CSFF Presents: Lost Genre Guild Promotes Christian SFF Beyond its Group

Just a little finale installment.

One thing Frank and others in the LGG have always said is that we're not just here to promote our own works, but the genre in general. To that end, here's a list of other places you can find quality science fiction, fantasy and horror that respect and incorporate the Christian worldview:


Publishers:

The Writers' Café Press: http://thewriterscafepress.com/
Idylls Press: http://www.idyllspress.com/
Marcher Lord Press: http://marcherlordpress.com/
Double-Edged Publishing: http://www.doubleedgedpublishing.com/


Magazines:

Mindflights: http://www.mindflights.com
Ray Gun Revival: http://www.raygunrevival.com
Wayfarer's Journal: http://www.wayfarersjournal.com/
Laser & Sword Magazine: http://lasersword.adamsweb.us
Residential Aliens: http://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/
Coach's Midnight Diner: http://www.reliefjournal.com/cmd
Fear and Trembling: http://www.fearandtremblingmag.com/

Websites with Emphasis in Christian Speculative Fiction:

Lost Genre Guild: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/
Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour: http://csffblogtour.com/
Where The Map Ends: http://www.wherethemapends.com/main.htm
ChristianFantasy.com: http://www.christianfantasy.com/
Christian SciFi: http://www.christianscifi.com/
Speculative Faith: http://specfaith.ritersbloc.com/
Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Central:
http://www.christianscififantasycentral.com/
Christian Fandom: http://pages.swcp.com/christian-fandom/

CSFF Presents: the Lost Genre Guild--Meet the Members

For the last day of the LGG Tour, I want to introduce you to a few of the Lost Genre Guild members. (Thanks to Frank Creed for this list.):

Brandon Barr: and co-author Mike Lynch recently announced that the first chapter of their new novel won a "first chapter contest" at the Dead Robot Society.
http://deadrobotssociety.com/second-annual-contest/after-the-cross-by-brandon-barr/

Grace Bridges: Author of Faith Awakened, a cyberpunk tale with a classic old literary sci-fi style; and Legendary Space Pilgrims, a continuation of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Lewis’ Pilgrim’s Regress. She also manages our blog and booklist.
http://www.gracebridges.com/

Johne Cook: Editor of Double Edged Publishing’s Ray-Gun Revival, serial author and head of the Guild’s Packer fan-club.
http://www.raygunrevival.com/

Frank Creed: Author or Flashpoint, a Christian cyberpunk novel reviewed here. Founder of the LGG and a great guy.
http://frankcreed.com

Steve Doyle: Steve and Frank go back to my first speculative fiction forays into the Web: elfwood.com and the Herscher Project. Steve is one of the authors on this list with who shares publication in the Light at the Edge of Darkness anthology.
http://www.elfwood.com/
http://herscher.cwgservices.com/
http://www.doylebooks.com/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Light-at-the-Edge-of-Darkness/Cynthia-MacKinnon/e/9781934284001

Karina Fabian: Editor of the Infinite Space and Infinite God, and Leaps of Faith--Christian sci-fi anthologies--and the DragonEye, PI fantasy mysteries.
http://www.fabianspace.com
http://www.isigsf.com/
http://www.leapsoffaithsf.com/
http://dragoneyepi.net/

Andrea & Adam Graham: Editors of Laser & Sword Magazine, the Grahams are into podcasting, and kilt-making. They’re two of the three authors on this list who share publication in the Light at the Edge of Darkness anthology.
http://www.adamsweb.blogspot.com/
http://kingkilts.adamsweb.us/
http://lasersword.adamsweb.us/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Light-at-the-Edge-of-Darkness/Cynthia-MacKinnon/e/9781934284001

Paulette Harris: You can tell who’s joined the guild while I’ve been away. Polly’s active in our newsgroup and calls Colorado home.
http://pauletteharris.biz/

Caprice Hokstad: Author of the Duke’s Handmaiden and Nor Iron Bars a Cage, Caprice is a member of many Web communities, and a great encourager, and a manuscript proofreader.
http://cfvici.blogspot.com/
http://www.lulu.com/caprice
http://thefinishers.biz

Mike Lynch: co-authors with Brandon Barr.
http://www.mikelynchbooks.blogspot.com/

Cynthia MacKinnon: Publisher of The Writers Cafe Press and Frank's better half. A wonderful lady with a lot of savvy.
http://www.thewriterscafe.com/

Terri Main: Editor of Wayfarer’s Journal, communications professor, our resident voice recognition software expert, and an aspiring moon-whodunit novelist and nonfiction author of Creative Calesthenics.
http://www.wayfarersjournal.com
http://www.creativecalisthenics.com/

Scott Sandridge: is an editor for Fear and Trembling, a speculative fiction writer, reviewer, and columnist.
http://www.fearandtremblingmag.com/
http://www.freewebs.com/scottmsandridge/

Sherry Thompson: Author of Seabird, book one of the The Narentan Tumults.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Seabird/Sherry-Thompson/e/9780979573828

As you can see, they are active writers, editors and speakers--people with a lot of imagination and a lot of eloquence.

Would you like to meet them? Want to be part of the Guild? If so, there are several ways:

Through the website: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/index.html
Through the forum: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/phpBB3/
Through the Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lost_genre_guild/
Through ShoutLife: http://shoutlife.com/groups_home.cfm?group_id=1241
Read the blog: http://blog.lostgenreguild.com/
They also meet in Second Life, but I don't have that information. If interested, contact Terri Main.

