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  • Uncategorized

    Reading Fiction Matters: Four Reasons to Read Novels

    In a world bustling with information and non-stop connectivity, the importance of reading fiction often gets overshadowed by the allure of quick fixes and instant gratification. Yet, delving into an imaginary world is not just a leisurely escape; it is a journey that can profoundly impact our minds, emotions, and perspectives.

    Empathy:

    One of the most compelling reasons to choose fiction is its ability to increase our empathy. Through the characters we encounter and the stories we explore, we step into the shoes of individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Fictional narratives create a bridge that connects us to other human experiences, enabling us to understand and relate to the joys, struggles, and triumphs of others. This is truly why I write about some tough topics.

    Cognitive Stimulation:

    Reading fiction stimulates our brains in unique ways. As we navigate plots and character arcs, our brain functions are challenged and enhanced. Research suggests that regular engagement with fiction can improve our cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and even emotional intelligence. Think of reading stories as a workout for your brain.

    Stress Reduction:

    Life can be demanding, and the ability to escape is a gift. Fiction allows us to take a break from the stresses of reality so we can be rejuvenated. No matter the genre, fiction provides a haven where we can temporarily set aside our worries and immerse ourselves in story.

    Imagination:

    Fiction ignites our imaginations. Stories challenge us to think beyond the confines of our everyday reality. They encourage creativity, innovation, and the ability to envision possibilities that extend beyond the boundaries of the known.

    Don’t be fooled. Fiction is not purely for entertainment. Through story we grow into better humans who understand the world and people around us at a deeper level.

    Keep reading!

    Christina

    What Happens Next

    The Way It Should Be

  • Uncategorized

    Why I Write

    My sales might be higher if I wrote stories that didn’t take readers to hard places, but I’d be denying the healing I’ve received in my own journey.

    Many of us know what it feels like to be broken. I want my readers to experience the beauty that comes from healing those broken places.

    In the last couple of months, I’ve been reminded that personal rejection does not mean I am unlovable. I’m learning to focus my heart on the places I belong and the people who love me even in my brokenness. And this is what drives me to the keyboard.

    Reader, you are so loved!
  • Books

    Christy Award Winners Announced!

    Congratulations to all the Christy Award winners and finalists!

    Novel of the Year:

    Within These Walls of Sorrow

    Amanda Barratt

    The Amplify Award:

    The Star That Always Stays

    Anna Rose Johnson

    Contemporary Romance:

    To Win A Prince

    @tonishiloh

    First Novel (tie):

    The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

    @sara_brunsvold

    The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon

    Linda MacKillop

    General Fiction:

    Where the Blue Sky Begins

    Katie Powner

    Historical:

    Within These Walls of Sorrow

    Amanda Barratt

    Historical Romance:

    The Rose and the Thistle

    Laura Frantz

    Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

    Cold Light of Day

    @_elizabethgoddard

    Short Form:

    Always a Lady (in A Return to Hawthorne House)

    @kristiannhunter

    Speculative:

    Dream of Kings

    Sharon Hinck

    Young Adult:

    This Dreamer

    Sara Watterson

    *affiliate links

  • Books

    New Book Club Opportunity!

    I’ve started a book club on Amazon. Would you like to participate? Our first book is The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner. Finish this novel before October 31, and join the conversation here.

    Two sisters discover how much good there is in the world–even in the hardest of circumstances

    It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys–she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

    When Bertha’s father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she’ll never forget.