In a time of persecution, unlike anything the church had ever seen or would see again, the Apostle Peter writes to encourage Christians to stand strong in the faith.
Begin a study that will both uplift and challenge you to rededicate yourself to Christ. He Hath Called Us to Glory brings to light the valuable lessons, the Apostle Peter wrote to the early church, and what they mean for your life today.
Why not begin a study that will help you grow stronger, and ignite your zeal for God? Get your copy of He Hath Called Us to Glory today!
II Peter is a timely study for today's society, and although it's a short book, it is full of information that is waiting to be discovered. It's my hope that you spend some time digging into this book today. I look forward to hearing from you!
Every year I get geared up for NaNoWriMo and every year, I choose not to participate. It's not that I don't think NaNoWriMo is awesome because I do. In fact, I admire those people who sit down and actually participate. Several of my author friends are doing it, several of the students I've taught are doing it, but I just can't seem to pull the trigger and join in the fun. So, I thought I'd explore my NaNoWriMo hangups.
Deadlines
The first thing that puts the brakes on my participation is the deadline. There is something about a deadline that makes my brain freeze and my fingers turn into jelly. I wrote how-to articles for years and had to face deadlines several times a week. I HATED it. It is so constricting; however, deadlines are great for some people, and sometimes I even work well with them.
Several of my ladies class books like Lessons from the Book of Ruth, and Rejoice! Sister, You Have Every Reason were written on a deadline. Deadlines can work, but I haven't decided what I think about forcing a deadline on myself. Perhaps that's the procrastinator in me. It might even be a reason why I should join the crowd! I'm not sure but it may be one of NaNoWriMo's greatest appeals.
Time Constraints
Another thing that is a major roadblock is the amount of time it takes to write so many words and meet a deadline. I can't help but think I might miss something. I have kids running around, even if they are mostly adults now. I have a disabled husband who needs my attention, and so many more obligations that I'm afraid I just don't have the time to commit to such an undertaking. With that said, I spend most days writing anyway, so what's the harm in a few days writing something else?
Exhausting
Okay, so maybe this is a stupid hang-up, but I don't want to exhaust my writing energy. I'm not sure I could write like crazy in November and have the energy to do it again the next month. I might wake to find I've expended too much creativity and the well has gone dry, or I have the dreaded writer's block. I want to spread my writing around so I can publish all year long. After all, I write not only as myself but have several pseudonyms in different genres. I can't imagine not being able to tackle that next book project!
Those are the three most pressing things that keep me from committing to NaNoWriMo. Have you ever participated? What are the pros and cons you found? Would you recommend it to your friends?
Arwen Chandler is a science fiction and fantasy author who has recently published her first full-length novel, The Collision of Fire and Ice. Arwen has been writing for several years. She has turned her love for fantasy into a passion for writing. Arwen is a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, and Dune.
--Susan
An Interview with Arwen Chandler
If you could, would you tell us a little about yourself and your background? I have been educated in creative writing. I love teaching people how to write, especially teenagers. I've been able to work with students and teach the craft of creative writing for several years. It really has been amazing. I love to see kids learn, and grow in their writing ability. So, what have you written?
Where can we find your books?
My books are available on Amazon @ Arwen Chandler. Click:here.
What genre are your books?
Romantic Fantasy, Marine Science Fiction, and one Romantic Thriller.
Is there something about this genre that draws you to it?
I grew up loving science fiction and fantasy. I remember having Superman posters on my wall above my bed in fourth grade. (I got them at 7 Eleven every time I got a slurpee.) I love Star Trek, and all kinds of fantasy. I guess what draws me to it is the ability to escape into a world that I would like to see exist.
Do you have a favorite book that you've written?
Hard question. I think my favorite book is The Collision of Fire and Ice, but I really love the characters in The Louvre Still Stands. In fact, I am working on a prequel to my short read. It's called The Militarian Job.
If you could cast anyone to play the characters in your most recent book, who would they be?
For The Collision of Fire and Ice I would choose :
Why do you write?
I love to tell stories. I have so much floating around in my head. Writing is actually a release. Where do you see your writing taking you in the future? I know it's a dream, and doesn't happen for most people. But, I am hoping I can support our family by my writing. I really need to have a steady income coming in. And, I think writing will do it for me. I hope (fingers crossed!).
Where do the your ideas come from?
They usually come from somewhere in my life, or a dream. I have always looked at pictures and imagined myself inside them. Maybe it just comes from my wild imagination.
Some authors use outlines, some just fly by the seat of their pants. How do you write?
Both. I usually outline but only loosely. I generally know where I want to go, but the characters tell me how I will get there. Sometimes it surprises me where the characters take me. For example, I had no plans for the book The Collision of Fire and Ice to have dragons in it. Never even entered my mind. But, one day I was writing, and I thought. This book needs dragons. So, they were suddenly there.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Depends on the book. A couple of the short reads took me a day, or less. The Collision of Fire and Ice took me eight years to complete.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I usually write late at night, or early in the morning. Occasionally, I will write during the middle of the day.
Do you design your own book covers?
Yes. I love art, and I really want to learn the art of cover design. I think mine have gotten better, but I still have a lot to learn.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes. They are so important, because it's what draws readers to the story.
How do you market your books?
I am on Goodreads. I use Twitter. I also have been asking people for book reviews. Of course, getting reviews is hard. I also started using MailChimp, and doing a few Facebook ads. Oh, I've also used Amazon Giveaways.
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books? Everyone who is making money with their books says that it is crucial to build an email list. Unfortunately, I am behind the game in that. So, I'm working on getting an e-mail list. Do you have any advice on how to get book reviews?
Join Facebook groups, and just ask people. That's the only thing that has worked for me.
What are your thoughts on good vs. bad reviews?
I think all reviews are good reviews. I had a review on one of my short reads that stated I had a few typos in my book. I took the review and fixed the typos. I really appreciated it. Besides, isn't all publicity good publicity? Who are your favorite authors?
Stephanie Meyer, JK Rowling, Christopher Paolini, Frank Herbert, Stephen King
If you could have been an author for any book, who would it be and what book?
Bram Stoker, and Dracula.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don't let fear hold you back. I let the fear of success, and the fear of failure hold me back for too long. If you want to write. Do it! Don't tell yourself you can't. If you have always wanted to write, just do it. Do it! Do it! Do it!
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