***
Learn what other CSFF bloggers have to say about the LGG:
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

CSFF Presents: The Lost Genre Guild and What It Means for Readers

I'm not a writer. I'm a reader who wants to find genre fiction that's entertaining and doesn't offend my Christian morals. Why should I care about the Lost Genre Guild?

Connecting readers and writers is the main purpose of the LGG. This isn't just to get the author sales (though we love that, of course). We want readers to know that there's a lot more fiction that not only respects but incorporates Christian beliefs than the sweet romance or the End-Times novel:

Christian fiction has experienced much growth over the past decade. As it has become more popular, the numbers of new authors and new genres has exploded--and so has the quality available. Novelists like Frank Peretti, T.L. Hines and Ted Dekker have done much to help Christian fiction cross the boundary from the safe "church-lady" fiction to fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, yes, and even horror written from a Christian worldview.

These authors are published by members of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) who market to members of the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). To hear many in the world of Christian fiction speak, these groups are the end-all and be-all. (They would assert that) To the reader and consumer of Christian fiction they represent the totality of the industry. But the story does not end there. Not by a long shot. There are many misnomers and misunderstandings about the Christian fiction industry.

--Frank Creed, About the Christian Publishing Industry (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/566151/about_the_christian_publishing_industry.html)

The LGG does not limit itself to Christian fiction that the ECPA would approve of. We have aliens and vampires, high technology and high magic, and a wide tapestry of Christian faiths--from Presbyterianism to Catholicism--treated with respect and portrayed with realism and generosity. Here's where you find the stuff you won't find in your Christian bookstore, and sometimes not even in your secular store; not because they don't measure up, but because they don't fit the neat pegs that stores prefer--too Christian to be secular, too edgy to be "Christian." We want readers to know that exciting Christian sci-fi, fantasy and horror is out there, and we want to make it easy for you to find it.

To that end, we've developed the Lost Genre Guild website, where we provide covers and links to books and magazines that we think the Christian reader of genre fiction will enjoy.

I'm going to give you a small sampling. These are books by LGG members available on Amazon. (With so many to choose from, I selected those who have not been featured here yet, but several of the Christian spec-fic titles I've toured are LGG member books.)

Science Fiction:


Fantasy:


Horror:

(Note: Sue Dent's Never Ceese was toured by me.)

And if you're looking for a little taste of all the genres: (This was reviewed by me.)


There are dozens more listed on the website--series, anthologies and novels, as well as magazines. If you enjoy Christian speculative fiction that may or may not follow the strict morality code of ECPA books, the Lost Genre Guild is a great place to browse for your next reading adventure.

***
Learn what other CSFF bloggers have to say about the LGG:
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

CSFF Presents: The Lost Genre Guild--What It Means for Authors

I did something very silly. I posted my original interview for the CSFF tour of the Lost Genre Guild two weeks early. Therefore, I invite you to click here for an excellent interview by LGG founder Frank Creed.

For those who don't want to click around: The Lost Genre Guild is a community of authors working together at the intersection of our God-given talents and passions. Quality, entertaining speculative fiction (sci-fi, horror, and fantasy), has such ministry potential. Its mission is to raise awareness and respect for Biblical and Christian speculative fiction, and to encourage, educate and support the writers of such fiction. (From the interview)

Simple mission with a big effect. Its members have found not only moral support for their writing, but practical support that has led to novels and stories written and works published. Today, I present three successful LGG members: Terri Main and Grace Bridges, and myself.

Terri Main:


Book published and magazine: Creative Calisthenics: A Workout for the Writer's Imagination and Wayfarer's Journal.


Why did you join the Guild? Frank asked me to join. Mostly he wanted me to share some of my marketing experience. I was still separated from my fiction writing roots. I had been away from fiction writing for nearly 20 years, except for a few things I wrote as part of personal therapy. I shared them with others of similar troubles, and they loved them, but, hey, we were emotionally distressed, you like anything that doesn't make you feel so alone. I didn't come in as a writer--only a bit as an editor of a ezine, mostly as a marketing expert. Little did I know it would stir up an ember that had nearly gone out.

What have you gotten from the Guild? Restoration of the joy of fiction writing. Whether I ever get a book contract, I have recovered those vicarious adventures writers have as they follow their characters chasing a story.

Are you a better writer because of the Guild? Yes. I'm writing more. My imagination is always being stimulated by some discussion or other. I am challenged to bring my "A" game by being accountable to others.

Tell us a little about Wayfarer's Journal. Wayfarer's Journal seeks to publish science fiction stories with a spiritual or ethical component. That doesn't mean it will always be a story about Christianity or Christian doctrine directly. I have a couple of potentially controversial stories ready to go into the next issue which have that type of moral or ethical component, but without any direct reference to Christian doctrine. I'll be releasing that issue about the first of January. WJ also publishes a limited number of semi-scholarly articles about science fiction with a spiritual element. It is intended to fill a niche for a pure science fiction publication. Most of the Christian speculative fiction e-zines are heavily focused on fantasy. Nothing wrong with that. I like fantasy, but science fiction seemed to take a back seat. So, I decided to find a niche not being covered at this time. We currently get about 180,000 hits a year.

Did your being in the LGG influence the creation of the WJ? If so, how? Certainly, it influenced the development of the site. Many of our writers are LGG writers. And I got encouragement and support from the various LGG members. They also have helped promote the site.

