THE RESTORER'S JOURNEY-EXPANDED EDITION - Sharon Hinck - One Free Ebook

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition

His choices have the power to save or destroy.

With a loved one’s life at stake, Jake charges through the portal into Lyric to stage a dramatic rescue, trusting that the signs that mark him as Restorer will guarantee success. But everything familiar in Lyric has vanished, swept away by deadly lies and a corrupt king. As inexorable forces conspire to turn him from his purpose, Jake finds his path leading to places beyond his courage.

While he confronts the temptation to flee his calling, Susan struggles in brutal captivity. Can she gain freedom before the enemy destroys her spirit, and will Jake choose to follow his destiny before everything is lost?

(Book three in the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric series, The Restorer’s Journey won a Carol Award for speculative fiction. This new expanded edition includes bonus scenes, a ten week devotional guide, and links to audio and video extras.) 

Welcome back, Sharon. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was blessed to learn about Jesus from a young age. Some of my earliest memories are of playing on a swing while singing songs to Jesus, looking up at the clouds and loving Him. In my early teens, I felt God’s challenge to me to truly surrender my life to Him more deeply as my Lord. My Bible still holds the yellowed paper of my letter to Him at that time. One line reads, “I know I am a dumb little lamb and it takes a lot of Your patience to keep me in the right direction, but You have all patience. Teach me, Lord, I pray, to be a better child, and I will try my best to learn.”

He truly has guided my steps – through some very difficult life experiences as well as joyous ones.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Since I write fantasy, I’ll indulge in the belief that I can invite some time-traveling authors. I’d like to invite Francis Schaeffer (a deep thinker with helpful ideas on faith and arts), C.S. Lewis (so I can share with him how much of an impact his books had on me), Madeleine L’engle (because I’ve appreciated her books about being a writer and would love to learn more from her), and the apostle John (so I could ask him what it was like being DIRECTLY inspired by the Holy Spirit in his writing, and also of course, talk to him about his personal relationship with Jesus.) But as I look at that group, I don’t think I’d get any writing done at that writing retreat. The conversations would be much too fascinating.

I like the way you think. I’d have to sneak into that meeting. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

I love speaking to groups and used to do it quite a bit. I have taught at writing conferences and spoken to writing groups, visited book clubs, facilitated retreats, spoken for various church groups, guest lectured at colleges, done book tours, etc. In recent years, I’ve had some health challenges, so I’ve done a few creative speaking activities instead. I’ve spoken to a retreat group via Skype, done radio interviews, and blog interviews, and participated in a video series on faith and the arts. The extrovert side of me enjoys interacting – even if I have to do it via Skype or phone.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

This isn’t writing related, but once I had a low tire on my bike, so I walked it over to a local gas station that had an air pump. I unscrewed the knob, and tried to attach the nozzle and pump air in. Instead, all the remaining air bled out of the tire and it flattened completely. I kept fumbling with it, trying to attach the air hose correctly. The most embarrassing part is that I felt so inept – and humiliated that I couldn’t figure it out, that instead of asking someone for help, I just left. I realized later how strange it must have looked. I wheeled my bike in, attached it to the air pump, drained all the air out of one tire, and walked away. Too silly! It reminds me that asking for help is a good skill.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

We make time for the things that matter for us. If writing a book matters deeply to them, they will eventually begin to do it. If it matters enough, they will keep going and eventually finish the story. If they love the characters with a passion that won’t let go, they will be willing to endure the challenges of getting the book published so others can meet those characters, too.

Tell us about the featured book.

Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition is the third (and hopefully not last) book in the Sword of Lyric series.

It was the most difficult to write. Although I’ve gotten reader mail from people who say this book was their favorite of the series, I’ll be honest, it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a bit darker in tone, and I think Susan’s struggle with captivity and mind poison hit a bit too close to home for me. Reading the book, you experience her suffering over a few days, but writing it, I had to spend many months with her in that Rhusican prison, and that was tough.

However, Jake’s storyline was great fun. He’s an idealist, as am I. Seeing him confront the disappointments in his quest, and also watching him overcome his weaknesses, was inspiring to me. I have a lot of young readers, and I think they appreciated watching Susan’s 18-year-old son grow into his Restorer role.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.sharonhinck.com

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

THE RESTORER'S SON - EXPANDED EDITION - Sharon Hinck - Free Book Bag

AUTHOR BIO:

Sharon writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include contemporary fiction such as The Secret Life of Becky Miller or Stepping into Sunlight and the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric fantasy series which includes The Restorer’s Son–Expanded Edition. She’s been a Christy finalist and won three Carol awards.

Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interacting with visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition

Book two in the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric series, The Restorer’s Son won a Carol Award for speculative fiction.

Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake. All signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. A target of assassins and more political intrigue, false leads and near misses beset their path, which leads them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One’s purpose is revealed.

