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This 'n That Note from Ginny!
What do you think of my
newsletter’s new look? I spent some time trying to
design it myself, and finally faced the sad truth that
my creativity does not extend to graphic design. So I
hired PC Publications to do it for me, and I think they
did a terrific job!
I spent most of the winter closed in my office, working
on two books. I typed ‘The End’ on the first book in
January and sent it off to my editor. Of course, the
publishing world moves at its own pace, so you won’t see
Stuck in the Middle until next February. Don’t worry –
I’ll remind you when it’s getting closer to the release
date.
The other was Bluegrass Peril, a mystery set in the
thoroughbred industry. While researching that book my
husband and I visited Ramspring Farm in central Kentucky
and met several pregnant mares. Earlier this month I
paid the farm a second visit to see four of their new
babies! Look at this adorable 10-day old foal in the
sidebar. Isn’t she
a beauty? Bluegrass Peril will be out in December, just
in time for Christmas.
I hope you enjoy this issue of my newsletter. Now that
I’m “over the hump” with those book deadlines, I’ll get
back to my regular bi-monthly schedule. Thanks for
hanging in there with me.
May all your dreams come true, my friend!
Virginia Smith |
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Coming Soon: Murder by Mushroom
by Virginia Smith |
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A church potluck on a sunny
spring day attracts the usual array
of picnic pests – ants
and flies, gossips and murderers.
The official release date for Murder by Mushroom is August
7, but the book is already listed on Amazon.com! I’m really
excited about the release of my first mystery. The main
character is a quirky young woman with a big problem –
somebody planted poisonous mushrooms in her casserole to
kill a gossipy old church lady. She’s determined to find the
killer and clear her name. Watch my website (www.VirginiaSmith.org)
for updates on the release. And in the next issue of this
newsletter, I’ll have some preview copies to give away.
Plus, I’ve got a fantastic idea for a contest when the book
is released, and you definitely don’t want to miss it.
(How’s that for creating suspense?)
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Unlimited
Energy |
There’s been a lot of talk
lately about conserving our natural resources and reducing
our energy usage. I think that’s important not only
environmentally, but personally as well. All too often at
the end of the day I feel like my batteries have run out. I
run at a frantic pace to check items off of a To Do list
that just gets longer and longer. And I know I’m not alone -
it seems that everyone I talk to is as busy as I am.
You know what I realized the other day? Our earth may have
limited resources, but as Christians we don’t have that
problem. See, we have a Power Source that never runs out. As
we plug into Him through praise, prayer, and reading His
Word, we are recharged, refreshed, and re-energized! We find
hidden caches of strength we didn’t know were available to
us.
Sometimes my daily schedule seems so daunting that I’m
tempted to cut out the half-hour I spend every morning in
prayer and Bible study. But whenever I do I find that I
can’t accomplish as much. It’s like I run out of steam, both
physically and emotionally. So I’ve learned my lesson. From
now on, I’m going to plug into that unlimited Power Source
and recharge my batteries without fail each and every day!
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New
Series Title Announced |
I’m so excited about my upcoming series! If you like books
that make you giggle on one page and sniffle on the next,
you’re going to love them.
My new publisher, Revell, has recently finalized the titles.
I know, I know – those of you who aren’t writers are saying
to yourselves, “You mean the author doesn’t get to pick the
titles?” Well, I’m sure some authors do, if they have a
gazillion books published. But for
regular-everyday-run-of-the-mill authors like me, the
publisher’s marketing department selects the titles. The
good folks at Revell have been awesome to work with, and
they invited me to weigh in on the title brainstorming
process. And I’m happy to say they picked all my favorites.
So here’s the official unveiling… drum roll, please… The
Sister-to-Sister Series by Virginia Smith (that would be
ME!) will include three books: Stuck in the Middle
(February 2008), Age before Beauty (February 2009),
and Last but Not Least (February 2010).
February seems like a long time to wait for the first book,
but trust me – it’ll be here before we know it. And I’ll
keep you posted!
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Book Giveaway - Travel
Back in Time with Historical Fiction |
One of the cool things about belonging to so many writers’
groups is that sometimes my friends send me copies of their
new releases hot off the press! I’m excited about this
issue’s give-aways, because I know both the authors and I
admire their ability to spin riveting tales.
Maureen Lang and I struck up an e-mail friendship a couple
of years ago because we had the same publisher. She’s a
terrific lady and a great writer. Last year I gave away
Maureen’s Christian fiction debut, Pieces of Silver, set
during World War I. This month I’m excited to give away a
copy of the sequel, Remember Me. About this book, Maureen
says: “In this sequel to Pieces of Silver, Josef von Woerner
is a wanted man — only he doesn’t know it. He remembers
nothing about his life before waking up after ‘an accident.’
Rescued by a mysterious stranger, Josef soon falls in love
with the nurse who takes care of him, not realizing she’d
have nothing to do with him if she knew about his past. I'm
excited about this book for two reasons: one, it's set
during one of my favorite times in history and two, it's
more romantic than the first book in the series, with more
riding on the conflict between the hero and heroine. It was
a blast to write!” Visit Maureen’s website at
http://www.maureenlang.com/
Tricia Goyer is one of those writers who can do anything.
She writes articles, novels, non-fiction books, and even a
children’s book! Her latest novel, A Valley of Betrayal, is
set in the Spanish Civil War, and is sure to be enthralling.
About this book, Tricia says: “I'm excited about A Valley of
Betrayal because it transports readers to a little known
time in history that is actually considered by some to be
‘the first battle of WWII.’ I was fascinated by Spain and
the fight of the Spanish people against a fascist dictator.
I'm also excited because I get to continue the story in
three books ... my first ever and I'm lovin' it.” I know you
will love this book, and I’m thrilled to be able to give
away a copy. You can get to know Tricia at
http://www.triciagoyer.com/
I’ll conduct a drawing on April 30th, and will give away
both books to one lucky person. Subscribers to this
newsletter will be entered into the drawing twice – so you
get a double chance of winning. Good luck!
Be sure to watch my website during the month of May for
details about the next giveaway drawing.
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You're
the Judge |
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Tracy Ruckman, a fellow writer and critique buddy, has
started a blog for writers and photographers - amateurs and
professionals. Each week, she'll announce a new theme and
contest. Viewers cast votes to select the winner. A new
contest starts each Monday and ends on Friday, with winners
announced the following Monday. Weekly winners receive a
small prize and the opportunity to promote your website,
business, writing, or your life. Winners will also receive
an entry into the grand prize drawing in December. So
whether you’re a photographer or just want to cast your
ballot, come join the fun at Pix-N-Pens:
http://pixnpens.blogspot.com.
Voting is as easy as sending an e-mail. |
And
Finally ... |
| If
you're enjoying my newsletter, I hope you'll forward it to
your friends and family. And if you have any suggestions for
cool content, please send me an e-mail at
Ginny@VirginiaSmith.org. Or you can just reply to this
e-mail. If someone has forwarded this newsletter to you, I
hope you'll subscribe yourself. It's easy - just
Click Here. I promise I won't
SPAM you, or fill your inbox. And you can unsubscribe at any
time by going to the link at the end of this e-mail. |
Subscribe
& Unsubscribe Information: You are receiving this
eZine because you shared your email address with author and
speaker Virginia Smith. If you prefer not to receive future
issues, please unsubscribe by sending a blank email with
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VirginiaSmith@pcpublications.org. We will never
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