Nicole O’Dell has worked as a youth director, a Bible study leader, a counselor at a crisis pregnancy center, and served as a camp counselor for more than a decade. However, it’s the memory of her own teen years that drives her passion for helping young girls face the toughest decisions in their lives. Nicole’s interactive books—and her radio show—take on topics like peer pressure, dating, purity, drugs, alcohol, modesty, and popularity.

The author of six books and a contributor of more than 200 devotional writings for other books, Nicole is also the mother of six children and married to the guy she calls her “American Idol.”

With six children, including triplets, how do you find time to write?

Well, I’m definitely a work-at-home mom—which often means a retreat to Panera for some quiet. It’s not always easy, but my husband and I have committed to making sure I have certain hours to write or do other writing-related work. We try very hard to protect those hours. It doesn’t always work, and family comes first no matter what, but we do our best. So far, so good.

How long have you been writing? Please tell us a little about your writing journey, how you got started, what led to the sale of your first book, etc.

I’ve been writing for publication since 2007. I began by submitting devotional readings to some books for women that Barbour Publishing compiled. I wound up contributing a total of over 200 readings to seven books.

During that time, while I was also waiting for my triplets to come, I contracted and completed my first two YA books and haven’t stopped since.

How does your faith play into your writing?

Everything I write handles a faith-based issue—usually dealing with teens and peer pressure whether I’m writing for the teens or their parents. I believe that it’s my calling, but, since it’s also my passion, I couldn’t do it any other way if I wanted to.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Remember those triplets we spoke about in the first question? LOL! I mean, really, I didn’t expect or plan to expel three human beings from my body at the same time. But, WOW, what a blessing!

Plus, six months of bed rest and six weeks of uninterrupted time in the hospital gave me a lot of time to think about what I needed to do. It was definitely a time of deep reflection and prayer.

Let’s talk about your new books, which are two-in-one interactive novels for young adults (Barbour Publishing, April 1, 2011). Please tell us about them.

Sure. All six of my Scenarios interactive fiction books for girls are releasing in a 2-in-1 format on April 1. Books 1 and 2 (Truth or Dare and All that Glitters) are in the 2-in-1 called Dare to be Different. Books 3 and 4 (Magna and Making Waves) are in the 2-in-1 called Risky Business.

And the never-before released Books 5 and 6 (High Stakes and Essence of Lilly) are in the 2-in-1 called Swept Away. In High Stakes, seniors and best friends, Amber and Brittany, are neck and neck in a good-natured competition for a car being given away by a local business. In Essence of Lilly, sophomore Lilly Armstrong is always looking for ways to escape the confines of her unhappy home. She “invents” youth group activities just so she can hang out with her boyfriend, Jason—the only one in Lilly’s life who makes her feel special. What happens when Amber and Lilly are faced with making difficult choices? Readers help Amber and Lilly make the difficult decisions by choosing between alternate endings, and then see how their choices create consequences with life-altering results.

What is an interactive book?

It simply means that the reader gets to make a difficult decision for the main character. The alternate endings allow the reader to follow her choice and its consequences through to the end where a contract and prayer guides her to a commitment for her own future choices.

What’s next for you?

Diamond Estates is a new series I’m doing with Barbour. The first book, The Wishing Pearl, releases on October 1.

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield can’t wait to escape the confines of her home, which promises nothing but perpetual torment and abuse from her stepfather. When poor choices lead her to the brink of a complete breakdown, Olivia comes to a crossroads. Will she find the path to ultimate hope and healing once she moves into Diamond Estates?

Diamond Estates is modeled after my own experiences at Teen Challenge, a residential facility for troubled teens. This is the book of my heart—I’m so excited about this one and the two others to follow in 2012, The Embittered Ruby and The Shadowed Onyx.

Another new series, Drama Ensues, is set to be released in June 2012.

Drama Ensues is a fun series that tackles the issues in a completely different way. There’s even a website and blog in place already. Check it out at www.dramaensues.com and keep watch as it develops over the next year.

Book one, The Understudy is a Ventriloquist, will release June, 2012, and is the story of Jayde Henrick, a driven teen with a message–and you’re going to hear it one way or another. She volunteers at the crisis pregnancy center, authors a blog, and acts in school plays.
Books 2 and 3 of this series are planned to release in quick succession.

You also host a radio show. Please tell us about the show. What age group do you target?

