Seeing the Cover for the First Time…

It’s the most amazing feeling to look down and see in your hands a book cover with your name at the top. The last several weeks have been a whirlwind and the book doesn’t even hit the shelves until January!

Here’s an update on what’s happening with the Halflings.

1. A film producer in L.A. is still considering it for a movie, but also looking at its T.V. series potential. (Hello, Nine Lives of Chloe King.)

2. I’m working on book two and it’s coming along swimmingly. (Does anyone know where the term “coming along swimmingly” comes from???)

3. I’ll be attending the ACFW conference this year and I’m so looking forward to it! 

This is a really fun roller coaster ride and I’m glad to have you all in it with me! As far as the cover, I love love love it. Nikki looks exactly the way I picture her and the whole thing has an eerie feel to it. Good color too. I would call it haunting and memorable (but I might be prejudice.) 

Well, gotta get back to work. Hugs to all and thanks! Let me know what you think of the cover. I know of authors who have been unhappy with their covers with other publishers. Zondervan does a brilliant job. If you scroll down to June 28, you’ll see three Zondervan covers all great representations of the Zondervan books.

Until next time,

Heather Burch

A Day in the Life of a Writer…

Sometimes I think people have an idea that the life of an author is easy, glamorous, and exciting. On the RARE occasion, it is all of these things. But most of the time it’s like today.

I’m sitting in a nightshirt and sweats. My back is starting to hurt a little and my booty is numb. My cereal bowl is perched on the edge of my desk and my cold coffee is on a column beside me. (Heaven forbid my coffee cup actually sit ON my desk, oh, no, no, no. I’m much too clumsy for that!)

I’ve yet to comb my hair (uh, you can imagine) and my feet are cold. Now that I’ve got you picturing the glam-it-up look I’ve got going on, let’s continue!

Most days start at 5:15 for me. (It’s not that I’m so dedicated, my hubby leaves for work at 5:15, so after seeing him off, I stumble into my office.) I’m an early morning writer. I don’t stop until an 8:00 a.m. alarm goes off. That’s the signal to wake-up my teenage son for school. Uh, yeah, I’m so lame I have to set an alarm … otherwise, I’ll drop into my story and forget he’s home until he comes out of his room around 10:00 a.m. TERRIFYING me because I’m thinking there’s an intruder when really it’s only him. It’s very difficult to send a tardy note that says,

Please excuse Isaac. He overslept because his mother was busy flittering around a fictional world with half angel teenagers.

At 9:00, I’m back to my computer and cranking out the pages. I usually work until noon or one or two. It all depends on how things are going in the story. Usually by one I’m ready to tackle emails and such. Sometimes when my brain needs a break, I handle those things throughout mornings, but I prefer to reserve 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. for writing words.

I had a photo shoot yesterday for new publicity shots. It was fun and I like doing that because photographers are like authors, telling a story with cameras not words. Here are two of the shots.

These will be sent to Zondervan and will go in my file for marketing and promotion and such. I’m enjoying the writing life, but since the Halflings sold, I must admit, it’s more fun than before because I know people are going to READ my STORIES. It’s also quite humbling. It’s a huge responsibility to know people will invest their time and money into the words I say. And that’s something I refuse to take lightly. So everyday I’m thankful. Thankful for the air I get to breathe, thankful for my supportive husband and two boys, thankful for my awesome team-Jenn, Jacque, John, Diane, Mel, and Lynn who take me to task when it’s not quite right. And really, really, really thankful for readers. You are the backbone of what we do. When someone says to an author, ”I like your book!” It means the world. Seriously, it means the whole world!!!

Okay, so you’ve gotten a glimpse into the writer’s life as told by Heather Burch. I left out a ton of details like workshops, editing, conferences, networking with other writers, and the like. But now you know how I spend most days. It’s not too glamorous or easy or exciting and I wouldn’t change it for anything!

