The New Recruit: A Book Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway

 I was sent this book from the author in exchange for an honest review from myself.

From the back cover:

Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.
These guys mean business.
Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.
 ~
  I was excited about this book before I even received it in the mail. I had read her previous book, Replication, a month or so ago, and Miss Jill certainly has a way with words. With that book, I was drawn to the story, riveted, wanting to see what would happen to the characters I came to care for. So, for The New Recruit, I had a very high standard set.

 This book lived up to the standards. The more I read, the more enthralled I became. I suppose, being a Christian, and knowing the Lord since I was a small child, I can't connect to Spencer the way a lot of people do. But, still, it was an interesting lesson to get inside the head of "the other side." Really, how do unsaved youth feel around us? Do they see us as unrealistically bubbly and annoying? Being bubbly is a wonderful thing, especially if it's a real thing. And do these kids feel judged? Like all we want to do is condemn them for their sins, and won't befriend them unless they accept the Lord? It's pretty sobering stuff. Some of the characters were, I suppose, over the top in this way, but I guess that's how it is sometimes.

 The writing of the book was excellent, except for a few distracting grammatical errors (it happens to everyone!) and what seemed like a flaw in the storyline. But other then these small details, the book was superb. Who doesn't enjoy a story about teen spies? Add a dose of spiritual warfare, and a cliffhanger ending, and it's one action packed trip that leaves me wanting book two. You definitely WON'T be sorry to buy this book! But maybe you won't have to... Miss Jill has graciously offered to let me host a giveaway of The New Recruit, which you can find at the bottom of the page.

 So, yes, I think this book is worth the money you would normally be required to pay for it, and I bet you'll enjoy it. I recommend this book for anyone 12 and up. Even some adults would enjoy it. (I'm letting my mom read Mrs. Williamson last book, and she's been devouring it.) So, yes, I hope you'll think about adding this book to your Young Adult collection.
~
 And now, an interview with the wordcrafter herself.

 How long have you been writing?  

I started writing in 2004 when I was twenty-nine years old. My first book was published in 2009.

 Did you ever think you wanted to be a published author before you became one?

Not really. As a kid, I used to dream about being famous, but it was either for fashion design or writing movie scripts. I never thought about writing novels.

 Can you tell us where you got the inspiration for some of your books?

Inspiration is everywhere. I got the idea for By Darkness Hid on a walk with my son. We passed by a house that had burned down, and there was a tree in the yard, only half of which had burned. I went home and Photoshopped an image of a half-dead, half-living tree. Replication started on a drive to pick apples in upstate New York. As we drove past farm after farm, I got thinking. “What if there was a farm that grew people? Clones? They could call it Jason Farms!” And Captives came to me on a Monday night at one of my Beth Moore Bible study classes at church. The study was on Daniel. And Beth asked us to think about a group of teenage boys today being thrust into a Babylonian world. She asked how we thought they’d do. And I thought. “Yeah… How would they do?”

Sometimes it can be difficult to turn off my creative brain.

 What is your favorite part about the writing process? 

Brainstorming the start and the overall plot. I also really like the rewrite process, but as my deadlines get smaller, that part becomes much more stressful and fast. So I don’t enjoy it as much as I used to.

 Is the publishing process different then you first imagined?

Sure it is. I thought it would be easy to get published. I had no idea how difficult it was. I had no idea how difficult it was to write a good book.

 Can you tell us how long it took for your first book to be published?

If you mean the first book I had published, By Darkness Hid was published in 2009. It was the sixth book I wrote, though. And it didn’t take me as long top write that book as it did the first book I ever wrote. By Darkness Hid took about six months from start to finish. The first book I ever wrote was The New Recruit, and it just got published last month. I started that book in 2004 and it got published in 2012. And I rewrote that book again and again and again and again.

 Why are you inspired to write the genre you write?

Because I like to read that genre. I like weird things. I’m weird. And spec fiction is just cool.

 How does your belief in God help you in writing new novels, and how does it affect your writing? 

 It assures me that I’ve found the purpose he has for me at this time in my life. So even when it gets hard and I’d like to quit, I won’t. And every writer’s worldview affects their writing. No matter what book you pick up and read, you can glean the author’s beliefs in the pages. Some beliefs are less popular today than others. But my beliefs always come through in some of my characters. But I wasn’t always a believer, so I remember what it was like to be on the other side. And I hope that comes through as well. It’s always my goal to write believable characters.

