Spirit Blade interactive

From Paeter Frandsen:
This coming Saturday (Nov. 20th) I will be hosting a free live chat from 6-9pm (Mountain Standard Time) and listening to the special edition of "Spirit Blade" with whoever else has a copy!

Specifics are coming soon! Keep your eye on: http://www.spiritblade.net/chat

for up to date info on the event.

On Saturday, I'll give everyone a chance to log on at spiritiblade.net/chat (it will be really easy) and we'll all synchronize our audio at about 6:15 and then again after completing disc 1 (or the halfway point for you mp3 users).

If you haven't grabbed your copy of "Spirit Blade: Special Edition" yet, now is the time! I've never done anything like this before and I can't wait to hang out and interact with you, live!

I hope to see you there!

-Paeter Frandsen

Note: You can buy the MP3s for $10 US at http://www.spiritblade.net/ Don't leave it to the last minute as this is 2.5 hours of audio to download!

Announcing the Idahope Writers' Conference 2010

February 27 @ 8:30 a.m. at Grace Bible Church at 4262 North Eagle Road in Boise

Want to become a better writer? Would you like to meet other Treasure Valley Christian Writers? Come to this year’s mini-conference.

We have two fabulous keynote speakers this year:

• Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of more than thirty books, including Christian romance, historical fiction, and non-fiction. Her most famous book is the epic, Glastonbury: A Novel of Christian England. Her latest book, an ecclesiastical mystery entitled A Very Private Grave will be released later this year.
• Jill Williamson is the author of By Darkness Hid, a Christian Fantasy novel. She will be representing Marcher Lord Press. She is a former editor for Wild Rose Press. She also writes the Novel Teen Book Review blog. Jill has just signed a movie option for her Blood of the Kings Trilogy.

Also speaking at the conference are:

• Jon Colson is a professional author and speaker from Meridian, Idaho.
• Ray Ellis is a member of ACFW and Idahope Writers. He is a 20-year veteran of law enforcement and lead investigator for the city of Meridian in crimes against children.
• Sherrie Lord is “a Christian Biker Writer” who writes full throttle Christian Romance. She has two published books. More information on Sherrie is available at her websitesherrielord.com
• Adam Graham is President of Idahope Writers and was published in the 2007 Anthology Light at the Edge of Darkness along with his wife Andrea. He and his wife, Andrea collaborate on Laser and Sword Magazine. He is a columnist for Pajamas Media and has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, and the New York Times Best-seller Do The Right Thing.

The cost of attending the 2010 conference is $20, which includes a one year membership in the Idahope Christian Writer’s group (normally $10.) NNU students are elligible for a special $10 rate. Your membership will help you to continue to grow as a writer through regular meetings which provide opportunities for learning and fellowship. Please note this does not include the $50 membership dues of our parent organization, ACFW.

News for January 29th, 2010: Kat Heckenbach, Terri Main, and New Talent Colin Moore

Terri Main has posted the third chapter of the audio version of her book Dark Side of the Moon, here: http://www.wayfarersjournal.com/darkside3.mp3

The New Authors Fellowship is featuring a peek at Colin Moore's unpublished novel System City, which was a participant in the Marcher Lord Select contest. Check it out here:
http://newauthors.wordpress.com/2010/01/26/new-author-series-system-city/ The novel also has a fan group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/System-City/238962417452

Kat Heckenbach is featured in the South Shore News & Tribune, which reports on her upcoming event teaching at a writers' group in Riverview, Florida. Check it out: http://bit.ly/dcMjUn

Announcing the Catholic Writers' Conference Online 2010

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Karina Fabian Ann Margaret Lewis

E-mail: karina@fabianspace.com e-mail: annlewis@joesystems.com

For Immediate Release

Catholic Writers Conference Online Provides Practical Help

World Wide Web--This year's Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010, will focus on the practical things the writer needs to succeed.

The conference is held via chats and forums at www.catholicwritersconference.com. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register between October 1, 2009 and February 15, 2010.

"We've always concentrated on workshops and chats that teach the writer skills or provide information in the areas of crafting, publishing and marketing their works, but this year, we're adding critique workshops and some incredible opportunities to pitch to leading publishers," said organizer Karina Fabian.

This year, publishers hearing pitches include well known Catholic publishers like Pauline, large secular publishers like Thomas Nelson, and smaller presses like White Rose. Thus far, eleven pitch sessions are scheduled, running the gamut from Christian romance to Catholic theology.

