Share the Gift: A Movement?

When I launched my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway in August, I dreamed it would spark a movement that would encourage others to share their gifts, to pass along their blessings in order to make the world a better place. Winner Sandra Marchetto is helping to make that dream come true.

Sandra received a Kindle 3G for winning my contest on December 16, 2011.

According to Share the Gift guidelines, she also chose a second Kindle 3G recipient--her son Willie, a college student who will now be able to download textbooks whenever he chooses, thanks to Kindle 3G capabilities.

But Sandra's generosity does not stop there. Prior to receiving her new Kindle 3G, Sandra owned a Kindle equipped for WiFi only. She plans to share her love for books by passing that Kindle on to a third recipient.

And that's not all. Now that Sandra's book collection is shifting to e-books, she has "boxes and boxes" of paperbacks to share. While she will keep the hard copy titles she holds most dear, she is donating the rest in manageable allotments to local residential centers and nursing homes. "They are loving it," she reports.

Sandra's desire to share the gift of reading began long before my contest, long before my novel Delivery was published, even long before Kindles existed.

When Willie was 18 months old, Sandra quit work to be a stay-at-home mom. At 7 A.M. on their first day at home, he carried a book into the living room and asked her to read to him. "As a child," she recalls, "Willie would sit for as long as someone would read to him. Most young children will only sit for a few pages, but he would go back for book after book." Sandra, a busy mom, took the time to read those stories to her son.

Sandra is a firm believer that the earlier children start reading, the more likely it is that they will develop a love for it. Her experience lends proof. At age 2 1/2, Willie loved books so much that he even read to his puppy Ginger while "sitting on his backup book . . . to make sure he had plenty of material to keep her interested."

Willie enjoys reading because Sandra shared a gift--her own love for books.

Now it's YOUR turn. Did a caring adult take time to read to you when you were a child? What role do books play in your life? How might you share your love for reading during the new year and beyond? I'll be looking for your answers in the comment section below.

Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway Winner

Thanks to ALL who participated in this fun giveaway. Over the past 19 weeks, I've enjoyed your Weekend Peek In questions and comments, and I've had a great time getting to know each of you better. You have enriched my life, and I am grateful.

Although the Share the Gift giveaway has officially ended, please drop in each Friday because I have exciting plans for continued blog posts. I also plan to hold more fun giveaways in the future, so stay tuned.

Today's winner will share the gift by choosing a second Kindle 3G recipient. I encourage us all to share our time, our energy, our talents, our material possessions, our JOY to enrich the lives of others. In the generous spirit of Delivery's Mom Robinson, let's make this world a better place.

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for. (Drumroll, please.)

The Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway winner is . . .

Sandra Marchetto!

The winning question Sandra submitted is one I haven't answered on Weekend Peek In:

If tomorrow you had to choose between drawing/painting, photography, and writing, which would you choose and why?

Oh, my, what a challenging question! If I'm ever faced with that choice, I would pick writing because I believe creating stories provides more opportunities for me to touch the lives of others in meaningful ways.

Congratulations to Sandra, and Merry Christmas to all! I'll see you back here next week.

Weekend Peek In #19

Welcome to the final week of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. Thanks to all who have participated. The contest is now closed to new entries. Check back this evening to see who wins a Kindle 3G and chooses a second recipient. YOU might be the lucky one!

Meanwhile, let's turn to this week's reader's question:

What inspires you most when you are writing?

Sometimes, my inspiration comes from simple sensory experiences, like a scent, a sound, a texture. For instance, a summer raindrop soothing my cheek inspired the scene in Delivery in which Jake and Ida let a summer downpour wash away their troubles, at least for that moment.

I also draw inspiration from the creative works of others. Music is a prime example, particularly passion-filled ballads. Much like Wynona Judd sings in "Flies on the Butter," my character Livi in effect can never go home again. Sure, she can return to her childhood residence, but she can never return to the time in her life when her brother Buddy was alive and well. And much like Mark Schultz sings in "Cloud of Witnesses," Livi's witnesses--particularly the Wilson Florist gang--come running in her darker hours to circle around her and offer much needed love and support.

Emotion-charged memories are strong sources of inspiration for me as well. Holding my grandma's hand while the Lord took her home fortified my faith in God and my belief that Heaven is real. That profound experience inspired the nursing home scene in which Livi faces her doubts for a final time. Recollections of my own grief and joy gave birth to Livi's grief and joy.

But of all that kindles my writing, what inspires me most?

