human being recall notice

“The maker of all human beings (God) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.” Hey, what’s that all about? Read more at: http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Recall.htm

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

possible new opportunity for Christian authors: Clovercroft

Clovercroft Publishing is a new imprint from Christian Book Services, headed by publishing industry veteran Larry Carpenter. Clovercroft authors pay for production costs. Ingram Publisher Services will distribute the books. The imprint plans to publish 12 titles on general topics by Christian authors this summer and fall. A related imprint, Carpenter's Son Publishing, publishes Christian titles.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

ask a literary agent; go ahead, ask

Prominent Christian literary agent Chip MacGregor has a useful post on his blog titled “If I could sit down with a literary agent and ask ANYTHING…” He answered some interesting questions and invites more.  

http://www.chipmacgregor.com/publishing/sit-literary-agent-ask-anything/ http://www.chipmacgregor.com/publishing/sit-literary-agent-ask-anything/

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

short story & essay contest: deadline April 30

April 30 is the last day to enter the Tom Howard Short Story & Essay Contest. The winners will share $3,000, including two top awards of $1,000 each, and their entries will be published on WinningWriters.com. This contest welcomes published and unpublished work, up to 6,000 words per entry. The entry fee is $16. Enter online at https://www.winningwriters.com/tomstory.

One judge is an online writing friend of mine, Arthur Powers. A message from him regarding the contest is at http://www.catholicfiction.net/ http://www.prweb.com/releases/story/contest/prweb11773977.htm

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

HEAVEN'S PREY by Janet Sketchley: a review

The power of God over pornography, abuse of women, and evil in general: that's the theme of the novel HEAVEN'S PREY by Janet Sketchley.

The main character, Ruth Warner, is a somewhat boring forty-something Christian who persistently prays that God will save Harry Silver, a rapist and killer of young women including her niece. One evening, as Ruth returns from a prayer meeting, she's mistakenly abducted by none other than Harry instead of his intended victim, a dishy blond.

What follows is a long psychological, physical, and spiritual battle between Ruth and Harry. He takes her to a remote cottage, where he abuses her though not to the point of rape. Ruth isn't his type: too old, wrong hair, sheep-like. However, he does plan to rape her eventually, fueling his passion with the hard-core pornography he's addicted to.

Ruth prays that God will help her escape, and also keeps praying that her captor will come to faith in Christ. The first part of her prayer seems to be answered when Harry becomes so ill with an intestinal disorder that he no longer knows she's there. She slips away from the cottage, only to be caught and returned by Harry's accomplices, drug dealers who have been watching the place with WebCams.

By this time Harry is regaining a shaky grip on reality. Sometimes he knows who Ruth is and repeats his threats of rape and murder. Sometimes he thinks she's a kind lady sent to take care of him, perhaps his mother, who died when he was a boy.

Ruth, now bolder than before, tells Harry in no uncertain terms that he needs to ask God for deliverance and forgiveness, and invite Jesus into his heart.

Harry protest that God either can't or won't help him, just like God couldn't or wouldn't help his Christian mother when she suffered domestic abuse. However, Ruth and her Saviour finally get through to Harry. He becomes a new creature in Christ, turns himself in to police, and goes to jail for his many crimes.

The future looks dark for Harry Silver, but now he has a divine Friend, the Creator of the universe, to help him. An epilogue hints that other good things may be in store for him.

Author Janet Sketchley is an earnest and powerful writer. She's sure of her message, no wavering, no inconsistencies. Her story is crystal clear. She stresses the main plot points, even repeating them from time to time. In some novels, this might irritate readers, but she does it in such a way that it's a plus.

Sketchley is good at letting us in on her characters' thoughts and feelings. Examples: "Ruth had only one...anchor against the rising tide of fear. But even prayer took a conscious act of will." Ruth's agnostic husband, frantic with worry after she's abducted, thinks "Face this alone? How could he face it at all?"

The story's characters come across as real people with the occasional exception. Example: Ruth's niece seems too good to be true. Also I'm not sure of the theology behind what she says as Harry is abusing her: "It's not me you're hurting. It's Jesus."

The story includes several flashbacks, all well written and well placed, though some are too long for my taste; for example, the account of how Harry began his career as a racing car driver. On the other hand, this account allows Sketchley to do one of the things she's best at: write about action. Throughout the novel, her action scenes are exciting and authentic.

Sketchley doesn't shy away from describing evil. She's particularly strong when portraying the hold that pornography can have on a person. In one flashback, Harry is invited to spend three days on a yacht with friends. He decides he can't go because he "couldn't face three days cut off from his porn." Sketchley is equally frank about domestic abuse, as well as the effects of illegal drugs.

Some of what her characters think and say regarding their Christian faith is predictable. But some of it is so fresh and moving, it made me cry. Examples: Harry's mother talking to the boy Harry about the beatings she endures at the hands of her husband: "Jesus puts his arms around me. If not, I couldn't make it." Ruth's pastor being interviewed on TV about the abducted Ruth: "He faced directly into the camera and raised his hand, palm forward. 'Harry Silver, I command you, in the power and the name of Jesus Christ, to leave His servant Ruth alone. You have no authority over her, and you will not harm her in any way.'"