One of the things I find wonderful about LGG is that although we are in the same "business," we are not competitors. We all know we work "for The Boss," as Frank says. We help each other succeed, and everyone else's success is celebrated as if it is our own. Here's the secret: It is our own. When another LGG member breaks through with a popular website or a good selling book, that helps the entire genre. By helping each other, we not only have more joy on the journey, we also make the journey more productive for all concerned.

Grace Bridges:



Name of book: Faith Awakened

Why did you join the Guild? Daniel Weaver invited me from Myspace to join his crit group. Then this guy called Frank pulled it all together and I was there right from the start. I'd been working on a sci-fi novel for some years and thought this could help its progress--and it did!

What have you gotten from the Guild? Ooh, where do I start? Fabulous critique partners, reviews, hospitality, moral support, hugs real and virtual, publishing and co-writing opportunities...

How are you a better writer because of the Guild? Critiques are probably the single biggest factor in my improvement. Folks who tell you the truth about your work are worth their weight in gold!

Do you have a personal success story (publishing, sales, etc.) that is a direct result of your participation in the Guild? The Guild encouraged me to self-publish my first book and told me in no uncertain terms to ensure the quality meant no one could ever tell it was self-published. That book has sold 500 copies. Due to further support from the gang, I'm about to launch an independent press. And when I trekked across the States on my way home, so many LGG folks opened their homes to me. It was wonderful to meet them in person!

Karina Fabian:



Books Published and magazine: Infinite Space, Infinite God and Leaps of Faith, and Faith-Filled Fiction.

As for me, the Guild has provided some great friendship, a place to bounce ideas and get feedback and critique, and discuss what it means to write faith-filled fiction. On a practical marketing side, I've participated in a book fair with Frank and Cynthia, where we promoted LGG books and books of the Catholic Writers Guild. I also found a publisher for Leaps of Faith, an anthology of Christian SF, through the Guild, and have sold some stories thanks to leads from this group. Every day, we have active discussions going on topics ranging from someone's latest story idea to working out kinks when publishing with Lulu to market news to ideas to sell our books.

If you are an author of Christian Sci-Fi, fantasy or horror, this is THE group for you to join!

****

For more about the LGG, including the great fiction by its authors: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/

Learn what other bloggers have to say about the LGG:
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

The Time-for Bed Angel by Ronica Stromberg

Andrew is an accident-prone little boy who never wants to go to bed. In one humorous scene after another, guardian angel Sam diligently strives to keep Andrew safe until he finally snuggles down to sleep. This beautifully illustrated picture book reassures young children that love encircles them all through the day and night.


An Interview with Ronica Stromberg



What inspired you to write this story?
I had a young son much like Andrew. One night after I'd already put him to bed many times, I was exhausted and asked, "Don't you think your guardian angel could use a little rest?" We ended up on a discussion of angels, and as I left his room that night, I realized I'd never read a bedtime story with a guardian angel but such a story might be reassuring to children who fear the dark or sleeping alone. I already wrote for older kids and decided to write this story also.

Who is your favorite character and why?
It's a toss-up between Andrew and Sam. The illustrator has depicted them both so delightfully that I love them both.

How have your personal faith and beliefs influenced your story?
The guardian angel in the story evidences God's love for Andrew even when the little boy's behavior could try an adult's patience. I think small children need to be reassured they are loved even when they goof up. And they will goof up. That's part of being a little kid.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The book came fairly quickly and easily to me because, as a parent, I already had a lot of material for the book. I think most parents can relate to the scenes in this book. What was more difficult was selling the book to a publisher, and I'm still not exactly sure why that was, other than that any picture book by a new author can be a tough sell.

What was easiest?
Andrew. Resisting bedtime must be a universal trait of small children because the book sold to a publisher overseas and now is being sold across cultures in many different countries. Andrew is a child nearly everyone has witnessed (or were even themselves at some point!). It's just surprising he hasn't cropped up more in children's literature.

What's next for you?
I've switched gears and recently wrote an inspirational romance. I am just beginning to search for a publisher for that.

Day's End Lullaby by Karen Cioffi and Robyn Feltman

Day’s End Lullaby is a tender and charming illustrated children’s book. From a reminder that the sun has set and all beloved toys are awaiting tomorrow’s play, Day’s End Lullaby soothes and quiets even those children who struggle against sleep. The authors’ artistry found in their understanding of the sense of security needed by children at bedtime.

“Your day’s been long and full of fun. But, now you’re much too tired to run,” sings the parent to the child in the lullaby. Day’s End Lullaby has lyrical and rhyming phrases along with a rhythmic flow.

Author Cioffi composed the poem and music over 30 years ago to help her first born fall asleep and then again for her second child. She saw positive results in singing it and now she sings it to her two-year-old grandson. She reassures him, “The sun has set, it’s out of view. The moon’s now shining bright for you.”

Authors Cioffi and Feltman wrote and illustrated Day’s End Lullaby as a loving book to comfort little ones and provide a sense of security at bedtime. The simple and colorful illustrations are intended to hold the child’s attention while the parent’s soothing voice helps the child gently drift off into a peaceful slumber.



Interview with Karen Cioffi:

How did you come up with the idea for the book?
I wrote the lullaby to the story over 30 years ago. My firstborn didn’t like sleeping. I sang it to her as I paced the hallway carrying her in my arms to get her to sleep and again when she’d wake in the middle of the night. I did the same thing with my second daughter and it became a family lullaby. Now my family sings it to my grandson and we will also sing it to my grandson due mid November. How it became a book is, after my first grandson came my daughter and co-author, Robyn, thought it would make a great bedtime story and here we are.