Cast out by those he trusts, the new reluctant Restorer prefers to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will. Pursued by his calling, he journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life.

This new expanded edition of The Restorer’s Son includes an in-depth devotion guide for readers who want to dig into the spiritual themes of the book, bonus scenes providing glimpses of the story through a variety of characters, and fun extras including links to songs and recipes.

INTERVIEW: 

What was it like developing new material for this new edition?

Books are like children. I treasure each of them in different ways, and among the novels I’ve written, I try not to have favorites. However, I confess that The Restorer’s Son has an extra special place in my heart. Because of that, it was fun to revisit the characters and world of this story. Kieran’s attitudes were loosely inspired by a verse in Judges where Gideon is told God will use him to save his people. Gideon’s response is basically, “If God is for us, why have all these bad things happened to us?” It’s a question many can relate to, and part of the reason that Kieran is such a beloved character. 

The new devotion guide gives readers an opportunity to dig deeper into the Biblical inspirations that helped inform the book, as well as find personal application. About forty pages of new content, including bonus scenes and a new song composed for the book, make this edition a new experience.

How did you decide where to put in bonus elements?

Working with the publisher, we decided it was important to keep the flow of the story intact and free from distractions. So the book is designed with a large back-of-the-book section that can be used either after finishing the story, or during the reading of the main story. Small symbols and page numbers at the end of chapters direct readers to bonus scenes, and QR symbols in the margin invite readers to explore audio files, or recipes, or rules for playing Perish – all without interrupting the story.

It was important to me that people would feel that it was worth the investment to own The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition, even if they had a copy of the original edition, so we packed this book with lots of added value.

Besides an entertaining read, what do you hope people experience in The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition?

My hope is that readers will catch glimpses of the way the One speaks to each of us in the language we understand, and that we can go to Him with our difficult questions. For those who are walking very painful roads, I hope the story will help them feel acknowledged. The journey is hard, heroic, and sometimes frightening. But we are never alone.

Where can people find the book?

www.sharonhinck.com

http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/

To order The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition: http://urlcut.me/aM3

Kindle version: http://urlcut.me/aM2


Sharon, thank you for visiting with us.


Readers, I read the original, and I know you'll love this book.


For a chance to win a special book bag, leave a comment. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.


The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.


If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

THE RESTORER - Expanded Edition - Sharon Hinck - Free Book

I was thrilled when I heard about this expanded edition. I loved the original edition of the book and knew I had to feature the expanded edition as well. 

BIO:  Sharon writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include contemporary fiction such as The Secret Life of Becky Miller or Stepping into Sunlight and the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric fantasy series which includes The Restorer–Expanded Edition. She’s been a Christy finalist and won three Carol awards.

Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interacting with visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Restorer-Expanded Edition

Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker. She was wrong. When she’s pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a nation grappling for its soul and waiting for a promised Restorer to save their people.

She has always longed to do something important for God, but can she fill this role?

While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that is poisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, and learns that God can use even her floundering attempts at service in surprising ways.

This new expanded edition of The Restorer includes an in-depth devotion guide for readers who want to dig into the spiritual themes of the book, bonus scenes providing glimpses of the story through a variety of characters, and fun extras including links to songs and recipes.

What was it like developing new material for this new edition?

I loved these stories and characters so much that it was a treat to revisit the world beyond the attic. It was fun playing with scenes from new angles and exploring other character voices. The interactive devotion guide was rewarding to write, because it helped me dig deeply into the Biblical themes that inspired elements of the books.

How did you decide what bonus elements to add?

It was important to me that people would feel that it was worth the investment to own The Restorer-Expanded Edition, even if they had a copy of the original edition. I drew from all the mail I’ve gotten from readers about these books and created the things that I felt would do the most to enhance their experience of The Restorer.

Since many readers share that the spiritual themes had a big impact on them, I created the devotion guide to show the foundation of those themes – and also to give more glimpses into the way that Susan Mitchell is loosely inspired by Deborah in the book of Judges. The Bible study and journaling and prayers allow readers to go on their own spiritual adventure as they are reading the novel.

I also had fun creating new scenes from the perspective of minor characters. Since the book is in Susan’s first person point of view, it was fun giving other characters like Wade, Tara, Kieran, Nolan, and Tristan a voice. My publisher had suggested including “deleted scenes,” but anything that had been deleted from the original manuscript when the book was first published needed to be deleted. So writing fresh material from a new slant seemed like the way to go. I hope it’s as fun for readers as bonus material on a DVD is for me.

We also tried something innovative in using QR codes so that people with smart phones can hover over the symbol and go to a page to hear the music of a song in the story, or read a recipe for a meal that is described in the book.

Besides an entertaining read, what do you hope people experience in The Restorer-Expanded Edition?

