I'm fairly new to the world of e-publishing, and the nuances of promoting an e-pub novel - but I'm trying to learn fast. This weekend I got my first review from a review site, and found out I was fortunate enough to win nomination in a book trailer award at http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/ (feel free to vote for Hearts Crossing, if you're so inclined!).

Anyway, I'm delighted by the review, and the trailer nomination - but the trailer nod made me think. Naturally, the most important thing, to me, about Hearts Crossing is what's between its covers, not just the way it's promoted. After all, solid writing is what's going to win reader's hearts and loyalty - nothing else. And that's exactly what I want - to touch souls and bring them closer to God by the power of (what I pray will be!) a great, romantic story.

Still, I got to thinking about trailers, and their impact on whether or not I'll read a book, or see a movie. And I have to say, this self-analysis led me to realize, trailers pack a lot of punch! My most current favorite, and the movie I simply "MUST" see once it comes out, based solely on the trailer, is "Letters to Juliet"

The romance writer in me cannot wait to see this movie. Meantime, the realist in me wonders: Will it live up to what seems to be an incredible, heart-touching love story? I sure do hope so!! It hooked me in. I'll be gonig to see that movie the weekend it releases....based solely on the power of its trailer. Now that's impact.

How about you? What do you think??? What are your thoughts/opinions? I'm eager to know!

Now to the good stuff!! A promo of my own to hopefully entice you to read Hearts Crossing and follow my progress via this blog!

Leave a comment and become a follower of this blog and you'll be entered to win a gorgeous print edition of Hearts Crossing from White Rose Publishing! It's just that easy. Comment, follow, then you're in the drawing! The winner will be announced on Friday the 26th - and hopefully I'll have good news to share about the trailer competition at YGR! :-)

Blessings!

Marianne

One Lovely Blog Award -- A Minute With Marianne Has Won!

Thank you, fellow author E.A. West for giving my blog this award!

However, accepting the "Lovely" award comes with responsibility! I now have the honor and privilege of passing it on to others. Those who have won, here are the rules:

Accept the award, then post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, along with their blog link. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you enjoy. (Okay, so 10 can be a lot to come up with! Pass it on to as many bloggers as you can, up to 10. I'm passing it on to 7.) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

And so, I pass this award on to these truly deserving blogs. I hope you will check each one of them out!

Donna Basinow

Theresa Lynn Hall

Kara Lynn Russell

Teri Wilson

JoAnn Carter

Sandra Kay

Rhonda Gibson

Terry O'Dell

A Minute with Marianne....ah...no...Kiara...

You enter the restaurant and scope out an early-evening crowd that already packs the tables and booths at 220 Merrill, the swanky, upscale eatery located in downtown Birmingham, Michigan.

You spot your party and grin, looking forward to fun and gossip. You step up as Kiara Jordan sips from a wine goblet, half-filled with chilled chardonnay. On approach, you overhear her sigh, and say with unmistakable affection:

“…I swear. I love her to pieces, but sometimes Marianne is just so ridiculous! It’s silly to be shy about sharing a great love story with the world, right? … Oh! Hi!”

Kiara spots you and stands, sliding out gracefully from the intimate corner booth. She beams a from-the-heart smile, greeting you with an enthusiastic hug.

“Sit down! I’m so glad you made it!”

“Am I late?” You ask, joining the table of a half-dozen or so friends who send up cheery salutations as well.

“Not a bit.” Kiara sits back down. Along with everyone else, she resumes snacking on hor douvres. A rolling hum of conversation fills the air, as does the aroma of roasting meats and savory spices. Wait staff, dressed in traditional black and white, move smoothly past. You order your drink of choice, and settle in, grabbing a chunk of perfectly prepared bruschetta. Then some risotto balls.

You don’t want to be behind the times, so you lean into the conversation at hand, continue to munch on some delectables, and beseech: “So fill me in, Kiara – tell me what’s going on with Daveny and Collin! From what I understand, those two are amazing!”

"Are they ever! I love those two! Talk about a God-ordained couple..."

On that heartfelt declaration, Kiara wastes no time launching into a full report.