Would you ever be interesting in writing a book with someone else?

Sure. Though I hear it’s not easy. I’d have to have a really good relationship with that person(s).

 Of all the books you've written, which is your personal favorite? Who is your favorite character?

I don’t have a favorite. I can’t choose between my children! Though I do like to say that some of the books I have yet to publish are favorites, though I think that’s just a proud mom wanting all her children to have an equal chance to be in print. If I were to say, Martyr is my favorite character, then I’d think of Achan. And if I said Achan was my favorite, then I’d think of Spencer. And if I said Spencer was my favorite, then I’d think of Mason. And if I said Mason was my favorite, then I’d think of Amaraq.

You get the picture. LOL

 Can you tell us anything about upcoming projects?

The New Recruit is the first in a four-book series. The next book will come out in May 2013. And in February 2013, Captives will release. Captives is the first in a dystopian trilogy that was inspired by Beth Moore’s question and Daniel chapter one, when Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took the young princes into the palace to live and work.

 And for fun... what is your absolute favorite thing to eat? :)

Cheesecake! Almost any kind of cheesecake makes me very, very happy.

  Is there anything else you would like to say?

Come and find me online! I’m on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/jwilliamsonwrites

And I blog on my author website here: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/


 Thank you for answering all the questions so great! Now, onto the book giveaway! Please leave an email or some way to contact you if you win!
 ~~~ 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Band of Sisters: A Book Review

Hello everyone! Today I'll be reviewing Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke. I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for an honest review.

 When I read the summary of this book, I was instantly intrigued. I love historical fiction, and this book looked different then any I have read.

From the back cover: New York City, 1910
Driven by a shameful past and a perilous future, Maureen O’Reilly and her sister flee Ireland in search of safety, liberty, and opportunity. But after surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their benefactor has died, and his family—refusing to own his debt—casts her out. Impoverished and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to find employment in a prominent Manhattan department store, only to discover the elegant facade hides a dangerous secret.

Despite her family’s disapproval, Olivia Wakefield vows to honor her father’s promise but can’t find Maureen, the woman her brother-in-law so rudely turned away. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, who Olivia dares hope will become more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he’s hiding.

As women begin disappearing from the department store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But will they be too late? And in the midst of a world gone mad, can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might bring?

 This is a story of suffering, love, and the one who redeems us all. I was sucked into the story, hastily reading through the pages. My heart hurt for Maureen, and I longed for things to turn out right for her. I felt for her younger sister, Katie Rose, as well, until she started acting like a spoiled brat. I didn't like her so much after that. Olivia was an honorable woman, wishing to keep the promise her father made over twenty years before. And Joshua Keeton was a gentlemen anyone would be happy to meet. I loved all the characters, really. Mrs. Gohlke has a way of making every person come to life, no matter how big or small their role.

 Band of Sisters is a page turner that I would recommend for anyone thirteen and up. It's historically accurate, and keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what's going to happen to Maureen and the other characters. But more then entertaining, this book also contains an important, sobering message. What would Jesus do? White slavery is a prevalent thing in our time. It hasn't diminished, and some aren't even aware of it. What can we do to work against this evil practice?

 I'm only a teenaged girl. I don't have much of a way to make this horrible thing known, or to work against it. I can't donate a thousand dollars to help end it, I can't travel somewhere. But I can raise awareness by posting about this, and keeping up with reports. Maybe someday, I'll follow in the footsteps of Cathy, and write my own story. But the biggest thing I, as a Christian can do, is to pray. Prayer is the most powerful tool in a Christian's arsenal, and I shall wield it as the Lord wills me.

 What can YOU do?

 On Cathy Gohlke's website: http://authorcathygohlke.com/ you can find resources to help you become more aware about human trafficking, and what YOU can do to fight in this battle.

 And now, some questions and answers from Mrs. Gholke.

Human trafficking and the abolition of slavery is such a huge problem, let alone rescuing and restoring its victims. What can I do to help? *First, learn all you can through reading and talking with individuals and organizations who have already joined the fight:
-- Google “human trafficking” to learn what is happening in the world.
--Contact your local library, social services, churches or police force and ask what is being done in your community to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking. They can help you find books, organizations, and on-line information to educate yourself about:

