Susan Miura Book Review

Shards of Light by Susan Miura

Review by H. Schussman

Reader’s POV:

Miura pulls the reader through two young ladies’ lives… exciting adventure and heartbreaking tragedy. Each must learn from their situations.

Shilo has inherited her great-grandmother’s gift of healing. This gift is fragile and powerful. Shilo has to learn when to use it and how to make sure she gives credit where credit is due—God. Her time in Sicily is an opportunity to learn from Nonna Marie and to become embroiled in yet another life and death adventure.

Back home, Melody watches her most cherished dreams as a ballerina crash about her damaged body. Her struggle from anger and self pity to acceptance and new dreams is both painful and encouraging to read. Amidst this is her desire to learn who her biological mother is without hurting her sweet real mother.

Best friends, Shilo and Melody grow in maturity, faith, and womanhood. They both learn what true romance is with their respective boyfriends.

Writers POV:

This is a fast read… a page turner. The language of the young adults is modern and relevant, yet the writing is clean and almost poetic at times. Miura masterfully describes the scenery, action, and emotional angst. Here’s some random favorites:

*  “Can I go with you?” His [a little boy] hope-filled eyes stare as though a blink might ruin the possibility of a “yes.”

*  The green, earthy scent of rain-washed garden mixes with lemonade air.

*  My eyes remain closed. I refuse to acknowledge her perky existence.

At first I struggled with the changing POV between Shilo and Melody, but Miura clearly marked the shifts and I soon adapted. It’s especially tricky because Miura writes in first person for both characters. And present tense. It’s not an easy writing style, but she carries it off well.

Great mix of long and short sentences, with a few illegal ones thrown in for good measure. Well done and enjoyable young adult novel.

I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.

H. Schussman's Interview With Robert F. Schut

Bob Schut

Heidi:

First, Bob, tell us a little about yourself.

Bob:

I originally moved from New Jersey to San Diego and eventually landed in El Dorado Hills, a small community next to Folsom, CA. I will be 70 this year, so it’s never too late to begin a new career as long as heavy lifting isn’t a requirement.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Bob:

My published work is in Christian Biblical Studies. My audience, however, is not the academic world, but the average church-goer who would like to look a little deeper into the teachings of Jesus without wading through pages of footnotes. I only use those when I refer to someone else’s work or when it’s absolutely necessary to further explain the passage. I am more interested in the inspirational side of Jesus’ teachings rather than the intellectual.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Bob:

I began writing seriously when I started teaching the Bible at my church. I could not find any Bible study materials that were appropriate for a class of people who seriously wanted to know more about the Bible. Most of the studies I found left many of the difficult questions unanswered, if they even addressed them at all. I wanted something that confronted the difficult and controversial questions head-on. Since none were available, I began to write my own.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Bob:

At this point I am still finishing up the loose ends of my current book. Since this is my first published book, every step is a learning experience. Although I am not actually working on a new book, I constantly have seeds of ideas that I write down hoping that soon they will reveal a pattern that can be molded into one cohesive book. I would really like to produce a book that would encourage people to see their faith, not as a composite of independent, isolated ideas and events, but more as a unified whole integrating all their ideas and experiences.

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Bob:

I have a nice office in my home next to a window that overlooks the foothills of the Sierras. Since I’m now retired I try to spend as much time as I can writing, but much of that time is spent developing Bible studies for my class at church. I must point out that I do have to share my desk with my cat, Willy—I have little choice in the matter.

 

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite author?

Bob:

I have some favorite authors, but they each offer me a different perspective and I like them for very different reasons. For instance, I love reading Soren Kierkegaard. He is by far my favorite philosopher. He stands head and shoulders above all the others; although he is a little challenging to say the least. I also enjoy the works of F.F. Bruce as a Greek theologian as well as Gordon Fee. I have to also mention Craig Blomberg, Richard Bauckham, and finally N.T. Wright. Reading these great authors has taught me how to be a better writer.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Bob:

My publisher did not actually ask for a query letter, but for a sample chapter from the book. By the time I decided to have it published the book was almost complete. What I did find difficult was picking out one chapter that would best exemplify the book. I knew a lot was riding on this one chapter and so I did what any good author would do—I asked my wife. It appears she made the right choice.

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Bob:

Look into the field of writing with your eyes wide-open. There are a lot of people out there waiting for naïve writers who would do almost anything to get published. Join a writers group or club to become more knowledgeable about what to avoid and what to pursue. Expect to do a lot a work after the book is published if you want it to be successful. You have to learn how to be a good business person as well as a good writer.