“You see, here's the thing. Marianne documented their story in Hearts Crossing, but I’ve been Daveny’s best friend since college. I’ve worked with her ever since she opened the doors of Montgomery Landscaping – and I’ve never seen Daveny so swept away, so captivated by a wonderful man…and Collin – well – let me just say, despite their tribulations, I wish I could find a man just like him…"

***

"How do you feel about God, Collin?"

"I don't."

Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church of Christ, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.

Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God, and the community of woodland. Lately she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.

A beautificiation project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists, but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better. Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.

Can Daveny trust in Collin's fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?

***

Wistful sighs course the table. One participant asks: "So what happens next? Tell me more!"

Like an imp, Kiara just grins, then helps herself to some calamari - perfectly prepared. A handsome and solicitous waiter asks if a refill is necessary on Kiara's nearly empty wine goblet. Completely enthralled by the story, she negligently refuses his offer. Meanwhile, he lingers, watching her with unabashed longing. Several of your tablemates share knowing grins. Kiara's a knock-out, yet has no realization of her impact.

So, the hostess with the mostess continues, excited and thrilled for her dearest friend...

***

The closer he got to Woodland Church, the more Collin's tension increased. He faced that fact without flinching, and without apologizing.

He couldn't help the sense of anger he felt whenever he considered matters of faith, so he didn't try to stem the tide. Helping his mom is what mattered, and the thought kept Collin centered as he turned off Jefferson Avenue and into the church parking lot.

“Wow.”

The single word exclamation was Collin's instinctive reaction upon seeing the church. Grounds were torn up in large spots and contractors worked at the open sores. He slowed his truck to a stop next to a series of graders, haulers and a semi presently swarmed by what he assumed were church volunteers.

He hopped down from the cab and released the back latch, looking for a person who might be deemed the project leader.

The fact that he stopped to stare drew the attention of a by-passer, who called affably, “Need some help?”

“Delivery. Can you point me to the right person?”

“That’d be Daveny. She’ll get you taken care of. Follow me over.”

They crossed the lot and closed in on a cluster of folks who were in scrubby clothes, water bottles and gardening tools in hand. At the center stood a slender, petite woman wearing jeans and a lime green t-shirt. They stepped up and Collin realized she was in the process of assigning volunteers to designated sections of the church grounds.

During a pause, Collin's escort spoke up. “Daveny, this gentleman brought us some supplies.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Gabe.”

With that, she turned. Collin's world tilted when her gaze lifted to his in greeting. Something overwhelming and instantly captivating swept through him like wind song when she smiled.

“Hi, I'm Daveny Montgomery.”

Collin stumbled over his own name, stalling out while he stared at her. There was a purity he sensed – elusive and instantly haunting.

“Collin Edwards,” he finally managed, taking hold of her extended hand. Firm grip, he realized, soft as silk skin. Nice.

Suddenly, he didn't want to leave. Not quite yet anyway.

***

The evening continues amidst laughter and fun. Table candles flicker and glow, illuminating the space around you. At that point, at long last, Marianne enters the scene and slides into place next to Kiara, asking, "What have I missed?"

The entire table of friends erupts into laughter.

"Oh...nothing..." Kiara answers, sharing a wink with the group at large.

Meanwhile, you notice the way Marianne casts a calculating glance at the willowy, super-model chic woman who hosts the evening's festivities. You can almost see the wheels turning. Perhaps Marianne is considering: Wouldn't paybacks be fun? Wouldn't Kiara be knocked out of sight by starring in a love story of her very own...?

Wow. Just...WOW.

So there I was - innocent as a lamb - noodling on the Net when along came an e-mail that set my world spinning.

But wait, I'm sorry. I need to back up a pace or two and catch you up. I need to fill you in on the complete picture of my life at a most extraordinary moment in time.

My son and his wife had just arrived in town for the holidays. My daughter had also just arrived home from Michigan State University. My hubby and our entire family were camped out in the kitchen, making traditional Christmas Sugar cookies (Grandma DeCou's recipie...Yum-Yum...!) for Christmas Eve festivities in a couple of days. A sudden comment came from my son, Dan. "Mom, while Mary's out for a minute, can you show me the top you got her for Christmas? I think I may have gotten her the same thing. I want to make sure my gift is different from yours."