Teen Talk Radio is so much fun! I’ve been doing it for almost a year and have loved every minute of it. I get to talk to exciting guests about fun topics and heavy issues. At Teen Talk Radio, it’s all about choices! Big or small, major or minor, there’s a moment before every decision when a teen can alter the course of her life. We cover topics like peer pressure, dating, purity, drugs, alcohol, modesty, popularity, the future, and anything else that comes up.

We target teens (mostly girls) anywhere from 11-17, and their parents or anyone else involved with youth in some way.

It airs live at 10pm EST at www.choicesradio.com where you can also peruse the past podcasts and download any of interest to you. The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/teen-talk-radio/id372833535?ign-mpt=uo%3D4.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Popcorn! I just love the taste and it’s like an every-three-sentences bite. Oh, and gummy bears. Again—great taste, and a bite every three sentences. ; )

This website features both music and literary guests. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

In my dreams, the shower, and my car. I have been in choirs and have had some fun experiences, but never any soloing or anything like that. I leave that to my husband who is my American Idol.

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re relaxing with the radio or an mp3 player?

Christian—mostly worship music. I love Third Day, Casting Crowns, Kari Jobe, Delirious, Chris Tomlin…

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Quirky, peppy, perky. . .with a message in there somewhere.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Definitely major.

Minor chords are melancholy, somber, and kind of weepy—to me anyway. I’m a positive person with a hopeful outlook. Sometimes I might face a situation as a minor chord, but quickly transition to major.

Interesting question!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

The strong female lead on the outside, but on the inside I’m the little girl in heels who wonders if people would take her seriously if they knew. : )

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets (or a favorite pet from your childhood).

As someone who has struggled with severe allergies all my life, I have to admit that I’m not a huge animal lover. I like them, and have had dogs from time to time—certain breeds. But even the supposed hypoallergenic ones cause me mild problems so I can’t really bond with them.

Thank you, Nicole! It’s great to have you at DivineDetour!

Thank you so much for having me! This was a fun interview!

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For additional information about Nicole and her books, visit her website at www.nicoleodell.com.

Friend Nicole on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-ODell-Scenarios-for-Girls/116292016349, or follow her Tweets at http://twitter.com/Nicole_Odell.

To purchase Nicole’s latest books, logon to:

By Linda Cox

1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) …[God] giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

Squeak! Squawk! Rattle! Ring! Boink! Mrrrraaaaakkkkkkkk!

It’s truly amazing all the sounds dog toys can make. I was “testing” those sounds in PetSmart, thankful security didn’t escort me out for disturbing the peace. Even the friend who was with me walked away. But I was on a mission—looking for the loudest dog toy I could find to include in the birthday box I was sending to my best friend’s husband. He and I have a competition going about who can send the most obnoxious dog toys to our respective pooches.

I smiled as I thought of “simple things for simple minds.” Yes, indeed. But, then I was reminded—the simple things in life are God’s special gifts to us. They can brighten a day, put a smile on a face, lift our spirits, even help us take that next difficult step.

We should take time every day to enjoy the simple things. Stop and smell that rose. Better, yet, take the time to look at how intricately it is made. Look for a “picture” in the clouds. Listen to a bird sing. Watch a sunset. Skip down the sidewalk. Hug a friend. Savor the taste of ice cream. Squeak a dog toy!

Take a break from the cares of your life, the stressful and fast-paced world you are living in, and enjoy the simple things for just a few moments. God has given them to us to enjoy and I know He is smiling when He sees His children taking the time to enjoy the gifts He gives to us.

And yes, best friend’s hubby, that includes dog toys.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a birthday box to pack. Hee, hee, hee.

C.J. Darlington is back with her sophomore novel, Bound by Guilt (Tyndale House, February 21, 2011).

Her first book, Thicker than Blood, released by Tyndale House in 2009, was the 2008 winner of Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest. C.J., who grew up with a love of libraries—and is a homeschool graduate—began seriously studing the writing craft at age sixteen. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for more than twelve years and makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats.

Who/what first sparked your interest in writing and books?

Ever since I was a little kid I’ve loved to read! Whether it be the next book in The Chronicles of Narnia, or a new book in the Childhood of Famous Americans series I checked out from the library, books have played a huge part in my life. I credit the books themselves as originally sparking the interest to write. When I read Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti as a teenager nothing was ever the same. I wanted to write stories that had the potential to touch lives. My parents were always a huge support as well (and they still are), always fostering that love of books and reading.