Halflings will release in February, 2012 from Zondervan Publishing. It is the first book in the Halflings Novels.

Novel Teen News in the World of Young Adult Books

It’s an exciting time to be an author of teen books. The world of publishing is changing, the world of teen literature is changing, and let’s face it. We are having to change too. What do I mean?

I believe teen books have expanded to become such a HUGE market many authors are scrambling to keep up on many levels. First, we are learning more and more about E-publishing both where book sales are concerned but also purchasing things like Kindles, Nooks, IPads … all so we can keep up with the times.

And the change doesn’t end there. Because the market is growing at, what I would call an amazing rate, books with teenagers as main characters are becoming ever increasingly complex. (Which I LOVE, by the way!) Have you noticed Hollywood’s blockbuster movies coming out recently?

HAVE YOU NOTICED HOW OFTEN THEY ARE BASED ON YOUNG ADULT NOVELS?

When the sale of my Halfling Series was announced in Publisher’s Marketplace, my agent was contacted by multiple film scouts who were interested in reading book one to see how it would be as a movie. No longer does a book have to hit NYT bestseller status for Hollywood to take an interest! That tells me the YA lit market is growing, growing, growing and also powerful, powerful, powerful.

I’ve been hearing talk of a new YA subgenre … New Adult (at least I think it may be called this) would target older teens and early twentys. Kewl! I like this idea!

At the beginning of the year I did a post about writers as trailblazers. Two of our own Novelteen authors are blazing trails right now! Jill Williamson who just released the final book in the Blood of Kings Trilogy won the Christy Award for book one and Melanie Dickerson is a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards in TWO categories. The Healer’s Apprentice was nominated in both INSPY and Best First Book.

Trailblazers! Finally, I really believe this explosion is going to open a door for lots of great authors. Another exciting trend is the number of TEENAGE authors who are getting publishing contracts! As I said, its an exciting time to be a teen book writer.

Let me know your comments and thoughts about all of this, and keep reading … and writing! Your day might be right around the corner!

Heather Burch

Author of Halflings available from Zondervan February 2012

Publishing House Invaded by Half-Angel Beings

This is it, Novelteeners!

The official announcement that Zondervan Publishing is being invaded by my Halflings.  You heard it here first! The Harper Collins publishing house became concerned when a group of half-human, half-angel beings landed on the desk of one of the editors.

What to do? It was decided that their story must be told. Their struggle must be brought forth. Their fate must be examined. Let’s face it, it’s an unfair world for Halflings. So many rules…sooooo much time!

How much trouble can they get into, you ask?

They’re half-angel. They’re teenagers. What trouble can’t they get into?

I mean, seriously. Look at these guys!

I snagged these pics of the “all too difficult to catch” angels. If you see them on the street, pleeeeease don’t tell them I took the pics! They try–I mean really try–to maintain a degree of obscurity. And honestly,

I DON’T WANT THEM TICKED AT ME FOR GIVING AWAY THEIR IDENTITIES!!!

Let’s face it. As soon as Book One in the Halfling Series hits the shelves next spring (only ONE year from now) the Halflings are going to have a hard time keeping their assignments under cover.

So, I know you want to know the details. As they come available to me, I’ll keep you posted! As of right now…

Book One-tentatively titled PURE will be in stores next February

Book Two-tentatively titled DARK will hit a few months later

Book Three-tentatively titled RISEN will hit a few months after that

Now, here’s the deal. I think the Halflings are ultra cool beings to write about. Their work is AMAZING and they never even get a pat on the back for what they do. However…

I’M NOT SURE HOW THEY WILL FEEL ABOUT THEIR LIVES BEING PLASTERED IN THE PAGES OF A NOVEL…OR THREE…OR TEN!

So, for now… don’t tell them my address. I’d hate for Mace, Raven, and Vine to show up on my doorstep. Yikes! Or even worse, Viper, Steel, and Shadow. I’m not sure my heart is ready for the wrath. Although, the teenage girls in my neighborhood would probably LOVE the idea of a trio of tasty angel candy hanging around the front yard!

