Saturday, October 27, 2012

Announcement Saturday: Winners

News
The winners are...
Called and Plague of Darkness by Hannah Mills.... Elizabeth K. 
Bring Your Writing To Life by Amy Wiley.... Margaret
The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman.... Perry

Enter some of the great giveaways at Parry Elisabeth's blog:


Authors Added
Caleb Kelchner

Books Added

The Silver Shawl: A Mrs. Meade Mystery  by Elisabeth Foley

(Coming Soon) Never by J. Grace Pennington
(Now Available) Plague of Darkness by Hannah Mills
(Coming in July 2013) Viral Execution by Amanda Davis
(Now Available) Noble Imposter by Amanda Davis
(Now Available) Peter's Angel by Aubrey Hansen




Monday, October 22, 2012

Joining us today is...

Sarah Brown!

Sarah, welcome to Homeschool Authors.  Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Sarah Ellen Brown. I am 17 years old and looking forward to graduating from Homeschool highschool next spring. I'm hoping to take Elementary Education in college, and my ultimate goal is to someday be a wife and mother and a homeschooling mom someday. I live in the Minnesota countryside with my family (parents and two older brothers). Some of my interests, besides writing, include animals (mainly horses and dogs), playing flute and piano, singing, cooking, sewing, photography, blogging, etc.

What was your favorite part of being homeschooled?
The wonderful opportunities I've had that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and the valuable, valuable lessons I've learned from those experiences. Opportunities to babysit anytime during the school year and learn child-rearing skills, to hold a secretarial/bookkeeping job to earn some money and gain experience handling customers and finances, to do PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Options--basically early college classes) and get about a year off my future college education, to go calpourtering and spreading the gospel, to raise and sell a litter of puppies and learn about marketing and profit and loss and the responsiblity of having pets, and, most of all, the opportunity to write and publish books for the glory of God. Other side benefits include much more freetime, a better understanding of your school lessons, more excelled learning, learning at my own pace, the opportunity to make my mother and siblings my best friends, and many more!

What kind of pets did you have growing up?
We had horses until I was about six, we've always had a cat or two and raised kittens, and when I was younger we also had chickens and goats. When I was getting older, circumstances led to us having to get rid of our chickens, horses, and goats. But we kept our cats and our family dog. Later, after our family dog passed away and I was in my teens, we got Shasta Daisy, our Border Collie, and have raised puppies since then. So, we've never really lived on an actual farm, but I've always grown up with some kind of animals--and I'm so glad that I've been blessed with that!

What made you want to write books? 
I guess I just have a passion for writing. It wasn't always this way. When I was really little, I was sure I was going to be a nurse. Later I wanted to be a school teacher (I still would like to do that!), and still later I wanted to be an artist and illustrator. I don't remember ever saying, "I want to be a writer some day!" when I was younger. But I always did enjoy writing. I printed a short book of poetry that I gave to friends and family when I was about 11 years old. I won a storywriting contest around that same time with a true story about my mother when she was growing up. And then when I was about 9 or 10 I wrote, The Life Story of Puff Ball Brown....

What inspired Learning Lessons From Furry Friends?
The little 15-some page booklet titled The Life Story of Puff Ball Brown was about my kitty, Puff, and the "adventures" of her life with our family. I actually wrote it out of sheer boredom during a very long car trip in an old notebook. I even drew some cute little sketches to go with the story. I then stapled the pages together, and voila!--my very first book! :-) My oldest brother loves cats, so for Christmas one year, I typed up the story onto the computer, drew some colorful pictures with my computer's painting program, printed out my brother's Christmas present. He loved it! And it was around that time that I decided to send my little story to a publisher. I was astonished when they loved it and accepted it for publication! I was 11 years old. But, due to not having enough money to publish then, I had to stuff my story in a drawer and forget about it.

