A FRANK REVIEW

A Message from Writer Friend, Karina Fabian

2011-11-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and readers, This winter, I have two things in my heart and on my mind: caring for those less fortunate than me (or indeed, much of the world) and my DragonEye, PI stories. For Christmas, I’m combining them and would like to share them with you. Those of you who are “Vern Fans,” know about my dragon who works in our world as a private investigator, and his partner, Sister Grace, a

New Release! Underground Rising: Tales from the Underground

2011-11-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

It has long been my dream that if the Underground world of my fiction, first revealed in Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground, saw any degree of success, I wanted to share the setting with other talented Christian authors. Today is the book release of Underground Rising: Tales from the Underground, and my dream has been realized. I'm particularly proud of the fiction's quality, and know that

Infinite Space Infinite God II Tour

2011-04-23T12:06:00.002-07:00

Welcome to my Blog tour for Infinite Space, Infinite God II, featuring an interview with one of its editors, Karina Fabian. First though, what is Infinite Space, Infinite God II? The book is twelve science fiction stories featuring Catholic heroes. Meet a time traveler who sacrifices his life to give a man a sip of water, and the nun who faces venomous snakes to save a friend. Share the

Tales of the Dim Knight on Tour

2011-04-22T09:46:00.011-07:00

Mild-mannered janitor and superhero fanboy Dave Johnson gets all his wishes at once when a symbiotic alien gives him supernatural powers, but what's he to do with them? Follow his zany adventures as he fights crime and corruption while trying to keep his family together and avoid being sued for copyright infringement.Today I'm featuring a fun book that I had the pleasure of reading before

War of Attrition on Tour!

2010-12-06T17:21:00.005-08:00

This week, members of the Christian Fiction Review Blog are featuring my new release, War of Attrition: Book Two of the Underground in their monthly blog tour. Yes, the long awaited sequel to the award-winning and Amazon best-selling Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground is now out, and readers everywhere are learning what really happened to the heroic Legacy.To celebrate, I'm posting War of

Infinite Space, Infinite God II

2010-12-06T07:49:00.004-08:00

Infinite Space, Infinite God set high literary standards when it was released. I expect nothing less from ISIG II. While I've not yet had the pleasure of reading it, the reviews I've read show this volume to be of the same quality. Here's a little bit about the short fiction of ISIG II . . .Story SummariesThe Ghosts of Kourion by Andrew Seddon: Professor Robert Cragg thought that he could escape

War of Attrition, Flashpoint's sequel, is finally out!

2010-11-29T09:55:00.006-08:00

The big LAUNCH-day is finally here! War of Attrition, the long awaited sequel to the award-winning and Amazon best-selling Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground is now out!: Amazon LinkPlot synopsis:Set in 2037, Calamity Kid and his muscle cell are targeted by the One State's Federal Bureau of Terrorism and must survive alone in Chicago's Underground. At one-half its usual might, the cell

A Frank review of American Midnight, by Brandon Barr & Mike Lynch

2010-11-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

George Orwell said, “During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” It is in such a political climate that we live, and that Barr & Lynch have set their political thriller, American Midnight. The message of truth could not be clearer. We follow Tania, a typical teen trying to grow up in the sometimes cruel world. Her search for answers occurs at a time of deceit

A Frank Review of Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s Witness to Murder

2010-10-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

by Frank CreedWhen Minnesota newspaper reporter Hallie Berglund arrives to interview a female university student and model, she finds the front door ajar. Just inside, amidst signs of struggle, a man stands over the woman’s still body, a length of cord in one hand. This is how Witness to Murder opens, and if you like your conflict flowing, Jill Elizabeth Nelson keeps the tap open throughout this

A Frank Review of M.L. Tyndall's The Blue Enchantress

2010-09-02T18:55:00.009-07:00

From the author, ML Tyndall, who sports this bumper sticker:My Other Car is a Pirate Ship. MaryLu Tyndall maybe missed her true calling as a cruise ship captain because her fifth novel, just like her first four, takes her readers there. The Blue Enchantress is Book Two of the Charles Towne Belles series (Barbour, 2009) and follows Hope Westcott, the second of three sisters

Why Cyberpunk?

2009-07-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

My fiction’s set in Chicago’s 2037 Underground, and over the weekend a great unintentional interview question came in private mail. "So why'd you go for Cyberpunk Dystopia?"From a lit standpoint, Cyberpunk Dystopia (opposite of Utopia), is a redundancy. Dystopian setting is among the three key elements of cyberpunk classification. A near-future date and a tech-link between computer/ chips and the

How to be Interviewed and Live to tell the Tale

2009-06-29T09:55:00.004-07:00

Successful interview feedback is great. One hopes for scintillating results, but putting a great interview together is as much art as science. After having a week to consider things, a recent interviewer sent me a wonderful note. "Frank: I've done probably a couple hundred interviews between the podcast and during my brief tenure as a radio talk show host in Missouri. Our talk was one of the most

I'm SO excited!

2009-06-22T18:51:00.001-07:00

Derek Gilbert interviewed me on his Voice From the Bunker POD-radio show--he plugged: Author Frank Creed talks about cyberpunk, Christian fiction, why he writes and for whom: http://www.pidradio.com/?p=434What's really cool? The best selling Christian Fantasy novelist since CS Lewis, Donita Paul, listened to the show and commented!Another Derek Gilbert plug:P.I.D. Radio » VFTB: Christian

Who’s Greg Mitchell?

