Christian Fiction Blog Tours

June 28-30: WAKING LAZARUS - by T.L. Hines

Well, the end of June is almost here, which means it's time for another blog tour. And this month, it's WAKING LAZARUS by that devastatingly handsome and talented author known as T.L. Hines. So, if you've read it and want to do a review, great. If you haven't read it and still want to do a review, also great (I don't think you'd be the first). If you want to do an interview, hey, you know how to reach me. Whatever you choose to do next Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (June 28-30), it's all good.

Okay, then. The two mandatory links are the book's page on Amazon, and a link to my blog:

Amazon page is -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764202049

My blog is -
http://www.tlhines.com/blog/

That's it. Really. If you leave a comment below, or send me an email to your entry, I'll be listing all tour stops on my main blog (www.tlhines.com/blog/).

On a related note, Bonnie's been doing some work revamping and expanding blog tours, and you'll likely be hearing from her soon. She's already designed a badge/icon to display on sites, and is working on pre-configured content and other ideas. So many thanks to her. You can visit Bonnie's blog at:

http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com

-TL Hines
http://www.tlhines.com

Kathryn Mackel - "The Hidden" - May 29, 30, 31

Hi, all - Well, the end of the month is approaching, which means it's time for Kathryn Mackel's "The Hidden" tour. Let's do the 29th, 30th and 31st for the tour (Monday-Wednesday). Yes, I know Monday is a holiday, but that should be a good thing--give you more time to work on your entries. And if you're out of town Monday, no worries; post Tuesday or Wednesday.

Okay, then, on to specifics. Link to the book's amazon page at:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/1595540377

Other than that, you're pretty open. You can do a review of the book, you can contact Kathryn by email (kathrynmackel@aol.com), you can critique the cover, whatever. Go crazy; just post something on your blog next Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Now, a fair amount of you have signed up recently--welcome aboard. I realize many of you probably haven't seen the book. That's groovy. You can do a post anyway, and come up with some clever way of talking about the book. Or, you can just sit this one out. No worries.

For June, we have a name you might recognize: TL Hines and his debut thriller WAKING LAZARUS. Ah yes, nepotism/narcissism at its finest--I've cleverly worked myself into the schedule. I only have five copies of the WL ARC left to my name, though, so...if you don't have a copy of WL, and if you want to participate in the June tour (June 28-30), be one of the first five people to contact me with your mailing address.

Barring that, perhaps one or two folks on the list might be willing to share an ARC. We'll work something out. Welcome aboard to all of you just joining us, and have fun.

-TL Hines
http://www.tlhines.com

(If you'd like to leave a comment below to let us know you've posted, that would be wunderbar.)

Brandilyn Collins - "Web of Lies" - April 26, 27, 28

The details:

1) Link to the book's Amazon page at:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0310251060

(Remember: use this link exactly as it appears to help Technorati rankings. If you copy the link this address forwards to, it won't help rankings.)

2) Link to Brandilyn's great blog at:

http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/

That's it. Once you've done your post, leave a comment below to let us know.

March 1-3: "A Family Forever" - Brenda Coulter

Remember, your post needs to include these two links:

First, a link to the book's Amazon page at -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373873581

Second, link to Brenda's blog at:
http://brendacoulter.blogspot.com

You can link to her home page as well, if you want, but please use her blog link above.

Now, what if you've already blogged about Brenda's book? No harm in doing it again--create a new post any time during this three-day period, and join the festivities.

That's it. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Or, if you'd like to email Brenda, visit her official home page at http://www.brendacoulter.com.

When you've posted your blog entry, leave a comment below to let us know.

Feb 1-3: Marilynn Griffith's "Pink (Shades of Style)"

We'll be blogging about Marilynn's book for three days. Remember, your post should include a link to the book's page on Amazon at

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800730402

And a link to Marilynn's site at

http://www.marilynngriffith.com

Leave a comment if you've posted, or if you'd like to post.

Blogs participating:

Bonnie Writes
Refreshment in Refuge
Val Writes
Seeking Christ First
Mimi's Pixie Corner
Well Dressed Branch
Deeanne Gist
Christianity 4 Life
In Val's Little World
Writer-lee
Scraps of Me
TL Hines

Landon Snow Tour: In Progress

Wednesday, December 14 through Friday, December 16, RK Mortenson's "Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle" goes on tour. I'll be updating this post to reflect tour stops as they come in. If you create a post, email me or leave a comment below.

