Author Archives: Janet Sketchley

About Janet Sketchley

Janet Sketchley is an Atlantic Canadian writer whose Redemption’s Edge Christian suspense novels have each been finalists in The Word Awards. She's also the author of the devotional collection, A Year of Tenacity. Janet blogs about faith and books. She loves Jesus and her family, and enjoys reading, worship music, and tea. Fans of Christian suspense are invited to join her writing journey through her monthly newsletter: bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews.

Enough Time

2 Replies

My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me.
Psalm 31:15, NIV*

This is one of my comfort verses. The NLT translates “times” as “future,” and that seems to be the major meaning of the text in context of the danger from David’s enemies.

My “times,” then, are all the minutes of my life. God holds my future and no enemy can shorten it. He also holds my present.

Sometimes all that’s pursuing me are to-do lists and deadlines. I’m in the middle of a very busy patch right now, and what a treat to wake yesterday with this verse in my mind.

One of the to-do items was this post, and I knew God would provide one after doing so for six years, but I didn’t yet have it and I knew there wasn’t a lot of free time to find and write it before Wednesday morning.

Writing time is scarce for now, with some temporary employment, a kitchen renovation and being away last weekend. God knows all that. My times are in His hands.

To the best of my understanding, I’m only taking on what He has for me. As I take time each morning to commit the day to Him and pray to know and heed His presence in it, I can be sure He will help me best use the minutes and the hours. This is one of those stretches where there won’t be much left over for relaxation, but He even provides some of that. I had the most delightful stroll with a cone of gelato on Saturday.

God who made the universe, thank You for giving each of us a part to play in it. Thank You for opportunities to serve You and to show Your love to those around us. Today and each day, help us resist anxiety and choose to trust in Your sufficiency. Open our eyes to see how to use the time You give us. Give us self-discipline to turn away from those things we’d like to do that aren’t on Your agenda for the moment. Help us find soul-rest in You

∞

Casting Crowns shares the secret of how to live fully no matter our circumstances: “I Know You’re There.”

Review: Shadow of a Butterfly, by J.A. Menzies

Leave a reply

Shadow of a Butterfly, by J.A. Menzies (MurderWillOut Mysteries, 2015)

In typical Golden-Age mystery style, J.A. Menzies creates a tapestry of well-formed characters whose interplay offers – and masks – motive and opportunity for murder. The dynamics between old-school detective Paul Manziuk and his much younger partner, Jaquie Ryan, add another satisfying layer.

The murder takes place in an upscale apartment complex for senior citizens, making everyone on that floor of the building a potential suspect. The novel includes a list of characters for helpful reference, as well as a floor plan.

I’m one of the many readers who’ve been looking forward to a new Manziuk and Ryan Mystery, and Shadow of a Butterfly does not disappoint. The title is significant on two levels, but you’ll have to read the novel to find out why.

Favourite quotes:

… their appearance bore no similarities beyond the fact that each was dressed in the manner she felt most likely to intimidate the other. [Kindle Advance Review Copy location 169]

… when we begin, we only have our dreams. If we could see the sacrifices and struggles ahead, how many of us would set foot on the path to reach those dreams? (Hilary Brooks) [Kindle Advance Review Copy location 2669]

J.A. Menzies is the alter-ego of Canadian author N.J. Lindquist. Shadow of a Butterfly is book 3 in the series. If you haven’t read book 1, Shaded Light, it’s available for free on all ebook platforms. For more about the author and her books, visit jamenzies.com.

[Review copy provided by the publisher.]

Learning and Remembering

2 Replies

“The problem isn’t that we aren’t learning. The problem is we forget.” (Emily P. Freeman, “How I Keep Track of What I’m Learning“)

Forgetting leads to remedial lessons and to missing the chance to learn even more. If you take time to read her post (well worth it, just click the link above) you’ll see her wonderful journal suggestion. journal and pen I’d love one with graph paper markings (that’s the sort of paper I use in drafting my fiction ideas), but I went to Dollarama instead. Here’s the (straight-lined) one I chose.

I wondered why that particular colour resonated with me in the store. You’ll see in a minute.

I take notes at conferences and retreats. I even had a “listening journal” that I carried on a few trips, because God often speaks to me in snippets that string together over time. So why would I not have one for the day-to-day?

The idea is to review the notes regularly to reinforce the learning and discern any patterns. Of course, while it’s new and fresh, I’m extra alert. Here are a few recent online sources of my learning :

Janice L. Dick shares one reader’s response to her fiction that makes it all worthwhile: “The Power of the Spirit in Our Writing.”