Prayer. Connecting with God before my fingers even hit the keyboard helps me focus on writing for His glory. If I didn't write with that purpose as my main objective, I wouldn't want to write at all.

Now its YOUR turn. What inspires you to do what you do, to follow your dreams, to answer your calling? I can't wait to read your answer in the comment section below.

Weekend Peek In #17

Welcome to week 17 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. Only two weeks left until one person wins a Kindle 3G AND chooses a second person to also receive a Kindle 3G. The winner could be YOU!

This week's reader's question forces me to think about an unfamiliar topic: leisure.

Which of your artistic talents do you find more relaxing?

My favorite creative outlets include writing, photography, floral designing, painting, and drawing. I find each one exciting and fulfilling, but which one brings me the most relaxation?

Drawing.

When my pencil meets paper, I disappear into a world where my thoughts meander, where my tension dissolves, where the demands of my daily life fade away.

When I created the above pencil drawing, for example, I didn't need to worry about defining characters or deepening conflict, as I do when I write fiction like Delivery, or to adjust aperture or ISO settings, as I do when I shoot photography. I didn't need to mix the perfect colors or wash messy brushes, as I do when I paint. I simply grabbed pencils and paper and lost myself in sculpting the image with graphite. Simple ingredients. Simple process.

So if drawing requires the least preparation and the least mental energy of my favorite activities, why do I choose it least often? It seems I prefer the two creative endeavors that bring me the most stress: writing and photography. But it's the best kind of stress--the kind that rejuvenates my spirit. Since exhilaration is more appealing to me than relaxation, and since life is short, weaving words and snapping shutters wins out most often. I'll likely finish writing my next novel before I'll complete another pencil drawing, not because I don't love drawing but because I love writing more. And because there aren't enough hours in the day to do it all!

What about YOU? What activity do you find most relaxing? Do you participate in it often? Why or why not? I'll be looking for your answers in the comment section below.

Weekend Peek In #16

Week 16 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway is here! In fewer than three weeks, one person will win a Kindle 3G and choose a second Kindle 3G recipient. The contest closes to entries at midnight (CST) on December 14, 2011, so if you haven't already entered, now is the perfect time.

Amid all the holiday bustle, this week's reader's question helps put our focus on the reason for the Christmas season.

What is your favorite hymn?

Psalm 96:1 says, "Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth." With an abundance of contemporary Christian music being produced these days, we now have more beautiful songs than ever to sing to the Lord, but no matter how many new lyrics come along, I will always love traditional hymns.

Songs like "Amazing Grace," "It is Well with My Soul," and "How Great Thou Art" make me all teary-eyed and goose-bumpy for God. One hymn in particular has been my favorite since adolescence: "Because He Lives" by Bill and Gloria Gaither. I am hooked from the first verse:

"God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!"

The chorus alone helps me get through whatever trials life throws my way.

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!"

By now, this poignant hymn has grabbed my heart, and it gives another squeeze during the second verse. I often sang it while rocking my own babes.

"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He lives!"

By the final verse, I'm breaking out the tissues:

"And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!"

From birth to death and everything in between, this hymn reminds us we can endure it all "Because He Lives." No wonder it's my favorite!

Now it's YOUR turn. What hymn stirs your heart and soul? Help us sing to the Lord today by sharing your answer in the comment section below.

Weekend Peek In #15

Welcome to week 15 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. I'll draw the winning name in just four weeks. Keep those entries coming, folks!

This week's reader's question is one I am asked often.

When can we expect a sequel to Delivery or any other books?

At a writers conference, Karen Kingsbury once told me she writes a novel in six weeks. What? At first, I thought I had misheard her. No! She explained that her books usually play like movies in her head, and she just writes them down.

Excuse me while I pick my chin up off the floor.

I'll admit that when I'm writing a scene, it often plays like a movie in my head; however, a scene flowing is far different than an entire story magically unfolding before me.

Unless God performs a miracle on me, I'll never churn out a novel in only six weeks, but I am hard at work on ideas for my next book. When can readers expect it? Since I'm not Karen Kingsbury, only God knows the answer.

But you can help! Please pray that God will put stories on my heart that readers will connect with and be touched by.

I would also love your input. What kind of novels do YOU like to read? What types of stories leave hand prints on YOUR heart? I'll be looking for your answers in the comment section below.

Weekend Peek In #14

Welcome to week 14 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. I'll draw the winning name in just five weeks. Have you entered yet?

Now, for this week's reader's question:

What is your favorite verse?

