Sunday, April 29, 2012

Weekend Worship—The Uncomfortable Calling


 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us?Why take a second look our way? Psalm 8:4 (The Message)
We writers are an insecure lot. I’ve had the privilege to spend this week with some of the most talented writers I know, and we hadn’t been together for an hour before this truth was apparent. It was almost like the combined weight of our fears collapsed a dam and all our recent failures and set-backs came rushing out. 
That first evening was partially spent catching up. But the majority of the time seemed to revolve around reassuring each other that, no matter what the world said, we hadn’t mistaken God’s call on our lives to write. We shared the heartaches of recent contests with poor scores, vicious critiques and missed opportunities, all with self deprecating laughs and tear-filled eyes. 
We bound up each other’s wounds, hurts and injuries. Many had been inflicted without ill intent, but left their marks none-the-less. It’s all part of the process, the journey of becoming. But what joy and relief it was to come together with others who understood. And that was the crux, feeling heard and validated. 
As I considered this the following morning, it hit me that there is One who always understands, who feels our pain, empathizing without pity. We can turn to Him, in any instance, at any time, and find ourselves safe. I want to share my prayer for each of us.
Dearest Lord, I pray for my fellow writers today, that each of us, even as we’re reminded of our own inadequacies, would view our blessings in light of your sovereignty, goodness and mrcy; resting in the unfathomable fact that you have ordained this. It’s not that we’re good or worthy—or even here by mistake—but that you have a purpose for each of us. Please remove our focus on ourselves and replace it with a whole-hearted devotion and renewal to serve you...however uncomfortable the calling.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Use Headlines to Compose Facebook and Twitter Updates—How to Utilize Copywriting Techniques in Social Media


I’ve done a good bit of copywriting during my career and I’ve stumbled across a really good application for it with my use of Social Media. So bear with me as I give you a little background on copywriting.
First, for those who aren’t sure, the dictionary defines a copywriters as one who “writes copy for advertising.” The field of copywriting has gone on to include many aspects of business writing.
And the primary goal for ALL copywriters when they compose a headline is not, as you might assume, to sell something.
It’s to get the first sentence read.
And that’s where the similarity with social networking begins.
So their choice of Headline, Graphics Font, Format, etc. should lead directly to this goal. And what is their goal with the first sentence? To get the next sentence read. 
This step-by-step copywriting road is also the yellow brick road for everyone who wants to succeed with Social Media.
You see, with a compelling headline a browser becomes a reader. Without a compelling headline, the rest of your words might as well not be written. The same could be said of your Facebook post or Twitter update.
So what makes a compelling headline/social media update?
  1. It must provide the reader with the tools to evaluate the content.
  2. It needs to resonate with a reader’s urgency.
  3. It’s important to show the reader why this offer/product/person is unique.

