From the Margie Gosa Shivers December 2007 Promotional Newsletter

A Few Great Reads

by Idrissa Uqdah

AALBC.com Reviewer

Hello Readers:

I am happy to be back this issue with you to bring you a few great reads in review.  These books come highly recommended.  These writers have a lot of talent and their books are ones that I have recently enjoyed.  I hope that you too will find them a joy.  Give the gift of books this holiday season.  Books are gifts that never stop giving. Happy Holidays to all of you and to the MGS Publishing family.  I'll see you in ther New Year.

My Land Is Your Land

Eric Jordan and Sarah Knowles fell in love as college students and pledged a commitment to not only one another,but to working as Christians using their gifts and talents in Kingdom building.  But life happens and Eric was unable to live up to his commitment to both Sarah and God.  Broken-hearted and disappointed Sarah continues her education becoming a nurse practioner.   She plans to open a community clinic to treat the poor and the disadvantaged.  Just as she completes her internship at an inner city hospital; Eric re-enters her life. 

Six years have passed and Sarah is not sure she can trust Eric with her heart again.  Yet; Sarah is still determined to live God's will for her life.  Confused and looking for a word from God Sarah realizes that she still does love Eric.  Meanwhile; Eric has worked hard and has attained his goals as an entrepreneur.  He has managed to build a business that will train community people and provide them with jobs in the high-tech industry.  But Eric has still not made his peace with God.  Finding Sarah again convinces him that it is now time for him to make good on his promises made so long ago to both  God and to Sarah. 

This is the stuff that good love stories are made of and the author did a good job of plotting the story, developing real characters and giving her readers a contemporary novel in the Christian genre that she can be proud of.  My  Land Is Your Land is published by iUniverse and is available at on line book stores and through the authors website at: www.mylandisyourland.com

THE WRITTEN WORD from the CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S MAGAZINE

SIMPLY BLESSED

Books in Review

by Idrissa Uqdah

My Land Is Your Land by first time author, Debra Fulton-White is a wonderfully written inspirational romance novel that shows that faith in the midst of adversity brings a host of blessings for those who are patient and truly believe. 

As students at the University of Berkeley, Eric Jordan and Sarah Knowles are college sweethearts who pledge their love for not only one another, but to working in the vineyard for the building of the Kingdom of God.  However; Eric’s commitment to give his life to missionary work seems too much of a challenge so he runs not only from his love of God, but also from his love for Sarah.  Six years later, they meet in the most unlikely situation.

 Sarah is still smarting from the pain that his departure brought but has spent the last six years preparing herself for work as a nurse practitioner, serving the needy in the community while Eric has followed his entrepreneurial dream. He has been blessed with the financial backing needed to set his business plans in motion and is finding his way back to God.  Finding Sarah again; has shown him that she is the only woman that he has ever loved.  Determined to win back both the heart of Sarah and the forgiveness of the Lord, Eric is a changed man. 

Despite the pain and heartbreak that Eric had caused her, Sarah is still determined to accept the will of God in her life.  Her love for Eric had never wavered even though she knew that she could not be one with a man who could not commit himself completely to God.  Would reuniting with him now be different?

Can this young couple work through their current trials and tribulations that now seem to test their commitment to one another?  Is Sarah the Proverbs 31 woman who can surrender herself totally as  the mate that Eric needs in life? With the joy of the Lord in both their hearts can they now live as one in God’s Word?  Read My Land Is Your Land and you will find out.  Published by  iUniverse, this book is available at on line bookstores and at the author’s website at www.mylandisyourland.com ----Book review from Idrissa Uqdah

"Being a Christian, I could definitely relate to the constant struggle Eric and Sarah had to keep God first in their lives and to let Him be in control.  I was reminded during the reading of your book that God should always be who we seek out first in good times and in bad."   ----Review quote from IN THE COMPANY OF MY SISTAHS (ITCOMS) Bookclub

"The premise is quite compelling."  ----Review quote from DAFINA/KENSINGTON

Sarah trusted the Almighty but just couldn’t wrap her brain around the reason for Eric’s return. All she knew was that she was not about to sign up for anymore heartaches and disappointments from the very man who dumped her and their commitment to the Lord so long ago.

“I need to get your file, Miss Knowles. Be right back.”

“Thanks.”  Sarah approached the counter and recalled a disquieting thought, Why not, Sarah? Why? Please tell me why. I won’t hurt you—again. I’m a changed man.

 Why are you scared to spend some time with me? Eric’s words from the previous day echoed through her mind. She then braced herself on the counter and shut her tired eyes. Lord, I am afraid but could this possibly be Your will? Is this Your hand at work? I know You put people through all kinds of seemingly unnecessary trials and tribulations but Your will is eventually revealed in the end. I have a prayer request . . . Lord, please give me a sign. Lord, put something in my path to show me the way to go. I lean totally upon Your understanding. I trust in You with all my heart but a sign would be nice. Thank you, Father.