I would also suggest that whatever you write, write it with passion. And try to set your writing goals on what it will do for your readers rather than for yourself. This will help maintain a higher level of integrity in your work. Also, read good authors. You will instinctively pick up good writing habits without even realizing it.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Bob: 

I really have to thank the members of my Bible study class as they have been my proof-readers and critics. Most of all I have to thank my wife for her patience in giving me the time I needed to think through and prepare each chapter and for reading them over again and again looking for errors as well as approving changes. 

Heidi:

How can your readers connect with you?

Bob:

I have several different social media sites:

WIPF & STOCK (PUBLISHER)

AMAZON

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

PROFESSIONAL FACEBOOK PAGE

BLOGS: 

                BOOK

                PHILOSOPHY 

GOODREADS

PROFESSIONAL EMAIL

H. Schussman's Interview with Delia Latham

Delia Latham Interview

Heidi:

First, Delia, tell us a little about yourself.

Delia:

I wear many hats as a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. But above all else, I treasure my role as princess daughter to the King of Kings! Hubby and I are in the process of moving from Tehachapi, California to East Texas. It'll be great to be closer to our four grandchildren! :)

Heidi:
What genre do you write?

Delia:

I have one novel that is Women's Fiction, but I write mostly Inspirational Romance, so I guess that's where my heart is.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Delia:

I always say I was born with a pen in my hand. lol … Truth is, I can't remember a time when I wasn't writing something. First it was little poems and songs, and then short stories. I graduated from that to writing country western music, and then to newspaper journalism. But I always dreamed of writing a novel...thank God He finally opened the door for me to do that. My first novel was published in 2006.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Delia:

Packing! lol … Actually, I'm working on the first book in a 4-book series that will be set in and around the Central California coastal town of Cambria. I'm also working on a Christmas novel that will a part of Pelican Book Group's Pure Amore imprint, which promotes chastity before marriage. We're hoping to reach a multitude of young people who have never been taught the value of the gift they can give their wife or husband, if they treasure and protect their virginity until they're married. I'm very excited about these books. They come in a time in society when young people are being taught "safe sex" rather than abstinence. Many of them have never been taught the value of chastity, and we're hoping to touch a few young hearts with these romantic stories in which the hero and heroine choose to treasure that once-in-a-lifetime gift.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Delia:

I suppose there's something of myself in most of my heroines, although it isn't intentional. My son says my first heroine - Hannah, in Yesterday's Promise - is me. lol … She really isn’t, but she's a singer, and I sing as well. She's much prettier and much sweeter than me! :)

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Delia:

Have laptop, will travel. I usually write kicked back in the recliner in my living room, because I haven't had a real office in Tehachapi. Hopefully that will change when we arrive at our new home, because I much prefer writing in a dedicated office space. I even find that it's easier on my body, because I get up and move around more when I work at a desk.

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Delia:

I have many favorites...and I read a lot of genres that surprise people, given the fact that I write inspirational romance. I love epic stories of good vs. evil, like Stephen King's The Stand and Robert R. McCammon's Swan Song.But I grew up on Grace Livingston Hill, and I love Janette Oke, Lori Copeland, Mary Connealy, Vickie McDonough...and so many other Christian writers.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Delia:

Query letters have never been hard for me. Synopses, on the other hand, are a different story altogether. I used to panic at the very thought of writing them - I'm a seat-of-the-pants writer, and often have no idea where the story's headed when I first start writing. But since Pelican Book Group requires the synopsis, I've learned to have at least a basic plot in mind, and it has helped. I still don't outline or draw up fancy charts, but I do have a beginning, middle and end in mind. I have to, so I can write a synopsis! lol

Query letters are actually fun. I usually look for something very catchy to start with...something that will make that editor want to read more. The letter should show a sample of your writing style, and that's what I always strive for. It should be just as exciting and interesting as the story itself. If a writer can accomplish that, he/she is guaranteed the editor will at least finish reading it. There's no guarantee she'll be as excited about the story line as you are, but if you can get her to finish reading, you certainly have a better shot than if she stops reading at the second paragraph because she's bored. Hook 'em, just as you try to do with your readers!

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Delia:

Never, never, never, never, never, never, NEVER give up! 

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Delia:

I had an amazing mentor when I was younger. She was my pastor's wife and my biggest source of personal confidence. She always believed in me, and encouraged me to write, even when I didn't think I could do it. She was unforgettable, and I'll always be grateful for the influence Rita Mae Dawson had on my life. My only regret is that I didn't get my first book published in time for her to read it...but I know she would've been proud! :)

I’m sure your readers would like to know more about you. Could you share some links for them?

Of course, here are my links:

Website

Blog for Readers

Blog for Writers

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Heart's Haven series, which I write with three other authors...we have several Heart's Haven collections. The collections: Heart's Haven: The Beginning; Heart's Haven Holidays; and A Heart's Haven Easter.  Each collection consists of four books, each book written by a different author. More information on Heart's Haven can be found on my website. We also have a Heart's Haven Facebook page.