Jannes and Jambres and Other False Teachers: Just Plain Stupid

2 Timothy 3:6-9 ISV

For some of these men go into homes and deceive foolish women who are burdened with sins and swayed by all kinds of desires. These women are always studying but are never able to arrive at a full knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and their faith is a counterfeit. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those two men, their stupidity will be plain to everyone.

I always wondered something about those magicians of Pharaoh’s back in the time of Moses. Why would it be a good thing that they could duplicate God’s plagues the first few times? Then I remembered that, in the scientific world, the first step to getting rid of a problem, such as a disease, is to duplicate it. Knowing the nature of the problem is at least helpful in discovering its solution.

Perhaps, then, the magicians were really scientists. So maybe Pharaoh was cheering them on those first few plagues, saying, “Yes! You’ve duplicated the problem. Now get to work on the solution!”

However, there came a time when, not only could the magicians no longer “do likewise with their enchantments”, God even allowed the Hebrews to be spared some of the plagues while they continued to decimate the Egyptians. I can imagine Pharaoh, and that point, changing his tune. “You idiots! All you ever did was make more frogs and bugs! Now you can’t even make bugs! What good are you?” If Jannes and Jambres were not beheaded or impaled, I guess they were at the very least looking for new jobs.

2 Timothy 3 is talking about religious con men. They keep deceiving women who claim to be trying to learn truth but never manage to do anything but fall for every quasi-religious self-help scheme that comes along. Jannes and Jambres were solid with Pharaoh, I bet, before Moses and the ten plagues came along. Note that many scholars say the plagues were each a different frontal attack on the gods and pagan religious practices of Egypt. God attacked and undermined their pet sins, since their entire society’s structure was based on a false religion. He intended to show them His truth by destroying their foundation of lies.

So Paul takes the example of Jannes and Jambres, who had similarities to the false teachers of his day, and explains how the women of his time could stop being deceived by them. If you just get rid of your sins, ladies, these false teachers will be exposed to you for the liars they are, and the truth will start making sense to you.

This problem is still common today. What will it take for silly women nowadays, laden with sins to stop listening to the latest spiritual scam artist? I want to say that they need to get rid of those sins they are carrying around with them. The Bible clearly says, in many places and ways, that we have to purify ourselves or a. The Lord will not hear us, and b. we will not hear Him.

It’s not that there aren’t any good religious self-help books. But let’s study the Scriptures, not the latest religious best seller, to learn how to stop being silly and burdened down by sins Christ died to forgive and cleanse and make disappear. Then we’ll know how stupid some of these self-help wizards are.

Images from Kozzi.com and 1Photos.com

Interview With Ada Brownell — Author of Imagine the Future You

I haven’t read Ada’s books, but please take a look and see if they are what you are looking for!

1. Many people say that authors can’t or don’t do well with more than one genre. You have a biography about your life as a Pentecostal, a Bible study about the eternal, a teen suspense novel, a YA Bible study, and now you’re working on a historical romance. What do you think prepared you or qualifies you to write these different types of books?

Study and a burning desire to communicate the gospel. I’ve written for half a century and I still study techniques and learn. I’ve also learned much by paying attention, research, interviewing experts and ordinary people, and drawing on experiences from teaching youth, being a newspaper reporter where in the years I worked and the probably thousands of stories I wrote, my pen touched almost every segment of society in that city of 100,000.

2. Tell us a little about your “real” (Non-writing) life — family, job, church life. Does it give you inspiration for your writing? Does it get in the way of your writing, or are there times when you get help, from people or circumstances?

I think now that I’m retired and devote many hours to writing that it touches every part of me, and the people I meet and the things around me touch my writing. You’ll easily see that in my new book, Imagine the Future You, released on Oct. 23.

3. Tell us about working with any people who help you create your books — Do you use Beta readers? Hire an editor or proofreader? How do you get your covers?

