“A book with a cowboy on the cover. Historical.” That’s what the editor wanted. Did I have such a story, she wanted to know. No. Well, not really. But I could. After all, I’m a writer. I could come up with an idea, couldn’t I? Let’s see. Set it in Colorado. In the 1880s. Do some online research. What happened in Colorado in that time? A drought in the southwestern part of the state. For several years prior, in fact. Gold mining. Silver mining. Wait a minute. Cowboys care about water. And silver mining? Who knew. So I was off…
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A Chat with Author Cheri Cowell
Greetings from Marti Pieper in looking-almost-like-spring Seneca, South Carolina! Today I have the pleasure of introducing another dear author friend to you on the CAN blog. Cheri Cowell, whom I first met through Word Weavers International, is not only a longtime friend but a multi-published author and, for the past several years, a publisher herself. In fact, a number of years ago, I first learned about CAN through some of her posts! Welcome, Cheri! Please tell us about your book. Do you ever feel insignificant or unseen? As if what you do or even who you are isn’t quite good…
Do You Want to Be Known?
Have you ever felt really known? Every one of us longs to be fully known, loved, and appreciated. John 1:48 tells us about the interaction between Nathaniel and Jesus. “Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you’” (ESV). Jesus tells him he saw him hidden under the fig tree. Jesus knows Nathaniel’s nature, motives, and physical hidden location. There are differing ideas of what Nathaniel is doing within the confines of the overhanging branches of the fig tree. Two in particular would seem…
A Chat with Author Tiffany Amber Stockton
Welcome, readers. Davalynn Spencer here, warming by the wood stove as I wait for spring to arrive in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Please join me in welcoming author Tiffany Amber Stockton who will tell us about her featured book for today, A Grand Design. Tiffany – thank you for joining us. Please give us the 50-word thumbnail for your book. When Alyssa Denham and her best friend embark on a getaway to Mackinac Island, they also agree to help Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest unlocks amazing insight into her grandmother’s life … and attracts the attention of…
A Strategic Act of an Apostle
A Strategic Act of an Apostle by Dr. Craig von Buseck Luke, the writer of Acts, shows us an amazing transformation in the life of Saul of Tarsus. This metamorphosis takes place in one single chapter – Acts 13 – though the preparation for it happened over many years. Verse 2: While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Verse 9: But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him… Verse 43: And…
Reflections From the Road
My recent retirement prompted a personal move from Illinois to my home state of Wisconsin—which meant my awesome nine-year-old quarter horse mare and I also moved to a new barn and horse trainer. All of these changes resulted in prepping, practicing, and praying for success on a brand-new horse show circuit this year. We agreed to an aggressive schedule of shows that would take us from Wisconsin to Oklahoma City for our first event; onto Las Vegas for our second show—The Silver Dollar Circuit—and then to Scottsdale, AZ for our final event, the Sun Circuit. This was my first series…
A Chat with Author Aaron M. Zook, Jr.
Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have the honor of interviewing one of CAN’s newest members, Aaron M. Zook, Jr. A retired Army colonel, Aaron now uses his skills to write action-packed stories for teen boys. Welcome, Aaron! Please tell us about your book The Crashin’ Coaster Mystery. A mysterious man wrecks the Zanadu brother’s summer and their Crashin’ Coaster ride at a Texas park. Repeated disasters drag Gabe, Alex, their dogs, Thunder and Lightning, and friends into a cross-state chase for the criminal. The villain frames Alex. The FBI gets involved. Can the boys solve the case? Sounds exciting!…
Bolivian Cemeteries—Customs and Comforts
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 NIV). Recently, I attended a gathering in our village to remember the life of a church member who died unexpectedly. Arriving late, I sat in the back. Everyone wore black and wiped tears that fell profusely. The lady was a friend of mine also––my husband and I bought land from her. Everyone in the crowd hailed from…
A Chat with Author Janice Thompson
Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California, where spring is already springing! Today I have the joy of interviewing one of our newest CAN members, Janice Thompson! Janice is the author of numerous novels and devotionals. I’ve known Janice for years, and I love her sense of humor, her storytelling, and the photos of her almost-too-gorgeous-to-eat cookies! Janice is combining these strengths in her new devotional. Welcome, Janice! Please tell us about your book Just Roll with It. Whether you love to bake or just love to laugh, these real-life kitchen stories, yummy sweet treat recipes and inspiring Bible truths are…
God Responds to Arrow Prayers
Conversing with God looks different for everyone, but at some time or other we all shoot arrow prayers heavenward. I do it often. It happens when I’m traveling by plane and a spiritual conversation opens with a fellow passenger. On one occasion a woman beside me said, “I’m on a personal quest. I’m searching for peace. Have you found it?” I shot an arrow prayer before answering: “God, give me the right words.” I shoot arrow prayers when driving down the highway. “God, safety.” I shoot them when needing inspiration for my writing assignments: “God, creativity.” I shoot them…