In a new program, at least fifty attendees will have the opportunity to have pieces of their work critiqued by successful editors and writers. In addition, there will be forum-based workshops and chat room presentations covering topics from dialogue to freelancing to how Catholic fiction differs from Christian fiction.

"Even in good economic times, it's hard for writers to attend live conferences," said Fabian, "but this year, we think it's even more important to help careers by utilizing an online format. We're so grateful that our presenters are willing to share their time and talent."

Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. Non-Catholics may attend, as long as they respect Catholic beliefs and the conference's Catholic focus.

To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

News for July 9th, 2009

Taylor Kent says: We will be gathering in front of our
computers on Thursday night (7/9/2009 at 8:30 PM CT) to enjoy another
voyage into Snark Infested Waters. This week I have a guest in the
snark tank, Jeff Gerke author (under the pen name Jefferson Scott -
http://www.jeffersonscott.com/

) and founder of Marcher Lord Press
(http://www.marcherlordpress.com). So come out and join the fun and
bring your questions for Jeff. As per usual we will take questions
from the chat room during the second half of the show so bring any
questions you have concering Macher Lord Press, Christian Speculative
Fiction, and/or anything else.

Snark Infested Waters will be recorded live on Thrusday 7/9/2009 at
8:30 PM CT/9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT. Extra video content will start at
8:25 PM CT and the after party will run from 9:30 PM CT until 10:00 PM
CT. The direct link to the show is:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/snark-infested-waters

I look forward to see you all there.

The related post can be found at: http://thesnarkyavenger.com/?p=560

Johne Cook says: "Blessed Are the Peacemakers," an homage to Keith Laumer's 'Retief' character, is the featured story in Issue 02 of Digital Dragon magazine:
http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/

A former space marine is caught between his principles and his duty as he juggles working for an old enemy while trying to forge a crucial treaty with a ferocious alien race.

http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/cook-peacemakers.php

When writing this story, I specifically tried to write something that was classic Science Fiction and frankly Christian. I like how it turned out. At 2100 words, it's the shortest non-Flash thing I've written, and I like how quickly it moves for a multi-scene story. Check it out, and read the rest of the offerings in this installment of the new project from T. W. Ambrose and Randy Streu! I think you'll like what they're doing.

Johne's stories are also featured on Cathi-Lyn Dyck's blog here: http://scitascienda.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/muse-monday-featuring-johne-cook

News for May 22nd, 2009

Check out this new interview with Stuart Stockton at http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2009/05/stuart-vaughn-stockton-starfire-free.html
Comment on the post for a chance to win a free copy of Starfire!

Mark your calendars: May 26th at 7pm PST in Second Life! Click here to teleport. This time we will be discussing LostCon, an in-world Christian Spec Fiction Convention. Join Terri Main and the Virtual LGG for some fellowship!

News for May 15th 2009

In member news: Flashpoint by Frank Creed has reached the #1 spot in its category on Amazon, blazing past Peretti, Jenkins, Dekker and, well, everyone else! Check its current status here - or view the whole screenshot here!

Read the brand new press release at Christian Newswire! "I nearly fell off my chair..." ~ Creed


While you're at it, check out this new review of Flashpoint:
"An adrenaline infused, roller-coaster ride into a future where a belief can cost you a brain-washing and even your life, this science-fiction novel reminds me most of the best of the "Indiana Jones" movies in its pacing and level of excitement."~Michael G. Lail

The Dark Man by Marc Schooley - Reviewed by Eric Wilson: "In the middle of this Ted-Dekker-type action, Schooley engages our hearts with some relational moments, and our minds with some sly, often humorous, jabs about politics and faith."

Reposted at Splashdown Reviews:
Raising the Past by Jeremy Robinson
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

News from member Paulette Harris:
This was a book signing in Denver, Colorado for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hanson and LeAnn Thieman. These book series sell well over 33,000 each time one comes out. In this case, it was Living Catholic Faith.

Talk about faith. I wrote a story about a miscarried son of Jim and mine. I submitted it three years ago to Guidepost and the story was loved by the editor but the newly hired Jr. editor didn't think it quite fit. I put it in the file drawer and continued on my third novel at the time.

Then, last fall out of the blue, the editor and publisher called me for a contract on this story! I did not ever send this story out to them for consideration, I asked them where they had gotten wind of this and they said they didn't know! Just that they had a copy and wanted to know if I was the author. Well, of course I signed a contract because this publishing company has far more reaching (international) buyers than the previous so I consider this pretty much a miracle and an answer to my writing. One thing I learned.....trust God more that he is in control of my writing and where it goes! And...to keep writing.