What do you enjoy most about writing for children?
Children are such a joy and source of inspiration. My co-author, who happens to be my daughter, and I are both advocates of education and reading. Reading opens new worlds to children. It can enlighten them, it can open their imagination and it can teach them. Being a part of that is just a wonderful feeling.

What is the most difficult part of writing for children?
I have a couple of problems that I’m working on. One is I need to use age appropriate words. I tend to use words that are too difficult for the age group I’m writing for. I also need to work on my “show, don’t tell,” although that one goes for all writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two picture books (around 1000 words each). One is about a child’s imagination and the other is based on an ancient Chinese tale about a young man and his dog.

I am also fine tuning a fantasy chapter book (around 6000 words) geared for ages 8-12; this is also based on an ancient Chinese tale. It is about a 12-year-old boy who wants more than anything to learn magic.

In addition, I am working on another fantasy chapter book (around 6000 words) geared for ages 8-12. This one is about two boys lost in space.

A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear by Stan Popovich

A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non-Resistant Methods is an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties

Stan has interviewed various professionals in the counseling field and has over 15 years of personal experience in dealing with fear and anxiety. Stan’s book addresses a wealth of successful techniques for the management of fear, anxiety, recovery, addiction, depression, stress and other mental health issues.

An Excerpt:

Fear is universal. It’s not restricted to any age, class or culture. Everyone deals with fear—in varying forms and intensity—at certain times. For some, it’s easily managed; for others, it’s terrifying and difficult to overcome, if not hopeless.

“Fear,” says Father Howard Campbell, “is a strong force in people’s lives. It’s an emotion based on experience. Certain events, people or encounters may activate fear, which, in turn, may lead to anxiety, worry, and panic.” A Catholic priest for more than fourteen years, Father Howard is currently a pastor in Pennsylvania. He has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in systematic theology and divinity.

Typically, fear creates a sense of personal danger. Elderly people may fear loneliness; young people, rejection; and professionals, failure. In many cases people are afraid of the future, change or difficult situations, such as a finding the right job or developing meaningful relationships.

Fear can be a good thing when it protects people from harm. Parents instill fear and define danger when they teach children not to touch fire, run into the street or play with dangerous animals. But fear can manifest as anxiety or a phobia, says Father Howard, who has considerable experience counseling people facing their fears.

A phobia is a chronic fear based on circumstances that may defy rational or logical thought. A person may be afraid of heights, even though there is no danger of falling. This work doesn’t address phobias or any precursors to mental illness; a person with a particular phobia should see a mental health professional. The author does not intend this work to substitute for using the guidance of a mental health professional.

Rather, this work deals with more generalized fears that are common in daily life and presents a general overview of effective methods to combat those fears. The author is not a professional in the psychology or religious fields; however, through his research, including discussions with professionals in those fields, he summarizes several techniques that are effective in managing persistent fear.

Fear appears in many different forms depending on the person and the situation. The following sections discuss three powerful but different approaches for managing fear:

General Counseling Techniques
Asking God’s Help
Non-resistant Methods

General Counseling Techniques cover a broad range of methods to manage and/or overcome fear. Asking God’s Help encourages the individual to rely on the power of a personal, spiritual relationship with God. Non-resistant Methods are effective when a person’s fear is so strong that it’s extremely difficult to overcome. Instead of fighting it, the person learns to work with it. This work describes how to use the three methods together, followed by a sampling of professional resources and a few Biblical verses that offer particular messages of comfort and inspiration.

CSFF Presents: Lost Genre Guild

Tell us a little about the Lost Genre Guild:

One artistic little cell in the Body of Christ, all members motivated by glorifying our Boss. Handy to have a Boss whose penned history’s a number-one bestseller. That unites us.

We are a community of authors working together at the intersection of our God-given talents and passions. Quality, entertaining speculative fiction (sci-fi, horror, and fantasy), has such ministry potential.

Questions like this is why one writes a mission statement: The Lost Genre Guild's mission is to raise awareness and respect for Biblical and Christian speculative fiction, and to encourage, educate and support the writers of such fiction.

Many writers eventually experience a waypoint along their artistic sojourn: the need to join some kind of writing group, most commonly a critique group. They seek to learn from others, and interact with like-minded people. Historically that's been most easily accomplished in a geographically local group. But now we have the Internet.

Until one pursues their writing interests on the Web, an artist cannot appreciate just how valuable a good genre-specific critique community is. That’s the heart of the Lost Genre Guild. For what we write, this would never have been possible locally. Genre authors have a metric-tonne in common, and we quickly become extended family.

It’s a blast when we get to meet in the real world. The LGG is the literary home for artists, editors, agents, promoters, and fans of Christian sci-fi, horror, and fantasy.

Why is the Lost Genre Guild needed in the publishing world today?

Historical and romance fans can walk into a Christian bookstore and find their favorite literature written from a Christian worldview. For business reasons however, there are a few genres that the Christian publishing industry won't print.

Those lost genres that slip between the cracks are unused tools that could be bringing the Christian worldview to thirsty cultures across western civilization.

Genre fans with imaginations fired by C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Space Trilogy look for more spec-fic in Christian bookstores.

“Hmm,” they might say, “must not be any new releases.”