2009-05-23T10:01:00.001-07:00

The screenwriter for Apocalypse V has been chosen--and he’s one of us. The Lost Genre Guild is a community of Christian sci-fi, horror, and fantasy (speculative fiction), writers, and Mr. Mitchell’s been an active member for years. The end-of-days film saga will be influenced by a talented Christian artist. Greg’s Christian near future science-fiction short story Ex-Communicator will also be

Amazon Bestseller: Feel the Realness

2009-05-16T19:04:00.001-07:00

There’s a type of question that always glazes my eyes. What does it feel like to—fill in the blank—be published, win fiction awards, or hold a number one ranking. I’ve wanted these things since one Ford was in the Oval Office, and another Ford was still building Torinos. I still can’t believe that fiction I wrote is available in book form, so experiences like last Tuesday’s are very surreal to

Flashpoint's newest review

2009-05-15T06:29:00.003-07:00

"Flashpoint"(Book One of "The Underground")by Frank Creed$9.95, 190 pagesISBN: 978-1-934284-01-8An adrenaline infused, roller-coaster ride into a future where a belief can cost you a brain-washing and even your life, this science-fiction novel reminds me most of the best of the "Indiana Jones" movies in its pacing and level of excitement.The belief that can cost you a `cleaned' mind is the Word

Flashpoint is an Amazon Bestseller II

2009-05-13T14:10:00.003-07:00

Frank's publicist created this press release celebrating the #1 ranking event (and she had the good presence of mind to capture a screen shot of the event):Contact: Frank CreedTelephone: 765.807.6745Email: frank@frankcreed.comAddress: 418 South Brookfield Drive, Lafayette IN 47905For Immediate Release“Flashpoint” is an Amazon BestsellerLafayette, IN May 13, 2009—Frank Creed's ground-breaking

Flashpoint Hits #1 in Amazon's Genre Rankings!!!

2009-05-12T18:34:00.001-07:00

No idea why, but I went over to amazon.com to see a new review and saw Flashpoint hit #1 in our genre rankings!!!!Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,271 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)Popular in these categories: (What's this?)#1 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Fiction > Science Fiction & Fantasy#60 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction &

A Frank Review of M.L. Tyndall’s The Red Siren

2009-05-07T08:55:00.006-07:00

NOTE: I do not read Harlequin Romances, let's be clear on this right off the top.I am big strong he-man. Building fires, driving a garden tractor round 'n round on imagined tasks, and kicking tires figure amongst my usual pastimes. I think dishes are best done with a garden hose and spray attachment and wonder why my wife panics when the little "headlight" goes out on the vacuum cleaner. Romance

Thanks for the Well-Wishes

2009-05-05T09:43:00.002-07:00

Upon my return from 6 days in the hospital, a full inbox of email and messages at other web communities awaited me. While recovering at home the next week, every day the mailbox contained cards with well-wishes.I'd like to say thanks for all the prayers and wishes for health.I am thankful for my community of friends on the web; it makes me feel loved.Faith,f

Prayer for Frank Creed (posted by cyn)

2009-04-21T15:05:00.001-07:00

This is Cynthia. Below is a prayer a Shoutlife friend of Frank's wrote:Offered by Joseph, Poetic Warrior of JEHOVAH-SABAOTH Father I thank you that in the name of Jesus that whatever is wrong with Frank that you took his sickenesses and diseases upon your back. With each stripe you took upon your back you bore that sickness and that disease. We remind you of your covenant promises that Frank has

Hi-Tech, Hot 'n Heavy Geeks . . .

2009-04-13T16:23:00.002-07:00

"Hi-tech, hot 'n heavy geeks confronting diabolical anti-humans."America loves its superheroes. Spiderman held the top grossing film spot for a long time and the first superhero, Superman, gave people hope during the Great Depression. In new hard times, Stephen Leon Rice's fiction gives new hope against MegaCorp wealth and power.But there's more. In a classic genre of good and evil, League of

The Christian H.P. Lovecraft: Michael Vance’s Weird Horror Tales

2009-04-09T07:31:00.002-07:00

After King and Poe, Lovecraft is widely acknowledged as one of the top three horror writers to impact American horror. Lovecraft’s horror world even has its own name: the Cthulhu (Kuh-Thoo-Loo) Mythos. Fans of Howard Phillip Lovecraft’s style, rejoice—there is an author you simply must meet. Algernon Blackwood and August Derleth have a stylistic contemporary in Michael Vance, a professional

Interview With a Dragon

2009-04-08T08:27:00.003-07:00

Review books long enough and you see everything. I tried to interview Karina Fabian for her recent Magic, Mensa and Mayhem tour. She was too busy and hooked me up with an affable assistant named Vern. Yes, questions to a dragon . . .Frank: Can you tell humans who don't know any better (those who can't think past Stephen Hawking), more about the multiverse, and what is life like through the Gap,

