Seattle Sounders Fan-tastic

I went to my first Seattle Sounders game last night and had an absolute blast! That's not me in the picture, but I felt like it. The energy in the crowd was out of this world: jumping, chanting, cheering, singing... it never stopped.

The Sounders didn't win the game, but it scarcely mattered since it was really all about the fans. I snapped a little video with my phone, which doesn't do the crowd justice, but might give you a taste of the intensity.

Sheer. Awesomesauce!

The Fan Gallery Has Begun!

I wanted to put together an homage to the awesome people who've read Between, so be sure to check out the Fan Gallery page of the blog. If you've got a copy of Between, snap a picture of you with the book and email it to me at cynditefft -at- gmail -dot- com. I'd love to add your photo to the page! :)

Q&A with Jody Hedlund and Giveaway!

I am honored to have the lovely Jody Hedlund on the blog today, talking about her new novel The Doctor's Lady which just came out on September 1st. See giveaway deets at the end!

Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

When did you start writing The Doctor's Lady and how long did it take you?

I started writing the first draft of the The Doctor’s Lady last January (of 2010). I spent approximately 5 months writing it, doing about 5000 words a week. I had to take a few weeks off during those months to do some in-house editing on The Preacher’s Bride. But overall, the first draft of The Doctor’s Lady went fairly quickly.

Was there anything notably different in writing this book than your first?

I always fall madly in love with my books during the first draft stage. It’s not until after I finish and start the editing that I begin to fall out of love. And that was true of The Doctor’s Lady the same as all of the other books I’d written previously.

However, The Doctor’s Lady was the first book I’d written under a contract with a publisher. They gave me initial input into the book. But even with approval of my synopsis and their guidance for the story development, when I turned the finished manuscript in to my editors, they didn’t like some of the aspects of how I shaped the story.

I ended up having to spend a couple of months doing some major rewriting of the book which was very difficult. But their input and feedback has hopefully made the book into something my readers will enjoy.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers out there, particularly about the Christian fiction market?

My first piece of advice for aspiring writers is to make sure they’re actively pursuing growth in their writing skills through reading fiction how-to books like Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell or Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass. I can’t tell you how important writing craft books have been to my own personal growth as a writer. Over the years, I’ve read countless books and then practiced what I’ve learned. Without all of the study and practice, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. Writing a captivating and well-told story is the foundation of a promising writing career.

My second piece of advice for aspiring writers, particularly those interested in Christian fiction, is to familiarize themselves with the industry. Study the various publishers and their websites, become familiar with authors and their styles, get to know agents and their clients. A great place to get more information about Christian agents and publishers is on the American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) website. They have a list of agents and editors who will be attending their annual conference and what kinds of projects they are specifically looking for.

If you could buy land anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d definitely buy a plotof land on a mountain and build a log cabin (fully equipped with all modern conveniences, of course!). And then I'd use it as a place where I could retreat for peaceful writing sometimes! It would also be an ideal place for hosting writing getaways with writer friends. So does anyone have any mountaintop real estate they'd like to sell to me? *wink*

What's one article of clothing you probably should throw out, but won't?
I have a floral print dress that I made for my honeymoon. Not only does the dress hold wonderful memories, but it was also incredibly difficult and painstaking for me to make (since I don't really know how to sew well!). I can't make myself throw it out, even though I haven't worn it in nearly twenty years, and likely will never wear it again!

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling book, The Preacher's Bride. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children.

Enter to win a signed paperback copy of The Doctor's Lady by leaving a comment (and your email address) below. US mailing addresses only. A winner will be drawn September 30th. Good luck!

Sitting By Yourself on the Bus (aka Growing Pains)

My son started kindergarten this year. When I asked him how his day went today, a shadow passed over his face and his eyes glistened. He blinked, pushing down the emotion.

"I rode the bus by myself," he said in a small voice.

"What do you mean? Don't you usually sit with your other two friends? Were they gone today?"

"No, they were there. They didn't sit with me. I had to sit by myself."

Yep, that sound you heard was a mom's heart breaking, mostly because I know there's nothing I can do to fix it. No Band-Aid can fix the hurt that comes with being rejected. No ice pack can heal the pain of friends turning away from you.

I can't even offer him a promise that things will get better, that kids will grow up and learn the error of their ways. It still happens to adults. Not as often, sure, but it hurts just as much when it does.