The crime (what is human trafficking and where in the world it occurs— you will be astonished)

The people at risk

The methods traffickers use to capture and enslave

The tracking down, arrest and prosecution of predators The rescue, restoration, and healing of victims
The fight to abolish slavery through legal means

The education of men and boys re. the dignity and worth of women and girls

Organizations and/or Individuals that are already working to do the above- *
*See my website at www.cathygohlke.com for a growing list of these sites. If you find more, please let me know so I can add them.

*Once you understand what organizations and opportunities are already in place, determine what you are able and equipped to do. That might include:
Work directly with one of these organizations, either in this country or in a foreign country

Validate, affirm, encourage and engage girls or women who are at risk or in the process of healing

Welcome strangers into your church as part of the church family Take a rescued victim into your home or provide housing

Mentor a victim, or a girl or woman at risk

Help a woman find safe and gainful employment and/or child care

Help a woman applying for a job find appropriate clothing

Provide childcare and/or transportation when needed

Tutor a student, young or not so young and encourage hopeful options

Invite women or girls for a meal in your home or take them out for a meal or event, using the opportunity to reaffirm their worth

Provide assistance for medical care—practical or financial

Speak up when others make slurring or disrespectful comments re. women, immigrants, homeless, etc.—attitudes must change to make change

last Do not patronize stores, hotels, sporting events or other venues where you believe women or children are trafficked.

Provide legal counsel, assistance or finances for same for victims

Write or speak out against trafficking

 Are you a plotter or a seat of the pants writer?
That’s a great question! My wonderful agent, Natasha Kern, is convinced I’m a “pantser.” I’ve thought of myself as a “plotter by force.” Over time, I’ve learned to plot enough to write a synopsis—but it’s like ripping teeth from their roots. I fear losing the passion for and organic nature of my story so am hesitant to commit or share details before writing a first draft. I’d much rather write a story and then severely revise and edit. But I’ve come to see that that is not always an efficient process—not for me and not for my agent or editors. The thing that’s helped me most is Michael Hague’s Six Point Plot Structure as he describes it in the DVD, The Hero’s Two Journeys, as well as The Moral Premise, by Dr. Stanley Williams.
Now I write a long and detailed—sometimes rambling—synopsis, then put it away, and only take it out if I find myself wandering off track. The finished product is often quite different from my original notes.

 If Band of Sisters was turned into a movie, which actors do you think would best portray what you imagined for your main characters? Can you describe a few main physical features that they have?
Maureen is striking—tall, slim, with thick, flaming red hair (tendrils escaping), and green eyes in a thin face. Victoria Smurfit, who played Hannah Randall in “Berkeley Square” could play Maureen’s role perfectly.
Joshua is also tall, broad shouldered, with black, thick curls, dark blue eyes, and the ruddy complexion of a man who’s worked outdoors all his life. Perhaps Hugh Dancy could play his role.
Olivia is lovely with dark upswept hair and brown eyes. She’s intelligent, with a quiet and cultured but determined air about her. I think Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abby, would be perfect.
Curtis is tall, slim, with dark brown eyes, curling dark hair, and alabaster skin. Perhaps Jamie Bamber could fill his role.

How does your faith impact your writing? My faith is part and parcel of all I do. While writing my first novel I learned that
I cannot divide the heart God knit inside me, cannot separate what I write from how I live in response to Him.
That’s when I began praying, not just that the Lord would lay on my heart a “story,” but that He would lay on my heart His “purpose,” and a story to illuminate that purpose. Later I understood that “purpose” is what is known in writing circles as a “strong moral premise.” All the characters must respond to that premise in some way or other. It is what ties the story together. Faith weaves the moral premise in my life, and as I live out that faith—as I respond to my Savior—my own life story is written.

 What spurs your writing? Writing has become my way of making sense of the world, of putting into
perspective the struggles of humanity and of my own—past and present—of trying to see the world as God sees it, as He redeems it by pursuing and claiming one heart at a time. I want to know what gives Him joy, what breaks His heart— those are the stories that matter, the stories that bring me continually closer to Him.
Frederick Buechner expressed it best, “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Finding that place spurs me on.


  Thank you to Tyndale and Cathy Gohlke for giving me the opportunity to be one of the first to read this book. I LOVED it. It was a great inspiration to me, and it's given me a few ideas for a book of my own. Five stars. God bless!

Interview With Wayne Thomas Batson

 Today, I'm happy to announce an interview with Wayne Thomas Batson, the bestselling author of the Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords, Isle of Fire, The Berinfell Prophecies, The Sword in The Stars, and The Errant King. It's great to have you here today, Mr. Batson! Or Sir Batson! ;)