My first book, Confessions of a Pentecostal, was published by Radiant Books, a division of the Assemblies of God and was in galley proofs before I had a contract or knew it was accepted. I’ve worked with CreateSpace editors the last three books and all of them had good suggestions for changes, but didn’t do much to my copy except change my in-grown AP style to Chicago Manual of Style. I should be thankful all three editors commented on my clean copy, but every time there were typos after all the editing, approved corrections and proofs.

4. Since you have several books out, tell us what you think works for promotion. What are your thoughts on ebooks versus print books and different ways to let people know about you and your books?

I talked to a Christian bookstore owner yesterday who carries my titles. I complained how almost everyone at a ladies conference where I was a vendor wanted e-books instead of paperback. He said his book sales are really down this year, but there are people buying CDs, greeting cards, and gifts.

For promotion, I try anything to get my name out there. I’m just beginning promotion for the new book on Twitter, Facebook, and guest blogs. I have a newsletter almost ready to go and I’ll create News Releases soon. I’ve developed a mailing list for News Releases with all the small newspapers in my city, but I also include the large paper as well.

Another thing I do and plan to keep doing, is write for Christian publications, and I write op-ed pieces occasionally for newspapers. I don’t know if it creates sales, but some publish my blog link, but with these I reach 50,000, 60,000, and 200,000. Since I want to spread the gospel, an op-ed piece or a story in a Christian publication reaches far more readers than any of my books so far. Yet, I wouldn’t mind a best seller.

5. Tell us about your newest book. Make us want to read it.

I want to live forever, I want my children and grandchildren to live forever, and if I didn’t know Jesus I’d want someone to give me a book like Imagine the Future You. Here’s the way the back cover copy starts.

Will you be the person you dream of being—or someone from your nightmares?

You don’t need a fortune teller to reveal your future. You are the person who determines who you will be, what your life will be like, and how your hopes and dreams will be fulfilled. This book will show how to make the right connections, how to grow you talents, and how to begin believing in yourself and things greater than yourself—for a wonderful Future You!

The book is a motivational Bible Study for youth, but older people can be impacted by much of it, such as the chapter on why you can believe in God and avoid the brainwashing of our schools and society.

6. Share something that makes you laugh, with just plain humor, or happiness, or because it’s so stupid.

My friend is always teasing her husband when the four of us are together. One day she asked me, “Did you notice his new rainbow tie? There’s a pot at the end of it.”

Another day she said, “My husband is well balanced. He has a bubble in the middle.”

7. Share something that’s amazing, touching, or that makes you angry.

This touched me. Today at Bible study a beautiful Chinese woman shared the testimony of her conversion. Although she had success in learning English and teaching it as a second language in China, and even was asked to join the Communist party, she had a gnawing emptiness inside. She heard the gospel through missionary/teachers in China, and had a vision of heaven the day she accepted Jesus as Savior. But when she came to America to attend Central Bible College, loneliness for her family, culture and Chinese friends plagued her. Sometimes she was tempted to go back to China. She was fond of an unusual variety of mushroom that grew in her homeland, and one day feeling unloved she looked into the back yard and a cluster of those mushrooms grew there. She picked them, had one delicious meal, and they never grew again. But the love message God sent to her remains.

8. What’s your next project? Tell us so we can’t wait for it to come out!

The Lady Fugitive. I can’t wait to get back to it. I’m hoping to have it out in two or three months.

In 1907 Jenny Louise Parks, 17, escapes from her abusive uncle, a judge, and tries to run away. He locks her in her room. When she goes out the window and down the trellis, he puts her in the coal cellar. She gets free through the delivery slot, jumps on her horse and heads for the train in a disguise.

The judge and his men follow. She takes off in another direction. She’d rather die than go back to her home with the judge in it. Everywhere she goes Wanted posters with her picture offer a $500 reward. The judge won’t inherit Jenny’s parents’ ranch unless he keeps her until age 21.

The evening before her escape, Jenny meets William O’Casey, a young peddler. O’Casey travels, peddling household goods, looking for his missing brother, and showing a Passion of the Christ picture show (one of the first created). He had wanted to meet Jenny since attending her elocution performances in Peachville, Colo.
In an abandoned house, the first night after leaving home, Jenny encounters a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Her screams reach O’Casey, traveling on a nearby road. He shoots the reptile and assures her God is looking after her as He does the birds and His sheep, but she thinks, “Where was God when Papa and Mama died?”