And, most important of all it must NOT give away the ending!
Not sure what that means? 
Let say I’d written a blog post about how Hootsuite can help you organize your Twitter life.
Here’s the Tweet/Facebook update I’d send out:
Does the confusion of Twitter make you crazy? Visit my blog today for 5 tips to organize your Tweet Life. 
Here’s a Tweet/Facebook update I’d NEVER send out:
Does the confusion of Twitter make you crazy? Use Hootsuite to organize your Tweet LIfe.
With the second one I’ve given away the ending and there’s no reason for anyone to visit my blog.
Now, before we get too much deeper I want to give you a list of all the different headlines you can create.
Direct Headlines go straight to the heart of the matter, without any attempt at cleverness. A direct blog post title might read Free SEO E-book.
An Indirect Headline takes a more subtle approach. It uses curiosity to raise a question in the reader’s mind, which the body copy answers. Often a double meaning is utilized, which is useful online. A blog post I once saw was 7 Reasons NOT to Blog.
News Headline is pretty self-explanatory, as long as the news itself is actually, well… news. A product announcement, an improved version, or even a content scoop can be the basis of a compelling news headline. Think Introducing the New Google+.
The How to Headline is popular everywhere, online and off, for one reason only—it works. An example would be, umm… oh yes… the title of this post.
Question Headline must do more than simply ask a question, it must be a question that resonates with the reader. One used far too often in the writing industry, Do You Want to Get Published Now?
The Command Headline emphatically tells the reader what to do. The first word should be a strong verb demanding action, such as Subscribe to The Write Conversation Today!
Another effective technique is called the Reason Why Headline. Your body text consists of a numbered list of product features or tips, which you then incorporate into the headline, such as 8 Ways to Build a Platform.
Finally, we have the Testimonial Headline, which is highly effective because it presents outside proof that you offer great value. This entails taking what someone else has said about you, your product or service, and using their actual words in your headline. Quotation marks let the reader know that they are reading a testimonial, which will continue in the body copy
With this many types of headlines to choose from you should never run short of ideas on what to post about your or anyone’s blog again.
But remember, it's important to make sure you vary the type of headline post you use. In other words, don’t always use a question or a reason why headline. Shake it up a little.
Now let's have some fun. Can you give examples of possible headlines for today's post?

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Monday, April 23, 2012

Clash of the Titles

***
I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him.
~ Delia Latham
Welcome, Delia! It's a pleasure starting off our day off visiting with you. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Do I have to go directly to jail if I confess to rarely eating breakfast?  I've never been a fan of breakfast foods. To make it even worse, I usually get out of bed and feel my way to the refrigerator (instead of the coffee pot) for my wake-me-up Dr. Pepper. Oh, no! I think I just heard the clang of a slamming jail cell...

 Uh-oh, lol. I'll give you a place to hide when you go on the lam. So after that can of morning law-breaking, you must then head for the closet to get dressed. Would you consider yourself a skirt, jeans, or sweats kinda gal? Sweats when I'm home with no company expected and no errands to run. Jeans otherwise. And, although you didn't ask, bare feet.


I'm addicted to socks personally. Preferably fuzzy ones. But besides our feet, we probably look a lot alike in the outfit department. Nice to know I can dress casual if I ever visit your house. Which makes me wonder... If you were having me over for dinner, what would you be serving? Hmmm...good question, since I'm not the cook in my family. My husband does that, and loves it. (Am I blessed? Oh, yes, I am!) Off the top of my head, I'd say you might be dining on his famous chili verde burritos. They're mmm-mmm good! Dessert would be chocolate Heavenly Hash, which is a scrumptious concoction made of chocolate pudding, cool whip, and...I'm not even sure what else is in there, but you're going to love it! And, since it's you, it would all be served on a silver platter - my contribution to the meal. LOL

Oh Yum! I think I'll bring the whole fam. They might get bored of our book talk though. Can you tell me, of the books you've had published, which is nearest and dearest to your heart? Come now, darling...surely you wouldn't ask a mother which is her favorite child?  But, for the sake of cooperation, I'll just say that the new baby always gets the most attention. Of my older "children," however, I think Goldeneyes is probably the most "like" me. A vintage romance (set in 1936 and 1959), it is set partially in Weedpatch, the tiny, California farming community where I grew up. How could it not have a little of my own heart and soul written into its pages?

That sounds amazing! Can't wait to read it. =) COTT is lucky to have such a talented writer on staff. How long have you been on staff at Clash of the Titles and what do you envision for its future? I don't think it's been quite a year yet. Seems like I started about the beginning of August 2011. As for its future, I see COTT becoming a very important cog in the wheel for helping authors get noticed. It's already becoming known within the writing field, and has enjoyed participation by some widely recognized authors. I can't help believing COTT will become one of the places on which authors look forward to claiming a spot, and the Laurel Award could easily become one of the sought-after crowns (ummm...laurels?) of achievement within the industry. I honestly believe we have the potential for that kind of success, because everyone on staff truly cares about our authors and their success. I'm so proud to play a small part behind the scenes!