But I didn't really forget about it. We have raised kittens ever since before I was born. So I got the idea to rewrite The Life Story... and added to Puff's story all of our experiences raising kittens, and also added lots of educational tidbits. In 2008 we got a dog and had a litter of puppies with her! So I wrote another another booklet about raising puppies and the lessons knowledge about dogs that we gained from that. I titled the puppy book: Tails and Paws, and the kitten book: Whiskers and Claws. I wanted them to be like sequels. With great hopes I sent Tails and Pawsto a different publisher to see what they would think of my story. I was heartbroken when they rejected it. I was 13 or 14 at the time. I let my two books sit quietly for a time.
 
But I couldn't seem to forget about them. It was then that I got the idea (and I know it was from the Lord) to consolidate the two books into one book, to break apart the individual stories into chapters, and to add to each chapter a spiritual lesson that could be learned from the situation. For example, with the story of our kitten by one naughty act being locked in a dresser drawer while we were on vacation for three days--when we finally came home and rescued her--brought to mind the lesson of Christ suffering for our sins, but how he rose triumphant on the third day. I tried to impress upon my readers that someone always has to suffer when we make naughty mistakes.
 
I was 16 years old when I joyously typed the last word of my new book: Learning Lessons from Furry Friends. I had been working on it on and off for over 5 years. But where to send it? Well, where else than to the same publisher that had wanted to publish The Life Story.... It was such an answer to prayer when I heard back from them about a month or two later, saying that they had accepted my book for they're highest level of publication!
 
God is so good! He knew my story wasn't ready when I first sent it in at age 11. At that time it was just a fun and silly little humorous story, with no spiritual applications. But He gave me the hope through it's acceptance then, even if I wan't able to publish it right away, that I could be published author some day. And then He gave me the ideas of how to change it, add to it, and make it what He wanted it to be! My first book, Learning Lessons from Furry Friends, came out in November of 2011--not because I am some amazing writer, but because I have a God who hears and answers prayers, and allows dreams to come true in a way that is pleasing in His sight!

What is it about? 
Learning Lessons from Furry Friends will introduce readers to the Brown family's many pets, including Blackie, Smudge, Puff, Tiree, Shasta, and many more. Children will learn about caring for pets, raising puppies and kittens, and dealing with the sorrows and the happy times of having animals. They will learn about instincts, how many months dogs and cats are pregnant, when kittens' and puppies' eyes open after birth, when kittens and puppies should be fed their first meal of solid food, and much more. But, most importantly, this book will answer questions like, "Why do our pets have to suffer?" "If God is loving, why is there so much pain in the world?" "Will my pet be in heaven?" "How do I give my heart to Jesus?" and others.

Who will enjoy this book? 
This book is written mainly for children, but anyone who loves animals would enjoy it. And really, who isn't a child enough at heart to enjoy reading animals stories! :-)

Do you plan to write more books?
Definitely! I already have written another story, which has been accepted for publication by the same publisher as my first book, and it should come out by the end of 2012. It is another children's based on a true story about a missionary's dog and the concepts of salvation. It is a very touching story titled The Prodigal Pup. Look for it before the end of this year! Other titles that I am either in the process of writing or else am planning are as follows: Dear Diary: A Quest for True Love* (for teenage girls), Home 'Tweet Home, and The Lamb and THE LAMB. I have also been seriously considering doing a Learning Lessons from Furry Friends II, but we'll see how the Lord leads. 
*NOTE: These titles are subject to change at any time!* :-)

Do you have any final thoughts?
I tell people I have four "loves." I love writing, I love animals, I love children, and I love the Lord. I have combined all those passions into writing children's books about animals that will tell them of Jesus' love for them. It is my greatest goal to reach children, youth, and adults with the message of salvation, to lead them to Christ,, and bring glory and honor to His name!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Non-Fiction