I'm glad Harry didn't harm Ruth in any lasting way, and glad he found redemption. I look forward to Book Two in the author's planned series, Redemption's Edge.

amusing book review: Microwave for One

I laughed out loud at this book review, and especially at the comments following the review. If clicking the link doesn’t work, copy it and paste it into your browser.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/09/the-worst-book-ever_n_1137727.html

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

two new literary agents

Maria Ribas and Paul Lamb have joined the Howard Morhaim Literary agency as literary agents. Ribas focuses on cookbooks, self-help, health, diet, parenting, and humor. Lamb focuses on non-fiction in the areas of business, memoir, political science, sociology and sports, as well as crime, mystery and literary fiction.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Canadian historical novel opportunity

Chronicler Publishing in Edmonton is open to submissions of Canadian historical novels. Website http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Canadian Christmas & winter stories needed for Chicken Soup book

EXCITING NEWS FOR WRITERS!    From Janet Matthews Canadian Co-author of  Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul       We need your stories for a brand new Canadian title...    Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas in Canada!   101 Stories about the Joy and Wonder of the Holidays, Canadian Style!

 

In case you did not receive my first invitation, I'm excited to let you, as writers, know about this great opportunity to get published. It would be so great if you would forward this to your members, include it in your newsletter, include it in your blog, and/or post it on your website. Here's why: In October 2013 we released O Canada The Wonders of Winter,and the publisher was so pleased they've asked us to create another Canadian title for Christmas 2014! For the Winter book we received submissions from writers across Canada that belong to groups like this, and many of them were published!       We need true, dramatic, heartwarming stories, 1200 words or less, that take place at Christmas time in Canada. (Yes, you get paid - $200.00 actually)  Here are just some examples of topics: Festivals of lights, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, New Year's and other holiday traditions and events that come with a great story Christmas Traditions in your church   Adapting when the weather gets in the way (like the 2013 ice storms - we KNOW there are some great stories out there - do you have one?) Love and Romance at Christmas Acts of kindness and generosity - in the true spirit of Christmas Hockey!...and all winter sports at Christmas Family ties and reunions, children, and friends old and new   Heroes in our midst - at Christmas Neighbours and Community, and Christmas in Canada for new Canadians Animals at Christmas  Christmas in the north - First Nation stories Festivals of lights, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, New Year's and other holiday traditions and events that come with a great story Story submission deadline is May 30th.   For full writers guidelines and how to submit your story, visit my website, www.janetmatthews.ca or www.canadiansoul.com.   I wish you great success, and I really hope to hear from you!     Love to you, Janet Matthews Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul & Chicken Soup for the Soul O Canada The Wonders of Winter janet@janetmatthews.ca PS: One more thing. It would be so great if you could pass this message along to your friends and family and other writers...who may have a story! EVERY bit of help is really appreciated!

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

series of kids' books about saints

Hildegard’s Gift is a kids’ book about St. Hildegard of Bingen. A review of it is here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-61261-358-1. It’s published by Paraclete, http://www.paracletepress.com/books-childrens.html, apparently part of a series on saints. They also have a book about St. Francis. I wonder if they’re open to queries re further kids’ books about saints. Might be worth asking if you’re interested.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

new agents seeking clients

I haven’t included website addresses but if interested, you should be able to find these people by Googling on appropriate words. 1. Taylor Haggerty of Waxman Leavell Literary Agency. Current interests include young adult fiction, historical fiction, and historical romance. 2. Jennifer Azantian Starts Her Own Agency. Seeking science fiction and fantasy (including all of their subgenres) as well as smart, psychological horror for middle grade, young adult, new adult, and adult readers.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

calls for submission

Up-to-date listing of calls for submission is at the following website. If you’re interested, you can copy it and paste it into your browser. Note the listing is compiled by Writers’ Relief, an organization that will submit your writing to various possible publishers and [I believe] literary agents for a price. I’m not endorsing or not endorsing their services—just saying.

http://client.writersrelief.com/writers-classifieds/anthology-calls-for-submissions.aspx

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

AJAX MINE PROTEST: meeting place change

AJAX MINE PROTEST: Re my earlier message on this, I just learned the meeting place has been changed to the Alliance Church parking lot.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

writing for young people? new opportunity here

Canadian publisher Cormorant has started a new imprint, Dancing Cat Books, to publish young adult, middle grade, and picture books. Details here: http://www.bookcentre.ca/news/cormorant_launches_new_children%E2%80%99s_and_young_adult_imprint

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

protest against proposed Ajax Mine

PROPOSED AJAX MINE: Protest against it, Kamloops, Friday April 4. We'll stand along the airport side of the Overlander Bridge. Signs provided.
7 AM - Meet at Kamloops Sani Dump parking lot, accessed from Victoria Street West, under the bridge and right onto Mission Flats Road, or go down Summit Drive and turn left onto Mission Flats Road. The lot is a few meters past the intersection. Protest signs distributed there.
7:15 AM - Walk with your sign on city sidewalks, crosswalks and the pedestrian ramp up to the bridge deck, and space yourselves out along the bridge. This takes about 10 minutes.
7:30 - 8:30 AM – Stand with your sign facing traffic, wave and smile, just like the politicians do!
8:30 AM - Return to meeting area and return signs.
1. Would you like to participate in this Overlander Bridge event? If so email theneaves@shaw.ca.
2. We need sign carriers for future events. Can you help out? Please email theneaves@shaw.ca, and indicate if you are available for early morning rush-hour, late afternoon rush-hour, weekends, or any time.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.