Please send images and links, including any good reviews or news you want to share about your books.

IMAGINE REVIEW

Ada Brownell pens a book challenging young readers to imagine themselves in the future based on the choices they’re making today. In 13 thought-provoking chapters, Brownell writes in a way that not only resonates with her teenage audience, but also encourages them. Giving insights into her life as a teen and providing timely morsels of truth about God’s Word will leave any reader (adults included) inspired and dedicated to living a life for Christ and growing in their walk with Him. Highly recommended! ~ Penny Zeller, Christian Author and Speaker

Ada Brownell bio

Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a daily newspaper reporter at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo. After moving to Springfield, MO in her retirement, she continues to free lance for Sunday school papers, Christian magazines and write books. She is author of three non-fiction works, one novel, and is critique group leader of Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers.

Among her books: Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult, released Jan. 15, 2013; Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal, released Dec. 6, 2011; and Confessions of a Pentecostal, published by the Assemblies of God’s Gospel Publishing House in 1978, out- of-print but released in 2012 for Kindle; Imagine the Future You, a youth Bible study, became available October 2011. All the books are available in paper or for Kindle.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries
Twitter: @adellerella
Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com Stick to Your Soul Encouragement
Amazon Ada Brownell author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06
Imagine the Future You: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1489558284

 

“Why Are You Just Sitting on the Side of the Road?” — What Will You Die For?

“Two weeks? You can’t tell me anything more – ?” Talia’s phone gave a bloop and she saw the message satellite signal lost flash on the screen before it went dark.

Talia pulled over to the side of the road and sat with her head on the steering wheel, praying with all her might for her aunt and uncle, and for clarity in this craziness. After all, they weren’t involved in some international spy mission. They were just digging holes in the ground! This couldn’t have anything to do with the Testaments, could it?

Talia realized suddenly that he felt really, really hot. She started to roll own her window, but the switch didn’t work with the engine off, of course. She started the car and cranked all the windows open. She pulled at her scarf and yanked down the zipper on her coat, but it didn’t help. Her vision started to blur.

“Ms Rodriguez? Are you okay? Why are you just sitting on the side of the road?”

Talia turned her head, so … so … slowly. Her neck hurt, and it felt so heavy. “”Oh … Clark ..I mean, Officer Johnson. I don’t know. I’ve had this cold, but I just … I feel so weak, and I can’t see straight … “

“Sit right there. I’m calling an ambulance,” Clark exclaimed.

“Oh, no …” Talia’s tongue felt so thick, she could hardly talk.

“No arguments. Don’t you move. We’re seeing lots of these cold things turning into serious cases of pneumonia. It’s nothing to mess around with.”

“Are you so selfish?” — another snippet from my Nano project

“What?” Keith jumped up. “What are you saying? We’re supposed to take the kids’ Bibles away from them? Their prayer journals? Their memory cards?”

“There’s no need to be defensive.” Doctor Summers glared up at him. “Please be seated. You will only be borrowing them, to get them scanned. And we want materials from everyone in the community. Parents, grandparents, pastors – Anyone who studies the Bible. Don’t you see? This will become a resource people all over the world can use, for all time. Mr. Bradley, your prayers, your thoughts, your study of the Bible could teach someone in Thailand, Mali, Alaska – someone in a spaceship traveling to Mars – these insights will become eternal.”

“But it’s voluntary, right?” Talia asked. “People don’t have to give us their Bibles, do they?”

“This program fails if it doesn’t accomplish the critical goal of gathering all the possible data,” Doctor Summers insisted. “It must be completely inclusive to succeed. How can we say that only fifty percent, or seventy-five percent, or even ninety-eight percent of people’s Bible study information gives a complete picture of this vital topic?”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘this program fails’?” Keith’s dad demanded.

“It doesn’t fulfill the requirements,” Doctor Summers said. “It doesn’t qualify for the grants.”