Magic, Mensa & Mayhem: A Blog Tour

2009-04-03T10:25:00.005-07:00

The first rule of writing fiction is entertaining an audience. That can mean creating many different moods depending upon what an audience is looking for when it comes to being entertained. Fabian's Dragon, a private eye named Vern, is fun, and everyone likes fun. Just consider the following synopsis. For those of you who've not heard of award winning author Karina Fabian, there's a bit about her

Novel Journey: Christian Speculative Fiction Panel -- Part Two

2009-03-30T10:59:00.002-07:00

Novel Journey's Christian speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, and horror), panel Part Two, featuring Rebecca Miller, Jeff Gerke, and myself:Christian Speculative Fiction Panel -- Part TwoPart one generated 400 new Novel Journey hits, and thirty-three comments. I take that as a sign that genre fans don't hang in literary circles.To read Part 1, go to Novel Journey's February archives:

Mavis' Road Trip to New Orleans

2009-03-27T17:03:00.008-07:00

Last week we went on a road trip and took my cousin to New Orleans.Doesn't Dad look nice in the hot pink feather boa? Mom put it 'round his shoulders because he looked cold when we sat at a table by one of the restaurant's open doors so I could sit with them. Later Dad tried to put it around my Pet Voyage (said with a French accent) carrier but I wasn't having any of it!Here is my cousin Mike (

Farm Kid in the Marine Corps

2009-03-24T19:16:00.002-07:00

Received this from my sister-in-law . . . she and my wife can relate all too well since they are still farm-kids at heart.(NOW AT San Diego MARINE CORPS RECRUIT TRAINING)Dear Ma and Pa,I am well. Hope you are.Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled up.I was restless at first

Melasaurus

2009-03-20T20:48:00.006-07:00

Our new rescued cat . . . Mel

Published For St. Patty's Day

2009-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Natalia (short story, March 2009, Wayfarer’s Journal e-zine)My seventh published work of fiction--and this one's free!http://www.wayfarersjournal.com/http://www.wayfarersjournal.com/creednat.htmBiblical cyberpunk: near-future high-tech dystopian sci-fi featuring a direct interface between the computer and human mind.See if you can tell which character in this story was inspired by my daughter. 8D

Global Warming Questionnaire

2009-03-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Until a few years ago, I was a global warming skeptic. The evidence I've seen has changed my mind. A recent blog about the evidence for global warming received good reader response. Many Christians tend toward distrust and fear of science, and global warming is nearly as divisive as Creationism. Pundits on both sides of the political issue are paid to play-up the propaganda, and easy-to-believe

March First is Self-Injury Awareness Day

2009-02-28T19:43:00.002-08:00

I’m the stepfather of a cutter. I belong to a Shoutlife.com group where I can use my experience to help people with the issue of self-injury. It's not always abusive parents at the root of the problem. When my stepdaughter’s mom and I found out in the late 1990s, we were surprised and worried. We attended church and sent her to a good Christian school—all the right things.Self-injury victims are

On Meeting Donita Paul

2009-02-27T18:25:00.004-08:00

A moment of which mere authors don't dare to dream. Enjoying dessert with the Queen of Christian Fantasy is memorable in itself, but her rave review about fainted me like a high society lady in a black-n-white movie.One of life's high points occured in 2008. I'd met the best selling christian fantasy author since C.S. Lewis. Donita Paul, online about three years ago, and she recently suggested we

Global Warming's Effects on the South Pole

2009-02-25T11:15:00.002-08:00

Here's an amazing AP story about the South Pole ice cap melting far faster than expected. I expect to see sea-levels threaten coastal cities in my lifetime, and it's scary what the coastlines will look like for next generations. But that's okay, it's not our problem, right?Long ago I’d read that the Farmer's Almanac seventy year cycle explained apparent climate differences. It’s taken the passage

Miller, Gerke, and Creed at the Novel Journey Blog

2009-02-23T15:03:00.001-08:00

Christian Speculative Fiction Panel--Part OneAlong with the Christian Science-Fiction & Fantasy blog tour’s Rebecca Miller and Marcher Lord Press’ Jeff Gerke, I was invited to be part of a speculative fiction panel at the Novel Journey blog. Please drop by for a state of the Christian genre discussion, part one of two. http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/ Faith,f

Flashpoint Dilemma

2009-02-11T07:59:00.005-08:00

Danger Will Robinson . . .I want to sell books. Tons of books.I want the buyers of my books to enjoy them.Sound like a no-brainer?I like it when people place my book on lists of "must-read cyberpunk." I like it when I get good reviews from readers.But, I don't want to "trick" people into purchasing Flashpoint only to discover that its characters are overtly Christian which. in turn, makes them

Knighted by the Queen of Christian Fantasy

2009-02-09T18:13:00.003-08:00

"The Best in Christian Science Fiction" is the title of Donita Paul’s Amazon review of my first novel, Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground. Ms Paul is the best selling Christian fantasy author since C.S. Lewis. She’s a retired school teacher who knows her literature.This is a moment of which I’d never had the courage to dream.Funny thing is, because Christian bookstore publishers, an elite

Cyberpunk Frank or Frankpunk?

2009-01-26T18:18:00.006-08:00

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.Cynthia had no problem deciding. I was shocked out of deep concentration on a writing project by her guffaw of sonic-boom proportions.She was checking the Frankcreed.com website hits and followed a referring link to MSN's Live Search with the parameters: Free Cyberpunk Images.If I hadn't first heard the guffaw, I would have imagined Flashpoint's book cover to

Well Lookee Here!