Sounds like a bright future for COTT and we love you being a part of our family of staff. We love your sweet spirit and the way Jesus shines through you. When do you feel closest to God? When I'm alone with Him...shut in with God, in a "secret place," as the old hymn goes. Just me and the Lover of my soul. I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him. Even though I know He gives that same assurance to many others, it's absolutely true for each of us. He loves us all the most.

Ah, that is so beautiful. Love it. Thank you, Delia, that was so wonderfully well-put. You have such a way with words. And on that note, tell us about the last book you had the pleasure of seeing reach reader's hands. That would be Gypsy's Game - Book Three in the Solomon's Gate series...and it reached reader's hands only last Friday, March 16! I'm very excited about Gypsy's story, and can't wait to start hearing what readers think. Here's what it's about:
Gypsy Lovell stands to inherit an enormous amount of money from a father who never gave her anything but a ridiculous name. Even now, he doesn’t make it easy. A stipulation in the man’s will demands that Gypsy be married in order to claim what is hers. Desperate for the monetary windfall that could save her ailing mother’s life, Gypsy visits a Christian dating agency, hoping to find a temporary husband. Someone easy to handle for the required six months, and easy to get rid of when she no longer needs him. Jal Garridan is neither of those things, but he's willing to take on the challenge presented by the beautiful stranger—on his own terms. What Gypsy doesn’t know is that Solomon’s Gate is a dating agency with a Divine connection. What she finds there may save more than her mother’s life. It may save Gypsy’s soul.
I must  admit, there's a certain melancholy that goes along with knowing this book will most likely be the last time I'll swing open the giant portals of Solomon's Gate. But then...only God knows the future...perhaps He hasn't thrown away the key.

The first in that series was one of our summer book club selections and it was a great read! I'm looking forward to continuing the series, and I hope our readers will head over to Amazon to check it out too. They won't be disappointed! 
Thank you so much for chatting with us this morning. Go grab another Dr. Pepper and have a wonderfully productive day. And readers, be sure to visit www.clashofthetitles.com for the latest Clash and giveaway.  Have a blessed day!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Weekend Worship - Once Upon a Time . . .


Once Upon a Time
by Edie Melson

Dust & ashes
Filthy rags
Hateful masters
Ugly hags

Aching heart
Wishes made
Things changed
Rules obeyed



Pretty clothes
Delightful gathering
Striking clock
Hope unraveling

Life abandoned
Party fled
Dream denied
Future dead

Broken heart
Determined prince
Kingdom searched
Message sent





Trail followed
Captive sought
Desolate found
Freedom bought

Lifted up
Life redeemed
Carried away
Fulfilled dream

Fairy tale
Cosmic joke
Cruel lie
No hope

Jesus Christ
Heard my call
Paid the price
Prince of all

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thursday Review—Deep in the Heart, by Staci Stallings


Today, I'm drifting a little away from our regular Thursday Review format to introduce you to a friend of mine, Staci Stallings. She's a Contemporary Christian author and the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. She has a special surprise for us. 
Today only, 

