "Shell" Washam as she shares her secrets for successfully marketing your books, ministry, and speaking services in todays difficult market. Some of the topics we'll cover:- The reality of today's market- Setting yourself apart from the rest. Creating a unique niche. - Offering the right products & services for today's consumer.- Why the same methods don't work.- Making money with fee based webcasts.- Packaging your products or "on-demand" sales.- Reaping what you sow.- Using Social Media properly.- Keyword placement and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).- Technology - You may not get it, but your customers EXPECT it. - Marketing Facelift on a budget.- Unique marketing campaign ideas. - MORE! This are just a sampling of the topics we'll cover with an extensive question and answer session and working examples. Our marketing events book quickly so register today to guarantee your place in this highly informative event. Learn more at: http://www.englishmountainpress.com/marketing/index.htmReserve your seat at: http://saturatedmarket-efbevent.eventbrite.com

Review of my new books

Can you believe it? No Greater Love and More than Conquerors don't officially release until April 5, but already the first "official" review is up on Cathy Bryant's blog--and it's excellent! Check it and leave a comment, will you?

http://wordvessel.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-reviews-no-greater-love-and-more.html

Thought someone might need to hear this today...

Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and of great kindness” (Joel 2:13).

Let me start with the words to a chorus God gave me when I was in the pit of self-loathing and condemnation:

I remember, Lord, the joy of serving You;
I remember, Lord, when all I knew was You;
Flowing through me, calling to me,
Lord, please use me once again!

Ever been there? Of course you have. We all have, and it’s one of the toughest places to escape, isn’t it? We have this innate need to punish ourselves and then attempt to climb out of that pit of self-loathing and condemnation on our own. But each futile attempt results in our slipping back to the bottom, more frustrated and discouraged than before.
Now I know this won’t come as any great revelation, since we all know this fact, but perhaps it will be the reminder you need today to STOP TRYING TO CLIMB OUT OF THE PIT! It’ll never happen. No one has ever done it before, and no one will ever do it in the future. As we lie there in our own filth, bemoaning our helplessness and depravity and remembering with great sadness and regret how God once used us and the joy that accompanied that service, may we also remember the great truth that only God can pull us out of that pit—and He stands ready and willing to do so.
Joel 2:13 reminds us of the stunning yet never-changing character of the God who has redeemed us: He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” In other words, He’s not like us. He doesn’t hold a grudge or run out of patience or love. He doesn’t take pleasure in punishing those who have wronged Him. His grace and mercy are never-ending, and He longs to extend it to those who have fallen so that He can restore them to service once again.
Each of us who has received Jesus as Savior and been assured of spending eternity with Him has also been called by God to serve Him and others. We will never do that if we remain in the pit of our own sins and failures. We all land there on occasion, but WE DON’T HAVE TO STAY THERE! In fact, we are disobedient if we do. God calls to us, even (and especially!) while we’re in the pit. He wants us to reach up to Him, to ask and receive His forgiveness, and to allow Him to lift us from the pit and place us back on solid ground.
Allow Him to restore to you the joy of His salvation and once again use you in His service. There is no greater joy, beloved.

Introducing Twin #2!

Okay, beloved readers, as promised, here is Twin #2, More than Conquerors. This book is set in Mexico, partially in the border town of Tijuana, but also in the Mayan culture of San Juan Chamula in Southern Mexico, where outsiders (particularly "Evangelicos") are most unwelcome.