They check a year later.

Then five years later.

At least now-a-days they will find that major Christian houses do publish some young-adult speculative fiction.

A lifetime of such frustration grew a chip on my shoulder—and a determination to do something about it. And, in September of 2006, the Lost Genre Guild was born.

For spec-fic fans, there’s finally good news. The Web and modern business trends like corporate outsourcing have impacted the publishing industry in ways very favorable to literary artists. Competition within the free market has made it possible for readers to find their favorite fiction in print. For an overview of the business behind our art, have a look at the following essay: Christian Speculative Fiction in the Publishing Industry.

What does the Lost Genre Guild hope to accomplish?

Awareness needs raising about Christians in the Sudan, who are being murdered, raped, and sold into slavery daily.

There are far more important things in the world than entertaining readers of any flavor.

Reaching readers for all purposes, from evangelism to discipleship, with fun creative tales that are respectful of the Christian worldview is our humble overall goal.

Atheism has used science fiction, Satanism has utilized horror, and many different isms have used fantasy to artistically explore their own worldviews.

Novelist L. Ron Hubbard even invented his own religion through science fiction literature.

Every Christian author views their own literary craft as a fiction-ministry. We all seek to glorify God and make differences in readers’ lives. By working together we seek to overcome challenges of craft and business that have been set before us by a profit-driven, self-censoring, Christian publishing industry.

The biggest challenge we face is connecting with more of our genre-fans. Christian Speculative fiction has been unavailable for so long that the majority of fans, who are believers, have altogether given up and resigned themselves to reading spec-fic of non-Christian worldviews.

Psychographics show that many Christian fans are on the Web. The Lost Genre Guild's been laying infrastructure for viral marketing and word-of-mouth buzz, to raise awareness of our lost genre. Just Google us to see what we've been doing.

The Guild has several projects—mentoring and critique groups, for example. Can you tell us about them?

We offer tools for every aspect of Christian and Biblical speculative fiction.

• Yahoo mail group for members to converse
• Shoutlife group and MySpace where we reach more people who aren’t actually formal members
• www.lostgenreguild.com, that includes bookshelves of members’ fiction, ezines and resources
• Guild Review, an editorial review site for Christian and Biblical spec-fic only (link from the LGG website or www.guildreview.com)
• Guild Catalogue, a print listing of member books, ezines, resources, newsletters (with short descriptions); link off main site; catalogue is updated twice a year and is in two formats: downloadable in booklet format for printing, and the viewable format
• Critique Group and mentors board (www.lostgenreguild.com/phpBB3)
• LGG Blog, (blog.lostgenreguild.com) focuses on Christian and Biblical speculative fiction news and events

We offer opportunities for members to participate in marketing and promotion—so far this has been limited to venues I attend with TWCP.

We're even in the initial planning stages of the first Lost Genre Guild online conference.

What's the strong emphasis of LGG—support, education, or marketing?
Yes. 8D

Spec-fic is one of literature’s two most powerful genres for tales of good v. evil (the other is western, and I hope there are cowpoke versions of us). Glorifying the Boss with such fiction is the Guild's focus.

We are always looking for tools to address all aspects of the Christian worldview in our genre.

People will find support in our private invitation-only newsgroup. There are many useful links at lostgenreguild.com to educate the public about everything Christian-spec-fic, from free e-zines, to new release novels. For marketing, there are public Lost Genre Guild groups at the Shoutlife and MySpace Web communities. Our members attend conferences and live book events, taking word-of-mouth to the real world. We distribute free tote-bags with printed material, such as the Lost Genre Guild catalog.

What are 2009 goals for LGG?

Continue to increase the Lost Genre Guild “official” membership by:

• networking at various social sites,
• participation in bulletin boards, discussion groups
• encouraging all members to add the Lost Genre Guild to their signature link (currently we have 130+ official members; at the Shoutlife and MySpace groups 500+ members, about 8% of whom are official members)

Increase the visibility of member novels and offerings by:

• advertising the Guild Review and printing hard copies for distribution to book stores, churches, schools
• offering twice yearly catalogue opportunities for highlighting LGG books, ezines, and resources—in both print format and on the LGG site
• new format of the LGG blog which focuses on genre news and events
• attending conferences and book events with promotional materials

Educate members about the craft of writing, critiquing, and marketing and promotion

• regular topics at the Yahoo private group
• information and discussion at the LGG bulletin board
• short story and novel critique groups at the LGG bulletin board
• planning for an online conference (similar to that of the Catholic Writers Guild)

Tell us a little about Frank Creed:

Frank Creed the writing mentor and manuscript critiquer teaches the fiction craft at www.thefinishers.biz manuscript evaluation service. A lovely wife, daughter, and ten kitties do most of the work while Frank lounges with his feet up.

Novelist Frank Creed writes near future high-tech page-turners with settings and characters that push faith's envelope. Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground series was nominated, finaled, and won first place in three literary spec-fic contests. Frank points up to the Boss, who distributes gifts.

Frank's Flashpoint toured on VBTdeNet. Check it out here.

The Assassin and The Escape by Rye James

In this season of giving, it's nice to see someone like Rye James, who donates a portion of his profits to wonderful causes.



The Assassin is a mystery western about Matt Beck, a gunfighter for hire, who wanders into town one day and the town instantly fears one of them has been marked for death. Nobody knows who Beck is after or who has hired him. Beck is also hiding a secret of his own which would surely mark his own death if it was found out. A portion of the proceeds of the book benefit St. Jude Childrens Hopsital. St. Jude is a hospital that helps children and their families regardless of their ability to pay.