God can use ordinary people in unexpected ways. I truly believe that many women live lives of quiet heroism – whether their battleground is caring for aging parents, raising a child with a disability, fighting a long-term illness, volunteering at their church, or supporting a friend through difficulty. My hope is that Susan’s adventure in an alternate world breathes inspiration into anyone feeling that the road has been difficult in his or her world.

Where can people find the book?

www.sharonhinck.com

http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/

To order The Restorer-Expanded Edition:

http://www.marcherlordpress.com/books/the_restorer_se.html

Kindle version:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VM4XL4?tag=sharonhcom-20&creative=384345&linkCode=kin

Thank you so much, Sharon, for sharing this exciting new project with us.



Readers, l

eave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Author Sharon Hinck - SYMPHONY OF SECRETS - Free Book

Yea!!! I'm finally back online with the data I need to put up the scheduled interviews. We'll have an extra interview for the next couple of weeks so we can catch up.

Welcome back one of my favorite authors, Sharon Hinck. This time we're going with a different kind of book from The Restorer series, which we all loved. I know we'll love this one just as much.





Sharon, what are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I find myself returning often to the way that God can use even the unlikely, ordinary, or broken to share grace with others. That recurs in The Secret Life of Becky Miller and Renovating Becky Miller, where an overwhelmed young mom wonders if she is making a difference. It’s a central theme of The Restorer, The Restorer’s Son, and The Restorer’s Journey – as God chooses and equips improbable people for unique purposes. In Symphony of Secrets, the mystery of God’s grace shows up in the way He woos someone who doesn’t acknowledge Him – someone who also is seeking a way to be an unlikely heroine.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Stepping Into Sunlight will release in the fall of 2008. A young mom witnesses a violent crime right after moving to the Tidewater area of Virginia where she doesn’t know anyone, and only days later her husband leaves on his first deployment as a Navy chaplain. She suffers from post-traumatic stress and isolation, and begins to take small steps toward healing – including a project to try to do a small kindness for a different person each day. There is both humor and courage in her journey, and I love the variety of supporting characters and strange events that contribute to her adventure.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Michael Card. My son met him at college and said he was inspiring and down-to-earth, and I’d love to hear his stories of serving God through the poetry of his music, as well as his writing.

I love his music, too. How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

I’ve always adored authors. Books have been treasures to me all my life. So I probably always had a secret dream to write a novel one day - but it was too outrageous a dream for me to voice. In about fourth or fifth grade, I read the story of Nellie Bly, a journalist who went undercover and wrote exposés that led to social change. That was when I knew I wanted to write in some way, but still didn’t imagine writing novels. As an adult, after many years in other Christian arts, raising children, and seeking God for “what’s next?,” I felt His call to get back to writing – but still wasn’t sure what that would include. Magazine articles? Non-fiction books? Songs? I kept praying and trying things and seeking. Then I joined a small Christian writer’s group, and many of the members were working on novels. I suddenly felt the dream burst back to life and began my first novel.

What can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

On a purely practical level, I have some suggestions and resources at my website on the “Encouragement – for writers” page.

But on a deeper level, cling to the vital truth. God cares about YOU – not as a tool to use, but as a dear child to cherish. Time spent creating art for Him as a gift of love is never wasted, whether or not it’s published.

On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with checking in with Him frequently. I’m a practical person, and want to use my time wisely.

I’ve often set goals that were all my grandiose idea, and I kept asking Him to bless my plans instead of stopping to hear His guidance. I try to remember that just because He has called me to write, doesn’t necessarily mean He’s called me to be published. Keep seeking Him. If there are other places He wants you to serve, He’ll show you that. If He calls you to keep writing – then do it with all you have, and trust Him with the results. And be flexible. If you’ve written five or six complete novels and still aren’t getting nibbles, ask Him if there are other forms of writing that might be a better fit.

But if you feel the calling to continue writing novels, keep reading, studying, writing, growing, and enjoy the time you spend with Him at your keyboard.

An interesting cover. Tell us about the featured book.

Talented flutist Amy Johnson's dreams come true when she wins a spot with the Minneapolis Symphony. But this armchair detective has trouble concentrating on the notes as she begins to see devious motives behind her fellow musicians' mishaps. Meanwhile, her musically talented daughter is forsaking the arts for cheerleading. Amy has to confront questions of faith, challenges of being the single mom of a teen daughter, and the secrets of her past – all while solving the mystery of the symphony before it’s forced to close and she loses not only her dream job but her promising new relationship with its conductor.