Take a look at what people are saying about Twin #2:

"As readers follow Kathi Macias' characters through intense spiritual warfare, set against the backdrop of the Mayan culture in old Mexico, they will find themselves encouraged to trust the working of a sovereign and good God in their own lives, and to follow His will--wherever it leads."--James H. Pence, coauthor of Terror by Night

"Once again, author Kathi Macias delivers a powerful novel that explores the tensions faced by those who seek to honor Christ but who live in a world marked by violence and despair.... From first page to last, More than Conquerors reminds us that even when circumstances appear to be at their most desperate, God is at work in and through all things."--Shelly Beach, Christy Award-winning author of Hallie's Heart and Morningsong

"Kathi Macias writes from the heart of faith and hope. In More than Conquerors, she weaves together the lives and faith of people who meet not by chance, but by divine appointment--and at a cost. She reminds us we all have a part to play in the arena of faith, and that God sometimes calls us to places that require us to count fully on Him in order to be more than conquerors. Curl up with this book and let Kathi Macias take you to that place."--Bonnie Grove, author of Talking to the Dead

How about a free Kindle???

For those of you who voted (and also those who didn’t!) in the first part of the contest, you can now vote again and increase your chances of winning a Kindle. Please go to the site below and cast your vote for your favorite video. I’m so honored to discover that my two videos both made it to the five finalists! Thank you all for your support!

http://www.trailertothestars.com/topvideotrailers.html

My "Twins" Have Been Born!

Yep, I'm a "mama" again! The first two novels in my Extreme Devotion fiction series with New Hope Publishers have arrived on my doorstep. Though the official release date isn't until April 5, the books are available on Amazon now, and on CBD and Barnes and Noble for pre-order at reduced prices.

Today I'm going to introduce twin number-one, No Greater Love, set in South Africa. (I'll introduce book two of my twins tomorrow.) Here is what Jerry Jenkins and Kay Marshall Strom have to say about No Greater Love:

"…Kathi Macias has created a sweeping epic about a land alien to too many, but more important is the crucial nature of the story and its monumental implications. You’ll feel as if you were there."--Jerry B. Jenkins, bestselling author of the Left Behind series

"It has been refreshing and encouraging to see Christian fiction mature beyond the easy and grasp hold of life’s tough issues. Now our parameters are being pushed wider still by writers such as Kathi Macias who takes us outside the comfort of our own national borders to the harsh injustices of the world. No Greater Love pulls no punches, as it must not with so terrifying a subject as apartheid and the subsequent racial horrors it breeds. Yet, with a masterful touch, Kathi makes a most difficult subject manageable and helps us to see the story from various conflicting viewpoints. And in the end, No Greater Love leads us to the One who perfectly modeled love."--Kay Marshall Strom
Author/Speaker, 36 books including The Call of Zulina, book 1 of The Grace in Africa trilogy

A guest blogger from Pakistan

With my first international fiction series releasing in a couple of weeks, I thought it would be appropriate to feature a guest blogger from another country. Naeem Gill is the director of the True Act Christian Ministry, founded in 2008 to bring God's love to those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to receive the message. I encourage you to pray for, contact, and otherwise consider supporting this ministry. Here is Naeem's letter:

Dear Friends,

True Act Christian Theatre is committed to bring a positive change in the society through theatre, which is a most effective tool of giving awareness. It was established in 2008 with the purpose of introducing and exploring alternative development approaches for the marginalized and oppressed communities of the society, within the current resources of the communities.
True Act Christian Theatre is sponsoring formal and information education for the rejected and the destitute children, and is actively helping them through child friendly schools in remote and rural areas. At present we have eleven child-friendly schools in the cities of Toba Tek Singh, Rajana, Kamalia, Pir Mahal, Chichawatni, Vehari, Arifwala and Faisalabad, assisting 227 students in all of these cities with the help of 22 teachers: two in each of the schools, and 3 administrators helping to co-ordinate between the schools and help them with training and logistic support.
You are requested to offer your prayer support and offer any of logistic and monetary support that you may offer to True Act Christian Ministry for children.
I assure you that it would be a great help, is extremely needed and highly appreciated.
May God bless you and all of yours abundantly!

Yours in Christ’s Merits,
Naeem Gill
Director
True Act Christian Ministry
Toba Tek Singh
www.tatpak.org

To Outline...Or Not???

Ronel Sidney asked if I ever started a writing project with an outline and then ended up not following it and going in a different direction. Yes...though not often. The reason is twofold.