Sarah opened her eyes and cast a glimpse around the room.

No sign.

One last kiss goodbye to her badge was in order as she placed it along with her final time sheet on the counter. About a minute or so had passed when she decided to go through her box of knick knacks from her office. There was no need to drag the outdated bag of Smokehouse almonds all the way home so she tossed them in the receptacle. About another minute had passed as Sarah stood, impatiently tapping her fingers on the counter. The counter clerk eventually returned and processed Sarah out. Afterwards, they shared a “good luck and God bless you” hug goodbye.

The deep, sultry voice radiating from the doorway of the human resources office pierced Sarah from behind.

“Leaving so soon?”

Sarah closed her eyes and released a grateful sigh. She had a vision of the face of the Almighty. In slow motion, she turned around to meet with Eric’s penetrating glow.  

He was beaming with a hopeful smile as he reached out both hands, inviting her into his very capable arms.

He continued, “Ahhh, internship complete. Job well done, I’m sure. I’m very proud of you, Sarah.”

“We’re all so proud of her. She’s done a fantastic job for us around here and she’ll be sorely missed,” the clerk injected.

“Can I help you with your load?” Eric asked as he pointed to the box of knick knacks.

The sign.

“Well, if you insist,” Sarah sweetly and innocently conceded, believing that this was the sign she had asked God for.

THE BLESSED ROOM MAGAZINE

INTERVIEW

2006

An interview with Inspirational author Debra Fulton -White

by Erica S. Dye


TBR: Debra, thank you for taking the time to grant this interview with
T B R Magazine.

DW: Ms. Dye, I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to
share myself with your audience. You have a wonderful vision and I am
honored to be a part of it.

The Life of Your Writer...
>
Tell me what is your favorite. . .
>
TBR: Food?
>
DW: Tacos, extra cheese.
>
TBR: Color?
>
DW: Royal Blue.
>
TBR: Sound?
>
DW: Children's Laughter.
>
TBR: Taste?
>
DW: Watermelon.
>
TBR: Person?

DW: Well, Jesus is my best friend. Other than that, I don't have a
favorite person.
>
TBR: Place?
>
DW: Ocean shores.
>
TBR: Memory?
>
DW: Easter mornings as a child.
>
TBR: Article of clothing?
>
DW: My Levis .
>
TBR: Favorite Word?
>
DW: Love.
>
TBR: What is your most favorite quality about yourself?
>
DW: My tender heart towards mankind.
>
TBR: What is your least favorite quality about yourself?
>
DW: At times I over eat.
>
TBR: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and
why?
>
DW: I would go to New Orleans to check on the folks and eat some
seafood gumbo with pralines for dessert!
>
Your Writer's Perspective...
>
TBR: When and why did you make the decision to write Inspirational fiction?

DW: I made the decision to write inspirational fiction after my erotic
writings were rejected.
>
TBR: What inspires you to write and why?
>
DW: I was inspired to write My Land Is Your Land because I had
something to say and didn't want to let it go until I was done.
>
TBR: What is your favorite book and why?
>
DW: My favorite book is my own because it is from my very own heart.
>
TBR: Who are your three favorite authors (any genre) and why?
>
DW: I don't have any favorites.
>

TBR: What do you think makes a writer successful?
>
DW: Perseverance and talent.
>
TBR: What is it that makes you successful as a writer?
>
DW: Even after being rejected by what seems like every publisher and
literary agency out there, I didn't give up on myself. So, I
succeeded without their help.
>
A Writer's Journey...
>
TBR: Tell me about your "My Land Is Your Land."  Introduce the characters.
>
DW: Eric is a beautiful, talented,
intelligent young man who is unknowingly doing God's will and then finally realizes it.
Sarah has the same character traits but at the same time, has always
known she was doing God's will.
>
TBR: How long did it take you to write?
>
DW: My Land Is Your Land took about three months for the first draft.
>
TBR: Were there ever times you felt discouraged and wanted to stop
writing this story?
>
DW: I never considered quitting the story.
>
TBR: Often writers incorporate several themes into their books. Tell
us about one of the themes from "My Land Is Your Land" and how you
hope readers might connect this idea to their own lives?
>
DW: The main theme of the story is to never give up. Ironically, this
theme applies to my very own life and finally getting My Land Is Your
Land published.
>
TBR: Tell readers how your book is different and why they should read
this arrival to the Christian fiction scene? My Land Is Your Land is
an inspirational love story.
>
DW: It's a love story about a man's love for God and a man's love for
a woman. The same is true regarding God's love for man and a woman's
love for a man.
>
TBR: What are your goals as a writer?
>
DW: To inspire those I have never met and will never meet and to be a
blessing even though I'm not in the room.
>
TBR: What is the best tip you can give to fellow writers?
>
DW: Finish the story and get it published . . . one way or another.
It'll happen if it is meant to be so don't ever give up on yourself.
>
TBR: What do you hope to provide your readers with through your writing?
>
DW: A good read and a blessing that can literally be passed on.
>
TBR: What have you learned about the publishing world through your
experience?
>
DW: A writer can save themselves a lot of aggravation if they
self-publish out the gate and then go from there. At least your
writing will be OUT THERE!
>
Your Writer's Response
>
TBR: This is your chance to "Talk-Back" to your readers. What would
you like to say to them?