Reading, Writing, and...What Else is There?
Chris Well, Part 3
Refreshment Refuge
Megawriter
Deeanne Gist
Chris Well (Part 2)
So Much Stuff I Can't Recall
Christian Fiction
Fishtales
The Savvy Christian Writer
Bonnie Writes
Mimi's Pixie Corner
Children's Publishing News
Christian Novels
Musings from the Windowsill
Just A Minute (With Six-Year-Old Guest Blogger Zane)
The Curmudgeon's Rant
Chris Well
Christianity 4 Life
In Val's Little World
TL Hines

December 14, 15, 16: "Landon Snow"

We'll be hosting RK Mortenson for a tour involving "Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle" December 14-16. Here's what your posts should have:

1) Amazon link to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593108818

2) Landon Snow home page link to http://www.landonsnow.com

If you like, you can also copy and use the cover image of the book linked below:

As always, email me with any questions. If you have interview questions for RK Mortenson, leave a comment here or email me and I'll send you RK Mortenson's email address.

-Tony

"Comes A Horseman" Blog Tour

Blog Tour for November 28-30. Entries to be linked as they come in:

Bonnie Writes
Mimi's Pixie Corner
Refreshment in Refuge
Chris Well: Learning Curve (Part 1)
Wait A Minute
TL Hines
Sean Slagle
In Val's Little World
Val Writes
The Curmudgeon's Rant
Chris Well: Learning Curve (Part 2)
megawriter
Reading, Writing and...What Else is There?
Musings from the Windowsill
Chris Well: Learning Curve (Part 3)
Sword and Pen
A Disciple's Steps
Writing Christian Novels
Deeanne Gist
Writer-lee
On Considering Inconveniences

If you've posted on your blog and I've missed it, please email me and I'll put the link here.

November: Robert Liparulo's "Comes A Horseman"

We'll be featuring "Comes A Horseman" on November 28, 29 and 30. Mandatory links for the post are:

>>A link to the book's Amazon Page at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785261761/

>>A link to Robert's home page at http://www.robertliparulo.com

You can contact Robert at his web site, or email me (willieeverlearn AT yahoo DOT com) and I'll pass along any questions you might have.

Want to join us? There's still time; email me to find out how, and I'll get your name on the list.

"Dark Star" - Creston Mapes

Our feature for October is "Dark Star" by Creston Mapes, in progress now (October 26, 27, and 28).

Blogs with entries so far (updated as the posts come in):

Just a Minute - http://zanesmilkmachine.blogspot.com/
Chris Well Blog - http://www.ccmcom.com/weblogs/well/default.aspx
Lindaruth's Spot - http://lindaruthspot.blogspot.com
The Curmudgeon's Rant - http://dameigs.blogspot.com/
The Well-Dressed Branch - http://well-dressed-branch.blogspot.com/
Bonnie Writes - http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com
Tags and Other Forms of Mischief - http://tagsandotherformsofmischief.blogspot.com/
Christian Fiction - http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/
TL Hines - http://www.tlhines.com/blog
Val Writes - http://valwrites.blogspot.com/
Megawriter - http://megawriter.blogspot.com
Reading, Writing and...What Else is There? - http://kathleenpopa.typepad.com/my_weblog/2005/10/creston_mapes.html
A Disciple's Steps http://disciplesteps.blogspot.com/
Fish Tales - http://angiepoole.blogspot.com/2005/10/breakin-chains.html
Writing Christian Novels - http://writingchristiannovels.blogspot.com/2005/10/dark-star.html
In Val's Little World - http://invalslittleworld.blogspot.com/2005/10/creston-mapes-first-book.html

If we've missed any entries, or if you've just joined and want to send us a link, please email TL Hines.

Last Minute Details for Dee's ABMB

Hi, all. A reminder that Dee's ABMB is scheduled to go live for this week.

Here's some recent information from Dee that may give you additional background/help for your blog entries (to be posted this Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday) -

--------------------
(From Dee) If the others want updates on Bride, here's the skinny:

>>Number 15 on the CBA Bestseller's List

>>Number 1 on the CBD Bestseller's List (Christian Book Distributors)

>>Bride is in its 3rd printing--I think. Better check with Dave on that one though. I know it has had 2 printings. I was thinking they went back for the 3rd one this week, but I'm not sure.

>>Reviews are posted on my website

Other info available in the Press Room of my website. Photos and covers can also be obtained from my website. If they are too large, let me know and I can send you small ones (72 dpi)

-------------------
Yea, Dee! As always, email me with any questions.

TL Hines
CFBA: www.tlhines.com/syndicate/
willieeverlearn@yahoo.com

Editon 2: "A Bride Most Begrudging," By Deeanne Gist - Post August 10, 11 or 12

Okay, for our second edition, we'll feature Deeanne Gist's new romance A Bride Most Begrudging. Since we have our feet under us a bit after the first one (hopefully), let's aim for August 10, 11, or 12 for our entries--a bit less time to get things done.