  1. Element of Surprise, The (Paperback) (Kindle)
Barrett, Elysse
  1. Fathers and Daughters
  1. So Much More
  2. It's (Not That) Complicated
  1. Learning Lessons From Furry Friends 
  1. The Family Daughter
  2. The Thing I Desire
  3. The Young Maid
  4. The Maiden's Menu
  1. Smattering of Analytical Letters
  2. Matthew's Bible Stories; Noah and the Big Boat
  3. Matthew's Bible Stories; Ester the Brave 
  1. The Homestead Story; First Years
  2. Through the Years Together; Homestead part II
  3. In the Kitchen with Katie
  1. Read for the Heart: Whole Books for WholeHearted Families
  2. Journey's of Faithfulness: Stories for the Heart for Faithful Girls
  1. Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled (with Rachel Starr Thompson)
  1. New Way to Win
  1. How to Create Easy yet Exquisite Earrings
  2. How to Create Beautiful, Beaded Brackets
  3. How to Create Noticeably Noteworthy Necklaces
  4. How to Make a Pearl and Ribbon Necklace (free e-book)
  1. The Battle Book
  2. The Greco-Roman Book
  3. The Barbarian Book
  4. The Armored Glove Book
  5. The Throwing Axe Booklet (free e-book)
  1. Uncompromising
Goforth, Noelle Wheeler
  1. Daughters of Destiny
  1. Send Me, Lord Jesus
  1. Do Hard Things
  2. Start Here
  1. I Kissed Dating Good-bye
  2. Boy Meets Girl
  3. Not Even a Hint
  4. Dug Down Deep
  5. Stop Dating a Church!
  1. Real (Fast) Food
  1. Everyday Life Advice

  1. By Faith, Not by Sight
  1. Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends
  1. Before You Meet Prince Charming
Nyquist, Natalie
  1. Quest for the High Places
  2. Pearl of Beauty; Becoming Maidens of Purity
  1. Uncovering Exciting History
  2. Heroines of the Past Bible Study
  3. Costumes with Character
  4. Countdown to Christmas
  5. Countdown to Easter
  6. Ten Girls from History
  7. Ten Great Adventures
  8. Hoop Skirts and Fabulous Frocks
  9. Songs of the Old West
  10. Heroines of the Past - Civil War
  11. Heroines of the Past - Victorian
  12. Heroines of the Past - Pilgrims 
  13. Heroines of the Past - Pioneer
  14. Heroines of the Past - Patriot
  15. Heroines of the Past -Colonial
  1. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Law
  1. Finding the Core of Your Story
  1. Beyond Waiting
  1. Ink on Their Fingers
  1. Heart to Heart: Meeting With God in the Lord’s Prayer
  2. Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled (with  Carolyn Currey)
  3. Pieces of Grace
  4. Letters to a Samuel Generation
  1. Outlining Your Novel; Map Your Way to Success
  1. Bring your Writing to Life
Wickham, Natalie
  1. Pajama School

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Monday, October 15, 2012

Our Special Guest Today is...

Alicia Willis!

Alicia, welcome to Homeschool Authors.  Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.
Hi! My full name is Alicia Anne Willis. I am nearly twenty-one and am the oldest of eight children. Beyond writing, my interests include singing, being the church pianist, photography, teaching music, and building websites and e-newsletters. I live in Edgewood, New Mexico, affectionately known to most of us living here as Mayberry.

How did your homeschooling experience prepare you to write historical fiction?
Homeschoolers tend to have a more solid foundation in English grammar, history, and literature than individuals instructed through the public school system. This is probably due to the fact that they are provided with more one-on-one instruction and unbiased resources. I credit this to my own fascination for the past and the stories that can be interwoven with historical fact.

What caused your interest into the Middle Ages?
Knights, castles, squires, and sword-fighting has always intrigued me. When I first starting writing, the Middle Ages just happened to be something I was interested in – without really knowing why. Now, I think my interest has a great deal to do with the fact that the media has promoted numerous medieval fallacies that are simply untrue and need to be overturned. I’ve been on a long quest to discover the truth about the Middle Ages – and I’m still on my journey!

What are some of your favorite historical fiction books?
I LOVE Prisoners of the Sea by Florence Kingsley. My other favorites include Pearl Maiden, The Cat of Bubastes, The Cross Triumphant, Ben-Hur, and The Wrestler of Philippi. I really haven’t read too many modern works of historical-fiction – nearly all of the books listed above were written in the early 1900s or so.

