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.

Review: Buried Secrets, by Irene Hannon

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Expectations and Limitations – And Freedom

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But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.
Daniel 11:32b, NLT*

The context of this verse is a prophecy about a future king who will “flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant.” (Daniel 11:32a, NLT*)

What protects God’s people? They know Him, and they act on that knowledge. They rely on Him.

The last two weekends I’ve been blessed to attend worship conferences. Both highlighted the importance of knowing who we are in Christ – defining our identity and measuring ourselves by what God says instead of what people say.

Knowing God sets us free.

My notes from the most recent event include this: “Because I don’t feel like I’m what I’m supposed to be, I limit what God can do through me.”

That’s not a direct quote from our speaker, Jo Saxton (ALIVE Conference simulcast) but she said something close to that.

The main point I took from her message was that we often accept limitations from individuals, society, or ourselves, when we need to live by the truth of who God says we are. When we hold back, God respects our choice and we miss the chance to bless and to be blessed.

What limitations or expectations have you and I accepted? From whom? Or what are we measuring ourselves against? How does this impact what God might want to do through us?

If we know Him – and choose to believe what we know about Him – we can live by His grace and strength instead of holding back in fear of what others might say.

Here’s where I think today’s verse applies. We know who the Liar is, who wants to get our eyes off of God. Those lies include things like “you’re not good/ smart/ old/ young/ gifted (etc.) enough.”

If we know and believe our God, we can resist the lies with truth – “For I can do everything [that God asks me to do] through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NLT*)

Gracious Father, draw us closer to Your heart and deeper into Your Word. Give us faith and courage to choose to believe You and to resist the lies that diminish us. Show us where we’ve accepted limitations instead of stepping out for You. Forgive us, and give us new chances to live for Your glory.

∞

Our song is the Newsboys‘ “The Upside.” Notice the questions about what’s holding us down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRunn6acGoA

Deconstructing Anxiety

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Do you ever feel anxious? Under pressure, real or imagined? God has proved Himself faithful in my life, but my family would tell you I can still turn anything into a source of stress.

I’m guest posting today at The Borrowed Book, and I’ve shared what I’m learning about guarding (or reclaiming) my mental peace.

Interested? Click here: Deconstructing Anxiety.

Review: No One to Trust, by Lynette Eason

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No One to Trust, by Lynette Eason (Revell, 2014)

Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she’s been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover? (From the publisher’s website)

Kyle Abernathy is really David Hackett, living undercover in hopes the Witness Security program can keep him alive long enough to testify at a high-profile trial that’s only months away now. The mob wasn’t supposed to find him – never supposed to threaten Summer.

No One to Trust is a fast-paced thriller as Kyle/David and Summer try to outrun their enemies and to discover if one of the US Marshalls helping them is secretly feeding updates to the other side. Their safety comes down to the skills David learned in the military and to the help of his most trusted friends.

Complicating the story is the broken trust between Summer and David – when the one thing Summer told him in the beginning is that she couldn’t handle lies because of her past. Now her whole marriage is based on a lie, but she can’t leave him because his enemies have become hers.

The full identity of Ron, one of David’s friends, isn’t explained, and I hope this means he’ll show up in his own story. Or perhaps he has in a previous novel.

Lynette Eason has crafted a taut suspense novel with an ordinary heroine and some chilling antagonists. David has changed a lot during his time as Kyle. For one thing, he’s become a Christian. For another, he’s truly fallen in love with the woman he married for cover. Now, if he lives, it looks like he’ll lose her because of his lies.

Moments of the story pushed fairly close to the edge of my comfort level, but never passed it. No One to Trust is a good read that you won’t want to put down.

Lynette Eason www.lynetteeason.com is a bestselling author of Christian romantic suspense. To read an excerpt of No One to Trust, Hidden Identity #1, visit the publisher’s website. The next novel in the Hidden Identity series is Nowhere to Turn.

[Review copy from the public library.]

We Must Remain Teachable

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We Must Remain Teachable, by Steph Beth Nickel

I can’t remember not being a Christian. I believe I went from a childish faith right into a childlike faith. And by now, with the dawn of my 55^th year on the horizon, you’d think I would have it all together—or at least be well on the way.

I wish!

I have been working through Larry and Kathy Miller’s most recently released book, Never Ever Be the Same. And wow! Do I have a lot to learn! (I hope to read through it every six months or so and see what new things God will show me.)

And as I was going to sleep one night last week, worried about a hasty decision I’d made, the Lord gently reminded me that I couldn’t serve two masters. I didn’t even know I’d been serving money. But since I was giving our financial situation much too much thought, worrying about it, and trying to figure out how I could fix it, I had been. Oh my!

This wasn’t the first such revelation over the years. One day, quite some time ago, I asked God why I wasn’t happier about a wonderful event that had happened in my sister’s life, the fulfilment of her heart’s desire. When I realized the self-centred, humbling answer to my inquiry, the Lord reminded me He knew about my motives all along and loved me regardless. Wow! Talk about grace!

Years ago, I asked God to “tear off the Band-Aid™,” as it were. I didn’t want to become aware of my sin bit by bit. I knew I could trust Him to bring the healing even though the process would often leave me raw and vulnerable.

As I dig into God’s Word in order to prepare devotionals for HopeStreamRadio, I am constantly amazed by two things. One, there are details in Bible passages I’ve read dozens, if not hundreds, of times before that I’ve never noticed. They pop right off the page like someone jumping up and down waving their arms. And two, peace and joy often wash over me when I read familiar truths I haven’t thought of in some time.

The Scriptures are not some old, irrelevant writings. And though the pages are filled with rich theological truths that we must diligently study, they are also so much more. They are a love letter written by the Creator of the universe to His children. And they are applicable to our situation today, right where we are. It’s truly amazing!

Just today I re-read the passage in Matthew 7:1-5 that refers to dealing with the plank in my own eye before seeking to help others with the speck in theirs. When I look into God’s Word, I must first learn what He is teaching me before I can share with others what He may want to teach them.

If I remain teachable—if you remain teachable—we will have so much to share with those the Lord brings into our lives.

And we must always remember that no matter how old we get, there is still so much to learn.

Be vulnerable. Be honest. Be teachable. And the Lord will surely bless others through you—through your writing and through your every endeavour.

What has God been teaching you lately?
[Leave your thoughts below!]

Steph Beth Nickel
(Picture by Sarah Grace Photography)

Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor. She writes under the pen name Steph Beth Nickel. She co-authored Paralympian Deborah L. Willows’ memoir, Living Beyond My Circumstances. Among other places, it is available from Castle Quay Books and Amazon. Steph has been blogging since 2010 and is a regular guest on Kimberley Payne’s site (fitness tips) and Christian Editing Services (writing tips). She will also be writing and recording regularly for the newly-formed Hope Stream Radio. Stephanie is an active member of The Word Guild and InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship.

Steph invites you to pop by for a visit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephbethnickel or https://www.facebook.com/stephbnickel?ref=hl

You can also look her up on Twitter @StephBethNickel; her blog: http://stephseclecticinterests.wordpress.com; or her website (still a work in progress): http://stephbethnickel.com