How does your faith play into your writing?

My faith is one of the main reasons why I write. Through stories I hope to show (and that’s the key, showing rather than telling) just how far the reach of God’s love is in our lives. If I didn’t have faith, I’m not sure how I would feel about writing.

What would you want to do if you didn’t write and/or work with books?

I’d love to work outside somehow. If I could mix my love of animals up with that, it would be the icing on the cake. Lately I’ve fallen in love with horses. I’d even be happy just mucking out stalls!

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

It took about fifteen years for me to be published. If it had been up to me I would’ve typed “The End” and the editors would’ve been banging on my door to publish my first novel. I’m glad it didn’t happen that way. I had a lot to learn about craft and the business of publishing that I might not have learned if I’d been published earlier. So maybe it wasn’t a detour after all. Maybe it’s exactly how God planned for it to happen.

Let’s talk about your latest book! Bound by Guilt (Tyndale House, February 2010) is the stand-alone sequel to your debut novel Thicker than Blood. Please tell us about the new book.

I’m really excited about this story! There are aspects of it that have been brewing in my mind for many years. Several scenes I’ve imagined in my head for ages and am thrilled to finally be able to share.

Bound by Guilt is the story of a teen girl named Roxi Gold who’s been in and out of foster care for most of her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in—even if it’s against the law. Soon she finds herself traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores.

Abby Dawson is a cop who’s seen the worst of society, but not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run.

Besides providing entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?

I hope they’ll be challenged to look past outward appearances and see people, especially teens, the way God sees them. Love them for who they are with no strings attached. Love them even when they make mistakes. Love truly does cover over a multitude of wrongs.

You, along with your sister Tracy, established a Christian entertainment website (www.TitleTrakk.com) in 2006 and have interviewed a number of authors, musicians, and filmmakers. What has been your favorite interview to do so far? Who’s on the top of your “dream interview” list?

I had a lot of fun interviewing Ted Dekker a couple years ago. He was such a real guy. We ended up talking at length about his new latte maker! I was also honored to talk to Francine Rivers as well.

My dream interview is with Frank Peretti. His writings inspired me so much as a young writer, and he seems like a really down to earth guy.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Well, a good triple cappuccino or strong cup of English or Irish Breakfast tea is always at the top of my list! I sometimes get a hankering for Chili & Lime chips too. Oh…and ice cream. I love a treat like that.

This website features both music and literary guests. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

I played the guitar as an early teen. Very, very roughly. At one time I had aspirations of having a band of some kind. I wrote many simple songs. But I realized later that what I was trying to do with those songs, tell a story, was limited for me by the restrictions of a three minute song. When I discovered fiction writing, my dreams of songwriting quickly faded. I had found the medium I enjoyed the most.

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re relaxing with the radio or an mp3 player?

I actually really enjoy trance music. Especially trance with positive lyrics or ones that are instrumental. That’s one nice thing about most trance songs—many are instrumental so I don’t have to worry about questionable words. I also love a good Christian rock or pop song.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Wow, that’s a tough question. One of the things I love again about trance music is the ability it gives you to picture a story. They’re like soundtracks in some ways. So I guess my life could be one long trance song!

Are you a major or a minor chord?

I am usually drawn to songs with minor chords for listening purposes, but I’d like to think my life is a major chord. They’re happier!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

A combination of all of them. I want to be the strong, female lead but usually end up fading into the background more than taking charge. I don’t mind following someone else’s lead…if they’re a good leader. I enjoy standing off to the side and observing behind my dark glasses sometimes as well.

Please tell us about your pets.

I have three Whippets. Well, one of them is a Whippet mix named Story. Don’t you just love that name? My dogs are what make me smile in life. Their antics crack me up. I love them!

Thanks, C.J. It’s great to have you at DivineDetour!

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C.J.’s photo (above) was taken by Cindi Koceich of Selah Photography Studios

For additional information about C.J., visit her website at http://www.cjdarlington.com/ or her blog at http://www.cjdarlington.blogspot.com/.

To read an excerpt from Bound by Guilt and/or Thicker than Blood, logon to C.J.’s book page at http://www.cjdarlington.com/books.htm.

Visit the TitleTrakk Christian entertainment site at http://www.titletrakk.com/.

