LDS Writer Blog Fest: An Ocean to Cross

Today is Kayleen Hamblin's LDS Writers Blog Fest. Here's my contribution.

It occurred to me recently that when Lehi's family reached the land of Bountiful after eight years of wandering in the wilderness, they probably thought they had reached their promised land. (See 1 Nephi 17:4-7) But the Lord had something better in store for them, and first they had to cross an ocean. No wonder Nephi's brothers were skeptical. I would be too. (Yeah, I have a lot more in common with Laman and Lemuel than I care to admit.)

I think writing (and life) is a lot like that sometimes. We get an agent or get published or achieve some other goal and think we have arrived, but God says, "Hang on. I have something better in store. You just have to cross this ocean."

And crossing an ocean can be tough! Good thing God will carry us across. So, whatever the ocean is in your life, don't be afraid to cross it! Happy sailing!






Don't forget to visit the other participating blogs:

One Word Interview with Tristi Pinkston

Today I am pleased to welcome my friend, author Tristi Pinkston to the writing chair! Tristi writes delightful cozy mysteries and a host of other genres. Welcome Tristi!

You have to solve a murder! What fictional detective do you want to help?

Miss Marple

Oh, excellent choice! You'd figure it out in no time.

What one historical figure would you like to have lunch with? 

Anastasia 

That would be interesting. Solve that mystery once and for all!

Your favorite author is coming over for dinner. What are you serving? 

Catered

Smart. Very smart. More time for chatting and/or going all fan-girl, right?
 
Which one of your MCs do you have the most in common with? 

Addie

From Turning Pages. If she's half as awesome as you, then she must be a wonderful character.

House is on fire! What do you grab first?

 Children

Ah, yes. They are the most important!

Thanks so much for being with us, Tristi! You can learn more about Tristi and her awesome books on her website and her blog.

One Word Interview with Terry W. Ervin II

Today, I'd like to welcome my long time friend and colleague, Terry W. Ervin II, author of the wonderful First Civilization's Legacy series, which includes. Flank Hawk and Blood Sword. Welcome to the writing chair, Terry!

Zombie apocalypse! What fictional character do you want by your side?
Ash (from Army of Darkness)

Sounds awesome. I'm going to have to check him out!

What character trait do you share with your MC, Krish? (One of my favorites!)
Loyalty

An important quality to possess. I love that about Krish.

Which mythical creature would you most like to be?
Sea Serpent

Very cool. Very mysterious!

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Winston Churchill

That would be an inspirational lunch!

You're stranded on a desert island. What's your must-have item?
Handaxe 

Very practical indeed. Thanks so much for being here, Terry!

 Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction.

Terry’s First Civilization’s Legacy Series includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, both released by Gryphonwood Press. He is focused on completing SOUL FORGE, the third novel in the fantasy series.

In addition writing novels, Terry’s short stories have appeared in over a dozen anthologies, magazines and ezines. The genres range from science fiction and mystery to horror and inspirational. Terry’s newest release through Gryphonwood Press, GENRE SHOTGUN, is a collection containing all of his published short stories.

To contact Terry or learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com and his blog, Up Around the Corner, at uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com

 

One Word Interview with Jaleta Clegg

Today's One Word Interviewee is science fiction author, Jaleta Clegg. I really enjoy her scifi adventures, The Fall of the Altairan Empire books, as well as her fun and often silly short stories. I'm so looking forward to reading her soon to be released Poisoned Pawn. Welcome to the Writing Chair, Jaleta.

 

Your house is on fire! What do you grab first?

 Extinguisher. If fire's too big, kids.

 

That's very practical.

 

What one trait do you have in common with your MC, Dace? (I love her, by the way.)

 Impatience.

 

Oh, me too. Me too.

 

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?

 Leonardo da Vinci.

 

Very interesting. I bet he'd be a fascinating person to chat with.

 

You've been plunked down in the middle of your latest book. Weapon of choice?

 Giant blast cannon.

Excellent choice. I could use one of those myself.

 

We're holding a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What should we serve for dessert?

 Chilled Monkey Brains.

 

Hmmm.... I might be a little afraid to try that! Thanks, Jaleta.