Assuming this reader is referring to a Bible verse, I'm not sure I could isolate one as my favorite, but with Thanksgiving upon us, the scripture most on my mind is, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV).

Sure, it's easy to be thankful for the blessings in my life. A warm home. Clean water. Plentiful food. Good health. Great friends. A loving family. And the list goes on.

But to give thanks in all circumstances--even during times of sorrow and suffering? Seriously, God, is this possible?

Even when my youngest son barely survived a fiery car crash?

When my eldest son suffered a brain hemorrhage requiring brain surgery?

When my eldest granddaughter narrowly escaped an apartment fire?

When my mom battles cancer after my grandmother, grandfather, father, father-in-law, and step-father-in-law lost that fight?

When my precious eight-year-old niece died after a double-lung transplant failed? Even then?

God's answer is yes, even then!

But how?

Am I to be thankful for car crashes, surgeries, devastation, illnesses, and death? No! God doesn't ask us to give thanks for all circumstances. He asks us to give thanks in all circumstances. Ah, there's the key!

In crushing circumstances, I learned some life-changing lessons. I learned to stop taking life for granted because each day, each hour, each minute is a gift. Every opportunity to spend time with loved ones is a blessing. We are never guaranteed another breath, and neither are those dear to us.

Through brokenness, I better grasped who God really is. Through suffering, I gained a new understanding of the sacrifice Christ made on that cross. Through heartbreak, I learned the truth of God's promise that if I turn to Him, He will carry me through situations I could never endure alone. More fully than ever, I realized that through Christ, death is merely the beginning of eternal life.

In short, these hardships and tragedies taught me to be thankful in all circumstances. And for that, I am . . . well, thankful.

Now, it's YOUR turn. What is your favorite Bible verse . . . and what are you thankful for? I'll be looking for your answers in the comment section below.

Weekend Peek In #11

Welcome to Week 11 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. On December 16, 2011, one lucky person will win a Kindle 3G AND choose the recipient of a second Kindle 3G--just in time for Christmas. Have you entered yet? The reader who submitted this week's Weekend Peek In question has!

In writing about Ida's decline, did you have to do medical research into signs and symptoms of her condition?

William Wordsworth writes, "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." Fiction often takes its origin in that way as well. My depiction of my character Ida's decline is one example.

Ida's character is not based upon my grandmother, but as my beloved grandma neared the end of her life on earth, she suffered some devastating effects of dementia. To write certain scenes in Delivery, I drew not only from memories of events surrounding my grandma's illness but also from my resulting emotions, as Wordsworth so aptly put, "recollected in tranquility."

Walking a loved one through a terminal illness can bring both hardship and blessings to all involved. My emotions warred while I held my grandmother's hand as she departed this life. I shed joyful tears that she was leaving behind a broken body to join her Savior for a pain-free eternity. I shed mournful tears that she was leaving me as well. I later channeled those emotions into similar scenes in Delivery, which I hope brings those scenes to life and touches readers' hearts.

When I needed medical facts and statistics, for instance to create a realistic timeline for Ida's decline, I turned to credible internet sources and to Linda, a best friend from childhood who happens to be a registered nurse.

In fact, Linda read my manuscript to check for medical accuracy, allowing me to concentrate more on the creative side of the story. It helps to know people in the know!

While a novel is a product of the author's imagination, fiction needs accurate roots. A novelist should check facts with expert sources, but emotions ring most true when the author draws from life experiences, authenticating the story world.

I hope Delivery's readers find Ida's journey and her daughter Livi's growth through it not only authentic but heart-stirring as well!

Weekend Peek In #10

We're officially on the downhill slide now with my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. Ten weeks down, nine to go until we learn the name of the lucky winner. Don't forget to enter daily for more chances to win!

This week's reader's question allows us to dream, so please be sure to share your answer, too.

If you could choose anywhere in the world to live, other than Missouri (insert your home state), where would it be and why?

Where? Anywhere near the Rocky Mountains or Door County, Wisconsin.

Why? I'll let a few of our family vacation pictures speak my thousand words.

Now, it's YOUR turn! Other than your current state, where in the world would you choose to live and why?

Weekend Peek In #9

We're almost to the half-way point with my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. Nine weeks down, ten weeks to go!

Babies are the topic of this week's reader's question. I'd love for all you parents and grandparents to chime in with your answers, too!

As a mother and grandmother, what is the most important piece of advice that you would give to a brand new mommy-to-be?