What inspired you to write To Birmingham Castle: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure?
I actually had several reasons for wanting to write this series. First, I wanted to write a book that would be exciting and still be appropriate for all age groups. Too many books include extreme violence, inappropriate romance, or simply historical error – factors that I definitely wanted to avoid. Secondly, I wanted to supply readers with a book that was truly historically accurate. The Middle Ages was not a time of sorcery and fantasy like the media promotes, and I wanted to produce a book that reveals the true aspects of daily life within the Medieval Era.  

What is it about?
To Birmingham CastleTo Birmingham Castle details the life and adventures of a young Norman nobleman named Robert Fitz Hasseltine. Though he is the heir to his uncle’s vast earldom, he is characterized by ever-present mercy and compassion. His steadfast determination to aid the weak brings him face-to-face with several individuals who desperately need his protective care – individuals who must throw themselves on his compassion and rely on his strength to overcome their pasts and lead successful, happy lives.

However, there are many dangerous enemies who hate Robert’s steadfast character and merciful heart. Cruel and pitiless, they would do anything to vanquish his compassion and shower their malice upon his cause. During his eventful journey from squire to knight to earl, Robert must prove his strength and conquer the foes that beset him – and that without compromising or giving up. Battles, tournaments, rivalry, peril, and heartwarming scenes of loyalty weave the story together and prove that mercy and truth uphold a victorious shire.

To Birmingham Castle is a novel of adventure, suspense, friendship, and courage, as a young man embarks on a perilous journey to overcome tyranny and reform chivalry in medieval England.

Where can people buy it?
You can purchase To Birmingham Castle by navigating to CrossBooks, Parables, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Books and Bibles, and many more retailers. You can find a larger list of retailers at my website www.thecomradesofhonorseries.weebly.com. It is available both in paperback and ebook formats.

Do you plan to write more books?
Yes!!! I love to write and I feel strongly that God wants me to serve Him through my writing. To Birmingham Castle is actually the first book in a series of three, so I’ll need to write at least two more historical-fiction novels. And, after that, I have plans for a collection of books about Christians in other time periods. Of course, this is all Lord willing.

What is the best writing advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is probably “Let the characters tell their own story”. In other words, don’t over-narrate – let the dialogue and the personalities of the characters reveal what you want to get across to the reader.

Who will enjoy your book?
Thus far, I’ve received good reviews from people ages 12-75, so it is a bit difficult to put an age level on my book! It was written to be appropriate for all age groups, yet its historical aspects and reading level may be more suited for 13+. I think anyone who is intrigued by knights and enjoys historical accuracy without tedious dates/places will enjoy my book.

Do you have any final thoughts?
couldn't have ever accomplished my goal of writing and publishing To Birmingham Castle without the help of the Lord. He gave me both the vision and strength to fulfill it. Now, my goal as a writer is best described by the Latin phrase Ad maioram Dei gloriam – to the greater glory of God. 

Alicia Willis is offering a PDF copy of her book To Birmingham Castle. Enter to win below.


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Historical Fiction


  1. By Starlight (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. AbolitionistThe 

  1. Chasing Jupiter (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Interrupted: Life Beyond Words (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. A Kindled Light
  2. Alone, Yet Not Alone
  3. Kathleen's Abiding Hope
  4. Kathleen's Enduring Faith
  5. Kathleen's Shaken Dreams
  6. Kathleen's Unforgettable Winter
  7. Land Beyond the Setting Sun
  8. Nothing Can Separate Us
  9. Unfading Beauty

  1. Only a Novel (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. A Captain's Heart (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Every Tear (Paperback) (Kindle)
  3. Finding Faith (Paperback) (Kindle)
  4. Pirate Daughter's Promise, The (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Ranch Next Door and Other Stories, The (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Silver Shawl: A Mrs. Meade Mystery, The
  3. War Memorial