Pictured above: LeAnn Thieman, Nancy Noonan, Shirley Dino, Ben Lager, Linda Osmundson, Helen Colella and Paulette Harris of the LGG (front right)

News for May 7th, 2009

Hello everyone - I'm pulling this post back from Friday to Thursday so that you can get this first piece of news in time to attend the event!

Bryan Davis says:
Don't forget about the Nightmare's Edge book launch May 7, from 8 pm to 10 pm Eastern time, 7 pm to 9 pm central time, and so on. This is an online event, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. We will have Q&A, trivia contests, and little known facts about the author. We will be conducting the launch from my author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bryan-Davis/43833509711

And Bill McGrath says:
I've just gotten back from my European seminar tour and have posted some new videos on my YouTube page. Fantasy fans will be interested in four clips taken from my visit to the workshop of Finnish knife and sword maker Markko Vilppola. In addition to seeing some cool swords and knives, you'll hear some Finnish spoken (English translation follows). As you recall, Tolkien based one of his elvish languages on Finnish. Here's my YouTube address: http://www.youtube.com/user/TuhonBillMcg

Reposted at Splashdown Reviews:
Time Masters: The Call, by Geralyn Beauchamp

News for April 24th, 2009

Come chat with author Jill Williamson this Friday, April 24th, beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Pacific in the Dancing Word chat room. Her first novel BY DARKNESS HID was just released by Marcher Lord Press. Eligible Chat Participants will be entered into a drawing to win an autographed copy of BY DARKESS HID. To join the chat go to:
http://www.centralchat.net/chatrooms/channel/dancingword - type in your name where you see "enter nick" and then click on the "connect" button. Please test out the chat room ahead of time. Those who cannot use the java program will need to use the central chat mIRC program. Go to: http://www.centralchat.net/chatrooms/cgiirc.php?c=dancingword
Type your name in the "nickname" box and click on the "Login" button.


Here are some more highlights from the Blaggard's Moon tour:
Beth Goddard liked all the pirate names and the ships' names.
Rachel Starr Thompson’s reviews rose to the level of poetry, with heartfelt musings on the deeper themes.
Brandon Barr posted a two-part interview.
Jennifer Bogart hadn’t read the Trophy Chase Trilogy, but after Blaggard’s Moon finds it calling out to her with a “sweet siren song.”
And the shortest, from John on “The Least Read Blog on the Web.” Let there be Ninjas!


Splashdown Reviews cross-posted a commentary on League of Superheroes by Stephen L. Rice.

Online Genre Events This Week

Today is the first day of the Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog Tour, and this month it's featuring...us! So all of these people are going to comment on Lost Genre activities, one of which is this blog. Check out the links below to see what they say. We'll be back tomorrow with a collection of quotes from those who post today.

Brandon Barr Justin Boyer Keanan Brand Kathy Brasby Grace Bridges Valerie Comer Courtney Frank Creed Amy Cruson CSFF Blog Tour Stacey Dale D. G. D. Davidson Janey DeMeo Jeff Draper April Erwin Karina Fabian Andrea Graham Todd Michael Greene Katie Hart Timothy Hicks Joleen Howell Jason Isbell Cris Jesse Jason Joyner Kait Carol Keen Mike Lynch Magma Margaret Rachel Marks Rebecca LuElla Miller Nissa John W. Otte Steve Rice Crista Richey Mirtika Hanna Sandvig James Somers Robert Treskillard Steve Trower Speculative Faith Jason Waguespac Phyllis Wheeler Timothy Wise

Also tomorrow: Terri Main is hosting the next Lost Genre Chat in Second Life. Here's what she says...

We are going to restart our meetings in Second Life. Tomorrow [Tuesday December 30th] at 7 p.m. Pacific time also SLT we will be meeting at my place. The SLURL is

http://slurl.com/secondlife/North%20Bound%20Marina/227/25/25

If you are an SL resident just click that or paste it in your browser and it will take you to a webpage that will open your SL software and drop you into my living room landing zone. I built a stage there to land on I hope it works.

If you are not an SL Member, you can join at http://www.secondlife.com . You do have to complete a "training course" on Orientation Island the first time you log in. So, if you are planning on joining add about a half hour to set up your avatar and complete the course.

We will be having a general discussion about Christian Speculative fiction. After the new year we will be having chats with authors and themed chats. Right now, we will be going on alternating weeks. But maybe we will be able to go to a weekly schedule if some others want to help out.