This question comes at a perfect time for me, since my eldest daughter and her husband are expecting their first child this winter. (Aren't they an adorable family already?)

(Photo courtesy of Miranda Prusik)

I could rattle off a long list of helpful parenting tips for new and expectant moms and dads, but choosing "the most important piece of advice" requires more thought. So much goes into being a good parent that even the most effective parents can hardly accomplish it all.

But when I focus on what's most important, my answer boils down to two words: Be intentional.

Be intentional in nurturing your baby's physical needs.

Be intentional in nurturing your baby's emotional needs.

And perhaps most importantly, be intentional in nurturing your baby's spiritual needs.

Feed her body.

(Photo by Diana Prusk)

Feed her heart.

(Photo courtesy of Miranda Prusik)

Feed her soul.

(Photo courtesy of Steve Prusik)

I can't take credit for this advice, since it comes from scripture: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (KJV Proverbs 22:6).

And that "when he is old" part? Parents, hang on to those words. In some cases, it may take that long to see the fruits of your efforts.

Seasoned parents and grandparents, now it's your turn. Please share your wisdom with parents-to-be like my daughter and son-in-love in the comment section below. Help them prepare for that special delivery!

Speaking of delivery, I'm celebrating the release of my novel by that name: Delivery. On December 16, 2011, I'll announce the winner of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway, just in time for Christmas. The contest closes to entries at midnight on December 14. That means if you enter daily, you have 68 more chances to win. What are you waiting for?

Weekend Peek In #8

Eight weeks down, eleven weeks to go until someone wins my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway.

This week's reader's question leaves me thankful for good girlfriends.

Which character did you have the most fun creating and why?

Gretta!

Like Gretta, a few of my gifted girlfriends can inject heavy moments with perfect doses of humor at ideal times.

No matter how serious the circumstances may be, I can count on them to transform tears of sorrow into tears of joy.

Some of my girlfriends can pull the zaniest stunts or speak the frankest truths and somehow emerge more endearing to others than ever before.

Spending time with friends like these is cheap therapy, lightening my heart and lifting my spirits--rejuvenating my soul.

Creating a character with similar traits had the same effect on me. To be honest, Gretta represents ingredients God skimped on when He created me. At the very least, He gave me a dash while those like Gretta received double fists full. Ingredients like the talent to be silly when the moment is tense, the willingness to damage self pride in order to help others smile. Instead, I often find myself paralyzed by the fear of what others might think if I toss my inhibitions aside.

Some may view people like Gretta as attention seekers, since all eyes end up on them. But I view shenanigans like Gretta's as displays of selflessness--willingness to risk personal embarrassment in order to help broken hearts heal.

When we are able to get ourselves out of the way like Gretta does in Delivery, we allow God more room to work. He certainly works through Gretta, even though her sister Livi would hesitate to admit it. Yet Livi may benefit most from Gretta's wacky ways.

How has the selfless act of a friend delivered joy into your life? How has a friend's humor rejuvenated your soul? Please share your experience in the comment section below because I'd love to hear about it!

Have you thanked that friend lately? How cool would it be to thank them with a Kindle 3G if you win my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway? A Kindle for you, a Kindle for them to brighten their day for brightening your life. See details on the "Contest" menu item above. Enter daily for more chances to win.

Step out of your comfort zone to be a little zany today in order to make someone smile, Gretta-style! And if you feel brave enough, stop back by to tell us about it. Share the gift!

Weekend Peek In #7

Welcome to Week 7 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway.

Ever dream of becoming an author? This week's reader's question might help you find the tools you need to make that dream come true!

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Read, read, read.

Study how successful writers do it. If you want to write fiction, examine how novelists craft plots, grow characters, and hook readers. How do they orchestrate character goals, motivation, and conflicts? Pay attention to how they structure sentences, paragraphs, scenes, chapters. Scrutinize their command of language. Do they limit the use of adverbs? Are their verbs powerful? Do they show, not tell? See how the pros handle it, and apply that to your own story in your own voice.

Learn, learn, learn.

Dozens of excellent books on writing are available at online or brick and mortar book stores. Those I've read include Getting into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors by Brandilyn Collins, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass, and Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell.

You can also learn a heap of valuable information from the many blogs designed for writers. A few of my favorites are posted by author Camy Tang, leadership expert Michael Hyatt, Books & Such Literary Agency, and literary agent Rachelle Gardner.

