BLOG TOUR: Have a New Husband by Friday

Have a New Husband by Friday: How to Change His Attitude, Behavior and Communication in 5 Days
by Kevin Leman

Baker Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 2009
ISBN-13: 9780800719128


Have a new husband by Friday? Is that even possible? Dr. Kevin Leman says it is. The New York Times bestselling author and self-help guru shows even the most frustrated wife how she can have a new husband by Friday. Leman reminds any wife that if what she's doing to get better behavior out of her husband isn't working now, it never will. So it's time for a change. That means it's time to change her own patterns of behavior. Here's how Leman suggests she handle it day to day:

Monday: Secrets Revealed: Cracking the Male Code
Yes, you're different species, but you can work together in harmony.

Tuesday: Creatures from Another Planet . . . or Creatures of Habit?

To understand men, you have to track 'em to their den.

Wednesday: Think about What You Want to Say, Then Divide It by Ten

How to talk so your guy will really listen . . . and listen so your guy will really talk.

Thursday: Think of Him as a Seal Waiting for a Three-Pound Fish

Why making love to your man is a key to who he is and how satisfied he'll be, and what's in it for you.

Friday: It Takes a Real Woman to Make a Man Feel like a Real Man

How to open your man's heart, revolutionize your love life, and turn him into the knight you've always dreamed of.

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, humorist, and bestselling author of The Birth Order Book and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is former consulting psychologist for Good Morning America and a frequent guest on The View, The Early Show, and Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.

You Were Made For This

His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn how Heaven works.

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can help others experience miracles in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.

You Were Born for This will change how readers see their world, and what they expect God can do through them to meet real needs. They will master seven simple tools of service, and come to say with confidence, “I want to deliver a supernatural gift from God to someone in need today—and now I know how!”


Author Bios:

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa . Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta .

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado .

Girl Naw Blog Tour

Meet LaCricia A’ngelle, author of Girl, Naw!


Tell us about Girl, Naw!

Girl, Naw! is the story of Antoinette Walker, a Christian counselor for women. The story outlines the lives of the women Antoinette counsels as well as her own life and issues. Antoinette takes a special interest in one of her clients that will lead to some unexpected decisions. Being confronted with people from her past that have hurt her in various ways, Antoinette is challenged to forgive them in order to possess the freedom she desires.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Similar to Antoinette I was in a position in which I was asked to counsel many people. On several occasions I noticed some of these people viewed my life as being perfect, which raised the question -who counsels the counselor. That thought was the basis for Girl, Naw!

Who are your main character(s)?

My main characters are Antoinette Walker, Maurice Walker- Antoinette's husband, Yvette King -Antoinette's best friend,

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

My favorite character is definitely Yvette. I like Yvette because she is so funny. She says whatever is on her mind, and although she has an odd way of saying things, she actually makes sense. She reminds me a lot of myself.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

No, I didn't do a lot of research for Girl, Naw! I relied on past experiences for myself and others that I know.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Girl, Naw?

I hope readers will learn the power of true forgiveness. I also hope reading Girl, Naw! will help people to not be so judgmental of others because we never really know what's going on behind the scenes of someone's life.

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/GirlNaw

For more information about LaCricia, visit her at http://lacriciaangelle.com/

PURPOSELY SAID

What’s That I Hear?
By Dr. Linda F. Beed


One of the fastest growing and effective mediums for authors is the World Wide Web.

With the emergence of teleconferences and blogtalk radio, reaching the masses has been made easier and more cost effective than ever before.

What has not changed is the necessity to conduct business in a professional manner. The inability to see your audience does not negate your responsibility to respect their investment of time in you.

Before accepting your first or your next on air engagement consider the following:

• Get the Pertinent Information

Know the date, time and dial-in number no less than one week prior to engagement.
Confirm time zones to assure your timeliness and to appropriately schedule your online promotions.

• Advance Preparation

Be honest about your knowledge of the proposed topic. If the subject matter is out of your area of expertise, let it go.

If it is within your knowledge base, update materials in order to be on point.

Have announcements for your social networks and online groups ready for posting within the appropriate timeline.

Have all available handouts available for emailing or ready to post on site one week in advance of program.

Make notes to refer to and to help keep your thoughts organized.
Make list of your online contacts to read on air.

• Familiarization

Take the time to listen to prior broadcasts in order to become familiar with the program format and host’s style.

• Food

Cease from eating at least one hour prior to broadcast.
Do not eat or drink during broadcast.
If you develop a dry throat, take small sips of water when necessary.

• Background

Radio microphones are very sensitive. If possible be away from others.
Turn off televisions, radios and cell phone.

• Online Etiquette

Turn your telephone speaker up.
Talk at a level where you can be heard.
Do not talk over your host.
Be courteous to callers and other guests.
Thank your host for the opportunity, verbally and via online or written note.

• Tone

Voice inflection tells people more about what you feel than what you say does.
You may not agree with the point of view of your host of fellow panelist, but your point can be made without being offensive.

These basic points are valuable for you and your listening audience. Those tuning in have invested their time in you. Time is a commodity that cannot be redeemed. It is your job to make sure that their time was not wasted.


Until next time, remember—Purposely Said words can destroy or create a life. Linda!

Dr. Linda Beed is an educator, speaker, children’s minister and author of Business Unusual and co-moderator of BWChristianLit an online writing and mentor group. She is also review editor for KDgospel Media Magazine.

You can find her on the web at:

http://www.lindabeed.com/ / MySpace / On Assignment Reviews / BWChristianLit

Blue Like Play Dough - Blog Tour

In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.

Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.

In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognizes the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana .

Holy Rollers Blog Tour

Julie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?At The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, Lyons found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed. Lyons ’s story landed on the front page of the Dallas Times Herald. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and Lyons is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.” It’s all here in Holy Roller–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power.


Author Bio:

Julie Lyons is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English from Seattle Pacific University . She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in Dallas with their son.

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn Blog Tour

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie … but finds himself falling in love.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I hope that readers of my book are encouraged to rely on God even when friends and family let them down. I hope that like Kenzie and Myles do in the book, readers will find hope in knowing that God is walking with them in hard times and that His eyes are on those that fear Him.

Why did you choose to write this book?

I’m not so sure that I chose to write this book so much as I suddenly had a story to tell, and this was it. I had been through some major upheaval in my life, moving 1100 miles twice in just 6 months. I had lost a job and was several states away from my family, my support group. And at that time, I realized that I had no one to lean on but God. And in that moment, I knew that I wanted to tell a story about God’s never-ending protection and faithfulness.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Because I could go on for pages about what I learned, I’ll stick to one thing. I learned to let go. I spent months writing my “baby.” Every writer knows that feeling of giving birth to a manuscript. And it’s hard to give it over to someone else and let them chop it apart, even if that person is a professional editor. But with every suggestion I took, I found my grasp loosening just a bit. I discovered that I had done my very best, but it could never get any better if I held it too closely, afraid of taking feedback. Letting go was the best thing that ever happened to my manuscript.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

I probably have a hundred favorite scenes! But if I have to pick one, I do love the scene with the mountain lion. I joke with my writing buddy that all of my books should have a chase scene through the woods and a mountain lion attack. When Myles and Kenzie have to face a cougar in the Oregon mountains, my heart always pounds. Plus, it’s a really funny moment between Kenzie and Myles. We see her nervous and rambling, and then we see Myles being sarcastic and funny even in the face of danger. I love their dynamic at that moment.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

It’s a commitment that requires sacrifice, especially if you have a day job. Writing means giving up nights out with friends. It means turning down dinner invitations to meet goals and deadlines. It means saying no to things that I really want to do. I wish non-writers understood that I when I decline to spend time with them because I need to write, it’s not personal. It’s about my writing, which really is personal to me.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

One of my favorite nonfiction authors is Mark Batterson, the pastor of National Community Church in Washington , DC . I’ve had the pleasure of working with him in my day job, and last summer we talked about one of the concepts he discussed in his book Wild Goose Chase. Mark says that it’s really easy to pray and just keep praying, waiting for God to answer. But at some point we need to recognize when He’s given us the means to accomplish what we’re asking for and act on it. That’s really applicable to me and probably many other writers. We sit and pray for God to give us the words, but we end up waiting, failing to act on the talents He’s given us. So I’ve learned to pray for the words, but I know when to stop praying and start typing.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

It’s the same test I face every day. Discipline. Sitting down and actually writing isn’t easy, and I face the decision every day. Will I write or not? It continues to be struggle, and it’s the true test of if I’m a real writer or just playing at it when I want to. Right now I’m between projects and I tend to lose that battle most days. My goal is to someday win more days than not.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Hmm … I don’t think I’m that surprising. I suppose some might be surprised that I go to live sporting events every chance I get. I love hooting and hollering at football, hockey, and minor league baseball games. And I follow the NFL pretty closely all through the season.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I’d known that I could this, that I had the confidence follow my dreams. I wish I’d known that it won’t ever by easy and that dedication is required. Most of all I wish I’d known that my first, second, third and fourth books don’t have to be perfect. Every writer has room for improvement.

How do you reach new readers?

Well, as a new writer, all of my readers are new to me. But I’ve started blogging regularly, offering my take on pop culture and such. Some of my visitors have said they’ll be picking up my book in July. I’ve also entered several short story writing contests that have brought people to my blog when they read my entries. But the best thing I’ve found is word of mouth. I gave early manuscripts to some trusted friends, who gave great feedback and are now my biggest fans. They tell their friends, and the word is spreading.

If you could have dinner with 3 authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?

Elizabeth George Speare, author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond, is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I would love to ask her about her life and the research she did for her books way before the internet. L.M. Montgomery because I want to hear about her brainstorming sessions about Anne. Where did the red-headed orphan come from? Was she always so wonderfully precocious? And definitely, I’d invite J.K. Rowling. Where does an author go after the stunning success of Harry Potter? What were the adult lives of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny really like?

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do write what you’re passionate about. Just because a certain genre or style is popular, doesn’t mean you absolutely have to follow the pack. Your writing will be smoother and more enjoyable to read when it’s from your heart.

Don’t be afraid of rejection. My first rejection letter for The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn was actually the beginning of my journey with this book. I sent a “thank you” note to the editor, and she said if I could fix a few things, she’d be happy to see me resubmit. I did, and received another rejection and another list of suggestions. If I wanted to resubmit, they’d be happy to reconsider. We went back and forth 4 times. Four letters with no promise of a contract. It wasn’t ideal at the time, but rejections don’t have to be scary. You never know what door they’ll open.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

Keep up with my writing adventures at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com or e-mail me at liz@lizjohnsonbooks.com.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

I recently finished my second romantic suspense novel, which isn’t under contract yet, but is currently in consideration with my editor. It’s not a follow up to The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, but it has some overlapping characters and is a rousing romp into fictional Crescent City , Colorado . Since finishing that manuscript, I’ve been working on a proposal for a contemporary romance set in my home state of Arizona . I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these stories.

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com