Back off, girls! They have a job to do!

Goodbye for now, Novelteeners. If I suddenly disappear off the face of the earth, look to the Halflings for the answer.

Hugs to all of you!

Heather Burch

ps-I don’t really expect to be abducted by Halflings…after all, they’re here to protect. But, ya never know.

The Beach, a Book, and a Beautiful Day

Hi Novelteeners!

Heather here. Ah. I love spring. I realize most of the U.S. is still cold and blistery, but down here in the southern tip of Florida, it feels like spring. Sun in the sky, breeze off the gulf, and an awesome desire to drop what I’m doing and head to the beach with a great read.

Maybe I’m silly and senitmental, but during the winter (also a terrific time to read) I set aside a few books for this time of year. Does anyone else do that? You know the ones I’m talking about. Summer stories filled with all those great mementos of summertime. It doesn’t really matter to me if it’s a book about a girl who spends the summer with her cranky grandfather on a colorado ranch or a teen on the run (headed to the coast, of course) because he witnessed a murder. I’m talking about summer reads. Well, I have a stack of three or four books I’ve been drooling on since Christmas. (Er, that was a figure of speech. I mean, I haven’t actually been drooling. That would be gross!)  This week I will grab the first, graze my fingertips across the smooth cover, snap the book open, and sink into a beach chair and someone else’s world.

I’ll likely read the whole darn thing in one sitting. I do that. If it’s reeeeeaaaaally good. What was the last book you read in one sitting? For some, that’s the only way they read. For me, I usually spread a book out over several days. But not the Yay-spring-is-finally-here-I-can-get-out-of-the-house-and-read books. Those I tend to chew through.

Well, if it’s not spring where you are, no worries. It’s on the way. What are your “beach reads” for this spring, this summer? What “next book in the series” are you waiting for? And what is a summer story you’d love to see?

Leave me a note. Tell me what you’re going to read this spring. And have a happy day. All for now, I’m headed to the beach!

See ya later,

Heather

The Map Across Time by C.S. Lakin

Click on the cover to read more reviews on Amazon.com.

Review by Heather Burch

The Map Across Time is the next installment in C.S. Lakin’s multi-part “Gates of Heaven” series.

Welcome to the fairytale land of Sherbourne where evil lurks in the shadows and talking pigs are eloquent speakers. Adin and Aletha, teenage brother and sister, are saying a final farewell to their dying mother. Sadly, it would seem their kingdom will share their mother’s fate. With the queen of Sherbourne on her deathbed and the king’s mind being manipulated, the survival of Sherbourne falls into the hands of Adin and Aletha. With a magical map as their guide, the two will encounter another time–one from their kingdom’s past.

The keys of Sherbourne’s plague can be undone if only the two will hold fast to the ancient truths they’ve learned from Reya, their beloved friend. In this epic of unfailing love, readers will view the world through the eyes of the innocent. The Map Across Time is a story able to stand the test of time. Its themes run deeply through the body of work, drawing on the ever-present ideals of worth beyond measure, good over evil, and love that is stronger than death.

Adin’s character was most intriguing as he navigated the rocky road of being less than perfect. Crippled, and a disgust to his father, Adin harbors no ill feelings toward the king who has rejected him. Strong biblical messages are on the page, but they are handled with both grace and elegance. Though it’s considered an adult novel, I think younger audiences will enjoy Adin and Aletha’s journey. The Map Across Time is told with a youthful voice able to capture young readers.

Age range: 16 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Living Ink Books
Pages: 288
Release Date: March, 2011

What Story Would You Love to Write?

Hi Novelteeners. Heather here.

Do you dream of castles and dragons and heroic characters? Or maybe a Sci-Fi where the only answer to a vicious plague is the tears from friendly creatures on a far away planet who dwell just beyond the impenetrable dark ring. Is there a tale you’d love to write?