Escape is a suspense/thriller about an accountant who finds out that his company is fudging the books. They discover that he's found out about what they're doing and hire a hitman to kill him. They also frame him for murder as he is on the run from the hitman and the FBI while trying to prove his innocence. A portion of the proceeds from this book will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Learn more about Rye at www.ryejamesonline.com

League of Superheroes by Stephen Rice

The League of Superheroes

Four teenage boys and one little sister discover someone in a chat room who claims to be a little girl named Genie, but whose scientific knowledge and technology are a few centuries ahead of anyone else.

Who or what is Genie? The most intelligent mortal in history—an integral part of the most powerful force mankind has ever unleashed. And she does not consider herself subject to the laws of God or man.

On a whim, Genie transforms her new friends into the League of Superheroes:

Titan—a walking and flying tank—is Rod Davies, a klutzy, diplomacy-impaired beanpole who is also a certified genius in math and physics
Darklight—an invisible spy—is the narrator, Tom Reilly, a scientifically inclined polyglot
Tachyon—able to speed or slow time in his area—is Allen Peters, super-hacker
and Micromegas—a size-changer—is Charlie Taylor, who hopes someday to be a medical missionary.

And then there are Clarice Peters, Allen’s little sister and perhaps Genie’s best friend, and "Uncle," the mysterious elderly man who was the first to treat Genie like a human being…

But can even superheroes save her (and the world) from her so-called creators—and from Genie herself?

Review by Karina:
When it comes to Christian superheroes, I'm really more of a Larryboy fangirl, myself. It's very hard to make a Bible-quoting superhero work, in my humble opinion. Bibleman, for example--could anyone take that show seriously? Batman meets a revival of stereotypical proportions. I wouldn't even bother showing that to my kids--they'd laugh and not for good reasons like with Veggie Tales cartoons.

Well, if you'd like your kids to read about Christian superheroes they can identify with, I recommend Steven Rice's League of Superheroes. Here's a fun easy read about a band of teenage kids (plus one little sister) who meet a cyborg supergenius online. Genie gifts them with supersuits based on their favorite comic book heroes, setting them up for trouble with the mega-corporation who created Genie and intend to keep her--and any of her inventions--for their own nefarious purposes.

Oh, did that read like a comic book plot? It should. Steve was very obviously having fun with the comic book stereotypes, as well as the unbelievably intelligent-yet-doomed-to-endure-high-school cast of teens. He nonetheless crafts an enjoyable read and keptt he characters from becoming perfect geniuses, a la Wesley Crusher. I especially liked Rod's misadventures with his suit. The heroes at times strayed into unbelievable goodness, yet still had some of the common foibles of teenage boys--a certain disdain for little sisters, a penchant for getting into trouble, and the like--that kept them from becoming caricatures rather than characters.

If you like plausible technobabble, you'll love this book. Steve is very careful to give scientifically possible methods for each one of the supersuit's capabilities--and does a good job of explaining them. Makes me want to go back and check out a quantum physics book. He also gave each suit a limitation, which I appreciate. Can you imagine how insufferable a teenage boy with the perfect supersuit could be?

Steve also does his best to represent a tapestry of Christian beliefs, as the characters are Catholic, Baptist, Assembly of God and non-denominational, and he does a fair job of representing all the beliefs in a valid and positive light. Since the story is told from Tom's point of view, it has a decidedly Protestant angle. I found some of the religious dialogue and events a little heavy-handed for my taste, especially toward the end, but not enough to call it sermon-in-a-story. (One of my pet peeves.)

Steve has a nice, straightforward writing style that's good for the middle reader--I'd recommend this book for 4th or 5th grade and up. Plus, Steven, on occasion, comes up with a killer line: I felt like a Biblical character who had just received a patriarchal blessing—honored, mature, strong, and above all, so scared that I needed to use the bathroom. He also has a lot of skill with ending a chapter in such a way that you want to turn the next page, so watch out if you read this as a bedtime story to your kids.





Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

"Christmas Spirits: From the Case Files of DragonEye, PI" by Karina Fabian

A nifty electronic "stocking stuffer" for the fantasy readers among your friends.



When FlintCorp Developing threatens to destroy the businesses and homes of Territory to build a mall and luxury condos, neither Vern nor Grace are feeling the Christmas spirit. But when Flint is threatened by the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, they put aside their humbug feelings in order to solve the mystery. Will they succeed before the Ghost of Christmas Future makes a lethal visit? And will their modern-day Scrooge have a change of heart?

This is my first experiment with selling my DragonEye, PI stories online. Vern, the cynical dragon private detective made his debut in Firestorm of Dragons and has garnered many fans who enjoy is witty satirical perspective. This story looks at his and Grace's first Christmas together, a tough one for Grace, who is not used to the bluster and commercialism of the Mundane world.

$1.50 for PDF Download at http://dragoneyepi.net/index.php?name=Content&pid=7

A Man Called Outlaw by K.M. Weiland

All his life Shane Lassiter had revered the man who stood in place of the father he had never known. Nathaniel Wilcock had taken Shane into his own home, loved him as a son, and placed within his grasp one of the largest ranches in the Wyoming Territory.