To purchase Bound by Guilt, logon to:

Christian worship leader/singer-songwriter, Jaime Jamgochian’s life is full. Her resume includes the prestigious Berklee College of Music and Point of Grace’s Girls of Grace conferences. And her ministry has taken her all over the world. Last summer, Jaime traveled to Peru with 800 girls for a mission trip sponsored by Brio Magazine.

But it is the quiet time spent with the Lord that inspired Jaime’s latest album, Above the Noise.

How old were you when you knew you wanted a career in music? How did you go about pursuing that goal?

I remember at the age of seven years old I started to play piano and knew that music was what I wanted to do with my life. It was something that came so natural to me, as I struggled with bad learning disabilities and migraine headaches as a child.

When I started taking piano lessons something just clicked! I soon started writing my own songs and knew that I wanted to study music for my college education. It was at Boston’s Berklee College of Music that I came to know the Lord and started writing Christian music. While in college, I heard about an internship at a church in Seattle, WA…The City Church. I ended up heading out that way and soon became one of their worship leaders. It was during this time that the Lord opened up the doors with a Christian music company, my current label Centricity Music. I can truly say that when we seek Him first He will make our paths straight and lead us in His ways for our lives.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

YES! I think that is the beauty of this walk of faith even though it is not always easy at the time of the “detour.” In my early college years I was searching for truth. I was honestly looking to be accepted, known, and loved in all the wrong places. I was excelling at college, playing for all the top shows on campus, and singing/playing piano on a local cruise line. It was during this time that God intervened. I thought that stuff, career, and relationships would fill the void in my heart. I learned that it is only Jesus who can truly make someone whole and give our lives true purpose and meaning. That detour led me to start walking in the truth. I never thought I would be a worship leader or writing Christian music, but God’s plans for our lives are so much better than our own.

Where do you get your ideas for songs? What’s the songwriting process like for you?

I think most of my ideas come from the time I spend alone with God. You know the Christian phrase “quiet time” is for me…setting aside time to connect with the Lord. To seek Him, read what His love letter to me has to say (the Bible), and to be still and listen for that inner voice. I get inspired through what God is teaching me in my walk with Him, and I try to somehow relate that in a song.

Please tell us about your new CD, Above the Noise (Centricity Music). What is the significance of the title?

I think it is really easy to get caught up in the busyness and chaos of this world. Even Christian things…church, Bible study, community groups, serving, etc, which are necessary and important, can become the noise in our lives, and it can get louder than God’s voice. This album is about lifting up God in our lives…Above The Noise.

We need to find the time and ways to connect with Him and not follow the ways of this world, so we can lift all that above the chaos of life.

I would love to know more about your Modest Is Hottest conferences for young girls. How did that get started? What has been the reaction to it?

Years ago, I was part of a great event where I needed to have more items on my merchandise table for the fans. When talking about what kind of t-shirt to make, I knew I didn’t want one with my name across the front for two reasons. (1.) It’s a long, crazy, hard name to say. (2.) Also, as a worship leader, it just felt uncomfortable to me. A short time later while signing at a different event, a teen girl came up to my table to get her CD signed and she was holding a journal. She had written MODEST IS HOTTEST on the cover. I saw that and freaked out! I told her, “I love that and I believe we all need to live it.”  :  )

Then I got permission to make my new t-shirts with the Modest Is Hottest logo (you can buy them at www.jaimejam.com), and they sell so quickly I have not been able to keep them on my table. I realized there is a movement of teens/college kids/even moms who believe this and live it out. This is how I started my Modest Is Hottest events.

I looked back to my teen years and wished I had heard the truth about what constitutes “true beauty.”  I wish I had heard about God’s plan for purity…that I didn’t need to look to media or what the world defines as beautiful. So this event is to inspire young people to know who they are in Christ and to live fully for Him in all areas….with one of those being modesty in our speech, conduct, actions, and clothing.

What are your touring plans for 2011?

I am currently booked most weekends singing at women events, being a guest worship leader at churches across the country, and doing my Modest Is Hottest events. I’m excited about a pending announcement on a Fall tour and fans can check out where I am appearing at www.jaimejam.com.

A few fun questions:

This website is about both writing and music. What kind of books do you like to read?

I love the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I also love Francine Rivers’ books as they inspire me so much.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

For sure a MAJOR CHORD : )

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I view myself as the strong female lead.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets and/or a favorite pet from the past.

Since I grew up with parents who are both very allergic to cats and dogs, I didn’t have any pets when I was younger. I like animals and have friends who have adopted these wonderful companions, but I’m so busy I can’t take on the responsibility of a pet. The poor thing would feel abandoned with my travel schedule!