“You mean additional grants,” Keith prompted.

“No, I mean any grants,” Doctor Summers responded.

“You mean we lose everything we’ve gotten from implementing the Bible as Literature program?” Principal Bradley choked.

“It’s clearly stated in the contract you signed that this is a graduated program, consisting of steps that must be followed. The program itself is voluntary, but you agreed to provide this information – complete information. Really, there’s nothing scary or unreasonable being asked for here. Are your Bible studies secret? Why does the idea of sharing them with the world disturb you? Are you that selfish?”

What Will You Die For … Snippet

“Hey, not to insult you, but we could run down to the mall and get you some clothes – my treat. You’d have some clean stuff to wear, anyway, sans bubbles. Jo-Jo really soaked you. Sorry.”

“No, I always have extra clothes in my duffle in the car. I was just so tired I didn’t think about how I must look. I’ll go get it …”

“Oh, yeah, the Doomsday Dufflebag.” Keith seemed to be probing to Talia looked up at him and said nothing. He recovered the fumble pretty quickly. “No, please, let me get it. I just want you to know, I haven’t heard Joana laugh like that since she got sick. Dad and I didn’t think about how good it would be for her to have a real friend again. People get so creeped out by how she is. We never hear from her old friends anymore, except she chats with them online sometimes. They don’t come to see her.”

Keith bolted away. Talia started crying again, and barely got herself under control by the time Keith knocked and handed her the duffle. She stretched up and kissed him on the point of his chin. He kissed her back, just a peck, on the top of her head, like he had Joana. “Okay, good night, then,” he stammered, and fled.

The debate within herself didn’t last long. Talia tossed the duffle on the bed and headed into the bathroom, twisting the knobs on the whirlpool. The sound of sweet, tinkling brass camel bells sounded over the rush of water. She hurried back to the bed and dug in the bag for her tablet.

“Hey Talia, where are you? The GPS on the Tesla is showing a location I don’t know.” Talia loved hearing that bear growl voice, but his words made her temper spike.

“Uncle Remmy, you set the GPS to spy on me?”

“I’ve never spied on you, my baby niece, just looked out for you best as I could. What are you doing that would make spying necessary?”

Talia flushed. “Nothing! Some kids from school missed the bus and needed a ride home. One of them lives pretty far away. Another teacher came along, and then the principal invited me for dinner. I’m spending the night at his house.”

“You’re spending the night at the principal’s house? Really? Were you that naughty on the first week of school?”

“Uncle Remmy,” Talia started to giggle. “He has a handicapped daughter, and I helped get her ready for bed. It’s really late, and I’m really tired, so they offered to let me stay.”

“Yeah, it is really late, isn’t it. I’m sorry, Tchatchki. I never know what time it is. Any new information about the Testaments?”

“I keep finding the same stuff over and over again, Popo. It’s like there’s a wall around Spain, hiding everything new.”

“That’s good, though. That means they have something to hide.”

“That’s what I thought, too. I know they’re there. I knw they are. Anyway, how’s the dig going? I didn’t expect you to even have satellite there.”

“Don’t tell the government, but I’m bouncing off one of theirs. It won’t be in position long, so I’ll have to wrap this up. Any problems with that Bible course yet?”

“We just had the first class today. I almost messed it up really bad, Popo, but Keith walked in and fixed everything.”

“Who’s Keith?”

“The principal said I had to have a co-teacher. His son, Keith, is the one he picked. It’s good, because he’s really strong in the Science areas. And he’s super-good at discipline, too, which is how he fixed my mess-up. Two kids go saved, Popo! Right after class!”

“Praise God. Praise God. But little one, you will tell me if there’s any trouble, and you know what kind of trouble I mean. We need this trip to Spain. We need it badly. But we need it hiding in plain sight. No one can know the real significance of these Testaments.”

“I understand, Popo. I remember everything we talked about. What I’ve told people makes it sound like they don’t really exist, or we don’t know for sure what they really are, anyway. They have no clue.”