We all want to belong, to be loved, to be accepted. I want to wrap my arms around him and keep him safe from the pain of the world. But I can't.

All I can do is love him, pray for him, and pray for his friends, too. And lead by example so that maybe he won't make the same mistakes.

A Tribute to My Fans! {{HUGS}}

You want to know the best thing about writing Between? Connecting with readers who love the book (and Aiden!) like I do. *insert enormous group hug here* Dang, I love you guys!

In honor of these fabulous like-minded peeps, I'm going to create a Fan Gallery page on my blog.

Snap a picture of your beautiful self with the book and email it to me at cynditefft at gmail dot com and I'll include your photo in the page. Feel free to be creative!

If you don't have a copy of the book yet, you can order a personalized copy from me (see upper right corner of this page). I'm so excited to see pics of all of you! *hug*

YA Indie Carnival Winner!

Holy buckets of awesome, Batman! I am just full of winners today, aren't I?

Last week, the YA Indie Carnival threw a giveaway bash and today, I get to announce the winner of an ebook of Between:

Paige Bradish

Woohoo! Congrats, Paige!

If you didn't win a copy of Between as part of the YA Indie Carnival or the YA Scramble, never fear! There are more opportunities for you to win!

Reading away the days (ends 9/23)

Goodreads (ends 9/30)
Inky Fresh Press (giveaway starts next week)

YA Scramble Winners Announced!

The YA Scramble was 24 hours of insanity as a horde of folks jumped from one blog to another, collecting letters and then puzzling out the secret phrase. Readers came up with all sorts of permutations (some quite entertaining), but the majority of folks were able to work out the answer:

WE HEART YA BOOKS

One incredibly lucky participant is walking away with the Massive Grand Prize of Mega Awesomeness including:

• ARC of The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (with signed bookmark)
• Ebook of Solstice by PJ Hoover (with trading cards)
• Ebook of The Space Between by Alexandra Sokoloff
• Paperback copy of Perception by Heather Cashman
• Signed paperback ARC of Anathema by Kathleen Tucker
• Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Gift Set (Trade Paperback of Eighth Grade Bites, Vlad Journal, Minion Bling Buttons and Vlad Tote)
• Signed paperback copy of Between by Cyndi Tefft
• Signed hardcover of Clarity by Kim Harrington
• ARC of Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
• Signed ARC of Fury by Elizabeth Miles
• Signed paperback of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
• ARC of Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
• Copy of The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
• Winner's choice of 5 ebooks from a list of indie authors
• Signed paperback of Sleepers by Megg Jensen
• Ebooks of Soul Quest and The Guardians of Souls by Amy Jones
• Kindle copy of Winnemucca by Laura Elliott (plus a guest post spot on her blog!)
• Paperback copy of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

And that winner is...

Mindy Herbert!!

Congratulations, Mindy! Prepare for the onslaught of awesomeness headed your way! 

And now for a list of the other lucky readers whose names were drawn for the individual prizes...

✯ SableLexi wins a signed copy of Clarity by Kim Harrington and a signed ARC of Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon from Irish/Gail.

✯ Bookishly Malyza wins a signed paperback of Between by Cyndi Tefft (me!).

✯ Mirrormera92 wins a pack of Solstice trading cards from PJ Hoover.

✯ Sarah Nicolas wins an ebook of Anathema by Kathleen Tucker.

✯ Lolawid wins a pre-order book of her choice from Kaitlin Simpson.

✯ Janhvi wins an ARC of Loss by Jackie Morse Kessler from Jennifer Morris and a pack of Solstice trading cards from PJ Hoover. 

✯ Britney Wyatt wins a book of her choice from Danielle Bunner's list and FIVE ebooks from a selection of indie authors from T.R. Graves.

✯ Tamara Basic wins an ebook of Perception from Heather Cashman and a pack of Solstice trading cards from PJ Hoover. 

✯ Roro wins a copy of Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke from Jennifer Morris.

✯ Erin Baker wins an ebook of Sleepers from Megg Jensen.

✯ Aeicha wins an ebook of The Glassheart Chronicles from Amy Jones and a pack of Solstice trading cards from PJ Hoover.

✯ Aimee Brandon wins a signed paperback of Winnemucca from Laura Elliott along with a Winnemucca coffee mug and a guest post on Laurasmagicday. 

Winners will be contacted soon to arrange for the receipt of their prizes. Thanks to all the bloggers who gave so generously to the event and to everyone who participated. I hope you all had fun!