I think everyone has one. That story idea that rambles around in the back of the mind occasionally slipping to the front when least expected. I have one. It’s about a girl who grows up to overthrow her father who is an evil king. After much war and turmoil, she takes over the land and becomes the ruler the kingdom had always dreamed of having. It may not sound that exciting to you, but the character is vividly alive to me. I can see her. I can hear her. I can even feel her pain. But sadly, the story just hasn’t become alive enough for me to sit down and write it. It’s missing major elements that I seem to need before I start. I have to be able to drop myself into their world, and I juuuuust can’t quite do it yet.

I want to write it. I do. And some day, I will. At least I hope. Right now, I have Halfling teenagers that consume all of my creative time. And lemme tell ya, they won’t take a back seat to anyone. Not even a kingdom in turmoil with an evil king and a daughter with a plan.

Right now, the Halflings get all my time. And that’s good because after all, the world is on the line. Not to mention their hearts. It’s a lot for a teenager to deal with. And I LOVE telling their story!

It’s alive. It breathes. It beckons to me when I’m at Disney World or the grocery store. From the edge of my vision, something moves. Quickly. Too quickly to be human. I glance over, but nothing’s there. Was it a Halfling? Is someone in danger? Or are they just here to enjoy the Rockin’ Rollercoaster?

See how reality blurs for me? And if that wasn’t bad enough, sometimes members of my family will look at a tall muscular teenager and say, “Hey, he looks like a Halfling.”  I know, I’ve pulled them all into my fantasy world. But it’s a lovely world to live in. If you don’t mind the hell-hounds, the fighting, the clock ticking away precious time until the end of…

Sorry. Got carried away. So, what is it you’d love to write? Thriller, high fantasy, urban fantasy, suspense, a memoir, a romance? How about a comedy? Are you naturally funny and have a room full of people laughing whenever you tell a story? Why not jump in and give it a shot.

My older son Jake just finished writing his first novel this morning. I’m so proud of him. He’s twenty-three. He had a story to tell, so he sat down and told it. Huh. I guess that’s the best advice that can be given to an aspiring author. Find your story and sit down and tell it.

So, what’s your story? What’s keeping you from the page? Do it. Jump in! What do you have to lose?

I’ve been asked to speak at a college in my area to the creative writing students. Know what advice I’m going to give them?

That’s it. Find your story and sit down and tell it.

So, if this has encouraged you to dust off that idea, let me know. Start today and keep me posted about your progress. After all, every book has a beginning. And every author made a decision to write it. It doesn’t happen by accident. It’s intentional. So go. Jump in head first. You might just discover a world no one else has been to. Leave a comment if you’re starting today!

Masquerade Marriage

Masquerade Marriage

Review by Elisa Maria Crites

Brody MacCaulay, Scottish Highlander, felt crushed under the weight, and thinking he had died in the terrible battle, wondered why he still felt pain. Then he heard the voices of the English as they casually conversed about finishing off Brody’s fallen comrades. The weight on him was that of his fellow clansmen who had perished in the battle. This was not death. It was worse. His own father and brothers had been slain, leaving him the clan chief to protect and provide for his mother and younger sister.
Brody and a few other warriors who had survived the bloody battle  now hid in a cave. The wounded, hungry, desperate men clung to life, their only hope, God, but Brody wondered where was God in this battle in which the Redcoats even slaughtered women and children or carried them off? And the enemy had taken over the Chief’s lands and homes.
Reverend Fergus brought modest food to the men and presented a plan that would spare at least one of their lives. He would put each man’s name on a slip of paper and a young woman of the MacMurry clan would choose a man to marry. Brody was chosen.
Brody found himself torn between feelings of hatred for his enemy and hope that the young woman he was to marry was the same girl he had fallen in love with as a teen. On his wedding day, his heart leapt when he recognized the fiery red locks of the maiden he longed for peeking out from under the bridal veil. He vowed in his heart that he would love Megan MacMurry always, but had a rude awakening when he learned that that she was marrying for appearances only to spare his life. Or at least that’s what she claimed. When his bride took him home to the protection of her father’s household, Brody was met with hostility and it was then that he found out she had married him to avoid being betrothed to a cruel earl to whom her father had promised her hand.
A proud warrior and a rebellious lass. What chance did they have?
Anne Greene has written a delightful tale and woven in the history of the mid 1700’s Scotland and the turbulence with the British. I didn’t want to see the story come to an end.