Jaime, thanks for dropping by DivineDetour. It’s a pleasure to have you!

Thank you so much and for spreading the love and hope of God we have through Christ.

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For more information about Jaime, visit her website at http://jaimejam.com/.

Friend Jaime on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jaimejamgochian and/or follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jaimejamgochian.

To purchase Jaime’s music and/or “Modest is Hottest” apparel items, logon to: https://missinginkshop.com/jaimejamgochian/store

To preview and purchase Jaime’s new CD, Above the Noise, logon to:

Words were Ginny Yttrup’s salvation during her tumultuous childhood. Then she met the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Today, she combines those two loves to encourage others through writing and life coaching. Words is the title of Ginny’s debut novel, recently released by B&H Books.

Ginny is the mother of two college-age sons. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family, friends, and dogs.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you go about pursuing your writing goals?

I was almost 30 years old before I thought about becoming a writer. It seemed like an impossible dream, but I submitted the dream to God and began attending writers’ conferences. It was through those conferences that I learned everything I know about writing for publication. I attended a dozen years worth of conferences before I sold my first novel.

Who/what inspired you to become a speaker and life coach?

I never wanted to speak…at least not out loud! But in the beginning of my writing career I thought I’d write non-fiction and non-fiction authors need a platform, so I also began speaking. But, oh, it was hard for me. It felt so unnatural and made me so nervous. Then one day I boarded a plane and ended up with Marilyn Meberg from Women of Faith as my seatmate. Her advice to me was to do what I love and then discipline myself for the rest. That day, I stopped speaking, stopped pursuing a career as a non-fiction author, and instead decided to chase my dream of writing fiction.

Now, as a fiction author, I’m speaking. And it doesn’t feel like a discipline. I love it! God’s given me opportunities to speak on topics I’m passionate about and I’ve learned it’s not about me, instead, it’s about what God wants to do through me.

I became a life coach a couple of years ago. I’d worked with a life coach briefly and loved the process. When I noticed Western Seminary had added a coaching program to their curriculum, I decided I’d take one class to try it out. I loved it, went on to finish the program and now work as a life and writing coach. I find the work, partnering with others on their journey, very rewarding. I especially enjoy working with those who want a coach for their spiritual journey.

Do you (or did you) have other career aspirations?

I’ve always wanted to go to culinary school and open my own restaurant, but I think that will remain a dream. I also think I’d love working in the National Park system as a naturalist or park ranger.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Definitely. Just over two years ago I had major reconstructive back surgery. The surgery wasn’t unexpected, I knew it would have to come at some point, but the recovery period disrupted my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. I was hospitalized for eight days, had to learn to walk again, couldn’t drive for four months, and I’m still healing today. I now have metal rods and screws attached to my spine from my shoulder blades to my pelvis.

The surgery changed so much for me. Prior to the surgery I could barely walk a city block, now I can walk miles. But there were also important emotional changes that came through the healing process, and I’ll look back on that time as transitional in my life. It was truly a gift from God.

The protagonist in my third novel will, not surprisingly, undergo the same procedure.

Let’s talk about your debut novel, Words (B&H Books, February 2011). Please tell us about it.

Words is the story of ten-year old Kaylee Wren who, due to the trauma she suffers at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend, hides behind a shroud of silence. Although Kaylee stops speaking, she collects words from a dictionary and finds solace in the words she keeps in her mind.

It’s also the story of 34-year old Sierra Dawn, an artist who has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter’s death, the God of Sierra’s childhood woos her back to Himself.

Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra experience the freedom found in the Truth, Jesus Christ.

Besides providing entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from the book?

Words deals with the topic of childhood sexual abuse. It’s a difficult, but very real issue. My prayer is that the story will offer a picture of the hope and redemption found in the Truth, Jesus Christ, for other survivors of childhood abuse. But also, I pray it will offer a picture of God’s mercy and grace for all believers.

Breaking into publishing can be difficult. What advice would you give young writers trying to establish themselves?

Recently, I was in a Barnes and Noble store and a young girl, maybe ten or eleven years old, overheard that I was an author and she approached me and asked me this very question. What I told her, and what I tell others who ask, is that the best thing they can do is read. Read! Read! Read! And as they’re reading, begin to pay attention to what styles of writing they enjoy, pay attention to the prose, the structure of a book, etc. Reading other well-written books is a great way to learn.