 

 

 

Jaleta Clegg loves to build worlds from words and then share them with people. She also enjoys burning things, making things blow up, or watching fires and explosions on tv. Her stories range from science fiction adventure to silly horror and pretty much everywhere in between. And please don't ever make her choose between her children and her laptop if her house catches fire. 

 

Find more at http://www.jaletac.com or http://www.altairanempire.com

Poisoned Pawn: Dace and Jasyn have everything they ever wanted - their own trading ship and freedom. Except regulations require a second pilot and the only one available on Viya Station is a little too perfect for Dace's comfort. But his credentials check out and everything seems fine. Until Dace disappears and Jasyn learns the truth.

Looking for something to read?

Here's a bit of good news. My publisher has put the e-book version of Defenders of the Covenant on sale for $4.99! You can get it for your Kindle or your Nook. So, if you've been thinking about reading it, now is a good time to grab it for your e-reader. Walnut Springs also has lots of other great titles on sale right now. Check it out.

Also today is a special book bomb to help out Dave Wolverton (David Farland), who's son Ben was seriously injured in a long boarding accident last week. Dave was one of the authors who first got me into science fiction and fantasy. Check out the details here and buy the books for a great cause!

One Word Interview with Bethany Wiggins

Today's One Word Interviewee is Bethany Wiggins, whose new book Stung was released just yesterday!


You've managed to survive the apocalypse. What civilized item do you miss the most?
Food.

Ah, yes, Wouldn't we all!
 
You're having your favorite author over for dinner. What are you serving?
Takeout!

Smart lady!

If you could become any animal, which one would you be?
Eagle.

How Wonderful! I think I would love that too.

You find yourself set down in your latest book. Which character do you find first?
Jonah Tarsis.

Intriguing. Can't wait to get to know him!

You're performing on Broadway! What show are you in?
Phantom of the Opera.

Good choice!


Bethany Wiggins has always been an avid reader, but not an avid writer. She failed ninth grade English because she read novels instead of doing her homework. In high school, she sat alone at lunch and read massive hardback fantasy novels (Tad Williams and Robert Jordan anyone?). It wasn't until the end of her senior year that the other students realized she was reading fiction--not the Bible.

Several years later, Bethany's sister dared her to start writing an hour a day until she completed a novel. Bethany wrote a seven-hundred page fantasy novel that she wisely let no one read--but it taught her how to write. The rest is history.

Fiona doesn't remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered-her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right wrist-a black oval with five marks on either side-that she doesn't remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. And she's right. When the honeybee population collapsed, a worldwide pandemic occurred and the government tried to bio-engineer a cure. Only the solution was deadlier than the original problem-the vaccination turned people into ferocious, deadly beasts who were branded as a warning to un-vaccinated survivors. Key people needed to rebuild society are protected from disease and beasts inside a fortress-like wall. But Fiona has awakened branded, alone-and on the wrong side of the wall . . .

One Word Interview with J. Lloyd Morgan

Today's One Word Interview comes from author J. Lloyd Morgan. Welcome to the writing chair!

You're stranded on a desert island. What's your must-have item?  
Solar-powered-Kindle

Good choice! Not much to do besides read, huh?

You've been plunked into your latest book. Weapon of choice?
My wits. 

You'd triumph for sure!

Which historical figure would you most want to have lunch with?  
Jesus. 

Wow. Just think of the questions you could ask. Awesome. (In every sense.)

You're characters are coming over for dinner. What are you serving?  
Humble pie.

*snickers* We all need a little of that.

What fictional world would you most like to live in?  
My brain.

Now, that sounds interesting!

Thanks, J. Lloyd!

Author J. Lloyd Morgan is an award winning author and television director.  He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Communications and a minor in English. He is currently working on his Masters degree in Creative Writing. Morgan has lived all over the United States, but now resides in North Carolina with his wife and four daughters. Aside from writing, Morgan is an avid reader. He’s also a huge fan of baseball and enjoys listening to progressive rock.

He is the author of the anthology of short stories, observations and insights called “The Night the Port-A-Potty Burned Down and Other Stories” His published short stories include “Howler King,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “The Reluctant Wanderer” and award-winning “The Doughnut.”

His next novel, “The Mirror of the Soul”, was written in conjunction with international recording artist Chris de Burgh and is scheduled for release in April of 2013.