This was a fun book to write. I love the notion that God woos us, and speaks to us in languages we understand. In Amy’s case, God sparks the first glimmers of faith by reaching out to her through music. It was also fun to draw from my own experiences to create the character of an obsessed musician (it’s not that different from being a neurotic writer!) A little sprinkling of mystery and romance added some flavor, but at it’s core, it is like all my books – a story of a woman doing the best she can with the challenges she faces, wrestling spiritual questions, and growing.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.sharonhinck.com

Sharon, thank you for once again spending time with us.

Readers, check out her website. I love the design as well as the content.

And don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

Author Sharon Hinck - Free Book

I'm pleased to welcome author Sharon Hinck back to the blog. I just loved her book The Restorer. Now we'll be introducing The Restorer's Son.

Welcome, Sharon. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

My biggest goal for the coming year is to learn skills at balance. With lots of books releasing in a tight timeframe, I’ve felt swamped with rewrites, edits, galley proofs, marketing, promoting, doing events. Also, because I’m so grateful that I’ve had this opportunity, I’ve wanted to be a help and encouragement to other writers who ask me for assistance – but have had a hard time setting limits for myself. It’s strange how peripheral elements of the writing life can take on a life of their own and squeeze out time for actual writing. I’m excited to get back into a rhythm of writing a new story, even though it’s very tough for me to cut back on all the other things. It’s not about choosing between good and bad ways to spend my time. It’s about choosing between the good and the best.

So far, I THINK God has stirred me to write more novels. However, I want to be careful not to settle too comfortably into that assumption. I hope my heart is surrendered enough that if He calls me to a new path, I wouldn’t kick and scream too much. I count it as an extraordinary privilege that I was able to write the novels I already have, and don’t take it for granted that anyone will want to read future ones. That remains to be seen. :-)

I, for one, will want to read future books by you. I'm sure most of the readers of this blog will want to as well. Tell us a little about your family.

I have an amazing husband. We were high school sweethearts, and have been married 28 years. He is so calm and strong, it’s a wonderful stabilizing influence on the crazy artist side of me. We have four brilliant, talented kids (no I’m not biased at all) ages 24, 22, 17, and 15. They are all artists, writers, actor, musicians, poets…so my poor husband is surrounded with creative types. There have been times that a walk through our house would include someone belting out Gershwin at the piano, someone else practicing a Shakespearean death scene, someone composing a moody piece on electric guitar, and another in the back yard with friends shooting a movie.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes. But I hope to change back soon. I’ve always been a voracious reader in a variety of genres. Once I started writing under contract, I had much less time to read. On top of that, I had to be careful to not read things in voices that would intrude in my own work – I’m so easily influenced. Basically, I find it easier to not read at all while I’m in the intense phase of writing. But I have a huge “to be read” pile and plan to dive back in as I get my schedule back into a healthier balance.

What are you working on right now?

Just exploring a new story idea. It’s too tender and green to talk about yet. I’m a discovery writer, so I love the process of following a character and seeing what secrets she reveals.

What outside interests do you have?

I love music, and often spend time at my piano to calm my spirit when it’s feeling a little achy. I garden (though Minnesota’s growing season is way too short). I scrapbook and create cards and crafts using rubber stamps. It’s my mind-soothing hobby (as an alternative to basket-weaving or beating my head against a padded cell). I love hiking – especially with my hubby and in remote areas when we get away for a day or two. And I love attending the concerts, plays, and recitals of my children.

I know what you mean. I went to my youngest grandchild's first band concert last night. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

This morning I was reading Ezekiel 47:12, and it gave a beautiful word-picture for something God’s been showing me. It described water pouring out and over the threshold of the temple.

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

I long for my stories to bear fruit, and their pages and leaves to bring healing. But I need to be watered from His sanctuary for that to happen.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Restorer’s Son (NavPress, 2007) is the second in the Sword of Lyric series. In the first book, a modern American woman is pulled through a portal to a world waiting for a promised Restorer and struggles to rise to a heroic role for the sake of the people who need her.

Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake. All signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. A target of assassins and more political intrigue, false leads and near misses beset their path, which leads them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One’s purpose is revealed.

Cast out by those he trusts, the new reluctant Restorer prefers to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will. Pursued by his calling, he journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website has pages with resources of encouragement for faith, for writing, and for parenting, as well as info and updates about my books, and some “just for fun” features. www.sharonhinck.com
There’s also a spot for folks to email me on the “contact Sharon” page.

My blog provides a place for me to post devotional musings, tidbits from inside the author journey, and visits from friends.
http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/
and it’s also a great place for interaction, as people can leave comments and join the discussion.

Thank you, Sharon, for another interesting interview.

Readers, leave comments for a chance to win a copy of The Restorer's Son.

There's still time to leave comments on these interviews:
Lonnie D. Story - The Meeting of Anni Adams
Tom McCann - The Tree Nobody Wanted
Tosca Lee - Demon

Remember, if you don't want to miss a single interview or announcement, sign up with FeedBlitz in the right hand column under my profile.