I’m also a huge advocate of writers conferences!

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

All foods, with the exception of peas and lima beans, are my favorites! When I’m writing, I eat chocolate. See’s candy and Dove milk chocolate are my favorites. There must be something in chocolate that inspires me. Unfortunately, I gained ten pounds during the final stages of writing my last novel and I’m working now to lose that weight. The word “moderation” comes to mind, but…

This website features both music and literary guests. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

My musical talent is my ability to listen to music well. I’m a great listener and enjoyer of music. That’s it. You do not want to hear me sing or attempt to play any sort of musical instrument. Trust me.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

It would be something inspiring with a fun beat.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Minor. I’ve always believed in the importance of minor chords—in music and in life.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Definitely the little girl trying to walk in high heels! My whole life I’ve felt like God’s wooed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to lean on Him as He leads.

I’m a dog lover, and I know you are too. In fact, you have an important dog “character” in Words. Please tell us about your dogs.

I have three dogs, two that live with me and one that lives with my sons. Don’t tell the other two, but Bear, my Pomeranian mix, is my favorite dog. He is furry, feisty, and fun! I also love Hunter, my Lab, Shepherd mix. She’s twelve-years old and suffering from arthritis in her hips. She’s slowing down but still has a huge heart. Both dogs are faithful companions. My third dog, Fred, is a Basset Hound who is so loveable, but so stinky!

Thanks, Ginny! It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour!

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For additional information about Ginny Yttrup, her writing, and her coaching, visit her website at www.ginnyyttrup.com.

Ginny blogs at http://www.fictioncreator.com/.

To purchase Words, logon to:

By Linda Cox

I had one of those “Divine appointments” the other day. You know the kind. An “aha moment” that leaves a person feeling breathless and excited about where it might lead. I shared my excitement with my best friend and told her, “I feel a devotion waiting to be written.” When she readily agreed, I started writing.

It was a challenge to write, because I felt it necessary not to use the person’s name or even my name as the writer. And some of the details would have to be “adjusted” to protect the person I’d be writing about. Even though something nagged at me, by the time I finished the devotion, I felt I had a “keeper.” All I had to do was some final editing today.

During my prayer time this morning, I prayed about the whole situation, and then turned to my devotions and Bible reading. Leave it to Philip Yancey and his book Grace Notes to upset the “devotional apple cart.” Today’s reading told of the time he wrote an article in which he referenced someone he knew. He had to change names and details to protect the man he wrote about. But when that man read the article, he knew it was about him and he called Yancey about it. Yancey said he heard what he called “devastating words” from this man:  “Philip, I’ve lived all my life trying to be a real person, a three-dimensional person. You’ve reduced me to a two-paragraph illustration.” Yancey went on to say that “journalism—indeed all art—is not reality but a mere portrayal or depiction that will never do it justice.”

Now I know why I was having those nagging thoughts. My “Divine appointment” put me in contact with someone who was hurting and needed the love and forgiveness of God. God allowed me to be part of the beginning of a work He just might be doing in this person’s life. And I was reducing that “God appointed” moment into a mere group of words on a piece of paper that would not do it justice. What if that person happened to read my devotion and knew it was about him/her? Would they be hurt? Would my desire to tell of this experience, exciting as it was for me, get in the way of what God could do in this person’s life?

The answer was solidified as I continued my reading this morning. James 1:19 (ESV) …let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak…. And then Ephesians 4:29 (NCV) When you talk, do not say harmful things but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Oh my ……

Yes, I’m still excited about the “Divine appointment.” But I truly think this is the time for me to be “slow to speak” (with written words) and allow God’s plan for both of us to unfold in His time. And who knows. Maybe someday I will be able to write that devotion—without nagging thoughts of what harm it might do but, instead, using words that will help others grow stronger from the experience.

Don Furr has taken a number of paths in his life, from avid fixed-wing and helicopter pilot, to music minister, teacher, and CEO. But he says writing has been one of his ‘most rewarding and emotional journeys’ so far. Now, after thirteen years of writing, editing, and revising, Don’s debut novel, Quest for the Nail Prints, has been released (Sheaf House, March 1, 2011).

Don and his wife Karen live in Tennessee. They have three children and three grandchildren.

When did you begin writing?

I started writing in 1996 at the age of 41 after reading Left Behind. It was such an emotional journey that I had to see if I could reach readers with the same intensity as Jerry Jenkins did.

