Thursday, December 10, 2009

Second Chance "Funny"

I have to share a "Second Chance" story that was just told to me. A friend's husband (who will remain nameless) wanted to read the book, and my friend graciously allowed him to begin before she started reading it.

He was enjoying it so much, he wanted to take it with him to the hospital recently when he was going in for some "minor" surgery. My friend tried to dissuade him, saying he probably would not be in any condition to focus on reading. He packed it anyway.

Once out of surgery, before his wife left for the night, he asked again where the book was, saying he wanted to read it before going to sleep. (His wife laughed because he was on so much pain medication she knew he wouldn't be awake long.) But she placed the book by his bedside...where it remained all night, as she predicted!

But I was so excited to hear that a GUY was enjoying the book so much, that it was on his mind even while on drugs:) heehee! So here is testimony that "Second Chance" is not only for women!!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Reviewing The Island of Time

Touted as "juvenile fiction", Matthew DeBettencourt has created a storyline that is anything but simple. In his novel, "The Island of Time", we find a curious mixture of innovative futuristic science, time-honored detective investigation, and old-world primitive culture.

Mr. DeBettencourt manages to use the premise of time travel in a believable manner, producing a basis for an amazing tale of adventure and intrigue. His main characters, one a respected detective, the other a dedicated scientist, find themselves on paths that seem to be leading in different directions. Yet fate and circumstance cause those paths to merge in a very unexpected and explosive manner. This novel will keep the reader wondering what will happen next right up until the last page and beyond.

I would recommend "The Island of Time" for readers who enjoy science-fiction, but don't mind a pinch of eighteenth century pirate!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Unexpected Blessings

The past month has been especially hectic, though I am not complaining! The books arrived. I began selling them. I set up three different book signing events, made promotional posters/emails for each, and started a bi-monthly newsletter. Oh, and I made the front page of our local newspaper with an article telling about "Second Chance". The response of friends has been overwhelming. I can not say enough about how wonderful everyone has been!

Yet, in the midst of this buzz of activity, I have received blessings that I hoped for, prayed for, and then was surprised when I received them. Please allow me to explain.

As most of you know, I have been an elementary school teacher for 13 years. One outcome I hoped for through the recognition of being a published author was the opportunity to speak to and inspire children and teenagers. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity of speaking to three different third grade classes about my experiences with writing and getting published. In one class, two little girls brought me stories they had written. It was so wonderful to share encouragement and enthusiasm with them!

Today I was in another teacher's room for a few minutes. Out of the blue, a little boy quietly raised his hand and said my name. When I walked over to him, he whispered, "Mrs. Harris, I'm working on a book. It's called Karson and His Brother." It brings tears to my eyes even now, just thinking about it. I told him how awesome that was, and that I would love to read it when he was finished with it.

Children who come to me for Reading intervention are asking if we can work on getting their books published while in my class. (I must reluctantly say no to this request...)

Thank you, Lord, for putting children in my path. Help me not to forget that others are always watching. And may whatever I write be not only entertaining, but uplifting and inspiring as well.