Age Range: 16 and up

Genre: Historical

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Pages: 290

Release Date: October 2010

Review: Found in Translation by Roger Bruner with Kristi Rae Bruner­

Click on the cover to read more reviews on Amazon.com.

Review by Diana Sharples

 

Eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger has prepared well for her mission trip to Mexico. Her suitcases are filled with all the hair-care products and designer outfits she’ll need for the next two weeks, along with a portable karaoke machine and plenty of size D batteries. She’s bolstered by her recent domestic mission trips and is geared up to spread the Gospel to the natives of Cuidad de Plata. Kim’s plans unravel even before she leaves home, when her best friend cancels out on the trip. On her first day of travel, she must pay seventy-five dollars for overweight baggage at the airport, gets sick on too much pizza at the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, and misses her connecting flight to San Diego. When she finally joins up with the mission team, she learns that their destination in Mexico has changed and she missed the memo. They’re not heading to Cuidad de Plata, where Kim expected to find real Mexican fast food and the welcoming homes of hosting church members. Instead the mission team will be doing construction work, rebuilding homes in the tiny village of Santa Maria, recently devastated by a tornado… where there is no running water, no electricity for Kim’s hairdryer, and nowhere to sleep but on the rocky desert floor. And they’ll have no translators to bridge the language gap. Kim is completely unprepared for the mission… and for the journey of faith that God has set before her.
 
This novel, written by Roger Bruner with his daughter, Kristi Rae Bruner­-whose real life mission trip was the core inspiration for the novel­-is a spiritual coming-of-age story imbued with humor and heart. While at times slow-paced with language and cultural references that might be over the heads of some younger readers, this novel is engaging and hard to put down, and will leave the reader both laughing and reaching for tissues by the end. Readers­-especially girls­-will connect with Kim Hartlinger and her dilemmas, and will find themselves uplifted and encouraged along the way.
 
Age range: 16 and up
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Barbour Books
Pages: 368
Release Date: January, 2011

Bound by Guilt

Click on the cover to read more reviews on Amazon.com.

Review by Elisa Maria Crites

Sixteen-year-old Roxi had never lived in a home where she felt wanted and loved. The closest thing to a real family had been when she went to live with her Aunt Irene and her son, Diego. Irene and Diego made their living by traveling around the country stealing used books and reselling them. Irene trained Roxi to aid in the thefts and Roxi tried to please her aunt in the hopes Irene would love her.

The day they hit the Book Barn, Roxi’s job was to distract the clerk long enough for  her aunt and cousin to steal books, but Roxi became nervous and struggled with guilt. In Irene’s greed, she announced that they were going to go back to the store, but at night when it was closed. Roxi and Diego were not comfortable adding breaking and entering into their routine, but smooth talking Irene convinced them to go along with her plan. The plan backfired when the owner of the store surprised them in the middle of their heist. In the next moments, Diego pulled a gun and the events that followed, would turn their lives inside out.

C.J. Darlington did an exceptional job of weaving this story with suspense and creating characters I cared about. Tyndale House provided me with this copy to read and I’m so privileged to have read it. I loved this story and look forward to reading more of her work. It’s easy to see why C.J. is an award winning author.

Age Range: 14 and up
Genre: suspense
Pages: 402
Publisher: Tyndale House
Release date: March 2011