Your debut novel, Quest for the Nail Prints (Sheaf House, March 2011), took a number of years to complete. Who or what provided the incentive to keep going?

It became an outlet . . . a place where I could go and spend time with Jesus. It was truly a solace. My wife also encouraged me to write. She said she loved the person I became when I wrote.

How does your faith play into your writing?

Faith is everything. In my opinion, without faith why write at all?

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Absolutely. I believe it happens to God’s people all the time. Setbacks are almost always God’s intervention in disguise.

Please tell us about the book.

The story Quest for the Nail Prints is literally my #1 dream . . . to spend time with Jesus without having to experience death to do so. It is the story of three ordinary people chosen by God for an extraordinary experience, one so amazing, even they have a hard time believing that it is real.

Through unrelated circumstances, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, Reverend Paul Ryann, and Professor Leonardo Van Eaton find themselves sharing a journey to the Holy Lands. Three-quarters of the way though they have no idea that God has specially orchestrated the adventure that will take place there.

Their first adventure in Jerusalem brings them nose-to-nose with the barrel of an angry Israeli soldier’s Uzi. The soldier and his cohort are brutally harassing a young Arab girl when Paul happens to catch it on videotape. Realizing they have been caught, the soldiers chase the three men through the crowded streets of Jerusalem and eventually into a deserted warehouse, though once inside they find much more than a hiding place. When they emerge, they find they have somehow traveled back almost two thousand years and are about to come face to face with the rugged, radical Nazarene known throughout the region as Jesus of Nazareth.

This is the story of how a personal encounter with the living Christ in His time changes the lives of these three men forever.

Where did you get the idea for it?

Time travel is something that has intrigued me since I was a kid. The movies, The Final Countdown, The Time Tunnel TV series and, of course, Back to the Future, were some of my most favorite shows. Coupling time travel with my faith was simply a natural progression of the thought of spending time with Jesus in His time.

Besides providing entertainment, what is the one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?

The desire to have a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

There’s something unusual about the physical aspect of the book. Please tell us about it.

Ah, yes, the hole! The idea of the nail hole all the way through the book surfaced during the first draft. From the very start, I knew the part the nails would play. From there, the process simply took its natural course. The idea quickly flourished into the nail prints marking every page, much in the same way I picture the nails touching every page of our lives. It only made sense that they should touch every page of the story.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Funny you should ask. One afternoon while I was writing, the words were coming at an unbelievable rate. I kept thinking, this isn’t me, it takes hours to grind out this kind of stuff! Where are these words coming from? Well, lo and behold, after considering what was different than usual, I realized that I was drinking a Canada Dry Ginger Ale (with real Ginger of course) so I assumed that had something to do with it. Well, I tried it again and it seemed to have the same effect . . . so needless to say, this is my favorite writing drink!

This website features both music and literary guests. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Yes. I was a minister of music for ten years and have been a church soloist for more than 30 years.

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re relaxing with the radio or an mp3 player?

Oldies.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A romantic ballad.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

MAJOR of course.

In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?

Romantic lead.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets.

Have none. Sorry.

Thank you, Don! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

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For additional information about Quest for the Nail Prints visit Don’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quest-for-the-Nail-Prints-by-Don-Furr/161593430534165

To order Quest for the Nail Prints, logon to:

Liz Johnson is proof that dreams can come true.

After graduating with a public relations degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Liz set out to pursue her lifelong dream of working in the Christian publishing industry. Upon accepting a publicity position at a major trade book publisher in 2006, she began to look toward her second goal—that of becoming a published author. Her third book, Code of Justice, for Love Inspired Suspense publishes today.

Liz was recently honored as an ACFW Carol Award finalist in the category of Debut Author of the Year. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and makes frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces.

How long have you been writing? Do you (or did you) have other career aspirations?

I wrote my first story when I was seven. I can’t remember what it was titled, but I’m sure it was a thrilling adventure about bears living in a cave. During high school and college I wrote a lot of stories, but it wasn’t until I was 25 that I really began thinking about trying to get published. By that time I was already living my dream, working in the Christian publishing industry. I’ve worked for several major publishers over the years in the marketing and publicity departments, and it’s a joy to get to do that during the day and be a writer by night.

Who/what influenced your writing career the most?