2009-01-19T14:53:00.001-08:00

Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground: Science Fiction for Teens - Book ReviewWith the release of Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground, author Frank Creed reaches out to Christian tweens, science fiction and cyberpunk fans.http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1373532/flashpoint_book_one_of_the_underground.html

A Frank Review of Forever Richard

2009-01-19T13:28:00.006-08:00

Horror newcomer Sue Dent’s 2006 vampire and werewolf novel, Never Ceese, nailed down a few accolades of which you may have heard: short listed for the coveted Bram Stoker award, and named American Christian Fiction Writers book club choice of the month in May of 2007. How does a novelist top that?By writing a superior sequel. Everyone knows that sequels have a bad reputation for falling short of

Virtual Reality Christians

2009-01-18T12:44:00.003-08:00

The Web has several virtual reality communities—like first-person shooter games, but without guns. U.S. Senators have even given speeches at a virtual Capitol Building. One travels around the world by walking, flying like Neo, or clicking links, and can speak with one’s microphone, or use the keyboard to chat. We even surf at a marina, and go clubbing! Design an avatar, and come along on Tuesday,

2009 Writer’s Digest Contests

2009-01-14T16:19:00.001-08:00

From the Writer's Digest site . . .Writer's Digest Annual Writing CompetitionDeadline: 5/15/2009.We are now accepting entries in the 78th Annual Writing Competition. Don't miss your chance to win part of the more than $30,000 in cash and prizes. Compete and win in 10 categories.http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions78th Annual Writer's Digest WRITING COMPETITION COLLECTION Sponsored by

New Release, Another Blog Tour & Conference Pitch Sessions

2009-01-05T13:04:00.004-08:00

Forever Richard, by Sue Denthits stores today, January 5th. Forever Richard, Sue Dent's much anticipated vampire & werewolf sequel to Never Ceese, is horror, and like Bram Stoker's 1897 Dracula, is written from a subtle Christian wordview.thewriterscafepress.com* * *Seabird, by Sherry Thompsonis a fantasy novel with a subtle Christian wordview. It's being toured by the Christian Fiction Review

A Frank Review of Our Recent Tour

2009-01-02T19:18:00.007-08:00

After our Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy December tour, Rebecca Miller publicly accused the Guild of “segregating traditional from non-traditional” books. Becky has been around the Guild long enough to know more than one person has poured their soul into the community, but none more than Cynthia and I. The Guild consists of people, it's not a free-entity corporation.Segregation of books is

Day 3 CSFF Tour of the Lost Genre Guild: The Grahams

2008-12-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

A Frank Review of Adam & Andrea Graham’s Laser & Sword e-Zine:Day Three of the Guild’s CSSF Blog Tourby Frank CreedThe Lost Genre Guild Network is still in the planning stages. Podcast fans will have an index of audio files to download and enjoy. I’m hoping that two friends will be in the thick of it. The Grahams have a passion for a serial fiction, a form best showcased in radio broadcasts,

Day 2: CSFF Tour of Lost Genre Guild

2008-12-30T20:35:00.008-08:00

Day Two—Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour:The Lost Genre Guild’s Featured Artists; December, 2008Listed Alphabetically:Brandon Barr: and co-author Mike Lynch recently announced that the first chapter of their new novel won a "first chapter contest" at the Dead Robot Society.Grace Bridges: Author of Faith Awakened, a cyberpunk tale with a classic old literary sci-fi style; and

Not Just Another Little Christmas Book

2008-12-30T11:06:00.001-08:00

With shopping, cooking, recitals, and services all piled on top of our daily chores and tasks, how many of us lose sight of what's meaningful, for days at a time, every Christmas? What if you could have one tool to keep that from happening?A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts is only ten chapters long, each themed with a verse of the Christmas story from Matthew and Luke. Chapters are then stuffed

Lost Genre Guild & Live Christian Virtual Reality

2008-12-29T19:14:00.005-08:00

Happy Monday--the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour's first day featuring the Lost Genre Guild. If you have a fast computer, join us tomorrow as we meet at one of the Web's virtual reality communities. But, pLeAsE don't sit in the water--you'll sink.8DHere's directions from the editor of Wayfarers Journal about how to get virtual at 10pm Eastern Time, 7pm Pacific:We are going to

Frank Does Tea

2008-12-24T02:41:00.003-08:00

Yup, FC likes his tea parties.Learned all about afternoon tea from my Canadian wife and now embrace the tradition . . . perhaps can even be called an afternoon tea snob.Tea at the Propylaeum Club in Indy is the-thing. Everything served as it should be and gotta love that Devonshire Cream and cherry preserves slathered on every last scone crumb.Some might turn their nose up at the little tea

Black Wednesday for Publishers

2008-12-07T13:44:00.004-08:00

Some interesting points from a recent NY Times article:“. . . never in all my years as a bookseller have I seen a retail climate as poor as the one we are in.” (Leonard S. Riggio, chairman and largest shareholder of Barnes & Noble)Simon & Schuster: 35 people laid off Simon & Schuster: president of children's division resigned Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: publisher of adult division resigned