  1. Shadow Things, The (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Land of Calais, The

  1. Peter's Angel (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Shadow Things, The (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. A Bit Of Seawater (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Teacher, The

  1. A Penny Parcel
  2. Be Ye Thankful
  3. Journey to the Cross

  1. Deadly Delirium

  1. By Starlight (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Called (Paperback) (E-book)
  3. Plague of Darkness
  4. Take This

  1. A Promise Born
  2. A Promise Kept 
  3. Canteen Dreams
  4. Cornhusker Dreams
  5. Ohio Brides
  6. A Promise Born
  7. Stars in the Night (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Word and Deed

  1. Magdalene

  1. A Nation Apart

  1. A Man Called Outlaw (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Behold the Dawn (Paperback) (Kindle)
  3. Memory Lights, The
  4. One More Ride in the Rain
  5. Saddle Daddy Rode, The

  1. To Birmingham Castle: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure (Paperback) (Kindle)

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Announcement Saturday: Overdue update

Hello Homeschool Authors readers. My computer is still sick but my mom and sister are letting me use theirs until please forgive the lack of updates and long wait times of e-mail responses. 

News
Inline image 1

An author or aspiring author? Homeschool Authors is now excepting submissions for our December of Christmas Blessings.
Submit a uplifting post (100-400 words) to thedestinyofone(at)juno(dot)com

Enter our overdue 90 Follower giveaway! You have until the 27th to sign up. Open to US residents only due to shipping costs. We have three awesome prizes for three wonderful readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Books Added
(Coming Soon) Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Please Welcome...

Amy Puetz!

Welcome to Homeschool Authors Amy.  First off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello, Sarah. It’s such an honor to be here! I graduated from homeschooling in 2000. My homeschooling journey began in the eighth grade. Up to that point I had been attending Christian schooling. All of my teachers had been wonderful, but inside I was an angry kid who had built up walls to protect myself from the cruelty of other children. When I came home I became a different person. I was suddenly free to be myself, without peer pressure. Next to becoming a Christian this was the most amazing event of my life.

What is your favorite Homeschool memory?
One day we were sitting down to read our history lesson, and my two sisters and I were chatting away instead of getting ready to learn. My mom let us talk for a few minutes but then she tried to get our attention. She said, “We need to learn about Napoleon and how he met defeat at Waterloo. As she said the word defeat, she lifted up her feet and said it so it sounded like de-feet. I realized in that moment that my mom was fun and funny, something I’d never noticed before.

How did you discover your love of History?
This was the one subject that my sisters and I did together, and I think that is why I began to love it. We would read about an event and then talk about it over the supper table. Then I began to find good old books that really made history come to life. One of my favorite authors is G. A. Henty! He does such an amazing job of making history interesting. That is what makes history exciting. Who likes to read about boring dates and names that don’t mean anything. But tell someone a story about a person and they will remember it. That is what I try to do with my books, tell the stories of real people who showed remarkable character. I also love to examine God’s hand in history. There are so many events that can’t be explained without a firm belief in God’s intervention.

What inspired you to start writing?
When I was fifteen I started having some serious health problems. I was finally diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Finishing high school took me a year longer than expected because of my illness, but after I graduated I wanted to write a historical costume book. It started as a dream and then I began to work on it. The idea was to take a basic dress and sew accessories to put over the dress to make it look like it came from different time periods. My sisters and I did this kind of thing all the time as children. After that book was finished I started writing for Home School Enrichment. About five years later I complied these article into a book called Uncover Exciting History. I always laugh at God’s sense of humor. When I was in school I hated to write and English was my worst subject. And on top of all that I have dyslexia. Only God could transform someone like that into an author! In 2010 I started to feel better and I have been slowly growing stronger. This last year I started attending homeschool conventions, and I hope to expand my business with historical workshops.

