Tag Archives: N.J. Lindquist

A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider Offers Refills of Heart-Stirring Stories

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A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider Offers Refills of Heart-Stirring Stories

This new inspirational anthology follows in the footsteps of the groundbreaking first volume, Hot Apple Cider, an innovative, all-Canadian bestseller whose grace-filled stories received an enthusiastic response from thousands of readers.

In A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider, readers will discover more than 50 honest stories written from the heart. The book contains moving true-life experience, thought-provoking drama, light-hearted humour, imaginative fiction, and touching poetry.

The short pieces—each of which contains a complete story—make it easy for readers to pick up the book and read something satisfying and uplifting when taking a break from their busy schedules. While there’s lots of variety, all of the pieces are filled with hope and encouragement.

“The Hot Apple Cider books aren’t sweet and sentimental. Instead, they’re empowering, because they reassure you that you’re not alone, that God is at work in your life, that good will come out of the struggles you face, and that every person matters,” says publisher and editor N. J. Lindquist.

“We added 40 more pages to this book, so we could fit in extra pieces,” explains co-editor Wendy Elaine Nelles. “We were delighted to discover so many talented writers from across Canada, some of whom are being published for the first time. Among the 37 writers, you’ll be sure to find some new favourites.”

As was the case with Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul, everyone involved with this book is a member of The Word Guild, an association of nearly 400 Canadians who write from a Christian faith perspective.

Through The Word Guild, the contributing authors donated half the cost of printing 30,000 additional copies of A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider for World Vision Canada. In turn, this Christian relief, development and advocacy organization is offering the books as gifts to all those participating in Girls Night Out and Couples Night Out.

A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider, which will be sold through bookstores and other retail channels, will be launched nationally this spring, making it the perfect choice for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or summer reading.

To find out if there is a booksigning or other event planned for your community, keep watching the Hot Apple Cider Meet Us page. You can read the full press release from That’s Life Communications here.

My connection: I’m excited to have a non-fiction story included in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider, and from reading the advance review copy I know this is an excellently-crafted anthology. There will be a Nova Scotia launch as part of the Canada-wide one. Details TBA.

You can read endorsements on the Hot Apple Cider site and become a fan on Facebook.

For more information, review copies, interviews, or to inquire about participating in the national book launch (April 30 to May 7), contact Lisa Hall-Wilson, Publishing Intern, at That’s Life Communications.

Perspective and Gratitude

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Think of the grateful, hopeful people you know. Have their lives been easy, or have they learned to rely on God despite their circumstances? It’s tempting to complain about the small stuff when the framework of our lives is rich with blessing. If we do it long enough, though, we don’t see the treasures that are really ours. I wonder if that’s why people keep gratitude journals.

This is something God is nudging me about in my own life. I need to be awake to the wonders of the present and delight in what He gives—and not allow desire for my own way to poison me.

I love how whatever He’s trying to show me will pop up in the strangest places. Here are a few:

§ I’ve recently discovered Louise Penny’s mystery series, set in small-town Quebec, Canada. Wish the language wasn’t so harsh in places, but I have so enjoyed the first two novels and am in queue for the third at the library. For mainstream novels, they treat Scripture and faith with respect. Armand Gamache is a homicide detective. Look at what he says:

“People expect me to be cynical because of my job… but they don’t understand. …I spend my days looking into the last room in the house, the one we keep barred and hidden even from ourselves. The one with all our monsters, fetid and rotting and waiting. My job is to find people who take lives. And to do that I have to find out why. And to do that I have to get into their heads and open that last door. But when I come out again,” he opened his arms in an expansive movement, “the world is suddenly more beautiful, more alive, more lovely than ever. When you see the worst you appreciate the best.” Dead Cold, by Louise Penny. [Headline Publishing Group, 2006, p. 268]

§ I finally had the chance to see the Chronicles of Narnia movie, Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Near the end, Prince Caspian realizes he’s spent his time regretting what’s been taken from him (his father), instead of embracing what he’s been given—a kingdom to rule. That changes his life.