DW: I truly hope you were blessed by taking the time to read My Land
Is Your Land. Please pass your copy on to someone else whom you think
might benefit from such a message. Also, I always look forward to
hearing your thoughts so please get in touch when you can.
>
TBR: What's the one thing that you want them to know about your writing?
>
DW: My Land Is Your Land is a heartfelt story that makes me cry
whenever I read the ending.
>
TBR: Where can readers find out more about you and your ministry?
http://www.mylandisyourland.com or email with questions and comments to:
Dlynne@mylandisyourland.com
>
TBR: Once again Debra, thank you for interviewing with T B R Magazine!

Romance Junkies

Interview

2006

Hi Debra and Welcome!  Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you for Romance Junkies. 

How do you fit writing into your schedule? What does your workspace look like?

I write when my first grader is in class and when the entire house is completely folk-free.  My workspace is filled with research notes, rejection letters, self-help guides, and romance novels.

Do you do a lot of research for your stories? What is the most interesting thing you have learned?

I have to research an imagined event to make the scenario believable for the reader.  I try and put as much realistic detail in as I possibly can. 

If readers can place themselves in the actual situation, say for instance, on the street where it happened or in the specific coffee shop where the scene takes place, it is much more believable and memorable.

Are you a plotter or do you write as it comes? Do your characters start with names or do they have to have personalities before they can be named?

I play the particular scene out in my head and then write it down. After about five or six rewrites, I leave it alone and hope for the best

My characters always have personalities before they get a name.  I match their name with their specific character traits.

What is the most challenging part of writing the story for you? Is there anything that you aren’t fond of doing?

I find that the most challenging part of writing a story is not knowing whether or not to leave something in or take it out.  

I’m not very fond of having to remember what I was trying to say or write whenever I’m interrupted by the phone, the doorbell, or any movement in my writing environment.

What are your goals in life? Personal or otherwise?

One of my main goals is leave a lasting inspirational message for all of humankind whether it be in my daily actions or in my writing. Personal and otherwise.

What would be your dream vacation? Is there a place you haven’t been that you would love to?

My dream vacation involves white sands, sunsets, and peace of mind.  A secluded island in the Caribbean comes to mind.

Do you have any hobbies that you do in your spare time? Is there something you would love to learn but haven’t had the chance yet?

I enjoy listening to old-school rhythm and blues, classic rock, and country tunes. 

I would also love to learn how to cook really good Soul and Mexican.

What kinds of advice would you give a new writer? Is there anything that you have learned that you can pass on to someone just starting out?

I would say never, never, never give up.  If your writing is meant to be published, it will, one way or another. 

A new writer can always find material for their story wherever they go—like the store, the park, church, sitting in traffic . . .  Remember sights, sounds, and especially smells.  Also, the reader can actually taste what you write.

What age is your inner child? Why did you pick that age?

My inner child age is eleven because there is just way too much fun to be had and yet, I’m not quite a woman with all the responsibilities therein. 

MORE FUN…

Are you caught up in the reality TV craze? Has one of the endings blown you away?

The very first season of Survivor was enough for me.  I hate to miss a show so I don’t even try to keep up.

If you could pick one super power to have, which one would it be and why?

Super power—huum—let’s see, I guess I would choose the ability to see what a person is truly all about before letting them into my world.  I’d like to know where a person’s heart truly lies (no pun intended.)

What is your favorite sport/team?

Why, the San Diego Chargers, of course!

What is your favorite part of fall? How about your least favorite?

My favorite part of fall is the simultaneous chill in the air and the warmth in my heart. 

What is your favorite TV commercial? Do you have a least favorite one?

My most favorite TV commercial is the new one that recently came out about Chevrolet and America.  The singer expresses my exact sentiment when he sings:  “This is our country.”  I think that commercial will be a classic amongst shared, true, heartfelt American emotions.

I also want to thank Romance Junkies for sharing MY LAND IS YOUR LAND with its audience.  I do hope all who read it will be inspired!

And thank you, Debra, for taking time out of your schedule to "chat" with us.  It has been a lot of fun.  Continued success with your writing!

By Kim Atchue-Cusella

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor