To Recommend or Not Recommend.That is the question.

Last Monday, we discussed reviewing versus recommending books. As a follow-up, I'd like to share my personal convictions on the subject.

Early on, I decided there were several types of books I would not read or recommend. Material that focused on the occult without the truth of the Word of God topped that list. Since fantasy and sci-fi are not enjoyable to me as a reader, I also eliminated them.

Other than these books, I determined to explore new genres. This was a stretch for me as I tend to have favorite authors and stick with them. I've discovered the delights of traipsing through Regency England and the early days of America. Political fiction, contemporary fiction, chick lit, Suspense, and mystery have occupied a place on my nightstand.

Do I recommend books based on the writing or based on my enjoyment as a reader? I don't think I could separate the two aspects of my personality. As a writer, I appreciate a well-written book and can spot lapses. If, however, the story engages me as a reader, I don't think it's necessary to point out minor flaws in excruciating detail. Bottom line: I liked this book, and this is why I found it worthwhile. It doesn't mean it's perfect or that I agree with every single statement.

If I find a book strikes me as horrible, offensive, or boring, I simply don't review it. Out of the many books I've read, only a few fell into these categories. While I'm part of the blog network for several large publishers, I've been extremely choosy about the books I select.

What's your philosophy on the fine art of reviewing/recommending books? Do you feel it's necessary to reveal every flaw even if you enjoyed the story? Since we covered some of these issues in the comments last week, what genres do you enjoy? Have you broadened your reading tastes by sampling other types of fiction?

Friday Round-Up - #74

As authors, giving our characters a stage is vital to a satisfying reading experience. Linda Yezak, over at Author Culture, talks about setting descriptions. How do you avoid boring the reader, while making the setting vivid?

One of my new Facebook friends, Teri Smith, contributes to A Novel Writing Site. While the lessons are geared for homeschoolers, there's much basic information for aspiring novelists.

Kathy Ide, over at Pixnpens, lists some pitfalls to avoid when writing dialogue.

On My Nightstand - The Atonement Child - by Francine Rivers

Well-known author, Francine Rivers, handles an explosive topic with truth and diplomacy. The Atonement Child tells the story of Dynah Carey, whose perfect life is forever changed by rape and an unwanted pregnancy.

Dynah feels helpless and alone as her fiance, family, and friends struggle with the reality of an uncertain future. All of them agonize as Dynah seeks answers on whether or not to abort her child.

The author deals with the intense fears, suffering, and future considerations of each character. Atonement Child drew me in and gave me a glimpse into the heart of a woman so dreadfully wronged.

This book was my introduction to Francine Rivers' writing. I can see why she's a respected Christian author. I'll be picking up more of her books.

Review, Recommend, Endorse, Critique

Recently, there's been some discussion about book reviews. If a review lacks any negative comments, it's immediately suspect. I'd like to share my thoughts, and then have you chime in with your opinions.

I decided to pull out Mr. Webster and my Synonym Finder to determine the meanings of the words in my title. Here goes:

1. Review - As a verb it means to amend or alter, to review an opinion. Synonyms: critical article, critique, criticism, commentary, editorial, evaluation.

2. Recommend - to present as worthy of confidence, acceptance, or use, commend. Synonyms: commend, mention favorably, promote, speak well of, put in a good word for, approve, sanction, condone, support, endorse, suggest, offer, propose, warn, caution.

3. Endorse - To express approval or support, especially publicly. Synonyms: approve, give one's stamp of approval, sanction, warrant, seal, vouch for, stand behind, confirm, authorize.

4. Critique - an article or essay evaluating a literary or other work. Review. Synonyms: review, notice, report, article, editorial, essay, blurb, commentary, analysis, pan, slam, swipe.

A critic is a person, who judges, evaluates or criticizes literary or artistic works. The definition of a reviewer is similar: a critic, commentator, evaluator, judge, connoisseur, assessor.

Looking at these definitions, would you consider yourself more of a reviewer or one who recommends a good book? I stand in the second camp: I recommend books I've enjoyed.

Friday Round-Up - #73

Since many of us are looking to shed a pound or two, I thought Susan Panzica's take on physical and spiritual fitness might strike a chord.

For all you chocolate lovers out there, Donna L. H. Smith has a chocolate blog. It's not only chocolate, it's organic chocolate.

Perhaps you've heard the talk about the FTC's new rulings concerning book reviews and giveaways. Publisher's Weekly recently talked to them and cleared up the confusion. You can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Have a great weekend!

On My Nightstand - The House on Grosvenor Square - By Linore Rose Burkard

Since my foray into Regency Romance began with Linore Rose Burkard's first book, "Before the Season Ends," I looked forward to Ariana's new adventure. She's snagged London's most eligible bachelor, Mr. Mornay, and plans her wedding.

Ah, but all is not peaches and cream. Not everyone is delighted with the match. Her beloved's housekeeper fears Ariana will dismiss her, and she'll be out on the street. Mr. Mornay's enemy is angry and seeks revenge, using Ariana to get back at him.

The author gets Ariana into so much hot water that I want to rescue her. The book has a high tension level and deserves the term Romantic Regency Suspense. This is no tea and crumpets novel. Right to the end, I wondered what other evil would befall our hapless heroine.

If you're a big fan of Regency Romance, you'll love, "The House on Grosvenor Square."

Name That Book

Every aspiring author is urged to use a working title for their book. Lately, I've been noticing titles often reflect some interesting line in the book that captures the essence of the story. Christina Berry's book started life as, "Undiscovered," but was changed to, "A Familiar Stranger." Other authors have reported similar experiences.

The working title for my book is, "Echoes of the Past." This resulted from a trip to Gettysburg eight months before I began pounding the keys. Gettysburg's town square is quite old. Cars whizzed around the square in a strange juxtaposition to history, and I sensed the echoes of the forefathers voices fading away. When we got home, I tried to write a poem, an article, something, but could not get it down on paper. It needed time to simmer on the backburner of both my heart and brain.

One day, Beloved and I were talking about "the Gettysburg experience," and he jumped up. "That's it. That's your book, and you'll call it Ghosts of the Past, and you'll have the first draft done by December." I caught his excitement and changed the title to, "Echoes of the Past."

At a recent writers conference, I asked an author about the title, and said I was thinking about changing it to, "The Moses Conspiracy." She thought it was a lot more powerful than the original. So, I will be changing it as part of this edit. I don't know if either of these names will stick, but for now they inspire me.

How do you come up with your titles? Is it a struggle? Do you brainstorm with a critique partner or writers' group?

Friday Round-Up - #72

I received a survey from a well-known author a few weeks ago. She used a site called, "Survey Monkey." It was pretty neat, and I thought I'd pass it along to you. It's FREE.

Debbie Roome, over at Pix N Pens, gives a lesson on how to become a reviewer for publications. This will be a series, so watch for the follow-up posts.

Jean Fischer, over at her Walrus blog, celebrates 10 years of freelancing and shares 10 things she's learned. Congratulations, Jean, on your accomplishments!

Have a fabulous weekend!

On My Nightstand - The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann

Tessa Young, a brilliant landscape architect, gets an opportunity to restore a labyrinth based on an old European design. She's torn because her old flame, Smith Chandler, is the one offering the job. Tormented by nightmares from her childhood, she wonders if her fragile mental state can handle working in such close proximity to him. She takes the position, thinking it will give her closure.

Instead, she finds an older and wiser Smith. She fights to maintain a strictly professional relationship, but finds herself attracted to him once again. Her psychiatrist and mentor, Dr. Brenner, warns her two major stressors could result in a breakdown. Yet, Tessa perseveres.

Bizarre happenings threaten to derail the project. Items are moved, others disappear, and the feeling of someone watching them add to her anxiety. Will she finally tame the monsters that haunt her nights and now intrude on her days?

Kristen Heitzmann's masterful handling of Tessa's emotional state and the ultimate revelations concerning her past make this a suspenseful read. She builds the tension to an almost unbearable level before the climax.

This romantic suspense book provided a satisfying story and ending. It's worth picking up.

