Bible Study Book Companion ~ Gleen Haggerty

Companion Bible Study for Run, Finding Friends & Handling Bullies

 by Glenn Haggerty

It’s tough being a tween or teen today, there’s so much bad stuff in our culture, and secular entertainment often offers only despair. I wrote my three book Intense fiction series for middle grade and teenaged students because I want to provide serious entertainment from the Christian worldview and to give kids hope that they too can make it through this difficult period of life. And now, I have just released my first companion Bible study!

The idea behind the companion study is to apply Biblical principles to the real-life situations in the novel, Run, Intense Book 2.  The section on finding friends includes studies on forgiveness, selflessness and prayer. The section on bullying includes 10 Biblical tips for handling bullies. All of these subjects relate to specific scenes in the novel, Run. 

This study includes excerpts from the novel so that purchasing Run separately although helpful, is not necessary. Companion Bible Study for Run is designed as both a devotional for individual use, or as a group/parent/child study but that includes a leaders and guide.

Companion Bible Study for Run, Finding Friends & Handling Bullies would make a great summer devotional for middle school kids and help prepare them for the upcoming school year.

 

Here is the back cover copy.

Companion Bible Study for Run--Finding Friends & Handling Bullies

Equip students to find and keep solid friendships and deal with bullies.

This 7-session study on friendships gives students tools to survive and even thrive as they observe the fictional Tyler Higgins navigate the middle school friendship jungle. Students will learn from his examples both negative and positive as the lessons focus on Biblical principles for friendships, forgiveness, selflessness, dealing with bullies and a vibrant relationship with the greatest Friend of all.

• Session One—Finding Friends
• Session Two—Forgiving Friends
• Session Three—Facing Bullies, 10 Biblical Tips for Dealing with Bullies 1-7
• Session Four—Facing Bullies, 10 Biblical Tips for Dealing with Bullies 8-9
• Session Five—Facing Bullies, 10 Biblical Tips for Dealing with Bullies 10
• Session Six—Sacrificing for Friends
• Session Seven—Talking to God

Each student book includes scripture verses and a leader’s (parent’s) guide, with answers

Although reading the novel, Run, Intense Book 2 would enrich the study, the novel is not necessary, as each session includes corresponding chapter summaries in the appendix. 

“Tyler Higgins made some blunders and burned some bridges. Can he build a new life after he moves from Florida to a small northern town in the middle of nowhere? Or will he repeat his past mistakes?” 

Purchase Links:

• Amazon Kindle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1JNBMT
• Amazon Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999399454
• B&N Print https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/companion-bible-study-for-run-glenn-haggerty/1128989491?ean=9780999399453

About Glenn: 

Glenn has a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary. He is an award-winning author who combines his love for teaching God’s word with his passion for writing exciting fiction. In addition to the action adventure novel, Run (Intense Book 2), he has published two additional books in his Intense series, Escape (Book 1) and Chase (Book 3).  Eight of his short stories have appeared in six magazines, including Cadet Quest, Partners, Splickety, and Havok.

You can visit Glenn on his website at http://www.glennhaggerty.com  or

on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor

and Twitter https://twitter.com/grhaggertyjr

It is my pleasure to welcome back Glenn Haggerty to Whispers in Purple and a reprise of his first book in his Intense Book series for our Everything Old is New Again feature. Take it away, Glenn!

Escape, Intense Book 1

by Glenn Haggerty

I write for middle school and teenaged students because I want to provide serious entertainment from the Christian worldview. It’s tough being a tween or teen today, there’s so much bad stuff in our culture, and secular entertainment often offers only despair. I write to give kids hope that they too can make it through this difficult period of life. So I wrote Escape.

Escape, Intense Book 1 began as a scene in my mind featuring three boys biking in the sweltering Florida summer heat. From that scene, my imagination took off, and by God’s grace the story came together—an intense action/suspense adventure packed with relational angst. With its high action, Escape is a good read for reluctant readers, especially boys. And because it is only 127 pages with most of the story occurring in a single day, it is an easy read as well. The eBook version is free, and the print copy is inexpensive at $6.99 from either Amazon or B&N.

Escape Back Cover Copy

“I’d never seen a dead body before, but I was pretty sure the guy in the car trunk was dead.”

Middle school's tough, and Tyler Higgins just wants to hang with the cool kids. But Dustin’s idea of quality entertainment is spying on parked cars on Lover’s Lane. When two creeps show up with a body, Tyler doesn’t want to stick around. Then again, he might not have much choice.

BUYING LINKS

Amazon Free Kindle Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X2SF8S

B&N etc. https://www.books2read.com/u/m2oRQ7 

Other Books in the Intense Series

Run, Intense Book 2

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Run-Intense-Book-Glenn-Haggerty-ebook/dp/B015QP5YY0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518111604&sr=8-2&keywords=Run%2C+Intense

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/run-glenn-haggerty/1122803977?ean=9781940727172

Chase, Intense Book 3

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0792JP7Z2

Barnes & Noble Nook, iBooks, Kobo and others https://books2read.com/u/3yZOW6

The next book in my Intense Series is tentatively titled, Hyde, which follows the theme of the first three books and once again also serves as the name of the main antagonist. It is also set in Florida where Tyler is vacationing with his cousins. Once again, they get caught up in a mysterious disappearance that has to do with modern-day pirates and treasure buried in plain sight. I’ve done some research on the Spanish gold fleet of Seventeen-fifteen and discovered some interesting possibilities. I’m targeting a late fall 2018 release for this book.

And, I will also be releasing a Bible study companion for Run, Intense Book 2 which provides Biblical tips for finding friends and dealing with bullies on July 1, 2018.

About Glenn 

Glenn writes inspiring adventures with an edge. No matter how dark the day, finding hope to pursue the prize is the core of all his novels and studies. He is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, the father of six and grandfather of seven. Glenn likes tandem biking, kayaking, and daydreaming and lives in Minneapolis with his wife. He is also an award-winning author who combines his love for teaching God’s word with his passion for writing exciting fiction.

You can visit him at http://www.glennhaggerty.com  and reach him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor, and on Twitter, @grhaggertyjr

Why is Reading Christian Fiction Important for Youth? ♦ Glenn Haggerty

 Why is Reading Christian Fiction Important for Youth?

 by Glenn Haggerty

Jesus said that living in God’s word (hearing, reading, studying and doing) is crucial to discipleship (John 8:31-32) Children need reading skills to study God’s word for spiritual growth. Christian fiction applies biblical principles to middle grade and teen characters with both positive and negative examples helping kids think through issues and form their own conclusions. Often Christian books include excellent discussion questions. Jesus used the power of story to teach and explain spiritual truths. As children transition through the teen years and into adulthood, they need to embrace their own relationship with the Lord.

As kids read more, they become better readers, enhancing academic performance. However, the converse is also true. Therefore encouraging children to read is an important parental responsibility. Good fiction also enables the vicarious experience of different times, locations, cultures and perspectives of other people when kids can’t or shouldn’t experience them directly.

Author Eddie Jones, among others, says that “readers become leaders.” This seems self-evident when you consider the volume of information that most leaders must assimilate and analyze to make informed decisions.

Pure Entertainment. Recreational reading has brought joy into the lives of countless youth (and adults alike) for generations. What is more entertaining than curling up on the couch with your favorite snack and beverage and vicariously entering into a great story with a positive message of hope!

Therefore, I write to entertain and encourage students with inspirational fiction with an edge. I want people to finish my stories saying, “Awesome book!” and, “Yes. I can do this life thing too.”

A mom left a testimonial on my blog site, saying her teenage son hated reading. She picked up "The Last Thing I Remember” by Andrew Klavan, at the Christian bookstore  and gave it to her son. She said “He read it in two days! He said, ‘it was impossible to put down.’ And this non reading boy became a reader.” My latest endeavor is Chase, Intense Book 3, and I’m hoping I can get the same reaction from my student—and adult readers!

 Chase, Intense Books 3:

Setting: Small Town in the Appalachian Mountains

          

  “There they are.” Chase’s voice rolled up the slope. Even hollering his voice sounded flat and lifeless like someone had drilled a hole in his body, and his soul had leaked out.

Drugs infiltrate Tyler Higgins’ middle school turning ordinary kids into brain dead druggies. When his friend is infected, Tyler decides to cut the small town drug flow by ratting out the dealer before it’s too late.

Shadowing drug runners is risky business. A bowhunter has already disappeared, and Tyler’s true adversary remains veiled. After his first spying mission misfires, Audrey, his classmate, volunteers to help, but Tyler can’t imagine where this mission will lead. Everything goes sideways, but he doggedly follows the twisting trails, risking his friendships and his own neck. In the end, he isn’t sure who he can trust or if he can rescue anyone—including himself.

Buy Links:

Kindle www.amazon.com/dp/B0792JP7Z2  

Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo and iBooks https://books2read.com/u/3yZOW6

About Glenn:

Glenn writes inspiring adventures with an edge. No matter how dark the day, finding hope to pursue the prize is the core of all his novels and studies. He is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, the father of six and grandfather of seven.

Glenn likes tandem biking, kayaking, and daydreaming and lives in Minneapolis with his wife. He is also an award-winning author with short stories published in Splickety, Havok, Cadet Quest and Partners. Chase, the third book in his Intense series is scheduled for release April 1, 2018. You can visit him at http://www.glennhaggerty.com  and reach him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor, and on Twitter, @grhaggertyjr

Writing MG/YA novels

by Glenn Haggerty @grhaggertyjr

Writing MG/YA novels

I write for middle grade and teenaged boys because I want to provide serious entertainment from the Christian worldview. It’s tough being a tween or teen today, there’s so much bad stuff in our culture, and secular entertainment often offers only despair. I write to give kids hope that they too can make it through this difficult period of life.

I’ve developed my writing skills for middle grade through reading lots of MG/YA titles, writing practice, conferences, books and most importantly critique groups. Today for Whispers in Purple I’ll review my writing methodology in general, and then give some specific tips for MG/YA writing—not that I’m an expert, this is just one wandering writer’s methods at the moment. Hopefully there’s something here that will help another writer.

My stories are usually inspired by an image that somehow works its way into my mind. Often I’m not sure where it came from, other times it might be based on experiences, other books, movies or plain old inspiration. For example, my first novel, Run, started as a picture of a thirteen-year-old boy on an Appalachian Plateau peering down a heavily foliaged trail leading into a secret valley. For my second book, Chase, (soon to be released) it was a scum bag drug dealer waiting on a river bank for one of his little pushers.

Once I have an image—the scene—I ruminate on the idea and see if it can be built into a story. I’m a plotter, and so followed James Scott Bell and his book, Plot and Structure, as a basic handbook (but also include methods from Randy Ingermanson, Nancy Kress, Camy Tang and many others). Using Bell’s “LOCK” acronym, I first expand on the lead character, with a short Bio, developing his motivation and a goal related to the original scene big enough to carry the story.

Next, I brainstorm the antagonist, the conflict, and the desired outcome. If that looks good, I then brainstorm the “Knockout,” the climax of the book. I spend a lot of time on this part because it has to be compelling and hopefully somewhat unique. If I am not satisfied with the results, I do not move forward and may abandon the idea altogether. However, once I’ve developed these coordinates, I connect the dots if you will, by mapping the story out. I write out as many chapter titles (with goals) as I can think of, and place them in ascending order.

Take a breath! At this Point I return to my lead and further develop his character, his strengths, his weaknesses, and projected character arc etc. I make a greater effort to put myself inside this character’s mind and that changes everything. I write the first three chapters, adjust the plot map, write up an elevator pitch, and a brief synopsis and send these to my critique partners to determine if they think the opening has enough momentum and if the entire idea is viable.

Another break, and reload! Once those questions are answered, and it may take a number of revisions and a lot of time, I once again decide if I will move forward or not. If so I return to my map and begin outlining scenes and sequels using Randy Ingermanson’s methodology. Often as my character is refined, the plot shifts. Then I rewrite the synopsis and if it’s a go, I began writing out the chapters according to the outline and floating them to my critique partners as I go until the first draft is complete.

That’s my basic methodology, and now some specifics relating to MG/YA writing. As I mentioned, it’s crucial to get into the mind of your tween/teen protagonist. To do this, I read many MG /YA titles and try to draw from my own experiences (I’m blessed with a good memory of that period of my life). I’m a little reluctant to admit it, but I also watch television and movies about kids in this age group, but the most important thing is to simply get around kids, to talk with them, listen to them and try to understand the issues they are dealing with. Speech is crucial. I actually have a file that lists vocabulary and different phrases that teens use today. If I’m unsure about a word or phrase, I use something simple and clear. Better timeless than dated, kids will sniff that stuff out. On the other hand I also have to watch using too much adult language. I think writers can be blinded to some of this—another reason for good critique partners, and eventually beta readers.

Another thing I do as I self edit my MG/YA story if is to make sure the crucial plot points are stated simply and obvious. In addition to the usual editing for wordiness, I also look for over complicated dialogue tags. Comprehension trumps subtlety. Both spirituality and themes come back to the issues that kids in your target age range deal with. I ask myself the question, “how would kids deal with this issue without God?” And, “how might the problem play out if they asked for God’s help?” In the end, the spiritual issues are most interesting and important, but they must you woven into the tale seamlessly and naturally.

Last step, as I mentioned before—beta readers. Getting your church’s youth pastor to expose your writing to kids is huge, and even better if you can obtain honest feedback. Of course as always, you have to have thick skin, be flexible, teachable and above all humble. I’m certainly not an expert, but hopefully this is helpful to someone.

Thanks Peg

Glenn is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, father of six and grandfather of six. He likes tandem biking and kayaking, and lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two youngest college age children. Glenn is also an award winning author who combines his love for teaching God’s word with his passion for writing exciting fiction. Run is his first novel.​

Find Glenn at:

• Website: www.glennhaggerty.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor
• Twitter, @grhaggertyjr
• Blog(Youth Book Reviews): www.christianbooksfortweensandteens.com

Thanks you so much, Glenn, for sharing this on Writing Talk Tuesday.

A Visit With author Glenn Haggerty w/Giveaway

GLENN AND I MET THE OTHER DAY IN THE CORNER BOOTH OF A CYBER RETRO DINER FOR A LITTLE CHAT. WON’T YOU JOIN US?

Welcome, Glenn. When people find out we’re writers, someone will inevitably say ‘I’ve always wanted to write a book’ or, ‘I’d like to write a book someday,’ and you’re probably no exception. What is/would be your response?

It’s a big job to tackle. You might try writing a short story first, say 1000 to 1500 words. I began my writing career that way and it gave me insight as to how massive writing a book can be. It also opened the door to learning the craft of creative writing which is different from other types of writing. And ultimately, short stories provided writing credits when they were published in several magazines.

Good advice. I’m always curious about other writer’s habits, quirks, and the like: background music, or complete silence? Do you snack when you write? Share some of yours.

I usually start a story idea visualizing a scene in my head, often a dramatic moment and then try to imagine how the character would react. From there I often sketch the scene out further in my head, and if it feels right, I write it down. Then I just let it percolate in my brain for days—weeks—months. If it still feels like it could be a story, I then plot it out and draw up a character sketch not necessarily in that order.

Ah, a plotter then. I tried that once. Didn’t work for me. Anyway, tell us five random things about you.

1. I often get some great ideas and insights as a ride my stationary bike.
2. I love fall colors and also a sunny beach—pretty much mutually exclusive
3. Hiding out in the seminary library near my wife’s work is also a great place for inspiration.
4. I have six children and six grandchildren and they are all amazing.
5. I’ve hit both the California and the Florida beaches. I’m not going to say which is better.

If you could spend the day with one contemporary (living) person–NOT family–who would it be, and, of course, why?

I think writer Andrew Klavan, he’s been a great writing model for me—inspiring, and he’s got a great sense of humor.

What sparks your creativity when feeling drained?

It may sound trite, but prayer and Bible always recharge my engine. But also a good night’s sleep and a good workout.

Not trite at all. Spending time in prayer and the Bible is imperative. As to the workout…not so much.  

Describe your favorite writing space.

Any quiet comfortable place. No phone and no to do lists.

Coffee or tea?

I love great coffee, strong, and dark roast but with cream and sugar. Our Keurig makes a fast fix, but if I’m desperate, a shot of espresso and hot chocolate in a cup of skim milk. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are of course the best writing fuel food.

Fun question: If you’d been born into the animal kingdom instead of the human race, what animal would you be, and why?

As a kid, I sometimes fantasized that I was a talking mountain lion that went around doing good—sort of an animal superhero. Maybe influenced by Jack London’s dog characters “Buck” and “White Fang.”

Now, let’s get to the book we’re featuring today.

• · Title: Run, (Intense Book 1)
• · Publisher: Taegais Publishing
• · Release Date: Oct 13, 2015
• · Genre: Action Adventure
• · Stand alone or series: Intense series

 Purchase links:

•  Amazon
• B&N

What’s the book about and how did you come to write it?

Run is the story of a thirteen-year-old boy from a Christian home trying to find his way. Wanting to hang with the cool crowd caused Tyler to make some bad choices that mushroomed into a huge mess. A family relocation gave him the opportunity to start over, but he’s not a fast learner . . . Everything seems stacked against him, including a nasty run-in with some very bad men. But Tyler still wants to do things his way. Slowly he begins to trust in God again, and things begin to change. And it’s a good thing, because he’ll need God to make it through what lies ahead in this intense action thriller.

Abandoned houses in the woods have always fascinated me. Such mystery! My imagination just runs wild, especially when I remember those times I was brave enough to poke around in the ruins. This was the germ for the story.

Give us the back cover blurb:

At thirteen, a boy can run from lots of things, but he can’t always hide . . .

Awkward newbie, Tyler Higgins, has to navigate the middle school friendship jungle. But how can he focus on friends when a mysterious plumber casing the neighborhood threatens his life?

While chasing the cool kids through the woods, he tumbles into a ruined house where a shadowy creeper emerges from the basement. Tyler escapes, but for how long? The gigantic ninja-like goon sniffs him out and threatens to carve him up—along with his family.

Tyler finally connects with a rich kid, but a showdown brews. The plumber has a secret and lots of stolen cash—and Tyler’s friend is locked in on the plumber’s hideout. Now Tyler must risk his life or lose his new friend—permanently.

Where can folks find you on the Internet?

• Website:  http://www.glennhaggerty.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor
• Twitter: @grhaggertyjr
• Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/glennhaggerty

About the Giveaway:

Goodreads is hosting a giveaway of 25 print copies of Run. USA only, here is the link to enter: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/158556

Glenn has a question for my blog guests:

 Do you have any suggestions on how parents can encourage kids to read good Christian fiction? Please share in the comments section below.

About Glenn Haggerty:

Glenn is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, father of six and grandfather of six. He likes tandem biking and kayaking, and lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two youngest college age children. Glenn is also an award winning author who combines his love for teaching God’s word with his passion for writing exciting fiction. Run is his first novel.​ --Glenn Robert Haggerty Jr