The top in question was already wrapped and under the tree, but I since I had ordered the item on line, I had an e-mail confirmation from the company, complete with a photograph of the item.

"Sure - " I answered. "Come on over to the computer. I'll show you there."

Okay, question. Busy as we were (cookie dough waited - as did green and red sprinkles and multi-colored sugar-balls...) why did everyone follow? Why? Because a God moment was brewing, and God knows exactly what He's doing. Always.

I paged through my e-mails and as I hunted down and opened the confirmation notice Dan wanted to see, I also noticed a new, unopened missive that made my heart pound. The sender was Nicola Martinez, Editor in Chief of White Rose Publishing. The subject line: Hearts Crossing Contest Entry.

I passed it by. I didn't want to click the 'open' button at all. In fact, I showed Dan the picture of my gift item - found out duplication was no longer an issue - then took a deep breath and logged off my e-mail account.

Here's my justification: Just days away from welcoming 14 family members to my home on Christmas Eve, I didn't want to find out I had lost the Hearts Crossing writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing. I was happy and content. I didn't want anything to interfere with that fact. When you don't "know" there's always hope, right?

You see, this contest meant a great deal to me. For quite a while now, I've wanted to break into the Christian inspirational market, and White Rose has a strong, growing reputation in the industry. So, the contest, which I entered back in September, was a wonderful opportunity to do just that - but at the same time, I was realistic enough to realize victory was beyond my wildest hopes. After all, a lot of incredibly talented people were vying for the grand prize - a book contract with the publisher.

So, I figured the e-mail would read something like: "Thank you so much for entering the contest. While your submission featured many appealing elements, the competition was very tight, and we regret to inform you that..."

Yeah -- you get the drift.

When I turned away from the computer, I caught my husband's eye and he could tell something was up just by looking at me. All I said to him was, "I think the verdict is in on Hearts Crossing." Steve sweats and bleeds publication issues right along with me - a partner in the best sense of the word. Unfailingly supportive he said, "Well, come on! Open it up! Let's find out!"

I was, shall we say, somewhat less enthusiastic. In fact, I was nervous as all get out. I even explained all the reasons why I avoided opening the e-mail. His answer to that somewhat psychotic behavior? "Marianne. Really. If you win, we're all here around you. If you've lost, we're all here around you. What more could you ask for?"

Dang he's smart sometimes!

I huffed and I sat, opening up my e-mail once more. Another deep breath later I clicked on the e-mail from Nicola. As it opened, Steve quipped, "Hey, it'll probably say Congratulations or something!"

First word of the e-mail? "Congratulations..."

I have to confess, and don't tell Nicola this, but, initially, I didn't read much beyond that first word. I burst into tears. Meanwhile, Steve and the kids burst into whoops and cheers. What a thrill! What an honor! I found myself blessed by such an incredible moment, and I got to share with the ones I love so much, and who have supported me through all the inevitable rejections and sad times that also come along quite frequently in the world of publishing.

The tentative release date for Hearts Crossing is January 29th. Below is a video trailer for the book. Also, if you visit my website: http://www.marianneevans.com/ you can read a blurb and excerpt!

Please stop by, enjoy the read, and leave a comment on my guest book. I'm eager to know what you think!

Rest In Peace, Kate Duffy

Today's blog is a eulogy of sorts, an ode to Kate Duffy, Editorial Director with Kensington Publishing, who passed away this weekend.

Those of you who read and commented on my post entitled "Never, Ever Give Up" know that Kate Duffy purchased my first book - A Precious Gem titled Friends & Lovers. What I didn't realize at the time is how fate smiled on me with enough good fortune that I was able to work with a legend in the business of romantic fiction.

Kate launched the Precious Gem line of contemporary romances, wanting a place where new authors could find a home. I found her to be one of the most visionary, warm-hearted and loyal editors in the business. She not only knew how to think outside the box, but she executed her ideas into actions - and the kind of success most only dream of. Gems was a perfect example of that fact and it launched many careers. Beyond that, though, and just as importantly, she treated her authors incredibly well.