I convinced Staci to answer a few questions for us, to give some insight into the life of an author.
Edie: Let’s jump right in. Is there something your readers might be surprised to find out about you?
Staci: How disorganized and scattered I am. Maybe it's just me and the fact that I have so much going on (a husband, three kids, a house, two schools, teaching Sunday School, directing VBS plays, serving on retreat teams, writing, publishing, marketing, my group Grace & Faith authors, doing all of the finances for my company, my husband's company, and our family, two large extended families, three blogs, etc. etc. etc.)... but I often feel like I get nothing done in a day.  
Others think I'm some kind of Wonder Woman, but I look around and see how much still needs to be done! That's why I feel scattered and disorganized because part of me thinks if I could just get organized, then I wouldn't feel so behind all the time. However, it's probably not that I'm disorganized, just that I have too much to ever conceivably get done. :)
Edie: That makes me tired just thinking about it all. What is your favorite way to relax?
Staci: Movies or writing my stories. On that same four-day vacation from all of life, I spent the first 2 1/2 days watching movies—romantic comedies mostly. I don't mind watching the same ones over and over either. I think I watched "Prom" like five times that weekend. Then, all of sudden, the floodgates of my mind and heart opened. I spent the next day and a half writing on a new story—80 pages! Unfortunately life hasn't let me write another word on a story since. 
Edie: Let’s talk about your story. In this book, what character do you most admire and why?
Staci: I love Deep in the Heart. It's one I could read over and over again. The two main characters are just so real. Maggie is trying so hard to make life work. Oh, she relies on God, no doubt, but it seems she can't ever catch a real break. I feel for her because I know what it's like to feel like life is conspiring against you, and just like her, I have to cling to my faith in God just to make it through some days. So I really relate to her and her struggles.
But I also love Keith. He is so much like I was growing up—looking like he had everything together on the outside but being so lost on the inside. It’s inspiring to me to watch as Maggie shares her faith with him and to watch him open his heart to God's love and to begin to understand that the temporary things of this world are nothing in comparison with the things that are eternal.
Edie: So tell me, how does God fit into your books?
Staci: If someone told me I had to take God out of my books, I wouldn't have a book left. A reviewer once complained that my characters prayed too much, that God had to work very hard in the book because the characters seemed not to be able to deal with life on their own. To which I said, "Duh! That's what being a Christian is about!" I was actually very proud of that 1-star review because it showed that although the reviewer may not like the message that Christians are to rely on God for every step, they certainly didn't miss the message in the book.
Edie: Tell me, who inspires you?
Staci: The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is just COOL. He is creativity and hope and love and joy all rolled into one. He lets me be who I am and helps me to become who I was meant to be. He whispers my stories to me and guides every step of every day. He makes sense out of things I could never comprehend and leads me to make connections I never saw coming. Life is way more exciting and fun because He's in it.
Thanks so much for having me, Edie. I hope you and your readers have a blessed day!


Monday, April 16, 2012

Clash of the Titles

Clash of the Titles Congratulates Keven Newsome, author of Winter  and winner of the Comparable Cover/ Book Blurb Clash!One of the commenters at Clash of the Titles said, “Just finished Winter, loved it.”


About Winter: We're all freaks. It's just a matter of perspective. Winter Maessen didn’t ask for the gift of prophecy. She’s happy being a freak – but now everyone thinks she’s crazy. Or evil. Goths aren’t all the same, you know. Some are Christians… Christians to whom God sends visions. Students at her university are being attacked, and Winter knows there’s more than flesh and blood at work. Her gift means she’s the only one who can stop it – but at what price?

Keven talks about Winter.Winter is a four book series. As the series progresses, Winter’s ability as a prophetess grows to rival Elijah. She does not just have a gift of prophecy, but is an Old Testament style prophet. I worked very hard to make sure everything she does is theologically and Biblically accurate. Everything she does has a corresponding Biblical example. The story is not necessarily about Winter being a prophetess or her battle with a Satanic priest. It is more about her fall and redemption through Christ. That’s why the story is told in two parts. The flashback story shows how she fell to become unlovable and unwanted. The modern day story shows how God can take the most unlovable and unwanted person and transform them into something amazing.  I want this story to inspire all readers that even though they don’t think they’re good enough for God, God thinks otherwise.