God’s abundant supply involves far more than finances and material things. Check out the list Mary Waind includes in her blog post, “Abundance.”

When I put these two books side by side, I saw why the colour drew me:

Bible and journal

God at Work

Leave a reply

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28, NIV*

Many of us know and rely on verses like this in times of trouble. I hadn’t paid attention to the NIV footnotes before hearing Rob Whittaker (Principal of Capernwray Bible School) speak recently at the Halifax Keswick Convention.

Look at one of the alternate wordings mentioned in the footnote:

…that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who… (Romans 8:28, NIV*)

In all things, God works with us to bring about what is good.

Clearly there’s more evidence to support the traditional interpretation, or it wouldn’t be the one in the main Bible text. But this other option opens a whole new vista for me.

It changes my focus from how God will look after me to how He will care for others through me.

Yes, we have personal stresses and difficulties, and yes, God is our Hope and our Helper. We can trust that He will work to make all things good in His way and His time. But it’s easy to become selfishly absorbed in our own circumstances and overlook the needs around us. Or to see those needs and be too overwhelmed to know how to start making a difference.

The idea of God working together with us is biblically sound – as long as we remember that He’s in charge. We’re to act as His hands and feet and to represent Him. Christ in us empowers us and uses our small actions to achieve His larger goals.

I’ve been asking God to help me see and hear from His perspective instead of my own. This verse turns my eyes to others, and takes away my fear of not being able to make a difference. Of course I’m not enough on my own. God never intended me to act on my own.

God our Saviour and Redeemer, You created everything in the beginning and You’re still at work creating beauty from our broken pieces and our messes. Thank You for the opportunity to join You in Your work, and thank You that it’s not our responsibility to fix anything. Our responsibility is only to show up with willing and obedient hearts, and to share what You give us with those we meet. Help us to do this, so that others will experience Your great love.

∞

Casting Crowns‘ song, “Love Them Like Jesus,” reminds us of our calling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyeyhOdgyYM

Review: Buried Secrets, by Irene Hannon

Leave a reply

Buried Secrets, by Irene Hannon (Revell, 2015)

The discovery of skeletal remains on a construction site unites a small-town police chief and a county detective in a search for justice. Lisa Grant and Mac MacGregor have both stepped into lower-stress roles to find balance in their lives… and maybe to carve out enough time to find someone to settle down with. Romantic sparks fly at their first meeting, but the case must come first.

Thanks to the opening scene, readers know how the body arrived where it did – and who’s to blame. This is the only part of the book written in the first person, and since it wasn’t to disguise the identity of the character, I’d have preferred to see it in third-person he/she like the rest of the story.

Lisa was working impossible hours as a homicide detective on a big-city force, trying to keep ahead of certain male officers whose jealousy made them want sabotage her career. She loves her new job and still struggles to avoid the trap of over-work. Her diabetes makes it even more vital that she take proper care of her health. Mac is a former Navy SEAL who saw one too many of his friends die. He got out while he still had the chance to build a life and start a family. He still worries about his younger brothers, both in high-danger military roles.

They work well together professionally, and they’re both longing to see what might happen personally when this case wraps up. The main question for the moment is, can they identify the victim – and the killer – and find proof before the past drags danger into the present?

Fast-paced, tense but not traumatic, Buried Secrets is a satisfying read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Men of Valor series. Irene Hannon is a multi-published, award-winning author of romantic suspense and contemporary suspense. For more about the author and her books, visit her website: irenehannon.com. Or follow this link to read an excerpt from Buried Secrets and see the discussion questions that accompany the book: Buried Secrets.

[Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.]

Write Canada: 5 benefits, plus 1

Leave a reply

One of the best things a writer (or wanna-be writer) can do is invest in a conference. Consider these benefits:

practical teaching on the craft
connection with other writers
- making new friends and growing existing friendships
- learning from those ahead of us on the trail
- passing on what we’ve learned to those behind us
- affirming that we’re not alone in our writerly oddness
- opportunities to cross-promote our work, guest post on others’ blogs, etc.
connection with faculty
- pitching ideas to editors and/or agents
- critique feedback
- advice on how to take the next step
- learning about the publishing industry
recharging and inspiring our creativity
new ideas

Write Canada offers all that to Canadian Christians who write, and it adds another essential benefit:

spiritual refreshment through group worship and prayer times

This is my favourite conference, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve attended. This year I’m excited about something special — I’ll tell you about it when I come back with photographic evidence 🙂

I’m looking forward to the courses I’ve selected, and I’ll be part of a panel (Book Launches that Sizzle). My newest novel, Secrets and Lies, is short-listed for the 2015 Word Awards, which will be presented at a banquet closing the conference.