I owe her my start, but she earned my respect. To this day, rejections come, rejections go. Working through the roller coaster ride of publishing can leave a writer feeling crushed at times, and sorely lacking in the confidence department.

Now, however, I'll keep one very important fact in mind: Kate Duffy - a legendary editor in the business - saw fit to purchase and publish a book of mine under Kensington's banner. If I succeeded in winning her interest, my writing can't be all bad.

I'll wear that truth like a badge of honor now, and I won't let any degree of negativity knock it away.

Thanks, Kate, from a grateful author who only wishes she could have worked with you time and time again. Rest in peace with angels at your side and "Brilliant Work" aplenty to read and enjoy. You were, as you often said, a fan before you were an editor. Thank you for being our champion.

Kensington, and writers/lovers of romance have lost a legend.

Never, Ever Give Up

Today's blog is about a life lesson I learned.

Back when the earth was still being formed, I sold my first book, a category contemporary romance, to Kensington Publishing. Wonderful, yes, but let's back up a step or two to the months preceding that glorious milestone.

I had done fairly well in a series of writing contests sponsored by RWA. In addition, I had secured the support of an agent who was new to the market, but energetic and positive with just the right combination of aggressiveness and charm. Best of all? She loved my work. Her name was Kelly St. Clair – a lawyer who moved from private practice to literary representation because she loved romance.

I kept writing and Kelly began a full court press, submitting my manuscripts everywhere. We came close. Over and over and over again I kept hearing wonderful feedback...but never the magic five words: 'We want to buy it.'

After nearly a year, with an ever growing stack of 'no thank you' notes from publishing houses far and wide, I lost confidence. In fact, I went into writer's remission, uninspired and incredibly sad that a dream I'd held for decades was doomed to go unfulfilled. I needed to go to work full time because college money needed to be raised for our kids. Writing time was easy to push aside, since to my mind, it wasn't taking me anywhere. I began to think that perhaps God was trying to send me a message about my writing and I was refusing to receive it.

Meanwhile, as I stopped writing and stepped up my outside work life, Kelly kept on top of the market and new developments. And I received yet another rejection. I was ready to call it quits - and told Kelly as much in a very heartfelt, almost apologetic letter. She had been a such a tremendous advocate, and by that point, I felt like I was wasting her time.

She wrote back promptly – and with an equally heartfelt reply urged me to keep going, affirming a talent she saw, but I no longer believed in. She concluded by saying how much she was looking forward to seeing me at the upcoming RWA national conference.

I had nearly canceled my registration, but her note had me deciding to stick with it. It would be my swan song – and at least I'd get a chance to thank her directly for all she had done.

Enter the blessing of timing.

At the conference I checked in at the registration desk and who did I find standing two people away from me? My agent. Kelly had heard me give my name and came up to me immediately and gave me a hug. That was our first face to face communication. She was bubbling with excitement.

She pulled me to a seating area of the hotel lobby, not far from one of the dozen or so conference rooms lining the hallway. She told me Kensington was looking for publication ready manuscripts for their new “Precious Gem” line of contemporary romances, and she'd been keeping an eye out for Senior Editor Kate Duffy to get further information about the line...and tell her about me.

We couldn't get over the timing of our lobby meeting.

But that's not the end of the story. We chatted, and she continued to encourage me – and told me not to give up, and that she was determined on my behalf. What a gift. When I had given up, without my even really knowing about it, she had continued to push forward. Her confidence ran deep, and was authenticated by her actions.

A few minutes into our chat, Kelly stopped talking abruptly and started to smile, looking at a spot behind me. Kate Duffy was leaving one of the conference rooms, headed right for us.

We introduced ourselves, and Kelly mentioned I had written a book that might fit the Gem guidelines. Kate was delighted to hear about it – and we chatted a bit further, then Kate left. A short, sweet, perfect meeting.

Less than a month later I sold book number one. A month after that? Book number two.

Moral of the story? Timing and perseverance.

I've always told my kids: Never, ever give up. If the call is on your heart, follow it, and overcome the obstacles. Surround yourself with people who will support, encourage and uplift you. I'm thankful every day they've seen that axiom vindicated.