Donita Paul: One Gracious Lady

2008-11-03T22:29:00.004-08:00

On November 1st, I had an incredible Saturday.This story begins four or five years ago.When I first researched websites for fans of Christian spec-fic, I joined a Yahoo group of which Donita Paul was part. Shortly after, I violated that group's privacy policy by sharing about Donita—off-group.Most of you know my passion for tales of good and evil that glorify our Maker. I dissed the best-selling

League of Superheroes

2008-11-02T15:22:00.005-08:00

You gotta get a hold of a copy of my friend Stephen Rice's novel, League of Superheroes (and not just because Frank Creed wrote the Foreword).World need saving?This looks like a job for . . .Geeks?Yeah, geeks. I mean, who else is going to figure out how to use a super suit? Not some jock! I'm Tom Reilly, a language geek; Rod Davies is the math and physics genius, the smartest guy in high school;

The UNDERGROUND October '08

2008-10-24T09:45:00.001-07:00

If anyone is interested in reading October '08's The UNDERGROUND newsletter/ ezine, I now place it directly on my website (no downloads or pdfs). You can get to it either by clicking the link above or going to FrankCreed.com and clicking on the Ezine banner. This month: Writing tips (using metaphors, word count, locating "geek" specialists to help research sci-fi stories, and creating book titles

TAgGEd bY CAP & BECKY

2008-09-29T07:06:00.003-07:00

Another game of tag in the blogosphere?DrAt! I’m IT! Christian spec-fic associate-compadres of mine, Caprice Hokstead and Rebecca Miller, who blog at Queen of Convolution and A Christian Worldview of Fiction respectively, picked on a slow-moving handicapped guy, and tagged me.8-/Here are the rules for those I’m tagging. Check the list after my 6 GROOVY HIFALUTIN' THINGS to see if you’ve been

Frank is coming to Mt. Vernon Ohio

2008-09-24T14:27:00.005-07:00

.LOCK UP YOUR KITTENS! CYBERPUNK AUTHOR FRANK CREED IS ENROUTE TO MT VERNON, OHIOAND HE'S ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR KITTENS IN DISTRESSOkay, here's the deal: if you live in or near Mt. Vernon, Ohio it'd be great to see you at Sips Coffee House on Saturday, October 4, 11AM to 3PM.I'll be there with some wonderful ladies who are real authors:Brenda NixonStephanie ReedCindy ThompsonJanice McCament

Review of The Falcon and the Sparrow

2008-09-21T18:13:00.002-07:00

A Review of M.L. Tyndall’s The Falcon and the SparrowBy Frank CreedWinner of the Road to Romance Reviewers Choice award for her novel The Redemption, MaryLu Tyndall deserved it—and more. Her fiction made her a 2007 nominee for the prestigious Christy Awards. The fact that she did not win means there are some judges due some slaps!Now that her Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is concluded, Ms

Publishing Christian Spec-fic

2008-09-05T10:02:00.004-07:00

I've written an article about Christian spec-fic (sci-fi, fantasy, horror) and the publishing industry that some of you may be interested in. The introduction is below and then a link to the actual article follows.In 2006, a spring issue of Writers Digest magazine predicted that religious fiction would be one of the biggest growth areas over the next five years. In spite of this welcome news, the

FLASHPOINT on FIRST WildCard

2008-07-28T13:27:00.005-07:00

Yup, another cool tour of Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground, this time on FIRST's WildCard. First of all, what is F.I.R.S.T.? The acronym stands for Fiction In Rather Short Takes. It is a book blog tour organization directed by Mimi Pearson (moderated by Deena Peterson and Cami Tang). Likely you've see the brown logo on various book review sites . . . The group members post information

Interviewed on Where the Map Ends

2008-07-01T19:24:00.006-07:00

If you've a few minutes and any interest, check out my interview at Jeff Gerke's Where the Map Ends. He also asks interviewees to submit a sample of their work; my short story, "Whiskey in the Jar," is located on his Special Features page.It is a privilege to be interviewed on important Christian speculative fiction sites like Where the Map Ends and Yellow 30 Sci-Fi.And, I just received

A Horror of a Day

2008-06-15T00:10:00.010-07:00

MO*CON III held in Indianapolis, June 14, 2008 organized and hosted by Maurice Broaddus, the Sinister Minister.The Intersection of Spirituality, Art, and GenderImagine rubbing elbows with the who's who of the Horror writing world!This cozy gathering at The Dwelling Place in Indy included networking opportunities, listening to the wisdom of experienced authors and discussion panels: spirituality,

Flashpoint: The RPG

2008-05-26T16:54:00.003-07:00

For those of you accustomed to lame Christian role playing games, get ready for Mike Roop's Flashpoint: The RPG.I met Mike at a Gamer's Group here at Shoutlife. I put up a post asking for an RPG designer and Mike answered the call.He has put a ton of work into designing it and now the RPG is in the formatting stage (which is a lengthy & onerous task).The format is 8.5 x 11, spiral bound for ease

Marcher Lord Press: One-of-a-Kind Christian Publisher

2008-05-26T16:44:00.001-07:00

Interview with Jeff GerkeWhile Jeff Gerke is no stranger to the publishing, his newest foray into the business defines his passion for Christian speculative fiction. Under his pen name, Jefferson Scott, he has written several near-future technothrillers. He co-authored the non-fiction Be Intolerant which went on to become a bestseller. Gerke has worked for Multnomah, Strang Communications, and

My Book Awards Rant (and likely not the only rant on this subject that you will find!).