One of the best ways to learn about writing is to join a writers organization and attend conferences. I belong to two: Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and American Christian Fiction Writers. At the CWG Writing for the Soul conference, I learned from experts like Brandilyn Collins, author of Seatbelt Suspense novels, and Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times bestselling author of over 175 books, including the Left Behind series which has sold over 70 million copies.

I also gained inspiration from keynote speakers like Liz Curtis Higgs and Karen Kingsbury.

As this blog posts, I am joining about 700 writing professionals at the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference, held this year in St. Louis. (Photo courtesy of John Craig.)

There, I'm learning from experts like Stanley Williams, international award-winning video producer, filmmaker, show creator, and author of The Moral Premise, and Randy Ingermanson, award-winning novelist/theoretical physicist who teaches his Snowflake Method of novel writing.

Writers conferences are packed with opportunities to hone your writing skills; to network with authors, agents, editors, and publishers; and to be inspired by keynote speakers and veteran authors.

Write, write, write.

The novel writing process can take months or years of planting yourself in a chair day after day, week after week, to plan, research, write, revise, edit, revise, rewrite, revise. Writing takes as much patience and perseverance as it does inspiration and talent. You must be willing to do the work.

Pray, pray, pray.

If you knew your novel would never become a bestseller, would you choose to write it anyway? If your answer is yes, the writing life might be for you. Praying and listening for God's direction will help you know for sure.

The path to publishing can be a long one. Once you complete your manuscript, you are only part way there. The traditional route to publishing includes querying agents, writing book proposals, and facing a host of other challenges that experts like Michael Hyatt and Rachelle Gardner can teach you how to conquer. No matter how hard you might work, it is important to remember that for every story of author success, there are dozens of stories of author disappointments. Author Kathryn Stockett's experience shows how difficult the journey to publishing can be. Stockett received sixty rejections before her novel The Help found a publishing home. Now, it is a wildly popular bestseller with a movie to match, but most published books never attain that status.

A recap of my advice? Read. Learn. Write. Pray. And not necessarily in that order. Mix and match and repeat as often as necessary until you are successful . . . and never, ever, EVER give up.

Whether you want to write or not, what goals have you worked hard to attain? What goals are you still striving for? How has prayer played a role in that? Please tell us about your journey in the comment section below because I'd love to know!

From the time I wrote the first sentence, I spent about six years reading, learning, writing, and praying before Tyndale published Delivery as part of the Digital First Initiative. To celebrate, I'm offering my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. See details by clicking the "Contest" menu item above. Several motivated people are taking advantage of entering daily to earn more chances to win. Are you?

Weekend Peek In #6

Welcome to Week 6 of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. This week's reader's question is one I used to wonder about as I read my favorite fiction.

To what extent do you base your characters on real people? Did you feel you had to be careful about that?

Some of America’s most famous authors have based fictional characters on real people.

Mark Twain created Huckleberry Finn in the image of his childhood friend, Tom Blankenship. In Twain's autobiography, he explains, “. . . I have drawn Tom Blankenship exactly as he was. He was ignorant, unwashed, insufficiently fed; but he had as good a heart as any boy had.” I’m not sure how careful Twain felt he had to be in making that statement, but my guess is Tom Blankenship would have been flattered.

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Harper Lee based To Kill a Mockingbird's Dill Harris on her childhood friend Truman Capote. And in Capote’s 1984 obituary, The New York Times states Capote used Harper Lee as the prototype for one of his characters in his first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms.

Authors create believable fiction by first experiencing life. I created the character Mom Robinson by first experiencing the generosity of my hometown’s beloved Granny Lowry, as my August 12, 2011, blog post reveals. Granny Lowry is no longer with us, but her family members seemed pleased that I worked her example into Delivery.

So which other characters in Delivery are based on real people? Local readers have been trying to figure that out. Livi, Gretta, and Miss Ellie in particular embody fragments of personalities I know and love. Rather than attempting to replicate those people, I incorporated some of their remarkable traits into characters of my own invention. Eccentricity. Humor. Determination. Loyalty. Vulnerability. Faith. The stuff that life is made of. The stuff we love to read about.

What traits do your favorite people exhibit? I'd love to know (traits, NOT names!), so please share in the comment section below. Who knows? Your input might help me create characters for my next novel.

Speaking of your favorite people, wouldn't one of them love to have a Kindle 3G? You could surprise someone at Christmas and lend each other ebooks if you win my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway. That's right! Two Kindle 3Gs--one for you and one for a person of your choice. Enter daily to increase your chances.