A growing, young family sent Kelly back to part-time private law practice a year or so later so she's no longer an agent – but I owe her so much more than her 15% cut will ever reward. I've gone on to sell two more books and have high hopes for two more.

My wish and prayer is for just such benefits for you, no matter what your dream. What have you faced? What have you overcome to get where you are? I'd love to hear your story!

Long Live God & Long Live His Son

This is going to be a long, though I hope cohesive, and absolutely from the heart blog.

I'm curled up on the couch, my laptop humming after a Thursday night and bulk of my Friday spent celebrating what I feel is life's most precious gift. The overwhelming grace and beauty of my salvation through Jesus Christ. I'm Catholic, so the end of Lent is now just hours away and so many feelings and images swirl through my mind right now.

Humble service (our Lord washing his apostle's feet), accepting the will and mission of God (“Your will, not mine, be done...”) a heartbreaking, physically debilitating journey, laden by a cross beam, down Jerusalem's Via Delarosa, a sinner's death, on a cross, hanging in shame for the sole purpose of redeeming mankind...

I bring this up not just because it's Easter weekend, and the holiest three days of the calendar. I bring this up because I have tremendous call on my heart right now to fight back against what the current President of the United States and the popular media has to say about Christianity and its waning influence on Americas and, thereby, America culture during this sacred time in our year.

According to Obama, the United States of America should no longer be referred to as a Christian nation.

Then there’s Newsweek, publishing an article this Holy Week citing declining church attendance and a Western European style secularism to highlight its point that we are at "The End of Christian America"

According to Newsweek, churches are suffering. Why, the article states at one point, in such tough economic times, aren't people turning to God? The article also sites trends toward a more “enlightened” pattern of embracing “spirituality” - and the idea of “all Gods.”
Please don’t tell the people coming to our church doors at Guardian Angles in Suburban Detroit, that they don’t need God, or that they aren’t turning to God when they receive warm clothing, food, and most importantly, the loving embrace of our faith community! I doubt they’ll pay you an ounce of attention.

I’m tired of seeing that which I hold most honored and holy being trashed. So, I’m taking a stand, here and now, and I’m speaking up, refusing to be rolled over in silence because of faith and beliefs I hold sacred. There is no such thing as “all gods” or a cop-out expression of saying you’re “spiritual” versus being “religious” – what that translates to as far as I’m concerned is a lazy form of faith living with a lack of commitment to standing by what you truly believe.

Here’s what I believe, and will stand by forever: Jesus Christ is my Lord, Savior and Redeemer. I am a Christian, I am a sinner who keeps on sinning, but also keeps on trying, and keeps on looking to Christ for forgiveness and the strength to continue on. I’m a humble servant of my home, my community, and my world because that’s the pattern of living my faith in Christ has shown me to be most authentic and satisfying.

I don’t preach, or serve, in order to ‘earn’ heaven, either, so none of that nonsense. I couldn’t earn heaven with a million lifetimes. Heaven was gifted to me through one thing: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He did that. For ME. For YOU. For the WORLD – and he’ll always take you in, no matter what you’ve said, what you’ve done, or what you’ve believed prior to discovering the truth of his grace, mercy and all encompassing, unconditional love.
He is God’s Son. He’s pure and faultless – and he belongs to us all – if we accept him and invite him in.

Christ lived, ministered and died. He did this in fulfillment of God’s will. He endured crucifixion in order to bring a bring a flawed (and I suppose I'll now also say malleable) humanity back to His fold of love, comfort and peace.

Christ's life is on-going (remember that – on-going!). His mission continues on through to this very moment in time in the living, breathing echo of a life and death that took place nearly two thousand years ago. This authenticity and truth cannot be faked. Look at the mission work, the benefits provided, by those who work in His name.

I watched a PBS documentary years ago about the topic of Christ’s life and death wherein a learned professor and theologian made a comment that has stayed with me every since: “Believe, or don't believe. That's everyone's individual choice. But something happened that day. If not, Christianity would have died out perhaps just a few hundred years after His death.”
Almost two thousand years later, it has not. Believers remain, live, work, minister, and have faith. And they will continue to do so for thousands of years to come.