Find out more about the book at Deeanne's site (http://www.deeannegist.com), where you can email her any questions you might have.

Mandatory Links
Link to Deeanne's blog at http://www.deeannegist.com/blog/
Link to the Amazon page for A Bride Most Begrudging at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764200720

(And if you haven't already, please sign up at the blog tracking services mentioned in the previous post.)

That's it. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. If you have any questions for Dee, you can post them here, email them to me and I'll get them to her, or contact her directly yourself via her website.

And if you'd like to suggest future books, please let me know.

Blog Tour Members

Here's the list of participants -

Vanessa - http://edensgirl.blogspot.com
Marilynn - http://www.marilynngriffith.com/
Michelle - http://zanesmilkmachine.blogspot.com/
Chris - http://www.ccmcom.com/weblogs/well/default.aspx
Kathleen - http://kathleenpopa.typepad.com/
TS - http://tsbeckett.blogspot.com/
Linda - http://lindaruthspot.blogspot.com
Ron - http://worldwidechristiancafe.com
Michael - http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/pinstripepress
Alice - http://wordsfromagarden.blogspot.com
Christopher - http://www.rejectionking.blogspot.com
Katie - http://writingchristiannovels.blogspot.com
Mike - http://snyderman.blogspot.com
Dee - http://christianfiction.blogspot.com
Valerie - http://invalslittleworld.blogspot.com/
Tom - http://www.tombuford.com/blog/
Ruby - http://sippycupmoments.blogspot.com/
Vicki - http://vickitalleymccollum.blogspot.com/
Benji - http://raggamuffinramblings.blogspot.com/
Deeanne - http://www.deeannegist.com/blog/
Sandra - http://www.rainywriter.blogspot.com/
Shannon - http://www.shannonredmon.net/
Marcia - http://www.marcialaycock.blogspot.com/
The Master's Artist - http://www.mastersartist.com/
Lauren - http://www.b24bomb3.blogspot.com
Valery - http://valwrites.blogspot.com/
David - http://dameigs.blogspot.com/
Michel - http://michele501.blogspot.com/
Angie - http://angiepoole.blogspot.com/
Derek - http://www.derekpgilbert.com/
Sharon - http://www.sharonkgilbert.com/
Sean - http://www.seanslagle.blogspot.com/
Jim - http://well-dressed-branch.blogspot.com/
Tricia - http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com
Bonnie - http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com/
Su Lynn - http://www.e-church.com/Member.asp?Username=sulynn86
Debra - http://www.debrand387.blogspot.com/
Don - http://insert-name-here.blogspot.com/
Mimi - http://tagsandotherformsofmischief.blogspot.com/
Virginia - http://www.vgarrsmusings.blogspot.com/
Meg - http://megawriter.blogspot.com
Kell-Ann - http://disciplesteps.blogspot.com/
William - http://c4lonline.com
TL Hines - http://www.tlhines.com/blog/

Edition #1: "Forgiving Solomon Long" - Chris Well. Post July 20, 21, or 22.

Okay, let's get this party started. For the first edition of the Christian Fiction Syndicate, we'll be highlighting Chris Well's "Forgiving Solomon Long."

First Things First
Since we're just starting, we'll need to do a little extra work. But we don't want this to be too overwhelming, so let's just try two steps--things you should do right now.

1) Do you have a blog? If yes, good. You've got step one covered. If not, visit my quick online primer at http://www.tlhines.com/zoe/blog.html.

2) Now to register. We want your blog to be registered with a couple of major blog trend tracking services. In other words, you want your blog to be "watched" by these services. As an added bonus, registration should help build a bit more traffic for your blog. To keep it simple, let's just concentrate on three: blogpulse.com, blogdex.net, and technorati.com.

-->blogpulse.com registration: Is easy. Just go to http://www.blogpulse.com/submit.html and enter your email address and the url of your blog. You're done; blogpulse doesn't send a confirmation email or anything.

-->blogdex.net registration: Is a bit more involved, but not too taxing. Go to http://blogdex.net/add.asp to enter your email address and blog url. Make sure it's a valid email address, because blogdex will send you a confirmation email; you'll have to respond to the email within 48 hours, or you'll be purged from their system.

-->technorati.com registration: Is unneeded; your blog should be automatically tracked. However, it will speed up the process if you register. Go to http://www.technorati.com/signup/ and click "Claim Your Blog." You'll have to copy a snippet of code into your blog template.

Okay, you're ready to participate in the Syndicate.