About Keven:Keven Newsome is a graduate student at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology specializing in Supernatural Theology. He writes stories that portray the supernatural and paranormal with a Biblical perspective. He's also the found and administrator of The New Author's Fellowship and produces music and videos through Newsome Creative. When asked about himself, he says, "I am a child of God, husband, father, and friend, in that order. I am a musician, novelist, and sometimes artist. I know the difference between Star Wars, Star Trek, and Firefly, but I prefer Lord of the Rings. My mp3 player contains a mix of Christian rock and movie soundtracks. I am more of a nerd at heart, but I am equally comfortable sleeping under the stars with a log for a pillow, playing Halo with a bunch of guys with cold pizza on standby, or playing intra-mural sports such as tennis or flag-football. In short...I am strange." He currently lives in Louisiana with his wife and their two children. Visit Keven's Web site here

 Submitted by Clash Hostess: Gail Pallotta Bio: Gail has published several hundred freelance articles and two books. While some of her articles are included in anthologies, two of her historical pieces ended up in museums. In 2004, the year she published her first book, Now Is the Time, the American Christian Writers Association named her a regional writer of the year. Gail’s first Christian romance, Love Turns the Tide, was published by Awe-struck E- books in their inspirational category. Learn more about Gail here Visit her blog here Author LOVE TURNS THE TIDE available from Awe-Struck E-Books www.awe-struck.net Web site: http://www.gailpallotta.com Blog:www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com Splickety magazine, issue 1.1 https://magcloud.com/account/downloads

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Weekend Worship—When No Becomes Yes


The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. 2 Peter 3:9

Over the last few days I’ve watched a dream I thought dead, come back to life. 
  
It started a little over ten years ago, with a nightmare. Yes, you’ve done your math correctly and it was 2001, but the nightmare didn’t begin with 9/11. It began two months and two days later, on November 13 and it was the day my best friend and her six-year-old daughter disappeared. Over the next few months I discovered Jennifer and Abby Blagg had been murdered...by her husband. 

It was my first experience with domestic violence.

I had already answered what I believed was God’s call to write, and I could see that this calling would be the perfect opportunity for me to tell Jennifer’s story. I even had others close to her tell me that I should be the one to tell her story.
But no matter how I tried, I couldn’t make things work. So I took that as a sign from God and gave up that part of the dream.

Then a couple of months ago I was contacted by an independent television company, Make Believe Media. They had decided to produce an episode about what had happened to Jennifer and Abby.












This past Thursday and Friday, they’ve been here, filming that episode. I'm grateful for the opportunity to tell Jennifer’s story and giving the information others need to recognize the signs and stop the cycle of domestic violence.


NOTE: Here's a link to the follow-up blog with information about the airing of the program, The Devil You Know, on the Investigate Discovery channel. The episode about Jennifer is titled: Twisted Faith.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Thursday Review—the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference


photo provided by Mary Denman
The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is unique in what it offers those attending. Ask those who’ve come in the past to describe their experience and you’ll frequently find the conference described as a small gathering of family and friends. That may seem odd, considering it’s one of the largest Christian conferences in the US. 
But this description is at the heart of why so many return to Blue Ridge year after year. In spite of the numbers, the staff and faculty are committed to meeting the needs of each individual. Everything has been carefully planned to encourage a camaraderie of writers growing together in their craft and in their faith.
If you haven’t attended, here are some of the highlights:
Photo provided by Mary Denman
Registration is where it all begins on Sunday afternoon. You’ll hear squeals of recognition, as well as a murmur of introductions as lifelong friendships take root. This is also where the newbies gather, excited to put faces to names. Most have already met through the Blue Ridge Yahoo group where writers gather to network before and after the conference. Membership is moderated by Edie Melson to prevent spammers, but encouraged for anyone who has ever attended or who’s interested in attending the conference.
After everyone gets settled into their rooms and has supper, the first big meeting takes place. The Monday night kick-off includes the first keynote of the week and after, an introduction to the faculty. Alton Gansky—Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference director—gives a run-down of any last minute schedule changes and then dismisses the assembly to sign-up for the coveted 15 minute appointments.
Meals are a great place to meet with the faculty and network with other writers. Each round table in the cafeteria has the name of a faculty member posted and attendees are encouraged to use lunch and supper to meet with faculty. Breakfast is informal, with faculty not required to attend, but lunch and dinner are a great time to make valuable contacts.
Classes are divided into several categories:
Photo courtesy of Mary Denman
  • Continuing Classes are classes that continue all week during that time slot and build on previous sessions. To get the most from these classes it’s best to stick with the same one all week if possible. But if you find yourself in a class that doesn’t fit, don’t hesitate to change to one that does.
  • Workshops are one time sessions. These classes give you all the information during one class time.
  • Practicums are special, hands-on classes. These vary in how many sessions they are held. Some are only one session, others last all day—everyday. There are two offered that require PRE-REGISTRATION, so be sure to check the class listings.
  • Next.Level Classes are sessions geared toward the more experienced writer and contain advanced material.
  • One of the unique aspects of Blue Ridge is the fact that attendees aren’t required to sign up for a classes in advance. We understand that your needs change—sometimes abruptly—and what you thought you wanted to concentrate on when you signed up for the conference may be radically different from what you need when you arrive. 

Photo courtesy of Mary Denman
Evenings are special at Blue Ridge, beginning with keynotes from amazing professionals. They also include a chance to see the sillier side of some of our faculty with an always hilarious improv offering.
After hours you’ll find groups gathering at Clouds coffee shop (where they serve Starbucks coffee) or in the lobby of Mountain Laurel. Many times faculty will sit around talking and catching up—but don’t shy away—the point is always to include attendees and make them feel like they belong.
15 Minute Appointments are held in a central location—the Rhododendron Auditorium—you’ll find others waiting who are just as nervous as you, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation.
Awards Banquet on Wednesday night is a highlight for everyone—no matter if you entered a contest or not. By then you’ve made close friends out of strangers and everyone has someone to root for. The dress for the banquet is varied. It’s a fun time to dress up a little, but no one goes overboard. Just a nice dress or slacks for the ladies and a jacket for the men—ties always optional.
I hope this gives you a taste of what to expect. It’s by no means exhaustive, but hey, everyone needs a few good surprises. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you at the 2011 conference and hopefully the Yahoo group as well! 


To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.
To register online click here.
Now it's your turn, if you've attended Blue Ridge in the past, please share one of your highlights from years past.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings
Edie

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

How is Writing like Going on a Blind Date?


Writing/Dating Dos and Don'ts

You may think I’m nuts, but hang in here with me. There are a lot more similarities to these two circumstances than you might initially think. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the writer or the reader, unless you’ve met before neither one of you knows exactly what to expect.  So I’ve come up with some writing/dating Dos and Don’ts you might want to consider. 
  • First, DO put your best foot forward. Your buddies may know you’re a great guy, but if you show up for that first date in a t-shirt and cut-offs, you’re going to have a hard time convincing her of it. Conversely, if your date has told you it’s going to be a back yard cook-out and you pull out the stilettos and pearls there’s probably not going to be another date.The same is true of writing. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing, a blog post or the second novel in your award-wining series, you only get one chance to make a GOOD first impression. If you’re composing a blog post, keep the tone conversational and leave the buttoned-up world of formal writing at home.
  • Second, DON’T be misleading. Only a fool would rent a Porsche and pretend to be rich on a first date, thinking the initial wrong impression would be so impressive it would be forgiven later. The same is true when we promise our reader one thing with a title or opening paragraph and then deliver something entirely different. Lying is way too much trouble and it never ends well.
In writing, like dating, leave room for a little mystery
  • Third, DO give the other person a chance to get to know you. Nobody likes to be cornered by the insecure person who tells you her life story in an hours-long monologue. Information dumping, especially in fiction, comes across exactly like that. Make the reader curious and let them wonder about what’s to come. Leave a room for a little mystery and a bit of flirting. Trust me—it’s much more fun that way!
  • Finally, DON’T underestimate the intelligence of the one you’re with. None of us like to be talked down to—especially by someone we’ve just met. The same is true of readers. They often understand more than what we give them credit for.  We don’t have to beat them over the head with a point for them to get it. 