Obama is trying, almost desperately it seems to me, to create as many avenues away from the heart of what founded our nation as possible. I’d like to ask him: What is wrong with Christianity? Why is he so frightened by a group of people working for the betterment of their lives and the communities in which they live – the world they inhabit?

Additionally I would have to ask: Does tolerance and this call for politically correct, offend no one, ever, unity only include those who believe what he says we should believe? It seems that way to me. After all, Christian beliefs and views don’t have any degree of acceptance and respect from Obama and his terrifyingly extreme left-wing administration.

Obviously Obama’s comments and the Newsweek article upset me tremendously at first. They are the embodiment of all that I would most stridently fight against. For a while I felt hurt, and I railed about the topic with a good number of my Christian friends who made comments like:

'I'm sick of being marginalized.'

'Too many people are afraid to speak up for their faith and beliefs.'

'Christians who live and speak their beliefs are labeled as bigoted, racist, homophobic anti-woman, anti-choice zealots. I believe it's part of an agenda to try to make Christians the fringe. Not acceptable.'

All of this, sadly, is so true!

But then came this observation from my husband:

‘Back in the 60's, the media came up with the same kinds of stories. “God is Dead” was actually a headline. And he's not dead yet.’

Thanks, honey. That’s so true. And spending quality time in within the embrace of my faith community at Guardian Angels Church helped sooth and assure me, and it affirmed my goal to keep fighting the good fight. If I may, here are a few things I’d like to share after our services this weekend:

Holy Thursday Service:
We participated in a beautiful mass emphasizing humility. Humility and service to one another, our communities, and those most in need. Emphasizing action with words, close to one hundred people came forward with their Lenten alms and offerings such as clothing and food basket items (these kinds of donations – badly needed here in Metro Detroit – take place every week during mass, and are deeply needed). This generosity also takes place despite a wickedly difficult Depression that has settled over the state of Michigan. Depression – not Recession. Michigan passed that yard-marker years ago. Parishioners remain self-sacrificing enough, however, to bring about a greater good – not in order to be seen as holy, or proud – but simply to help our fellow man. It’s what Jesus would do.

Stations of the Cross & Good Friday Service:
Members of our parish spent almost a half hour streaming forward to venerate the cross of Christ and receive communion. Several moments stick with me about the service:

• An usher, who gently led forward a very ill woman with a walker who was in such pain she was in tears – but she needed to give of herself to Jesus in this reverent moment. He rubbed her back and encouraged her while she struggled, and tenderly re-seated her afterward. He was the face of Christ to her. And the peace on her face afterward? It was an amazing thing to behold.
• The youth of our parish who performed the Passion. It was moving, and engaging to all who watched, and I felt so proud of their efforts and genuine love of the Lord. And that’s our YOUTH. God bless them!
• A story from the recent Italy earthquakes told to us by our Pastor. A woman was trapped beneath a pile of rubble. Rescue workers offered her water to tide her over while they worked at digging her out (apparently there was enough of a hole to be able to communicate and pass things through). They kindly asked if there was anything else she needed to aide her comfort. Her reply? It was prompt: “Yes – there is. I would like the Eucharist.” The body of our Lord. The rescue workers saw to her request, and, yes, she was rescued. Praise God!

But what brought me to tears during Good Friday mass? The conclusion of the passion play. As our youth group carried “Jesus” from the cross they sang a combination of “Prepare ye the Way of the Lord” and “Long Live God.” It was affirmation to me, and a call to arms.

Long. Live. God.

God is real. God touches people. Faith in the redemption of his son accomplishes miracles every day.

Long. Live. God.

In the end, after enduring the foul taste of that derogatory article, I found myself more than able to walk that pathway to Calvary and celebrate my Christian faith with a solemn, grateful, and humble heart.

Evil won’t win, and God cannot and will not die. His battle against darkness has already been won.

Long. Live. God.

To that, I can only add a simple, and heartfelt: “Amen.”

Happy, blessed Easter, everyone. He is Risen!!