But Shane had heard the stories. He knew the whispers about the fugitive gunman who stood against Wilcock during the land wars that had rocked the valley almost thirty years ago. In Nathaniel Wilcock's eyes, the gunman was nothing better than a vigilante and an outlaw, and as such he had died. To the people of Hangtree, he was a hero—a martyr who had stood against corrupt power and injustice

When Wilcock's greed moves him against the only woman Shane has ever loved—a woman who holds the secret that could resurrect everything for which the outlaw fought—Shane finds himself forced into a place not so very different from that of the outlaw thirty years ago. He must make a decision, the shadow of which will forever be cast over the lives of all those he loves. A decision between truth and power—between honor and life—between right and wrong.

Ordering Information
http://www.amancalledoutlaw.com/books.php

Camp Expert: Abby's Camp Days Volume 1 by Jenifer Brady

Most kids feel nervous when they go off to summer camp by themselves for the first time. Not Abby Riley. At the age of nine, she's already a church camp expert, having tagged along every summer with her pastor father, who runs the week for junior-high-aged kids. This is the summer Abby has been waiting for, the summer she finally gets to be a "real" camper at elementary camp instead of just her dad's guest.

But when Abby gets to camp, she discovers that life as an elementary camper is nothing like hanging out at camp as a dean's kid. Elementary camp is full of rules, rules, and more rules! She has to follow a strict schedule, swim only in the shallow, roped-off area, and share a tiny cabin with a bunch of strangers. Worst of all, the counselors and campers at elementary camp are all new faces—none of the camp friends she already knows. She can't even complain to her best friend Carin about camp because Carin is in love with both camp and their cute, seventeen-year-old counselor.

What Abby really wants to do, for the first time in her camp life, is pack her suitcase and go home, but she decides that she needs to stay and change things at this strange elementary camp. Will Abby change camp, or will camp change her?

Learn about Jenifer at her website.

Purchase the book:

Your Guide to Spe Salvi- Saved in Hope by Barry Michaels

Spe Salvi means "saved in hope. This month, Barry is hosting a festival of hope on his blog. Learn how other writers use the theme of hope in their books and their lives at http://barrymichaels.wordpress.com/.

If you are considering a journey through Pope Benedict XVI’s second encyclical, Spe Salvi, you will find no better companion than Barry Michaels. Spe Salvi is a challenging but nonetheless truly rewarding endeavor for any reader. Michaels’ convenient guide breaks down each of the encyclical’s complex topics, providing essential background information and clear explanations. An essential reading companion that makes the profound thought of Benedict XVI simple and accessible for readers everywhere.

What Are People Saying about this Title?
"Is it possible to make the writings of Pope Benedict XVI simple? If not, at least Barry Michaels has succeeded in making Spe Salvi simpler, more user-friendly. Particularly helpful are the guide’s reflection questions, prayer prompts, and suggestions for “putting it into practice” found at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend Your Guide to Spe Salvi to the interested individual reader but especially for use in an Adult Faith Formation small group setting. I hope (which is different from wishing, as the reader will learn) that you enjoy this companion to our Holy Father’s second encyclical letter."
— Rev. Joseph M. Hennessey
Parochial vicar at St. Julia Parish, Weston/Lincoln MA.

“There are two men, two Apostles of Hope, whom Pope Benedict XVI loved, and who enriched his meditations on hope. They are John Paul II and the late Cardinal Francis-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan. Indeed, in Spe Salvi Pope Benedict XVI wrote that Cardinal Van Thuan became ‘for people all over the world a witness to hope—to that great hope which does not wane even in the nights of solitude.’ “Barry Michaels’ step-by-step guide through the complex teachings of Spe Salvi is most useful, especially for those of us who attempt to speed-read the encyclical. We would miss everything if we did not meditate on every line of Pope Benedict XVI’s illuminating exhortation to embrace hope.”
— Andre Nguyen Van Chau
Author of The Miracle of Hope: The Life of Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan

About the author
Barry Michaels lives with his wife and children in central New York state, where he works as a high school teacher. His previous books include Eucharist: The Church’s Treasure, At the School of Mary, and Saints for Our Times.

Order from the Catholic Company.
OR Amazon: Your Guide to Spe Salvi: Saved in Hope

AND Get Spe Salvi by Pope Benedict

The Midnight Dancers by Regina Doman

Rachel Durham, 18, is tired of her father and stepmother’s staid morality and pristine prosperity. The summer of her senior year, she’s more than ready for a walk on the wild side, and the door opens - literally - when she and her eleven sisters and stepsisters discover a secret passageway out of their historic home on the Chesapeake Bay. At night, boys in boats and a forbidden island beckon from the shore, and Rachel and her sisters jump aboard. The night becomes Rachel’s true world, and her daytime life becomes a disposable mask. Her puzzled father tries to tow his daughters back into line by enlisting the help of Paul, a med student with a seasonal job juggling at the town festival. But Paul realizes that simply blocking the girls from their midnight parties isn’t going to solve the family’s problems. So he embarks on a risky balancing act to gain the girls’ trust – and to make Rachel see that splitting her life between night and light is a dangerous dance.

This new take on the Grimm’s tale, “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” centers on the unusual adventures of med student-cum-ninja Paul Fester, introduced in Waking Rose, and continues the Fairy Tale Novel series with a satisfying summer romance that will delight fans of the original books.





Buy it from the publisher.