I don’t know if there’s a “most” in this scenario. Certainly I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that my parents were instrumental in sharing with me their love of books and reading and encouraging me every step along the way. I really began to explore my love for Christian fiction when I was in junior high reading Gilbert Morris’s House of Winslow series. But it was Kelly Blewett, a fellow publicist and dear friend, who told me I absolutely had to finish writing a story that I began telling her about in the workroom one day. That story became The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, my first novel.

How does your faith play into your writing?

Faith is always a big part of my writing—both the actual writing and the sending it off to publishers for consideration. Like most writers I’ve received my fair share of rejection letters, but ultimately I believe that God has given me a talent that I want to use to His glory. When I get discouraged or feel like I’ll never sell another book, I remember that God is in control, and I’m writing for Him.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

All the time! I like to talk about them as Plan B’s. When I was 24, I packed up everything I owned and moved from Arizona to Oregon to take my first job in Christian publishing. Two months later, the company I worked for was sold and only a fraction of the staff would be moving to Colorado Springs. It was another two months before I learned that I would be part of that small group, so I made another 1100-mile move just six months after my first. I had no idea what to expect in Colorado Springs, but I ended up making some of the best friends of my life, including Kelly Blewett, who became my writing accountability partner, and Jessica Barnes, who became my Monday night writing buddy. That Plan B turned into nearly four years in Colorado Springs where I wrote and sold my first two books.

Let’s talk about your new book, your third for Love Inspired Suspense. Code of Justice releases today! Please tell us a little about it.

Code of Justice is a story about sisters. FBI agent Heather Sloan and her sister Kit are in a terrible helicopter crash, and when Heather comes to at the hospital, she learns that she’s the only survivor. But something Kit said right before she died leads Heather to believe it wasn’t an accident, so Heather teams up with Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Latham to find the man responsible for Kit’s death and bring him to justice.

Besides providing entertainment, what is the one thing you hope readers will take away from this book?

I think we often hold grudges and seek vengeance in the name of justice. We say that we’ve been wronged and that an eye for an eye is only fair. My hope is that readers of this book will recognize that in the Bible, in Micah, we’re instructed to act justly but also to love mercy. And that mercy can keep us from living as prisoners to that revenge we seek.

As someone who also works in the publishing industry, what advice would you give young writers who are looking for their first break?

Get educated about the industry. While I’ve haven’t yet published with a company for which I work, I’ve definitely seen the ins and outs of the publishing process, which has helped me immensely. But much of what I’ve learned from the inside is also available to the rest of the world. There are countless blogs and articles about the business of publishing, and it’s important to know about the publishers and agents you’re pitching. Read blogs by agents you’re interested in querying. Study the catalogs of publishers you’d like to publish with. Attend conferences, not just to learn the lingo and craft of writing, but also to understand how the process of getting published works. Every publisher and every agent is a little different, but you can guarantee yourself not to get picked up if you pitch a novella to a publisher who only publishes full-length novels or if you pitch a fantasy to a romance-only publisher. The only tests in publishing are on your research. So study up.

What’s up next for you and/or what are you writing now?

Next up for me is a Christmas novella called A Star in the Night, which will be part of A Log Cabin Christmas collection from Barbour in September. I love Christmas and history surrounding the Civil War, and this story combines them both. I just turned that story in, and now I’m working on proposals for more Love Inspired Suspense books.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

I love ice cream—nearly any flavor with a caramel swirl in it! It’s just so soothing as it melts in my mouth, so I’m always happy to sit in front of my computer with a bowl in hand.

This website features both music and literary guests. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Ha! The only musical instrument I can play is the radio, and I think the world is thankful that I only sing in church and can be drowned out by so many other voices.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Definitely a pop song with a strong chorus and mellow verses. My life tends to go in waves of crazy activity and calm introspection.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

I have no idea! A musically clueless one?

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I think it depends who you ask. I’ve been told that I have very child-like qualities. And I’d love to say that I’m a strong, female lead. But probably, more often than not, I’m the girl next door. I’m the stable one that friends come to for help. Now if I can just meet my boy next door.

I’m a dog lover. Do you have a pet/or a favorite pet from the past?

We had a black lab named Sadie when I was young, but she met a sad end too early. We moved shortly after that and had to give away her six puppies to caring homes. Now that I’m an adult and spend all day at work, I think it wouldn’t be fair to keep a pet at home when I’m hardly ever around. But maybe some day. :  )

Thanks, Liz! It’s great to have you at DivineDetour!

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For additional information about Liz, visited her website at http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/.

To purchase Code of Justice, logon to: