YOU'RE BRILLIANT ~ Julie Arduini ~ Co-author Interview

It's "What's New Wednesday" and Whispers in Purple welcomes author Julie Arduini with her newest release in a unique interview.

You’re Brilliant: Interview with Mother-Daughter Authors Julie Arduini & Hannah Arduini

 Julie Arduini is an inspy romance author who uses Upstate NY settings, surrender issues, and a chocolate mention in her books. A couple years ago her daughter completed middle school with extra challenges. As they processed the experience, Hannah began explaining how she wished she could help encourage other girls before they go through similar things. Hannah processed it by storytelling, and Julie realized there was a worthy story. She encouraged Hannah to continue the story, and Julie would make sure it was published. Hannah plotted a three-book series called Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’. You’re Brilliant, the final book in the series, is now available on Amazon. 

What’s You’re Brilliant About?

Hannah: It’s realizing that even if you’re weird or you don’t think you/re good enough, you are.

Julie: It uses a mentoring ministry to weave a story between girls in high school and a pastor’s wife in a new environment. The girls and the women are all in different ways struggling with believing the lie they’re failures and incompetent. The series is Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’. 

Do you have a favorite character in You’re Brilliant?

Hannah: No. I love them all.

Julie: I feel the same as Hannah. I can relate to Cheri. Even as an adult I struggle with insecurity, especially when I try something new. However, I love Bethany. She’s got spunk and a sense of justice. KJ was a new character and she’s important. She appears to have everything going for her but she’s in a bad situation. We created her to show anyone can enter an issue like that, and it is not their fault.

What do you hope readers take away from You’re Brilliant?

Hannah: I hope with all the books that readers would know deep down they have value.

Julie: So many things. I want readers to know they are deeply loved and highly valued by our Heavenly Father, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. I hope they find a support system much like Linked, a trusted group of friends and mentors who can pray, laugh, and help them. And I really hope in KJ’s story, if any girl/woman is experiencing abuse, even verbal, that they seek help and leave the relationship without blaming themselves. 

What’s next for you? Will you keep writing?

Hannah: I might. Maybe.

Julie: Hannah has what it takes if she wants to keep writing. As for me, I’m back writing clean/contemporary romance with a new series called Surrendering Hearts. The premise surrounds sextuplets who remain in the national spotlight after a tragedy. Each book features a sibling and their quest to find a love as strong as what their parents had. The first is Anchored Hearts. Jordyn Bell Hart is the oldest sibling and dotes on everyone and everything with care and control. Spencer Collins thought his life after college would be full of family and opportunity. When WFRN creates a local morning show and taps Jordyn and Spencer to co-anchor, can these two surrender their need for control?

 

From the Back Cover:

Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.

Bethany’s not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her suffer.

Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher belittles her work.

Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re brilliant?

The final book in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for tweens, teens, and women of all ages by mother and daughter authors Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.

 Purchase Links:

You’re Brilliant: YA/Women’s Fiction. Free on Kindle Unlimited

You’re Brilliant: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Brilliant-Surrendering-Stinkin-Thinkin-ebook/dp/B0874Y5B4C

You’re Brilliant, softcover: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Brilliant-Surrendering-Stinkin-Thinkin/dp/1733687637

 

About Julie:

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of the contemporary romance series SURRENDERING TIME, (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged,) as well as the stand-alone novellas, MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. Her other latest release, YOU’RE BRILLIANT, is for girls ages 10-100, written with her teenaged daughter, Hannah, and is book 3 in their SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ series. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, as well as monthly with Inspy Romance. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to opt in to her content full of resources and giveaway opportunities. 

• Facebook: http://facebook.com/JulieArduini
• Facebook Author Page: http://facebook.com/JulieArduiniAuthor
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/JulieArduini
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/JulieArduini
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/JulieArduini
• Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/JulieArduini
• Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/JulieArduini
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Arduini/e/B00PBKDRSQ/
• BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-arduini
• Julie Arduini Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/321e32f02e17/juliearduininewsletter 

 

 

 

 

 

Motivating Teens to Pursue Christ ~ Tessa Emily Hall

How Can Teens Be Motivated to Pursue Christ?

 by Tessa Emily Hall

There’s no denying that the youth culture today is in desperate need of an awakening. There are teens who are yearning for identity, approval, role models, and intimacy—yet they’re searching for this in the wrong areas.

Of course, this longing—to belong, find connection, and be understood—isn’t planted inside of teens only. However, it seems like it becomes more pronounced in the teen years. This longing only enhances as teens are faced with the typical issues that often arise in high school—such as bullying. Depression. Temptation. Pressure from school, friends, and home. Add this to emotional angst brought on by hormones, as well as life-altering decisions they often face during this time.

This is why so many teens today turn to the world in attempt to fill this void. To give them the identity, approval, and intimacy that they long for.

Yet what they’re really searching for is hope in the midst of pain, peace in the midst of chaos, and a friend to walk with them in their heartache.

Yes, what they’re really searching for is Jesus.

My desire is to tap into this longing within teens and show them that this is an emptiness that only Christ can fill. I want teen girls to experience the fulfillment that comes from having a relationship with Him. To know what it’s like to have Him bring meaning to every day.

This desire is what drove me to write COFFEE SHOP DEVOS: DAILY PICK-ME-UP FOR TEEN GIRLS (releasing September 2018).

I wanted to write a devotional for teen girls that could be non-intimidating and inviting. Because if we preach at teens by pointing at their sins and telling them they need Christ, they’ll most likely be motivated to run in the opposite direction. However, if we instead introduce them to Him by already tapping into their needs, then I believe they’ll be more willing to listen.

The devotions in COFFEE SHOP DEVOS are conversational and relational. This is why I chose coffee as the theme—in hopes to provide a warm and familiar atmosphere for the devotions.

Each devotional was written in a way that, hopefully, will show teen girls that God is the One they’re longing for. Through His eyes, we are understood. Accepted. Loved. Forgiven. And it’s from this relationship that we can receive the peace, love, joy, and hope that we long for.

In other words: Everything the world attempts to provide us can only be found in Christ. 

In this book, teens will have the opportunity to find devotions that speak to their current situations. The “menu” (table of contents) is categorized by their daily needs—Latte, Comfort in Trials; Espresso, Joy for the Moment; Americano, Everyday Issues, etc.

In each chapter, teens will find a coffee recipe based on that chapter’s specific drink. Then, at the end of each devotion, they’re invited to continue the devo’s conversation by answering a question on social media and posting a photo of their beverage using the hashtag #CoffeeShopDevos

This is all in hopes that girls will find what they’re searching for—and along the way, understand that a life with Christ isn’t restricting; in fact, it’s the opposite. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and fulfilling.

Even more so than their favorite lattes. ;)

Each of the 180 challenging and motivational devotions will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--almost as though you've shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.

There’s no denying that the youth culture today is in desperate need of an awakening. There are teens who are yearning for identity, approval, role models, and intimacy—yet they’re searching for this in the wrong areas.

Of course, this longing—to belong, find connection, and be understood—isn’t planted inside of teens only. However, it seems like it becomes more pronounced in the teen years. This longing only enhances as teens are faced with the typical issues that often arise in high school—such as bullying. Depression. Temptation. Pressure from school, friends, and home. Add this to emotional angst brought on by hormones, as well as life-altering decisions they often face during this time.

This is why so many teens today turn to the world in attempt to fill this void. To give them the identity, approval, and intimacy that they long for.

Yet what they’re really searching for is hope in the midst of pain, peace in the midst of chaos, and a friend to walk with them in their heartache.

Yes, what they’re really searching for is Jesus.

My desire is to tap into this longing within teens and show them that this is an emptiness that only Christ can fill. I want teen girls to experience the fulfillment that comes from having a relationship with Him. To know what it’s like to have Him bring meaning to every day.

This desire is what drove me to write COFFEE SHOP DEVOS: DAILY PICK-ME-UP FOR TEEN GIRLS (releasing September 2018).

I wanted to write a devotional for teen girls that could be non-intimidating and inviting. Because if we preach at teens by pointing at their sins and telling them they need Christ, they’ll most likely be motivated to run in the opposite direction. However, if we instead introduce them to Him by already tapping into their needs, then I believe they’ll be more willing to listen.

The devotions in COFFEE SHOP DEVOS are conversational and relational. This is why I chose coffee as the theme—in hopes to provide a warm and familiar atmosphere for the devotions.

Each devotional was written in a way that, hopefully, will show teen girls that God is the One they’re longing for. Through His eyes, we are understood. Accepted. Loved. Forgiven. And it’s from this relationship that we can receive the peace, love, joy, and hope that we long for.

In other words: Everything the world attempts to provide us can only be found in Christ. 

In this book, teens will have the opportunity to find devotions that speak to their current situations. The “menu” (table of contents) is categorized by their daily needs—Latte, Comfort in Trials; Espresso, Joy for the Moment; Americano, Everyday Issues, etc.

In each chapter, teens will find a coffee recipe based on that chapter’s specific drink. Then, at the end of each devotion, they’re invited to continue the devo’s conversation by answering a question on social media and posting a photo of their beverage using the hashtag #CoffeeShopDevos

This is all in hopes that girls will find what they’re searching for—and along the way, understand that a life with Christ isn’t restricting; in fact, it’s the opposite. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and fulfilling.

Even more so than their favorite lattes ☺   

Back Cover Copy

There's something special about spending time at a coffee shop with a friend--engaging in a meaningful conversation, then leaving refueled and ready to tackle the rest of the day. What if your quiet times with God energized you the same way?

Coffee Shop Devos offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you'll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage--regular or decaf--to enjoy while you read. And don't forget to share your journey with your friends! #CoffeeShopDevos

Each of the 180 challenging and motivational devotions will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--almost as though you've shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.

How do you motivate teens to pursue a relationship with Christ? What are some approaches that don’t seem to work? 

Available for pre-order now! Release date is September 18 2018.

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2K6XbrR 

Print: https://amzn.to/2AmyXue 

 

Author Bio:

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to show them they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print publications, Tessa’s debut novel was published while still in her teens. She’s the founder and editor-in-chief of PursueMagazine.net, a Christian teen magazine, and enjoys mentoring other young writers. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. Tessa’s favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, email list, and social media. See links below.

BOOK LINKS:

Pre-order (or have a sneak peek) of COFFEE SHOP DEVOS on Amazon

Mark “to read” on Goodreads

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: www.tessaemilyhall.com 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tessaemilyhall

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemilyhall

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessaemilyhall

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

"You're Beautiful" ~ Julie Arduini

 Peg here: It is my pleasure to welcome back author Julie Arduini, and to welcome her teen daughter Hannah Arduini. Together, this mother-daughter writing duo have published an amazing book presenting a touching look into everyone's struggles with bruised self-worth and battered self-esteem. Sit back and enjoy.

Title: You're Beautiful

Author: Hannah Arduini & Julie Arduini

Publisher: Surrendered Scribe Media (January 6, 2018)

• Publication Date: January 6, 2018 

The Unique Characters Behind You’re Beautiful

by Julie Arduini

I had just finished my contemporary romance series Surrendering Time when I was talking with our teen daughter with slight special needs about her school year. Middle school is never fun, and seventh grade was no exception. We discussed what went right and how we could improve things on our end for eighth grade when Hannah shared her heart. She didn’t want to see any girl go through the hard things she had.

As Hannah continued to talk, she formed a story about a group of girls who would each go through a trial. The more she shared, the more I realized she was onto something. I promised her that if she worked on this and not hand it all over to me, I’d publish it and give her a co author credit. Hannah not only plotted what became You’re Beautiful, she created a three-book series.

The Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinking series is a unique concept for girls 10-100. It doesn’t have to be moms reading with daughters, although we think that’s an amazing idea. Women can read it, college girls could be inspired, as can high and middle school students. Each book features two sets of characters—a group of middle school girls, and women who serve as mentors for a new ministry the girls participate in called “Linked.” Each book uses a character from the younger and a character from the mentors to tell their stories. Both characters have their own journey where they are believing a lie they need to surrender. In You’re Beautiful, they need to let go of the lie they believe about being ugly.

Hayley Atkinson is in middle school and Linked is a new activity she isn’t too sure about. With her best friends, Bethany and Jazmin, they encourage her to give it a try, even though her long time “frenemy,” Jade Green, is also attending. Hayley enjoys Linked and even finds the courage to suggest a coffee time with everyone at their favorite hangout, Mugs. Jade responds that the idea is terrible because Hayley should never go to Mugs. The reason? “You aren’t just ugly, you’re pretty ugly.” That was all Hayley needed to hear to withdraw from everyone and start making choices that were ugly.

Sabrina Wayson is a recent college graduate who agrees to be a Linked mentor because the pastor’s wife, her aunt and the closest thing to a mother she has, believed Sabrina would be a great addition. Although nervous, Sabrina gives it a try and loves being around the energetic and chatty girls. However, a run-in with her biological dad opens old emotional wounds. Sabrina isn’t sure she can be a mentor when she lacks self-esteem in the very areas she’s supposed to encourage the girls.

Hannah crafted a story that touches on a lie all girls can relate to. If we didn’t fight feeling ugly, the cosmetic industry wouldn’t be so profitable. It also addresses bullying, family, friendship, and the power of our words.

This summer we’ll write her concept for the second book, You’re Amazing. This will feature Hayley’s friend, Jazmin, and the Linked mentor Lena, who is a mom of young children. Like You’re Beautiful, Hannah will create any new character names and personalities, oversee my writing to make sure it stays close to her vision, and design the cover. I’ll write the story, take it through the editing and revision process, and get it published.

How about you? Have you ever participated in a mother-daughter project? Have you battled feelings of unworthiness? How did you combat it?

From the back cover:

• 
  

Hayley Atkinson withdraws from her friends and new opportunities with the new mentoring group, Linked, after she is told a lie that she believes is true about herself. Sabrina Wayson is a mentor in Linked who feels she can’t help encourage girls because she’s struggling as much as they are. Can they surrender the lies and find freedom?

Purchase:

eBook: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Beautiful-Surrendering-Stinkin-Thinkin-ebook/dp/B078VK3JJB

Print: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Beautiful-Surrendering-Stinkin-Thinkin/dp/0692056238

Hannah Arduini

Hannah Arduini is in the eighth grade and lives outside of Youngstown, Ohio. She loves fashion, Starbucks, and serving at church. She has a brother who lives at home, and siblings that live in Wisconsin. She also has two nephews. You’re Beautiful is her first published book.

Julie Arduini

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of the contemporary romance series Surrendering Time, featuring ENTRUSTED, ENTANGLED, and ENGAGED. FINDING FREEDOM THROUGH SURRENDER is her 30-day devotional using the surrender themes and characters from the series. She shares her infertility story in A WALK IN THE VALLEY. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, and also is a blogger for Inspy Romance. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com.

What goes into creating a book cover design? ♦ Jean Ann Williams

For the past several months, this blog has been featuring many author releases as spotlights, sometimes including a 'Story Behind the Story' article. This time, I thought it would be fun to focus on a 'Story Behind the COVER' article, and for that, I'm very pleased to bring you "Just Claire" with some details about this cover. So sit back and enjoy . . .

♦ ♦ ♦

The Story Behind Just Claire’s Book Cover & Trailer

by Jean Williams @JeanAnnWilliams

I opened my email and gasped. Staring at me was my first ever book cover, Just Claire. Not only did I think it perfect, but I liked the vibrant colors. I leaned closer. The girl model is facing the river with her back to the viewer, and she seemed familiar. As though one of the river boulders shot off the book cover, I gasped, again.This book cover character was the very image of my granddaughter, Carley Rose, everything down to the model’s colorful outfit. At the age of my main character, Carley wore out the colors pink and red. Also, Carley’s hair is the exact shade of red, and she has a well-rounded head just like the model. My granddaughter has always been lanky, so is the character on the book cover.

I wrote the designer and told her my story, and she, also, was astonished.

Last but not least, Carley had read Just Claire’s manuscript and gave detailed suggestions. In my opinion, the book cover model should look like my granddaughter.

For Just Claire’s You Tube book trailer, I worked with the designer. Because Carley was so evident on the book cover, I chose Carley for the voice over and she read off of the book blurb. The first photo in the book trailer is of Carley, when she was the same age as my MC.

Computer savvy, Carley made this experience a delight with helping me figure out how to send the taped voice over to the designer. Being in school drama, Carley knew how to become the main character in the voice over.

Also, the designer did an excellent job using video footage of young people who reflect secondary characters in Just Claire. One student even wore a lavender shirt, and I used lavender as part of the name of a girls’ club.

Author Jean Williams

After working on Just Claire for twenty years, I believe in the publication process God sprinkled sweet blessings on this book by making the cover and trailer a perfect fit.

And here, as promised, is the video book trailer for Just Claire: (Be sure your sound is on!)