§ One of this week’s posts at Other Food: Daily Devos includes this quote from Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction:

“We can decide to live in response to the abundance of God and not under the dictatorship of our own poor needs. We can decide to live in the environment of a living God and not our own dying selves. We can decide to centre ourselves in the God who generously gives and not in our own egos which greedily grab.” A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, p. 96-97. [It’s worth reading Violet’s entire post here: Statute Songs]

§ I’ve been hearing Johnny Reid songs on the radio lately—and liking them. The first time I heard him,. NJ Lindquist was teaching at a local writers’ conference and she used one of his songs as an example of story: “Kicking Stones” . Again, it’s about how we choose to react to our circumstances.

§ My copy of Ann Voskamp‘s One Thousand Gifts arrived today. I’m sure it’s going to reinforce the message.

We may not have much control over what happens, but we can choose how to respond. We can choose where to focus. We can, by the grace of God, learn to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV*. Or in the fresh language of The Message we do it by “fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5, MSG**.

Johnny Reid’s official video for “Kicking Stones.” (2007, Open Road Records) 

*New International Version, ©2010 (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica

**The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Friday Findings: A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider

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Hot Apple Cider – the book – is a best-selling inspirational anthology, in the tradition of Chicken Soup for the Soul. It makes a terrific gift for someone in need of a little encouragement, or someone who simply enjoys reading a variety of stories written by “real” people. Watch for A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider – coming on May 1, 2011. Both anthologies are published by That’s Life Communications.

Co-editor and contributor N.J. Lindquist writes:

Over 30,000 copies of Hot Apple Cider have gone out through World Vision’s Girls Night Out and Couples Night Out programs and another 15,000 have gone out through other means. We’re hoping for similar results with Hot Apple Cider 2.

Congratulations to everyone whose work was chosen for the book. While some of the contributors are veterans, others are being published for the very first time.

A. A. Adourian, Scarborough, Ontario

Brian C. Austin, Durham, Ontario

Paul M. Beckingham, Vancouver, British Columbia

Bonnie Beldan-Thomson, Pickering, Ontario

Glynis Belec, Drayton, Ontario

Mary Ann Benjamins, Brantford, Ontario

Vilma Blenman, Pickering, Ontario

Bill Bonikowsky, Surrey, British Columbia

Ann Brent, Brights Grove, Ontario

Connie Brummel Crook, Peterborough, Ontario

Marguerite Cummings, Toronto, Ontario

Kevin J. Dautremont, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Donna Dawson/Fawcett, St. Marys, Ontario

Angelina Fast-Vlaar, St. Catharines, Ontario

Rosemary Flaaten, Calgary, Alberta

Ed Hird, Vancouver, British Columbia

Ron Hughes, Smithville, Ontario

Evangeline Inman, Fredericton, New Brunswick

David Kitz, Orleans, Ontario

Marcia Lee Laycock, Blackfalds, Alberta

N. J. Lindquist, Markham, Ontario

Les Lindquist, Markham, Ontario

Heather McGillivray, Chelmsford, Ontario

Heidi McLaughlin, Westbank, British Columbia

Ruth Smith Meyer, Ailsa Craig, Ontario

M. D. Meyer, Norway House, Manitoba

Wendy Elaine Nelles, Toronto, Ontario

Kimberley Payne, Millbrook, Ontario

Judi Peers, Peterborough, Ontario

Gloria V. Phillips, Collingwood, Ontario

Johanne E. Robertson, Toronto, Ontario

Denise Budd Rumble, St. Marys, Ontario

Jayne Self, Orangeville, Ontario

Adele Simmons, Whitby, Ontario

Janet Sketchley, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Jeannie Lockerbie Stephenson, London, Ontario

T. L. Wiens, Beechy, Saskatchewan

The official release date for the book is May 1, 2011, just in time for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Canada Day. [Information from the Hot Apple Cider website and the press release]

Review: Hot Apple Cider

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Hot Apple Cider: an anthology

Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul is a collection of personal experience articles, short stories and poems by Canadian Christian authors from a variety of denominations.