2008-05-01T15:08:00.005-07:00

Well, I am off on another rant. It seems to be cathartic to squeeze a little rant in between writing articles and working on War of Attrition: Book Two of the Underground. Since my cats scoff at the rants, I chose you, my Shoutlife lovelies, as my audience.This rant has been long in the coming, but an email I received today sealed my fate. My publisher entered me in the IPPY Awards (for

Asulon: Sword of Fire: CFRB May Tour

2008-05-01T10:31:00.012-07:00

The Christian Fiction Review Blog presents its May 2008 novel on tour:ASULON: Sword of Fireby William R. McGrathSummary:A fantasy trilogy comprised of ASULON, ERETZEL & APOCALYPSEThe story begins in a society that resembles the western world during the decline of the Roman republic. Prince Daniel is driven from his homeland after his father is assassinated. Seeking safety, Daniel sails to the

Review of Jill Elizabeth Nelson's Reluctant Smuggler

2008-04-25T08:20:00.007-07:00

From the back cover: "For security consultant Desiree Jacobs, the assignment was simple: make off with an ancient Myan artifact and hand it to the good guys in time to plan her wedding to ultra-fine FBI agent Tony Lucano." The idea of Reluctant Smuggler just can't be put any better than that. What a fun, fun read.Reluctant Smuggler is Nelson's third book in the To Catch a Thief series, which

Thomas Nelson to Reduce Titles

2008-04-23T18:02:00.004-07:00

Layoffs Hit Thomas NelsonBy Lynn Garrett -- Publishers Weekly, 4/22/2008 5:45:00 PMA round of layoffs hit Thomas Nelson staffers Tuesday. Lindsey Nobles, director of corporate communications, confirmed that there had been “a modest reduction in our workforce,” though she would not release a number, calling it “a small percentage of our workforce—a single digit percentage.” The last “significant”

Interview with Sue Dent: CFRB April Tour

2008-04-07T13:28:00.005-07:00

An interview with author of Never Ceese, Sue Dent.Q: Never Ceese is fantasy/ horror. What venue do you think most of your book sales come from? Why?SD: Sales, as you know, has a lot to do with how you publish. I wanted the best opportunity to get into bookstores even though I knew my sales wouldn't come from bookstores initially. I was a debut novelist. Nobody knew me and no publisher that could

This Beast called "Edgy" Christian Fiction

2008-04-05T06:21:00.003-07:00

Edgy fiction: the buzz words of today’s Christian publishing industry. How these buzz words are defined depends on who you ask. It can depend upon an author’s or reader's chosen genre and it varies from market to market—including within the Christian fiction market. The edgy fiction badge can be worn with stubbornness or it may proclaim “I take risks.” For some readers, the badge equates to a

Never Ceese CFRB Info

2008-04-04T21:31:00.014-07:00

Some photos and links you may like to use for the CFRB tour of Never Ceese.For the images, just right-click on them and save as picture/ image.<--- Cover of Never CeeseBarnes and Noble link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Never-Ceese/Sue-Dent/e/9781599580173/?itm=1Purchase autographed copy from the author: http://www.foreverrichard.com/ and click on "Never Ceese" Bio: Sue Dent hails from

The Gaming Geek Finds a Ministry

2008-04-02T13:07:00.004-07:00

Yes, Frank Creed is a gaming-geek. For relaxation, I play on-line first-person shooter games and enjoy the camraderie of the gaming community. My personal favorite is Urban Terror (Quake III); any other Urban Terror fans out there?While playing Urban Terror, a Quake III mod, I realized what I was doing was actually a simple ministry op . . .As a "Medic" I carry a med kit and run around the map

Arrgh. A Negative Review

2008-03-31T13:59:00.004-07:00

Well, it had to happen sooner or later I suppose.Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground received a negative review. Okay, negative is putting it mildly, it received 1 star (out of 5) at Amazon.Buyer Be Aware, March 30, 2008ByD. Henry (ca, usa) - See all my reviews 2 of the 3 reviews are written by the author. No place in the description of the book do they describe what the novel really is -- a

Free Market Ethics in the U.S.

2008-03-25T21:13:00.002-07:00

In Oliver Stone's movie Wall Street, entrepreneur Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), is a profiteer known for buying, breaking, and selling off companies’ assets. The film is famous for Gekko’s "Greed is Good" speech.Greed fuels the global free market. Its greed has twisted our culture through the Industrial Revolution and Computer Age to the nefarious point where it’s mutated the American dream.

March '08 . . . The UNDERGROUND Newsletter

2008-03-20T17:17:00.017-07:00

The March '08 edition of the UNDERGROUND newsletteris now available. Here are some highlights:In the article "The BOC's Watershed Moment" Frank suggests that Christian sub-culture is experiencing its own watershed moment: Do Christians need to engage in cultural activism to foster social reformation? Jump into the discussion at Frank's new message board at FrankCreed.Proboards52.com. Easy to join

Authors Beware . . . Amazon is outta control!