This year the conference will be held in Toronto, instead of its former venue in Guelph. I’ll miss that environment this time (and miss my friend Mary who lives nearby, who I won’t see…) but transportation will be easier, and the Novotel site looks great.

If you’re considering the conference, be warned that the early registration ends May 10. Why pay more? For more information on the conference and registration, click here: Write Canada.

What benefits can you add to my list?

Revealing Jesus

1 Reply

I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.
John 1:31, NLT*

John says that Jesus “has revealed God to us.” (John 1:18, NLT*) We who believe in Him are called to reveal Jesus to those around us just as surely as John the Baptist was called to prepare the way. (See Matthew 28:18-20)

Each of us will have a different way of revealing Jesus to the world. John the Baptist called the people en masse to repentance, confronting their sin so they’d be ready to receive salvation.

You and I, unless we’re in some kind of public ministry, are likely called to reveal Jesus one-on-one. That doesn’t mean practicing John’s approach on a smaller scale, pointing out our friends’ sins and calling them to repent.

It means revealing Jesus through our lives, caring for others in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Listening. Seeing. Helping. Encouraging. Yes, it may mean asking honest questions about life choices that don’t honour God, but only as and when He leads.

It’s important to remember that the Jews of John’s day thought they were already serving God. John showed them the gaps. If the people in our lives aren’t interested in following God, what’s the point of us pushing them to obey Him? First they need to discover who He is and why His way matters.

God our Saviour and our one true Hope, You have revealed Yourself to us and drawn us to Yourself. You do the saving, but we have a part to play in showing others how good You are and how practical Your love is. Open our eyes to the opportunities You give us to shine for You, and help us to share what You’ve given us. It’s too good to keep to ourselves.

∞

A song that echoes the challenge is “Live Like That,” by the Sidewalk Prophets.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Review: The Speed of Dark, by Elizabeth Moon

Leave a reply

The Speed of Dark, by Elizabeth Moon (Del Rey Books Mass Market Edition, 2005)

Spend some time in a high-functioning autistic man’s head, and you may be surprised at how much you relate.

Lou Arrendale is in his 30’s, employed with a small group of other autistic people in the computer division of a large pharmaceutical company. He works at pattern analysis, although he likely couldn’t tell you the purposes of the patterns he creates from what’s on his screen.

The time is our near future. Other than people using “handcomps” (hand-held computers – tablets, anyone?) the main evidence of technological advance is that many health issues, including autism, can now be treated at birth, and that people who can afford it can have life-extending treatments. Oh, and there’s more funding for space exploration again.

Lou was born before the new treatments came about, but far enough into our future that good therapies and alternative learning approaches were in place. He has learned the “rules” for social interaction. He sums it up on the first page of chapter one:

“Everything in my life that I value has been gained at the cost of not saying what I really think and saying what they want me to say.”

Now he has the opportunity to try an experimental procedure that may reverse his autism. He’s content with his life, except for the way some people react to him. Should he submit to this opportunity? Does he want to? What if he’s “cured” but loses who he is?

The Speed of Dark is a fascinating look at the world through the eyes of someone who’s in some ways not so different from us “normal” people. Author Elizabeth Moon has an autistic son, and I assume the realistic feel of the book is based on her observations and research.

Lou and his autistic friends have been trained to act as normal as possible. Normal is happy. Normal is good. It doesn’t frighten people. Nobody told them that not all normal people are happy, good or un-frightening. Or that not all normal people like the same music or activities.

His work, his fencing practice (with “normals”), his research into the experimental procedure, all shape and grow Lou. He discovers that most of his brain really is the same as everyone else’s – that in fact he’s gifted at pattern analysis and capable of university-level learning. But he doesn’t like those things that act as barriers to his relationships with those around him.

This is a mainstream novel, with mild (and one instance of major) profanity. It also includes a scene in Lou’s church where the priest talks about one of Jesus’ healing miracles (John 5:1-15) and echoes Lou’s own question. Does he want to be healed? Even if the healing doesn’t look like he wants it to look? [The novel places this miracle at the Pool of Siloam instead of the Pool at Bethesda, but the priest’s theology is sound.]

Not just for science fiction fans, The Speed of Dark is for anyone interested in the search for identity and who at times feel they don’t fit in.

Elizabeth Moon also writes classic science fiction (I thoroughly enjoyed the Vatta’s War series) and fantasy. The Speed of Dark won the 2003 Nebula Award for Best Novel. For more about the author, visit her website: www.elizabethmoon.com

[Review copy from my personal library.]

Author Interview: Tandy Balson

Leave a reply

Tandy Balson is an inspirational speaker and writer who uses the ordinary to inspire. Tandy blogs at Time with Tandy, and she has written two inspirational books, Inspirations from the Everyday and the newly-released Dragonflies, Snowdrifts and Spice Cake.

I met Tandy last year at Write Canada, and I’m excited to have her visiting with us today.

Janet: Welcome, Tandy! What are a few things you’d like us to know about you?

Tandy: I am a wife, mother, grandmother and follower of Jesus who makes my home in Airdrie, Alberta. My hobbies are reading, baking, walking (to burn off the baking) and I give a really good foot massage.

Janet: Useful skills! I love the whimsical title of your newest book. I had the privilege of reading an early version, and it encouraged me in my perpetual struggle to remember to live in the moment. You have a real gift of seeing lessons in daily experiences. Has this always been part of your life, or is it something you’ve developed over the years?

Tandy: I’d love to be able to say that this has always been part of my life, but that’s not the case. When I look back I can see where there were glimpses of this many years earlier but nothing I paid enough attention to. I have only been consciously aware of the lessons in everyday experiences for the past five or six years.

Janet: Tell us a bit about Dragonflies, Snowdrifts and Spice Cake.

Tandy: This book contains 130 short reflections that point the reader to the lessons that can be found in everyday life experiences. Each story is only a single page long which makes for a quick read. To quote Friesen Press Editor, Janet Layberyy, “The stories themselves offer enough insight that the lessons and comfort found in them should impact and help readers even if they are unsure of their own faith.”

Janet: You were a speaker before you became a writer? What prompted each step?

Tandy: When asked to identify the dream I had for my life, I thought of a speaker/singer that I admired and said I’d like to do what she did. Through the encouragement of friends I set out to see if I could make this a reality. Although I studied both, more opportunities opened up for me with speaking so singing slowly faded into the background. After a few years of speaking I felt God giving me inspiration through ordinary things. I prayed about what he wanted me to do with this and clearly felt I was supposed to write these lessons down and share them with others.

Janet: I’m glad you obeyed! Do you have any advice for beginning writers?

Tandy: One of the best things I did when starting out was to find a local writing group to join. There I found support, encouragement and critique that helped to improve my writing. I also joined The Word Guild and Inscribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship. These are both national groups and I have learned much through their active social media sites. Conferences have proved invaluable for learning from and connecting with other writers.

Janet: Do you have a regular writing schedule? And is location important, or can you write anywhere?

Tandy: As much as I have attempted to keep a regular writing schedule, life seems to get in the way! I do try to write every day but it may not always be at the same time. I have found that I can write anywhere once the inspiration strikes and keep a journal and pen with me at all times. If I’m at home writing, I need to be in a quiet area as I get easily distracted.

Janet: Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Tandy: Key Scripture verses for me are: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight and Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Janet: You can’t go wrong with those verses. What do you like to do to recharge?

Tandy: Going for a walk often helps me to recharge. The best place for this is on a tropical beach!

Janet: Tell us something you appreciate about where you live.

Tandy: We moved from the Vancouver area ten years ago and at first missed the tall trees. Now I appreciate the big open sky with unobstructed views of interesting cloud formations and beautiful sunsets.

Janet: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve ever done?

Tandy: Right now my answer would be writing and publishing books. I’m getting ready to go on my first cruise and have an unusual shore excursion planned, so the answer may change soon. I’m sure to write about it on my blog when I return!

Janet: We’ll be watching! (Tandy’s blog link is below.) Enjoy your cruise, and keep that journal and pen handy!

===

You can find Tandy at her website, www.tandyb.com, and her blog, www.timewithtandy.com.

Dragonflies, Snowflakes and Spice Cake is available through Tandy’s website, the Friesen Press bookstore, and at Amazon.com.

The Long and Winding (Writing) Road

Leave a reply

Guest posting again today at The Borrowed Book: come and look back with me at some of the challenges and joys of writing the Redemption’s Edge series so far: The Long and Winding (Writing) Road. Perhaps you can relate.