Author Spotlight Week - Thoughts from JoAnn's Journal

Children... I don't know if you have any children of your own or not, but it never ceases to amaze me how much I can learn from them. Today, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to share with you some thoughts I pulled from my journal last year.

Last week I was caring for a boy who has seveer disabilities. This fellow only has one arm, his vocabulary consists of about four words, he has health issues and... he has the most beautiful smile in the whole world. The look on his face when you play "peek-a-boo" with him--well, the only equivalent I can think of would be like me being offered a million dollar contract for a book. Such joy!

On the 4th of July, we headed over to a friends house for a BBQ. All the children we're splish-splashing in the pool. A mother came up to where I was standing and asked if the water was cold. She went on to explain that she won't get near a pool unless it's bath temperature. The kids however, didn't worry about the temperature, they are so resilient. When and why did we lose that?

Then this morning, my husband, one of my sons, and I went jogging. Now you need to understand, here in Vermont, our summers are very short and heat is not something we need to deal with on a regular basis. But...yesterday my husband dug out our window unit air conditioner to deal with this "heat wave." Need I say more? OK...so back to today. I stepped one foot out of the house and saw the haze across the sky and thought to myself, This is NOT going to be fun. Off we go-- down around the bend, up a hill and wham... I felt like I was trying to stuff a brick wall into my lungs. The humidity was just too much! That's when I looked at my son next to me who turned and gave me a bright grin. "It's a little hot today, huh?"

I groaned, "I little?!"

Kids don't let things zap their energy. There are so many other great lessons to learn as we watch the children around us, but even just these few made me stop and think of the passages in the Bible where it says how we need to embrace the simplicity of life to understand it. Matthew 18:2-6; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17



(The Message) Matthew 18:2-6 "For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me. But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse and it's doomsday to you if you do."

Mark 10:15 "The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

Luke 18:15-17 People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."

Perhaps today you're feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. I'd like to encourage you to remember the beauty in simple pleasures and joys that the Lord surrounds us with everyday. Today, lets look at things with the wonder, joy, energy, and of a child--a child of God.

Question of the day: What have you learned from children?
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JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 18 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking.
In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, an apple orchard guide and as a substitute teacher. She is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats.
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You can find her at: http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

Author Spotlight Week - Question of the Day with JoAnn Carter

What's coming up next for JoAnn Carter & why this is writing as a YA novella?


It's great to be back on the DBP blog again today. I hope you're enjoying this week as much as I am. (Don't forget to sign up for the contest! See Monday's post)

Many folks have asked me what's coming up next. Well, the big thing is... a Mission trip to Mexico!
Yes, you read that right. This summer, our family is headed to serve in Mexico.

Writing wise, in the middle of our time away, The Floating Palace ~ A Historical Inspirational Romance will be released. (July 15, 2011) You can check out the premise here~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg

Then in December, Hidden Paths another Young Adult Inspirational Romance. What a great way to finish 2011, huh?

God has been so faithful.

Another question you may be wondering is why is this listed as a Young Adult Novella. Lilly is 21 years old -- older than the typical main character in a YA story.

It is because people of any age often wrestle with that Lilly struggles with. We fall into the trap of believing we need to earn God's favor, and as I mentioned earlier this week, that couldn't be further from the truth. I want to encourage young, old, and in between to really think about what motivates us.

Another big issue in her life is past regrets. Even young women can become lost and caught up in mistakes she has made. Sometimes even wishing she could live someone else's life. Therefore, I dedicated the book as follows

DEDICATION:
To every young woman who ever questioned why she was made the way she was and wished she could be someone different... Please know you are beautiful the way you are!

Okay, so here is you Question of the day: If you were going to write a story (or perhaps you have) what age group and genre is your favorite?

Author Spotlight Week - Excerpt from Paradox

Product Description
Lilly Holland's passion is flowers-not people. All she's ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge's grounds keeper, is Lilly's only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town's name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?
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EXCERPT:

It was only Tuesday evening... a few days on the job, but it already felt like a few years. The last thing she wanted to do was drive Sharon back to her condo in Jericho, but she had promised. Ric rapped twice on the office door before popping his head in. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself."

He came in and leaned up against the doorframe. "The truck's loaded up."

Lilly shut down the computer. "Great, thanks for helping Sharon get her stuff out there."

"No problem." Ric looked over his shoulder and then back to Lilly. "I don't have any plans for the evening. Would you like me to help you ladies get Sharon's stuff unloaded?"

Lilly shook her head and looked at him -- really looked at him for the first time since he came into her office. His broad shoulders filled the doorway. The sheer breadth made her wonder if he could easily carry any burden life handed to him, physical or emotional. Tempted though she might be to share some of her concerns, she couldn't afford to grow to depend on him -- or anyone for that matter. Granted, it was nice to spend time with Ric and get to know him more. She valued his friendship and looked forward to the times when she could be with him, but this was only a temporary situation. There was no way she would ever let herself forget it. If she did -- she might lose sight of her own dreams -- dreams that didn't include Paradox when all was said and done. "You don't need to worry about us, Ric. We'll manage."