2008-03-18T21:47:00.004-07:00

Some craziness is happening at Amazon.1. Like many publishers have, TWCP signed up for the "Search Inside" program at amazon.com for Flashpoint. It is a cool program where customers can actually see some of the contents of a book: copyright page, selected pages inside the book, foreword, about the author, etc.Starting a couple of weeks ago, the "Search Inside" was gone. A day later, it was back .

The Void: Book Tour Contest!

2008-03-03T07:16:00.003-08:00

The CFRB is offering a prize (a copy of THE OATH, by Frank Peretti), during the tour of THE VOID, by Mark Mynheir during the week of March 2nd.The winner will be announced on the 8th, Saturday of that week.I will be looking for the best comment to our blog posts on any of the CFRB blog sites. Please leave an email address where we'll be able to contact you further.

CFRB March Tour: The VOID

2008-03-02T18:40:00.004-08:00

This month on the Christian Fiction Review tour, we are featuring The Void, by Mark Mynheir.First, a synopsis of The Void:Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn’t know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind.So when Officer Brad

Conspiracy Theory?

2008-02-24T21:58:00.003-08:00

My debut novel Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground (Biblical cyberpunk) is set in Chicago, the year 2036. One world government, vchips, media coverups, government yielding sovereignty were all concepts of my imagination.Take a few minutes to watch the collection of news stories presented in this video and see what you think. Is the world of Flashpoint that far-fetched?Special thanks to

Christian Carnival CCX

2008-02-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

This week's Christian Carnival CCX is now up at Imago Dei: the Gospel Edition.

Another Day with Nor Iron Bars A Cage

2008-02-05T02:25:00.000-08:00

Like all good fantasy novels, Nor Iron Bars A Cage is set in a land similiar enough to ours to understand it yet distinctive enough to spark the fantastical spirit in the reader. Caprice Hokstad's unique setting and characters drew me in and I'd like to share some of the author's comments to spark your interest. I asked her a few questions and here are her responses:1. You have two distinct

Can't We All Just Get Along?

2008-02-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

The moment y'all been awaiting . . . or at least Sue Dent has been waiting for this:The article on Christian Fiction Blog Tours: Can't We All Just Get Along? has just been posted at Associated Content (after the board decided it was worth a payment!).It is a look at the beginning of book blog tours followed by the formation of T.L. Hines' tour (now known as Christian Fiction Blog Alliance), the

Nor Iron Bars A Cage

2008-02-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

This week on the Christian Fiction Review Blog we are pleased to be touring Nor Iron Bars A Cage. Nor Iron Bars A Cage is Book Two in the Ascendancy Triology by novelist Caprice Hokstad; it follows the very popular Duke's Handmaid— and the story of Elva, Prince Vahn (shown below, left) and his Itzi slave, keedrina. These books appeal to both men and women with the mix of adventure, mystery set in

Moral Perspectives: Meaning and Free Will

2008-02-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

How a person considers the world around them is that individual’s worldview. Any worldview is constructed of presuppositions—particulars about which one holds opinions. Where humanity came from, if people are meaningful, and if truth exists are three examples of presuppositional particulars that impact an individual’s moral worldview.Some believe that humanity is the result of time + energy +

Islam's Jihad Against the Great Satan

2008-01-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Islamic hatred of the United States began long before the 9-11 bombings. Friends of mine visited a family in Lebanon's Baka'a Valley nearly a decade previous to 9-11. Once a week they watched the street below as Islamic Fundamentalists paraded down the street and stopped to ceremoniously burn the U.S. flag. U.S. citizens, for the most part, do not have a clear understanding of the complex nature

Losing Liberty

2008-01-21T00:25:00.000-08:00

Losing Liberty: Long-term Effects of 9-11: Learning From HistoryGovernment’s first responsibility is protecting its citizens. When social chaos, violence, or hopelessness strike a people, they will always give up individual rights and freedoms to restore order. It’s an historical absolute. The Patriot Act is the United States’ most recent example of such behavior. Authoritarian states often rise

BoC's Watershed Moment

2008-01-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

If a drop of rain lands on the west side of the Continental Divide, it runs back to the Pacific. Raindrops on the east side of the range will wind up in the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico. This is a classic watershed moment—one point in space and time that will determine fates and carry consequences.9-11 was a watershed moment that changed the futures of whole countries and globally touched over a

The moment you've been awaiting: Time Masters

2008-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

More about Time Masters, Geralyn Beauchamp's fantasy novel.Dallan MacDonald, Time Masters heroReaders first meet Dallan in the prologue. In the highlands of Scotland February 1692, a harsh winter storm rages outside as the Glencoe MacDonalds host the Campbells, upon decree of the king. Fearing trouble, the chief warns his people and orders all arms hidden. Dallan senses worse than mere trouble

I am Legend, starring Will Smith

2008-01-09T02:26:00.000-08:00

This is by far the most serious role I’ve ever seen Will Smith play—and a fine job it was considering he had to carry nearly all of it alone. Will Smith fans like a touch of humor and I fear they may give Smith’s excellent portrayal of a very serious character some negative word-of-mouth.I am Legend is pure hardcore sci-fi. A vaccination issued to thousands of cancer victims cures the disease but