Writing Update

A few weeks ago, I asked all of you what you would like to see on this blog. Several requested an update on my writing endeavors.

Two devotionals are coming out over the next few months. The Winter issue (December 2009-February 2010) of A Secret Place contains one of my devotionals. The other will appear on U.S. Devotions (Eddie Long & Cindy Sproles) on a date yet to be announced in early 2010. For those of you who enjoy this type of writing, the response time for A Secret Place is approximately eight months.

After reading an article on The Seekers blog, I wrote an 800-word romance for Women's World. The Assistant Editor wrote back and gave detailed editorial feedback. She invited me to re-submit the story. Unfortunately, I got a rejection. I'll try again at some point.

I'm editing my book, Echoes of the Past, for the gazillionth time. It's taking so long because I cut my fiction teeth on this project. I'd go to a workshop, learn something, run home, and fix the manuscript. My first draft was completed in four months and totaled 55,000 words. When I brought it to a writers' conference, I was informed I needed between 80,000 and 100,000 words. This resulted in a major re-write.

Meanwhile, I've started book 2 of the three-book series. I thought the main characters from the first book would be the focus of this story. However, one of the other characters threw a temper tantrum and demanded top billing. So far, I've written a paltry 3,178 words. I tried the whole plotting thing, but can't wrap my mind around it. I know the beginning and the end. Now, I just need to fill in the middle. I work in true SOTP style. It makes for an interesting time at the computer.

Okay, guys, your turn. Do you have any questions for me? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Blog Tour - Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

The Familiar Stranger is about a couple going through a really rough patch in their marriage. When an accident incapacitates the husband, their relationship must be redefined. which would be a lot easier to do if BIG secrets from his past didn't raise their ugly heads. Despite the upheaval, the choices they make involving forgiveness and trust might allow a new beginning. Or...they might not.

Welcome to Christian Writer/Reader Connection, Christina! We're looking forward to learning more about you and your book.

And, blog readers, at the end of the post, watch for an exciting surprise!

1. I love the story of how you began writing. Could you share it with our readers?

Buried deep within my closet, one might find some angst-filled poetry from my teenage years and a very spooky seven pages of the novel I started in high school. Though I was in love with the idea of being a writer,it wasn't until I finished college and stayed home with my first child that I actually decided to write a book. Truthfully, my mom told me we were going to write one together, and being the obedient daughter I am...

Susan: That's so funny! My journey got kicked into gear with encouragement (okay, a giant shove) from my late husband.

2. We all hear about what makes writing a challenge. What aspects of writing are easy for you?

Strength-wise, while the idea of writing or editing may seem hard, I usually get quite a lot done in a short amount of time once I start. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. That applies to our writing. A little momentum can go a long way!

3. How does your relationship with the Lord influence you as a writer?

I believe He guides the story, adding layers I'm not even capable of comprehending while I write it. I'm not great at starting my writing time with prayer, but I try to stay open to where He might lead me.

I see writing as one of the tools He uses to form me into His image -- a tool to teach me patience, self-control, determination, reliance on Him, and other life lessons. I also see writing as a gift that brings hope, fulfillment, and purpose when the rest of my life is falling apart.

Thanks for stopping by Christina.

As a single mom and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time out of her busy schedule to write about the heart and soul of life. She lives with her family in rural Oregon. The Familiar Strangeris her debut novel. Get to know her better at her website.

Christina also has an infrequent, humorous newsletter. To view back issues, visit her Ashberry Lane website. Just by signing up, each person will be entered to win a 4GB iPod Shuffle or free books for the life of Christina's writing career.

The next stop on Christina's tour is Annette Irby's blog. Christina will share more about her adventures as an author.

Now, for the icing on the cake! To celebrate her blog tour, Christina is entering all commenters in a ten-book giveaway. The drawing will take place on October 31st.

Write Now - Contest

Normally, I would post this information in my Friday Round-Up, but my week got turned upside down. :) My friend, Karen Lange, over at Write Now, starts a contest today for Kim Vogel Sawyer's book, "Field of Grace." It will run until October 22, 2009. For details, pop over to her blog and enter.