If you think about it you'll see these guidelines make sense. With writing, like blind dates, the first impression counts. Your first line is your reader’s first impression and many times it determines whether or not he will go any further in the relationship.

So how good are you at this writing/dating game? What kind of writers have you dated? Have you noticed any of these in the things you’ve read/written?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Monday, April 9, 2012

Clash of the Titles

Your Clash Hostess:  Gail Pallotta


Clash of the Titles has a great selection of books in our give away this week. Shelley Adina will donate a copy of Lady of Devices, Keven Newsome offers a choice between a signed print copy of Winter OR two e-books, one of Winter and one of Aquasynthesis. James Rubart gives away a copy of The Chair.

Wow! Vote in order to enter. You'll find the voting box below. You can also leave a comment on any COTT post or on our Facebook page. Multiple entries encouraged!

Many times we hear a word or phrase and another comes to mind. The two go together so well we can’t think of one without recalling the other. Some easily recognized pairs come from life experiences, others from songs, books or movies. Here are a few to complete just for fun.
  • A  song:  “Love and Marriage.” “Love and marriage, love and marriage go together like a  _____ and _____.”  According to Wikipedia, this tune was introduced by Frank Sinatra in the 1955 television rendition of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder. It aired on Producers Showcase. 
  • Something we eat.Hot apple pie and ____ _____. No one eats apple pie without it, do they? 
  • Movie stars often cast together: Doris Day and _____ ______. Three of their 1962 movies, “Pillow Talk,” “ Lover Come Back” and “Send Me No Flowers,” are available today in a romance collection. 
  • From Books and Television: The Hardy Boys / _____ ______. This series was based on two series published by Edward Stratemeyer. 
  • A heroine in a book. Her name is in the title. ______ of Green Gables. This book was published in 1908 by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Originally written for all ages, recently it’s been considered a  children’s book. Since publication it’s sold 50 million copies, and is taught to students  worldwide. It’s been adapted to film, television and stage. 
  • The prey in a tale of the sea.  Captain Ahab and the great white_____. Published in 1851 by Herman Melville, this is  one of the great American novels. It tells the story of Ishmael, a sailor on a ship named  Pequod. 
  • A character in a novel.  Miss Scarlett in _____ _____ ___ _____. Margaret Mitchell won a Pulitzer prize for the  novel in 1936. The movie, considered a classic epic film today, premiered in 1939.
Answers: 1. Horse, carriage  2. Ice cream  3. Rock Hudson  4. Nancy Drew  5. Anne 6. Whale  7. Gone with the Wind That was fun.

Now vote for your pick in the cover and book blurb Clash. When we read the blurbs, do the images on the front of the books come to mind and vice versa? If so, which of these go together best? Later when you think of what the book blurb has to say, will you see the cover in your mind’s eye?    Please vote for one.
Cover and Blurb A
We're all freaks. It's just a matter of perspective. 

Winter Maessen didn’t ask for the gift of prophecy. She’s happy being a freak – but now everyone thinks she’s crazy. Or evil. Goths aren’t all the same, you know. Some are Christians…


Christians to whom God sends visions. Students at her university are being attacked, and Winter knows there’s more than flesh and blood at work. Her gift means she’s the only one who can stop it – but at what price?
Cover and Blurb B
                                                                London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin’s son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world. At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband.

Unfortunately, Claire’s talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It’s not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices . . . When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .


Cover and Blurb C
                                                  
If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?

When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago? As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin’s destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why? Desperate, he turns to the one person he can trust, a college history professor who knows more about the legend of the chair than he'll reveal. Corin's life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact and the unexplained phenomena surrounding it. What’s more, he's not the only one willing do almost anything to possess the power seemingly connected to the chair.


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