Mandatory Items in Your Blog Post
Your post dedicated to "Forgiving Solomon Long" must contain two links, and must be posted July 20, 21, or 22.

Links: First, and most important, link to the Amazon page for this book at:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736914056/qid=1119372503/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-5862885-1587911

Second, link to Chris's web site at:

http://www.forgivingsolomonlong.com

Just to be clear, these links don't have to appear on your permanent blogroll or links page, merely in the post devoted to "Forgiving Solomon Long." This is important because we want a number of new links to show up in quick succession, all pointing to the same pages.

Date to post: July 20, 21, or 22 - Again, this is important, because we want a number of links in quick succession.

Information from Chris
Chris has a lot of background and press information on his web site for FSL (www.forgivingsolomonlong.com) and his publisher's web site (http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/book.cfm?ProductID=6914056). If you have specific questions for Chris, comment on this post, email Chris, or email me and I'll get the information to Chris.

A few questions that may come up -

Where do I get a copy of "Forgiving Solomon Long?"
If you send your mailing address and contact information to Chris by Friday, July 1, he'll do everything he can to send you a reading copy. Or, buy a copy at Amazon or your favorite CBA retailer.

But, I'll say it once again: you don't have to read the book to create a post. You're a smart cookie; you'll find something interesting to say about Chris, if nothing else. I don't want to hear anybody say: "I don't have time to finish the book and do a review by July 20th." We're not asking you to buy and/or read the book. We're asking you to help us create links, and resulting publicity, for the book. If worse comes to worst, here's a ready-made post you can use for your blog:

Read "Forgiving Solomon Long" by Chris Well.

This post will be just as effective for what we're trying to do with this project as a long, in-depth analysis of the book.

Really? I don't need to make a big deal out of my post?

Yes, really. This is a quantity thing: we want to build a number of links in a short, concentrated period of time.

Okay, enough preaching. I'll step off my soap box now.

Any questions? email me.

The FAQ File

A few questions I've received, and my answers. Please note: these are just my opinions right now, and are subject to change. Hey, I think we need to be flexible with this whole thing.

]]> Q1. About the books we'd be highlighting on our blogs: I assume we'd have to go out and buy them? Some authors might have ARCs they could supply or even actual copies, but not all. Is that correct? Because I know people who don't have a budget for that sort of purchase, small as it may be. Like me, for instance, who has no income.

A good question, but I'm going to be daring and say this: I don't think we have to get the books ahead of time. In fact, I don't think we necessarily have to read the books ahead of time. (GASP!) I think we should have a staging area--a private blog or message board, such as this one--where we interview authors ahead of time. The authors can post something of an online press kit: bio on themselves, background on how the book came to be, synopsis/what the book's about, why they wrote it, and so on. If folks have the means and resources to get the book and read it ahead of time, great; do it. But if you haven't read the book, you could still do a number of things for your blog post: author interview, story background, a personal rumination on the story's central theme, an analysis of the book's design, or whatever. You're creative. You'll come up with something.

Bottom line: we don't need to be intimately familiar with something to say a bit about it. If you doubt this, I invite you to watch an hour of cable news programming.

Q2. Would books chosen be CBA, ABA or both?

I'm really going to campaign for doing both. This is a crossover area we're exploring, and we need to do our best to highlight work in that crossover area. If you're a person who concentrates mostly on CBA, I'd like to suggest you try to support ABA authors who write from a Christian worldview. If you're a fan of ABA, I'd like to suggest you support CBA fiction that's stretching the boundaries.

Can't we all just get along?

Q3. Can I get in on it later? I'm not sure I can devote the time right now.

Sure. But with a commitmentn to only one post per month, I'm hoping it won't be too much of a time commitment.

Q4. I don't have a blog.

If you have 10 minutes, you can have a blog. Try my quickie online tutorial at http://www.tlhines.com/zoe/blogging.html

I'm always available via email (willieeverlearn@yahoo.com) to answer questions.

Q5. How are you going to promote this?

I'm not. Given three or four dozen members, it doesn't matter a whit if anyone outside the Syndicate knows of its existence. This isn't a blog ring, or a link exchange, or any of those other things designed to get exposure for your blog. It's a numbers game, designed to move the needle on Blog Pulse, Technorati, Blog Lines, and similar blog trackers--on behalf of the books and authors highlighted.

That said, the more members we have, the better. Once again, three or four dozen would be the magic number, and anything above that would be icing. For that reason, I'd like to keep membership always open: invite anyone you want to participate. There's no need to put a badge, or a link, or anything like that on your site. Just do the blog entries on the assigned days. Easy enough, huh?

-Tony