"Are you sure? It's no problem and it might be nice to have some company on the way back."

Lilly sighed. "You're right. It would be, but honestly I'd rather take care of this myself."

Ric stood up and took a few steps into the room. With him came the smell of clean soap and shaving cream. "It can be a mighty lonely life if you never let anyone get close to you, you know."

Shoot, he saw right through the walls that she was trying to erect to protect herself. "There are people I'm close to."

"Oh yeah, who?"

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A review from Amazon states ~

"This story combines a powerful message, endearing characters, and humor, making it a memorable and very enjoyable read. Paradox touched my heart on so many levels...I'm just thankful I picked up this story when I did. It came at just the right time in my life, and gave me the encouragement I needed...reaffirming what I've always know to be true...God's timing is perfect!"

Question for the day ~
Is there a book that you have read recently that touched your heart in a special way?

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Purchase Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

A CONTEST TO CELEBRATE:
Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a Tee-shirt.)
How? Help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 9pm today (Eastern).

Author Spotlight Week - Lilly's song

Give a-way details for the end of the week & a note to the readers...

A few months ago, after I had written this story, I heard a song on the radio by Mercy Me, called Beautiful. The lyrics astounded me -- it was as if Lilly's story came to life in this song.

Perhaps today, you're feeling stuck in a rut and listening to the lie that you're not worth anything and what you've done in your past defines who you are today. Don't believe it. No matter where you are, what you've done, or who you are, your heavenly Father loves you -- dearly. Some days that feels like such a paradox! I love Merriam-Webster definition of that word, "a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true"...such is the love of God. Why He loves me so is beyond my comprehension. Yet He does and it is my prayer that each person who reads this book will be challenged to consider that and what it means for your life.


Would you help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post (or any post this week) on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc.? Then let us know where you posted it and your name will be entered into this contest drawing for gift prize package. Details are available on my web-site http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

Thanks again for having me here today. I'll see you again tomorrow~

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with JoAnn Carter

STEPH: I don't know much about Paradox. Can you tell me a little more about it?

JOANN: I'd be honored to... Paradox, an inspirational romance novella (for any age including young adults) was released May 15th through Desert Breeze Publishing. Here's the premise ~ Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?


STEPH: How long did it take to write?

JOANN: You know, I'm not sure. This was a fun story that I wrote in between larger projects that had tons of research and such. Paradox was my breath of fresh air. Since there was no pressure and no time frame that I needed to finish it by I never kept track.

STEPH: Did you do a lot of research for the novel?

JOANN: No, not for this story. The only thing I really needed to look into was the protocol for police when they are confronted with finding drugs in a car.

STEPH: Is the setting inspired by a real life town?

JOANN: Yes and no. We live in Vermont, but our extended families are from in New Jersey. Whenever we go back to visit, we drive through a tiny little town in New York, that if you'd blink—you'd miss it—called Paradox. The name always made me wonder about the town's founders and such.

However, the name is the only thing in common that the actual town of Paradox has with the fictional town that Lilly grew up in.

STEPH: Do the flowers Lily works with represent something? A motif or metaphor?

JOANN: Flowers are beautiful, peaceful, comforting. These are all attributes in life that Lilly craves for, yet feel so elusive to her.

STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

JOANN: Hmm. I think I would say that the main theme is that God couldn't love us more than He already does. (We don't need to work for His love. Yet sometimes we feel like there's something that we have "to do" to earn His favor.)

STEPH: What do you want readers to take away from the novel when they finish it?

JOANN: I hope you don't mind, but I'd rather not answer this question, but rather let each reader discover that for him/herself.

Would it be okay if I shared something that happened while I was preparing for the release of Paradox instead?

I was awoken in the early pre-dawn morning by a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not on this particular day—this day was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing!

God used two rather "ordinary" things to create and extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace. Thunderclouds rolled in, lighting flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

To me, that was a true, clear, beautiful picture of a Paradox. In the same way, I want to be like that bird and sing His praises through life's storms.


STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

JOANN: No, unfortunately this is still on my wish-list. For right now, I just use my lap top to read e books.


STEPH: What's the last movie you saw?

JOANN: Let's see... I think it was about a month ago. A few friends and I watched BLIND SIDE. That was the second time I saw it. Great movie! (I was hoping to see Soul Surfer, but I haven't had the chance to yet.)

STEPH: Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

JOANN: In keeping with the theme of this story, I'd like to leave these verses with any aspiring writers, Luke 12:27-29 (NCV)
Consider how the lilies grow; they don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So how much more will God clothe you? Don't have so little faith! Don't always think about what you will eat or what you will drink, and don't keep worrying. All the people in the world are trying to get these things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek God's kingdom, and all your other needs will be met as well.

Seek God's will for your writing, cast all your concerns and fears on Him, and ask Him to direct your paths—to the right critique partner, or writing group, or publisher. .

BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok