Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest

So, I haven't forgotten my Resolutions for 2011, but have simply added another short-term goal; at least for the month of January.

Here is an opportunity for anyone to submit an unpublished or self-published novel between 50,000 and 150,000 words (of their own writing) in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, for a chance to win one of two $15,000 publishing contracts with Penguin USA and distribution of their novel on Amazon.com.

How to Enter: The submission period begins January 24, 2011 at 12:01 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Standard Time) and ends February 6, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Standard Time). The young adult fiction category and the general fiction category are each limited to 5,000 Entries, and we will stop accepting Entries for a category after we have received 5,000 Entries in that category.

Sadly, there isn't enough time for me to finish and submit my latest work, entitled Kristietiba, as I am currently only about midway through writing it. But, I have been slowly reediting and putting together the trilogy of Ekleipsis, Daegsteorra, and Andeis into one book entitle Land of Erde. Perhaps I will be able to complete and submit this work. I at least hope to.

Do you have a novel you have been working on? Give it a go! You've got a month to prepare and submit it. What have you lost?

Revisiting the mission field of La Ciudad, Mexico 2008

The initial trip of our church in 2006 was but a few people. Joining the missionary in Mexico, they prayed that God would lead them to a place we could share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then that La Ciudad was laid upon their hearts.

In July 2007 we returned, both with persons of our church and a sister church, with a total of twenty-two desiring to see how God could use us to share the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

My journal of our recent return to La Ciudad, Mexico, during the summer of 2008, is now available as a free PDF download or in book form.

http://www.lulu.com/content/4240024

One More Sunset by Evelyn Huckaby

A friend of mine has just published her first book!

One More Sunset

"One More Sunset" recounts the poignant and often humorous childhood and life of author Evelyn Huckaby. With true southern flavor, Ms. Huckaby paints a colorful portrait of life in and around New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Here is a free preview.

ISBN: 978-0-615-25841-6

Book Two: Daegsteorra - Completion

As some of you may know, last year I finished book one, entitled Ekleipsis, of my In the Land of Erde series. It was my first time to actually complete a fictional book of which I had started, though I have written a few other things.

I would like to say since my introduction of book two, Daegsteorra, I have decided to change the cover art. The book has been returned from my editor, and although it is already available for purchase, I have ordered myself a proof copy so that I may read through it once more in its entirety.

A brief summary of book two:
Behold the Daegsteorra cometh, while the Darkness, even Jagare who now dwelleth in Temeto (once named Kirche), doth yet bathe in their sin and seeming triumphant victory over Erde. Pride has kept them from the truth, as they serve it willingly of heart, fighting yet against King Salvare and the very Creator of Heaven. Do they not yet know that the created cannot overthrow their Creator, nor shall evil overcome good?

You will find an introduction to book two, Daegsteorra, and spoiler of book one, Ekleipsis here.

Enjoy!

Exposing parts of My Heart

Poetry

These are original poems as formerly written, with only minimal changes or corrections having been made, to allow my initial thoughts to persist.

1994 - 2008

---

Because of Love
Is This Where Love Ends
How Hard Is It to Ask
What Is Love
Friends…
To Lose Love
The World...
Missing You
Missing You, Again
No True Emptiness
Parable of the Squirrel
Lonely Dark Nights
To My Valentine
The Day
The Words of the Snake
Lame Christian Excuses
Your Shadow
Letting Go (Part 1)
Faith is Risen Anew (Letting Go, Part 2)
My Preacher
Just Like You Were One Day
Oh, the Love You Show Me
Regrets
Stand Up !!!
The Heavens Declare
Ye Are of Your Father
Staring Back At Me
To Be Complete
From Among the Others
When You Love Someone
Alexis Rose
I Love You More Than
Samuel David LaRue
Because of My Saviour, I Live!
A Soldier on His Way Home
A Letter From Hell
Wedding Vows
I Am His for Eternity
Don’t Wait On Me
A Call to Missions
I Have a Savior
Christ Bore the Cross
I Plead For My Brother
Christ Is Still Here
Conversion
A Little Soul
Souls
A Soldier of the King
Faith
Thank You
Oh Son of God, I Praise Your Name
Oh, Rich Man
They Say I Killed My Baby
Perspective
A Gift from Me to You
Beloved Friend
Moments of Silence
La Ciudad, Mexico Mission Trip 2008
Twisted Inside, Heart Against Mind
The Struggle of Sorrows

Ekleipsis: In the Land of Erde - Review Proposal

Beast, a regular, Atheist commenter to Splinters of Silver has proposed the following concerning my recently finished book Ekleipsis:

---

Books, books, books: You seem to be churning them out by the dozens! Am I supposed to be impressed?

May I propose this to you: Send me a softcopy of your book, and then I will evaluate it and write a book review, after which you can put it up on your blog.

As with all my comments, I will be as objective and truthful as I can.

Dare you accept the challenge?

Beast

---

Beast,

As concerning your proposal of me sending you the PDF file of my book, Ekleipsis:

You propose:
“May I propose this to you: Send me a softcopy of your book, and then I will evaluate it and write a book review, after which you can put it up on your blog.”

You claim:
“As with all my comments, I will be as objective and truthful as I can.”


My reply and stipulations:

1. I will send you the current, complete PDF file for my book entitled Ekleipsis. This will be the file that has been edited and reread by myself, before the proof copy has arrived and I have had the chance to reread it one final time.

2. You will agree to not alter the PDF file in any way, and to refrain from distributing or making available the file in anyway (whether free or for monetary gain) to any individual besides yourself, unless first approved by myself.

3. You have the right to be “objective and truthful” concerning all comments regarding your review of my book, Ekleipsis, which should be sent to me via email.

4. I reserve the right to refrain from posting your review if I, and those I may share it with, feel that it is not “objective and truthful” in our opinion. Although, you do have the right to post your review on your own blog, if you feel lead to do so.

If you agree with the terms, please reply back stating as such, also sending me the email address as to where I should send the file.

Tim

Book Two: Daegsteorra - Introduction

Continuing in the Land of Erde, where book one, Ekleipsis, left off, will be book two, entitled Daegsteorra. I have actually been writing on this book since November 2007, while book one was going through editorial corrections. Now that Ekleipsis has been completed, I can give Daegsteorra my full attention.

As with the title of book one, using the Greek word for “eclipse”, Ekleipsis, I have decided to use the Old English word for “the day star”, Daegsteorra, for the title of book two.

With Ekleipsis newly out, I would hate to give too much insight into book two, Daegsteorra, at this point, fearing I may spoil the excitement and story of book one.

As book one, Ekleipsis, begins with:

Ekleipsis (Greek, eclipse): Judarius claimed that darkness would one day overcome and destroy all light. The name of that day, he called thus.

Book two, Daegsteorra, begins with:

Daegsteorra (Old English, the day star): The Ekleipsis cometh but for a moment, then shall the daystar yet arise above the Darkness.

I hope that you will enjoy book one, Ekleipsis, as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Please continue to check back often for updates and information concerning the Land of Erde series.

Check out: http://www.landoferde.com/

Ekleipsis: In the Land of Erde - Published!

Good news!

Today I uploaded the “final” corrections to book one, Ekleipsis, to Lulu for publication. It is now available for purchase, although I have just placed the order for my proof copy. Once I have read through the proof copy and am satisfied (which should already be), it must be approved through Lulu before it will be available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other stores which wish to carry it.

I will update the Land of Erde blog as to when I have officially approved the book, and please remember to register by January 31, 2008, for your chance to win a free autographed copy.

Any questions or comments before or after purchase, please contact me.

Check out: http://www.landoferde.com/

ISBN: 978-0-6151-8434-0

Last Post for 2007!

Merry Christmas!

This shall be my last post of the year… Okay, hold down the cheers!

Honestly, although I will continue to ponder thoughts to post about, I shall hold them till 2008. I hope that each of you enjoy the holidays, and pray that you are able to spend them with family and friends.

If anyone is interested in the collection of posts, about 95% are available in book and PDF format from lulu.com. The rest of the posts along with all of the comments are still available here.

See you all next year!

Tim

Ekleipsis: Free Autographed Copy!

Hoping before the end of the year, but more than likely before the end of January 2008 will be the publishing of my first fictional book entitled Ekleipsis. My wonderful editor is in the final process of examining the book for content, and then I must make the corrections and put my final touches upon it. Then it must be sent to the publishing company, I must purchase an ISBN, purchase and examine the sample, and then it will be available to the public.

As a simple promotion for fun, I have decided to give a personally signed copy of it away. Anyone is eligible. All one must do is go to http://www.landoferde.com/ and click on Blog, or go directly to http://landoferde.blogspot.com/ and submit your full name and email address to be entered.

On the date that the book becomes available to the public, which hopefully will be no later than the end of January 2008, I will get my editor to draw the winner from the list of names that have been submitted to me by email.

Upon drawing the winner, they will be notified by the email address given, requesting that they send me their address. This will be the address to where the person would like the book mailed. The person will have seven (7) days to email me back with their address, or another name will be chosen.

I appreciate your interest, and best of luck to each of you!

Please continue to check the blog for updates. The winner’s name will be posted for all to see.

Christian Children's Book: Salvation, Baptism, & Eternal Security

The initial purpose behind writing this book is to focus on the current questions my children have concerning salvation, baptism, and eternal security.

One of the greatest ministries we have as Christian parents is to teach our children about the things of God. Can there be any teaching more important than the Gospel itself, of how the love of God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Willing to suffer the death of the cross, Jesus Christ gave Himself ransom for all those which put their faith in Him. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we as sinners can find forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Jesus Christ. Our children deserve to know of this great love. As Christian parents we owe it to our children to tell them of the things of God, and as saved sinners we owe it to God to be obedient to His Word.

Although the pages of this book may be read by the children alone, I would suggest that the parent(s) consider spending a moment with their children with it. This book is not meant to save your child, or to convert them to Christianity. Only the Spirit of God can convict the heart of sin, and grant them repentance and faith unto salvation. My hope is that any child that reads, or has read to them, this book, it will cause their minds and hearts to ponder the things of God, and their parent(s) will be there to expound on the Word of God concerning their questions.

Avaliable at lulu.com.

Preview: Ekleipsis, In the Land of Erde

Coming soon will be my first attempt at writing a fictional book. Entitled Ekleipsis, it will be the first book, in at least a two part series, taking place in the Land of Erde. Feel free to check out the preview: http://www.landoferde.com/

The book has been edited for grammatical mistakes, and is now in the process of being reviewed for content. I hope to have the book completed and available at http://www.lulu.com/ by the end of the year.

The book is a medieval type, with a religious theme. No, it will most likely not be found on the Best Seller List, but I have enjoyed writing it none the less. I shall post an update when it is had been completed.

Until then, enjoy the blog!

Journal of Mexico Mission Trip July 6-14 2007 to La Ciudad

I recently returned from a mission trip in La Ciudad, Mexico.

If you would like to read of our experiences, you can find a copy of my journal located here: http://stores.lulu.com/tlw97

The PDF download is free.

A printed copy is also available, but it is set to the lowest manufacturer cost (I do not make anything from any sales), so it does cost the base price of lulu.com to make it.

I wrote this that other Christians may be able to share in our experience and hopefully motivate us all to do more to spread the gospel message of salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Share Your Book Knowledge

I am currently trying my hand at writing a fictional book. I have looked a little around on the internet to see what is available, but I am hoping someone has some good insight they don’t mind sharing.

I have spoken to two people that have used www.lulu.com, a self publishing company, and I have been reading through their Faq pages. It looks pretty good. I have purchased one book both to read and to also check out the quality, which appears to be just as nice as other books I have purchased in stores.

They offer the sale of your book for 20% of your profit, the PDF download of your book from their website for free (which you can charge for), and you can purchase an ISBN for your book to have it listed at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and some other books stores.

Does anyone know of other self publishing companies or know of any pros or cons of going this route?

It just seems like finding a publishing company to publish your work is most likely a little more difficult than the self publishing.

What about an Editor? I spoke to one person that said they usually charge $1.50 a page.

Any advice is good advice, whether positive or negative, I would really like to hear about personally experiences and opinions that may help me decide what is best for me to do.

I would appreciate all and any input from everyone.

Thanks.