“Peace, perfect peace, Natalia. Get some rest.”

Character Interview with Sebastian from Dana Pratola’s Second “Descended” Book

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/DESCENDED~Sebastian-Dana-Pratola-ebook/dp/B00GM7NKMA
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Dana-Pratola?store=allproducts&keyword=Dana+Pratola

Men like Sebastian want only one thing, and Natalie has vowed not to give it to him. Yes, he’s gorgeous, intelligent and heroic, but he’s also a constant reminder that she isn’t good enough for him. Can she outrun a club owner who wants her dead when she’s weighed down by the failures of her past?

His whole life, Sebastian has viewed women one way – as marvelous distractions. But when Natalie enters his life, he’s forced to see the world – and women – in a new light. Teaming with Jett Cestone, they enter a world of sex traffickers to rescue young innocents. But only Natalie can rescue him and give him the one thing his heart needs.

Character Interview for Sebastian

Hi, we’re interviewing Mr. Sebastian Gray from Dana Pratola’s newest book Descended: Sebastian. It’s the second in a series. I’ve read the first one, so I’m guessing this one will also deal with a man who is more than ordinarily powerful, and perhaps a woman who might just show him his power isn’t going to be enough to deal with her in quite the way he plans.

1. What do you do for a living, Mr. Gray, and how’s business? I’m an architect, and business is fantastic, thanks for asking.

2. You’ve been seen with some remarkably beautiful women, but none for very long. What’s your secret to fighting them off, especially since you basically propositioned every one at that Las Vegas bar the other night? Hmm. Fighting them off…not what I’m known for. But when I was with a woman, and our time was up, I was always honest. Right from the start. I had no desire to mislead anyone.

3. That flight from Las Vegas must have been terrifying. At least one passenger said you appeared to be meditating or chanting. Does that relax you, or was there some other reason for doing it? >> I have no idea what you’re talking about.

4. There seems to be one woman you not only didn’t try to fight off, but actually may have kidnapped? What makes Natalie different? >> Nat…she’s…. I don’t know if I can answer that. She just is.

5. Some of us like to exercise the “phone a friend” option at odd times in our lives, but it seems especially odd that you brought Mike in to help you solve the problem of Natalie. What’s special about him? >> Mike’s been my friend for years. We’re more like brothers than anything and when I need him, he’s always there. Sometimes he does the thinking for me. Helps me see things I might have missed because I’m too eager, or not paying attention. I’ve never known loyalty like his.

6. What did you think when the police showed up, and who did you think Matt was? >> I thought Matt was Natalie’s boyfriend. I had the impression he did too. But when the cops charged in, all I could think was, great, I’m going to prison and I dragged Mike down with me.

7. What do you think made Natalie claim she came to your apartment of her own free will? >> I want to believe it was just because she thought I was hot, but I know she had her reasons, pertaining to Matt.

8. Who would want to, or have the power to, interfere with your plans for Natalie? >> Only one person could try to interfere. Jett Cestone. But I can handle him.

