Introducing A Brand New Author

It's always exciting when a new author comes on the scene. It gives the reader a sense of exploring new and uncharted territory, entering the world of never-before-created characters and wandering through the unexpected twists and turns of a different writing style.

This new author is unique in that she is only thirteen years old! Kayla Woodhouse, in collaboration with her mom, Kimberley Woodhouse, will see their first novel, No Safe Haven, released in March of 2011.

Kayla is an outstanding young lady in that she suffers from a rare nerve disorder called Sensory Autonomic Hereditary Neuropathy. This condition impedes her sensitivity to pain and her body's natural ability to regulate temperature. Due to Kayla's condition and the special requirements needed for her survival, the Woodhouse family was chosen to receive a lovely environmentally controlled Colorado home from ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Since then, Kayla has appeared on Montel and Discovery's Mystery ER.

Despite her medical limitations, Kayla is an avid swimmer who aspires to swim in the Olympics someday. Now, she is the youngest published full-length novelist from a royalty paying publisher. Kayla wrote all the scenes from the point of view of twelve year-old Andrea Tikaani-Gray, a main character in the book, when she, herself, was twelve.

It was my pleasure to interview Kayla for our first issue of Starsongs magazine (Fall 2010), where she provided a blurb of No Safe Haven:

Jenna Tikaani-Gray and her twelve-year-old daughter, Andrea, are on their way home, hoping for a fresh start after a lifetime of medical trials and great sorrow. But when sabotage brings their small plane down, they find themselves fighting for their lives. And they don’t know what’s more dangerous: the weather and terrain of Sultana—one of the most hazardous mountains in Alaska—or the armed men chasing them.

Hardened by the loss in his life, Cole Maddox knows the best path is one he walks alone. No one to care for—or about. That way he can focus on what matters: getting a secret technology safely into the hands of the US Military. But when the plane he’s on with Jenna and Andie crashes, it will take all his skill and strength to get them out alive—and all his determination to stay in his self-imposed solitary confinement.

Go here to see a book trailer.

Although the book will not be in bookstores until March, a pre-buy option is available at the following links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

ChristianBook.com







This writing team is no "one book wonder". Already contracted and close to completion, Kayla and Kimberley's second book, Race Against Time will make its appearance in November 2011.

To learn more about the Woodhouse family, visit their web site or become a Facebook fan.









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Resolutions for Any Day

The snow we received a couple of days ago is melting here on the porch. The sun is shining bright, but side streets in town are still snow-packed.

Is anyone surprised that I am two days late with my New Year's message? Probably not anyone who knows me! Yes, always the procrastinator here. Still, I figure I get a bit of a reprieve since New Year's Eve fell on Friday this year and people won't get back to the "normal" routine of their lives until Monday.

How many of you made New Year's resolutions? I didn't, but I have some thought of some resolutions that can apply to any day of the year. Below is my list of things I plan to keep in mind for all months, all seasons, all year long!

When someone hurts my feelings, I will remember there are those whose feelings I have hurt - sometimes without even knowing it.

When someone disappoints me, I will remember my own behavior that has disappointed others.

When I don't feel like cleaning house, I will remember those who don't have a home to clean.

When I want junk food, I will remember those who are dying for lack of anything nutritious.

When I feel impatient as I wait in line, I will remember that people in front of me may have much more pressing tasks to complete than I do.

When I want to curse at some silly circumstance, I will remember that cursing at inanimate objects is totally futile. Cursing at other people is downright hateful.

When I worry about money, I will remember those who have a whole lot less than I do.

When I don't hear from my family or friends as often as I'd like, I will remember the times when I craved a little privacy.

When I don't give my best in all that I do, I will remember how many lives will be affected.

When I don't show kindness to others, I will remember all the kindness that has been extended to me.

When I don't take time to say a prayer, I will remember all those who are taking time to pray for me.

When I don't take time to learn more about the Lord, I will remember all that the Lord knows about me.

When I don't uphold my Christian faith, I will remember how many people may never find the Truth because of my cowardice.

Happy New Year! May 2011 be a happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed year for all of you!

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