How long have you been writing? Since the 6th grade, but professionally since 2005.

Did you ever think you wanted to be a published author before you became one? Sure did. I even wrote in my high school yearbook dedication that my future plans were to be an author. BUT, I don't know if I ever really believed it could happen.

Can you tell us where you got the inspiration for some of your books?God. Seriously, He is the creator, and He's made us in His image. I thoroughly believe that my best ideas come from Him. I'll take credit for the lame ones! lol  God made me a curious fellow, and I'm always thinking about what would happen "IF"? And that often gets a story rolling in my mind.

What is your favorite part about the writing process? Two favorites: 1) I love the creative rush, that moment where all kinds of cool story ideas or scene ideas come flooding into my mind, and it's all I can do to get them down before I forget. 2) I absolutely LOVE reading my stories to readers. I get into it with strange accents and drama. Too much fun to see the expressions on kids' faces.

 Is the publishing process different then you first imagined? Wow. Yes. I could write a book on how different. And honestly, traditional publishing is broken. I am amazed at how poorly authors are compensated for their work. All that is changing now though with the advent of eBooks forcing publishers to adapt or disappear.

Can you tell us how long it took for your first book to be published? Thirteen years from idea to book. But a lot of living life happened during those years.

Why are you inspired to write the genre you write? Fantasy inspired my love of reading. It is the most creative of all fiction genres because the author gets to make up everything.

How does your belief in God help you in writing new novels, and how does it affect your writing? See above. God is the reason I am alive. By Him all things were created and all things are held together--including me. So, as I write, I am very mindful and purposeful to make sure the quality of my work will glorify God.

You've co-authored two books, and are working on a third with Christopher Hopper. How does it compare to writing on your own?It's quite a bit different. I love Sir Christopher, one of my best friends in the world. But the process is difficult. Just getting schedules to match up so we can talk, revise, outline...really makes for obstacles. We use iChat quite a bit and Scrivener, and those help quite a bit.

Of all the books you've written, which is  your personal favorite? Who is your favorite character? Ah, that is a tough one. I'd have to say The Errant King is my favorite right now, but that changes with each book that I write. Some of my favorite characters are: Captain Valithor, Mallik, Falon, Anne Ross, Jacques St. Pierre, Migmar, Sprye, and Alastair Coldhollow.

Is there anything you know about writing now, that you wished you knew when working on your first book? See above about the business aspects of being an author.

How do you deal with criticism about you books? (I love them! No criticism here :D) Better now than I used to. It's hard when someone blasts your book because you've poured so much time and energy into it. These days, I tend to take all reviews with a grain of salt. The best reviews are the ones that tell me one of my books has led someone closer to God in some way.

Lately, some of your books have been moving into the older teen/adult age range. Was this a conscious decision, or did you simply have a story adult audiences would enjoy more? And will you be writing more YA? Funny that you noticed that. I'm not sure if it was a conscious decision. But in some ways, I think I've just come to appreciate the freedom in writing for older audiences, the ability to explore deeper issues and not have to candy coat certain things. And yes, I will write for younger audiences again. I have tons of things coming soon, including Focus on the Family's Imagination Station books. 2 of those!

Can you tell us anything about upcoming projects?

1) Berinfell Prophecies #3: The Tide of Unmaking will be out in a couple of months.
2) GHOST: written for older teens and adults, a supernatural thriller
3) Dark Sea book #3 (not yet titled) due out in November
4) a whole assortment of short stories coming out on eBook format. Can't wait to let all my readers see these!

Most of the readers of this blog are young writers. What advice can you give us? Seriously? Read. But read like a scientist. Analyze everything. Did you like that last chapter? Why? What makes you want to know what will happen next? Why do you like that character? Did you smile at a certain bit of description? Why? What can you learn from each and every author?


Is there anything else you'd like to say? :)

There is one thing, and those who've read my Door Within books will know this already. But I remember how turbulent my teen years were. Emotions and experiences are so intense. But please, please remember, even when everything stinks; other kids are mean; parents don't make sense; life seems like it's just going into the toilet....remember, you are Never Alone.

Thanks so much for having me on!

 And we thank Mr. Batson for giving us some great answers! I hope his career continues. If you haven't heard of him, or his books, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING? Go check him out! Blog: http://www.enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/

 God bless!

 Bethany 

~~~~~

 (I borrowed this photo from Mr. Batson.)







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