9. Do you think it’s going to be easy to get rid of her? >> I have no intention of getting rid of Natalie. Ever.

10. Do you really want to?

Interview with Kelly Hagan Author of Haunted by the Past

1. Many people say authors can’t or don’t do well writing more than one genre. You have written a children’s book and a romance suspense book. What do you think prepared you to write these different types of books?
That’s a good question, Mary. My answer would have to be God, and life. As far as my children’s book… I’m a parent and I wanted to share with other children what I do with my own. That is, no matter how old you are, you can have Jesus as your best friend. He loves you and wants to be a part of your life.
For my Christian romance/suspense…God gave me that story, as well as the other’s I’ve written. I think every woman wants a little, all right, maybe a lot of romance in their life. The suspense I think comes with every new day, although I don’t know that I’d want the kind of suspense that Nadia faces!
2. Tell us about things you enjoy.
I enjoy spending time with my family. I also like to listen to different types of music. On Monday’s, and Friday’s I watch a couple of my favorite shows. A little down time is always nice. Of course reading a good book can now be added to my list.
3. Tell us about your newest book. Make us want to read it.
Nadia had a great life, or so she thought. After the unexpected death of her husband she receives a chilling three word letter in the mail. Instead of staying and facing what may come, she decides to move to another town and start over. Unfortunately she didn’t move far enough away and some strange things start to happen.
Of course during all this she meets Trent, whom she starts to have very strong feelings for – much to her surprise.
But the questions remain – will their friendship turn into something more, or will her past put an end to it all?
“Haunted by the Past” is available on Amazon in both paperback and kindle versions.
4. What’s your next project? Tell us so we can’t wait for it to come out!
I have three books that are kind of “waiting in the wings”. But the one I’m currently focusing more of my time on is Trent ’s Story (that’s not the title, but what I refer to it as, as of right now..lol). Trent , as mentioned above is introduced in “Haunted by the Past”. His story is mainly on his past and how he came to have such a strong, solid relationship with Jesus. I hope to have it out early 2014.
5. Tell us about working with any people that help you create your books. Do you use Beta readers or hire a proofreader? How do you get your covers?
I did use Beta readers. I found their advice and notes very helpful. I will continue to use them in the future. I think they are a valuable asset to any author. I also used an editor, she was very helpful as well. I appreciate and am very thankful for everyone who helped me! For my cover, I picked out the pictures and had someone put it all together for me. I think it turned out very nice.

 Haunted by the Past amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Past-Kelly-Hagen-ebook/dp/B00FEMQZR6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383598276&sr=8-2&keywords=kelly+hagen

Jake and Jesus amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Jake-Jesus-Kelly-Hagen/dp/1617393061/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383598335&sr=8-1&keywords=jake+and+jesus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKellyHagen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kelly_Hagen

Website: www.kellyhagen.weebly.com

Amazon reviews:

“Haunted by the Past” drops you right in the middle of a mystery laced with romance, intrigue, and God’s love. At times, filled with heart-pounding suspense, Kelly Hagen takes us on a journey into the horror of Nadia’s world as she faces evil head-on. Enter Trent, a sweetheart hero, who only wants to love her, and a beautiful heart-touching story begins. Short, intense, delightful, and romantic, “Haunted by the Past” will stir your sense of what-ifs. I look forward to reading more from this new author of Christian suspense.
I really enjoyed “Haunted by the Past.” It worked out really well as a novella. The action never dragged, and it was a short and entertaining read. The growing romance between the two main characters is sweetly done. There were enough twists to keep me interested, and the danger was real enough to keep it feeling suspenseful. I look forward to reading more from Kelly Hagen and was pleasantly surprised to read in the last few pages that she actually has another novella planned with at least one of the same characters.

Kelly Hagen

Author of Jake & Jesus

www.kellyhagen.weebly.com

Somebody Stop Those Writers!

http://www.salon.com/2010/11/02/nanowrimo/

The above-referenced article in Salon by Laura Miller states that, in her opinion, NaNoWrimo shouldn’t exist. That’s a contest where people are encouraged to produce a 50,000 word novel during November. You can find more about the specifics here:

http://nanowrimo.org/

Miller insists that nobody should be encouraged to write novels. She says it isn’t necessary. Novel-writers will always write. Nobody can stop them. She wants most of them to stop, in fact, since so many of them apparently write bad stuff. They won’t stop, she laments. Then she makes the odd contention that we should be encouraging readers while discouraging writers. Maybe I’m oversimplifying the author’s position. Read the article for yourself, but here are my thoughts on the subject.

Last year I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time and met the goal of 50,000 words by about November 19. The book from that project was published in May of the following year. It is just under 100,000 words and is the second in a series. I am also the published author or co-author of over a dozen books, all written before I ever heard of Nano. So I’m not sure if it’s fair for me to wonder if she meant I am one of the pitiful hacks who should not be writing. She even brings up a Nano success story, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. So I guess she doesn’t hate all Nano writers.

But, wow … How to really respond to Laura Miller?

1. I never did agree with all the Nano pundits who seem to say that you should give yourself permission to write badly just because it might mean you churn out 50,000 words in a month. I had no real problem meeting the goal last year, and I revised and corrected everything along the way. If people really do churn out 50,000 words of garbage, and call it writing a novel, shame on them.

2. It also disturbs me, as it does Miller, how many people write but don’t read, or even read only what they like, or to have derivative fodder for their chosen genre.

3. I also agree that readers are somewhat hard to find and may be becoming fewer, and more disillusioned with the bad choices.

4. I think the writer of this article is snarky and doesn’t take seriously what a truly good writer is and does. I have not read Water for Elephants but I have read about it. The basic story is pretty derivative — the old “her husband didn’t love her but this other guy was a sensitive soul so she was justified in loving him back” story is one anybody could write, but I wonder if anybody should.

5. So I conclude that we should carefully write good stuff, for Nano and otherwise, try to nurture readers, and ignore the snarky woman who got paid to vent about something she does not understand — which is writing. How do I get paid to write about something I admit I do not understand?

Lessons of Life and Successful Habits — Guest Post by Ron Millicent

Can be purchased: http://www.createspace.com/4368076

Can be purchased: https://www.createspace.com/4379483

I have not read Ron’s books, but I can certainly agree with using the Bible as a life manual! Check them out.

Lessons of Life:

This book was written as a result of my sister saying one day, “You know that to have lived for over 70 years, we must have learned something!”

That got me thinking:

I was raised in Hawaii – before it was a state; I lived in France for two years as a young man; I have been thrown off a train in Germany in a small town – in the middle of nowhere with no money, and no German language skills; I have been to 16 countries, and about a dozen islands; I taught English on a Greek island for a few weeks – and did so having absolutely no experience as a teacher; and actually had surgeons laughing during a heart procedure.

I have been married for 49 years (same woman – poor soul) and have lived from counting quarters to go to McDonalds – to having meals in Paris, Rome – and Athens – — and then back to McDonalds!

You know, I would have to have been a moron not to learn certain things along the way.

Now, assuming you are younger than I am – the odds are pretty good that you can learn something from my experiences, and rambling. I actually think you can!

You have nothing to lose! Well, $7.00 something, I guess. Heck, you can lose that by buying one greasy hamburger – and a coke that is no good for you anyway.

Give me a shot! I’ll bet you will get some laughs, and – who knows – maybe a little insight.
Go ahead!

Successful Habits

I wrote this book after being dismayed about all the publicity about `The Secret` and various renditions of the Law of Attraction. While completely valid, all the hype was that somehow someone had `discovered` the secrets of life – and for a paltry $99 – $???? They would share these marvelous secrets with you. The promise was that it would change your life.

The truth is – as I see it – that the ` secret ` is really no secret at all. The most ancient writings tell of it – as well as the Bible. Actually the Bible is full of these `secrets’.

You can pick up a Bible for far less than one of these courses will cost!

So, being dismayed at the proliferation of these `clandestine revelations’, I vowed to bring to the surface that what was lacking in our society was not some `covert source’ of information, but rather the application of these principles.

So, this little handbook was born. It goes into the actual application of these beliefs, or laws, and does it with humor and wit. Each page has a saying, or representation of some type, to make the point in that chapter.
And rather than relying on these purported `secrets` – it actually ties the principles to one of the newest branches of science – Quantum Physics. Isn’t that interesting?

You will find that it is a fun read – and a very insightful step-buy-step guide for the person who really truly wants to live a fuller life.

There is no hype about becoming a multi-millionaire in the next 90 minutes, but it does provide a program – which can (and should) change your life for the better – in very short order.

Realistically, you will love it – and what it can do for you!

Thank You for Supporting the Fear Not Blog Hop!

Five winners in my Illustrated Dodge, a Twist, and a Tobacconist giveaway. Congratulations to Amber Mc Callister, Jan Hall, Emily Anne Kopf, Annie Douglas Lima, and Kelly Hagan! Thanks so much to everyone for commenting, liking Sophronia’s facebook page, and tweeting and sharing the blog hop!