Edited by N.J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles and with a forward by Canadian Christian fiction icon Janette Oke, the anthology features work from 30 professional members of The Word Guild.

Content ranges from the light-hearted and humorous to serious topics such as the death of a loved one, cancer, infertility, loneliness and family conflicts. Unlike some anthologies, there’s no sentimentalizing, no over-dramatization. Just real people writing about real situations, and faith in a real God who makes a difference. Truth presented through articles, poetry and fiction, accented with restful black and white illustrations.

Canadian Christian writers are a vibrant and articulate group, and Hot Apple Cider is a wonderful sample of some of their work. Even though each selection is self-contained, I found myself reading “just one more” when it was time to stop.

The book is available online or through local bookstores. The authors also donated 30,000 copies to World Vision to be given out at FaithLife Financial’s Girls’ Night Out events across Canada in 2008.

Seven entries from the anthology were finalists in The Word Guild 2009 Canadian Christian Writing Awards–and five won awards! More recently, Hot Apple Cider was chosen by the Church Library Association of Ontario for its 2009 One Book/One Conference focus.

It’s great to see Canadian authors who are Christian getting exposure in our country. Hot Apple Cider was a treat to read, and I know I’ll dip into it again and again. I enjoyed it so much, I bought a second copy and gave it away on my blog.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this ground-breaking project. Bring on volume two!

One Book / One Conference

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Out of 12 nominations, The Church Library Association of Ontario chose one book for everyone at their 2009 fall conference to read and discuss. It’s quite an eclectic list, and the ones I haven’t read I’ve heard good things about. What a great way to raise awareness of quality Canadian writing.

Nominated books were:

The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill

Broken Angel, by Sigmund Brouwer

The Cellist of Sarajevo, by Steven Galloway

Christianus Sum, by Shawn J. Pollett

Cibou, by Susan Young de Biagi

Hot Apple Cider, N.J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles, editors

Love Comes Softly, by Janette Oke

Mohamed’s Moon, by Keith Clemons

One Smooth Stone, by Marcia Lee Laycock

The Shack, by William P. Young

Shaded Light, by N.J. Lindquist

Vengeance, by Donna Dawson

I’ve read a lot of these books, although some were before I started doing regular reviews. If you want to see which ones I’ve reviewed, just click on the “reviews” tab at the top of this page.

Each one would have been a fine choice, and the most votes went to Hot Apple Cider. Since it’s an anthology from 30 Canadian authors who are Christian, covering a variety of topics in non-fiction, poetry and fiction, there’s sure to be something to please each participant in the One Book / One Conference event.

Congratulations to each author whose work was nominated!

Creativity, Writing, Speaking Workshops in Ontario

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“Me Speak? – But I’m a Writer!” Adele Simmons of Chestnut Lane Creative will be presenting a workshop at Whitby Baptist Church (in the Worship Centre), 411 Gilbert Street East, Whitby, Ontario on Saturday, February 7, 2009, 9:00am – 3:00pm. For those of you who are time-challenged, the workshop presents the bulk of the information in the morning, so you may dash away at noon, if required. (Rate adjusted accordingly). This workshop will include hands-on practicum with sound equipment, Impromptu Speaking, Humour in Speaking, Looking Good and Follow Up. Cost is $85 for members of The Word Guild, WCDR, POWE and WBC, and $95 for non-members. Email for more information.

Author and speaker N.J. Lindquist will be presenting two workshops in Sudbury, Ontario, February 27-28, 2009. “Release the Creative You” is an evening workshop about motivation and releasing your fears to allow your true creative self to develop and flourish. Pre-registration price is $20 or $25 at the door. Students (ID required) pay $10 or $15 at the door.