First, I seldom use outlines. (I know, I know! We're supposed to, and with nonfiction I create a very basic, barebones outline if I feel I REALLY need to. Otherwise...nah.) I guess I'm more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer, particularly with fiction (which seems to be 90 percent of what I'm doing these days). How in the world can I come up with a fiction outline that summarizes chapter 14 when I haven't even written chapter 5 yet??? Some authors are wired that way and can do it; I'm not one of them. For the most part (and again, especially with fiction), I know where I'm starting and where I'll end up, but everything in between is as much a surprise for me as it is for the reader.

Second, on the rare occasions when I have come up with an outline (often because I was co-authoring and the other writer was much more organized than yours truly), I still found myself veering off the path as the book took on a life of its own, though I tried to stay as close to the outline as possible

Having said all that, let me also say that I remain true to my journalism training, which taught me so much about disciplined writing. It also helped me develop my version of what I refer to as the train-of-thought writing method (there are other names for this age-old, tried-and-true format). I so believe in this writing method that I have taught it at writers' conferences for years and have even put together a workbook on it. The title is The Train-of-Thought Writing Method: Practical, User-Friendly Help for Beginning Writers. It is available in hard copy and Kindle on Amazon.

Hope that answers your question, Ronel, and that it helps other beginning writers as well. This is a tough business, but we love it or we wouldn't be in it, am I right? Blessings, dear readers!

Questions about Writing/Publishing?

Someone once said, "Writing is an art; publishing is a business." How true! I love the art description but tend to resist the business part of the equation.

How about you? Do you have questions on either the art factor of writing or the business end of publishing? I've been at this for a lot of years, folks, and if I can draw from my decades of experience to help you out, I'm happy to do so. Just email me at ezyrtr@ca.rr.com with your questions, and then watch this blog for the answers. (If I don't have them, I'll track down someone who does!) And please pass this along to your writer friends, will you?

Blessings!!!

Why Girls of All Ages Need Girlfriend Time!

Have you ever noticed that guys can spend six months together on the golf course and not even know each other's marital status? Give us "girls" five minutes and we know spouse's name, rank, and serial number, as well children's birthdays and food allergies, plus several favorite recipes. It's just the way we're wired, ladies! And age is irrelevant. I have friends twenty years older than me (though that number is dwindling as I work my way toward the golden years) and several young enough to be my daughters and even granddaughters.

Author Brenda Poinsett has captured this great truth and arranged it so we can understand/apply it to our every day lives. In The Friendship Factor, you will learn how to cultivate and sustain positive, lasting female friendships, how to become a better friend, and how to deal with change, stress, and the stages of a woman's life. Find out more about Brenda and her books/speaking at http://www.brendapoinsett.com/.

Win a Kindle!

Take a few minutes and check out this video trailer contest:

http://app.e2ma.net/campaign/14449.202bdfc9de078e1bf50c72a38b2e20ab

Yes, my book trailers are included, but watch them all and make a choice for your favorite. You just might win a Kindle from Misty Taggart at Trailer to the Stars!

Awaken the Leader in You!

Balance. Anyone else have trouble maintaining it? I sure do! Between home and family responsibilities, church involvement and ministry demands, this being a leader stuff can get a bit exhausting!

I know. Many women would argue that they're not even leaders. Really? Do you have kids? Do you work? Do you spend time in ministry at church? To one degree or another, most of us are leaders, though we often feel frustrated and ineffective in such a role.

Dr. Linda M. Clark, in her new book, Awaken the Leader in You, addresses these common frustrations by providing ten essentials for bringing life into balance, which is the foundation of effective leadership. Grounded in Scripture and with a host of practical ideas for leadership enhancement, the author coaches readers to awaken to their leadership balance in order to achieve expectations, complete projects with excellence, reach objectives, equip others, and establish a legacy that will empower generations of future leaders. You can find this excellent resource online at Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, or www.NewHopePublishers.com.