Day 2: Time Masters Tour

2008-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today, I am introducing the author of Time Masters, Geralyn Beauchamp.Geralyn is a former book reviewer and current Wellness and Relationship coach who wrote Time Masters more than twelve years ago. “I wrote Time Masters just for me, to see if I could. It was more for fun than anything else.” Geralyn hadn’t planned on ever publishing her novel until friends pushed her to share it. Her writing

The Guild Review and Time Masters: CFRB Tour Day One

2008-01-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

Before we get to January's Christian Fiction Review Blog tour, a note from Frank Creed:A Frank Review is doing something different this time around. Because of my own time restraints, I am, unfortunately, unable to review all the books that come my way. Not to fret, I have an ace up my sleeve! Well, to be more exact, someone slipped the ace up said sleeve and I'll happily display it at the

Would you vote for Flashpoint?

2008-01-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, the Preditors & Editors poll is up and Flashpoint has been nominated in the Fantasy/ Science fiction category for 2007 novels.If you liked the book and would like to vote for it, you can click on the banner above or the link here and it will whisk you to the polling page. p&e. comI do appreciate anyone taking the time to vote!Once there, you have to input your name and email address

The UNDERGROUND Fiction Contest

2007-12-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR’S EVE TERRORIST ATTACK ANNOUNCEDSeattle-Portland Metroplex Terrorist Webwire DEC. 31, 2036—Panic has taken hold of Seattle residents as they flee the city in response to the FBT’s terrorist alert early this morning.The Security Advisory System issued a RED ALERT at 4:20am (EST) after a Peacekeeper sting operation uncovered what appeared to be plans to detonate an undisclosed type of

CFRBlog Tour: Wind Follower

2007-12-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

Book Summary:Although it is not entirely to her liking, grief-stricken Satha, a dark-skinned woman from a poor Theseni clan weds young Loic, the wealthy Doreni son of the king's First Captain. Loic, graced with ability to see into the hearts and minds of others, begins to help Satha overcome her sorrows. Despite coming from different tribes, they begin to forge a life together. But when Satha's

Who is Roger Ferguson?

2007-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Who is Roger Ferguson?Danger Will Robinson, Creed's writin' his first-ever music review.What's that? Ain't qualified you say? In most cases you would be right, but shut up and read-on.I'll have you know I grew up with classic rock. Burned out on it a few years back, but I KNOW classic rock.I met fellow Christian artist Roger Ferguson on Shoutlife. Roger says to me "I'll show you mine if you show

Faith Awakened --a review

2007-11-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

An authoritarian government has enslaved Earth's population. A handful of powerful law-giving profiteers have abolished all taxes! Sounds good, until one learns that in exchange, one merely gets food and shelter. In engineering a perfect society, the tyrants won't allow any power higher than themselves. No one's allowed to judge earth's mortal judges, thus, religion may not be openly practised.

I Write Biblical Cyberpunk

2007-11-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

I write Biblical cyberpunk.Yes, I said cyberpunk.You are likely thinking, but how can the two be compatible?One of my favorite prepublication reviews for Flashpoint came from an unlikely source:"Confession time. I was quite reluctant to read this book at all because of the name of the genre. "Cyberpunk" sounds like something that would glorify cop-killing and gang-rape. Sorry, that's the image

Something new today but still on the CFRB tour!

2007-10-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

guest poster: Cynthia MacKinnon, TWCPYes, it is very irreverent; it is silly and very cheesy, too . . . but was it ever fun making it!It all started during a lull in the Packer v. bears football game on Sunday when we brainstormed what-ifs. What if Rembrandt reviewed Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground, and liked it? What would he say about it?You can watch it here, but it is really better at

Naming Characters

2007-10-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Trifles go to make perfection, and perfection is no trifle.Michelangelo Buonarroti Italian architect, painter, & sculptor (1475 - 1564)I’m a perfectionist. When a reader takes in my work, I want them to see flawlessness. While fiction is a collection of description, action and dialogue, names are an element, a detail, a common thread that crosses all phases of one’s work. Over the years I’ve

Flashpoint Tour: Update on Day 3

2007-10-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

First, a commentary by Frank Creed:9-11 has forever changed our society. Today's decisions and events could result in a very dark future for the free world.Mike Roop, the role-playing game designer for Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground, is sculpting a dark dystopian one world government in 2036 Chicago. In this future setting, belief in the Bible is equated with Islamic fundamentalist

Following the CFRBlog Tour of FLASHPOINT

2007-10-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

I encourage everyone to enter the UNDERGROUND flash fiction contest. There is a nice little prize involved (and a press release) but also your fiction will be posted on the Books of the Underground site's blog dedicated to short fiction AND submitted to fanfiction.net. All the information is contained in the UNDERGROUND newsletter. NB. Your entry does not have to be cyberpunk/ sci-fi; any genre

Enter the UNDERGROUND

2007-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

This week's posts are a bit of a departure from usual. Yes, they will feature a new book, but this time the novel is written by yours truly! and these posts will be written in response to a current tour of FLASHPOINT: Book One of the UNDERGROUND by David Brollier and crew over at the Christian Fiction Review Blog.The format for this week? I will post links from the CFRBlog tour, add some excerpts