“Get to Know the Writer in You” is a full-day workshop for aspiring writers to get you started working with words. It will run from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Pre-registration price is $85 or $95 at the door. Students (ID required) pay $42 or $55 at the door.

Both Sudbury workshops will be held at and will be held at It will be held at Glad Tidings Auditorium, 1101 Regent St. South in Sudbury. Telephone 705-522-4523 for tickets. You can view the poster here.

I’ve had the privilege to attend workshops by each of these speakers, and have come away much the richer for it.

Writers’ Workshop in Barrie, Ontario

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If you’re a writer or aspiring writer living in or near Barrie, Ontario, I highly recommend taking in author NJ Lindquist’s Recycle Your Personal Experiences workshop on Nov. 15 at Barrie Free Methodist Church.

Recycle Your Personal Experiences is an all-day workshop filled with warmth, encouragement and practical help for people who feel a desire or even a pressing need to write, but don’t know where to begin or how to market their work. The goal for this workshop is to bring like-minded people together in an environment that allows them to connect with each other, learn necessary skills, and formulate an action plan in order to achieve their goals. [from the promotional material]

I attended this workshop last month in Nova Scotia, and it was empowering. Attendees ranged from published writers through those trying to break into print to some who came wondering “Could I be a writer? Is this writing thing for me?”

nj-lindquistSpeaker NJ Lindquist ended each of the four sessions by breaking us into small groups to apply what we’d learned. By the end of the day, we had identified some ideas to write about, thought through why they held our interest and how we wanted to present them (article, devotional, story, poem etc), and identified potential markets to research for them. We’d also made some new friends.

I’d never been to a workshop that combined teaching and practical application this way, and I think it’s great. Too often we get inspired but then in the cold doubt of second thoughts once the event is over, we don’t know how to follow through.

Recycle Your Personal Experiences

Date: Nov. 15, 9:00 – 5:00

Location: Barrie Free Methodist Church

Cost: $85 (students and seniors, $60). Group rates for 10 or more.

Registration: Via TicketWindow or phone 519-886-4196.

Sponsored by: The Word Guild and That’s Life! Communications.

Creativity and Writing Workshops in Eastern Canada

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I can’t believe I haven’t already posted this information!

If you live near Montreal or in Canada’s Maritime provinces, there are creativity and writing workshops coming your way (click on the workshop name to reach its website):

Release the Creative You is a 2 ½ hour evening workshop for teens and adults who want to explore their creativity, who have a dream they’re afraid might never come true, and who long to set their imagination free. The session will challenge, inspire, motivate and offer tools for attendees to find the courage to trust God and become the person He created them to be.  Tickets: $20 ($25 at the door) for adults, $10 ($15 at door) for high school/university students.

Friday, Oct. 17, Brossard, Quebec

Monday, Oct. 20, Sussex, New Brunswick

Tuesday, Oct. 21, Sackville, New Brunswick

Wednesday, Oct. 23, Charlottetown, PEI

Friday, Oct. 24, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Write! Montreal and Write! Maritimes are all-day sessions (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) that will help attendees identify which of their stories would be the best to begin writing; teach them a variety of ways to use their ideas; and offer tools to help with marketing. Tickets: $85 ($99 at the door) for adults, $60 ($75 at door) for seniors and students.

Saturday, Oct. 18, Brossard, Quebec

Saturday, Oct. 25, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Registration for all events is through TicketWindow.

Speaker NJ Lindquist is a Canadian author, and co-editor of the ground-breaking anthology of Canadian Christian writing, Hot Apple Cider. Here’s a brief intro from her website: “Her mysteries have been compared to the best of Agatha Christie. Her novels inspire teenage boys to read. Her wisdom and leadership have empowered thousands. Her journey from accidental conception in a tiny hamlet of the cold Canadian prairies to award-winning author and international speaker is truly inspirational.”

NJ blogs on life at What’s on My Mind? and on writing at Blue Collar Writer.

These workshops are sponsored by The Word Guild, in partnership with World Vision and That’s Life! Communications.