What Choices We Made by Sandy Lender

Would the world of Onweald be the same if Enara had acted differently all those years ago? Join Chariss's early ancestor on the shores that become Arcana. Rescue a dragon and flee a screaming horde of edras demons. Step into a fantasy realm where romance and humor meet sword and sorcery—where choices of the past shape the world of a powerful heroine. Step into What Choices We Made.

Check out Sandy's blog at www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com

Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog by Barbara Techel

A true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog's, walking on all four paws, until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering, and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.

Available at www.joyfulpaws.com
OR

CSFF Presents: John Olson’s Shade

"You will not fear the terror of the night." —Psalm 91

A monstrous waking nightmare is pursuing graduate student Hailey Maniates across San Francisco to Golden Gate Park where she is rescued by a towering homeless man. She seems able to read her rescuer’s mind, but is it just a delusion? Doctors diagnose her as a paranoid schizophrenic and attempt to prescribe away her alleged hallucinations. But too many questions remain around Hailey and the man who saved her. He appears to suffer from her same mental condition and is convinced that some type of Gypsy vampire is trying to kill them both.

Against reason, Hailey finds herself more and more attracted to this strange man. But what if he is a fantasy? What if he is the monster?

John Olson’s Web site: http://www.litany.com/



Learn More:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Dragon Lord of Kells by Brenda Weaver

1092 Ireland--a time when magic and myths should only be legends of the ancestors, yet down in the angry mists of the dark forest of Muir, Rowan of Locks Glen stumbles into a trap. He is the last of his kind. A fierce and mighty Dragon Lord that time has seemed to have forgotten. As Rowan is fighting for his very life, thoughts of his life flash before him, making him even more aware that he should have taken a wife to ensure the lineage of his blood. As a throng of arrows whip through his body, he is unable to forgive himself that error as all goes black.

Kira, a healer from an ancient clan of elves stumbles across Rowan’s prone body. She is shocked to recognize him as the protector of her people. She finds him barely alive, hides him, starts to heal him and takes him to her cottage where, she hoped, he would be safe. While there, Rowan thinks she would make him a good wife and asks her to be his life mate. She at first refuses for she feels unworthy, but, she was born to protect this mighty Dragon Lord. What better way to protect him than to be constantly by his side.

Will this marriage of convenience find a way to bring two lonely hearts together as one? Or will the evil of man and wizard alike, pull them apart forever.





Or get it at the publisher.

A Firestorm of Dragons, ed. by Michele Acker and Kirk Dougal

So you want to know about dragons?

Start with “Dragonscaling!,” a tongue-in-cheek look at a future where the world’s most extreme sport involves the use of genetically engineered creatures. Continue on to read how dragons are kept out of sight in modern Hong Kong in “Dragonkeeper” before turning the page for a humorous look at the importance of listening to one’s mother in “Lessons.”

“The Druid’s Dragon” reveals a possible connection between the ancient people and an enslaved dragon before “Dragon Eye, P.I.” twists all conventions and makes a dragon the lead in a 1940’s-style detective story. “Poison Bird” brings the reader back to modern day for a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of the protagonist’s boyfriend.

“A Reptile at the Reunion” pulls together two things that most people fear: dragons and high school reunions. A hunter learns compassion for his prey in “Dragon Blood” while “No Time for Dragons” takes a humorous tone when an example is made of dragon who is a pesky door-to-door salesman.

“For Your Eyes Only” reveals the power of devotion when lovers encounter a dragon. Both sides of a human and dragon interaction, with wildly different conclusions, are examined in “Shattered Dreams” before the influence of hatred and the cost of sacrifice battle each other in “A Darkness of Spirit.”

A Firestorm of Dragons finishes with a trilogy of stories depicting some possible ends of dragonkind. “Dragon Fruit” reveals the happiest of conclusions when a symbiotic relationship between humans and dragons leaves both to lead their own lives. Dragons continue to live on throughout time in “A Dragon’s Dawn,” though they are relegated to lonely and unfulfilled lives. “Inside the Cavern” is the ending no one wishes for the majestic beings, their race dying in obscurity under man’s unyielding pressure.

For more information, check out www.firestormofdragons.com. We're also blog touring Firestorm this month.

1 (Authors and Characters Interview) Time with Tannia www.timewithtannia.tripod.com
1 (book Information) Tree Lady http://tree-lady.livejournal.com
3 (character interview) The Book Connection http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
3 (Information) Interview Joy in the Journey www.teresaslack.blogspot.com
5 (summary) Brenda Weaver http://brenda-weaver.tripod.com
6 (Summary) Kim Richards on Live Journal http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/
6 (summary) Kim Richards on My Space http://www.myspace.com/kim_richards
6 (summary) Kim Richards on Blogger http://kim-richards.blogspot.com/
8 (interview) The Back Room Mat http://thebackroomat.dehanna.com/index.htm
10 (character interview) The Book Connection http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
13 (Kim Richards Interview) Bibliophile's Retreat http://bibliophilesretreat.com
14 (Review of Anthology) Bibliophile's Retreat http://bibliophilesretreat.com
15 (summary) Cathi's Chatter http://cathischatter.blogspot.com
16 (review) Cathi's Chatter http://cathischatter.blogspot.com
17 (character interview) The Book Connection http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
20 (book trailer) Cathi's Chatter http://cathischatter.blogspot.com
22 (Bios/book information) Books and Authors http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
24 (Karina Fabian and Vern Interview) Bibliophile's Retreat http://bibliophilesretreat.com
25 (Sandra Ulbrich Interview) Bibliophile's Retreat http://bibliophilesretreat.com