What caused you to write Heroines of the Past Bible Study?
For several years I have sent out an ezine called Heroines of the Past, and I knew that at some point I wanted to publish those stories in a book. I love learning about historical ladies! So often history books don’t have space to talk about the women of history. (Only so much can fit into one book!) These forgotten ladies had an amazing impact on history but so often historical women are shown through the lens of modern revisionism. Going back to old sources is a great way to learn about historical women. 

What is it about?
Heroines of the Past Bible Study is an inspiring thirteen week virtue study celebrating the noble deeds of women and girls from history. Each week is broken into five daily readings that are just four pages long. There are stories about historical women and girls, then a virtue study about a character trait that she demonstrated. It’s basically two books in one. First there are the stories and then there is the virtue study. Some of the women are famous, like Mary Slessor and Florence Nightingale, others may not be as well known, including Princess Edith of Scotland and Clotilda of Burgundy.

Where can people buy it?
It is available from my website

Do you plan to write more books?
Yes, I have several books in my brain right now! My current project is a history curriculum for children!

Do you have any final thoughts?
Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful website that highlights homeschool authors. It has been an honor to be featured on your blog. If folks are interested in joining my free bimonthly ezine called Heroines of the Past, please go to this link:
Or you may visit my website.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

General Fiction


  1. For Life and Eternity
  2. Just like You
  3. No Matter What

  1. Novel Concept

  1. Pandora's Box and Other Problems (Paperback) (Ebook)

  1. Learning Lessons From Furry Friends

  1. A Test of Courage
  2. At the Heart of Truth
  3. Discovering Dawn
  4. Silent Ride

  1. Against His Will
  2. Call Her Blessed
  3. Case of the Missing Man, The 
  4. Choice, The 
  5. Courtship of Sarah McLean, The
  6. Delivery, The
  7. Footprints in the Barn
  8. History Mystery, The 
  9. In the Spring of the Year
  10. Jeff McLean; His Courtship
  11. Journey of the Heart
  12. Lights Out
  13. Midnight Sky
  14. Mysterious Message, The
  15. Trapped
  16. Weighty Matters
  17. Where There's Smoke...
  18. Who, Me?

Cook, Clare and Bethany Patchin
  1. I Will Follow

  1. Lost Rubies, The (The Cleveland Mysteries, book 1)

  1. Rainbow Promise, The

  1. Bound by Guilt (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Thicker than Blood (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Third Side of the Coin

  1. Warmth of His Eyes, The (Paperback) (e-book)

  1. Past Suspicion (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Adventures in the Neighborhood Woods #2: The Secret Baseball Card
  2. Adventures in the Neighborhood Woods: The Tunnel (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Having Decided to Stay: Collected Poems (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Glass Shadow, The (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Heavens Declare: Five Children, Eight Planets, One God, The 
  2. Light of the World
  3. Pearl's Practice

  1. Autumn Days with the Moodys
  2. Autumn with the Moodys
  3. Spring with the Moodys
  4. Summer Days with the Moodys
  5. Summer with the Moodys
  6. Winter Warrior
  7. Winter with the Moodys

  1. Katy

  1. Dinosaur Quest at: Diamond Peak
  2. Keys to the Past: Unlocked
  3. Missing Link: Found, The

  1. Delivered (Paperback) (Kindle)
  2. Struggle Creek

  1. A Promise Forged 
  2. A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island (Paperback) (Kindle)
  3. Captive Dreams
  4. Cherry Blossom Capers (Paperback) (Kindle)
  5. Deadly Exposure (Paperback) (Kindle)
  6. Rainbow's End (Paperback) (Kindle)
  7. Sandhill Dreams (Paperback) (Kindle)
  8. Timeless Treasures
  9. Trial by Fire (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Mighty Stallion 2 Fury's Journey 
  2. Mighty Stallion 3: Glory's Legend
  3. Mighty Stallion 4: Dancer's Dream
  4. Mighty Stallion 5: A Stallion's Heart
  5. Mighty Stallion 6: The Civil War
  6. Mighty Stallion (Paperback) (Kindle)

  1. Magical Keystone, The