Monthly Archives: September 2011
Happy Birthday to Me…The Song
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Heart Thoughts |
To mark my 26th birthday, here is a personal essay I wrote a few years ago about my life’s desire. more
Special Announcement!
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Book Reviews, Heart Thoughts, Inspirational Fiction, World of Fiction |
Wait, isn’t that the term you use for new arrivals, as in babies? If so, my title is appropriate, because the publication of a debut novel follows much of the same pattern as having your first baby. From conception, through the anxiety and joy-filled thoughts of motherhood, to the impatient anticipation of the big day, not quite sure exactly when that will be, or what it will be like. The agonizing pains of labor, the sweat, the tears, the fear. And then…it’s all over. You hold the newborn book, uh, baby in your arms at last.
No, I’ve never had a baby. No, I’ve never published a novel. But my friend has. (Just the latter, of course!)
Without further rabbit trail hopping, I’d like to announce the publication of The Kingmakers, by Serafia Cross. I couldn’t be more excited for my dear friend. She has worked so consistently on drafting and editing this novel series, The Last King of Legends, it puts me to shame. Visit her website www.SerafiaCross.com for details on the series and an excerpt from the novel.
In 1174 King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem is thrust into power at age thirteen. Only a few individuals know his greatest secret—he is a leper. Despite all their training and abilities, they cannot teach him to live long, so they teach him how to reign great and craft a king myths are made of—a king history almost forgot. They are The Kingmakers to The Last King of Legends.
Book One, The Kingmakers, is now available. Get a copy.
‘Nuff said.
For Him,
Sarah Elisabeth
Stuck Backwards
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Heart Thoughts |
There I sat, kayak turned backwards at the top of three tiers of rocks. The chilly water rushed over the front, filling my seat and soaking me. I was stuck.
We started the day looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. There were nine of us in all, including my mom, Lynda Kay, and my brother, Jon. The event took a flurry of phone calls, texting and a few weeks to pull together, but the caravan of two packed cars was ready to go early Saturday morning, September 10. Destination: Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
Being the adventurous group we were, guys in the majority, we couldn’t settle for just a paddle down the little rapids, cruising the four miles. No. We had to paddle upstream. And flip kayaks, accidently and intentionally. And drag our boats overland to catch every fun fall at least twice. Then someone spotted the rope swing. (more…)
How to be God’s Little Princess
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Book Reviews |
How To Be God’s Little Princess by Sheila Walsh
From fashion to handmade crafts, How To Be God’s Little Princess embraces most everything in a girl’s life. Computer safety, table manners, and friendship etiquette are covered. A scripture verse is appropriately incorporated into each section, though not preachy or contrived. It always fit the subject in a language girls can grasp.
Included are step-by-step craft instructions, fun quizzes, and self evaluation opportunities.
I got this book with my eleven year old niece in mind. From the frilly cover, I wondered if it was too young for her. But after a few pages, confidence grew that this was the perfect age. It targets girls making that transition from baby dolls to fashion, but not in too much of a rush.
The tone throughout the book remained conversational and on the appropriate level for the target audience.
It touches on modesty, something I greatly appreciated. One passage encouraged girls to shop for skinny boys’ jeans to find some with higher waists. It advised girls to stand in front of a mirror and raise their arms to ensure their shirts were long enough.
Sheila Walsh called on the reader to seek the advice of “royal advisors” (mom, grandmothers, aunts, etc.). The scripture verses used impressed me in their gentle encouragement to seek the kind of real beauty God wants girls to have, beginning with the inside.
I especially loved the last activity in creating a system for scripture memorization. Following the simple steps, girls can have 52 verses memorized every year. What better way to cultivate beauty?
Yes, I highly recommend this book for young girls.
For Him,
Sarah Elisabeth
Note: I received this complimentary copy from Book Sneeze, but was not requested to write a positive review.
Jan Ackerson – Interview and Three Stories
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Author Interview, Inspirational Fiction, World of Fiction |
Jan Worgul Ackerson
When I first jumped into the FaithWriters.com Weekly Challenge, I adored comments from the “Masters.” One of those being Jan Worgul Ackerson.
Jan recently started a blog titled, One Hundred Words. I’ve wanted to feature it for awhile, so…I am.
“Is it possible to capture a character in one hundred words? To suggest, in just a few sentences, an entire plot? When I realized that I’d never be a novelist, that’s the challenge I decided to embrace.” Jan Worgul Ackerson
